Hykel Sentenced to 30 Years for Burglary
Clayton Hykel was sentenced to 30 years for Burglary of a Habitation following a plea bargain agreement in Eighth Judicial District Court Thursday. He took firearms and jewelry in the burglary of a residence south of the city of Sulphur Springs in August 2016.
He was first arrested at a residence on a county road between Como and Pickton. Hykel was hiding in the attic at his residence. Along with Hykel were the stash of stolen firearms and about one half of the jewelry taken. The firearms were quickly confirmed to be stolen out of Hopkins County. Hykel admitted to entering the residence through a window and removing the firearms and jewelry without consent of the owner. He also informed deputies and investigators that the remainder of the jewelry had been pawned in Kaufman County.
Wood County Sheriff’s Report February 15-21, 2017
Wood County Sheriff’s Report for February 15-21, 2017.
February 15th
At 4:28 p.m., cows were reported out, but not located on Highway 154, north of Yantis.
At 7:49 p.m., a donkey was reported out on Highway 80 at FM 2422.
At 8:35 p.m., deputies responded to a call of a burglary of a vehicle at East Point Baptist Church on FM 2088 in Winnsboro. The complainant reported that a backpack and belongings valued at approximately $50.00 had been taken out of the vehicle during a church service.
At 9:01 p.m., deputies responded to a 2nd call of a burglary of a vehicle at East Point Baptist Church on FM 2088 in Winnsboro. The complainant reported that someone had broken out the passenger side rear window and taken a tote bag valued at $200.00 while he was attending church.
February 16th
At 12:48 a.m., cows were reported out, but not located at 1900 at 515.
At 10:11 a.m., deputies were contacted by someone reporting a burglary on CR 4660 in Winnsboro. The complainant had been remodeling a house and discovered multiple tools missing for a loss of approximately $1500.00. The investigation is continuing.
At 2:40 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3230.
At 2:50 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a dog bite call on CR 4847 in Winnsboro. While trying to catch a stray dog, the brown, medium sized female dog, came at him in an aggressive manner and bit him on both legs. For the safety of the public, the deputy set a dog trap to catch the dog.
At 5:03 p.m., someone reported 3 donkeys that don’t belong to her on her property on CR 1668 in Alba.
At 7:24 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 at CR 4186.
At 11:11 p.m., a donkey was out on Highway 80 near FM 2422.
February 17th
At 7:13 a.m., cows were reported out, but not located on FM 69 and CR 1475 in Quitman.
At 11:28 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a burglary of a habitation call on PR 7402 in Hawkins. The reporting party stated that a person known to her had entered the residence and removed 2 rifles. The rifles were recovered and this case will be further investigated.
At 1:02 p.m., deputies responded to a harassment call in Hawkins. The victim was being harassed by receiving private messages on Face book by a subject who had threatened to kill her and hurt another family member. The victim has a protective order against the suspect which prohibits him from communicating in a threatening or harassing manner with the applicant or any member of the applicant’s family or household. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 3:10 p.m. cows were reported out on CR 1600 and CR 1602 in Alba.
At 9:15 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near FM 2088 in Quitman.
February 18th
At 1:47 a.m., deputies observed a vehicle in the area of FM 14 and FM 2869 weaving in his lane of travel. The driver was stopped and appeared to be intoxicated. The deputy determined that the driver was intoxicated and Robert Cole Cox, 21, of Tatum was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana.
At 3:24 a.m., deputies pulled over a vehicle on FM 779 in Golden that matched the description of a suspicious vehicle call from earlier in the evening. The deputy ran the license plate which did not match the description of the car and he pulled the car over for a traffic stop. Neither the driver nor the passenger could provide identification and they were both detained pending investigation. The deputy discovered a wallet with multiple identification cards in the driver’s pocket and also methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the car along with a bag containing a large number of checks issued to various individuals and notebooks with social security numbers. William Mee, 30, of Lindale was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Failure to Identify, and out of county warrants for Burglary of a Habitation and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information. Heather Burdine, 32, no address given, was arrested for Failure to Identify and out of county warrants for Burglary of a Habitation, Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information and a bond violation for possession of a controlled substance.
