San Jacinto County News

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Special to the News-Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nuevo Garcia Foods, LLC, a San Antonio, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 4,784 pounds of pulled pork product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced.

The product may contain soy lecithin, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The fully cooked, pulled pork product was produced on May 15, and is the 2-pound package containing “H-E-B SMOKEHOUSE FULLY COOKED SMOKED SEASONED PULLED PORK WITH BBQ SAUCE” with lot code “3135” on the label, and best by dates 8/18/2023, 8/25/2023 and 9/1/2023.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “13205-A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to an H-E-B warehouse for distribution to retail locations in Texas.                                

FSIS inspection personnel discovered the problem during routine label verification review and determined that soy lecithin was not listed on the pulled pork product label when it was used prior to the cooking process.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some of the product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Julie Morrison, VP of Operations, Nuevo Garcia Foods, LLC, at 210-349-6262 Ext. 3102. Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Bobby McGee, President and CEO, Nuevo Garcia Foods, LLC, at 871-235-9060.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.

Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

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SJNT staff

CLEVELAND —Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are investigating a fatal crash on Farm-to-Market Road 2024, approximately five miles northwest of Cleveland, that occurred Friday.

The pedestrian, 38-year-old Olgae Cruz De Granados of Cleveland, was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace.

Reports indicate that at approximately 6:51 a.m., a 2000 Chevrolet van was traveling south while a pedestrian was walking south on the southbound shoulder. It is reported that the driver fell asleep and drifted onto the south shoulder and struck the pedestrian.

The driver, identified as 17-year-old Lincoln Earl Payne of Coldspring, was not injured.

The investigation in continuing.

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State troopers investigate a two-vehicle crash. Photo by Brian Besch

SJNT staff

SHEPHERD — The Texas Department of Public Safety troopers are investigating a crash on U.S. Highway 59, at the intersection of state Loop 424, in Shepherd, that occurred Wednesday.

The report indicates that at approximately 11:40 a.m., a 2014 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling south on U.S. 59. The driver of a 2001 Cadillac passenger car disregarded a stop sign at the intersection and pulled into the path of the truck, where it was struck on its left side.

The driver of the truck tractor, 47-year-old Jose Molina of Houston, was not injured.

The driver of the passenger car, 83-year-old Carolyn Davis of Livingston, was transported to Memorial Hermann for treatment. Her passenger, Lloyd Davis of Livingston, was transported to HCA-Conroe for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Sofiia Onyshchenko, along with host family Jay, Lynde, Ella and Tess Lynde, share experiences throughout her time as an exchange student. Courtesy photo

Special to the News-Times

NASHVILLE — The Phillips family of Coldspring has been recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Awarded by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, it recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity as well as those who positively impact their community and inspire those around them.

More than a year ago, Jay and Lynde Phillips welcomed Sofiia Onyshchenko, an enthusiastic international exchange student from Ukraine, into their home for the school year. The Phillips’ were taking part in a public diplomacy program; giving high school students from around the world an opportunity to come to the United States to experience our culture and values.

At the same time, it gives American students an opportunity to welcome global citizens and experience a different culture and society. This program has brought diversity to the nation while building lasting friendships around the world for more than 50 years.

Sofiia’s exchange was sponsored by High School in the USA, a division of Global Cultural Exchanges, a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA program. Not only has it been a great experience for Sofiia, but the students of Coldspring Oakhurst High School now have a lifetime friend in Ukraine.

“Most of our host families have no idea at first of the impact their efforts will have around the world,” said Ellen Hoggard, President of HSUSA. “The award states, in part, ‘In recognition and appreciation for their commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.’”

The service the Phillips family has provided in housing Sofiia goes beyond shelter. It provides a life-changing opportunity.

The Phillips, along with their daughters Ella and Tess, have enjoyed their time with Sofiia, embracing her culture and traditions and learning all they can, while sharing our American way of life. In addition to sharing traditional foods and Christmas carols, the Phillips have taken Sofiia on travels to see New York, Utah, Colorado, and Las Vegas.

In Texas, they’ve been to Waco, Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Ella and Tess have also participated in a life and leadership program that comes with the HSUSA exchange program called LEAD. They recorded a video showing how the program helped them academically and in sports.

Both Jay and Lynde work full-time but find plenty of time to invest in their daughters and Sofiia to show them the world and get them excited about the goals they are setting for their lives.

“Being a host family has taught us so much about opening up to and learning from another culture. It has also felt wonderful to help someone realize their dreams! It’s not always perfect, but it’s always worth it!” Lynde said.

Through exposure to new ideas, continued learning, and building relationships, participants explore the world, experience diversity and gain valuable learning experiences that promote global citizenship. It should be noted that one out of every three world leaders have been in the United States participating in an exchange program.

To learn more about HSUSA life changing program and how you can get involved please contact Linda Suiter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (602) 690-7639.