Food Safety During Power Outages
Our friends in south Texas have been through a lot of turmoil with hurricanes and flooding over the past couple of years. Although Hopkins County and northeast Texas have not seen storms to that extent, we do have power outages from time to time. When that happens, knowing what to do with the contents of the refrigerator and freezer could prevent the consumption of unsafe food.
Keeping the refrigerator or freezer closed as much as possible will help retain the cold air. Repeatedly opening the door once power is out allows cold air to escape quickly and negate any insulation of the food. Anything fresh or perishable like meat, poultry, eggs, fish, fluid milk and even juice that has, or is suspected to have been, sitting above 40ᵒF for more than two hours should be thrown out.
If you open the fridge and can smell or see the evidence of food spoilage, immediately start disposing of those culprits – pretty much anything minimally processed or fresh. Being aware of the temperature danger zone is key: perishable foods that have been sitting at 40ᵒF to 140ᵒF for more than two hours have the likelihood of bacteria doubling. How long before frozen foods go bad? Depending on the freezer, how well insulated it is, how full it is, what is in it, and how warm it actually gets, the timeframe will vary. Http://Foodsafety.gov states that if a freezer is left closed for some time after power outage, later opened and meat, poultry, and other foods are still visibly frozen (ice crystals still evident or frozen to the touch), those items can be either re-frozen or brought to thaw for immediate cooking and serving.
Another question that comes to mind is how long refrigerators can be off. Some of the same factors apply – how full the fridge is, outside air temperature, etc. Refrigerated foods will not last as long as frozen. Again, keep the temperature danger zone in mind. While proper cooking of fresh meat, poultry, eggs and fish may render them microbiologically safe, there are organisms that may produce toxic compounds while they grown on food. Remember, if in doubt, thrown it out.
So what do you need to look for? There are a number of pieces of evidence to evaluate for signs that food has become unusable, according to Dr. Matt Taylor, associate professor in the Collage of Agriculture and Live Sciences at Texas A&M University. “Unfortunately, food that is microbiologically unsafe will not show obvious signs of it lack of safety. The signs of spoilage include discoloration, development of strong, displeasing odor, or evidence of excess gas production that can be seen when a package deforms due to the excess gas production. Other signs of spoilage include a cheesy odor, texture breakdown or loss, or the production of acids by fermentation. For fresh meat, poultry, fish and eggs, strong odors , discoloration of the meat (like gray or brown), and excess juices in the pad indicate protein breakdown. Milk will potentially show gas production, separation into curds and whey fractions, and typically present strong odors. Produce my discolor and show evidence of softening. Although not as common in northeast Texas, we can prepare for power outages by stocking up on non-perishable foods – canned goods, crackers, jerky, canned tuna and chicken, etc. Be sure to have a manual can opener so you can open cans during an extended power outage. If water is a concern, you may stock up on bottled water.
When the power returns, check the status of your refrigerator and freezer foods, and again, if in doubt, throw it out. In the case of flooding, discard food if your refrigerator or freezer was submerged by floodwaters – even partially. Food is unsafe to use and must be discarded. Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with floodwater.
Office Re-construction
During the first couple of weeks of October, the Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office will be undergoing some internal, much-needed repairs. We will still be open for business, but things will look different! Our staff will be working out of the front part of the building during the first phase, and the will relocate to the back classroom and my office suite during the second phase of reconstruction. We will also be short-staffed during the majority of that time, so if you try to call us and you don’t get an answer, it means we are either on the other line or have stepped away. Please call again! We have several events in October that will take us away from the office (annual LEAP Fair, Ag-in-the-Classroom, Head Start Walk & Talk program, etc.), but we can return your call if you leave a message. So please excuse our mess!
