The Front Page
 |
Friday Night Mountaineer Football! |
 |
The Santa Anna Mountaineers will take on one of their former 11-man football foes, the Eden Bulldogs, in the home opener this Friday night at Mountaineer Stadium with kickoff set for 7:30 PM.
The Bulldogs first season in six-man brings back 6 starters on both the offense and defense with ten lettermen so the Dogs will be tough.
Back in the days when we played Eden they always had a lot of little fast guys so they should set up for six-man.
SixManFootball.com has Eden ranked 26th behind Santa Anna at 25th in their preseason Division I rankings.
Following Santa Anna's performance they moved up a couple of notches to 23rd and Eden fell a couple to 28th following their 77-32 loss to Abbott.
So get your black and gold on and we will see you at the game!
Fatal Accident in Bangs
As I drove through Bangs on the way home from work around 6:00 PM Wednesday there was a tractor trailer / auto accident that had traffic backed up and narrowed to one lane of West bound traffic on the shoulder of US HWY 67/84. As I passed the scene it was apparent that a West bound tractor pulling a lowboy-type trailer with a tanker water truck had skidded to a stop and struck an automobile near the intersection by the new dollar store.
Upon arriving home, I learned that one of our friends from Brownwood had gone by the scene around 5:00 PM and an air ambulance was taking one of the accident victims. Early reports indicate that there were two female occupants in the auto and they are both from Santa Anna. The driver did not survive the crash and the passenger was flown by air ambulance to a San Angelo hospital in critical condition.
Killed in the accident which occurred around 4:30 PM was 91 year old Ollie Odell Pembroke of Santa Anna who died at the scene. Pembroke was driving her car and apparently tried to change lanes in front of the tractor trailer driven by Eugene Barmore Skinner Jr. of San Antonio who was not injured.
A passenger in the car, 86 year old Bertha Leona-Cook Allen, also of Santa Anna, was flown to Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo where she is now listed in stable condition.
Please remember the Pembroke family, Mrs. Allen, and Mr. Skinner in your prayers.
Health Screenings and Home Health Testing
Andrew B. Crocker, Extension Program Specialist - Gerontology Health
With the availability of community health screenings and home health testing kits, more and more Americans are playing doctor. Often seen as less expensive and more convenient than a trip to a health provider's office, self-testing diagnostic and monitoring services are big business. However, this technology is not without limits and could result in serious problems for those who rely on these tests instead of the expertise of their health provider.
Devices such as blood-glucose tests and blood-pressure kits make it easier for people to self-monitor conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, other tools of the medical trade are fast becoming available outside the health provider's office - no prescription needed - such as bone density scans and ultrasounds, among others. Spiraling health-care costs and interest in preventive health care are paving the way for products and services that provide immediate information and suggested remedies, but not always reliable information and remedies.
Accuracy is an important consideration when it comes to testing outside a medical setting or without a health provider's order. False-positive test results indicate that a condition is present when, in fact, it is not. False-negatives are results that do not identify a condition that is present. All diagnostic tests have limitations and sometimes their use may produce erroneous or questionable results. Test results obtained outside of a clinical setting may not be accepted by a health professional and he or she may recommend another test - possibly costing you twice as much.
Those who rely on tests which are not ordered or conducted by their health provider also miss out on pre- and post-test counseling, which offer information, support and follow-up advice that only a health professional can give. The benefit of having a health professional involved in a test or screening procedure is that the results can be evaluated within the context of the whole health picture, not just one test. Furthermore, receiving news of a potential illness or serious medical condition over the phone, or from the color of a test strip, can be devastating.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Health Scams?
* Be wary.
* Question what you see or hear in ads or on the Internet.
* Find out about a product or service before you pay for it.
* Do not let a sales person force you to make a snap decision.
* "Free" services are free - they do not require giving the provider your Medicare number, credit card number or any other identification.
* Check with your health provider.
* Check with your insurance company and/or Medicare - the testing being offered for a fee at a community screening may be covered under insurance at your health provider's office.
It's easy to see why some people can be taken in by promoters' promises, especially when successful treatments have been elusive. But resist pressure to decide "on the spot" about trying an untested product or treatment. Ask for more information and consult a knowledgeable health professional. Promoters of legitimate healthcare products or services do not object to your seeking additional information.
You can use the following checklist to help make sure that the health information and/or services you are receiving can be trusted:
* Can you easily tell who is sponsoring the product or service?
