City-Wide Clean Up Announced For April 8-13
Sulphur Springs residents will have an opportunity next month to get rid of unwanted most household items during the city’s annual City-Wide Clean Up.
The clean up will be conducted 1/4-mile east of Flowserve from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, April 8 through Saturday, April 13.
“About half the time, people bring tree limbs and brush, sofas, things of that nature. Unfortunately, if we don’t do this, things might end up in road ditches. We do this to keep the community cleaned up,” Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell said.
Appliances will be accepted, provided they do not have refrigerant. Those that do must provide documentation that the item has been inspected and refrigerant has been removed.
There are a few other restrictions as well that people should be aware of before taking items to the clean up site. No paint, batteries, tires or other household hazardous wastes will be accepted.
This service is offered only for city residents, not commercial or people who reside outside the city. The Sulphur Springs resident must provide a driver’s license or identification card and a city water bill to show proof of residency when dropping items off.
“You can’t put everything in the trash or at the curb. This is easy for people in town,” Maxwell said.
City residents who have large items to get rid of do have another option for disposal on a monthly basis, the city manager said. The city pays a $49 fee to Republic Maloy Landfill, located at 281 FM 1568 in Campbell, which allows city residents to take one truck load, covered with a tarp and tied down, to the site one time per month.
Maxwell said there will be people on-hand to help city residents who do take advantage of the City-Wide Spring Clean Up by bringing items to dump. They can help with some items but residents for the most part will be responsible for offloading their own items.
Hopkins County officials are also expected to announce clean up days during which county residents can dispose of unwanted items as well. The commissioners court has yet to formally approve clean up days, but the clean up is anticipated to be April 19-20, at the four county precinct barns. Similar restrictions regarding items that can be dumped would apply.
North Hopkins Baseball Has Near No-Hitter
North Hopkins Baseball 10, Fruitvale 0 North Hopkins Just Misses Out on No-Hitter in 10-0 Win
North Hopkins’ baseball pitcher Caleb Wyatt lost his no-hitter in the game’s last inning as the Panthers defeated Fruitvale soundly, 10-0 Tuesday. Wyatt threw a six inning one-hit shutout striking out 12. Meanwhile the North Hopkins batters got 8 hits and committed no errors. Brycen Gillespie got North Hopkins started with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the first inning that made it a 1-0 game. The Panthers added three more runs in the third inning to go up, 4-0. North Hopkins added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and 4 more runs in the sixth to wrap up the 10-0 victory. Gillespie was one for two with a run scored and three RBIs. Kevin Clement hit a solo home run in the fifth inning and was 2 for 4 with a run scored and two RBIs. Geoffrey Stewart had an RBI. Colby Cameron was 2 for 4 with four runs scored. Victor Rojo was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Branson Thomas also had a hit.
Wildcat Baseball Suffers Tough Loss
Wildcats Have an Evening to Forget at Wildcat Park
The Wildcats’ baseball team had a very tough night at home Tuesday night (March 26) as the Royse City Bulldogs left town with a lopsided, 11-3 win. The Bulldogs pounded out 18 hits while the Wildcats could only get 5. Still for most of the night, the Wildcats kept hanging around. Going into the top of the seventh inning, the Wildcats only trailed, 5-3. Royse City removed all the drama with a big 6 run seventh that pushed the score to 11-3. The Bulldogs scored first in the game with two runs in the second inning to lead 2-0. The Wildcats got to within a run in the third inning. Jaxon Chaney had an RBI single driving home Bryce McQueen who had singled. Royse City responded with three runs in the top of the fourth to go ahead 5-1. The Wildcats chipped away at the lead with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. In the fourth, Pacen Edwards got on base on a throwing error. Austin Dodd’s RBI single scored Edwards. In the fifth, Jace Thompson singled and Kamren Harrison doubled. Will Sims ground out scored Thompson. That made it 5-3. Then came Royse City’s big top of the seventh. Both the Bulldogs and the Wildcats are now tied near the bottom of the district standings with 2-4 records. The Wildcats’ season record is now 10-5. Royse City is 2-0 in district play against the Wildcats. The two teams play their third and final district game against each other Friday night at Royse City.
