A & M Forest Service Urges Fireworks Safety, Outdoor Fire Safety
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As Texans from around the state make plans for the Nation’s Independence Day holiday, Texas A&M Forest Service urges vigilance with outdoor activities such as grilling, campfires and fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, July 4th has the most fires reported than on any other day and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.
Recent rains in May and June have decreased some of the potential for catastrophic wildfires across much of the state. However, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful and stay safe this Independence Day.
“Though the rains have helped decrease wildfire potential, it has produced a lot of tall grass across the state this summer. It’s best to play it safe and avoid these areas if using fireworks; especially aerials,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head Tom Spencer.
Fireworks safety tips:
– Before you celebrate, always check with local government officials whether fireworks and outdoor burning are allowed in your county. Be sure to comply with all restrictions.
– Before using fireworks, read and follow all warnings and instruction labels.
– Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
– Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
– Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
– Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
A Thumbs Up for Fall Festival’s Activities Downtown
Fall Festival is an annual October event in Hopkins County. But that doesn’t mean that Fall Festival fun can’t be summer fun too! As a fundraiser, Festival board president Tracy Dennis and her committee are planning the “Splish Splash Water Bash” in downtown Sulphur Springs on Saturday July 15th., bringing a huge 28-foot-tall “Purple Crush” water slide and a 70-foot long Hawaiian Dual Slip n Slide. These will be set up on the north side of the downtown square in front of Alliance Bank, closing off that portion from traffic for the day. Kids age 12 and under can enjoy the bash for free, and kids age 13 and up will be charged $5 each. So, with the popular splash park theme already in place downtown, the day should truly be a “bash”!
Another summer event planned by the Fall Festival committee is a return appearance by Emerald City, voted “Best Live Party Band in Dallas”. This group has performed over 5,000 corporate events and 4,000 weddings in their 30-year touring career as a high-energy dance band that all ages love. The concert will be held in the Civic Center arena on Friday August 25 at 8 pm.
In September, the Fall Festival committee will feature another event new to Sulphur Springs, Caged Dodgeball. Local businesses, industries and organizations are encouraged to form teams, get into the dodgeball competitions, and compete for Best Costume/Uniform and Best Team Name titles. Cost to enter a team is $50. Play will take place in the area of the first block of North Davis Street.
The 48th annual Fall Festival is Hopkins County’s county fair. It’s is set for October 21-28, 2017 and will include a week of family fun, the Cover Girl competitions and the World Championship Hopkins County Stew Cook-off. For full details, phone Tracy Dennis at 903-243-1925 or email [email protected].
Aggravated Assault Of Co-Worker Involves Handgun
A dispute between co-workers at a residence on CR 3368 Thursday morning around 9 a.m. brought the attention of Hopkins County deputies. A small handgun and a partially empty box of ammunition was located in a consensual search. The weapon had been displayed during an altercation between the parties the previous night.
Following a statement by his co-worker, Jorge Jaramillo, 37, of Saltillo is in Hopkins County jail charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a Felony 2, and is being held on a $30,000 bond.
Cumby Man Charged with Credit/Debit Card Abuse
June 30, 2017 – Sulphur Springs Police responded to a local outlet shoe store on Industrial Drive Thursday around 4:30 p.m. Cole William Peterson, 17, of Cumby had attempted to make a purchase with a credit/debit card but store personnel were aware the unapproved transaction made was performed on a card that did not belong to Peterson.
Peterson admitted to the officer that he had taken the card from the cardholder’s residence to make the purchase at the store.
Peterson is in Hopkins County jail charged with Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse, a State Jail Felony, and is held on a $5,000 bond.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon
Sulphur Springs Police were called to the 800 block of College Street Thursday evening around 11 p.m. When they made contact with the victim, they were told that Robert Jay Aaron, 28, had grabbed the female victim and knocked her to the ground holding a knife to her throat.
Aaron is in Hopkins County jail charged with Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House with a Deadly Weapon, a Felony 1.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs Honors Associates for Years of Service
(Sulphur Springs, TX) – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs honored their associates for years of service with a dinner at the Sulphur Springs Country Club.
Associates were treated to a special meal and received certificates of achievement and some type of monetary award based on their years of service.