* Is the sponsor a government agency, a medical school or a reliable health-related organization?
* Is there contact information for the service provider? Address? Phone number?
* Is your privacy protected?
* Does the product or service make claims that seem too good to be true?
To learn whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have taken action against the promoter of a product or service, visit http://www.fda.gov or http://www.ftc.gov. You may also contact the Better Business Bureau: http://www.bbb.org.
To report a health product or service that you believe is being advertised falsely, contact:
* the FTC by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or online at http://www.ftc.gov. Click "File a Complaint Online."
* State of Texas Attorney General: 1.800.252.8011
* Texas Department of State Health Services: 1.888.963.7111
To report a product that you believe is fraudulently labeled, contact the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/problem.html.
For more information, contact your County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey, at 325-625-4519.
Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin..
PALESTINE PHYSICIAN CHARGED WITH IDENTITY THEFT, MEDICAID FRAUD IN WRITING PRESCRIPTIONS
Attorney General Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit submitted grand jury evidence
|
| |
| PALESTINE - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s investigation of a local physician has resulted in grand jury indictments and his arrest on charges of felony identity theft and possession of dangerous drugs. Dr. Robert J. Byrnes, 47, who resides in Jacksonville, was arrested by Palestine police Friday on an outstanding warrant issued following indictments handed down August 29. The Anderson County indictments allege Byrne forged the name of a former acquaintance to illegally obtain prescription drugs for himself. At the time of his arrest, he was also charged with possession of a prescription of the painkiller OxyContin, which was filled in the acquaintance’s name without that person’s consent. “Financial fraud of the Medicaid program, together with drug diversion schemes for personal use, will not be tolerated in Texas,” said Attorney General Abbott. “We cannot allow the credibility of hard-working, honest medical professionals and the state’s health care system for the needy to be compromised by criminals who exploit the program. “Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is proud to work with Anderson County Criminal District Attorney Doug Lowe and other law enforcement officials to protect Texans against this kind of abuse.” Byrnes served as an occupational medicine physician at Palestine Medical and Rehabilitation
Clinic. He is also being investigated for allegedly overprescribing OxyContin to a patient. Medicaid was subsequently billed nearly $28,000 by pharmacies for these alleged illegal prescriptions. In August, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration suspended Byrnes’ federal license to prescribe narcotics. The case is being jointly pursued also with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office and the Palestine Police Department. To obtain more information about the Attorney General’s efforts to fight Medicaid fraud, access the agency’s Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us. |
NASA'S SHUTTLE ATLANTIS SET TO LIFT OFF FRIDAY
NASA has set Space Shuttle Atlantis' launch for Friday, Sept. 8, at
11:41 a.m. EDT. Shuttle program managers made the lift-off decision
after reviewing more detailed data on a problem associated with one
of the spacecraft's electricity-producing fuel cells.
Mission managers will review an additional piece of analysis before
the shuttle's external fuel tank is loaded at 1:45 a.m. EDT. Shuttle
Program Manager Wayne Hale said he was confident the results of the
analysis would support the launch decision.
Tuesday night as ground teams were preparing for a scheduled Wednesday
launch attempt, a voltage spike in the motor of Atlantis' fuel cell
#1 coolant pump was observed during the activation of the shuttle's
three fuel cells. The coolant pump circulates Freon through the fuel
cell to prevent it from overheating during flights.
If Friday's launch is delayed, there could be another attempt Saturday
at 11:15 a.m. EDT.
During Atlantis' mission, STS-115, astronauts will deliver and install
the P3/P4 truss, a girder-like structure, with solar arrays that will
double the International Space Station's power capability.
Atlantis' crew consists of Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson
and mission specialists Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joe
Tanner and Steve MacLean, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut.
For the latest information about the STS-115 mission and its crew and
more information about space shuttle fuel cells, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
Navy to Commission Attack Submarine Texas
Story Number: NNS060824-15
Release Date: 8/25/2006 10:00:00 AM
Special release from the U.S. Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy will commission the USS Texas, second ship of the Virginia attack submarine class, Sept. 9, during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony at the Port of Galveston piers in Galveston, Texas.
As the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, the Virginia-class submarine is the first class specifically designed to counter post-Cold War threats, providing the Navy with the capabilities required for safeguarding the nation’s interests in the 21st century.
