Spring Flowers From Teen Members of Church of the Nazarene Plant Sale !
There are about twenty youth in the Teen Department at Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene. Each Spring, the Teen Department supplies the labor and benefits from the proceeds of a Plant Sale. Funds are used for various projects the teens plan to do through the year. Offered on the lawn of the church are dozens of varieties of greenhouse-healthy bedding plants and hanging baskets. Youth and their adults sponsors help with selection and purchase of plants, and assist buyers to get them safely loaded into their vehicles. If you are thinking of putting in some fresh plants, remember Church of the Nazarene Plant Sale through Saturday April 7!
Police Canine Association to Conduct Field Trials Locally Sunday-Friday
Beginning Sunday, April 8th, Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County residents will see between 20 and 30 K-9 teams in the city and area. The United States Police Canine Association will conduct field trials locally Sunday through Friday. According to Jason Ricketson with the Sulphur Springs Police Department, local citizens will notice the police presence during the week as teams come and go to participate in the various events.
K-9’s and their handlers from Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana will be staying at the local Hampton Inn and will be participating in narcotic, explosive, patrol, agility, and apprehension exercises.
During the off hours, officers will be enjoying Celebration Plaza, the downtown dining district and other areas of the city.
Tira News April 6, 2018
by Jan Vaughn
Charlene Stewart would like to let everyone know that the North Hopkins Cemetery Association will hold their annual meeting at the cemetery chapel on Monday, April 9th, at 6:00 p.m.
Regina Payton spent a few days with her mother, Martha Payton, over the Easter week. Martha reports, “We had Maundy Thursday at Tira Methodist Church, Good Friday Service at Sulphur Bluff Methodist Church, and Easter Sunday services to attend. On Saturday we decided to take a drive to Quitman, Gilmer, Pittsburg and back home. The dogwood trees between Quitman and Gilmer were all in bloom, plus the wisteria vines planted on the fence rows and climbing in the trees were in full bloom, also. A very colorful trip. Regina left on Tuesday morning to return home to Victoria and she reports that drive was very colorful, also.”
William and Joyce Dodd hosted Easter lunch with their family on Sunday. Joyce shared, “The kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt after lunch.” Those attending included Michael McNiel, Tonja Jones, Rob Dodd, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton, Brad, Tanya, and Matthew Dodd, Stuart, Tiffany, Tristan, Emery, Ellianna, and Eadon McPherson.
Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin, Tiffany Vaughn, Jaidyn Joslin, and Malcolm Joslin came to our house on Saturday evening to let the kids hunt Easter eggs, and then we had a pizza picnic and watched them play. Landon was working and didn’t get to be with us and Kenden was at a friend’s house.
Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden spent the night with Tiffany, Kenden, and Jaidyn and attended Posey’s Easter services with them. They went to Cooper Lake for a Sunrise Service, and then had breakfast at the church, prior to Sunday School and the morning worship service. A Easter egg hunt followed.
Tiffany, Kenden, Jaidyn, and their friends, Kris, Brittany, Brayden, Maygan, Bella, Austin, and Levi, came for lunch at our house on Easter Sunday afternoon. Afterward, the kids enjoyed playing outside on the riding toys & trampoline.
Chip and I attended the Tenebrae service, chronicling the last days of Jesus’ life, at First Baptist Church’s ROC (Recreation Outreach Center) on Friday night, and then went to church on Easter morning.
I’m sure there were many other Easter celebrations in our community. I hope to have more to report next week.
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].
Feeding Cattle Grain-Based Diets By Mario Villarino
As our spring season begins to take on, our availability of grasses begins to increase also. During this time of the year, our weaned cattle usually turns into a grazing feeding pattern without too many complications. It is however, more challenging to convert the steers into a grain diet later on, or in the particular case of steer pen shows, to get them into the feeding portion all together. Properly starting a calf on feed and maintaining the calf’s feed intake is a key component to successful development of a quality show calf.
Adequate nutrition of the growing calf is essential in order for the calf to grow frame, gain body weight, and achieve an acceptable final weight. A basic understanding of cattle nutrition, feedstuffs, and feed management is necessary to successfully reach your goals. Calves can come from a variety of sources with very different previous feed and nutritional management.
Therefore, an appropriate receiving diet and adaptation period is important. Unless indicated by the person you purchased the calf from, cattle should be adapted gradually to growing rations rather than abruptly put on high-grain diets. When the calf starts on feed, first provide high-quality grass hay for free choice consumption (3% of body weight; 15 lbs per day for a 500 lb calf). Also make sure the calf has access to plenty of clean, fresh, cool water. Water is the most important nutrient for all animals.
