Tira News for Dec 14th, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
Tira Volunteer Firefighters were recognized at the Community Christmas Party.
I didn’t receive any reports this week, but wanted to put a little in about the
community Christmas party. Despite the unpleasant weather, about 45 people gathered for the annual event. We had a delicious meal and enjoyed visiting with neighbors. Tami Joslin read the Christmas story and Mayor Allen Joslin introduced the volunteer firefighters – John Martin, Chief; Shawn Martin, Assistant Chief; Curtis Fulgram; and David Ruth. Mike Ruth was not able to attend, due to his job. Also, Allen Joslin is Treasurer for the organization. The folks at the party expressed appreciation to the firefighters for their contribution to the community. Santa stopped by for a visit with the youngsters and the young at heart. The volunteer firefighters were among those who had their picture made with him.
After the party, Chip and I drove through Doctors Creek Unit of Cooper Lake
State Park to see the decorated campsites. There were many beautiful light displays.
Chip’s mother and sister, Grace and Linda Ellen Vaughn had lunch with us on Sunday and visited for a little while. Tiffany and her family are usually with us for the weekly meal, but they were celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with a covered dish lunch at Posey Baptist Church.
I’m sure there are many Christmas activities planned for the next couple of weeks. I hope to have more to report next time.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected] .
2018 Hopkins County Livestock and Forage Education (Tours, Trainings and Field Days) By Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Relevance: Livestock and forage production is a 3.96 billion-dollar industry in the Central Region. Livestock and forage enterprises are affected by climate and market variability. Hopkins County currently has more than 100,000 head of beef cattle with 27,000 of those being dairy cattle. Due to environmental requirements of federal and state authorities, Hopkins County dairy operators must maintain environment al requirements for operation. This plan collaborated with diary (Dairy Farmers of America, Southwest Dairy Museum) and beef organizations (NETBIO) to determine and conduct educational efforts needed for the successful operation of livestock farms and ranches. Texas livestock and forage producers and related agribusinesses effectively evaluate and adopt research-based technology applications and best management practices for sustainable and profitable livestock management systems. Livestock producers improve knowledge of production and management systems to improve quality, profitability, and sustainability. This plan had the goal of providing educational experiences to 350 beef producers, 150 private applicators, 60 dairy producers and 60 landowner seeking private applicator accreditation.
Response:
- 4 Private Applicator Trainings (50 applicants).
- 36 Newspaper articles.
- Private Applicator Newsletters (spring and fall).
- Beef UP Program (May).
- Rib-Eye Round UP (1200 attendees).
- Grassland Tour (Oct).
- Northeast Texas Dairy Producers Conference (DOPA) Training (4 CEU)
- Pesticide Private Applicators Conference CEU (Nov) (110 Attendees).
- Plan interpretation at Commissioner’s Court and Volunteers Banquet (Nov).
Results: The Beef Program Area Committee (NETBIO) indicated the need to continue consumer awareness of benefits of the beef industry to the local economy during 2018. As a result, a program plan was created to provide forage and beef production (Newsletters, Private Applicator Trainings) and consumer awareness (Beef Day) that included a beef production program (May 2018), a meat quality awareness component (Ribeye cook-off at the square with 160 cooking team members) and a public musical concert (2,600 attendees, 4 major sponsors). The planning committee vision during 2018 was to provide an educational-entertaining model to promote beef, demonstrate attributes of beef as a culinary resource and to indicate the importance of local beef markets in the county economy. A series of evaluations (anecdotal-Facebook), direct interviews and retrospective post evaluations were conducted according to each event.
Impact:
- 73% (36/49) indicated strong intentions (probably or definitely) to adopt technology related to pesticide laws and regulations (PAT Nov).
- 70% ((33/47) indicated strong intentions (probably or definitely) to adopt technology related to bermuda grass management (PAT Nov).
- 72% (36/50) indicated increase in learning related to pesticide laws and regulations (PAT Nov).
- 80% (40/50) expressed learning related to pond weed control (PAT Nov).
- 67% (36/54) indicated increase understanding of management of native grasslands after the trainings (PAT Nov).
- 61% (28/46) expressed learning experience in IPM for small grains for forage production (PAT Nov).
- 69% (29/42) indicated learning related to Bermuda grass management after the training (PAT Nov).
Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness By Johanna Hicks
Note: this is the 3rd in a series of “A Year in Review,” highlighting major program efforts in the area of Family & Community Health.
