AgriLife: Local Beef and Hay Producer Recognized by Prestigious County Agent Association
The “Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture” Awards program has been proudly sponsored by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association for the past fifty years. The members, directors, and officers of the TCAAA are privileged to bestow this award to eight individuals in recognition of their outstanding leadership in agriculture, agribusiness and their support of the educational program efforts of the County Extension Agents of Texas. Their unselfish service has contributed to improving the economic well-being and quality of life in their community, our state and our nation. According to Steve Byrns, Editor and Extension Specialist, Agricultural Communications, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services in San Angelo, “ The Texas County Agricultural Agents Association recognized seven individuals with “Man of the Year” awards during a July 18 banquet in their honor at the association’s annual meeting in Odessa. The honorees and respective Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts that nominated them were: Dr. Steve Kennedy, District 2; Don Smith, District 4; Bill Wight and Allan Fuchs, District 6; Adele Matula Uptmore, District 8; Brian McCoy, District 10, and Andy Scott, District 12.
Don Smith has been a beef, dairy and hay producer in Hopkins County. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. His nomination states his involvement with beef and dairy organizations as well as community organizations has spanned decades. “Smith has served as president of the Texas Farm Bureau and Hopkins/Rains County Farm Bureau, on committees for the Texas Beef Council, the Task Force on Agricultural Development and the Texas A&M Congressional Internship Selection Committee,” the nomination said. “He is a past director of the Texas Association of Dairymen and served as president for three years, in addition to serving as a director of the Southwest Dairy Museum.
“Along with all of these roles, Don always finds time for grassroots efforts in Hopkins and surrounding counties, and has been instrumental in the planning and developing of educational agricultural awareness programs in the community. Smith and the Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau in cooperation with AgriLife Extension conduct the Hopkins, Delta, Franklin and Rains County Ag in the Classroom educational event, with more than 1,000 fourth-grade students exposed to agricultural education annually.”
Smith is currently a member of the Hopkins County Extension Leadership Advisory Board. He was a key beef producer in the creation of the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization and is an active contributor to the multiple preconditioning cattle sales held each year. ” The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County will like to join TCAAA and congratulate Don Smith for many years supporting our local agriculture and being a mentor and a friend of the Hopkins County Extension Program.
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 at 8:00 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].
AgriLife: Prepare Now for Fall Festival Arts Contest
by Johanna Hicks
September Brings “Cooking Well”
While autumn is rapidly approaching, I’m happy to announce the fall “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series! If you or a loved one might have concerns about managing diabetes while still enjoying tasty, nutritious foods, this series is for you! “Cooking Well” is a 4-lesson series that will provide information on the following topics:
1) Carbohydrate Foods: This session will cover meal planning, foods that are high and low in carbohydrates, non-nutritive sweeteners, and preparing foods and adapting recipes to contain fewer carbohydrates.
2) Making Recipes with Fat Better for You: This session will cover ways to reduce fat while maintaining good flavor, recognizing the good fats, and substituting other ingredients for fat.
3) Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber: This session will cover identifying sodium and fiber on food labels, tips to reduce sodium, flavoring foods the health way, and tips to increase fiber consumption.
4) Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes: This session will include modifying recipes, planning ahead for parties and/or dining out, fitting in sweets, and tips and tricks to avoid overindulgence when celebrating.
Each session will also include cooking demonstrations and sampling, along with great handouts and recipes to keep!
The series is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 12, 14, 19 and 21, at 1:30 and repeated at 6:00 p.m., so pick the time that best fits your schedule. You are not locked in to the specific time – you may mix and match if necessary. Because this series includes a notebook full of great recipes and handouts, as well as recipe sampling, I DO request that interested individuals contact our office to sign up in order to make adequate preparations. Please give us your name, address, phone number and indicate which time you prefer to attend by calling 903-885-3443.