Let the calf adapt to their new environment for approximately 3 days before introducing grain. After the initial 3 days, begin to slowly introduce grain to the calf. Hay should still be offered free choice during this time. Begin grain feeding by starting with 2 lbs of grain per day. Continue this level of grain in the diet for 2 to 3 days; monitor the calf to make sure it handles the addition of grain and does not become sick or stop eating.
After 2 to 3 days, increase the grain fed to 3 lbs, and follow the same observation period before increasing the grain amount to 4 lbs. After 14 days, the calf should be consuming 6 to 8 pounds of grain, and its total diet should be 50:50 grain:roughage (hay). After this initial receiving period, the calf can be transitioned to formulated or commercial growing and finishing diets that contain greater amounts of grains and concentrates.
Once the calf has adapted to eating from a bunk and its rumen microbes have adjusted to digesting grain, the diet can be transitioned to a growing ration. The growing ration’s purpose is to increase the size and muscularity of the calf without adding excessive fat cover to the calf early on. The amount of time the calf remains on the growing ration will depend upon how much time is available before the show.
A calf should be on the finishing diet for no less than 100 days, and likely closer to 120 days, to reach an adequate level of finish for the show. During the growing period, the amount of feed consumed by the calf will increase, hay will be replaced by grain, and the energy content (total digestible nutrients [TDN]) of the diet will increase to support greater daily body weight gain (ADG). Transitioning from the growing to finishing ration likely requires an increase in feed intake and an increase in the proportion of grain in the calf’s diet.
Increasing the amount of grain in the diet should be accomplished by a step-up procedure. The proportion of grain in the diet should be increased by no more than 10% every 5 to 7 days. Transitioning from a 50:50 grain:roughage (hay) growing ration to an 80:20 grain:roughage (hay) finishing ration will require 15 to 21 days. Feeding a step-up diet will require planning because it will require feeding a diet with 60% grain for one week and then 70% grain for the second week before feeding 80% grain in the third week.
During the step-up period, the calf should be monitored closely to avoid digestive upsets, acidosis, and bloat. Feeding an ionophore like Rumensin® can help prevent digestive problems on high-grain diets. Once the calf reaches the final diet formulation, feed changes should be only for amounts of the daily feed offered. During this period, feed amounts should only be altered by 1 to 2 lbs on any given day. Consistent feed intake prevents digestive upsets and promotes calf growth.
Cattle perform better when they can consume frequent meals throughout the day. Cattle are also stimulated to eat when new feed shows up in their feed bunk. So it is recommended that the calf be fed at least 2 times a day. Ideally the 2 feedings would be at the same time from day to day, for example at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The total amount of the daily feed amount should be divided into equal portions and half offered in the morning and the other half in the evening.
During particularly hot weather, cattle do not eat as much during the day. The daily feed amount can be adjusted to offer 60% of the ration in the evening and 40% in the morning. .Keep the feed bunk and water source clean. Feed intake is very closely associated with water consumption, especially during hot weather. Clean out old feed or manure from the bunk, and water prior to feeding.
Feed that accumulates in the bunk should be removed after 1 to 2 days. This feed can mold and spoil, especially in warm, humid weather. This is also a sign that the calf is receiving too much feed or is not feeling well. If a large amount of feed is left over, remove it, and at the next feeding, decrease the amount of total feed by 2 to 5 lbs.
After that, gradually increase the amount of feed offered to reach the previous amount. Never increase the amount of feed by more than 1 lb at a feeding (2 lbs per day). Keeping records of the daily feed offered to the calf will track feed offered, consumption, and refusal. There are many options when it comes to growing-finishing and show cattle feed.
Generally the decision is first made to use either a commercial feed product that is available from local feed manufacturers or a custom-blended ration. There are multiple companies to choose from when purchasing a premade calf feed.
One drawback of commercial feeds is that TDN values are not listed on the feed tag. Knowing the TDN value of the feed makes prediction of ADG and cattle performance possible. Fortunately, TDN can be estimated using the guaranteed analysis of fiber, protein, fat, and ash that is on the feed tag.
Table 4 provides the guidelines to determine TDN from feed tag guaranteed analysis (Sprinkle 1999). Commercial feeds generally include a vitamin/mineral premix in the formulation so additional supplementation is not necessary. Certainly some products are better than others, and all products have potential and can be used, but there is no perfect feed. Calf quality and showman knowledge, management skill, and effort are the ingredients that differentiate cattle in the show ring.