County Firefighters Respond To Second Structure Fire In 2 Days
County firefighters’ quick response to a FM 1567 building fire Tuesday afternoon limited the amount of damage sustained by the blaze.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday morning, but nothing suspicious had been identified in connection with the blaze, according to Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley.
“The guys got a quick knock down on it. There was not a lot of heavy fire damage. It was more smoke than anything. They did a fantastic job getting a quick attack. The owner was on scene and appreciative, and able to help us access things,” Endsley said.
Hopkins County, Brinker, Arbala and Pickton Pine-Forest firefighters were all credited with responding to the blaze in an old electrical parts business building. Yantis and Land’s End firefighters were also dispatched to the FM 1567 fire, but were disregarded prior to arrival, Endsley said.
Tuesday’s fire was the second county firefighters responded to in two days. Hopkins County, Arbala, Miller Grove and Sulphur Springs firefighters at 3:25 p.m. Monday, March 25, also were dispatched to a mobile home fire caused by a malfunctioning hot water heater on State Highway 154 south of Sulphur Springs.
“The fire was under control quickly. There was no damage to the home aside from the center point of origin,” Endsley said.
SSHS Ag Mechanics Students Earn Recognition At Shows For Projects
March 27, 2019 – The Sulphur Springs FFA Agriculture Mechanics Show team has had a successful show season this year.
Overall, five projects built by 12 students were exhibited at five shows: the State Fair of Texas, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo, NETLA Ag Mechanics Show and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
All the projects exhibited received a blue ribbon at every show, and two projects placed in their respective classes. A blue ribbon is awarded to projects that earn at least 90 out of a possible 100 points when being judged. Also notable is the fact that two of the ag mechanics students were involved with two projects that earned recognition at competition.
Austin Crouse and Haydan Keller’s Western themed bench placed third in a class of more than 30 at the State Fair of Texas.
Cameron Zahn, Noah Hemby and Kaleb Mills placed fifth in class at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with their 27-foot gooseneck hay trailer.
Also recognized for the effort and hard work they put forth to construct quality projects which won blue ribbons were Jermond Bryant, Shane Gilbert and Colby Pace for their 10-foot welding trailer; Lucas Johnson, Nathan Keller and Jose Santacruz for their chop saw table; and Haydan Keller, George Greenway and Austin Crouse for their front end loader platform.
“We would like to congratulate these students on their success,” SSHS FFA Advisor and ag mechanics teacher J.T. Luper.
The Sulphur Springs agricultural mechanics and welding classes are now preparing for a busy spring filled with various welding contests, including build-offs, certification contests and a the new Area VI FFA Career Development Event of welding and fabrication, according to Looper.
Contests of this nature are designed to challenge students’ skill directly in competition against students from all sizes of schools. Competitors are required to exercise their knowledge and skills in simulated real life scenarios with the potential prizes including certifications.
“We are also enthused to host our annual BBQ Build-off on May 10. We would like to take a moment to thank our sponsors from last year which include Seitz Fundraising, Matheson Tri-Gas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Alliance Bank and Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op. Without their support the contest would not have been the success it was. We would also like to thank the support from our community which contributes greatly to our success,” Luper said.