Any parent who has had a 1st thru 4th grade child in the Sulphur Springs ISD the past 8 years has probably heard of this camp. The camp, started in 2010, was developed by the Community Health/Wellness Alliance as a way to address childhood health in Hopkins County.
Relevance:
According to the http://stateofobesity.org 33% of Texas students ages 10-17 are overweight or obese, and 15% of children ages 2 to 4 in the WIC program were obese. In Hopkins County, 24% live at or below poverty level and 60% are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Hopkins County ranks 101 in the state (www.countyhealthrankings.org) for Health Outcomes, which include overall health, physical health, mental health, and low birthweight. The county ranks 149 concerning Health Factors, which include smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, primary care physicians and dentist ratio to patients, diabetic monitoring, children in poverty, children in single-parent households, severe housing problems, and preventable hospital stays.
The Alliance and Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Committee identified the need to continue addressing childhood health by implementing the multi-day “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” for students in grades 1 thru 4, which focuses on nutrition, physical activity, safety, and horticulture. This camp is targeted toward students in the Sulphur Springs Independent School District
Response:
The three-week summer camp takes place three days a week from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 2018 was the eighth year for this camp. Topics are updated annually. Collaborators included:
Community Health/Wellness Alliance, Master Wellness Volunteers, Master Gardeners, DSHS staff from Hopkins County, Rotary Club, Trinity Mother Frances Clinic – Dr. Angela Doddy, Blue Blazes Drill Team, Jerry’s Jump Zone, Better Living for Texans, Sulphur Springs Police Department, City National Bank, and Community Action Network.
Registration was limited to the first 48 children. Registration forms are distributed to the students through the school campuses in mid-May and returned to the Extension Office.
Results:
– Demographics: 22 white, 9 black, 17 Hispanic; 28 females, 20 males; 35 Blue Blazes Drill Team members; 4 Health/Wellness Alliance members; 5 Master Wellness Volunteers and Family & Consumer Sciences Committee members; 4 Master Gardeners; and numerous guest speakers/community partners
– Grades of participants: 16 1st graders; 9 2nd graders; 6 3rd graders; 17 4th graders
– Average daily attendance: 40 (some dates conflicted with Vacation Bible School, family vacations, etc.)
– Nine sessions, three hours each, including: MyPlate Foods groups; food safety & hygiene; hands-on food preparation; Walk Across Texas (minutes of physical activity logged for each participant); “Walk with a Doc”; simple money management; sun, water, fire, and weather safety; bullying; nature (turtles and butterflies); t-shirt design, and yoga.
– Evaluations were given during the last week to determine knowledge gained and intent to adopt practices.
Forty evaluations were returned, with 98% of students (39) learning something new. !00% (40) indicated that they planned to drink more water and fewer sweetened beverages, consume more fruits and vegetables, plan to use the recipes made at Kids’ Camp. They also learned that 20 minutes of continuous physical activity, or 2,000 steps are the equivalent to one mile.
In addition, 100% (40) of campers rated the camp as Super Fun. Campers logged 20,530 minutes of physical activity during the first two weeks (reported by campers). Total miles = 1,026.5 (based on 20 minutes of continuous activity equaling 1 mile) during the first two weeks. Booklets containing all camp recipes, tip sheets on weather, sun, water, and fire safety; and Master Gardeners information were distributed to all campers. Camp t-shirts were provided by Community Action Network.
Incentive items to reinforce the daily topics were provided by the Better Living for Texans program (highlighted last week). Items included: MyPlate stickers, snack cups with lids, aprons, insulated bags, shopping pads, veggie peelers, and MyPlate drinking bottles.
Future Implications:
Because of the continuing need for nutrition and physical activity education, the Community Health/Wellness Alliance, Master Wellness Volunteers, and Family & Consumer Science Committee has scheduled Kids’ Camp for 2019. Parent surveys indicated positive impact on the families, and parents fully supported continuation of the camp. Planning for the 2019 event will commence in January, 2019. Volunteers always welcome!
Next week’s highlight: Master Wellness Volunteer program
Closing Thought
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”-Mark Twain
Del Monte Foods Recalls 64,000 Cases of Canned Corn Shipped to Texas and 24 Other States
Editors Note: Johanna Hicks with Texas Agrilife informed KSST News of a canned food recall by Del Monte/
Del Monte Foods is recalling more than 64,000 cases of canned corn that was not properly processed, which can result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens that can lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.
