Trihalomethanes? What are they? Where are they?
April 24, 2024 – You may have seen a message about trihalomethanes on the back of your water bill. This notice is required by Federal Law. It is mandatory for all municipal water districts to notify customer when levels reach a certain threshold. Trihalomethanes can occur any time of the year, but most commonly appear in Spring and Summer months.
Where do these chemicals come from?
These carbon based compounds are formed when, during water disinfection, free available chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. This organic matter is natural and occurs seasonally in lakes and rivers. When municipal treatment plants draw water from these natural sources, these compounds tag along. Water drawn from wells and aquifers do not contains these compounds.
There are several sources of similar molecules including:
- Water treated with bromine, in hot tubs or pools, can react in the same way.
- Chloramines, a groups of chemical similar in structure and production. They have a nitrogen atom at their center. They are responsible for the ‘Chlorine Smell’ associated with pools. The smell they produce is similar to Chlorine gas, but are harmless. Chloramines are the product of Ammonia (mainly from urine) and chlorine. So yes, when you smell that ‘Chlorine Smell’ at your favorite pool, it means that people are indeed ‘peeing’ in the pool.
Chlorine has been used for centuries to make water safe for use. It’s what makes bleach work, and keeps your backyard pool clear and safe to use. (Unless your use ozone or another method.)
The current maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs are 0.080 milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is equal to 80 parts per billion. These levels are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Do I need to be worried about these molecules in my water?
Some members of the trihalomethane family have been linked to bladder and lower GI cancer. Other studies have included birth defects as a possible result of long term exposure. At this time, it is impossible to know exactly what exposure might trigger cancer.
What can I do?
The easy solution to this concern can be as easy as using a activated carbon filtration system for your drinking water, like a filter pitcher. Using one could also protect you from other potential pollutants like lead and arsenic. A reverse osmosis system will also remove these chemicals, and many other potential contaminants.
It’s also important to remember that the use of chlorine to treat drinking water has saved innumerable lives over the decades. It remains the primary means to ensure safe drinking water reaches your tap every day.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Provides Resources on Managing Buttercups by Mario Villarino
April 25, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides resources on managing buttercups, particularly in pasture and forage management. Buttercups are toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities, so effective control is important for animal health and pasture productivity.
AgriLife Extension typically recommends a combination of cultural practices, such as maintaining good pasture health, and chemical control methods, including selective herbicides. It’s essential to consult with me at the Hopkins County Extension Office or specialists for specific recommendations tailored to your region and circumstances.
Controlling buttercups can be challenging, as they spread rapidly. One approach recommended by AgriLife Extension is to maintain healthy pasture conditions to outcompete them. Herbicides can also be used, but it’s essential to choose the right one for your situation and follow the application instructions carefully. Additionally, rotational grazing can help reduce buttercup infestations by allowing grass to recover and compete with the weeds.
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].
Miller Grove FFA Banquet to be Held May 9th
April 25, 2024 – The 2024 Miller Grove FFA Banquet is scheduled for May 9th, 2024. The will will be Miller Grove’s 90th FFA Banquet, which will begin at 6:00pm. Established in 1934, this year’s Miller Grove FFA Banquet will take place at the Miller Grove ISD Multipurpose facility. Don’t miss out.
A&M-Commerce Hosts Luncheon to Celebrate Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
April 25, 2024 – COMMERCE, TEXAS: Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a luncheon at the Hilton hotel in Rockwall, Texas, on Tuesday, April 16, to celebrate the university’s planned Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
The Lyon Center, which will be located along Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas, approximately 1.5 miles south of the university campus, will feature a state-of-the-art quail research and production facility, a wetland research station, an interactive Quail Encounter experience for visitors, classrooms and meeting spaces, wetland and upland nature trails, and office space for gamebird faculty and students. Construction is set to begin this year.
Special guests at the luncheon included John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System and his wife, Diana Atchison, Senator Royce West, Congressman Chet Edwards, Congressman Bill Sarpalius, the Honorable Tonya Parker, the Honorable Tina Clinton, Representative John Bryant, Representative Keith Oakley, the Honorable Joe Parnell, Senator Ted Lyon, Donna Lyon, friends of the university and The Lyon Center, and A&M-Commerce alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
The Lyons kickstarted the Lyon Center in 2022 with a transformational gift, the largest all-cash gift with immediate impact in university history.
At the luncheon, Chancellor Sharp thanked the Lyons for their support and predicted that the new facility will become the leading gamebird research center in the United States.
Senator Ted Lyon also addressed luncheon attendees, emphasizing that the North American bird population in the U.S. is down almost three billion since 1970.
“My hope is that the scientific research that emanates from this center will lead to revelations that will result in long-term improvements to our environment and to the birds that we all love,” he said.
Dr. Kelly Reyna, director of the Lyon Center, noted that the future looks bright for gamebirds.
