TxDOT Launches Talk, Text, Crash Campaign
AUSTIN – An estimated one in five traffic crashes in Texas is caused by distracted driving, and the problem is getting worse. As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, the Texas Department of Transportation is launching its “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign to remind drivers to stay focused on the road.
“People are dying on Texas roadways because drivers are diverting their attention from the road to talk on a phone, send a text, post to social media or engage in some other distracting behavior,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “When drivers take their focus off the road, they put themselves, their passengers and others at risk. It’s just not worth it.”
Last year, there were 108,962 distracted driving crashes in Texas – up three percent over 2015. Those crashes killed 452 people, seriously injured another 3,068 and are highest among drivers ages 16 to 34.
In Texas, 38 percent of drivers say they regularly or sometimes use a cell phone while driving.[1] Text messaging is particularly dangerous as reaction times double when drivers read or send text messages.[2] 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.[3]
While mobile phone use is the most recognizable driving distraction, other high-risk activities include adjusting a music player, grooming, eating or programming a navigation system. The “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign reminds drivers to:
- Put away the phone – or turn it off – before getting behind the wheel.
- Pull over to a safe location if you must talk or text.
- Use an app that will block texts and calls while driving.
- Tell friends, family and colleagues you won’t respond to calls or texts when driving.
- Always give driving your full attention.
Couple in a car
Beetles By Mario Villarino
Beetles are a huge family of true insects that live in close contact with plants. The majority of the beetles are decomposers, and a high population of beetles in a tree is a sign of tree health decaying. Many beetle larvae also penetrate tree tissue causing real damage (as borers do).With temperatures increasing, insect population tend to follow trend and you will see more and more active insects and beetles coming back from overwintering. It is important to remember that insect population reaches stability playing the number game: the more insects multiply, the more the chances to make it the next generation. According to Dr. Michael Merchant, Extension Entomologist in Dallas, this year Extension offices are receiving an unusually high number of calls about lady beetles inside homes. The culprit is an exotic lady beetle called the multicolored Asian lady beetle (MALB). While not new, high aphid populations in some trees last year are thought to have contributed to this year’s higher than normal number of these “naughty lady beetles”. The multicolored Asian lady beetle is normally a helpful insect that eats aphids. Studies of the beetle in its native Asian habitats showed that it was such an efficient predator that for many years the U.S. Department of Agriculture tried to import them. Ironically, after repeated failures to get the beetles to establish here, thebeetles mysteriously appeared on their own in a number of states during the early 1990s
. Whether these beetles were survivors of earlier deliberate importations, or whether they found their way to the U.S. on their own, no one really knows for sure. But its one bad habit has many homeowners wishing this beetle might have stayed back in Asia.The multicolored Asian lady beetle is unique among major lady beetles in its behavior of routinely invading homes and buildings in the fall. In its native home in Japan, this beetle quietly disperses into the white limestone bluffs along its riverside feeding grounds. But in the U.S. it has become a significant pest
when it seeks shelter in the walls and attics and living areas of homes.The beetles seem to become pests more often in homes surrounded by trees and forests. They also seem to be attracted to homes of lighter or contrasting colors. The adults enter homes through any available crack or crevice and may aggregate in attics or even living areas of the home. Although mostly harmless, like some other common lady beetles, MALBs are occasional “nippers,” biting skin if they come in contact with humans. They also let off a disagreeable smell when disturbed, and medical reports exist of people developing allergies to the chemicals emitted by lady beetle aggregations. But mostly these beetles are a simple nuisance, unwanted and sometimes cursed. Although homes were invaded in the fall, this winter’s up and down temperatures have caused these beetles to get restless and move about the home in search of a way out. When daytime temperatures reach the 80s outside, attic temperatures may reach the 90s, fooling the beetles into thinking that spring has arrived and sometimes sending them into living areas of the home or building.
Control: There are no easy ways to prevent MALB from entering homes or controlling them once inside. Caulking and sealing outside entry points is perhaps the most effective technique. Use of residual insecticides around areas that are not easily sealed may provide some temporary control of lady beetles attempting to enter homes. Pyrethroid insecticides
are usually good for this purpose. Once inside the beetles are best controlled by vacuuming. Spraying insecticides on aggregations of lady beetles will result in piles of dead insects, and undesirable smells. Discard your vacuum bag after use if you don’t want a smelly vacuum. Bug bombs, light traps and lady bug houses are not effective at ridding homes of these beetles.