Closing Thought
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader – John Quincy Adams
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Community Health Agent
Hopkins County
P.O. Box 518
1200-B W. Houston
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443
Sulphur Springs Public Library High School Graduation Set Oct. 8
Sulphur Springs Public Library High School Graduation
by Hope Cain, Librarian, Sulphur Springs Public Library
Donors, City Councilmembers, Advertisers, Supporters and Library Friends;
The Sulphur Springs Public Library is announcing the second graduation class of Career Online High School, a scholarship program designed for adults to continue their education and complete the high school requirements in conjunction with a career certification.
We would be honored for you to attend the short program on Tuesday evening October 8 at 6pm here at the library.
The event will be covered by our news outlets and Judge Brad Cummings will present the Invocation and Charles and Kenya Chaffer will present an uplifting musical selection. We will then present the graduates with their scholarships and diplomas.
I hope you will make time to attend and show your support to these Hopkins County citizens that took steps to better themselves, become productive members of our community and open a world previously closed to them. (did you know that adults without a high school diploma are only eligible for 12% of jobs in the U.S.?
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If you would like to know more or donate to future scholarships, please do not hesitate to call me at the library.
Hope Cain, Director of Public Library
611 Davis Street North
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-4926
2019 Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse
September 27, 2019 – 22 members of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Posse gathered for an annual group photo on September 25, 2019 on the steps of the Sulphur Springs City Hall, once a Federal building during the 1940’s and 50’s. The photo will be added to a permanent hallway display at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department.
Second Row: Tim Gee, Cindy Butler, Terry Thompson, Roger ‘Tex’ Maynard, Jimmy Harris, Marilyn Lester and Larry Argenbright
Third Row: Gary Moon, Paul Horton, Ben Moore, Steve Shing, Major Willis, Billy Wayne Orr, Jason Smith and Brian Orr
The Posse was organized almost 32 years ago in October 1987, and operates, under the authority of the Sheriff and by a set of by-laws, as a support to all law enforcement agencies upon request and approval by the Sheriff.
Here’s a bit of their history. ‘The idea of a posse began when Highway Patrolman Roger “Tex” Maynard and Sheriff’s Deputy Ken Wisdom began discussing the organization of a horse-mounted posse. They approached then Sheriff Mark Bassham with the idea. He conferred with other sheriffs who had a posse in their jurisdiction. Bassham agreed to the idea. The posse would be comprised of a maximum 40 members of good moral character, with no criminal record, and an interest in support of Law Enforcement. The members must have a horse and transportation for it. The first members of the Hopkins County Posse were bankers, law enforcement officers, business men, blue collar workers, and several retired individuals’. The original membership was sworn in when they gathered on Halloween night October 31, 1987 for a stew and organizational meeting at Aiguier Cemetery.
Pinky Cooper Honored for 30 Years On the Job at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department
On September 26, 1989, Pinky Cooper was hired at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department as a Receptionist by then-Sheriff Mark Bassham. On September 26, 2019, Pinky was honored at an anniversary reception hosted by Sheriff Lewis Tatum in the Department’s sallyport.
Friends, family and co-workers were present. Pinky’s career has enabled her to work closely with four Sheriff’s, Mark Bassham, the late Bill Deirks, Butch Adams and Lewis Tatum. Pinky wants everyone to know she appreciates the get-together and all the attention, but that she is by no means retiring! Following the reception, she went back to work in her office. For many years, she served as Administrative Assistant, retiring on her 80th birthday in 2014. But she was gone for just two weeks, re-hired by request of Sheriff Adams. Pinky works part-time now as Administrative Consultant.
