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.
###
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.
#
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].
Texas Schools Spending Millions on Electric Buses
Districts are buying the vehicles with grants from a $5 billion Clean Bus Program funded by federal taxpayers.
Erin Anderson | July 5, 2024
Texas school districts are taking advantage of a federal grant program to buy electric buses that will cost taxpayers millions.
The grants are part of a $5 billion Clean Bus Program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Funds for the program were included in the $454 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
According to a January press release from the Biden administration, Texas school districts are slated to receive at least $26 million in taxpayer-funded grants from the EPA program.
Fort Worth Independent School District is expected to receive $6.1 million to purchase 15 electric school buses.
Other Texas school districts selected to receive electric bus subsidies include Alief ISD ($7.9 million for 20 buses), Austin ISD ($6.25 million for 25 buses), and San Antonio ISD ($5.9 million for 15 buses).
Three corporations—Envirotech Vehicles, Lion Electric, and Highland CSB 1, LLC—will receive $78 million from taxpayers to provide electric buses to multiple school districts in Texas and other states.
Fort Worth ISD recently previewed the new buses, manufactured by Georgia-based Blue Bird.
The electric school buses cost $350,000 to $400,000, about four times the cost of diesel buses.
An analysis by the Electric School Bus Initiative determined that electric buses save $100,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over a 15-year lifespan, compared to an equivalent diesel bus.
Even so, the electric buses would still cost school districts far more than their diesel counterparts without massive subsidies from federal taxpayers.
For now, the Biden administration’s subsidies are driving “a boom in electric school bus sales” for Blue Bird and other manufacturers.
The buses have a range of up to 120 miles before they need to be refueled. Recharging takes three to eight hours, depending on the type of charger.
Aside from the cost, Texans are concerned about how the expanded use of electric vehicles will impact the state’s power grid.
The EPA will offer more taxpayer-funded electric bus subsidies in future rounds of grants.
The Clean Bus Program falls within Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the benefits of certain federal programs to “disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.”
This article originally appeared here.
A Visit From Santa in July Mentioned on This Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain stopped by to visit. The two discuss the Sulphur Springs Library’s website, sslibrary.org, and some of the features it offers. They also talked about the ratings site, commonsensemedia.org, and all that it has to offer parents and guardians. John Mark and Hope also chatted about other resourceful websites sslibrary.org has links to. The conversation came to a conclusion with the topic of the Sulphur Springs Public Library’s Story Hour on July 16, 2024 having the theme, “Christmas in July”. Hope Cain mentioned a special guest will drop down the chimney for a visit on that day. This and more is discussed on this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey… Be sure to check it out below!
Make Your Own Hot Pepper Spray From Master Gardener David Wall
July 7, 2024 – Many of you probably have or carry pepper sprays in your pocket or purse to deter bad guys. These containers are compact and can quickly deter a bad guy. The only problem with a spray is its short duration. It would be nice to have a spray bottle that could be used repeatedly at home, and in the garden.
Pepper sprays are safer that chemical pesticides and repellents. They are non-toxic to your vegetable plants and won’t harm pollinators. Also, it deters, not kills, except for spider mites and cabbage worms. Pepper sprays leave a “hot” layer of heat on the plant which pests don’t like.
Cayenne is the most used pepper, but hotter peppers up to habanero can also be used. Peppers can be powder, dried, fresh, or flakes. Adding garlic can intensify the spray. To make your pepper spray, take one gallon of water, 10 cayenne peppers (or 5 tablespoons of pepper flakes or powder), and six cloves of garlic. Use a blender to puree the peppers and garlic.
Now, add the water, stir, and simmer on stovetop for 30 to 45 minutes. All this is done to increase absorption of the pepper oils into the water. Remove heat, wait 24 hours, and strain through a cloth. Store in a sealed container or spray bottle for up to a month. Add a few drops of natural biodegradable dish soap for better plant adhesion when putting in a sprayer.
Best time to apply is early in the evening. Avoid spraying in the heat of the day. Be sure to spray as much of the underside of plants where smaller pests love to hang out. Reapply every few days and whenever it rains.
Always wash vegetables to rinse off any of pepper residue. If not, you’ll get some “hot” produce!
