TxDOT to Replace Bridge on Hopkins County Road 4710
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a project to replace the bridge on CR 4710 in Hopkins County will begin Sept. 17.
Highway 19 Construction LLC, Sulphur Springs, Texas, was granted 74 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $250,000. The target date for completion of this work is March 2019, officials said.
The contractor will replace the existing bridge at CR 4710. The road will be closed while the work is underway.
TxDOT officials said motorists who regularly travel this roadway are asked to use alternate routes while this construction is underway. They should also pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. Motorists should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Misdemeanor Charges and Fine Result in Arrest of Man Near Middle School
Two Class-C Misdemeanor charges and a fine are the result of the arrest of an adult male dressed in camouflage and camouflage face paint arrested Thursday morning after he was found in a field behind the Sulphur Springs Middle School. The charges included Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct Breach of Peace. The man went before Justice of the Peace B. J. Teer Friday morning where he faced a Magistrates hearing that levied the fine (in keeping with policy, KSST will not name or publish mugshot of anyone arrested for a misdemeanor).
As parents dropped off children at school Thursday mornings, a SSISD Police Officer alerted Sulphur Springs Police to the presence of a suspicious individual behind the school. The school went into a soft lockdown according to Rusty Hardin, SSISD Communications Director. A soft lockdown is a security procedure that heightens watch around the perimeter of the school.
According to Jason Ricketson, Patrol Captain for SSPD, all available SSPD personnel responded. Ricketson said officers found the man in a pasture away from the school. SSPD is questioning the individual. Ricketson said the man had no connection to the school or students in the school according to early questioning.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested in Cumby for Online Soliciation
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigators and Deputies arrested a Sulphur Spring man in Cumby Friday morning. The man thought he was meeting a 15-year old female for sex. Instead, Jeremiah Carnes, 42, was arrested for Online Solicitation of a Minor.
Investigator Corley Weatherford said the Sheriff’s office had been using technology that is available to them to do an undercover online investigation. They found Carnes to be online looking for young children, according to Weatherford. Investigators began communicating online with Carnes. Carnes had identified himself as being 38-years of age and used the name “Douglas”. Weatherford said Carnes solicited and wanted to meet a local 15-year old child for sexual conduct of various sorts. A meeting between Carnes and the supposed minor was arranged to take place in Cumby. Weatherford stated Carnes was not specifically targeting children in Cumby but that was where the investigation led for an appropriate place to meet.
Carnes is in Hopkins County Jail awaiting a Magistrates hearing.
Man on Motorcycle Attempts to Evade Arrest
A DPS Trooper observed a 2005 ZX-6 Kawasaki motorcycle exceeding the speed limit on State Highway 154 at the 672 milepost. When he attempted to stop the motorcycle, the driver evaded in a high speed pursuit into Wood County.
The Cody Lee Jordan, 20, of Yantis, the driver of the motorcycle, turned down a Farm to Market road and then a county road before returning to Hopkins County on CR 1439. He lost control of the motorcycle and crashed on the county road just south of FM 1567.
Jordan was found to have an expired driver’s license and did not have proof of financial responsibility for the motorcycle. Jordan is in Hopkins County Jail Charged with Evading Arrest/Detention with Vehicle, a State Jail Felony, Expired Driver’s License, and Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 5-11, 2018
Wood County Sheriff’s Report September 5, 2018 to September 11, 2018 includes:
Disturbance:
5; Thefts: 5; Burglaries: 3; Terroristic Threats: 2; Criminal Mischief’s: 4; Inquests:
1; Suspicious Circumstances: 2; Suspicious Vehicles: 8; Suspicious Persons: 5; Alarms:
3; Harassments: 1; Criminal Trespasses: 5; Scams: 2; Frauds: 0; Abandoned
Vehicles: 1; Cows Out: 23; Horses Out: 2; Welfare Checks: 5; Assaults: 4; Dog
Bites: 0; Fires/Burn Ban Violations: 8; Noise Complaints: 3; Disputes: 2; Arrest/Warrant
Services: 5; Reckless Drivers: 3; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle: 0; Shots
Fired: 0; Other: Credit/Debit Card Abuse (1)
September 5th
At 7:58 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 8:24 a.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5883 near Yantis, at approximately 9:02 a.m., in reference to theft. Deputies spoke with the owner of the property and nothing appeared to be stolen.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:39 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s fence.
