Ash Borer Confirmed in Four More Counties
June 3, 2024 – The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in Collin, Franklin, Johnson and Red River Counties. EAB is an invasive wood-boring pest of ash trees that has killed tens of millions of trees across 35 states since its arrival to the United States in 2002. EAB was first detected in Texas in 2016 in Harrison County in northeast Texas. It has now been detected in 24 Texas counties, including positive...
Killing Thistles for Good From Master Gardener David Wall
June 2, 2024 – Thistles are a great attraction for pollinators. The flowers are very attractive, and the plant has several medicinal qualities. On the other hand, they’re as tough a weed as you’ll find anywhere. Their tap root is known to go down as far as over 15’, and it annually puts out many thousands of ultralight seeds. When living in the country, I used to go out with a hoe and chop them down, which really amounted to...
Watch for Bridge Repair Crews Working in Five Counties
June 2, 2024 – PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that several bridges in five counties will undergo maintenance and erosion control repairs beginning June 2. The contractor, DCC Construction and Services LLC, was granted 213 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $1.7 million. The contractor anticipates starting work June 3 in Hopkins County. The target...
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Scholarship Winner
May 30, 2024 – Silvina Epperson , announces Mallory Wheat as the recipient of a $1,000.00 scholarship from the Hopkins County Genealogical Society. Mallory, a 2024 graduate of Cumby High School, was the winner of the 500 word essay contest titled “My Favorite Ancestor.” HCGS received thirteen wonderful entries this year and the judging was very tight. Each entry was very touching as the seniors shared their family...
Runoff Election in Hopkins County Yields Two New Commissioners
May 28, 2024 – The Republican Runoff Election was held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 to determine places for two precinct commissioner spots in Hopkins County. No clear winners emerged during the Republican Primary earlier in the year, so a runoff for both spots were needed. Contenders for Precinct 1 included Wesley Miller and incumbent Mickey Barker. Two new commisioner hopefuls for Precinct 3, Travis Thompson and William (Bill) Holden...
Is a Garden Soil Test Worth the Effort From Master Gardener David Wall
May 28, 2024 – While I take great pride in studying multiple sources of the literature and using the information to put together my articles, every few years one source is so good or different, I just cite it. This article comes from “Soil Science for Gardeners” by Robert Pavlis. It’s the best book I’ve ever read on soils that explains without getting too technical. Just about every extension agent,...
4-H Livestock Projects are a Significant Aspect of the 4-H Youth by Mario Villarino
May 28, 2024 – 4-H livestock projects are a significant aspect of the 4-H youth development program, which is designed to teach young people about agriculture, animal husbandry, and life skills. Participants in these projects typically select and care for animals, learning about their specific needs, proper management techniques, and how to prepare for exhibitions and competitions. Here’s an overview of what 4-H livestock...
Individuals From Wood and Hopkins Counties Recently Received Scholarships
Cayden Spigner from Sulphur Springs High School, and Raegan Valentine from Winnsboro High School, each recently were awarded a scholarship from A41 Transportation. An individual from A41 Transportation had the following to say about the granting of scholarships to Cayden Spigner and Raegan Valentine… “First giving honor and glory to God for making this possible. I remember speaking with my wife about an idea I had for...
Used Wind Turbine Blades Pileup in Texas
May 24, 2024 – When a wind turbine reaches the end of its life cycle, roughly 85% of its components — including the steel tower, copper wire and gearing — can be recycled. Turbine blades, however, have proven to be a bigger challenge. “Blade Art” like this is an attempt to deal with used wind turbine blades. Made primarily from fiberglass, these blades lack the metals and minerals that attract recyclers. They are...
Assassin Bugs: A Texas Bug Killer
May 24, 2024 – Assassin Bugs are already out in force this spring. They are positioning themselves amongst our garden plants, and doing what they do best. They kill other bugs. Assassin bug Subfamily Harpactorinae grasping a japanese beetle. Plant is a Fig Tree. Assassin bugs are classified as beneficial insects. They prey on a variety of other insects and their eggs. They are susceptible to common pesticides. Assassin bug...