The second option is for calf owners to mix their own feed. To formulate and mix a custom feed blend requires some knowledge and experience in ration formulation. Often the custom mix will contain a roughage source, corn, protein pellet, vitamin-mineral premix, and some coproducts. A formulated ration can offer added flexibility to change the ration but requires additional knowledge and skill.
Regardless of the feed choice, the feed should have a good texture. This means that the particle sizes are a good mix—not too large and as little fine material as possible. Dusty or moldy feed should absolutely be avoided. Many commercial feeds include fat or molasses to “condition” the feed to decrease dust and increase the palatability of the feed.
Conclusion: Feeding a growing-finishing or show calf correctly is an important aspect to successfully reach the desired final product. Correctly feeding the calf requires planning, knowledge, and dedication. However, feeding the calf can provide a great learning environment for cattle nutrition, management, finance, and cattle handling. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Coming UP!
- Basic Vegetable Gardening, April 24, 2018, 7:00 PM. Cost $10 at the door. Hopkins County Extension Office
- Hopkins County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Swap. April 28, 2018. Bright Star Veterinary Clinic Parking lot. 9:00 to Noon.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
The Myth of Multi-Tasking By Johanna Hicks
The Myth of Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking is thought of as a useful skill. As a matter of fact, the kitchen is a perfect example of multi-tasking. Preparing a meal and having each component ready at the same time definitely takes multi-tasking! However, it gets a lot of people in trouble behind the wheel. Most of us incorrectly assure ourselves that we can multi-task and use our cellphone while we drive. After all, we can walk and chew gum at the same time, right? When we stop and think about those activities — chewing gum and walking — we must admit that walking is one of those things we do that requires very little brain power. In fact, it’s subconscious and nearly automatic.
Unlike walking and chewing gum, both driving and using a cell phone requires higher cognitive thinking. Your brain simply cannot perform two higher cognitive tasks at the same time. Instead, it must switch between tasks. With technology at our fingertips, drivers are constantly faced with distractions, such as talking or texting, which places their safety and that of others at serious risk.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In Texas, it is estimated that 1 in 5 traffic crashes are caused by distracted driving, and the problem is getting worse. As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching its “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign to remind drivers to stay focused on the road.
Last year, there were 108,962 distracted driving crashes in Texas — up 3 percent since 2015. Those crashes killed 452 people and seriously injured another 3,068. These crashes are highest among younger drivers ages 16 to 34.
According to TxDOT, 38 percent of Texas drivers say they regularly or sometimes use a cell phone while driving. Text messaging is particularly dangerous, as reaction times double when drivers read or send text messages. A driver texting at 55 mph will lose sight of the road for nearly five seconds, which is comparable to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded. During this time, the car can drift in and out of lanes as well as cross the center line.
Although cell phone use is not the only distraction in the car, it is one of the most common and is a leading cause of distracted driving traffic crashes and fatalities. Text messaging is particularly dangerous. Research conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) found that reaction times double when drivers are distracted by text messaging. Driving requires the use of our visual, manual, and cognitive abilities — texting takes away all three of these at one time.
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving and to encourage Texans to put down their cell phones while driving, not just during the month of April, but year-round. With more than 100,000 traffic crashes in Texas each year involving distracted driving, drivers are reminded that using a mobile phone when behind the wheel is a risky habit that they should break.
Although cell phone use is the most easily recognized distraction, all in-vehicle distractions are unsafe and can cause crashes or fatalities. Keep your eyes on the road and arrive alive!
Distracted Driving Virtual Reality Event
Our regional Traffic Safety Coalition, on which I serve, is partnering with TxDOT to bring a virtual reality distracted driving experience called “It Can Wait” to our area. Sulphur Springs is one of approximately 19 cities across the state of Texas to host this event. Here are the details:
- When: Thursday, April 19
- Where: Hopkins County Civic Center exhibit hall
- Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The VR experience is a structure that visitors will be able to explore and interact with while waiting in line. Inside the cube is the VR video. The viewer should walk away convinced that they’re not immune from causing harm to others or themselves if they drive distracted. Additionally, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will provide a DWI prevention simulator. Users will experience driving while their vision is distorted through impaired driving goggles.
What’s Missing from your Pantry?
Due to a special request from a local resident, I will be presenting two programs on nutrition, meal planning, and inspiration to be healthy. Please take note and the dates and times and call 903-885-3443 if you would like to attend. You may attend both, or choose one. Both programs will be at the same location and same time, just different days.
What: What’s Missing from your Pantry; Nutrition for the 60+ Crowd
When: Wednesday, April 25, Thursday, April 26
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Where: First United Methodist Church Family Life Center classroom
Both programs are free. More information to come!