At 4:59 a.m., a deputy was dispatched to a call on FM 14 in Quitman. He was met by an EMT who advised that a 47 year old female was deceased. Because of her multiple health concerns, an autopsy was not requested.
At 8:16 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near CR 3120 in Quitman. They were put back into the pasture.
At 9:46 a.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 3455 in Hawkins on a burglary call. The complainant stated that someone had broken into his RV and done approximately $3000.00 in damages. He is to follow up with a list of what was missing.
At 2:20 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 3830 in Hawkins on a stolen vehicle call. The complainant stated that a neighbor admitted to taking the vehicle. The vehicle was located by the owner who had driven around the area looking for it. The property owner at the location the car was recovered stated that he had bought the vehicle for scrap and didn’t know that it was stolen. The car was returned to the complainant who stated that he wished to pursue charges. The investigation has been forwarded to investigators for follow-up.
At 3:29 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a burglary of a habitation call on College St. in Alba. The complainant came home to find her door ajar, papers on the floor and approximately $2000.00 in missing jewelry. Investigators will follow-up.
At 4:56 p.m., horses were reported out on FM 1804 in Mineola.
At 6:59 p.m., deputies were dispatched to an assault in progress call on CR 3420 in Hawkins. The victim had been assaulted repeatedly by her spouse, but managed to get away to a neighbor’s house. The suspect was still in his house and refused to come out until several hours later when the deputies were able to talk him out. He was arrested for Aggravated Assault Date/Family/House w-Weapon and Assault Causing Bodily Injury of Family/Household Member-Impede Breathing.
At 9:20 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a disturbance between a man and a woman on FM 14 in Mineola. Upon arrival, both individuals were walking north on FM 14. The male subject appeared unsteady on his feet and had a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. Harold Dean Williams, 34, of Tyler was arrested for Public Intoxication.
February 19th
At 9:16 a.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 3430 in reference to a Criminal Mischief. The victim advised that someone had vandalized her fence. It appeared that a truck had rammed the fence. This will be forwarded to investigators to follow-up.
At 1:55 p.m., a disturbance was reported on CR 4896 in Winnsboro. The complainant stated that his daughter had damaged and destroyed several of his possessions inside and outside of his house. The total value of the property that was destroyed was $1900.00. Shelby Moses, 32, of Winnsboro was arrested for Criminal Mischief over $1500.00 and Assault of a Public Servant.
At 2:41 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Highway 80 in Hawkins in reference to a theft case. The reporting party stated that her son’s tools were missing from his residence. He is currently in jail and she keeps an eye on his house and belongings.
At 6:10 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779/CR 2980 in Alba. The owner was not located.
February 20th
At 12:07 p.m., horses were reported out on CR 2100 in Mineola. Deputies made contact with the owner.
At 12:32 p.m., deputies were dispatched to CR 4560 in Winnsboro. The reporting party stated that someone had broken into his son’s residence and taken multiple items. His son is currently in jail and will follow-up with investigators when he gets out of jail.
At 4:15 p.m., cows were reported out, but not located on 514 in Yantis.
At 6:36 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1570/CR 1573.
At 7:09 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779/CR 2980. They were put back into their pasture.
February 21st
At 1:58 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 east of FM 69.
At 2:01 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 1900 in Yantis. The owner was located.
At 6:24 p.m., cows were reported out, but not located on CR 2980/FM 779.
At 7:10 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779. They were put back on the property.
Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op Plans Annual Expo
Donnie Peters, a feed formulation specialist, is part of a knowledgeable team of agriculture experts at the Sulphur Springs Farm and Ranch Center of the Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op. Donnie and the team invite you to meet them during the annual Open House and Expo on Tuesday February 28 in Sulphur Springs. Visit the Farm and Ranch Center at 416 South Jackson Street during Open House that morning, and attend the Expo that evening at the Hopkins County Civic Center. A cheeseburger supper will start at 6 pm and educational meetings with vendors and door prizes that begin at 6:45. The Expo is free but please RSVP, 903-885-3143.
Two other Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op locations plan annual Expo’s…at the Canton Farm and Ranch Center at 6 pm Monday February 27, and in Greenville on Wednesday from 10 am-2 pm at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center. Soon, a Clarksville location will be opened.
