Hopkins County Has Gone Hog Wild
By Savannah Owens
What is going on with all these wild hogs? KSST set out to find out the best ways to manage the hog problem.
We spoke with Extension Agent Mario Villarino, TAMUC’s Dr. Johanna Delado-Acevedo, and Wild Boar Outfitters Owner, Marcus Keith to get to the root of this major problem.
Don’t be confused by the names! Wild hogs, Wild pigs, Feral pigs, etc. all are the same animal. However: wild hogs are not Javelinas. “Wild pigs are a non-native species, introduced by Spaniards as domestic pigs and later escaped. Javelinas are native to the new world, and the White-Collar Javelina is the native species found in Texas.” says Dr. Delado-Acevedo.
Wild hogs travel in groups called “Sounders-made up of 2-3 sows and their young.” Villarino explained that these tribes often contain “20-30 pigs at one time.” These groups can do major damage in just one night.
Marcus Keith used an analogy to explain the massive problem. “If Texas has [about] One million hogs, and if we kill nine out of ten hogs the next year well still have Two million.” Hogs can have ten to twelve piglets in a litter and can have two to three litters a year. Keith clarified “The only way to catch them all is to trap them.”
Wild pigs have many different colors: black, white, spotted. They are “smaller than commercial pigs because they exercise.” Villarino mentioned. They are also omnivores and eat a variety of types of food from corn crops and berries to snakes, and even sometimes each other.
Dr. Delgado-Acevedo explained the main causes for destruction is that the “wild pigs compete for resources with native wildlife and predate domestic livestock and ungulate game species. In addition, wild pigs are a significant threat to agriculture (grain, peanut, soybean, cotton, and vegetable crops) and soils due to rooting and trampling.” Rooting is the process wild hogs use to break up the soil and dig under crops or grasses. “Wild pigs also transmit diseases that affect humans and livestock such as pseudorabies, brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and foot and mouth disease.”
All three of the experts agreed that if you see any signs of hogs on your property you need to take action immediately. There are two main types of ways to get rid of wild hogs: Trapping and Hunting. Other methods like poison are risky as it could affect other wildlife or domestic animals.
Trapping-If you are going to trap hogs you want to trap the whole sounder. If you only have a small trap you won’t be catching enough of the hogs. The rest of the group will continue to destroy your land. Keith described the best type of trap which would ideally be a permanent trap about 25ft wide, with a “T-Post every 4ft” to strengthen it. He encourages trappers to put a top on it, or make it around 7ft tall, because wild hogs can “jump as high as deer”. If you decide to trap the wild hogs, make sure to provide shade or some form of protection from the heat because the hogs cannot sweat, and will overheat and die if left out in the sun.
Hunting-The cons to this method are similar to a smaller trap. It doesn’t kill a majority of the hogs. Villarino mentioned that hunting them may scare them off for awhile but within a few years they’ll be back. However, in Texas, there are no regulations for hunting wild pigs on your property. If it is on your property you don’t need a hunting license, if it is not your property you will need a small game license. “You can hunt them Twenty-Four hours a day, seven days a week.” Keith said, before offering additional advice to those with hog problems. They are usually best hunted at night around 2:00am. “If you are using a spot light let the authorities know [beforehand.” Keith has also found night vision scopes to work well.
Dr. Delgado-Acevedo noted that landowners should use “use a combination
on [hogs] and in a large area of land, possible establishing cooperatives of landowners [because] only one method is not enough.”
If you decide to try and trap the wild hogs on your property you may sell them to restaurants or production facilities. Often times restaurants will only purchase live hogs, and they will need to be taken to an “Approved Feral Swine Facility” There are three in the surrounding area: Cumby, Rains, and Winnsboro.
Villarino emphasized that there were two sides to the issues of managing the wild hog population. One side views the hogs as a pest, and wants them eradicated. The other views these hogs as a resource, and wants to keep them alive to be able to hunt and eat them. “The surprising thing is nobody should go hungry in Texas-there’s enough hogs to feed everyone.” Marcus Keith added.
All three of the experts agreed that wild hog meat was quite good and available for human consumption. Keith cautioned hunters and chefs to make sure they cook the meat fully, he also encouraged people to “be aware of the hogs in the area. They’re not as dangerous as they seem, unless you hunt them with dogs. [However, you should still remain cautious, and if you’re] driving at night have your bright lights on, and don’t speed because [if you hit a hog] it will mess up your car”.