At 9:42 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2700 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 852 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:23 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies provided a courtesy transport and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1386 near Quitman, at approximately 11:39 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6645 near Mineola, at approximately 1:41 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies were unable to make contact with the actor to issue the Criminal Trespass Warning. This case is active.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:35 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 3240 near Quitman. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 3265 near Mineola; at approximately 3:54 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
At 4:15 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3542 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:43 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2298 near Mineola, at approximately 7:21 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Alba, at approximately 8:02 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 8:18 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1730 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1739 near Yantis, at approximately 10:19 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the fire was extinguished. Deputies were unable to locate the owners of the property.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3987 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:18 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies were unable to locate the individuals.
September 6th
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 1799 near Mineola; at approximately 12:59 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle at Lake Holbrook point; at approximately 2:03 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 37 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:17 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4539 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:50 a.m., in reference to a theft. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and the stolen items were returned to the reporting party.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 49 near Mineola; at approximately 4:21 a.m. Deputies provided a courtesy transport and cleared the incident.
At 8:09 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 49 near Mineola, at approximately 10:33 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:40 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief on CR 2906 near Alba. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 12:36 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies arrived and determined there was no fire; the individuals were sand blasting a trailer.
At 3:15 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1860 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Loop 564 near Mineola; at approximately 3:45 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1515 near Alba, at approximately 7:14 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies were unable to locate the owners of the property. Alba Fire Department extinguished the fire and cleared the incident.
At 8:12 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:32 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on HWY 154 near Yantis. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
September 7th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 3:11 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to HWY 154 near Quitman; at approximately 5:06 a.m. Taylor Freeman, 19, of Quitman, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
At 8:16 a.m., cows were reported out on HWY 69 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Mineola, at approximately 8:42 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s shop building.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1540 near Alba, at approximately 1:31 p.m., in reference to theft. A known actor stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:21 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass that occurred on CR 3230 near Quitman. This case is active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2935 near Alba, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and determined it was a civil matter.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:04 p.m., in reference to terroristic threat that occurred on CR 1944 near Emory. Deputies determined the incident to be a civil matter.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4584 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:17 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 4:42 p.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse on Cliffside Path near Hawkins. Actors, or actors unknown, used the reporting party’s credit/debit card without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Yantis, at approximately 6:26 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4200 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:59 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies noticed a door open on the building, but there appeared to be no damaged and the building was cleared.
At 10:43 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3144 near Quitman.
At 11:15 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4860 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4890 near Quitman; at approximately 11:39 p.m. Gary Cox, II, 32, of McKinney, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
September 8th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle no CR 3240 near Quitman; at approximately 12:06 a.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
At 8:06 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
At 8:37 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Yantis.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:04 a.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on FM 2869 near Hawkins. The items were located and no theft had occurred.
At 11:29 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2210 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins, at approximately 12:10 p.m., in reference to a burglary. A known actor damaged the reporting party’s property. The actor will be repairing the damage caused.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7957 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:29 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 3:31 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2210 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2660 near Mineola, at approximately 3:45 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 5:12 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Mineola, at approximately 7:03 p.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the actor fled the scene.
