Avian Influenza Detected in Commerical Broiler Breeder Farm in Hopkins County
A low-pathogenic strain of avian influenza was detected at a commercial broiler breeder farm in Hopkins County, Texas, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reported. The latest detection of H7N1 is the second in 2018, according to Meat & Poultry.
The H7N1 virus was discovered during routine, pre-slaughter testing and surveillance for H5/H7 avian influenza strains. The OIE said partial HA sequencing determined the virus to be a low pathogenic virus of North American wild bird lineage. Roughly 24,000 birds at the farm were exposed, according to OIE.
“The flock exhibited a slight increase in mortality and a decrease in egg production,” OIE said. “Depopulation of the premises is underway. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Texas Animal Health Commission are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of this incident and have implemented enhanced surveillance and testing within 10 km of this finding.”
The first finding in 2018 of H7N1 occurred at a commercial turkey farm in Jasper County, Missouri, and was confirmed on March 3. There were no signs of illness or an increase in turkey deaths reported at the farm. At least 20,000 birds were culled through controlled marketing, which allows poultry infected with or exposed to low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) to be moved to market on limited basis.
LPAI causes only minor illness in birds, whereas high-pathogenic (HPAI) strains of the virus can spread rapidly and result in high death rates in bird flocks.
Stand Against Bullying Event Planned
According to the organizer, the idea for the event was inspired by her 9-year old daughter who has had a difficult year at school with constant bullying. The organizer also says her daughter is having a difficult time making new friends. Stand Against Bullying and New Friends Party is Friday, March 16th at 1 p.m. at Kid’s Kingdom in Sulphur Springs.
Reaching out to the community to help her find friends and responding to other parents dealing with the same issues Stand Against Bullying was created as an open “new friends party” invitation to all the kids in the area who are going through the same struggle.
Stand Against Bullying, Bully Prevention And “New Friends Party” Friday at 1:00pm Kids Kingdom Sulphur Springs
KSA Engineering Employed to Set Weight Limits for County Roads
During their Monday regular session, Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court employed KSA Engineers of Longview to establish weight limits for county roads and will reapply for grants to open Pipeline Road and to rebuild three bridges on roads in Precinct 1.
KSA Engineers will be paid $21,500 for the project. The cost of the project will be divided by the four precincts with each paying just over $5,000. When the project is complete, the proposed weight limits will be turned over to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for final approval and implementation of the limits. Once approved by TxDOT, the next step will be for the county to hire a weight and measures officer to enforce the limits by tickets written and fines levied on offenders.
For several years Commissioners’ Court has wanted to have weight limits established for county roads due to heavy trucks use. The need has become imperative, according to Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom. Newsom said weight limits and permitting trucks for county roads is the first step that will lead to better roads in the county. Although trucks for agricultural uses will be exempt, there are a number heavy trucks on County Roads that are non-agricultural based such as concrete, wood, oil, and other heavy trucks. Newsom did say that some loads on county roads would necessitate smaller carriers. For instance, concrete for construction could be provided by trucks under the weight limit even though more trucks would be needed for the project.
Deterioration of county roads due to use by heavy trucks has been a continual problem, according to Newsom. He stated that permits will be issued and county roads will see weight limits at less than 80,000lbs.
In other action, Commissioners’ Court will reapply for hazard mitigation project grants to reopen Pipeline Road and replace three bridge projects in Precinct 1. Commissioners desire to open Pipeline Road to enable a quick access to the hospital for emergency vehicles dispatched to the east side of the county, specifically Precinct 3 and parts of Precinct 2. The Pipeline Road project would be in partnership with TxDOT if the grant is approved. The three bridges in Precinct 1 were not granted in previous grant applications.
re: Springtime, Annual Fire Safety Reminders
Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Endsley is also Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) for Hopkins County, and fire safety awareness is part of his duty. He visited on the Good Morning Show with Enola Gay to remind citizens of the importance of fire safety inside and outside their homes, especially now as Spring arrives.
