New Yoga Shop Opens
Bindi Yoga opened at 215 Main St. in downtown Sulphur Springs on January 26. Morning, noon and evening classes are being formed, from beginner to “hot” yoga. Cost is on donation basis. Owner and instructor is Vannoy Fite, who formerly conducted classes inside Bookworm Box.
Sulphur Springs Man Attempted to Conceal over 200-grams of Meth During Traffic Stop
Constant requests by a Hopkins County Deputy resulted in Joshua Aaron Blaylock, 24, of Sulphur Springs eventually giving up what he had in his hand and had attempted to conceal from the officer.
Blaylock was stopped by the deputy at 7:39 p.m. at the corner of Craig and Camp Streets. There the deputy observed him attempting to hide something in his hand. He also attempted to place the concealed matter in a Styrofoam cup. Finally he complied. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
Blaylock is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 200-grams, less than 400-grams and with Tampering With Evidence. He is being held on a total of $85,000 in bonds.
Tira News, January 27, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
Wesley Weir, son of Robert and Yvonne Weir, bowled with the “My Heroes” team on Saturday, and then he and his family had a great lunch at Redneck Café. Wesley had appointments in Dallas on Friday and Monday. Yvonne reports, “We have a new great-niece. Kaitlyn (daughter of Dana and granddaughter of Mary Helen) had a sweet baby girl this week. Her name is Avalynn.”
In honor of School Board Appreciation Month, the North Hopkins Hospitality/Restaurant Management class prepared a wonderful meal for the board members, administrators, and a few others who attended the board meeting on Thursday night. The group, including 5 students, were served by the class teacher, Dee Ann Melton and Maygan Adams, another teacher at NH. The board members and superintendent wore corsages and boutonnieres, which were made by the Floral Design Class. Everyone enjoyed the formal dinner. I want to express my appreciation to the board, and to the teachers and students who made the evening so special.
Yvonne Weir, Regina Taylor, and I met Brenda Allen at Arturo’s Wood Fired Pizza for lunch on Thursday, in honor of Brenda’s birthday. We enjoyed a delicious meal and time of visiting.
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].
Bingo Friday at the Senior Citizens Center
The cards were hot Friday at the Senior Citizens Center on MLK in Sulphur Springs.
“String of Pearls” Takes the Stage at Main St. Theater
How the lives of twenty-seven different women were touched by a single strand of expensive pearls is revealed in Michael Lowe’s 2005 “String of Pearls”. Spanning 35 years, the slightly dark drama documents a moving journey of love and loss as the pearls are stolen, bought, bestowed, unstrung and nearly lost for good. Content is PG-13. Portraying the array of women are local actresses Aldyn Green, Jennifer Lansou, Monica Lancaster, Laura Teer, Brooke Howard, Maryann Miller and Sadie Connor. Direction and set design is by Triston Pullen. Associate Director is Cindy Lancaster. Set building was done by David Woody and his assistant Matt. Kate Hutley assists with front of house. There are six performances total, Friday and Saturday January 27 and 28 at 8pm and Sunday January 29 at 2pm. The same schedule will be repeated the following weekend February 3-5. Tickets are $10 each available online at mainsttheater.com or at the box office. Reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 903-885-0107. Main Street Theater is located at 227 Main Street downtown Sulphur Springs. Promoting the play on the KSST Morning Show were Aldyn Green, Cindy Lancaster and Jennifer Lansou, whose interview can be seen on the January 27 Channel 18 TV News report on ksstradio.com.
Miller Grove January 27, 2017
by Brandon Darrow
This past weekend I took a short trip to Nashville, TN. The drive was long, but worth it. I was thankful that the trip was safe and no delays in traffic. I was glad to get to see Josh Turner on Friday night and Loretta Lynn on Saturday night. Josh just barely made it on stage in time for his segment on the Ryman Auditorium stage. He said his industrial freezer at home went out and he was having to move things from one freezer to another and ended up nearly being late. The great Loretta Lynn was on stage with her sister, Crystal Gayle, at the Grand Ole Opry and the two of them ended the night with singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with their sister Peggy Sue.
While in Nashville, a woman’s protest was going on around one of the blocks down town. It was interesting to say the least. Some seemed to be in favor of women’s rights, others seemed to be anti-Trump, and I truly believe that some of the folks marching had no idea what they were even doing.