At 8:01 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4860 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:01 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 80 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:16 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 11:47 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
September 9th
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4847 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:57 a.m., Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7533 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:19 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies advised the individuals to lower the volume of the music and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 7547 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:27 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to Shady Lane in Mineola, at approximately 4:44 p.m., in reference to an inquest. A male, 57, was found deceased in his residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
At 8:33 a.m., horses were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
At 9:48 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3455 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:49 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1689 near Alba, at approximately 3:33 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
At 5:14 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1630 near Alba.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 852 near Winnsboro; at approximately 6:50 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2225 near Quitman, at approximately 9:03 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the incident and an individual was transported to the Emergency Room.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1941 near Yantis, at approximately 9:42 p.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 9:42 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief that occurred on CR 3494 near Hawkins. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
September 10th
At 12:17 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2501 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2501 near Mineola, at approximately 12:22 a.m., in reference to a burn ban violation. Deputies advised the individual of the effective burn ban and the fire was extinguished.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 6:18 a.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:17 a.m., in reference to theft that occurred on CR 1835 near Yantis. Deputies determined this incident to be a civil matter.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2430 near Mineola, at approximately 11:10 a.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies issued a Criminal Trespass Warning and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3875 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:55 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4865 near Winnsboro, at approximately 2:16 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:22 p.m., in reference to a telephone scam. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to Bermuda St. in Quitman; at approximately 3:03 p.m. Mary Reagan, 24, of Mineola, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
At 3:52 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1340 near Quitman.
At 5:39 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2350 near Quitman, at approximately 6:19 p.m., in reference to an abandoned vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:32 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated, prior to the deputies’ arrival.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:41 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1259 near Mineola, at approximately 6:54 p.m., in reference to an assault. Deputies spoke with all parties involved and cleared the incident.
At 7:15p.m., horses were reported out on CR 3987 near Winnsboro.
At 7:23 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1700 near Yantis; at approximately 11:50 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
September 11th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4135 near Quitman; at approximately 1:41 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 4:14 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1726 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on FM 17 near Alba; at approximately 8:19 a.m. Monty Young, 52, of Arlington, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
At 9:49 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2225 near Quitman.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 11:49 a.m., in reference to harassment on CR 3269 near Mineola. Deputies gave the reporting party advice and cleared the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 3:47 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 4:51 p.m., in reference to a reckless driver. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2954 near Alba, at approximately 6:33 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Taylor Hickman, 26, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
Deputies were dispatched to Tullis Lane in Yantis, at approximately 8:06 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies determined no burglary had occurred. Ryan Moore, 32, of Yantis, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4135 near Quitman; at approximately 11:53 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle near Lake Holbrook boat ramp; at approximately 11:56 p.m. Deputies located the vehicle and everything was OK.
Between the dates of September 5 and September 11, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Upshur County and Emergency Medical Services.
Between the dates of September 5 and September 11, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators obtained 1 arrest warrant and arrested the individual.
Total Jail Count –105 inmates – 87 males and 18 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
The burn ban was lifted on September 10th, 2018.
Young Eagles Flights at Sulphur Springs Airport
The Annual Young Eagles Flight Rally is scheduled for Saturday September 15, 2018 at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport, located on Highway 19 North. Numerous certified pilots will fly in with their own planes to share the love and excitement of flying with a new generation. The program is put on by the Experimental Aircraft Association local chapter 1094 and is absolutely free.
During this nation-wide Young Eagles event, young persons age 8-17 with an interest in flying can take a free flight with a certified pilot. The youngster will also receive acertificate of flight completion and a log book with the flight entry by the pilot, and an offer for a free on-line ground school course. These students will also be offered a free 6-month membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association, whish is a world-wide organization.
In order to be eligible for the free flight, youth along with a parent or guardian need to arrive at the airport terminal between 9am and 11:30am. A registration form must be completed by the parent or guardian, and the youngster will attend a safety briefing and ground school taught by Julia Robbins. Civil Air Patrol cadets will have an information booth and will assist with aircraft operations on the ground.