Mary Talley, who works in our Operating Room, received her 45 year pen. Associates received awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service, with a combined total of 260 years of service.
Administration and Board of Directors would like to thank these associates for their years of service to our organization; they truly extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ each and every day.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report June 21-27, 2017
June 21st
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2298 near Mineola, at approximately 12:59 a.m., in reference to a possible disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, it appeared the individuals were not causing a disturbance of any kind.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 2345 near Alba; at approximately 1:24 a.m. Deputies assisted the individual with a courtesy ride.
Deputies responded to a disturbance near Lake Holbrook, at approximately 3:22 a.m. The actor left the scene prior to arrival. Deputies located the vehicle on HWY 80 near Mineola. Jeffery Littrell, 26, of Tyler, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated-Second Offense.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 10:07 a.m., in reference to a criminal trespass. The actors were located and issued Criminal Trespass Warnings.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 8695 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:50 a.m., in reference to a theft. A known actor stole multiple items from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies responded to a reckless driving call on CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 8:55 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2311 near Mineola, at approximately 9:21 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the house was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1570 near Alba, at approximately 9:30 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they were advised an assault occurred. The actor left the scene, prior to the deputies’ arrival. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
June 22nd
At 7:00 a.m., horses were reported out on CR 2460 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1785 near Yantis, at approximately 1:35 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The actor was found on foot on FM 2946 near Yantis. Terry Montgomery Jr., 30, of Yantis, was arrested for a warrant.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 5:51 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity. The reporting party then requested extra patrol.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Como, at approximately 7:26 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole tools from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1558 near Alba, at approximately 10:02 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
June 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 12:55 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. The reporting party’s mailbox was damaged from an unknown person backing into it.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4294 near Winnsboro, at approximately 3:43 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. When deputies arrived, they noticed an abandoned vehicle that looked wrecked.
At 5:17 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service, at approximately 8:11 p.m., to CR 2840 near Mineola. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service, at approximately 9:12 p.m., to Lloyd St near Quitman. They were unable to locate, due to the individual not living in Wood County anymore.
June 24th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4165 near Quitman, at approximately 12:28 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Everything was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 69 near Mineola, at approximately 1:09 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Everything was in order and secure.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 1:20 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Everything was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to W Loop near Mineola, at approximately 2:46 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Everything was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2150 near Quitman, at approximately 5:26 a.m., in reference to an alarm. There were no signs of forced entry and the house was secure.
At 9:32 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3880 near Hawkins.
At 9:52 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1416 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4870 near Winnsboro, at approximately 11:23 a.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole a hedge trimmer and a chainsaw from the reporting party’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 11:45 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 1413 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3582 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:04 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to Arapaho near Quitman, at approximately 6:03 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, all parties were advised to separate for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3440 near Hawkins, at approximately 6:51 p.m., in reference to a burglary of a building. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged some of the reporting party’s property. This case is still active.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4930 near Quitman, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. The actor caused damage to the reporting party’s vehicle, but left prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies located the actor in his parked vehicle on CR 2245 near Mineola. Richard Brasher, 51, of Mineola, was arrested to Public Intoxication.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 80 near Mineola, due to an illegal turn. Larry Allen, 68, of Mineola, was arrested for a traffic violation.
Deputies responded to a shots fired call on CR 1858 near Yantis; at approximately 11:34 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
June 25th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 12:01 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate an individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4330 near Winnsboro, at approximately 1:33 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole two TV’s from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 10:10 a.m., due to the vehicle not having a front license plate. Francisco Comenero, 46, of Pickton, was arrested for Expired Registration, No Insurance, and Resisting Arrest, Search, or Transport.
At 5:37 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 4649 near Winnsboro; at approximately 6:33 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service, at approximately 10:37 p.m., to Pueblo Path near Hawkins. Christine Lott, 50, of Hawkins, was arrested for a Criminal Trespass Warrant.
June 26th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 4860 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:31 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 3:27 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 515/West of FM 69 near Yantis.
At 7:41 a.m., cows were reported out between FM 312/FM14 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to Deerpath Lane near Hawkins, at approximately 11:34 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, burned several items from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 3220 near Quitman; at approximately 12:55 p.m. Parties were separated after the deputies arrived, due to a verbal altercation.
