Two Major Events to be Held at the Old Saltillo Cemetery
July 12, 2024 – Two major events are held each year at the Old Saltillo Cemetery. On July 21st, 2024, the Annual Business Meeting/Memorial Day will be held. The activities will begin at 10:30am that Sunday, in the Old Saltillo United Methodist Church, located at 664 County Road 3357, Saltillo, Texas, 75478.
Congregational singing led by Steve Conley will start things off. A Business meeting will follow. Next, there will be a Memorial Program. The Program this year will be a “Musical Medley” presented by Larry Neal and his daughter, Tracie Neal Smith. Following the program, lunch will be served in the Kirby Memorial Center. Attendees are asked to bring some of your favorite dishes. Lunch will be served in a buffet manner which will include iced drinks and coffee. Seating in the serving area is limited, so feel free to bring lawn chairs, card tables, etc.
Then, on December 14, 2024, The Old Saltillo Cemetery will host the Annual Wreaths Across America program, beginning at 11:00am, in the Old Saltillo United Methodist Church. Following a very meaningful program, participants will go across the road and place a wreath at each veteran’s burial site.
Judge Brad Cummings will deliver the day’s keynote address. Kathy Whitten Patterson and Lucas Dennis will honor Old Saltillo Cemetery Veterans by calling each of their names aloud. The program will conclude with Taps played.
Wreaths are $17 each or opt for the “3 for 2” by purchasing two wreaths ($34) and receive a third wreath for free. On line deadline is October 31, 2024. Order your wreaths online at www.wreathacrossamerica.org/TX0987. For more information, please call Kathy Whitten patterson at 903-434-2343, or Lucas Dennis at 903-588-0973.
All programs for the Old Saltillo Cemetery have been planned by the members of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association Board and everyone is invited to attend and participate in these outstanding activities.
Dinner Bell for July 17th, 2024
Texas Heritage National Bank (the 141st largest bank in Texas) is “Large Enough to meet your needs yet small enough to care”. It was chartered as The Bank of Daingerfield in 1889 but converted to a National charter in 1892 becoming The National Bank of Daingerfield. It has operated continuously since its inception weathering both the Great Depression and the banking crisis of the 1980’s. Its headquarters is in Daingerfield, the fourth oldest town in Texas. Sulphur Springs became a branch in 2009 and other locations include Omaha, Ore City, Gilmer, Farmers Branch and Austin.
This privately held bank provides commercial banking services catering to agriculture, the commercial and real estate industries, businesses and individuals. Such quality monetary functions are present such as mortgages, online banking services, commercial loans, agricultural financing, real estate loans, deposits, withdrawals and other financial services of a first class banking organization.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry is pleased to have Texas Heritage National Bank as its PARTNER in feeding those who need a meal in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Bread Pudding
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AS COVID AND FLU ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Texas A&M-Commerce Name Change Saga Continues
July 12, 2024 – About 200 people attended a hearing in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Thursday on the possibility of A&M-Commerce changing its name yet again. Public radio station K-E-T-R reports president Mark Rudin told the group that “Texas A&M University-Dallas ” was not the only rebranding option being discussed. “East Texas A&M University” is also among the options under consideration.
Before the 1996 rebrand as Texas A&M University-Commerce, the school had been known as East Texas State University and other names using “East Texas” and was casually referred to as “ET.” It was founded as Mayo College by W.T. Mayo in 1889.
Rudin did not give his personal opinion on the “East Texas A&M” option … which is popular with many alumni. He said he’s still in the information-gathering phase. Rudin said: “I’m listening intently to all these various groups and making sure that whatever I take forward to the (Texas A&M University System) Board represents best path forward for this university.” He said that there might be no name change at all.
Regarding the A&M-Dallas option, Rudin said that should the university rebrand as Texas A&M University-Dallas, the Commerce campus would remain the university’s administrative center. More than 8,300 people, mostly alumni, have signed a petition at change.org opposing the adoption of “Dallas” in the university’s name.
A second meeting was scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday morning.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Announces the 2025 Gala Chairs
July 11, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Board of Directors is excited to share that the 2025 Gala chairs will be a family affair! Linda and Joe Bob Burgin along with their sons and daughters-in-law, Julie and Brad, and Teffany and Corey, have been tapped to chair the 2025 Gala slated for Saturday, January 25.