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Analyses Defensive Effort Against Royse City Last Friday
Wildcats Football Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra said his defense did alright Friday night (September 20), especially during the first half, against Royse City at Gerald Prim Stadium. He said during the first half, the Wildcats defense got a couple of turnovers and helped earn a safety. Coach Guerra said during the second half, the defense got a little tired. They did get another turnover/ He said the defense played hard against a pretty strong opponent. Coach Guerra said defensive tackle D’Andre Peoples is getting better every week. He said Peoples stayed positive all night long. Defensive tackle Cameron Kaufert is playing with a soft cast on one hand. Coach Guerra said Kaufert gives you all he’s got and added that a one-handed Kaufert is better than some kids with two hands. He said outside linebacker Kylan Wade did a great job and made a couple of big plays. Coach Guerra said Wade is growing as a leader. He said Wade used to yell and scream but now encourages his teammates. Coach Guerra said he’s excited by the play of outside linebacker Aidan Walker. He said Wade, Walker and outside linebacker Cameron Hargrave are all contributing. Coach Guerra said cornerback Dominique Sims was given quite a challenge Friday. He was guarding Royse City’s speedy wide out Ketron Jackson. Coach Guerra said Sims had a consistent game. He said safety Chase Haney is the #1 leader of the defense and is the quarterback for the unit. He said Haney makes defensive adjustments and checks. Coach Guerra said he and Haney have a good relationship. He said he is proud of the Wildcats because they keep working hard.
Argyle and Liberty-Eylau Sub-Varsities Play at The Prim Thursday Evening
It’s a bye week for the Wildcats varsity football team and their sub-varsities but there is still Thursday (September 26) evening football at Gerald Prim Stadium. Sub-varsity teams from Argyle and Liberty-Eylau will be playing at The Prim Thursday evening. The Argyle and Liberty-Eylau freshmen teams will play beginning at 5:30 p.m. The two teams’ JV teams will get started at around 7 p.m. Thursday. The varsity teams will get together for a big game Friday night at The Prim. The Friday game kicks off at around 7:30 p.m. The Liberty-Eylau Head Football Coach is former Wildcat Klint King, son of former Wildcats Head Football Coach and Sulphur Springs High School Principal Chuck King. Former Wildcat Martin Bryant is on Coach King’s Liberty-Eylau coaching staff.
Sheriff’s Investigator Warns: Beware Of People Asking For Payment By Phone
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford cautions citizens to guard against people asking for financial payment by phone. This is especially true of people claiming to represent law enforcement, particularly sheriff’s office staff.
Weatherford released the following scam alert:
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has become aware that people are representing themselves as Members of Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. These individuals are using scams including you have an arrest warrant, missed jury duty, and other potentially unknown strategies by phone. Each of these will result in asking for personal information and ultimately payment of money. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER ask you to pay a fine or other money by phone. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office would only take any payment in person at our Sheriff’s Office.
If you have been contacted and actually sent funds usually by the use of prepaid cards to what you believe to be Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, please contact the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office (903) 438-4040
Pursuing National Parks Experiences in Europe, Plus Local Fun, Recreation at Cooper Lake State Park
Steve Killian, Complex Manager for Cooper Lake State Park, carries the banner every day for an active lifestyle, and hopefully one where you get fresh air and sunshine! During his work and on his own, this active park employee walks or hikes every day, logging 4-5 miles and resulting in 10,000-12,000 steps per day or more. He reminds us that natural sunlight builds Vitamin D right on the surface of the skin, and unlike Vitamin D supplements, provides many other health benefits and ways to just feel better! And, breathing fresh air deeply is a simple, free, and health-giving habit that anyone can take advantage of!
Killian just returned from a 9-day international trip, specially arranged for outdoor experiences in some of the National Parks systems. He visited England and climbed the highest mountain in the country, ‘Scaffold Pike’ which is 3,200 feet above sea level. The 6-hour hike actually gained him over 4,000 feet of vertical climbing however, as a smaller mountain had to be covered before reaching the foot of Scaffold Pike. He said the climb and the view made it an entirely exhilarating experience. Listening to the BBC on the radio, he was favorably impressed with the nation’s initiative to get England’s students outdoors more during their school day. Next, on to Scotland where Killian visited the University of Glasgow and got to walk extensively on the grounds of the ancient campus, which is actually the fourth-oldest university in the world. Following that, he took a boat cruise up and down Loch Ness. Parties aboard the 2-hour cruise searched the water by sight and by sonar in hopes of seeing ‘the monster’ but no sightings were reported. KIllian’s theory is that the very dark waters and a particular undulation of waves made by passing boats can fool the eye into seeing ‘sea monsters’ on top of the water! Other wildlife and breathtaking views were captured by camera. Over in Ireland, lots of walking through the streets and pub areas yielded great sights as well as conversation with locals for Killian on this, his first International trip for cultural and natural studies.