When birds begin to chirp outside, are your smoke detectors also chirping? They may need new batteries, or they may need replacing altogether. If your detectors are over ten years old, you are definitely encouraged to replace them for more modern units. Newer technology has produced improved efficiency in smoke detectors with a ten-year expiration date stamped on them. Additionally, in newer construction buildings, smoke detectors may be powered by electricity while also having a back-up battery. The back-up battery needs checking on a regular basis so that it will function properly in the event that electrical power should fail. Chief Endsley also stated that for residents who cannot or should not stand on a ladder to check the smoke detectors, the Fire Department is just a phone call away. Both county and city fire personnel are happy to assist needy ones in carrying out the semi-annual maintenance that smoke detectors require. Phone the Central Fire Station at 903-439-6217 or Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4040.
With ample rainfall, there is no burn ban in Hopkins County for residents outside the city limits. However, if you are doing clean-up on your property and plan to burn limbs, fallen wood and other debris, please remember to take safety measures before burning. These measures include burning smaller piles instead of a large central one, making sure there is a water hose or other water source nearby and that the ground surrounding the burn area is clear of debris. Individuals who enjoy backyard cooking or grilling are also reminded to be prepared and to put the same safety measures in place each time before you light that grill.
Chief Endsley also reminds everyone that preparedness extends to Spring’s unpredictable weather. In Texas, conditions can quickly change and become dangerous, so take storm forecasts seriously and stay connected with weather-related sources. Emergency Management personnel take a pro-active approach and will be watching the skies this Spring with your safety in mind. Also, a basic needs kit is a good idea to have ready in case of emergency or if electrical power goes out for a period of time. A basic needs kit would include a gallon of water per person plus non-perishable food supplies for three days, basic tools, a battery-powered radio and flashlight with fresh batteries, a cell phone charger and storage sticks on full charge.
2018
Violation of Probation for Stalking Returns Local Man to Hopkins County Jail
Hopkins County Deputies located Jimmy De Odell, 60, of Pickton at the Adult Probation office where he was arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation Stalking, a Felony 3.
Odell was indicted by a Hopkins County Grand Jury in October, 2017 for stalking. The indictment followed his fourth arrest for stalking since August 2, 2017. It was found the he was within 696 feet from the place of employment of the victim of his August 8, 2017 stalking charge. He was in violation of the protective order than had been issued at that time. Other incidents had also placed O’Dell in Hopkins County Jail dating back to April, 2017.
Solid Relief Pitching Garners Win for Lady Cats
The Lady Cats’ softball team used the solid relief pitching of Tessa Holt to defeat the Texas Home Educators Sports Association Riders, 5-3 at Lady Cat Park in a non-district game late Monday afternoon.
Holt entered the game in the top of the second with the scored tied 1-1 and with no outs and the bases loaded with Riders. A second run scored on a dropped fly ball. Over six innings, Holt, the winning pitcher, allowed only two hits and an unearned run. She struck out two and walked none. The Lady Cats rapped out 13 hits. They outhit THESA, 13-4.
The Lady Cats scored the games first run in the bottom of the first inning. The Lady Cats used singles by Alyssa Abrom, Kelsey Wallace and Sadie Stroud. Stroud’s single scored Abron. Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the Lady Cats erupted for 3 runs. Sierra Smith got the inning started with a single. Consecutive RBI doubles followed from Kate Womack, Macee Hollins and Nylah Lindley. After four, the Lady Cats led 4-2. The Lady Cats upped the lead with a single run in the bottom of the fifth. Womack tripled and scored on a Hollins single.
The Riders tightened the game scoring an unearned run in the top of the sixth. The Riders used an error and a single to put two runners on. The next batter grounded to third for a force play. A throw to try and get a force at second ended up in right field and a run scored. Holt allowed a single in the top of the seventh but then retired three straight batters to end the game.
