San Jacinto County News - Breakout

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Houston County Judge Jim Lovell leads the toast to Texas. JAN WHITE | HCC

By Chris Edwards andJan White
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CROCKETT – On March 2, 1836, 59 delegates gathered at Washington-on-the-Brazos to sign a Declaration of Independence from Mexico, creating the Republic of Texas.

Throughout the years, Texans have celebrated the event with re-enactments, festivals, parades, cookouts, fireworks, and other festive, celebratory methods that show their Texas pride.

Texas Highways magazine has been a curator of the state’s history since 1974.

When the magazine suggested that all Texans stop whatever they are doing at 2 p.m. on March 2 (the precise time when the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed) and raise a toast to the Lone Star State, the idea caught on. In 1993, historian and writer Joe Franz, a frequent contributor to the magazine, composed a poem, titled “Texas Toast” to use as a toast to commemorate the signing.

Many cities and towns across the state now use Franz’s “Texas Toast” as a model to celebrate Texas Independence Day. While Franz suggested the toast be done with spring water, other Texas-centric beverages have been used in toasts to Texas, like with the celebration in Houston County last Thursday.

At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, local officials, Houston County Historical Commission members, and a handful of die-hard Texans gathered on the steps of the Houston County Courthouse to hear County Judge Jim Lovell read the toast and raise their red solo cups filled with Dr Pepper in remembrance of Texas’ independence.

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COCISD Superintendent Dr. Bryan Taulton joined CIS Principal Paula McClendon, SJMG Presi-dent Shirley Baker and members of the organization, along with CIS third-grade students and teachers to dedicate the new pavilion on Thursday, March 2. Photo by Cassie Gregory

Special to the News-Times

COLDSPRING — Coldspring Intermediate School students will enjoy the benefits of an outdoor classroom for their Junior Master Gardeners program thanks to a $5,000 donation from the San Jacinto Master Gardeners to help build the facility.

COCISD Superintendent Dr. Bryan Taulton joined CIS Principal Paula McClendon, SJMG President Shirley Baker and members of the organization, along with CIS third-grade students and teachers to dedicate the new pavilion on Thursday.

Baker said it was the culmination of a five-year goal of the SJMG to help COCISD provide an outdoor classroom for its Junior Master Gardener program.

“Five years ago, when we began to sell our two gardener-submitted, very successful cookbooks, ‘The Garden of Eatin’’ and ‘Second Helpings’, we voted as a group to support our JMG program with an outdoor classroom facility,” Baker said. “We strongly believe in our state-recognized Junior Master Gardener program.”

“JMG is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network, with a mission to engage students in unique, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind,” JMG Coordinator Dr. Judi Benestante said. “This is our 10th year to work with COCISD and are very proud of our COCISD third graders this year.”

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In my 4 decades of law enforcement there were few things more disturbing to me than when I was involved in investigating teen suicide.

Suicide continues to be a serious public health problem in the United States. Depression, self-harm and suicide are rising among Americans where suicide is the second leading cause of death between the ages 10–24.

Additionally, according to the Jason Foundation, more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.

Typically, there are signs and symptoms that indicate that a teen might be contemplating suicide. Oftentimes, teens who contemplate or carryout suicide attempts have a mental health disorder of some sort.

In fact, about 90 percent of teens who commit suicide are dealing with a mental health challenge. Most teens do not spend a long-time planning suicide. It often will occur after an event or circumstance that may leave them feeling like they have failed, or after having experienced a loss or some other traumatic event in their life where they have no control.

According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide rates among males in 2021 was four times higher than the rate for females. CDC also reported the following statistics: 52.8 percent of suicides were caused by firearms, 27.2 percent were caused by suffocation, 12 percent were caused by poisoning and 8 percent by other means.

If you see signs that your child’s mental health is under threat, be aware. Here are some things you can do to help identify and hopefully prevent suicide.

•Maybe your child is just having a bad day, but when signs of mental health problems last for weeks, don’t assume it’s just a passing mood. Nine out of 10 teens who took their own lives we’re struggling with mental health issues that were unknown to the parents.

Teens who haven’t been diagnosed with any mental health conditions may still be at risk. Many teens who attempt suicide do not understand mental health issues, but in most cases, they will give signs that they are considering suicide. Therefore, you should be prepared to seek professional help as soon as you suspect there’s a problem.

•Listen, even when your child is not talking. Don’t be surprised if your teen turns away when you first raise the subject of mental health or suicide. Keep in mind that, even if your child is silent at first, actions may speak louder than words. Watch for major changes in your child’s sleep patterns, appetite, and social activities.

If your child is struggling more than usual with schoolwork, chores or other responsibilities, these are additional signs you shouldn’t ignore.

•Realize your child might be facing suicide risk you’re not aware of. Many parents wonder: Could this really be happening to my child? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Young people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, income levels die by suicide every year.

In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people 10 to 24 years of age. Loss of a loved one, bullying, in person or online, discrimination, rejection or hostility due to gender identity or sexual orientation, racism, family history of suicide, or mental health difficulties can become a reason for a suicide attempt.

•Get professional help right away. If your teen appears self-harming, or you sense they are at risk for attempting suicide, take them to the emergency department of your local hospital. Immediate action is critical when things have reached a critical point.