If you see or find hogs on your property your best option is to use multiple methods to get rid of them. Trap and hunt them. Because Wild Hogs are nomadic, you want to ensure they don’t come back.
Memorial Day: The Price of Freedom
By Savannah Owens
Flags decorated downtown businesses and multi-generational families were out enjoying the nice weather this Memorial day weekend. Many Sulphur Springs residents also celebrated Memorial day with the annual Red, White and Brews festival on the square on Saturday night. But Memorial day is more than a day off or a fun event on the square.
Memorial day is for honoring the soldiers who have died serving their country, not soldiers/veterans still living. What is the price of freedom? 245. Not dollars. But Lives.
There are 245 crosses on the lawn next to the courthouse, each representing a Hopkins County military person who gave their life in service during the: Gulf War, Korean War, Vietnam War, WWI, WWII, or the Civil War. Think about the people who lost their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, and friends. Those who died protecting the people of America, the residents of Hopkins County, and died protecting you.
The crosses were assembled and painted by Harold Smithson’s construction class at Sulphur Springs High School. There were also two silhouette cutouts of soldiers joining the crosses this year, put up by the Hopkins County Marine Corp League. Surrounded by the flags and patriotism on the square this was definitely a day of remembrance.
So while you may be enjoying a day off work, and spending time with loved ones-barbecuing, swimming, or just enjoying the beautiful weather, take time to think about and appreciate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.
Dinner Bell Menu For May 29th, 2019
Community Partner: The Knights of Columbus of St. James Catholic Church
Herb Roasted Pork Loin
Rice Pilaf
Italian Cut Green Beans
Salad Extravaganza
Hot Yeast Rolls
Lemon Cake To Die For
Baked Pears (the no added sugar dessert)
Schools out. The days are getting longer. Relax and have a cold drink of tea and a wholesome meal at Dinner Bell. Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church ). Hope to see you!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Fm 2653 Traffic Stop Nets 2 Grams of Methamphetamine, 1 Arrest
A traffic stop on FM 2653 south of State Highway 11 resulted in location of approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine and Jessica Lanae Bentle’s arrest.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Burdick reported stopping a Dodge Ram 1500 at 9:34 p.m. for a defective stop lamp. He noted the driver, identified in arrest reports as 31-year-old Bentle of Commerce, exhibited signs of nervousness, could not sit still and kept looking around the truck. When asked, she reportedly refused to allow a search of the pickup.
Thus, Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cleve Williams was contacted to bring his canine partner, Kilo, to the location to conduct a sniff search around the vehicle. The dog gave a positive alert for contraband, resulting in a search, according to arrest reports.
Officers alleged finding a suspected methamphetamine pipe and a baggy of suspected methamphetamine, resulting in the woman’s arrest. The substance field tested positive as meth and weighed about 2 grams, Burdick noted in arrest reports. Consequently, Bentle was charged with possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Bentle remained in the county jail at noon Saturday. Bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
GPS Used to Track Stolen Truck, Driver to Mockingbird Lane Parking Lot
A 31-year-old Tennessee truck driver was arrested at 9:50 a.m. Friday on Mockingbird Lane, after he was tracked using GPS in a company truck he did not return as requested.
Texas Department of Public Safety was contacted regarding a stolen tractor and semi-trailer alleged to be heading east on Interstate 30 around 10 a.m. Friday. The owner of the vehicle reportedly provided GPS coordinates regarding the vehicle’s location; DPS Trooper Aaron Hanna reported seeing the Volvo exit I-30 east onto Shannon Road, then turn south onto Mockingbird Lane, where it pulled into a restaurant parking lot.
Hanna contacted the driver, identified in arrest reports as Malcom X Holmes of Memphis, and ordered him out of the truck. During an interview, Holmes allegedly told officials he believed the company we was working for was going to terminate his employment, and did not return the truck as directed by the owner.
The owner reportedly told Hanna he’d tried to contact Holmes several times by phone and sent messages via the electronic log system, but received no answer to his calls and received no response to the messages. The owner opted to file charges against the man, thus he was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle, Hanna alleged in arrest reports.
Holmes remained in the county jail at noon Saturday. Bond was set at $5,000 on the unauthorized use of vehicle charge, according to jail reports.
