Tira News August 25, 2017
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will meet at the Tira Community Center for the regular quarterly meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5th. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Robert and Yvonne Weir’s daughter, Destri, and her family, Eben, Nicholaas, Mena, and Emmy spent the weekend visiting with them. On Saturday, the all went to Dacy and Mike Campbell’s home in Caddo Mills for Eli’s 7th birthday. Yvonne comments, “The brisket was great!” She adds, “On Sunday, we all relaxed and enjoyed the new puppy.” The Weirs were also at the Campbell home on August 5th for Elise’s 9th birthday party. A big crowd was there to help her celebrate.
Kim and Lee Beck just returned from vacation – two days in Washington D.C., two days in North Carolina and four days in Virginia visiting family and seeing the wonderful east coast beaches. Kim says, “Our trip home was eventful – our 3-hour return trip took 13 hours. Our plane in Virginia had an engine that would not start. They tried to get a part flown in, but it did not work out and they rerouted us to LaGuardia in New York and then to DFW. What a haul!”
The principals and superintendent at North Hopkins report a great start to the school year this week. Be sure to check the school website for upcoming events. There will be an informational meeting on the Tax Ratification Election (TRE) on Tuesday, September 5th, at 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Chip and I went to San Antonio on Wednesday evening, August 9th. I had training there on the 10th. After the training we shopped at Market Square and enjoyed a delicious meal at Mi Tierra Café. On Friday, we shopped and enjoyed riding the river taxi. We had a wonderful lunch at Landry’s Seafood House on the Riverwalk. We drove to Waco on Saturday and our son, Delayne, treated us to lunch at Texas Roadhouse, and then we went to his house for a visit and Chip trimmed limbs off his house.
Tiffany, Kenden, and Jaidyn went with us to Holly Lake on Friday, August 18th. We had fun swimming, playing miniature golf, board games and watching movies at the resort. On Saturday evening, we enjoyed a great meal in a beautiful setting at Taste of Italy on Lake Hawkins. We packed up on Sunday morning and returned for church.
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].
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale By Mario Villarino
This week, several reports of crape myrtle bark scale has been reported by concerned citizens of our county. According to Dr. Mike Merchant, Crape myrtle bark scale is a a relatively new insect pest is troubling crape myrtle in north Texas cities and backyards. Although an official name has yet to be given, this insect is thought to be an exotic pest that has somehow found its way to north Texas. In the genus Eriococcus, the scale is a type of felt or bark scale. It’s closest cousin is the Azalea bark scale, but that species has never been associated with crape myrtle before. Current evidence suggests that the scale may be a migrant from Asia, Eriococcus lagerostroemia, which is common on the timber tree Lagerostroemia indica in Japan and China.One of the first signs of a bark scale infestation is a black (sooty mold) coating that appears on the bark of the trunk and on the branches of crape myrtles (see picture). Leaves and limbs may feel sticky from byproducts of the insect’s feeding. The insects appear as white, waxy encrustations likely to occur anywhere on the plant, but often near pruning wounds or in branch crotches. Up close, the azalea bark scale-insect is white to gray in color. Larger female scales “bleed” a pink liquid when crushed. Careful examination may reveal dozens of pink eggs under some of the larger white scale covers.
Control recommendations for azalea bark scale are still being developed; however, our current best suggestions for control of this insect include:
- For heavily infested plants wash the trunk and reachable limbs with a soft brush and mild solution of dishwashing soap. This will remove many of the female scales and egg masses and make insecticide control more effective. Also, washing will remove much of the black mold that builds up on the bark on infested trees.
- Horticultural oil has not yet been shown to be effective against this insect, however a winter application of dormant oil to the bark and crotches of the plants where scales shelter may be beneficial. Winter is an especially good time to treat for scales because a higher (winter) application rate can be used without damaging the plant. Thorough coverage of the tree is especially important when treating with oil.
- Application of systemic insecticides as a drench applied to the root zone of plants to be protected has shown the most promise in tests to date. Imidacloprid (Merit® or Bayer Advanced™ Garden Tree and Shrub Insect Control) and dinotefuran (Greenlight Tree and Shrub Insect Control with Safari) has shown best control when applied between May and July. When drenching the soil with a systemic insecticide, allow several weeks for control as the products needs time to spread throughout the plant.