This series is a must if you enjoy cooking, but want to provide healthy options for a person with diabetes. At the conclusion of the series, all individuals who have attended all four sessions will receive a recipe booklet with pull-out, full-color recipe cards. I’ll also have other “graduation” goodies to encourage you on the journey to good diabetes management!
Pictured are the adult 2016 Fall Festival Best of Show Creative Arts Contest recipients.
2017 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
It might seem a little early, but actually this is the time to prepare your entries for the 2017 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest! As chairperson for this event, my goal is to meet or exceed 250 entries this year. There is an age division for everybody, and with 12 different entry categories, I’m sure everyone can find a category that fits!
Look at the list below, and see which ones you would like to enter!
- Art (10 entry classes)
- Bake Show (5 entry classes) – these will be tasted by judges
III. Clothing (5 entry classes)
- Creative Crafts (5 entry classes)
- Decorated Cakes (will NOT be cut or tasted – judged on appearance, difficulty, originality, and workmanship)
- Food Preservation (11 entry classes) – please note that official canning jars with 2-piece lids must be used. Foods processed in mayonnaise, pickle, or other glass jars will be disqualified.
VII. Handiwork (7 entry classes)
VIII. Holiday/Season Corner (5 entry classes)
- Horticulture (8 entry classes)
- Photography (9 entry classes) – no professional entries allowed, except for exhibit only
- Quilts/quilted items (5 entry classes)
XII. Woodworking (11 entry classes)
We also have a category for residents in Assisted Living and nursing home facilities. Entries will be accepted starting on October 23, with preferred registration beginning on Thursday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. or Friday, October 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. Entries will be judged on Friday, October 27 starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be on display to the public at approximately 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. that afternoon, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. Best of Show winners will have pictures taken at 1:30 on Saturday, after which all entries may be picked up.
For a full list of all categories and classes, go to https://hopkins.agrilife.org and click on ‘publications’. From there, you’ll see the guidelines and entry categories. We also have copies at our office, or you may go to the Hopkins County Fall Festival website to download the information.
Be sure to stay posted for more exciting events this fall! You won’t be disappointed!
Closing Thought
Do something for the kid in you every day.
Prim Opens With JV Football Thursday Night in Dress Rehearsal for Stadium
There will be Wildcats’ football at the renovated Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday night. The Wildcats JV will be playing Sherman’s JV team beginning at 6 p.m. The Sulphur Springs ISD received a certificate of occupancy for the stadium from the city of Sulphur Springs Wednesday.
Wildcats Football Coach Greg Owens has indicated he wants to use the JV game as a dress rehearsal to check out the highly renovated facility. Meanwhile the Wildcats’ freshmen teams will be playing at Sherman Thursday. The 9th grade B team will play the Bearcats at 5 p.m. with the 9th grade A team game to follow at around 6:30 p.m.
Texas Emergency Management: There is no Gasoline Crisis
Texas Emergency Management Region 1 urges citizens to avoid the temptation to hoard gasoline. Panic buying and hoarding could actually cause shortages in the region. Although Texas refineries may not be currently at 100%, please avoid panic.
Along with keeping calm, it’s a good idea to be frugal with the fuel you already have. Avoid extra trips, and use the tried and true fuel saving practices we all know.
- Make fewer trips. …
- Keep tires properly inflated.
- Don’t drive in the rush hour.
- Close the windows (and sunroof, if you’ve got one) …
- Don’t carry round unnecessary weight. …
- Accelerate smoothly. …
- Don’t push the accelerator down too far. …
- Turn the air-conditioning off.
CHRISTUS HEALTH Reports Minimal Damage to Facilities in South Texas; Utilizing Resources
With at least 16 hospitals along the South Texas Coast closed due to flooding, CHRISTUS Health reports minimal damage to its facilities located along the area. Many hospitals will face serious financial costs due to damage to their facilities and other issues created by the hurricane.
William Knous, Manager, Internal and Public Affairs for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Francis Hospitals told KSST News in an email Thursday morning that although damage reports to CHRISTUS Health facilities is minimal thus far, in face of floods and ongoing rain, their concern is to be there for the communities served.