The Burgins have been very involved in Hopkins County healthcare for decades. Linda has been a regular on the Gala committee. Joe Bob has served on the Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors and also assisted with the Gala. He is also a member of the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Northeast Texas Board of Directors representing the Hopkins County community. Brad is the program manager for business development and strategic planning with Trinity Clinic that is part of the CHRISTUS Health system.
The family’s community involvement doesn’t end with healthcare. They have all served on civic boards, non-profits, and local governmental boards. This family believes in serving their community. As lifelong Hopkins County residents, the Burgins have served this community for over 60 years.
Family Patriarch Joe Bob said about serving as Gala chairs, “Our community has so much to offer when it comes to healthcare. For a rural area our size, we have a robust offering of specialists and top-notch providers. My family and I recognize how important this is to the community for growth. We want to do all we can to promote Hopkins County healthcare and make sure we continue to be leaders in Texas’ rural healthcare. Serving as Gala chairs is one way we can do that while celebrating our community.”
Julie and Brad have two children, Bailey and Zackery. Teffany and Corey are the parents of Mason, Conner, and Brooks.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors Chair Maleta Reynolds shared, “We are so excited that the Burgins will be chairing the 2025 Gala. Their involvement in Hopkins County healthcare runs deep. Their love of the community and friendly personalities make them perfect to chair one of the best nights for healthcare in Hopkins County.”
Maleta continued, “The Burgins’ knowledge of and involvement in local healthcare will help us Spotlight the differences in the Hopkins County Hospital District, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, and the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation – all distinct and separate entities.”
Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information will be made available closer to the event. Follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for more news on the Foundation and the Gala.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that aims to improve health and wellness in Hopkins County.
For more information on the Foundation, contact Executive Director Kayla Price at 903-438-4799.
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Texas Volunteer Firefighter Arrested on Felony Arson Charges
ALPINE, Texas — A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) crew member in Alpine, Texas, was arrested July 5 on suspicion of setting multiple brush fires in the area.
David Matthew Neet, 44, of Alpine, Texas, was arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Officers in connection with multiple wildland fires spanning 2023 – 2024.
An initial Brewster County Sheriff’s Office investigation found the origins of the serial arson fires suspicious, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators to work with them to further investigate and determine the cause of the fires.
Neet is currently being held on a $300,000 bond at the Brewster County Detention Center on 20 counts of Texas Penal Code 28.02 Arson F2.
As mandated by the 34th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service enforces all laws related to the protection of forests and woodlands and prosecutes violators. Arson is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
“We investigate wildland arson cases, and work to bring those responsible to justice,” said Jarred Lemmon, Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service. “The success of this case would not have been possible without the work of Brewster County Deputy Holquin.”
Since Jan. 1, 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel have responded to 70 wildfire investigations and 48 timber theft complaints.
Sulphur Springs Whataburger Adds DoorDash as McDonald’s Closes for Rebuild
July 11, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs Whataburger recently added DoorDash as a delivery option to the many ways to get your Whataburger fix. DoorDash remains the most prevalent delivery service for restaurant delivery in Hopkins County as UberEats and others don’t seem to have as many drivers. Staff at the local eatery reports that the DoorDash delivery option has been very popular since implementation, and now that McDonald’s has closed for a planned rebuild, Whataburger expects to be even busier. You can find out more about DoorDash by going to their website at DoorDash.com or downloading the app from the appropriate app store.
The Sulphur Springs McDonald’s posted a crudely made sign on their door the first week of July, stating that the store is closed for a rebuild. A building permit filed with the City of Sulphur Springs at the end of February shows that the new commercial construction was valued at $1.5 million. The new building should take approximately six months to be constructed.
Foundation Announces First Handbag Bingo Title Sponsor
July 9, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo has a title sponsor for the first time in its five-year history. The Alliance Bank family of businesses (Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance) is this year’s title sponsor.
This sponsorship augments the Alliance Bank group’s relationship with the Foundation and underscores its support of local healthcare. In particular, the free mammography clinic funded with proceeds from Designer Handbag Bingo is a cause close to the hearts of many who work and are customers of the Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance.
Hopkins County Market President Keith Shurtleff shared, “Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance, together as a business family, are excited to be the Title Sponsor for this year’s Handbag Bingo. We are proud to play a continuing role in supporting the Health Care Foundation. The Foundation provides important services for our community. As a local community Financial Group, we know the importance of supporting this and other, local activities that bring support and value to the whole community.”
