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Crime spree ends
Monitor Staff Reports
CHEROKEE SHORES–The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office nabbed five young
men (two adults and three juveniles) into custody Monday in connection
with the theft of several recreational vehicles and a house burglary at
Cedar Creek Lake.
The arrests resulted in the recovery of $20,000 worth of stolen items.
Cherokee Shores residents flooded phone lines Monday with reports of
stolen property and suspicious activity.
Deputy Josh Rickman responded, and while investigating, found missing
jet skis in a cove of Cedar Creek Lake just offshore.
Deputies Billy Jack Valentine and Sgt. Mitch Baker responded to a report
of three young men pushing an ATV down the street in the same
subdivision.
They detained the suspects, one adult and two juveniles, who were in
possession of the ATV and a stolen go-kart.
Investigator Kalon Rollins was able to connect the suspects to the
missing jet skis as well, which were reported missing earlier that
morning.
After interviewing the suspects, he was also able to connect them to a
house burglary on Coahoma St. in the same subdivision.
The interview also identified two more male suspects, an adult and a
juvenile, who were found in possession of stolen property from the
burglary.
A press release reports the recovery of two ATVs, the go-kart, six jet
skis and several items from the house burglary totaling $20,000.
Information about the adult suspects will be released at a later date,
due to the ongoing investigation, the release stated.
County rolls out prescription drug
discount card program
By Pearl Cantrell
Monitor Staff Writer
ATHENS–Henderson County Commissioners named 22 locations residents may
pick up a free prescription drug discount card Tuesday.
The National Association of Counties sponsored program offers average
savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.
The cards may be used by county residents regardless of age, income or
existing health coverage, and are accepted at 11 county pharmacies.
A network of more than 59,000 participating retail pharmacies also honor
the NACo prescription discount card, a press release stated.
Monitor Photo/ Pearl Cantrell
Henderson County Treasurer Michael Bynum holds a prescription discount
card available to all county residents by which they may save an average
of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.
“The NACo prescription discount card offers significant savings for
the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county,” County Judge
David Holstein said.
“Even those fortunate to have prescription coverage may benefit by the
use of the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their
current health plan,” he said.
Residents do not have to be Medicare beneficiaries to be eligible for
this program, he added.
It can even be used to purchase drugs prescribed by veterinarians for
household pets. “As long as it is a prescription, the discount card may
be used,” county treasurer Michael Bynum said.
“I’ve already had to look into this benefit, and it’s true,” Bynum
added.
So what is this program costing the taxpayers?
Nothing.
The program has built in benefits to pharmacies to induce their
participation without cost to taxpayers, Bynum explained.
Cards have been made available at county offices most frequented by
residents. These include:
• all three county tax offices in Athens, Seven Points and Chandler
• the county judge’s office,
• county clerk, attorney and jail, which is open 24/7, and with the
county treasurer,
• the six justice of the peace offices,
• the Senior Citizen Center in Athens,
• the probation office,
• all four commissioner’s maintenance barns, and
• the district attorney and district court.
The cards are available in both English and Spanish.
Other questions regarding the program, drug pricing, possible drug
interactions and more may be answered at
caremark.com/naco or by calling
toll-free 1-887-321-2652.
“Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,” Bynum said. “Simply
present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no enrollment form, no
membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use.
“Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their
prescriptions are not covered by insurance,” he added.
For a complete list of participating pharmacies, call Bynum at (903)
675-6119.
Website helps kids plan
future
Monitor Staff Reports
AUSTIN–A website called “Get a Life” helps middle-schoolers answer the
question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
The website, www.getalife.tx.gov,
comes from Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.
It advises youngsters to let their hobbies and interests guide them
toward a dream career, and to look for classes, volunteer work and paid
employment as ways to try out possible careers and gain valuable
knowledge and skills.
The website offers information about fast-growing and well-paying jobs,
along with the education required.
“Many skilled professional jobs do not require a four-year college
degree, but they do require some training at a community college or
technical school,” Combs said.
“We want kids to know there are a world of possibilities in Texas and
many paths to success,” she added.
The site was developed with input from real middle school students and
educators.
“Middle school is the perfect time for students to take an inventory of
their interests and abilities, be exposed to a variety of experiences,
and begin to develop a career path,” Bedichek principal Dan Diehl said.
“Our world will be a better place when we broaden the horizons and shine
the light on pathways of success for future generations. Our students
can’t afford to wait until high school or college to begin building
their dreams. Right now is the time to Get a Life,” he said.
“If our children are well-prepared to face the challenges and seize the
opportunities ahead, they will succeed and Texas will prosper,” Combs
said.
Information about Texas’ Job market and work force needs can be found in
Combs’ recent Texas Works report at
www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/workforce/. |