Besides offering knowledge and expertise, products and services for farmers, backyard gardeners, pet owners, poultry growers, cattle and horse ranchers, hay and forage producers and others, the Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op also offers co-operative membership with more than 6,000 agriculture-producing member stockholders. Northeast Texas Farmer’s Co-op was formed in Sulphur Springs and chartered by the State of Texas in 1939 as the Farmer’s Co-operative Gin Association. It first served the local cotton industry, then in 1940’s, to support the growing dairy industry, the Co-op developed a feed mill, supply store and fertilizer blending plant. Today, the Co-op is continuing to expand new and better ways to serve the agriculture needs of persons in 12 northeastern Texas counties. Find out more at netfc.com.
Tira News February 24, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
The regular quarterly meeting of the Tira City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 7th, at 6:00 p.m. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Yvonne Weir reports, “Lucas and Sarah visited Dakota and the Weirs over the weekend.” They had a bonfire and fireworks on Friday. On Saturday Wes, Robert, and Yvonne watched Little Dribblers Games at North Hopkins, and then everyone went to Greenville to play laser tag and games at Shenaniganz. Wesley had his last Hoop Dreams game on Monday night.
North Hopkins Elementary Principal, LeAnn Tadlock, announced that Open House is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th, from 6:30-7:30.
Chip, Tiffany, and I went to North Hopkins to watch Jaidyn Joslin play in her last Little Dribblers game on Saturday morning. Following the game, Malcolm Joslin took Kenden & Jaidyn shopping in Paris. Tiffany and I, also, went to Paris that day. We met Malcolm & the kids and Jaidyn went with us for lunch at Shogun Japanese Restaurant, and then shopping afterward. Kenden Joslin went with his friend, Abby, to her a school dance on Saturday night.
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].
Lady Cats Win First Two Games in Allen Tourney
The Lady Cats’ softball team swept two games on the first day of a Allen tournament Thursday. The Lady Cats downed Frisco Liberty, 4-1 and later topped McKinney North, 9-4. The Lady Cats improved their season record to 6-1.
The Lady Cats will play Rowlett Friday at 11 a.m. and then Dallas W.T. White at 3 p.m. Friday. The Lady Cats will wrap up their tournament play against Sherman Saturday at 11 a.m.
Wildcats Drop First To Games in Rose City Classic
The Wildcats’ baseball team opened the season with a pair of losses in the Rose City Classic in Tyler Thursday. The Wildcats dropped their opener to Forney, 6-5 and then lost to Lindale 8-3.
The Wildcats were one clutch hit away from upsetting a powerful Forney team. The Wildcats trailed 6-2 entering the seventh inning. They scored three runs as Gavin Millsap got on on an error, Mason Buck walked and Kaden Argenbright, Triston McCormick and Dawson Draper all singled in runs. With two runners on, a double play ended the game. Ryan Humphries took the pitching loss given up 4 runs with only 3 earned in five innings. Argenbright was 3 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. McCormick was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Buck scored 2 runs and was 1 for 2. Humphries had the only extra base hit, an RBI triple. The Wildcats outhit Forney 9 to 7. The Wildcats committed 2 errors.
In the nightcap, the Wildcats spotted Lindale 2 first inning runs but tied the game at 2 in the top of the third. Lindale scored 3 runs in the bottom of the third on three walks, a squeeze bunt and a lone single to take a 5-2 lead. After the Wildcats sliced the lead to 5-3 with one run scoring without a hit in the top of the fifth, Lindale tallied three more times in the bottom of the fifth on two singles, a double and a sacrifice fly to lead 8-3. The Wildcats could manage only a single in the top of the sixth and the game was called due to time. Draper took the pitching loss. The Wildcats had only 4 hits in the game. Draper and Kamren Harrison had RBI’s for the Wildcats. Argenbright, Humphries and Draper scored runs. Argenbright and Humphries were 1 for 3, Easton Silman was 1 for 2 and McCormick was 1 for 1. The Wildcats are 0-2 for the season. They will play Waxahachie at 11 a.m. Friday at Tyler Lee Field and Nacogdoches at 3 p.m. Friday at Mike Carter Field in Tyler. The Wildcats play Whitehouse Saturday at 5 p.m. on Mike Carter Field in Tyler.