Once the weather completely warms up, the lady beetles will eventually find their way out of the house and on to their worthy pursuit of aphids. Until that happens, you may have to just continue to vacuum these little guys up as long as they are found. 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
Diabetes Can Be Managed! By Johanna Hicks
No April Fools – Diabetes Can be Managed!
Each spring, the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series teaches individuals and their loved ones some methods to manage diabetes. Even though this series is targeted toward those with type 2 diabetes, individuals with type 1 (or anybody, actually), will benefit from the nutrition and self-management techniques discussed in the series.
We’ve had a good response, but it is not too late to sign up! Below is a brief synopsis of what each session entails:
- Tuesday, April 4: “Getting Started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose” – In this session, we’ll discuss type 2 basics, keeping glucose in the recommended ranges, how food affects your blood glucose (foods high and low in carbohydrates), carbohydrates choices, label reading, and setting goals. We’ll have discussion, group interaction, and handouts.
- Thursday, April 6: “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? Let’s Find Out!” – This session will include reasons to check your blood glucose, what the recommended ranges are for a person with diabetes, A1c test, glucose meters and strips, resources to learn more about diabetes. Pharmacy personnel will be on hand to answer questions and lead individuals in the process of performing blood glucose testing (finger sticks).
- Tuesday, April 11: “Beyond Diet: Improving your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity” – this is a fun session! Jane Watley, personal trainer who is certified in geriatrics, will lead the discussion on the two basic types of physical activity and how each is important for overall blood glucose control. Discussion on the right shoes and socks, drinking plenty of water, suggestions on incorporating physical activity every day, how to treat low blood sugars, and more will provide great information!
- Thursday, April 13: “Improving Your Blood Glucose Control with Medication” – This session will be led by pharmacy professionals with discussion on medications to treat diabetes, when to add insulin, and more.
- Tuesday, April 18: “Celebration! Having Your Snack and Eating it, Too! Avoiding Complications” – As the title implies, we’ll discuss complications that can be associated with diabetes, and how to prevent or delay them. We’ll discuss what medical check-ups you need, and recommended numbers for cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. You’ll discover that you can still have special celebrations if you know how to manage your diabetes, physical activity, check your blood glucose, and take medications as recommended. Sue Potts, registered nurse, will lead the discussion. Completion certificates will be given at the conclusion of this session.
A one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, covers materials. I will provide refreshments, bottled water, coffee, handouts, and even some great recipes! Two time slots are being offered to best fit schedules of participants. You may sign up for the 1:30 p.m. session or the 6:00 p.m. session. All sessions will take place at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call our office at 903-885-3443 so adequate preparations can be made. If you are coming with a loved one, only one fee is required if you share materials.
In the fall, “Cooking Well with Diabetes” will be offered, which is a completely separate series. I had the privilege of serving on the committee that revised the curriculum, and it is fantastic! Participants will receive a cookbook containing several recipes. Watch for details as the series draws closer, but if you want to pencil in the dates, they have been set for September 12, 14, 19, and 21 at the Extension Office. Again, two times will be offered – 1:30 and 6:00 p.m.
4-H Members Participate in District 4-H Contests
Hopkins County had a great group of 4-H members participating in District 4-H Contests at North Central Texas Community College, in Gainesville on March 31 and April 1. Members took part in Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, and Ag ID Contests. As of this writing, results were not available, but stay posted! Our 4-H members always bring home blue ribbons! Thanks go out to all the parents and 4-H leaders who assisted in transportation and encouragement of our youth!
Speaking of 4-H, our 4-H Exchange Trip group would like to extend appreciation to everyone who purchased a meal (or gave a donation) during the Curbside Beans and Cornbread supper. Proceeds will go toward the 2017 summer trip to Montana. A Facebook Bake Sale Auction is scheduled for Friday, April 14, along with a baked potato supper, so stay tuned for more details. Our youth are working hard to raise funds for this special trip!
Closing Thought
Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking!
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]
Game Day: Wildcats, Lady Cats in Paris Meet
On Monday, Mt. Pleasant canceled their Friday track meet after a tragic bus accident last week involving their track teams. Two of the schools that were planning to attend the Mt. Pleasant meet, Paris and Sulphur Springs, got together and decided to have an informal dual meet in Paris on this Thursday game day. Lady Cats Track Coach Triston Abron announced the dual meet Monday.