Closing Thought
Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another – Napoleon Hill
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
Workshop for North Hopkins High School Students
By Amy Sprague and Faith Wheeler
“If life is lived in the learning zone soon everything will be in your comfort zone” This phrase of advice was given from FFA State Officers Taylin Antonick and Cody Mcqueen who paid a visit to the North Hopkins High School on Wednesday April 4th. Cody McQueen, the state FFA President, and Taylin Antonick, the state FFA 1st Vice President, stopped at North Hopkins yesterday morning to conduct a workshop for the High School students encouraging and giving them tools to step out of their comfort zone.
In their presentation they conducted many activities that influenced the discovery of three personal zones, comfort, learning, and panic. The students were then ask to identify struggles they have in everyday life and what zones they fall in as well. They learned how each personal zone affects their reactions and how to use strategies to create positive outcomes.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Begin Two Day District Golf Tournament
The Wildcats and Lady Cats’ golf teams began the two-day District Golf Tournament on Thursday (April 5) at Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club. Both teams played in numerous tournaments getting ready for the district event. Both teams also played in a district preview at the Rockwall course back on March 9.
The Wildcats five-member team includes Carter Lewis, Cameron Morris, Andrew Escobar, Colten Bench and Kip Childress.
The Lady Cats’ team includes Miriam Tran, Alyssa Underwood, Emma Lane and Addison White.
The Wildcats are coached by Chris Owens and the Lady Cats by Whitney Spigener.
The district tournament concludes on Friday.
Eight Wildcat, Lady Cats Track Athletes Qualify for Area on First Day of District Meet
Some Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track athletes qualified for the Area Track Meet on the first day of the District Track Meet Wednesday (April 4) at Pine Tree. The top four finishers only qualify for Area at the District Meet.
Wildcats Track Coach Matt Young said two Wildcats qualified for Area in shot put Wednesday. Jermond Bryant-Amos came in second with a throw of over 46 feet. Ian Blanch finished fourth after his last toss was good enough to reposition him from sixth place to fourth place. In a 3200-meter final on Wednesday, Landon Thornton set a personal record and qualified for Area finishing third. Coach Young said athletes who qualified on Wednesday for final races Thursday included three hurdlers, Ryan Humphries in the 100-meter dash, Simeon Taylor in the 200-meter dash and Ricardo Torres in the 400-meter run. They will also run relay races and the 1600-meter run on Thursday.
Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron said Sydney Washburn qualified for the Area Meet with a fourth place finish in the 3200-meter run at the District Meet Wednesday. Washburn competed in the 1600-meter run on Thursday. Imani Taylor qualified for the Area Meet by winning the long jump Wednesday at District. On Thursday, Taylor qualified for the triple jump with a second place finish. Taylor competed in the high jump Thursday. Coach Abron said two of his pole vaulters qualified for Area on Wednesday. Shelby McCormick finished third and Jaden Booth was fourth at the District Meet. Coach Abron said he had participants in the Thursday finals in every event except the 400-meter run. He is hoping the Lady Cats will rack up enough points to defend their district title they won at last year’s event. The Area Track Meet, featuring top four finishers from District Meets in District 15-5A and District 16-5A, will take place on April 19 again at Pine Tree.
Wildcat District Tennis Tournament; Benitez Advances
Wildcats’ tennis boys’ singles player Alex Benitez broke a long drought Wednesday (April 4) at the District Tennis Tournament in Texarkana when he qualified for the Regional Tennis Tournament. Benitez was scheduled to play Texas High’s top boys’ singles player in the district final Thursday.
One has to go back to 2007 to find when a Wildcats’ boy last qualified for the Regional Tournament. That player was not able to participate. Back in 2007, then Wildcats Tennis Coach Susan Reynolds said she had not taken a boy to the Regional Tournament in ten years. The year before, in 2006, Coach Reynolds took a girls’ singles player and a girls’ doubles team to the Regional Tournament. Senior Cynthia Sanchez played singles at the Regional Tournament. The girls’ doubles team of Ali Jackson and Lauren Longino also qualified for the Regional Tournament.
Benitez will go to this year’s Regional Tournament in Allen on April 18-19. Current Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez also had a boys double team and girls doubles team in the consolation finals at the District Tournament on Wednesday. Both teams lost in the consolation final. The boys team was made up of Logan Schumacher and Jordan Gonzales. The girls team featured Zoe Wilson and Harleigh Stegient. Coach Martinez said Stegient turned her ankle in the consolation final. He added that despite great pain, Stegient refused to quit and played until the end of the match.
tennis