One Young Eagles student from Cumby in Hopkins County, Matt Steward, is now an airline pilot with Envoy Airlines. Matt began his interest with a free flight in the Young Eagles program. Morgan Joslin, a 2016 North Hopkins graduate and Civil Air Patrol cadet Captain, now studies Aviation in college. Ben Scarborough, the EAA Young Eagles Coordinator for the Sulphur Springs chapter, took his first flight as an 8-year-old, and undertook flying lessons during his college years. Morgan will give back to the program as a volunteer pilot this Saturday. Today, Ben enjoys building and maintaining airplanes and flying as an educational and relaxing hobby. Ben will bring a Cessna 150 for the free flight day. Other pilots will fly in from Gladewater, Dallas, Mt Pleasant and Mt. Vernon and cities further away.
Eleven planes are expected to provide the flights with the pilots donating their time and expense. If Saturday morning’s weather does not allow for flights, the event will be cancelled and rescheduled in the Spring. For additional information, go to youngeagles.org.
Tira News: September 14th, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
Martha Payton reports, “Regina Payton came on Saturday afternoon for an
extended visit. We had a few chores that required an extra hand and expertise. We attended church on Sunday and went out for lunch several times. She traveled to The Woodlands on Thursday to attend a three day Court Reporters Convention, then went home to Victoria on Sunday.” Martha added, “Also had an email from Mary Lou (Wester) Jeter – she is recovering from a light stroke and is in therapy, feeling stronger. Keep those
who are ill in our prayers.”
The North Hopkins School Alumni Homecoming is coming up on the evening of October 13, 2018. It’s for all former students and staff members of North Hopkins Independent School District. The Classes of 1968, 1978, and 1988 will be honored for their 50-, 40-, and 30-year reunion. Please pass the word and watch for more details to come.
I guess it’s been a slow week in Tira. I hope to have more news 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] .
Extension’s “Walk Across Texas” Shows Results By Johanna Hicks
Extension’s “Walk Across Texas” Shows Results
Fall is definitely a busy time of year! And what better incentive is there to acquire some physical activity than cooler weather? Most people who aren’t able to run, lift weights, or participate in strenuous activity can walk. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s program, “Walk Across Texas,” is making an impact in Hopkins County! This is an initiative to encourage individuals to build a habit of regular walking.
Walk Across Texas is currently going through some revisions to make it even better! However, the impact is impressive for individuals who have participated in 2018. Here’s a brief overview:
· Number of Hopkins County teams: 19
· Number of participants: 147
· Total miles logged: 15,210.81
· Economic impact: $107,165 (based on health care cost savings and ability to avoid or delay diabetes if regular physical activity continues)
I want to invite parents who have students at Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center to participate in the upcoming “Walk & Talk” series, which is a spin-off of Walk Across Texas. We’ll meet each week in the cafeteria for a brief food demonstration, program, or hands-on activity, then proceed outdoors (weather permitting) to walk together. Each session will last about an hour (includes program and walking), so it won’t interfere with other activities. Each week, miles will be logged, and at the wrap-up in late November, every participant will be recognized and prizes awarded to the top walker and team. Incentive items which correspond with the topic will be given each week. If you do not receive a flyer, ask for one from the school. This will be a great way to get in shape for the upcoming holidays, and form a healthy habit for yourself and your family!
Other groups, organizations, churches, and businesses who would like information on starting a team may contact our office and we’ll be glad to provide you with information!
National 4-H Week Rapidly Approaching
Each year, the nation’s largest youth organization celebrates the importance of YOUth during National 4-H Week. The week of October 7-13 has been designated as the time to celebrate –H and promote involvement. Hopkins County will kick off the celebration on Monday, October 1, with a reading of the proclamation by Judge Robert Newsom on the courthouse steps at 4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and Extension staff, 4-H members, and leaders will be on hand to answer questions and distribute information about our local 4-H program. Registration information will also be available for any youth grades 3 thru 12.