Coach Abron said no medals would be presented and he added coaches from both schools would work together to run the meet. He called it a glorified practice, like a scrimmage. Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ track athletes will be able to compete and both schools won’t lose a meet.
Coach Abron said the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ varsities only would also have a meet in Kennedale next Thursday before the district meet in Pine Tree on April 12-13. Coach Abron emphasized that Mt. Pleasant athletes and their community were still in his thoughts and prayers.
Wildcat Tennis In District Tourney Next Week
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez took eight players to one last tournament Saturday before the district tournament next Wednesday and Thursday. The Wildcats participated in a Stephen F. Austin tournament in Nacogdoches. Coach Martinez called it a great tournament. It included a chance for the high school players to watch a match between the SFA women’s team and Northwest Illinois.
Coach Martinez said his team did well during the tournament. He was pleased with the play of two JV players he bumped up to the varsity for the tournament: Jordan Gonzales and Aaron Lucas. Coach Martinez said his team got to compete with teams from southern east Texas down near Houston that the players may not have seen before or may not had even heard of. Coach Martinez was especially pleased with his boys #2 doubles team, Alex Benitez and Jonah Kirkpatrick, that won first place in boys A division consolation. They opened the tournament with a loss to a strong John Tyler duo that won the tournament. Tyler Stout, normally a doubles player, ended up in singles play since his usual partner Blaine Flemens was at an Ag contest in Houston. Stout won the boys B division singles. Coach Martinez said it was a good way to get ready for district play by winning some matches.
Sulphur Springs will host the district JV tournament next Tuesday. The district varsity tournament is at Texas High in Texarkana next Wednesday and Thursday. Coach Martinez was pleased with the results of a seeding meeting for the district tournament held Tuesday. Wildcats #1 boys singles player Jesse Allen got a #4 seed as did the boys doubles team of Blaine Flemens and Tyler Stout.
Three Commercial Chicken Houses Destroyed; Straight-Line Wind Blamed
Hopkins County–Three commercial chicken houses were destroyed and a number of chickens killed between 4 and 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning in what is believed to be a straight line wind event limited to a small area on 20-30 acres in eastern Hopkins County. Three other commercial chicken houses were not damaged. The National Weather Service has been asked to review the damage on site and to review weather conditions as recorded at that time. Damage is estimated at over $1-million.
The houses were located on the acreage just off FM 3019 a half mile to a mile from what was once known as Country Boy Store and most recently raided by Hopkins County Sheriff’s investigators and deputies as a gambling establishment. Tin from the buildings was draped over electric lines and wood splinters scattered across the area.
Thursday the County Fire Department was on scene flying a video drone over the area. According to Fire Chief Andy Endsley, the event came to his attention when a dairyman in the area told him of the damage. When he arrived at the scene a number of people were already picking up debris. A worker at the farm said he overslept Wednesday morning and was late arriving at the houses. When he arrived, the houses had already been destroyed.
“A Heart That Forgives” Premieres in Sulphur Springs on April 1, 2017
A faith-based movie “A Heart That Forgives…Everyone Has a Story” will be presented in a public screening on Saturday April 1 at Shannon Oaks Church. at 6pm. This is the fourth feature-length film for Christian audiences produced by “Poor Child Films”, a company owned by Eric King of Sulphur Springs and M. Legend Brown of Terrell. Featuring a professional cast and crew, the movie tells the story of two foster brothers at different ends of the spectrum of life….one a drug dealer and the other a pastor….and the challenges that come to bear as the characters are molded and changed through God’s powerful intervention. Doors will open at 5:15 and the screening will begin at 6pm with praise dance entertainment before the start of the movie. Following the showing, you can meet the cast, crew and producers. Tickets are $15 at the door.
ERIC KING OF SULPHUR SPRINGS
Chamber Connection March 30, 2017
It’s time for the 28th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Friday, April 14th at the Sulphur Springs Country Club!! We are currently accepting teams for morning tee times. The teams are first come, first served, so make sure and make your reservation today! Please see our website for more information… www.HopkinsChamber.org, or call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515.
The Largest Exhibitor Expo for Hopkins County is Returning on Saturday, April 1st
The 2nd Annual Home & Outdoor Expo will be held on Saturday, April 1st from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. The Home & Outdoor Expo is presented by The Way Radio Group and Jay Hodge Chevrolet. Vendors and guests are welcomed.