The Texas Home Educators Sports Association has three Sulphur Springs’ girls on the roster: starting pitcher Corrie Gaddis, starting catcher Valori Voorheese and pinch hitter Calli Voorheese. Chris Voorheese is an assistant coach for the Riders.
The Lady Cats improve to 15-4 for the season. They return to district play Tuesday afternoon against Pine Tree at Lady Cat Park. There will be a JV game at 1 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at 2:30 p.m. The Lady Cats are on top of the district standings with a 2-0 district mark.
Lady Cats Softball 2-0 in District; Play Non-District Game Monday Afternoon
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo said he was glad to see his team play well in a 7-3 win at Hallsville Friday night. He said especially after his team didn’t play their best last Tuesday in a 3-2 win at home over Greenville.
Coach Carrillo was on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show last Saturday. He said his team had very focused practices Wednesday and Thursday before the Hallsville game. Coach Carrillo said his team did a lot of things well Friday night. They had 12 hits and made only one error in the field while pitcher Bailey Haggerty also had another strong outing in the circle. Coach Carrillo said the Lady Cats JV also won.
The Lady Cats will be busy with three games this week. They play at Lady Cat Park Monday at 4 p.m. against the Texas Home Educators Sports Association softball team, Coach Carrillo said this game replaces a scheduled game against McKinney that was not played. Tuesday the Lady Cats get back into district play with a game against Pine Tree at Lady Cat Park. This one features a time change. The JV now plays at 1 p.m. with the varsity game at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. We will bring you both the Monday and Tuesday afternoon games on KSST Radio live. We will also videotape the games for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
A district game at Marshall later this week has a date change. Instead of Friday, the Lady Cats will now travel to Marshall for a Thursday game. The JV game will be at 4:30 p.m. with the varsity game to follow at 6 p.m. The Lady Cats are 2-0 in district play and 14-4 for the season.
PJC Sulphur Springs Campus Beta Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremonies
The Beta Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Paris Junior College recently held spring 2018 induction ceremonies in Sulphur Springs, Greenville and Paris. The two-year college honor society inducted 175 students this semester.
PTK offers students opportunities to develop qualities of scholarship, leadership, fellowship, and service. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of 3.5. They also may become eligible for transfer scholarships.
A huge crowd of family and friends attended the ceremonies in at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus to help students celebrate this academic achievement.
Above are 19 PJC-Sulphur Springs Center students inducted into Beta Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Paris Junior College by Chapter Advisor Trina Lubbe, pictured at left.
PJC-Sulphur Springs campus officers introduced at the induction were vice presidents Molly Wansley, center, and Mac Smithson. Parker Cummings is the campus chapter secretary.
Newly inducted students from from the area include:
Brashear: Justin Beard, Cody Sutton
Campbell: Darrel Dix, Anjella Yates
Commerce: Tabitha Kelly
Como: Hannah Goodwin, Gladys Pulgarin, Naul Rojas, Marlee Sheets
Cooper: Ashlee Harvey, Sarah Imhoff
Cumby: Sandra Dougherty, Brayden Freeman, Lauren Hudson, Colton McDonald
Emory: Courtney Fults, Catherine Jeffers
Pickton: Agustin Cuevas, Parker Cummings, Presli Cummings
Point: Nancy Briggs, Carl Good
Sulphur Springs: Cindy Aranda, Carlos Delgado, Madison Gaddis, Mollie Gibbins, Gideon Gregory, Noah Hargrove, Sarah Harper, Sydnee Hawkins, Jonna Higginbotham, Joshua Jenkins, Brooklyn Moon, Olympia Murillo, Brenna Murray, Robert Noe, Harold Smithson
Reminder: Lil 4’s One Year Celebration is this Saturday, March 17th, 2018
The Lil 4’s rescheduled their Anniversary Celebration from the 24th of February to this Saturday due to weather.