If you see signs of suicidal thoughts but don’t sense an immediate crisis, you still need to act. Reach out to your school administration, your church, your pediatrician or local mental health providers who treat children and teens. Explain what you’re seeing and hearing and schedule a mental health evaluation.

•Remove or secure guns you have at home. Do the same with medications. Half of youth suicides occur with firearms and suicide attempts with firearms are almost always fatal. By far, the safest option is to remove guns and ammunition from your home when your teen is struggling with thoughts of suicide.

A home safe storage is the second-best option. Guns are not the only means of suicide your child might seek out. Prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs can pose hazards during a suicidal crisis. Keep medications locked away whenever possible.

As is the case for firearms in the home the same holds true for alcohol. Removing alcohol from the home will eliminate the potential for misuse.

•Talk to your teen about mental health and suicide. Don’t wait for your teen to come to you. If your teen is sad, anxious, depressed or appears to be struggling, ask what’s wrong and offer your support. Pay attention to what is not said.

If your teen is thinking about suicide, he or she is likely displaying warning signs. Listen to what your child is not saying and watch how he or she is acting. Never shrug off threats of suicide as teenage melodrama.

•Monitor and talk about social media use. Keep an eye on your teen’s social media accounts. While social media can give teens valuable support, it can also expose them to bullying, rumors spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure.

If your teen is hurt or upset by social media posts or messaging, encourage him or her to talk to you or a teacher. Feeling connected and supported at school can have a strong protective effect.

•Monitor medications. Although it’s uncommon, some teens might have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or a dose changed. But antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run. Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with suicide and the use of antidepressants for a better understanding.

If you’re child, a loved one or anyone you know is the need of immediate help with suicide issues, the following are excellent sources for you to use in any life-threatening scenario or if you just wish to expand your knowledge on the subject.

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 or at www.988lifeline.org; the Jason Foundation can be reached at (800) 273-TALK or www.JasonFoundiation.com; or in cases of emergency, call 911 and my office will assist you.

Greg Capers is Sheriff of San Jacinto County.

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Ernest Bailes receives award from Coldspring Chamber board members at the capitol in Austin. Courtesy photo

Hello March. What is in store for us this month? Trinity River Food Bank will celebrate their first anniversary in Coldspring on March 14. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. guests may tour the facility, enjoy a light lunch while supplies last, and have fun.

There will be free books and goodies for children and the Reading and Resource Van will be there so guests can see inside. Trino the Mascot will be there too. Located at 201 Highway 150 Suite A, all are welcome to come and share in the celebration.

•Coldspring Chamber welcomes new members Jennifer Hoff from JLA Realty and Deborah Black from Avon Cosmetics. The Impact Center from Shepherd is also a new member. Ribbon cuttings are slated for this coming week for the first two businesses, and a date will be announced soon for the Impact Center.

Shepherd welcomes new member Will Hall Towing and Shepherd Super Store. There will ribbon cuttings for them this coming week as well as a Grand Re-Opening for Texas Glam Girlz. If you would like to see more of last week’s new business in Shepherd, you can find information about Daiquiri to Go on Facebook. Go to Family Restaurant Daiquiri To Go.

•San Jacinto Republicans announced the new date for their fundraiser Reagan Dinner. It will not be on April 1 as previously announced, instead it will be on April 29 from 5-9 p.m. at the Coldspring Center Shelter. Chairman Dwayne Wright assures everyone it wasn’t an April Fool’s Joke.

The guest speaker Michael Berry has had surgery and needs time to recover. This event will have a tremendous live auction. Items include a Kimber Special Edition two-tone Rapide 1911 .22; a Henry 25th Anniversary Edition .22; and a Sig Sauer .22 Pistol and Range Pack. There are many other items and you can go to the www.sjcgop.com web site for more information.

Everyone who attends will have VIP status and the evening begins earlier so that photos can be taken with the guest speakers. Food will be catered by American Private Chef Phillip and barbecue comes from the award Republican winning team.

•San Jacinto County Democratic Chair John Michael Adams has changed the meeting dates back to the third Thursday of the month, starting in March. Meetings will be held in Coldspring Community Center at 6 p.m. Democrats can enjoy a Wine Down on April 29 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. in Huntsville at 22409 Augusta Place.

Guest speakers at this event will be Gilberto Hinojosa, who is the Texas Democratic Party Chair. With him will be Dr. Carroll G. Robinson, President of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. Tickets are available at www.secure.actblue.com/donate/sanjacwinedown .Tickets begin at $50 each. Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

•On Feb. 23 it was Deputy Neil Adams Day celebrated on the Courthouse Square in Coldspring. Dale Everitt opened the proceedings, and the ceremony was a moving way to recognize the man who so many people knew and loved.

The Rev. Dalton Currie gave the prayers, with the American Legion Commander of Post 629, Sheriff Greg Capers and Constable Roy Rogers speaking about Neil and how important he had been to our county. His widow DeeDee Adams and her family, with friends surrounding her, were able to see and feel how much Neil Adams meant to our community as well as to them.

The National Anthem was sung during the ceremony and the poignant sounds of Taps ended it. The day was sunny and warm and a picture of a Sheepdog rested beside a photo of Neil which declared “I am the Sheepdog Adams. Protect the flock, confront the wolf.”

Contact the Shepherd Chamber at (936) 628-3890 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.

Yvonne Cones is president of the Greater Shepherd Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.