Press release from Grayson County Sheriff’s Office
On July 26, 2020, at approximately 5:39 pm, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the 1700 Block of Scoggins, Road, Tioga, Texas in reference to shots fired with injuries. Upon Deputies’ arrival on the scene, Emergency Medical Responders were performing life-saving measures on Charles Dewitt, a 24-year-old male from Tioga. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and Mr. Dewitt was pronounced deceased at 6:09 pm. Investigators began their investigation and determined the shooting took place after a verbal argument between Mr. Dewitt and the homeowner, John Crockett III, 30 years of age. After interviewing and collecting evidence, Crockett was placed into custody for murder and transported to the Grayson County Jail. Crockett’s bond has been set at 500,000.00. The investigation is on-going.
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced today that schools in Class 1A-4A will start practices and games while Class 5A-6A will start practices Sept 7th and games on September 24th. Sherman and Denison are affected in the Class 5A-6A, while other surrounding small schools will start on time.
While football always grabs the headlines, this affects all fall sports with volleyball getting the big jump on Aug. 10 for first games while cross country and tennis begin competition on Aug. 17.
UIL Press Release below
The University Interscholastic League (UIL) is presented modifications to the 2020-2021 UIL calendar and updated COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines, set to take effect August 1, 2020.
The modifications to the 2020-2021 calendar differ by activity and conference and can be found on the UIL website and in the chart below. These adjustments reflect the public health situation at this time and the varying numbers of COVID-19 cases across different geographic areas of the state. This plan provides a delay for schools in highly-populated metro areas, primarily conferences 5A-6A, given the challenges with COVID-19 those communities are facing, while providing schools in other areas, primarily 1A-4A, an opportunity to start seasons on schedule. Acknowledging the situation is not always clear-cut and that COVID-19 affects every community differently, the plan also allows for local flexibility and encourages districts to plan for possible interruptions in order to complete district seasons.
Additionally, the COVID-19 risk mitigation guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year can be found at this link. This includes guidance around face coverings, general operations and protocol for individuals confirmed or exposed to COVID-19, congregate settings (band halls, locker rooms, etc.), practice and rehearsal activities, spectators and media, and concession stands and food service.
These guidelines are in addition to guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and intended to be implemented along with TEA guidance, which applies to UIL academic activities and extracurricular non-UIL activities.
With the understanding that not all schools will be able to start at the same time, this plan allows for schools to make playing decisions at the local level, and the UIL will work directly with schools that have scheduling issues not addressed in this plan to allow them flexibility to complete as many contests as possible.
“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”
UIL will continue to work with state officials and monitor CDC and other federal guidance to determine any potential modifications that may become necessary.
At the birth of our Republic we fought a war to gain sovereignty over the right to vote and determine our destiny as citizens. Yet, as we celebrated the 244th Fourth of July this past week, we find ourselves on the threshold of surrendering our rights anew, throwing away our right of self-determination by accepting unsecure elections.
A pandemic, riots, and political rancor have given rise to factions and rules that undoubtedly have diminished our individual liberties in myriad ways—from dining out to funerals and religious worship. But also under attack is that same civic right of electing our leaders. The calls to accept mail-in ballots are growing louder, despite the many documented risks.
There is civil unrest in most major cities of the nation where history is being destroyed in literal fashion, local governments cowed, and agitators seeking to abolish law enforcement. Chaos here cannot be abetted by adding that of a contested November election to the volatile mix and surrendering to the “little tyrants” our founders so often warned that populate big government. Simply put, we patriots should be aware that the peril we faced in 1776 isn’t so very different from now when an election can be stolen and our Republic imperiled.
Now, as then, we face a grave threat to the integrity of that civic participation’s survival. Established factions have grown powerful and controlling. Among them, we count political parties, and special interests that threaten the choices for citizens and their natural right to control their destiny and choose their governors.
Sadly, many people have become too frightened to leave their homes to exercise this right. They have become myopically convinced that filling out an absentee ballot is the only safe manner to cast their vote. But there are dangers inherent in an all-mail-in ballot process.
There is a body of documented evidence that shows that mail-in ballots are rife with opportunity for large scale vote theft. Even under non-pandemic conditions and in times that aren’t as panic-stricken, mail-in ballots have been utilized by well-funded vote harvesters. With an all-mail-in ballot system, the opportunity for vote harvesting is exponentially increased. While some states already do conduct vote by mail operations, these operations were not built in a day—they’ve had years. Done wrong, we ignore the lessons of the past.
Have we forgotten then the cause for celebration of the Fourth of July? On that day in 1776, a document was signed, declaring freedom, liberty, and independence from a controlling establishment, thus reversing the political relationship of subject and sovereign. It set down in writing that rights come from God and not government. It gave birth to our Republic (and resulted in a war of independence to gain those rights. It led to the formation of a government to secure those rights “ …deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”.
Chief among those right is the right to vote and determine our own destinies.
That right of self-determination means little if an illegitimate vote cancels out a legitimate one.
If that right is stolen or undermined, consent of the governed is no longer a worry for those in power. This leads to a lack of trust in the system and foments unrest—not unlike what the original American Colonies faced in 1776.
What a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves that we are those enfranchised to select our leaders. It’s a right worth protecting.
Happy 244th Independence Day. May we celebrate many more!
Former U.S. Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco leads the Election Protection Project at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