Texas has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that enable it to meet the Navy's multimission requirements. With a modular design, Texas along with its other sister submarines of the Virginia class, will be able to accommodate technology upgrades throughout its life.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Laura Bush, first lady of the United States, serves as the ship’s sponsor. In the time-honored tradition of commissioning U.S. naval ships, she has been invited to give the order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”
This is the fourth ship of the Navy to carry the name Texas since the original ship was commissioned in 1895. The second USS Texas (BB 35) was a battleship, which took part in both World Wars. The most recent ship named Texas was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser (CGN 39), which was decommissioned in 1977.
Texas can attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters and other sea forces. Texas also has superior anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare capabilities, is able to provide special forces delivery and support, and can conduct mine delivery and minefield mapping. With enhanced communications connectivity, Texas will also provide important joint task force support and full integration into strike and expeditionary group operations.
Capt. John Litherland, a 1982 graduate of the University of Washington in Seattle, will become the first commanding officer of the ship, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted sailors. Texas will be homeported in Groton, Conn., as a unit of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Texas is 377 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 34 feet, a navigational draft of 32 feet, displaces approximately 7,800 tons submerged, can dive to depths greater than 800 feet, and can sustain speeds of more than 25 knots when submerged.
The ship is also designed with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship – reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.
The superior capabilities of Texas and other Virginia-class submarines will help ensure the Navy maintains undersea dominance well into the 21st century.
Update on Ethan
I got another update on Ethan from Connie Tuesday and he is steadily improving. He is very alert and his
coordination is getting better each day.
Ethan Mendoza, age 8 and a student at Santa Anna Elementary is currently hospitalized at Cook Children's Medical Center in Ft. Worth due to a diagnosis of Encephilitis. He has been there since early June and remains there for physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Ethan is the son of Sandi Watson of Santa Anna. Send well wishes to Cook Children's Hospital Center, Ethan Mendoza, Rm 6406, 801 7th Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76104
As we return to the normal back to school activities please remember Ethan and his family as he recovers.
Mountaineer Sports Action
I am still working on getting back into a groove for Fall Sports.
Special thanks to Janice Fellers for sharing these
Coolidge Game Photos and this update:
"Santa Anna ended the game late in the 3rd quarter by the 45 point rule over the Coolidge Yellowjackets. The final score was 60 to 12.
Santa Anna really looked sharp with the exception of too many penalties. There was a very good turn out considering the long drive and early start time.
Even our own Wayne Kuykendall and Wade Jones had to run the chains.
Becca Fellers is the videoing the team this year with Brittany Morris being the manager. Roger Matthews is along to help with any injuries, hopefully he will not have any business this year. Coach Fields, Ramos and Adams should be pleased with this first outing.
The volleyball girls traveled over to Grape Creek Saturday. The JV and Varsity both lost in straight sets."
This week's schedule show's the Lady Mountaineers in the Deleon Volleyball Tournament and the Mountaineers hosting the Eden Bulldogs.
Labor Day Holiday
I spent most of the weekend, and probably will spend most of Labor Day, laboring!
I think I would rather have gone to Waco Friday and watched the Mountaineers beat Coolidge. The Mountaineers were picked to win by only eight points by SixManFootball.com but won 60-12.
The roof is still naked but will be finished soon.
The dove population in my trees has taken quite a hit. There are still a few left though. The ones that aren't have been replaced by little tiny creatures called aphids. The aphids are drilling their holes in all the leaves and letting all the sap drain out. This can make quite a mess of everything below and especially the cars. Late in the evenings it actually looks like it is raining if you look towards the Sun. I usually try to spray the little beasts but this year I am little behind.
Aphid season starts on Labor Day for me. No limit. On second thought I think I can just let all that sap seal up the roof!
Labor Day Holiday - Part II
Rained out... I had about eight tenths in my CCTC rain gauge over the Labor Day Weekend as of about 9:00 PM Monday.
Nothing to do but play with the grandsons and watch football all day!
4-H Meetings Begin this Week!
CALLING ALL 4-Hers.....Old and New ! 4-H meetings will soon begin in your area. County 4-H Club Leaders and club officers have been busy planning the 2006-2007 4-H year and are eager to get your clubs started. Below is a listing of the Community Clubs that will be meeting in September. If you are interested in joining 4-H, please feel free to attend a club meeting, or contact the Coleman County Extension office at 625-4519 for more information on the 4-H program.