Homecoming was Friday night and I think that it is the first Homecoming I have ever missed since I was out of town. I want to congratulate all of the students on Homecoming Court. It is a honor to even be voted onto the court. King & Queen honors went to Luke Brignon and Candace Earp; Runners up were Trent Wolfe & Kayla Ford and Aleigh Bessonett & Noel Tellez. The remaining 2016-2017 Court were Douglas Smith, Isabella DeLong, Ashley Purser, and Reed Hewitt. I also heard that we did win in the game that night against the Sulphur Bluff Bears. Good job Hornets!
The elementary teachers and students have all moved in to their new classrooms. I know everyone is enjoying the new building. The last step is to pour the concrete parking lot on the east side of the building and everything will be complete.
My condolences to the Clark family. Doris LaVerne Clark, wife of Roger Clark, passed on Jan. 17 at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. She and Roger have lived in Miller Grove for several years. Many of you may remember that Roger was a volunteer on Miller Grove VFD a few years ago. Funeral services were held Jan. 22 and Mrs. Clark was laid to rest on Jan. 25, at Dallas/Fort Worth National Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, two sons, and many other family members.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season By Johanna Hicks
Hopkins County 4-H Prepare for Contest Season
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office is abuzz with activity this time of year! Not only are some of our 4-H members preparing for the Junior Market Show, but many others are beginning preparations for the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Show, Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Share-the-Fun, Food Challenge, Consumer Decision Making Contest, and 4-H Photography Contest.
This week’s column will highlight the 4-H Photography Contest. If you have ever been in our office, you will notice a photo displayed on our wall with the caption, “These ARE my good dance shoes.” The picture depicts a young girl dressed in a white tutu wearing pink ad brown cowboy boots, standing in front of a white-washed fence. The photo, taken by former 4-H member Kaitlynn George, and won the state 4-H contest for Best of Show – Artistic Quality. Photography is a popular project in Hopkins County, and we offer three events throughout the year in which 4-H members can participate.
Registration for the District 4-H photography contest is open until midnight, February 6, on the 4-H Connect link. When registering, the first photo is $10, and only .50 for each additional photo. The three age divisions are: Seniors (grades 9-12), Intermediates (grades 6-8); and Juniors (grades 3-5). Photo categories are:
- Animals – Domestic
- Animals – Wildlife
- Catch-all
- Details & Macro
- Digital Darkroom
- Dominant Color
- Elements of Design
- Food
- Marine/Aquatic
- Nature/Landscape
- Night Photography
- People
- Plant/Flora
- Storyboard
- Theme “Reflections.”
All photos must have been taken by the 4-H member within one year prior to the entry deadline. Photos may be submitted only one time and in only category. Each member may enter one photo per category for a maximum of 15 photos.
Actual photos must be received in the District Office or the Morris County Extension Office on or before March 17. (Note: I have a conference in February and can hand deliver them to the District Extension Office in Dallas, but I must have the photos by February 13th in order to do so.) All photos must be permanently mounted on photographic mount board or a board of like thickness (foam board is acceptable.) Photos must be no larger than 8 X 10”, suitable for hanging without additional framing. Masonite, photo folders, corrugated cardboard and poster board are not acceptable.
For a full description of each category and the required label to be attached to each photo, go to the District 4 website http://d44-h.tamu.edu/event/photography. You will find all the information you need for a successful journey into the 4-H Photography Contest!
4-H Food Show and Fashion Show
These two contests have been around for years, and even though they have seen some changes in entry categories, they remain to be tried and true! In the 4-H Food Show, the 4-H member selects a category (protein, grains, fruits & vegetables, or dairy) and furnishes an entry form which includes the recipe and a brief description of their involvement in food and nutrition. On the day of the contest, the member brings the prepared dish and is interviewed by a pair of judges about the dish. After all judging is complete, the dishes are set out for display, and awards are given. Those who receive 1st place in their age division and category will advance to the District 4-H Food Show. Our county 4-H Food Show is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, as part of the Bobby McDonald Memorial County 4-H Roundup. Also taking place that same day will be the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Challenge, and Fashion Storyboard.