Grassburs By Mario Villarino
Grassburs are a common grassy weed in lawns and fields in our county. Most of the homeowners find them late in the fall when the seed heads are dry and gets into everywhere. For the control of grassburs, the late Dr. McAfee back then extension turf specialist wrote: “Field sandbur (grassbur) is a summer annual grassy weed that can be found in home lawns, sports fields, parks and along roadsides. This weed is especially adapted to dry, sandy soils but can be found growing in other types of soils as well. The big problem with this weed is the sharp, spiny burs that are part of the inflorescence. These burs can be painful and are difficult to remove from clothing material. Field sandburs (grassburs) generally start germinating in late spring and will continue to germinate until late summer or early fall months. This weed will continue to grow until the first hard frost or freeze occurs in the fall.Field sandburs (grassburs) are generally not a problem in well maintained turfgrass areas. With proper fertilization, mowing and irrigation, you can produce a turf that is dense enough to prevent sandbur (grassbur)s from becoming a problem. However, if field sandburs (grassburs) do become a problem there are several effective herbicides that can be used to control this particular weed. The most effective and efficient method of control is to use a pre-emergent herbicide. To be effective, these pre emergents need to be applied before weed seeds germinate — generally when the soil temperature (NOT the air temperature) reaches 52 degrees F. In north Texas areas, apply the pre-emergent by April. If a post-emergence herbicide is used, wait until the day time temperatures are about 75 degrees F. for the products to be most effective. To insure complete control of germinating grass burrs in heavily infested areas, extend the residual of the herbicide barrier in the soil and thus extend the length of control period by making applications of the pre-emergent herbicide EVERY 6 WEEKS through September. In areas with a light infestation of grass burrs, two applications that are 6 weeks apart and after the initial application should control seed germination. As always, the pre-emergent application needs to be watered in thoroughly. Not applying enough water after application of a pre-emergent herbicide is one of the main reason for failure to effectively obtain control of the annual grassy weeds such as sandburs (grassburs). REMEMBER: A dense stand of healthy grass provides the best weed control. Because most weeds are “opportunists” that invade weakened lawns, the fight against weeds starts with good management. All cultural practices such as mowing, fertilizing and watering should be done in a manner and time that will favor the grass rather than the weeds. Height of mowing influences competition against weeds such as crabgrass – the higher the cut, the lower the infestation. Frequent light sprinkling encourages shallow-rooted weeds and seed germination. Less frequent “deep-soak” watering that maintains a dry surface layer provides the grass with a competitive advantage. Temperature, light, soil moisture and other factors determine the time and extent of weed germination and development. Some weeds germinate in early spring while others sprout in summer or fall. If conditions are favorable, a weed may be particularly abundant in a given year, but under different conditions the next year, it may be little in evidence.Although most herbicides are formulated with reliable safety factors, application rates higher than those recommended may cause injury to turf and other ornamental plants. Many people over apply herbicides, especially when using fertilizer-herbicide combinations. The user needs to follow instructions on containers carefully to avoid overdoses. Beforeweeds sprout from seeds. Apply two to four weeks ahead of germination. Less effective control may be expected if applied more than a month before germination. Applications should not be made until excess lawn clippings and leaf litter are removed. Irrigating immediately after application will help move materials down to the soil. After weeds appear. Liquid sprays are more effective than dry materials, especially on hard-to-kill weeds. Apply post-emergence materials when weeds are growing vigorously. Tough old weeds are hard to kill, and if mature seeds are already formed, the lawn is likely to be infested again next year. Amine forms are safest because they give off fewer vapors that might damage other plants. Volatile ester formulations should not be used around ornamental plants. Select a time when winds are calm to prevent spray drift. Using wax bars or granules impregnated with herbicides near ornamentals will minimize such hazards. Fertilizer-herbicide combinations are extremely popular because they combine two operations. Combinations with pre-emergence chemicals are generally effective since both the fertilizer and herbicide action are dependent on contact with the soil. Post-emergence herbicide action depends more on absorption by leaves, and granules in such combinations do not adhere well to smooth-surfaced leaves. They will stick better if applied when weed leaves are damp. “Weed and feed” materials present a conflict in desirable actions. Proper time for weed control often does not coincide with the most desirable time and rates for fertilizing. If used for follow-up fertilizations, there is danger of herbicide overdose. Fertilizer spreaders can be used for applying granular herbicides. Be sure to adjust the spreader to apply recommended rates. If possible, apply half the desired rate in one direction and the remaining half at right angles to the first application. A sprayer used for application of 2,4-D and related chemicals should not be used to spray garden or flower plants. Cleaning procedures are not always reliable. To be safe, have a separate sprayer for weed-killing purposes. Eliminating weeds is of little value unless enough desirable grass is present to fill in bare spots. A reseeding program deserves first consideration if the turf is so weak that it will not recover once weeds are eliminated. Study soil and other conditions to determine reasons for low vigor of the original turf”. 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
4-H Members to Showcase Talents By Johanna Hicks
4-H Members to Showcase Talents
This time of year is busy for our Hopkins County 4-H members. Many are participating in livestock shows in Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, while others are busily preparing for Fashion Show, Food Show, Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, and Consumer Decision Making.