The multinational corporation sent the recalled Fiesta Corn with Red & Green Peppers to “multiple distributors and retail locations in 25 states and 12 international locations,” according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration yesterday.
Del Monte Foods is recalling more than 64,000 cases of canned corn that was not properly processed, which can result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens that can lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.
The multinational corporation sent the recalled Fiesta Corn with Red & Green Peppers to “multiple distributors and retail locations in 25 states and 12 international locations,” according to the company’s recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration yesterday.
Although FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced in recent months that the agency would begin providing the public with lists of retailers who receive recalled food — as has been the policy at the USDA for several years — the Del Monte notice did not specify any retailers. The notice also did not include any information about if, or when, retailers will be named.
Del Monte’s notice says the “under-processing” deviations that occurred during the production of the canned corn “were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed.” The recall notice also says “it is important to note that there have been no reports of illness associated with these products to date.”
One of the most common problems associated with under-processing of canned foods is the growth of bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum, which produce toxins that cause botulism poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With expiration dates in August and September 2021, there is concern that consumers may have the recalled corn in their homes.
Consumers can identify the recalled 15.25-ounce cans (432 grams) by looking for the UPC number 24000 02770 printed on the label and any of the following best-by dates, which are stamped on the bottom of the cans;
- August 14, 2021
- August 15, 2021
- August 16, 2021
- Sept 3, 2021
- Sept 4, 2021
- Sept 5, 2021
- Sept 6, 2021
- Sept 22, 2021
- Sept 23, 2021
Del Monte shipped the corn to Alaska, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
The company also sent the recalled canned corn to a dozen foreign countries: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, El Salvador, Haiti, Guyana, Uruguay, Aruba, Panama, Saint Lucia, Suriname.
“If consumers have any product with the indicated UPC code and ‘Best if Used By’ dates, they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange,” according to Del Monte’s recall notice.
Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling 800-779-7035.
According to information in the company’s recall notice, Del Monte Foods Inc. is one of the largest producers, distributors and marketers of branded food products for the U.S. retail market. Its brands include Del Monte, Contadina, College Inn, and S&W. Del Monte Foods is the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited and is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.
Advice to consumers
While a variety of illnesses can result from eating under-processed canned food, one of the most dangerous is botulism poisoning. Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled product and developed signs of botulism poisoning should immediately seek medical attention, according to information from the CDC. Untreated, botulism can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, resulting in sudden death.
“In foodborne botulism, symptoms generally begin 18 to 36 hours after eating a contaminated food. However, symptoms can begin as soon as 6 hours after or up to 10 days later,” according to the CDC website.
The symptoms of botulism may include some of all of the following: double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, a thick-feeling tongue, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. People with botulism may not show all of these symptoms at once.
These symptoms all result from muscle paralysis caused by the toxin. If untreated, the disease may progress and symptoms may worsen to cause paralysis of certain muscles, including those used in breathing and those in the arms, legs, and the body from the neck to the pelvis area, also called the torso.
iana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
A&M-Commerce Psychology Faculty Awarded Grant to Investigate Eyewitness Identification in Police Lineups
COMMERCE, TX— The U.S. Department of Justice-National Institute of Justice has awarded a grant for more than $300,000 to two faculty members in the A&M-Commerce Department of Psychology and Special Education. Drs. Curt and Maria Carlson, associate professors of psychology, will use the funding to investigate how to improve eyewitness identification via manipulations of the police lineup.
“Mistaken eyewitness identification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions, and the experimental research we conduct with our doctoral students in the Applied Cognition Lab focuses on potential solutions to this problem,” Dr. Curt Carlson said.
The project, officially titled “Eyewitness Identification: A Systematic Investigation of Lineup Composition and Fairness,” is scheduled to run from January 2019 to December 2021.
Dr. Curt Carlson emphasized that the focus of the grant and the associated research is lineup fairness. “It can be difficult for police to construct a lineup so that a suspect does not stand out, which is problematic if the suspect is actually innocent. Eyewitnesses are highly likely to choose a suspect if he is standing out in a lineup, even if he is innocent.”
The National Institute of Justice is the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and is dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. They provide objective and independent knowledge and tools to inform criminal and juvenile justice communities in the decision-making process in order to reduce crime and advance justice, particularly at the state and local levels.