As the crape myrtle bark scale spreads throughout Texas, one of the first questions we hear is “will the scale kill my tree?” The answer appears to be “no”, at least not often. To date we’ve not been able to show any crape myrtle tree death as a result of a bark scale infestation. But like many sap-feeding scale insects, these little scales can stress and reduce the appearance of the trees, while producing a prodigious amount of sticky “honeydew” that can coat the leaves and anything under the tree (including freshly washed cars). Thanks to Drs. John Hopkins and Jim Robbins of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, we can now show you what we believe is likely to be another impact of these scales on trees–namely, smaller flower clusters and reduced blooming. The other question we are getting is: “If I treat my crape myrtles with a neonicotinoid insecticide, is it likely to affect the honey bees around my home?” While there is growing concern about the impact of soil-applied neonicotinoid insecticides on honey bee and pollinator health, crape myrtles do not appear to be highly attractive to bees (entomophilic). Currently we don’t believe that a properly applied soil insecticide (following label directions) will have any significant impacts on foraging bees. But if anything changes in that formula, we’ll be sure to let you know. We are also continuing to look for less susceptible varieties of crape myrtle and safer, less expensive treatments for this scale. 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].
Upcoming events :
- Cattlemen Classic and Ribeye Cook-off. October 6, 2017, downtown Sulphur Springs. A great opportunity to learn and enjoy the beef industry in Hopkins County. We will host a producer trade show with companies and support industry (starting at 2:00 PM) at the downtown area (free), a feature keynote speaker Trent Loos at the Courthouse (free) as part of the 2017 NETBIO producer meeting. The celebration continues with the cook-off competition, dinner (tickets available for $25 at Texas Heritage Bank and Brookshire’s in Sulphur Springs) and a free concert featuring Stoney Larue starting at8:00 PM.
- Red Alliance Red Angus Production Sale. Registered Bulls, Females, and Commercial Red Angus. Oct 2, 2017 in the Hopkins County Civic Center. Sale starts 10 am / 150 head can be previewed on Sunday afternoon. Call John Macek @903-348-2138 for a catalog or www.redalliance.biz
- Private Applicators CEU and Hamburger Cook-Off. November 1, 2017. Join us to learn new techniques in weed management in pastures (1hr) hay production (1 hr), pond weed management (1 hr), Laws and Regulations related to use of restricted pesticides (1 hr), and protection of pollinators in agriculture (1 hr. IPM). Regional Civic Center. Call The Hopkins County Extension office at 903-885-3443 to register. Cost $30 lunch included.
For more information on these or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
“School is Back! Be Sure to Fight Bac!” By Johanna Hicks
School is Back! Be Sure to Fight Bac!
Now that students are back in school and many parents will be packing lunches, it’s time to fight bac – bacteria, that is! Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is here to provide some food safety tips that everyone should know.
Of course, the obvious factor is to be sure kitchen surfaces and utensils are clean when preparing foods. When preparing school lunches, keep in mind that the food is left at room temperature for more than two hours, and perishable foods can put children at risk for foodborne illness. Children typically have a higher risk of foodborne illness as their immune systems are not sufficiently developed to resist the bacteria that can grow on foods.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, perishable food at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees are in the temperature danger zone, and can allow bacteria to double in as little as 20 minutes. To help prevent bacteria and foodborne illness, follow these tips:
1) Use an insulated lunch box or double paper bags. If your child is taking a lunch requiring refrigeration, find out if they have access to a refrigerator at school and remind them to put their lunch in it as soon as they get to school. Also, don’t forget to clearly mark your child’s name on the lunch container.
2) Use cold pack to cool perishable items such as lunch meats, eggs, cheese, cut fruit, and yogurt. Cold packs should also be used even in insulated lunch boxes or bags when they contain perishable food. You can also freeze water or juice and use that to keep perishables cold – the liquids should thaw by lunchtime.
3) Use an insulated container to keep hot lunches at a warm temperature. Put boiling water into the container and let it sit for a few minutes, then pour the water out. Put the hot food in the container (like soup, stew, chili, macaroni & cheese, etc.). This will help keep the contents warm until lunchtime.
4) Leave lunches in the refrigerator overnight if packing them the night before. To ensure the best results, store with the lid of the lunchbox or bag left open in the refrigerator so there’s optimal air circulation to cool it down.
5) Put individually packaged disposable wipes in the lunch box or bag and remind children to use them before and after eating. Also reinforce the importance of hand-washing before meals.
6) Even though it’s tempting for a child to keep uneaten portions of the lunch and consume them after school, this is not a good idea! Leftover food should be discarded, along with all used food packaging and paper bags. Reusing packaging is a bad idea, as it could contaminate other food and cause foodborne illness. Keeping unrefrigerated perishables in a lunch box or bag so you can eat the later means they’ll probably be in the temperature danger zone for a while, becoming a safety risk.