Also starting on November 1, 4-H members may register entries for the 4-H Project Show at the Extension Office. Entry categories are: crafts, holiday corner, art, needlework, clothing, decorated accessories, general sewing, jewelry, woodworking, leather crafts, scrapbooks, metal work, baked goods, food preservation, horticulture, photography, and poetry. Age divisions are: Clover Kids (ages 5-7), Juniors (grades 3-5), Intermediates (grades 6-8), and Seniors (grades 9-12). Entries will be judged on Friday, October 5 and on display to the public during National 4-H Week, October 7-13, at the Extension Office.
Another event taking place during National 4-H Week is the annual fall 4-H Paper Clover Campaign at Tractor Supply, Inc. The campaign runs October 3-14. A 4-H exhibit will be set up in the store, and 4-H members will be on hand to answer questions and assist shoppers in carrying out their purchases. Shoppers are encouraged to donate an extra dollar at check-out, with a portion of the proceeds going to our Hopkins County 4-H program. This is a national endeavor, and we always appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Paper Clover Campaign and the support of the local Tractor Supply.
Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
I hope you read about the 2018 Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest and the Arts & Crafts Show. These are two of the highlights of the Fall Festival, but I might be partial because I’m in charge of both of them! Calls have been coming in about both events, so there seems to be a lot of interest. Both events will take place Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27, at the Sulphur Springs High School.
The Creative Arts contest provides the opportunity to enter items for judging (think State Fair of Texas on a smaller scale). There are 14 entry categories and 4 age groups, so there are plenty of opportunities for all! The Arts & Crafts Show allows individuals to sell their hand-made items to the public. This is a great chance to do some early Christmas shopping for that one-of-a-kind item. As of this writing, a few indoor spaces remain for anyone wishing to sell their items. Spaces under the outside covered walkway are also available. Contact our office at 903-885-3443 for more information, or go to the Hopkins County Fall Festival website to download forms. Several other Fall Festival activities will be taking place that same weekend, so don’t miss out on the fun!
Closing Thought
If you can read this, thank a teacher – Bill Gates
Warm-season Perennial Grasses By Mario Villarino
Warm-season perennial grasses dominate most of the pastures in East Texas, but climatic conditions allow for use of cool-season annual grasses and legumes, either overseeded or in prepared seedbeds, in the fall for winter and spring grazing. Reasons for use of cool-season annual forages include extending the grazing period and improved animal performance due to their high nutritive value.
Although cool-season annual forages can be expensive to plant and grow, they can be a less costly substitute for energy and protein supplements purchased off the ranch. Annual ryegrass, a high-yielding, nutritious grass, is the most widely grown cool-season annual forage in the southern and southeastern USA. It is adapted to most soils and tolerant of wet, poorly drained soils.
Ryegrass is very responsive to N fertilization with the peak growth occurring during the spring. Ryegrass produces forage that is high in nutritive value, and thus, provides excellent animal performance. Ryegrass also tolerates close grazing, although if repeatedly grazed too closely, growing animal performance will be reduced.
When overseeded on warm-season grasses, producers must be prepared to utilize the rapid spring growth, otherwise it will significantly delay the subsequent warm-season grass growth. Pure stands of ryegrass should be seeded from 25 to 30 lb/acre.
There are several varieties of ryegrass adapted to East Texas. The 3-year average forage yield results of the ryegrass variety trial conducted at the Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center-Overton TX in production yields (highest to lowest) in Lb of dry matter per acre under Annual fertilization 244 lbs./ac. of N, 131 lbs./ ac. of P2O5 and 131 lbs. ac of K2O were: Jumbo, Prine, Marshall, Ed, Jackson, Brigadier, TAM 90, Passeral Plus, Gulf, WD-40 and Ribeye (according to J. Vendramini, G.W. Evers, and L. Redmon).
Seed prices are strongly related to availability and demand and seed growers rely on temperature and rain to maintain and produce a seed crop. Price fluctuations are expected year after year. 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].