Three Arrested For Debit-Credit Card Abuse
December 13, 2018 – Additional charges have been filed against the two females and one male, who gave their address as Mexico, that were arrested at Red River Credit Union after Sulphur Springs Police responded to a call regarding suspicious activity. Police found multiple gift cards from which the individuals were taking money and a large sum of cash along with receipts from Red River Credit Union. The additional charges are Morris County charges for Engage in Organized Crime and Debit or Credit Card Abuse.
In the local arrest, the gift cards were found following consent to search the vehicle in which the trio was traveling. The three were attempting to leave Red River Credit, located on Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs. The vehicle had fictitious registration and license plate.
Arrested were:
Edimaira Burgos-Morales, 26
Yexsy Carolina Mullor-Agudelo, 33
Yosender Antonio Maldonado-Rojas, 38
All three are in Hopkins County Jail. Each is charged with Debit or Credit Card Abuse. Each is held on a $50,000 bond for their offense here.
Their bonds have been increased due to the Morris County charges.
Woman Arrested in Hunt County Wanted on Abandon Endanger Child Warrant
When Tyfany Paige Kirby, 22 was arrested in Hunt County, she was arrested on a drug possession charge. However, it was found she had a Hopkins County Warrant for Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence. She was held in Hunt County on their charge and has now been released to Hopkins County Jail.
Kirby and the child were the subjects of a Child Protective Services and Special Crimes Unit investigation locally. Following the investigation, a warrant was issued for Kirby’s arrest.
Kirby is being held in the local jail on a $15,000 bond as of Wednesday, December 12, 2018.
Hearts of Life Presents Rufus for Adoption
Rufus is still searching for his forever home! Rufus is 1 1/2 years old. He is still a typical puppy and everything that comes with it! He does need training to be the best dog he can be, but he currently enjoys playing with his brother Rowdy at all times. (We would love Rufus & Rowdy to be adopted together!) His adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter and rabies shot.
Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], Facebook.com/heartsoflife or Petfinder.com.
Chamber Connection December 13, 2018
Attention All Chamber Members…. Membership Directories are being prepared NOW!!!
Chamber Members, we are going to print with the 2019 Membership Directory. We are going to have it ready for distribution the first part of January,so we need you to do a few things…
- Please go to www.HopkinsChamber.org and click in the directory search. Please check to make sure that we have the correct information for your business. We have been trying to check and recheck it,but we need your help to make sure everything is correct.
- If your membership investment is past due, payment arrangements need to be made prior to
- December 22nd to be included in the 2019 Directory.
3) If you find information that needs to be corrected, please call the Chamber at 903-885-6515. If you are interested in placing an ad in the directory, please contact Lee Ann Peugh at Echo Publishing at 903-885-8663.
Would you like to recognize an Outstanding Educator?
Nominations for Large and Small Business of the Year!
Please submit your nomination for Large Business of the Year or Small Business of the Year. Nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other. You may pick up a nomination form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st. Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected] and our mailing address is 300 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Here is your chance…the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee wants to allow all Hopkins County Citizens to nominate their candidates for “Outstanding Professional Educator”(Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) “Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator” (Secretary or Aide) and “Outstanding Auxiliary Educator”(Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria). You may pick up at the administration form at the Chamber office at 300 Connally Street and then either fax, e-mail or mail it in, no later than December 31st. Our fax number is 903-885-6516, our e-mail address is [email protected], and our mailing address is also 300 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize a special educator!
Donation opportunity for students at A&M-Commerce
Cleaning out your closet over the holidays? Consider donating your gently worn business casual or professional clothes to the Lion Wardrobe, a program sponsored by CareerDevelopment at Texas A&M University – Commerce. Donations are used to help students look the part for interviews, presentations, conferences, orother professional events and set that very important first impression with employers. You can drop them off at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs, Monday –Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, contact Bethany Ferrall at 903-468-3212.
Slaughter’s BBQ is hosting a food drive
Slaughter’s BBQ is hosting a Food Truck Food Drive to benefit the Senior Center in Sulphur Springs. Bring any non-perishable food item to Slaughter’s BBQ, 1000 Gilmer Street, on Saturday, December 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and receive a free hot dog, chips, and water. Items most needed are chicken broth, green beans, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and cream of chicken, mushroom, celery soups. For more information, call David Slaughter at (903) 445-7387.