Ladycat Softball Wins Against Lindale
Lady Cats Softball 4, Lindale 0
Strong Pitching Carries Lady Cats to Win Over Lindale
Lady Cats pitcher Bailey Haggerty threw a complete game 3 hit shutout to lead the Lady Cats to a 4-0 win over Lindale on the road Tuesday evening (March 26). Haggerty also struck out one and walked three. The Lady Cats had seven hits and did not have any errors. Kate Womack provided the only run Haggerty would need when she hit a home run to give the Lady Cats a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Lindale made five errors and one of them occurred in the Lady Cats three run top of the third. Brinklee Driver had a big double in the big inning. Driver was 3 for 4 with two doubles and a triple. She also had two RBIs. Kelsey Wallace, Sierra Smith and Nylah Lindley also had hits for the Lady Cats. The Lady Cats improved their district record to 3-0. Their season record is 17-4. The Lady Cats play at Mount Pleasant Friday night.
Basic Tips To Prevent Poultry Diseases
By Mario Villarino, DVM, Ph.D., Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
Animal disease prevention is responsibility of all members of the farming community.
Poultry flocks represent a special challenge as far as public and animal health is concerned because smaller flocks are usually kept without veterinary care or sometimes maintained by people with limited experience. Also, even when those flocks are small in backyard flocks together those flocks can hold significant amounts of birds. Another challenge is that unusual mortality rates are hard to identify.
As part of its overall mission to protect American agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works to keep the country’s livestock and poultry healthy. APHIS works to keep foreign animal diseases out of the country and responds when cases do appear in the nation’s herds and flocks.
One disease of concern in virulent Newcastle disease, previously referred to as Exotic Newcastle Disease. Virulent Newcastle disease is a deadly viral disease affecting all species of birds. Virulent Newcastle disease spreads quickly and can infect and cause death even in vaccinated poultry. All bird owners should be aware of the basics, how to help prevent the disease, and the steps to take if you suspect your birds may have it.
Know the Signs of Virulent Newcastle Disease
If you see any of the following signs in your birds, they could be sick and should be checked out: sudden death and increased death loss in flock; sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing; greenish, watery diarrhea; decreased activity, tremors, drooping wings, twisting of head and neck, circling, complete stiffness; and swelling around the eyes and neck.
Report Sick Birds ASAP
If your birds are sick or dying, report it right away! Early detection and testing of possible cases of virulent Newcastle disease is critical to preventing a large-scale outbreak.Contact your agricultural extension office/agent, local veterinarian, local animal health diagnostic laboratory, or the State veterinarian. Or, call USDA toll free at 1-866-536-7593, and we’ll put you in touch with a local contact. There’s no charge for a disease investigation.
How Virulent Newcastle Disease Spreads
Virulent Newcastle disease spreads when healthy birds come in direct contact with bodily fluids from sick birds. The disease affects almost all birds and poultry, even vaccinated poultry. The virus can travel on manure, egg flats, crates, other farming materials or equipment, and people who have picked up the virus on their clothing, shoes, or hands.
Prevent Virulent Newcastle Disease with Good Biosecurity
The best way to keep your birds healthy is to practice biosecurity. Birds can become sick or die from exposure to just a few unseen bacteria, viruses or parasites. In a single day, these germs can multiply and infect every bird on your premises.
So protect your birds by taking a few simple steps. These include:
Restricting traffic onto and off of your property.
Disinfecting shoes, clothes, hands, egg trays or flats, crates, vehicles, and tires.
Avoiding visits to other poultry farms or bird owners. If you do, be sure to change clothes and clean your hands and shoes before entering your own bird area.
Washing hands and scrubbing boots before and after entering a poultry area; and Isolating any birds returning from shows for 30 days before placing them with the rest of the flock.
Smart Practices When Buying Birds
Buy from a reputable hatchery or dealer, and request certification from suppliers that the birds were legally imported or come from U.S. stock and were healthy before shipment.
Also, maintain records of all sales and shipments of flocks. Keep new birds separated from your other birds for at least 30 days. Keep young and old birds and birds of different species and from different sources apart.
COMING UP …
Homeowners Maintenance of Aerobic Septic Systems: April 16, 2019.
Hopkins County Plant Sale (Native Plants): April 26, 2019.
Private Pesticide Applicator Training for new applicants: May 15, 2019.