Man Jailed Following Disturbance With Woman
A 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested early Saturday at motel was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest, following a disturbance with a woman in a hotel parking lot.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl.Chris Rosamond reported contacting Jamie Lee Lindsay and a female at 12:36 a.m. about a disturbance he observed between the two in the parking lot of a motel in the 1500 block of East Industrial Drive Rosamond alleged the man displayed indicators Lindsay was possibly under the influence of narcotics.
During a pat down Rosamond reported feeling what to him felt like a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The man was reported to be uncooperative with him during the pat down, and was placed into handcuffs until another officer arrived to assist.
Rosamond said he then checked the area where Lindsay had reportedly walked toward and found a baggy with a crystallized substance believed to be methamphetamine. Lindsay was arrested for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, which weighed 4.8 grams in the packaging and tested positive as methamphetamine, Rosamond and Officer Nick Floyd alleged in arrest reports.
Lindsay reportedly became irritated and began resisting arrest with physical strength and resisting movements against the officers; he was taken to the ground until another unit arrived to transport Lindsay to jail, where he was also charged with resisting arrest, police alleged in arrest reports.
Lindsay remained in the county jail late Saturday morning on both charges, according to jail reports.
284 Candidates Honored At SSHS Class of 2019 Graduation
The Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2019 commencement exercises at Gerald Prim Stadium did not include a lot of fan fare; the graduation ceremony was direct and to the point, finishing in under 2 hours.
Aside from introductions by administrators and speeches from the valedictorian and salutatorian, the high school band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the seniors entered the field in pairs. Cameron Horton sang the “Star Spangled Banner,” following the posting of colors.
Superintendent Michael Lamb opened the ceremony, noting that of the 22 graduations he’s had the pleasure to be part of, including seven in Sulphur Springs, this one is different. He now knows what it’s like to be the parent of one of the graduates.
He said he’s had the opportunity to see from an administrative as well as parent standpoint the passion with which the class of 2019 has approached their endeavors and in many instances not only succeeded, but set many new records, some personal, others district and a few state records. They too have “more community service than any other group,” Lamb said.
Lamb described the SSHS class of 2019 as a “class of champs and go-getters,” and encouraged them to continue attacking life’s challenges moving forward with the same fire they’ve attacked the many challenges this school year.
As they pursue their own goals, he reminded them to always remember they have each other, as well as the family and friends, to turn to for support when they are faced with difficulties. He said the graduates can also still count on all SSISD staff, who are “here for you as well.”
Salutatorian Maddie Millsap challenged her classmates, as well as those present at graduation, to be the best at whatever they do and pursue that which truly satisfies their hearts.
“If we all strive to be the best we can be, think of how we could change the world and everyone around us,” Millsap said.
Valedictorian Carissa Carter, during her address, noted the legacy the class of 2019 is leaving at SSHS, one that does include new records set, but also the character they’ve shown through their actions.
Carter encouraged her fellow graduates to take the lessons they have learned at SSISD with them on their life journey, challenged them to be there for each other, to with servants’ hearts, provide unfailing support of each other as they face the world.
She encouraged them to push through when they make mistakes and mess up, as people do. She reminded her classmates as they cross the threshold into adulthood and the next phase of their lives, to remember the journey is as important and the destination. The graduates’ happiness, she said, will be the results of the choices they make.
She challenged her classmates and the crowd to do everything in their power to reach their potential in all they do, because that is when they’ll be truly happiest. She asked them to consider their contributions, to make the world a better place by being in it.
SSHS Principal Derek Driver certified all 284 candidates present had met all all terms for graduation, and presented them to the school board for approval.
SSISD Board of Trustees President Robbin Vaughn affirmed the graduates. She said she could not miss the opportunity to note what “caring, patient and kind” individuals the Class of 2019 are.
“I’m encouraged to think the impact you will have as you go into the world, taking these qualities with you,” Vaughn said.
The graduates then were called to the stage by name, and after all had been affirmed, the class was dismissed by Driver, celebrating with a hat toss.
