News

The Texas A&M Foundation’s Board of Trustees announced today the selection of Tyson Voelkel as its new president. The U.S. Army veteran and 1996 graduate of Texas A&M University will take office on Jan. 20, 2016. As head of the university’s major-gift fundraising entity, he will oversee the recently launched $4 billion Lead by Example campaign, succeeding longtime Foundation President Ed Davis. “The trustees are very pleased that Tyson has agreed to accept the position of president of the Foundation,” said George Hickox, board chairman. “He brings a remarkable set of skills and accomplishments to the job and a truly extraordinary passion for Texas A&M University that will resonate with the staff and all of the other constituencies of the Foundation.” Voelkel’s organizational leadership, asset management knowledge and diverse educational experience helped lead to his selection.

By ELLIS KNOX reporter@campcountynow.com

If early predictions play out, comet Catalina, C/2013 U10, may brighten enough in late December and early January to be seen with binoculars and possibly even with the naked eye, as it rises higher each day in the early morning skies. The comet is on the way out and has just reappeared from behind the sun. The comet in-bound into the solar system has been out of sight of the northern hemisphere. Its perihelion was behind the sun and it reappeared in early December. For the time being it is too close to the sun for viewing, but around New Year’s Day it should begin to be visible in the early morning coming up ahead of the sun. Catalina is a new arrival and was knocked out of the Oort cloud somehow, the orbit has plotted such that this a one timer as it sling-shots around the sun its orbit will send outward bound never to return.

Impaired driving campaign seeks to curb increase in holiday fatalities due to alcohol

The Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign urges party goers to plan for a sober ride this holiday season. The campaign runs through Jan. 1, 2016 and coincides with an increase in DUI patrols and enforcement. “The holidays are a time of celebration and family, but they also require responsible decisions and planning if alcohol is involved,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “Our goal is to save families from the heartbreak of losing a loved one. Finding a sober ride is easy and it can save you from being arrested, injured or killed. There is no excuse for drinking and driving.”

The University of Texas at Tyler held fall 2015 commencement ceremonies Dec. 11 and 12, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. One thousand one hundred sixty nine degree candidates were recognized in the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. Dr. James Nelson, UT Tyler College of Engineering dean, served as the commencement speaker for all four ceremonies. President Mabry gave remarks and conferred degrees. Presentation and certification of master’s, baccalaureate and doctoral degree candidates were made by the deans of each of the university’s colleges: Dr. Martin Slann, Arts and Sciences; Dr. James Lumpkin, Business and Technology; Dr. Ross Sherman, Education and Psychology; Nelson, Engineering; and Dr. Yong “Tai” Wang, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Santa and his helpers have been seen all over Pittsburg this holiday season.This Santa arrived at One Pilgrim Plaza at Pilgrim Bank for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Santa will make his way again through Pittsburg Thursday night and into the wee hours of Christmas morning spreading his abundance of cheer for this holiday season.

By ELLIS KNOX reporter@campcountynow.com Did you know all stray animals rescued in Pittsburg are sent to the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter? And they need your help. e Pittsburg Vet Clinic and the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter are in need of pet items. Food and pet items are needed according to Dr. Dan Kincaid. “We need donations of pet food, and other pet items for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter. All stray animals rescued in Pittsburg are sent to this shelter,” Dr. Kincaid said.

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In this season of giving sixth grader, Dylan Henderson wanted service members to know someone was on their side. Dylan raised money for a chance to win a holiday basket lled with goodies. Teacher Carolyn DeWoody won the prize. e Wounded Warrior Project’s mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. His grandfather, Floyd Henderson, served in the Army. Dylan is the son of Stacie and Kevin Henderson and attends Pittsburg Intermediate School.

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx

The 2015 Texas Associated Press Sports Editors Class 4A All-State high school team has been named and three Pittsburg Pirates received Honorable Mention. L-R: Pittsburg Athletic Director and Head Coach Brad Baca, Senior running back Tray Walker, Senior Lineman Nathan Buck, and Senior middle linebacker and running back Fre’zarian Harrison.

BY CAROLYN ANDERS Special contributor to The Pittsburg Gazette

Lisa Crain sent me a message a fewweeks ago and asked if I would mind reading a book written by Suzanne Asa Blankenship on elderly care. I was not really sure if Lisa thought I needed elderly care or thought I might benet from the information since my step-mother had been placed in a nursing home. Of course I said yes because I am always up for a good read. Suzanne and I touched base through email, and in a few days I received her book How to Take Care of Old People Without Losing Your Marbles. is humorous book is an easy read and certainly a practical guide to elderly care. I de nitely recommend the book for anyone who, in the near future, will be caring for an elderly parent, grandparent or friend, or for anyone who is currently dealing with this di cult situation. Suzanne has ties to Pittsburg, so I thought it would be nice to promote her book.

Keilani Cheek (right) of The Pittsburg Gazet te was asked to draw a winner of a quilt which is offered by the Women of Worth, an organization whose membership includes women from the various churches and surrounding communities, meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays. The organization’s purpose is helping others such as the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center (CASA), Holy Highways Girls Home, the angel tree and others. Also pictured with Keilani is June Smith. The winner drawn was Sandra Coleman.