In reference to a request to speak to an officer, deputies spoke with the subject over the phone regarding a civil issue on CR 3163 near Quitman. Civil advice was given to the subject.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 6:19 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. The individuals were located and advised to turn down their music.
At 8:23 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 154/CR 3230 near Quitman.
June 27th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on PR 8692 near Winnsboro; at approximately 12:37 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2154 near Quitman, at approximately 1:25 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the house was secure.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to CR 4761 near Winnsboro; at approximately 2:12 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2258 near Mineola, at approximately 1:44 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 5:02 p.m., in reference to an alarm. The homeowner advised it was a family member that set it off. Everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4450 near Winnsboro, at approximately 7:57 p.m., in reference to a criminal trespass. Deputies attempted to serve a Criminal Trespass Warning, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to Hearthside Path near Hawkins, at approximately 9:04 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated after the deputies arrived, due to a verbal altercation.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 11:27 p.m., in reference to an assault. The actor left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Between the dates of June 21st and June 27th, Wood County Sheriff Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, EMS, and Child Protective Services.
Total Jail Count – 149 prisoners – 119 males and 30 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.
July and August-Hot News! By Johanna Hicks
July and August – Hot News!
By the time this column goes to print, the 2017 “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” will be in the history books. Forty-two children in grades 1 thru 4 took part in the 3-week summer day camp which featured a variety of experiences from hands-on food preparation to logging a combined 24,990 minutes (equaling 1,249.5 miles) of physical activity. Fire safety, water and sun safety, bullying, and weather safety were other topics covered.
Several parents have asked how their children can participate in the future. Registration forms are delivered to all Sulphur Springs campuses housing grades one thru four in May each year. If your child did not receive the information, be sure to ask your school principal next year.
Seventeen 4-H members and adult chaperones from Hopkins County will be traveling to Multi-County 4-H Camp in Lone Star in July. Camp workshops will include: “Fun with Food”, which will include a hands-on project and fun Jeopardy-style nutrition game; Nature; Archery; Healthy Lifestyles (team games); Ropes Course; and STEM. In addition, the youth will participate in team building and leadership activities, enjoy free time with canoes, paddle boats, the Blob, or swimming pool, ping pong, and delicious food!
The camp will take place July 10 thru 12, and each participant will receive a t-shirt and items they make during some of the camp sessions. Hopkins County usually has the largest attendance of any county at this 4-H camp, and Mario and I will both be leading workshops.
Just as the summer seems to be passing quickly, another camp will take place for students who have just finished grades 5 and 6. Skills Camp is the result of feedback from parents who wanted a summer activity for their children who were too old for “Kids’ Camp.” Now in its third year, the 2017 Skills Camp will feature art, upcycling, woodworking, and baking/cooking. These topics were selected from surveys at the 2016 camp, and each session will be hands-on.
The 4-session day camp is full, but again, for those wanting to get in on the action next year, registration forms will be delivered to 5th and 6th graders in Sulphur Springs. Due to the nature of this camp, we must limit registration to the first 12 students, so it pays to be watchful for the forms!
“Let’s Sew Stuff” Summer Sewing workshop
Due to popular command, a summer sewing workshop has been scheduled for August. Because of my own work schedule, the earliest I could schedule the workshop is August 15, 16, and 17. This workshop is open to adults and youth of all ages. Unfortunately, most school teachers will have already returned to their schools for duty, but students will still be on summer vacation.
The sewing workshop will be two-fold. For those interested in making a t-shirt quilt, a list of materials to bring will be provided. For those wanting to learn to sew, or needing a refresher, I’ll have some simple make-and-take projects available. You may also bring your own projects and I’ll help you. The cost of the workshop is $15, payable at the first session, to help cover costs of some of the materials I will be providing.
The workshop will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15, and we will stay until 2:00 p.m. or until the last one wants to go home (within reason). The other two days, we will plan to start at 9:00 a.m. (or earlier, depending on group response) and stay until the last one wants to go home (again, within reason).