I want to take this opportunity to invite you to observe them in action during our Bobby McDonald Memorial County 4-H Round-up! Two exciting evenings have been planned, and our 4-H members have worked hard to complete their projects, whether it is a speech, presentation, foods project, clothing project, or talent. Here is a schedule of events to take place at Cedar Canyon, beginning at 5:30 on both days.
- Tuesday, February 28: Food Show – participants have selected a category (protein, fruits & vegetable, grain, or dairy), and will bring their prepared dish to the contest. They will be interviewed by a panel of judges pertaining to their specific dish. Example: how it fits in MyPlate, the steps of preparation, nutrients most prevalent, etc.
Fashion Show – participants have the option of constructing an outfit or purchasing an outfit using their consumer skills. Again, they will be interviewed by a panel of judges pertaining to their specific outfit. Example: fiber content of the outfit, care procedures for the outfit, special construction techniques used, how/if it coordinates with other outfits, where it is to be worn, etc.
Fashion Storyboard – this is an event that showcases a design from point of inspiration (magazine picture) to the actual design. The storyboard “tells the story” of the designer’s idea. The storyboard includes original illustrations, as well as additional materials (such as photos from the Internet or magazines, paper, fabric swatches, patterns, etc.) that have influenced the unique design. Categories are wearables, non-wearables (pillows, stuffed animals, etc.), accessories, jewelry, and pet clothing.
Following interviews/judging, an awards presentation will take place. Participants in the Fashion Show will model their outfits while a narration is being read and dishes from the Food Show will be on display. Awards will be given for the top-scoring Junior, Intermediate, and Senior, as well as individual recognition in all contests.
Top-scoring individuals in each contest, category, and age division will advance to District contests to take place on March 31 and April 1.
- Thursday, March 2: This will be a busy night! Public Speaking – 4-H’ers will have the opportunity participate in the Public Speaking Contest, in which they give a speech on any topic they choose.
Educational Presentations will also be included. This contest involves a presentation using visuals, posters, power point, or other props to enhance the presentation. Topics from which 4-H members have chosen include: Safety & Accident Prevention, Health, Beef, Promote 4-H, Companion Animals, Ag and Natural Resources, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Open category.
Share-the-Fun is similar to a talent competition. Vocal, choreography, poetry recitation, skits, and other choices are available.
Following these contests, an awards ceremony will take place, with the top-scoring Junior, Intermediate, and Senior receiving a special award. All other participants will also be recognized.
Top-scoring individuals in each contest, category, and age division will advance to District contests to take place on March 31 and April 1. Details will be available during our County contests.
Both evenings, the Consumer Decision Making Contest will be available for 4-H’ers (and audience!) to try out. This is a great event, because it teaches skills that the youth will use throughout life. The categories we will use are camping equipment and healthy snacks. Here’s how the contest works: A scenario is given pertaining to the category. Four choices are offered (in our case, a photo and description of each item is provided.) The participant will rank the choices from 1 to 4, based on the given scenario, with 1 being the best choice and 4 being the worst, followed by reasons as to why they ranked them in that order.