Shannon Oaks Church is holding a screening of A Heart That Forgives on Saturday, April 1st
A Heart That Forgives is being shown at Shannon Oaks Church, 1113 Shannon Oaks in Sulphur Springs, on Saturday, April 1st. The doors will open at 5:15 p.m., and the movie begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. The movie is directed by M. Legend Brown. For more information, email [email protected].
Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is Scheduled for Saturday, April 8
The 5th Annual Tanner Higgins Warrior Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 8, at Cooper Lake State Park. There will be a 5 Mile Warrior Run and a One Mile Grunt Run. The entry fee is $40 from March 27th through April 7th. The fee will increase to $50 on the day of the race for the Warrior Run, and $25 for the Grunt Run. For additional information, please visit www.tannerstonehiggins.com.
| Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering Parenting Connections Classes
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering “Parenting Connections”, a 4-lesson series on Child Growth & Development, Parent-Child Communication, Positive Discipline, and Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. The series (2 lessons per session) will be held on Thursday, March 23 and Thursday, March 30, 6:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-3443 to enroll. FBC will host at 55+ Health Fair on Tuesday, April 4th at the ROC from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs is hosting a 55+ Health Fair on Tuesday, April 4th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Roc, 115 Putman Street in Sulphur Springs. The 55+ Health Fair will have free health screenings and including cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, body composition, and blood oxygen. They will also have information about pre-need counseling, home health, medical equipment, chiropractic, and pharmacy information as well as deaf and hard of hearing equipment demonstrations. Door prizes will be given away at 12:00 noon. For more information please call Fred Lewis at (903) 885-0646. Cross County Cowboy Church hosts Scroggins Family Benefit on Saturday, April 8th Cross Country Cowboy Church, located at 1515 TX Hwy 19 in Sulphur Springs, will host a benefit for the Scroggins Family. Jason Scroggins was first diagnosed with brain cancer on January 18, 2013. He beat that battle but has been diagnosed again. The benefit for this family will include stew and chili by donation only starting at 4 p.m., silent auction starting at 3:00 p.m., live auction starting at 5:30 p.m., and horseshoes with a sign up at noon. To make donations, please contact Angela at (214) 755-0994, Tori at (903) 440-2588, or Richard at (469) 644-2425. WIC is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 13th WIC is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages one to five on Thursday, April 13th at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend, but please bring you own basket for egg gathering. WIC is located at 421 Industrial Dr. East #209 (parking lot of VF Outlet Mall) in Sulphur Springs. Please call (903) 885-2813 for more information. |
Wesley United Methodist Church will host Free AARP Tax Aid on Saturdays until April 18th
Wesley United Methodist Church will host free AARP Tax Aide starting this Saturday, February 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will complete your taxes for free every Saturday and Tuesday until April 18th. Each tax preparation day will last from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hunt County Regional is offering March Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on April 20th in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21.To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Dentistry from the Heart is scheduled for April 20th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dentistry from the Heart is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Davis Street Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. This is an opportunity for free dental care for all ages. There is limited availability, and dental care will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.
It’s Time for the Hopkins County Rodeo on Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd
The Hopkins County Rodeo Committee is presenting their UPRA Membership Rodeo on April 21st and 22nd at the Hopkins County Indoor Civic Center Arena. Tickets are available at Circle E Western Store and are $10 for pre-sale tickets. Tickets are also available at the door. Children’s admission is $8, Friday night tickets are $10, Saturday night tickets are $12 and include admission to the dance featuring Monty Tipps. Make sure you put this one on your calendar. It is a wonderful event!
Workforce Solutions is hosting a Career & Community Resource Expo on April 25th
Workforce Solutions of Northeast Texas is hosting a Career & Community Resources Expo at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Tuesday, April 25th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are accepting vendors on a first come first served basis with a deadline for vendors of April 10th. Exhibitor space is limited. For additional information, please call Workforce Solutions at (903) 885-7556 x 414.
Ribbon Cuttings:
Marlene’s Sass & Class hosted a Grand Opening in her new location on Wednesday, March 22nd
Marlene’s Sass & Class has moved to 212 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. She held a ribbon cutting and grand opening of her new clothes and accessories boutique on Wednesday, March 22nd. Her hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