Knous states, “For the last decade, CHRISTUS Health has focused on strengthening our buildings, installing windows and roofing materials designed to withstand storms like Harvey. Additionally, being part of a larger health system offers some advantages in this area. We’ve had nurses from CHRISTUS Health hospitals in Texarkana, Tyler, and the northern part of Louisiana volunteer to travel, work and add extra support for our South Texas facilities. They’ve been invaluable in our efforts to meet the needs of an influx of patients as a result of Harvey. Because CHRISTUS Health is geographically spread throughout Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico, we’ve been able to pull resources and respond quickly when needed.”
Christus Spohn Hospital with Skyline in Background
On Thursday, August 24, the Hopkins County EMS AMBUS and six local paramedics were deployed to the Texas Coast in preparation for Hurricane Harvey. They have been busy moving patients and care home residents. Their work has included taking patients to a CHRISTUS hospital in Corpus Christi.
Quilt Guild Members Are Active Year Round and During Quilt Show Season
2017 Quilt Guild Officers
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is over 50 members strong. The guild meets monthly on the fourth Monday at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center for a light supper and social time, and business meeting and program. Anyone from beginners to persons currently working on a quilting project are welcome to attend meetings and become members.
Annually, the Guild puts on a major quilt show in Sulphur Springs, bringing quilters and quilt lovers from all over NE Texas and beyond. The 2017 show, set for September 15 and 16, will be the Guild’s 18th annual showcase of handmade quilts…over 120 antique, heirloom and new creations. Some members will display lap quilts and quilted wall hangings and there will be a children’s section for quilted items created by youngsters. The Special Exhibit is themed “Birds of a Feather”. This year’s show will cater to the spectator with door prizes, fabric vendors, free demonstrations and a program by Linda Neal, award winning speaker. Admission is $5 per person, and children under 12 are admitted free.
For the past four years, the show’s venue has been The Roc, conveniently located a block south of downtown. The First Baptist Church provides the spacious setting which presents an exceptional display to promote talented quilters from around the area. Hours for this year’s show are 9 am til 5 pm on Friday September 15 and from 9 am til 3 pm on Saturday September 16.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is a non-profit, charitable (501C3) organization. Each year several charities or organizations are selected to receive generous donations and gifts. The Hopkins County community enables local quilters to give back to children, individuals or entire families in need. To find out more, go to the Guild’s Facebook page or sulphurspringstxquilts.com
At the August meeting, Quilt Guild members were treated to a program and display by Maria Hall of “Charming Prince Quilting”. This prolific long-arm quilter brought examples of the “One Block, Twelve Quilts” project, an original pattern she offers on her blog, Maria The Quilter.
Additional Charges Added as Local Woman arrested on Warrant
When a Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputy arrested Malaney Ann Tennison, 36, of Sulphur Springs in the courtyard of an apartment building at Moore and Bellview Streets, she was asked if she had anything illegal in her possession. Tennison was being arrested on a warrant for Violation of Probation Tamper Fabricate Evidence. She responded to the deputy by handing him a small baggie containing a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a red cut straw.
Tennison also asked to inform her family members of her arrest. The deputy escorted her to the apartment and was invited inside. There, he found in plain view a glass pipe commonly used for smoking meth. Tennison admitted that the pipe was her “meth” pipe. Her arrest took place within 1000 feet of a day school.
Tennison was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less and 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone, Violation of Probation Tamper Fabricate Physical Evidence, and Issuance of Bad Check.
Chamber Connection August 31, 2017
My family has lived in Houston all of my life. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, and oh so many cousins have called that area home for as long as I can remember. As a little girl (and still today), I adored the smell of pine trees because they reminded me of my aunt’s house, and her home was my chosen place to be. They’ve been through all the hurricanes before this one, and for the first time ever, water took over their homes. My favorite place will never be the same.