So, parents and caregivers, do your homework when it comes to packing a safe school lunch. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, and we want them to get a good education without worrying about food safety!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
September is very rapidly approaching, so that means the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” is not far behind, either! I am now taking registration for this 4-lesson series, which focuses on helping individuals with diabetes and anyone that prepares food for them. The series also includes cooking demonstrations and sampling. Topics are: Carbohydrate Foods – recognizing carbohydrates in recipes and using sweeteners effectively; Making Recipes with Fat Better for You – healthy fats and fat substitutions; Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – reducing sodium and increasing fiber; and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes – special event recipes that are healthy & delicious, and handling eating out.
The series is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 12, 14, 19, and 20, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W Houston, Sulphur Springs. (We are directly in front of the Civic Center and next door to the Southwest Dairy Museum.) Two times are being offered to accommodate participant schedules, so pick the time that works best for you – 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. You may even mix and match times!
The fee is $25, payable at the first session and includes materials, recipes, cooking demonstrations, sampling and door prizes. Please call the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 if you plan to attend so adequate arrangements can be made.
Closing Thought
Every day, do something that will bring you closer to a better tomorrow.
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]
Tech Titans Names Texas A&M University-Commerce a finalist for the Tech Titans of the Future – University Level Award
DALLAS, July 18, 2017 – Tech Titans, the largest technology trade organization in Texas, has named Dr. Robynne Lock and A&M-Commerce’s Studio Physics program a finalist in the Tech Titans of the Future – University Level Award category as part of the 17th Annual Tech Titans Awards.
“I am honored to be a finalist for a Tech Titans award. Working to improve my classes to have better outcomes for my students is very important to me, and it is wonderful to see Studio physics recognized,” said Dr. Lock.
Studio physics is a student-centered active-learning environment in which students spend the majority of class time on group work. Activities include Tutorials in Introductory Physics, Context-rich Problems, and PhET tutorials, all research-based teaching materials. By creating an active-learning classroom, students learn the course content better. They improve their conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities. Studio has better outcomes regarding students’ attitudes towards physics and aiding in recruitment and retention of STEM majors.
The Tech Titans Awards recognizes the elite in North Texas technology – individuals currently transforming the high-tech industry and giving companies that competitive edge, as well as companies leading the way in innovation and technical applications. The Tech Titans Awards showcases the innovators, adopters and executors impacting the technology industry for the greater good.
The winners for each category will be announced at the Tech Titans Awards Gala on Friday, August 25, 2017 in front of 800 of the top North Texas technology influencers. The gala will take place at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel in Plano, Texas, and will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. leading up to the award ceremony from 7 to 10 p.m.
“We are proud to be able to recognize the individuals and organizations that make a substantial impact in the North Texas technology industry each and every day,” said Bill Sproull, president and CEO of Tech Titans. “The innovation, leadership and advocacy each of our finalists contributes to the industry make a significant difference in our communities and the world. We look forward to seeing what each of these elite individuals and companies will continue to do for years to come.”
The 2017 award sponsors include Comerica, Crowe Horwath, Dallas Business Journal, Deloitte, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, M/C/C, Nokia, Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel, State Farm, VLSIP Technologies and ZRG Partners. Additional sponsors for the event are Bravo Tech, Haynes and Boone, Qorvo and Texas Instruments.
Hopkins County Republicans Announce Meeting Schedule
The Republican Party of Hopkins County will have monthly meetings on the fourth Monday of every month, except December, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. The time will be 6:30 PM and we will try to limit the time of meetings to one hour.
This month’s meeting will be on Monday, August 28th and the Honorable Will Ramsey will be the guest speaker.
We will also have our candidates each giving a 2 minute speech.
There will be light refreshments served.
Channel 18 News Thursday, August 24, 2017
Left to right: Brent Smith, Tabitha Vaught, Justin Sanders, Jeff Sanderson, Cory Coker, and Mark Neel prepare to deploy to South Texas.
Wildcat Football Defense Ready to Hit
Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron says he’s ready for his defensive unit to bang heads with someone else. The Wildcats will have their first and only scrimmage this season Friday at 7 p.m. in Texarkana against Liberty-Eylau. JV and freshmen players will scrimmage at 5 p.m. Friday. Coach Abron says he wants to see where his defense is.
He says L-E has speed and size and will test the Wildcats’ defense. Mount Pleasant Football Coach Cory Homer, whose team scrimmaged the Leopards last week, told Coach Abron that he is high on L-E. Coach Homer called L-E legit. Coach Abron thinks he has a pretty good defensive unit this year with lots of returners. The defense also had a good spring. He wants to see how his defensive front looks playing the run.