Art Briles Named New Head Football Coach At Mount Vernon High School
Mount Vernon ISD Superintendent Jason McCullough announced Art Briles has been approved by the school board as the new head high school football coach. Below is a press release from the school regarding the hiring:
Hopkins County Records for the Week of May 31, 2019
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Joshua Avery Askew and Amber Nicole Matheson
- Fernando Ortiz Escamilia and Yoanna Erend Tellez Amaro
- Rydon Joseph Naquin and Sarah Tayler Avellanet
- Mark Leon Winslow and Margaret Regina Boone
Paris District Road Report for the week of May 27, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 27, 2019. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Rd. to US 75. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers continue widening FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from FM 691 to US 82. Watch for traffic shifts and slow moving vehicles as workers overlay the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional one lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between FM 120 and Crawford Street. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts as workers work on constructing the retaining walls and new on ramp for this project. The southbound US 75 exit ramp for Crawford Street is closed and traffic wishing to use this exit should use the FM 120 (Morton Street) exit.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Sherman, Grayson County: on the northbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Choctaw Creek and FM 1417. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the main lanes and a left lane closure on the frontage road as workers work on constructing the new exit ramp and entrance ramp. Workers plan to switch traffic to the new exit ramp the week of May 28th.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night thru Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete locations. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile operations as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary day time lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 56, Grayson County: from FM 901 to SH 289. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
West Line Road at Jordan Creek, Grayson County: West Line Road at Jordan Creek is closed to traffic as crews work on replacing the bridge at this location.
SH 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121. Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
ADA Curb Ramp project, Grayson and Fannin County: various locations. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as crews work in Whitewright to install new sidewalks and curb ramps along FM 151 and FM 898.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for lane closures on FM 100, SH 78 and SH 121 as crews work to construct the new westbound US 82 bridge overpasses.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 11, Fannin and Hunt County: from SH 78 to SH 34: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on overlaying the roadway with hot mix.
FM 816 & Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to SH 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 68 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 37, Franklin County: From Mt. Vernon to Winnsboro. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform miscellaneous work; flaggers will direct traffic.
SH 19, Hopkins County: At FM 71 in Birthright. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews begin performing milling operations and shoulder work for a turn lane construction project.
SH 154, Hopkins County: From Houston Street to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform curb repair; flaggers will direct traffic.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
BU 271B (Clarksville Street – from Loop 286 to 24th St.), Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform pavement resurfacing.
BU 271B (Clarksville Street) at Collegiate Drive; US 82H (Lamar Street) at 20th Street; US 82 at FM 38, Lamar County: Watch for work zones as signal and flashing beacon work is performed.
US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as workers widen and reconstruct existing pavement.
US 271 safety upgrades, Red River County: from FM 410 to the Red River-Titus County line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as work continues.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
FM 2648 widening, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as work continues. Pine Creek Bridge is down to one lane in order to upgrade the bridge rail. Temporary traffic signals and signs are in place to direct traffic.
SH 24 expansion, Delta County: from Cooper, Texas, southwestward towards Commerce. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66 and FM 36, Hunt County: The new traffic light at this intersection is fully active and operating properly. Please be cautious while traveling through any intersection.
FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. Construction of the bridge to route I-30 over FM 2642 is in the final stages. The contractor began the final traffic switch on May 9. The contractor will be doing night closures intermittently over the next week. Be cautious in this area and watch the signs. Please be aware of posted speed limits while traveling through this construction area, and prepare for some delays while the work is finished and traffic is switched to the final configuration.
SH 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and SH 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Crews have completed final striping and milled in rumble strips have been placed. Be cautious when driving across intersecting streets. Contractor is finalizing grading ditches and establishing vegetation.
ADA ramp construction, Hunt County: SH 11 in Commerce. Workers have completed installing ramps, sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, handrails, pedestrian push buttons and other pedestrian elements to aid the mobility of disabled citizens. A TDLR inspection for project acceptance will be conducted soon.
US 69, Hunt County: from O’Neal Street in Greenville to the intersection of US 69 and US 380. Work on this paving project is completed. Seeding has been completed and final project items have been addressed.
SH 34 and FM 816, Hunt County: from SH 276 south to the Hunt-Kaufman County line on SH 34, and from SH 34 to the Hunt-Fannin County line on FM 816. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM1903 and IH30 frontage road, Hunt County: A project installing curb and gutter is underway. Please be cautious when traveling through this intersection. Watch out for workers in this work zone.
Traffic Safety Notes:
Maintenance crews are working on sealcoat preparation at various locations; please be cautious when traveling near our crews.