For more information related to any of these programs, contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Wildcats Track Update From Coach Tyson
Track Coach Derek Tyson Said Wildcats Athletes Got a Lot Out of Jesuit Relays
Lady Cats Track Coach Derek Tyson took nine Wildcats to the prestigious Jesuit Sheaner Relays in Dallas Saturday (March 23). Coach Tyson said it was a positive day with a high level of competition and was also a great learning experience. He said the Wildcats got a chance to observe lots of elite athletes. Coach Tyson encouraged the Wildcats to mimic the great performers. He said the opportunity to compete at that level was extraordinary. Coach Tyson said the Wildcats now know what they need to do to get to the next level. Jeremiah Roland finished second in the high jump with a leap of 6-foot-2. Coach Tyson said pole vaulter Eli Sellers did not get the result he wanted but was able to pick up some things from other competitors. He said Nabian Ramirez ran a 2:04 in the 800-meter run. Coach Tyson said Ramirez won his heat but did not have anyone pushing him to improve his time. Landry Tyson qualified for the finals in the 300-meter hurdles with a six place finish. Tyson ended up taking third place. Coach Tyson said the finish makes him think Landry may be able to qualify for state if he builds on momentum from the Jesuit Relays against what will likely be his regional competition. The Wildcats also had Landon Thornton and Christian Palomino in the 3200-meters and 1600-meters. Kylan Wade was in the 110-meter hurdles. Ricardo Torres ran the 400-meter run. Torres, Ramirez, Rhett Reed and Tyson ran the 4×400-meter relay race. The Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track teams will compete at a Sunnyvale meet Thursday.
Powerlifters Compete At State Meet
Three Wildcats Compete at State Powerlifting Meet Last Saturday
All three Wildcats finished in the top twenty in the state at the State Powerlifting Meet held last Saturday (March 23) in Abilene. Wildcats Powerlifting Coach Casey Jeter and Assistant Coach Alex Guerra took Oscar Yanez, Carson Bridges and George Greenway to the state meet. Coach Jeter said weigh in took place Friday and all three of the Wildcats made weight. Yanez lifts in the 114 pound weight class, Bridges in the 181 pound weight class and Greenway in the 198 pound class. Coach Jeter said Yanez finished 16th, Bridges 18th and Greenway in the top 20. He said the state meet seems to be getting more competitive. Coach Jeter said it was an awesome display of strength. He said one 114-pound lifter dead lifted 470 pounds and a 148-pound lifter had a 425 pound bench press. Coach Jeter said all of his lifters competed very well on the big stage. He said he was proud of his guys and thankful for all of their hard work.
Upcoming Agrilife Extension Events
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Department of Transportation are sponsoring a Car Seat Checkup event on Wednesday, April 3, on the Lowe’s Parking Lot in Sulphur Springs, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Technicians will be on hand to check for proper installation, size, and condition of the child’s car seat. A new child safety seat will be provided at no charge if there are problems with the current seat. Bring the child and know the child’s weight and height. For more information, contact Johanna Hicks, 903-885-3443.
“Be Well, Live Well – a Program on Healthy Aging” series will be held May. Sessions are scheduled for May 6, 9, 13, and 16, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. There is no charge for the series. Topics include: Be Independent, Eat Well; Be Able, Read the Label; Be Safe, Eat Safe; Be Creative, Plan Meals; and Be Fit, Move More. Participants are asked to reserve a seat by May 2 so adequate preparations can be made. Contact Johanna Hicks for more information and to RSVP by calling 903-885-3443.
The next Twogether in Texas Marriage Education workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Topics covered include marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goal setting. Lunch and refreshments are provided. The workshop is open to engaged, seriously dating, and married couples. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. There is no charge for the workshop. Contact Johanna Hicks to reserve a seat.
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Family & Community Health Agent
P.O. Box 518
1200-B W. Houston
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
Phone: 903-885-3443