Killian reports that Cooper Lake water is still warm and there are at least a few more weekends to enjoy swimming and other lake experiences, and that the hiking trails on both sides of Cooper Lake are actually quite inviting year-round. Cooper Lake State Park encompasses both the Delta County ‘Doctors Creek’ Unit and the Hopkins County ‘South Sulphur’ Unit. You are invited to a free outdoor concert on Saturday October 5, 2019 at the Lone Pine Boat Ramp area at Doctor’s Creek. This will be a 4-hour music festival starting at 5pm, featuring a number of different bands and acts like Birthright Blues Project, Janice Diane, and East Texas Mood Shine. Nature programs and information will also be offered free to everyone who attends the festival. Bring your lawn chairs, or bring your boat and enjoy the music out across the water.
Killian will return for another KSST Good Morning Show interview on November 21, 2019. Be sure and tune in!
Commerce ISD Teacher Receives We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship
COMMERCE, TX— Third-grade teacher Meagan Heath recently accepted the 2019 We Teach Texas Leadership Fellow Scholarship, funded by The Texas A&M University System. The scholarship helps prepare talented teachers for leadership roles in high-needs districts.
A&M-Commerce partnered with Commerce ISD to select a qualified local scholarship recipient. Among the requirements, candidates were required to possess a strong academic record, a history of achievement and strong leadership skills.
According to Lisa Palazzetti, principal at A.C. Williams Elementary in Commerce, “Meagan exhibits fine qualities of a model teacher and employee…she is extremely knowledgeable and skilled as a master teacher in instruction, best practices, classroom management, technology and data intervention.”
Heath received her undergraduate degree from A&M-Commerce in 2011 and has dedicated her entire career to third graders at A.C. Williams Elementary. With almost a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she feels ready for the next step in her career.
“My goal is to break into the administration field and to one day become a school principal,” Heath said. “I want to create a school culture that brings excitement back into education and ensures that my students receive the highest quality of education.”
According to Heath, the We Teach Texas principal scholarship opened the door to her future. “Without this scholarship, I would not be able to attend this master’s program,” she said. “I am a recent widow and am raising my four-year-old son as a single parent. I want to show him that no matter what obstacles you face, you should never give up on your goals.”
Dr. Mark J. Reid, associate dean of the A&M-Commerce College of Education and Human Services, predicts that the principal scholarship program will impact Commerce ISD children in a significant and positive way.
“Meagan’s excellence in the classroom will undoubtedly help her translate her experience into becoming a visionary leader who puts the needs of students and teachers at the forefront,” Reid said.
Commerce ISD Superintendent Charlie Alderman agrees. “We are very excited for Ms. Heath and the opportunity she has to advance her career,” Alderman said. “We hope to always be able to grow our own future administrators. They already have a relationship with our students, parents and community.”
Heath began her graduate education at A&M-Commerce in August 2019, and she is enthused about her future in education. “My goal as a teacher and as a future administrator is to use my leadership skills, make more connections with the families in my community and make a larger impact on the academic lives of students,” Heath said. “For this reason, I desire to strengthen my educational background and become a principal.”
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About Texas A&M University-Commerce: A&M-COMMERCE serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” We are committed to our university’s mission: Educate. Discover. Achieve.
Programs are delivered on-site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
About the A&M System: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $4.69 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 150,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $996 million in FY 2017 and helped drive the state’s economy.