“We are so pleased Alliance Bank, Alliance Bank Financial Services, and Galyean Insurance have joined us as the title sponsor for Designer Handbag Bingo. Alliance has been with us as sponsors from the start of Designer Handbag Bingo, so we are thrilled they have taken this step to help us further our mission including the fight against breast cancer in Hopkins County,” responded Foundation Board Chair Maleta Reynolds.
Designer Handbag Bingo is sold out, but raffle tickets for a Mystery Designer bag, sponsored by The Jypsy Willow, are on sale at handbagbingo24.givesmart.com.
The Foundation is in its 27th year of serving Hopkins County. It is an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit governed by a Hopkins County board of directors.
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Thousands of SWEPCO Customers Without Power Across East Texas
July 9, 2024 – According to SWEPCO 33,614 customers in East Texas are without electric services as an effect of tornadoes from Hurricane Beryl. Residents of East Texas began losing power as the storm moved into the area Monday. The estimated restoration of power is still to be determined in most areas.
SWEPCO serves over 500,00 customers in the area. According to their message to customer via text at 6:04 yesterday “In the wake of tornadoes, energy delivery systems are damaged. Please prepare for extended service loss while we work to restore power safely.”
Power on for Hopkins County and Surrounding Counties
July 9, 2024 – Hopkins County received the blessing of needed rain, but none of the destruction other parts of Texas received. Once a Category 5 hurricane, Beryl was classified as tropical depression when close to Sulphur Springs.
A tropical depression forms when a low pressure area is accompanied by thunderstorms that produce a circular wind flow with maximum sustained winds below 39 mph. An upgrade to a tropical storm occurs when cyclonic circulation becomes more organized and maximum sustained winds gust between 39 mph and 73 mph.
According or Encore and Farmer Electric Coop, one one residence was without power in Hopkins County.
Other regions of East Texas were not so lucky. Thousands of customer around and south of Tyler are without power this morning. Some without an estimate of when power might be restored.
Although a flood watch was issued for Hopkins County, no reports of flooding were received. Several inches of rain fell, but the rate was slow enough that most of the water was absorbed.
Armyworms are Notorious Pests that can Cause Significant Damage by Mario Villarino
July 8, 2024 – Armyworms are notorious pests that can cause significant damage to crops, pastures, and turfgrass. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers comprehensive resources and advice to help farmers and gardeners manage these pests effectively. Armyworms are the larvae of certain moth species, commonly the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the true armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta). These caterpillars are typically green, brown, or black and have distinct stripes running along their bodies. They are named for their behavior of moving in large, “army-like” groups from one area to another, devastating vegetation as they go. The armyworm life cycle begins with adult moths laying eggs on host plants or nearby surfaces. These eggs hatch into larvae within a few days. The larval stage, which causes the most damage, lasts about two to three weeks. During this time, the caterpillars feed voraciously on plant material. After the larval stage, they burrow into the soil to pupate, emerging as adult moths about a week later. This cycle can repeat several times a year, especially in warmer climates. Armyworms are highly destructive due to their feeding habits. They consume a wide range of plants, including grains (like corn, wheat, and rice), grasses, and many vegetables. Damage is often seen as ragged holes in leaves, chewed leaf margins, and in severe cases, complete defoliation. Young seedlings are particularly vulnerable and can be entirely consumed, leading to significant yield losses.
Effective management of armyworms involves an integrated approach: Monitoring: Regular field scouting is crucial for early detection. Look for egg masses, young larvae, and signs of feeding damage. Use pheromone traps to monitor adult moth populations and predict larval outbreaks.
Cultural Practices: Implement crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of armyworms. Maintain healthy soil and plant vigor to reduce susceptibility to infestations. Avoid late-season planting, which can coincide with peak armyworm activity.
Biological Control: Promote natural predators such as birds, parasitic wasps, and beneficial insects like lady beetles and lacewings. Consider introducing commercially available biological control agents like *Bacillus thuringiensis* (Bt), a bacterium that targets caterpillar pests.
Chemical Control: Insecticides may be necessary when armyworm populations reach damaging levels. Select products that are effective against armyworms and follow label instructions carefully. Rotate insecticides with different modes of action to prevent resistance development.
Armyworms present a significant challenge to agricultural production, but with vigilant monitoring and a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical controls, their impact can be managed. For tailored advice and the latest information on armyworm management, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service remains a valuable resource. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