I’ll have some sewing machines available, as well as a few rotary cutters and cutting mats, but if you want to bring your own, that’s great! Ironing boards and irons will also be available. Refreshments will be provided, but you will need to bring a lunch or we can order in.
The workshop is limited to the first 8 people, and I already have three, so please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Give us your name, address and phone number so we can follow up with you on items to bring.
Cooking Well with Diabetes
The revised version of “Cooking Well with Diabetes” has now gone state-wide, and I’m proud to have served on the revision committee. The 4-lesson series has been scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursday, September 12, 14, 19, and 21, at the Extension Office. Two times are being offered in order to accommodate busy schedules – 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. Cost of the series will be $25, payable at the first session, but you will need to call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat. Please state which time you prefer.
Sessions will include: Carbohydrate Foods, Making Foods with Fat Better For You, Double-Pleasure Side Dishes-Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber, and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. The series will include cooking demonstrations, handouts including recipes, and sampling. More information will be available as the dates draw closer.
Closing Thought
I always prefer to believe the best of everybody – it saves so much time. Rudyard Kipling
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]
Comparison of Herbicides By Mario Villarino
Recently I got a request from one of our producers related to herbicide applications and the role of generic products today. After asking several questions related to the topic, I came to the conclusion that cost per application was the main concern. According to F. Menalled, MSU Extension Service Cropland Weed Specialist there has been a proliferation of generic herbicides, look-alike products with different commercial names but the same active ingredient, which is the component responsible for its ability to control the target pest. Generic herbicides are the fastest growing sector in crop production chemicals, but will they work well for you and save you money?
There are three main reasons of why generic herbicides have become so popular in recent years.
The main reason for the proliferation of look-alike products is the expiration of patents. Agricultural chemical formulations are patented for only 17 years. During those years, only the company that has developed the product is allowed to produce and commercialize it. After that period, any company can synthesize the herbicide and commercialize it under a different name. In addition, because of the cost of development, registration and commercialization of new products has increased so much in recent years, companies may collaborate on some projects. So, when the product is finally released into the market, each company has the new technology available for sale. An example is that some herbicide resistant crops have been produced as a joint venture of several agri-chemical companies.
Another reason for multiple brands of the same herbicide is technology licensing. To obtain quicker return for their investment, agri-chemical companies may license their technology and allow more than one company to produce the same active ingredient. One advantage of generic products is their cheaper price. Because generic manufacturers did not pay the cost of developing the herbicide, they are able to sell the generic products cheaper than the brand name alternative. Regardless, of what company makes the herbicide, the core issue is whether generic herbicides are as good as brand-name ones. Generic products have same active ingredients than the original brand name herbicides. Thus, generic and brand name herbicides should have the same performance.
However, generic and brand name herbicides are not required to have the same inactive ingredients. For soil applied herbicides, the inactive ingredients would only influence handling and mixing properties of the formulation. Thus, performance should not be affected. Inactive ingredients of post-emergence products have a broader influence, including how well the product sticks to the leaf surfaces as well as other factors. The inactive ingredients of post-emergence products include solvents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, surfactants and other additives. These additives can make a difference in the performance of the product you are buying and are usually lumped in the labels as inert ingredients with no additional information revealed to the buyer.
Nevertheless, products are extensively tested before release, and differences should be minimal unless one of the inactive ingredients is missing altogether. Another difference between generic and brand name herbicides could be the physical form of the active ingredient. Although several herbicides might get recommended at using at the same rate, they might not exactly be the same product. Although they have the same chemical formula the elements of the molecules are arranged slightly differently; they are “isomers” of each other. The concept of isomers is easy to be understood if we think in a pair of gloves. At casual glance the right and the left glove look identical. However, the fingers are arranged differently and the right glove does not perfectly fit on the left hand and vice versa. So it is with the two isomers of the same molecule. Specifically, the s-isomer is more active than the r-isomer, because it fits the herbicide binding site better.
In conclusion, generic products tend to perform as good as their brand-names counterparts, provided that they have the same inactive ingredients and isomer structure. When evaluating whether generic products fit your farm, you should compare their cost, safety and relative performance. The bottom line is that you should not use a significantly inferior product, even if it is cheaper.
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].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Affiliated Driving Class Well Attended at Seniors Center