I imagined it like a siege in the night… an unwelcomed intruder that invited himself in and took everything within seconds. I imagined that it just poured itself into any available crevice it could to get inside. I know that people were astounded and shaken to see how quickly it filled each room. I know they fought to find higher ground all the while knowing they were saying goodbye to everything they owned. Everything. Isn’t it strange that water is such a glorious site at times, and such an unstoppable force at others.
We have watched from a distance eager to help and eager to do good. And good, my friends, has prevailed. Humans were just loving humans. In a state of rescue and survival, man helped man, and good prevailed. Houston will never be the same. Texas will never be the same. But Texas was a bright beacon for the world to see. In its darkest and scariest time, good prevailed, and we as Texans can certainly be proud of that.
I’ve had many calls this week wondering how to help. I spoke with Andy Endsley, our County Fire Chief, who advised that monetary donations would probably be most beneficial during this stage of rescue. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross and to the Salvation Army. If you spend some time searching Facebook you will find a large number of local businesses and organizations that are planning donation drives. The list just goes on and on for opportunities to assist and donate. Thank you for being diligent and helpful during some really trying days. It’s going to take a long time to fix this. There is a phrase that we always use at the Chamber, and in this time, it holds true again. We’re just going to “keep moving forward.”
Here are some events that are occurring in the month of September:
The Lights of Life Style Show is scheduled for Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m.
The HC Health Care Foundation is hosting its annual Lights of Life Style Show on Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Entry fee is a $25 donation and there will be door prizes and a raffle. Dinner and fashions will be provided by Lou Nells. For ticket information contact the Foundation office at (903) 438-4799 or Lou Nell’s at (903) 885-0664.
First Baptist Church is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast on September 16th
First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is offering a Beth Moore Simulcast called “Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on the Winding Road”. The simulcast will be held on Saturday, September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at First Baptist Church. This is a free event, but you must register at www.ssfbc.org, or in the church office, or at ROC to attend.
Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show is scheduled for September 15th and 16th
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild is hosting their 18th Annual Quilt Show on Friday, September15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 16th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Door prizes are given away throughout the day, and children’s activities are available, too! The quilt show will be located at the ROC, 115 Putnam Street in Sulphur Springs.
Brick Street Vintage Market is scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Brick Street Vintage Market on Saturday, September 16th, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be located downtown on Connally and Gilmer streets. Many local and out of town vendors will be here participating in this first-time event. You don’t want to miss this!
Texas AgriLife Extension Office is hosting many classes this month, and here they are:
Course: Cooking Well with Diabetes. Attend this series of four fun-filled, interactive classes packed with research-based information and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.
Location: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200-B Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas
Dates: Series of 4 classes, September 12, 14, 19 and 24
Times: 1:30 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. (choice)
Cost: $25, payable at the first session
Call 903-885-3443 to reserve your space or if you need additional information.
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes starting in September
Etiquette by Emily is hosting Cotillion classes that are scheduled to begin Monday, September 18th at 5:30. Reserve your spot before they’re gone. Classes will be located at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast. It will run weekly for four weeks. Cost is $75 per student, and there is a discount for siblings. Call 903-243-6222 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot!
Ribbon Cuttings:
Clayton Law Firm celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th
The Law Firm of C. Don Clayton celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, August 24th at noon. They are located at 200 Church Street, Suite B, in Sulphur Springs. Welcome to the Chamber of Commerce and welcome home to Sulphur Springs.
Temporary Road Work Begins Sept. 11
Texas Department of Transportation officials today advised motorists traveling in its northeast Paris District to watch for temporary road work in the days ahead.
Contractor Stripe-A-Zone Inc. will begin texturing the shoulders and center-lines of several roadways in Delta, Fannin, Franklin and Hopkins counties on Sept. 11. Crews will also install profile pavement markings on these roads, officials said.
The contractor has 36 working days, weather permitting, to complete this work.
Motorists traveling in these counties are asked to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
TxDot logo