Coach Abron figures the Leopards will also gave his secondary a good test. He says the Wildcats’ secondary isn’t the fastest but he adds they are good with techniques to offset speedier receivers. Coach Abron says his biggest defensive question mark right now concerns depth. He’ll be looking for youngsters to step up and show they can back up his starting bunch, which he likes a lot. Coach Abron expects his seniors to provide leadership for the defensive unit this year.
Game Day: Lady Cat Volleyball in Tyler Tourney
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team will have three busy days of games beginning Thursday in a Tyler tournament. The Lady Cats will also play in the tournament on Saturday. In between, the Lady Cats will have a home match on Friday.
Thursday, the Tyler tournament will feature pool play games for the Lady Cats. They will face Tyler Lee, Tatum and Beckville, the #1 ranked team in Class 3A. Those matches will determine who the Lady Cats will play later. Friday the Lady Cats will play host to Caddo Mills in Wildcats Gym. The varsity will play the early game beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday with freshmen and JV games to follow.
The Lady Cats enter the Tyler tournament Thursday with a season record of 10-6. In their most recent action, the Lady Cats dropped a road match at Forney, 3-0 Tuesday night.
Local Mentors Help Sydnee Hawkins Set Her Sights on Music Career
The past two years have been a whirlwind for Miss Sydnee Hawkins, as she has involved herself in almost every aspect of music and performing that the Hopkins County community has to offer. Sydnee knew she wanted to be a singer by age 3, and she really began to work toward that goal during her high school career at SSISD, making choices that have expanded her natural abilities and furthered her experience as a vocalist. Now on the threshold of starting college, Sydnee shared some of her impressions during the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay.
Her mom was her first teacher. With a mother who loved to sing, it was natural that Sydnee learn to harmonize with her, and singing with her mom remains one of her greatest joys and simplest pleasures. Sydnee also loves to dance, act and play piano. Carol Allen, Director of the Northeast Texas Choral Society and Dawn Doyle Jones, former Theatre Arts Director, along with LeShay Woodard and Desi Pharris, currently at SSHS, remain helpful mentors. Amanda Thompson Brandenburg coached her in voice, tap and drama in Shining Star Productions. Roger Reed brought her onstage at the Reilly Springs Jamboree for her first experience singing with a live band. Kevin and Juli Wooley of Haystack Youth Choir remain friends and travel-mates, allowing Sydnee the opportunity to sing the National Anthem and perform in New York City and at Disneyworld during their summer choir trips. Monica Lancaster provided vocal coaching and Cathy Cobb has provided piano lessons. Further broadening her appreciation for music performance have been Mr. McCauley, Mrs. Welch and all the High School and Middle School band and choir instructors in Sulphur Springs. Shannon Oaks Church pastors Eric Godwin and Jonathan McGraw remain instrumental along her path of musical expression. Earlier this month, Sydnee performed “At Last” for the open auditions of American Idol held at Gilmer, Texas. She was a top-ten pick and was rewarded with a “front-of-line” pass to the Shreveport auditions during the Labor Day weekend. Good luck, Sydnee! She begins basic classes at Paris Junior College this Fall and is enjoying the company of her family including three younger sisters whom she hopes learn to love singing as much as she does! Find out more about Sydnee and see her YouTube videos at sydneelynnhawkinsmusic.com
Local AMBUS Heads to South Texas as Harvey Nears Coast
The local AMBUS is being deployed to the Texas Coast to assist, if needed, in preparation of Tropical Storm Harvey, which is expected to soon intensify to become Hurricane Harvey. Six (6) paramedics will be making the trip and all will stay for the duration of the deployment. Three (3) drivers have been trained at the DPS academy to be fully licensed to drive the AMBUS
Jeff Sanderson, Shift Captain for Hopkins County EMS, Said this is his fourth deployment to a potential disaster area due to hurricanes. He said once they arrive on location, they will be deployed to the area needed. He stated he has no expectations before arrival but will be ready for whatever service is needed. He does expect a lot of water.
Left to right: Brent Smith, Tabitha Vaught, Justin Sanders, Jeff Sanderson, Cory Coker, and Mark Neel prepare to deploy to South Texas.
Staging will begin in San Antonio where the local crew will awaiting further instructions. A total of three (3) AMBUSes including the Hopkins County AMBUS and two (2) stationed in Dallas will be joining two (2) other AMBUSes at San Antonio at the AT&T Center, home for Spurs basketball. Other Strike Teams are being deployed from all over the state.
A five (5) day deployment is expected as some computer models show the possibility of over 40-inches of rain for South Texas.
The AMBUS will have a variety of responsibilities including evacuating nursing homes and hospitals as well as disaster situations.