“Today marks a new chapter for the future of gamebirds,” he said. “We gather today, not only as bird hunters and conservationists, but also as trailblazers and as changemakers with a clear mission to transform the future of gamebird populations, to produce the next generation of gamebird professionals, and to safeguard a future for the younger generation…”
View photo galleries of the luncheon at the A&M-Commerce Photo Archive and Dallas Event Photo.
Support the Lyon Center Today! GIVE
***
What you need to know about Texas’ school safety policies
By Nina Banks, The Texas Tribune
April 24, 2024
In response to the deadliest school shooting in Texas, lawmakers have upped legislation concerning gun and school safety. House Bill 3 passed late last year, which created the requirement for an armed security guard to be present on all campuses and also ramped up mental health resources for students.
In Texas, the responsibility for establishing the guidelines for public school safety belongs to the Texas Education Agency and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office along with the TxSSC. These rules have been updated since the 2022 tragedy in Uvalde, but some experts worry that parents and guardians still don’t know the intricacies of school safety policy.
Brian Clason, program manager of training and education for the Texas State School Safety Center, says the best thing parents can do to protect their children is to develop relationships with teachers and school faculty to learn more about safety protocols before an emergency occurs.
“Your school leaders should know who you are, and you should know who they are,” he said.
Here’s a guide for parents and guardians on how to appropriately navigate an emergency whether it’s an active threat such as an armed intruder or bomb, natural disaster or hazmat situation.
What should parents know during an emergency?
During a school emergency, emotions can run high. The instinct to contact or go to your child’s school may seem like the right idea. However, in the parental guide for school safety created by the TxSSC, they advise parents to wait for instructions from their child’s school before acting.
Traffic from parents or guardians all at once may flood the school’s phone lines. All schools are mandated by the TEA to immediately contact parents or guardians during a threat of violence through text, email or an app. To ensure the process is as accurate and streamlined as possible, parents and guardians are encouraged to keep current contact info with the school to receive notifications and updates when necessary.
In the event of an active shooter, the TxSSC advises to refrain from calling or texting your child — as it may put themselves and others in danger if they are hiding and have not silenced their phone.
What is newly required of school districts?
New legislation that was recently passed added five requirements for school districts to enact in addition to the existing policies. School districts must:
- Employ an armed guard at each public school campus
- Install a silent panic button in all classrooms that immediately connects with law enforcement, fire departments and emergency services
- Train select district employees to recognize potential harm posed by a student’s mental health or substance abuse
- Give an up-to-date map of school campuses to the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies and local first responders
- Contact parents and select people when violence is occurring or being investigated at district campuses, facilities or district-sponsored activities
What are schools required to do to prepare for an emergency?
Drills
All Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are required to conduct a set amount of drills during the school year. These drills are designed to prepare students, faculty and staff for how to react in the event of a potential safety hazard.
They include:
- One lockdown drill per semester
- One secure drill per school year
- One evacuation drill per school year
- One shelter-in-place drill per school year
Each drill ranges in protocol depending on the severity of a situation. Secure drills, which may be employed if there is criminal activity near campus, allow school activities to carry on as usual, however, no one is able to leave or enter the school. Lockdown and shelter-in-place drills both interrupt classroom activity. Lockdown drills prepare students for danger within the school, such as an active shooter, and the latter for weather emergencies. The number of fire drills are determined through consultation with a fire marshall.
Because districts may vary in the amount of drills held, parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to their child’s school security with questions.
Arms on campus
It is now required that all schools must have an armed security officer on the premises, but it is up to the school district to determine how many officers are present at each school. These officers may be hired from a security company, local law enforcement or may be commissioned peace officers.
School employees may also be armed if they complete either the school marshal program or the “guardian plan.” Each route differs in methodology — with the school marshal plan requiring the completion of an 80-hour course, and costs upwards of $30,000, while the “Guardian Plan” requires a minimum of 16 hours and costs approximately $1,900. Completion of either route would allow school employees to be permitted to carry and possess a handgun on school premises.
Planning for an emergency
Every school district must have a multi hazard emergency operations plan, or an EOP, in the event of an active threat, severe weather or communicable diseases. EOPs must comply with the TEA’s standards for accessibility for students with impairments. Every three years, a safety and security audit must be completed. This audit is reported to the school board of trustees and the TxSSC.
Over 45,000 schools nationally adhere to the Standard Protocol Response, created by The “I Love U Guys Foundation,” which is applicable to weather emergencies or threats of an active shooter. The organization has approximately 250 contracts across Texas — primarily consisting of independent school districts, but also serves private schools, community colleges and churches.
Informational guides explaining their procedures can be found on their website alongside a map to check whether your child’s school uses its practices.
The state developed and implemented its Safe and Supportive School Program in every school district to be on the offensive of any potential safety threats.
The program requires each school district to form a school safety and security committee to oversee drills, audits and training. The committee is made up of one or more representatives from:
- Emergency management
- Local police department or sheriff’s office
- The school district’s police department, if applicable
- The president and a member of the district’s board of trustees
- Superintendent
- A classroom teacher in the district as appointed by the superintendent
- A member of the open-enrollment charter school’s governing body or appointed by the governing body, if applicable
- Two parents or guardians of students
First Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation Mingo Deemed a Success
April 23, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s first Mingo event was a success. Not only did
players have fun, but the funds were secured to offer free heart calcium tests to Hopkins
County men.