Santa Anna 4-H, Sept. 5, 7 p.m., Santa Anna High School - Ag Class Room
Panther Creek 4-H, Monday, Sept. 11, Home Ec Room, Panther Creek School
Coleman 4-H , Tuesday, Sept. 12, Coleman Jr. High School Library, 6 p.m.
4-H COUNCIL MEETING - Sept. 12, Coleman Jr. High School Library, 7 p.m.
Cool Creek Outfitters
One of Santa Anna's newest business's is Cool Creek Outfitters which opened a few weeks ago and is located at 710 Wallis Avenue in the old WTU building and is owned and operated by Kyra Neff. Kyra has owned That Santa Anna Store and Leatherworks since April and her Brandi, and Stephanie will be welcoming everyone as they have "Something for Everyone".
Billed as "Coleman County's No. 1 Place for All Hunting Gear", Cool Creek Outfitters features hunting apparel by Filson, Boyt, Bob Allen, Gary Neese, and Gameguard.
They are also selling hunting and fishing licenses, ammunition, Moore Maker Knives, wildlife calls, Leica, and Surefire products. They also have quite a selection of gift items, scented candles, home decor, and children's toys. They take special orders and if they don't have what you are looking for they will do their best to get it for you.
Store hours for all the stores is pretty much 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday to Thursdays and 6 PM or later on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure and go by and see Kyra and the gals at Cool Creek Outfitters or give them a call at 325-348-3169 and tell them SantaAnnaNews.com sent ya!
Portion Distortion:
Why Getting More Food for Your Money Could Be Waistful
Super-sized portions are thought to be one of the factors behind the rising prevalence of obesity in this country. While restaurants and fast food establishments are often blamed for large portions, research has shown that the sizes of food portions served at home are also increasing.
For many people, watching their food portions means weighing and measuring their food. However, there is an easier way to eat healthy portions of food. Come learn about the Healthy Weight Plate during "Portion Distortion, Why Getting More Food for Your Money Could Be Waistful," offered by Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Also included will be tips on Meal Planning. The program will be held Tuesday, September 19, at 6:00 PM, at the Loaves & Fishes, Corner of Pecan and Nueces St.
For more information about the program, call Debbie Hailey at 625-4519.
Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.
Off to College!
Jesse Hensley has traveled east to attend the University of Texas at Tyler and to play volleyball for the Patriots. Jesse is pursuing a degree in Nursing. She is the daughter of John S & Peggy Hensley of Santa Anna and granddaughter of John Hensley. She is a 2006 graduate of Santa Anna High School.
Jenna Hensley travels west for her second year of Pharmacy School at Texas Tech Health Science Center in Amarillo working toward a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. Jenna is the daughter of John S. & Peggy Hensley of Santa Anna and granddaughter of John Hensley. She is a 2002 graduate of Santa Anna High School.
Send your "Off to College" news to news@santaannanews.com or use the Contact Us Page!
Texas Cooperative Extension to Offer Certified Food Manager Two-Day Certification Course
Submitted by Debbie Hailey - Coleman County Extension Agent Family & Consumer Sciences
Texas Cooperative Extension in San Saba County, is offering a Food Manager Certification Training Course. This program will be offered on September 6 & 7 at Housing Authority Meeting Room, 1601 W. Dry, San Saba.
This exciting, hands-on food safety course will equip you with the latest food safety principles and practices and will help prepare you for the State Certified Food Manager Examination. The cost of this course is $79 and includes the course, certification examination, course book, all course materials, and the State Food Manager Certification Examination. The deadline for sending in money and registration is August 31. 2006. There will also be a two-day training class in Taylor County on October 23 and 30. Watch for more information about that course later.
This program is designed to not only prepare food service managers to pass the certification examination; but it will also provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied.
Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include:
* Increased customer satisfaction
* Improved relationships with health officials
* Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to foodborne illness
Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. By attending the course, food service managers will learn about:
* identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling
* preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food
* teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees
* complying with government regulations
* maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings
* controlling pests
For brochures, Registration Forms and more information about "Food Safety: It's Our Business," the Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas Cooperative Extension, call Debbie Hailey at 325-625-4519, or come by the Extension Office at the Coleman County Courthouse for Registration Forms.
Want your own dot com?
This is a great time to get it whether you just want it for an e-mail address of your own, like james@yourlastname.com, or for putting some family pictures on the web, or getting your business on the web
1 and 1 is by far your best bet!
Any questions just send me an e-mail and I will be happy to help you get started, or just click the 1 and 1 ad on the left, or any of the links in this article.