This event actually reinforces the decision-making skills we practice every day. A good example of this is the clothing choice we make every day. We typically take into consideration what the weather will be (warm, cool, cold), whether or not it will be raining, scheduled activities (out and about, staying home, working outside, practicing sports, etc.) Subconsciously, we are using our consumer decision making skills!
Twenty-eight 4-H members will be taking part in one or more of these contests, and we appreciate Bobby McDonald’s family members for serving as judges! Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and we must prepare them to be responsible, diligent, contributing members of society.
4-H Exchange Trip
Sixteen 4-H members and chaperones from Hopkins County will be participating in a 4-H Exchange trip to Sanders County (Thompson Falls), Montana, in July. Our former 4-H agent, Juli Hutchins Thurston, is employed with the Montana Extension Service and has extended the invitation. Our group will be holding fund raisers to help finance the trip, so when you read or hear about one of these efforts, please take part. We are hoping to raise $6,000 in just a few short months, so your support is vital! For more information, contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
Families are like fudge…mostly sweet, with a few nuts.

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]
NETLA Buyers Luncheon Hosted By FFA, 4H at First Baptist Church
L to R, FFA Youth Cannon Gibson, Aaron Stanley, Josh Couch, Rachel Stanley and Mollie Gibbins
About two dozen Hopkins County FFA and 4H Youth hosted potential buyers on Thursday February 23 for a prime rib lunch in the dining room of First Baptist Church. The youth helped seat and serve the diners, refilled glasses and made sure their guests got their fill including desserts. Several Hopkins County clubs were represented including North Hopkins, Miller Grove, Cumby , Sulphur Springs and Sulphur Bluff. You can meet these youth and many others at the Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show on Thursday February 23 and Friday February 24 in the Civic Center Arena. You are also welcome to attend the Sale of Champions on Saturday February 25 starting at 1pm to see the best of the best livestock entries, congratulate these future farmers and ranchers and help them earn college scholarship money. Another tradition, the Ag Workers Stew and Chili, will be served at noon.
Sulphur Bluff FFA Seniors… Taylor Josey is in Ag Mechanics and Jace Neal gets involved in public speaking and livestock.
Sophomore Kayleigh Brewer and Freshman Carol Nabors are in the Como-Pickton FFA Chapter and both have been showing pigs since they were 4H youth.
Miller Grove FFA Seniors…Hannah Caudle will show a steer, a lamb and pigs, and Candace Earp will show pigs. Both have been active in livestock showing for about 10 years.
Cumby FFA Seniors…Hunter Cash shows steers and Shealey Wells will exhibit a goat….Miller Grove FFA Sophomore Grant Earp will enter pigs and Cheyenne Gray will show heifers and steers.
Savannah Allen is an 8th-grade 4H Infinity student who shows heifers and goats…and the Deterding sisters Penelope and Esperanza, also 4H Infinity members, will have poultry entries.
Josh Couch and his twin brother Jake are Seniors in the SSHS FFA Chapter. Both have been showing cattle at major Texas shows and in 2017, Jake’s Brown Swiss Heifer won first place in open and junior dairy show classes at Ft. Worth, and 19th place with his Hereford heifer. Both Josh and Jake did well in Beefmaster and Hereford divisions back in 2016 at the Texas State Fair Ag Show. At San Angelo in February 2017, Josh placed third out of 1,300 entries with a breeding-class gilt. Josh plans to go to auctioneer school and Jake into a welding. Josh currently is vice-president and Jake is president of the SSHS FFA Chapter and both actively promote agriculture careers to other students.
Farm Bureau member Yvonne King served as Emcee for the annual event which is always well-attended.
Cheyenne Mitchell, first-Vice President of the Miller Grove FFA Chapter spoke about the impact NETLA has had on her school career and her future plans. Another speaker, Stacy Spradlin Hrabal explained the NETLA legacy that her late father Larry Spradlin had begun. She believes his legacy lives on today through FFA and 4H leaders, Ag teachers, farm/ranch lenders and businessman and through the various Ag producers in Hopkins county as they each help support the next generation’s interest in agriculture.