Mingo night involved 196 players vying for 24 prizes and 11 door prizes. Players enjoyed
delicious BBQ sandwiches from Slaughter’s BBQ Oasis, and the Grub House provided the bar
stocked with sodas, beer, and Old Fashioneds. The preliminary figures indicate the net income
is approximately $12,000. Of that, $939 was donated by the attendees to offer additional free
heart calcium tests.
For several years the Foundation has hoped to add a program focused on men’s health. Mingo
has made this possible. The heart calcium clinic will be offered in a few months, with details to
come.
In addition to Mingo, the Foundation hosts Designer Handbag Bingo which covers the cost of
the annual free mammography clinic, and the Gala, now in its 19 th year, which covers annual
funding priorities to improve health and healthcare offerings in Hopkins County.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS-designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit, governed
by an all-volunteer board of directors, each of whom lives in Hopkins County. All funds raised
by the Foundation are used to benefit the health of Hopkins County citizens.
For more information contact Kayla Price, Executive Director, at 903-438-4799 or
[email protected].
#
Another Visit With Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson on A Second Cup of Coffee From April 16th
April 22, 2024 – In this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down, again, with Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. In this conversation, which took place Tuesday, April 16, 2024, John Mark and Ronnie Wilson discuss potted plants, the different types of soil, the “Plant of the Month” for April, and more. Give it a watch and see what you learn. Enjoy!
May 3 and 4 Designated As County Clean Up Days
April 22, 2024 – The Hopkins County Commissioners Court have designated Friday-Saturday, April 3-4 County Clean Up days. Hopkins County residents may bring larger household items (not commercial) to their county precinct barn to dispose of.
Items will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. No toxic or hazardous materials will be accepted. That means no shingles, no chemicals, no household hazardous wastes, no pesticides, no paint and no appliances containing Freon.
Tires will only be accepted at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction, and with the appropriate fee paid.
Commissioners plan to have some staff available to assist people when they arrive, but noted those bringing larger items to discard should be prepared to help off load them.
The four county precinct bars will serve as collection sites for the Hopkins County Clean Up Days. The barns can be found at the following locations:
- Precinct 1 Barn – 5516 State Highway 19 south, Sulphur Springs; contact: Commissioner Mickey Barker at 903-485-2040.
- Precinct 2 Barn – 12080 State Highway 11 east, Como; Contact: Commissioner Greg Anglin at 903-488-3514.
- Precinct 3 Barn – 583 County Road 3564, Dike; Contact: Commissioner Wade Bartley at 903-348-1878.
- Precinct 4 Barn – FM 2653, Cumby, 1.7 mile south of State Highway 11 west; Contact: Commissioner Joe Price at 903-582-8840.
Second Cup of Coffee with Friends of SSISD Co Chair Wes Cooper filmed April 19th
April 21, 2024 – Below is the link to the latest episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey. In this segment, from Friday, April 19, 2024, John Mark sat down with “Friends of Sulphur Springs ISD” Co Chairman Wes Cooper. The two discuss Wes Cooper’s family and career, the current conditions of facilities throughout the Sulphur Springs Independent School District, the School Bond election, and more. Be sure to check it out!
Swamp White Oak for a Replacement Tree From Master Gardener David Wall
April 21, 2024 – Weeping willows are often considered to be beautiful trees and are usually associated with water, such as a creek, river, or pond. Outside of a large location, however, they quickly become overcrowded and a nuisance. When planted near homes, they often invade water pipes and sewer systems. Their drooping limbs with leaves can shade out desired lawn grasses. They have a short life span and as they age, limbs become brittle and can break. So, what’s a suitable alternative?
Swamp white oaks (SWO) are trees having the beauty of a willow without all the negative aspects. First, SWO are well known for having a long lifespan. They grow 1-2’ per year, but live to 300 years. Depending on your source, SWO reach 50-70 feet tall with a similar width. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial sun (with a reduced growth rate!).
SWO prefer neutral to acidic soils. They grow well in clay, sandy, or loam soils, although they prefer well drained soil. If the soil is poor, fertilizers or compost may be required. They tolerate hot summers or subzero winters. They can grow in water-saturated soil, but such is obviously not a requirement. In fact, while watering weekly be required in the first two summers, once established, they can withstand dry periods.
SWO are members of the white oak group. They have 5 to 7-inch long leaves with rounded, shallow lobes. The leaves are dark green with gray to white downy undersides. An interesting feature is acorns that grow on thin stalks up to four inches long.
There are two SWO cultivars. For those with large urban or country yards, the American Dream SWO has a pyramid shape with dense foliage. The Beacon’s ‘Bonnie and Mike’ SWO has a narrow, columnar-shape w/branches that grow upright instead of outward.