The 4-H Fashion Show is another popular contest. There are actually two choices for participation – construction (the 4-H’er makes his or her outfit) or consumer buying (the 4-H’er purchases his or her outfit). A registration form is required, which includes project activities, as well as information about the garment. On the day of the contest, the 4-H member actually wears their outfit during an interview by a pair of judges. Following all judging, 4-H’ers participate in a fashion show where they model their outfit for parents, guests, and other 4-H’ers in attendance during the awards presentation. Again, those who place 1st in their age division and category advance to district competition.
Entry forms for both of these contests will be mailed to 4-H members who signed up for Foods & Nutrition, and Clothing & Textiles when they registered for 4-H. We are hoping for a good turnout! If you have any questions, please contact our office at 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
Nothing nurtures success like a steadiness of purpose – unknown
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]
Agriculture Pesticide Program By Mario Villarino
AGRICULTURE PESTICIDE PROGRAM: Certification scheduled for February 8, 2017
Many pesticides are regulated from product conception by the manufacturer. Traditionally, several entities (FDA, EPA, USDA and other) regulatory agencies are part of the process of reviewing, controlling or changing the regulatory status of agricultural products. Although the outcome is simple (either deciding if is regulated or not) the process is complex and lengthy. Texas relies in the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) licensing process to oversee the use of restricted pesticides over Texas. Many agricultural products are labelled as restricted according to current usage, regulations and agricultural needs. Sometimes, even products are discontinued from usage after regulatory compliance. To maintain an effective regulatory pesticide program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension works with TDA to offer training to new private applicators to help get and maintain private applicator licensees. The involvement of extension extends to a) provide options for residents to attend the mandatory training and b) provide required Continuing Education Units (CEU) during the year. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has contracted with PSI Services (PSI) to administer exams for agricultural pesticide applicator licensing. This is the same vendor that administers exams for structural pest control licensing. PSI has been providing credentialing and testing services to state and federal agencies, private sector businesses and professional associations for over 65 years. PSI will provide both excellent quality exam opportunities and a convenient schedule for pesticide applicators to test in 22 locations across the state. The schedule will provide more testing opportunities than previously offered.
STEPS TO BECOMING A PRIVATE PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
Step 1: Attend a Private Pesticide Applicator training session FIRST. Contact your county Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office for training opportunities. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers the Texas Private Applicator Training Course online. You will find more information at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/index.cfm/productDetails/ProductID/2099/ or You may purchase training materials at www-aes.tamu.edu or call (979) 845-1099. Training materials are also available for sale at your local extension office.
Step 2: Upon completion of the training, a Training Verification form (D-1411) will be provided to the applicant. Applicants should keep the yellow copy for their records. The white copy (original) should be mailed to TDA with the Private Pesticide Applicator license application form(PA-400P).
Step 3: The applicant needs to obtain a hard copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator license application form (PA-400P) from TDA. (Website: www.TexasAgriculture.gov or Phone: 1-800-835-5832 or 512-463-7622).
Step 4: Submit the completed Private Pesticide Applicator application form, license fee of $100, and the white (original) copy of the Training Verification form to TDA for processing.
Step 5: When the license application is accepted, TDA will send the applicant a letter in the mail with their Account Number. This Account Number is the number the applicator will use to register and schedule the Private applicatorexam with PSI
Step 6: Applicants can go to PSIexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267 to schedule an exam at one of 22 locations around the state. The private applicator will pay the exam fee.If the applicant fails the first attempt, there is a 24 hour waiting period to take a repeat exam.oPSI will provide a confirmation number and testing location information.
Step 7: Upon completion of the exam, the center will provide test results immediately. A passing grade is 70%.
Step 8: PSI will send exam scores to TDA daily. If all licensing criteria are met, TDA will issue the license.
Important: If an applicant has any questions about licensing or categories, please contact TDA at 1-800-835-5832or 512-463-7622. PSI staff cannot provide licensing advice or information.
If you or somebody that you know is interested in becoming a private pesticide applicator, contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected] . The training date is coming soon!.
Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, genetic information, veteran status or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Sulphur Springs Rotary Club Recognizes Their Own
The Sulphur Springs Rotary Club held its weekly meeting at First United Methodist Church Thursday January 26th, 2017. President Neva Mohesky detailed an online membership registry for Rotary members. The registry, and an app, promotes networking within the millions of world wide members. Members can use the app when traveling and never miss a meeting.
Members with perfect attendance were also recognized. The awards ranged from 1 up to 16 years.
Perfect Attendance Award Winners.
