NETBIO Cattle Sale Sets Records; Begins Relief Fund for Wildfire Victims
The Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization continues to set records at its pre-conditioned calf and yearling sale.
At the NETBIO March sale held on Wednesday at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction, producers offered 7,269 head of calves and yearlings for sale. It was the largest March sale held since NETBIO began its producer program in 1998.
While the number of cattle set a record, it can also be noted that the price of cattle improved on sale day. “This sale gave us the best market prices we have had in a long time,” said market co-owner David Fowler.
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner David Fowler and office manager Kathy McGowen visit before the NETBIO sale begins.
For the second sale in a row, producer participation set a new record as 312 producers consigned and shipped cattle to the sale. Fowler said more and more cattle producers are getting in the NETBIO pre-conditioning program, “and they are doing a good job of getting their cattle ready for the sale,” he said.
He pointed out that 39 buyers were on hand for the sale and added that most of the large feedlots had representatives here for the sale. In addition, a large number of buyers participated in the sale over the Internet.
Two young cattlemen, Connor O’Bryan, left, of Cooper, and Cade Goldsmith of Sulphur Springs look over the sale sheets before the auctioneer begins the NETBIO sale. They both had cattle consigned to the sale.
There was good interest in all classes of cattle, and replacements of good quality were snapped up in a hurry. Lightweight grazing cattle brought a big premium. Buyers paid an average of $786.10 per head for all cattle sold.
Before the sale began, Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission co-owner and auctioneer announced to the capacity crowd that NETBIO and Farm Bureau has joined forces to begin a relief fund for the ranchers and farmers in the Texas Panhandle who lost cattle, pastures, fences and in some cases barns and homes in the recent wildfires that burned thousands of acres.
“We want to raise funds so we can purchase and send fencing materials and other supplies to those who have suffered losses,” Pogue said. “We have learned that some of the victims of the fires are NETBIO members — cattle producers who have bought or sold their cattle at our sales.”
One producers selling cattle Wednesday donated the profits of one calf to help launch the relief fund. The calf brought $757.71 and they had add-ons of $320, for a total contribution of $1077.71.
Pogue said the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission is a collection point for donations, along with the Farm Bureau. Just make checks payable to the NETBIO Relief Fund.
Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op has joined NETBIO and the Farm Bureau in the relief effort and will make arrangements to ship the materials to the Panhandle when they are purchased.
The next NETBIO Pre-conditioned Calf and Yearling sale will be held on May 17 and Fowler encouraged producers that are getting cattle ready for that sale top get their consignment in now and pick up their tags to avoid a possible cutoff. Books have been closed early on the last two sales, which occurs when consignments reach 8,000 head.
The NETBIO Pre-Conditioned Stocker and Feeder Calf Sale gives producers a market to offer their pre-conditioned calves and yearlings in load lot quantities. NETBIO holds six pre-conditioned calf sales per year, which is the marketing arm for members of the organization.
Cowboys move cattle into the pens to prepare for the March NETBIO Pre-conditioned Calf and Yearling Sale held Wednesday at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission.
A & M Commerce Presents Three Day Tuba/Euphonium Event
COMMERCE, TX—Texas A&M University-Commerce is proud to host three internationally acclaimed tuba and euphonium artists for a three-day event that will take place March 20-22 in Finney Concert Hall.
A masterclass and lecture will take place Monday, March 20 at 4 p.m.; a Solo Recital will take place Tuesday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.; and a Chamber Music Recital will take place on Wednesday, March 22, at 7:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.
The lineup includes Adams euphonium artists Fernando Deddos and Matthew van Emmerik and Principal Tubist with the Porto Alegre Symphony, Wilthon Matos.
“This is a rare opportunity to see some of the top tuba and euphonium players from around the world right here in our own backyard,” said Assistant Professor of Tuba/Euphonium, Dr. Jeff Baker. “The recitals will feature original compositions from Brazil and Australia. This will be an educational and enriching experience to say the least.”
Fernando Deddos is currently the euphonium/tuba professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande Norte State (Brazil). He recorded the very first euphonium album to come out of South America and has earned two Harvey Phillips Awards in Composition. His original works have been part of contemporary art and dance projects and his instrumental pieces have been performed or released by artists across the globe. In August of last year, he premiered his Concerto for Euphonium and Orchestra, with Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra in southern Brazil.
Born in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia in 1978, Dr. Matthew van Emmerik started playing at age seven. He is the former Principal Euphonium of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force in London, U.K., and all Royal Australian Navy Bands. Four years ago, he became only the second Australian in history to win the Open Euphonium championship at the New Zealand Brass Band Championships, and in December of last year, he performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass in their annual CSO Brass concert.
Wilthon Matos began his musical studies at age 13. Through the 2010 Classical Music Circuit FUNARTE Prize, he was able to perform seven concerts at state capitals throughout the Brazilian countryside. He was also a co-creator of the South Brazilian Tuba and Euphonium Regional Conference, which was one of the first events of its kind in the country. Recently, he carried out the TUBA BRAZIL CONCERTS Project, the first solo tour of its kind in Brazil.
Arsonist Sentenced to 15 Years in TDCJ
In a contested hearing in Eighth Judicial District Court Wednesday afternoon, Eric Dale Bailey, guilty of a Felony 2 level Arson, was sentenced to 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Bailey was guilty of a Felony 2 Arson.
Bailey, 31, of Sulphur Springs was arrested for arson related to an early morning fire in the 900 block of Gilmer Street. At the time of the arson, Fire Investigator Aaron Kager told KSST News, Sulphur Springs fire investigators sought to determine the reason for an April 29, 2015 auto fire discovered at 2:03 a.m. behind what had been the location for Father and Son Auto on Gilmer Street. According to Kager, the fire was discovered when Sulphur Springs Firemen were returning to Fire Station 2 and noticed the blaze. They responded to the location. After putting out the fire, the Captain on duty discovered a few things that were abnormal regarding the fire and notified the City Fire Marshall. The scene of the fire was cleared at 3:55 a.m. on the 29th. After collecting video from nearby businesses, a vehicle was found to be leaving the scene shortly before the fire was discovered. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Amanda Weatherford located the vehicle and identified the suspect. After questioning, Bailey confessed to the fire.
He was an ex-employee of the now defunct Father and Son Auto business that was at the location. Baily is a registered sex offender and has been charged with forgery, drug possession, and possession of a fire arm by a felon in the past.
Commissioner Evans Catalyst for Work Session Focused on State Highway 19/154 North
Commissioner Precinct 4 Danny Evans is the catalyst for conversation between Hopkins County Commissioners and TxDOT regarding the dangers of driving State Highway 19/154 north of the city of Sulphur Springs. Evans told KSST News Wednesday that the number of accidents resulting in death seem to be increasing.
KSST has requested an accident report from January, 2011 to March 10th of this year regarding all types of accidents and results of such accidents on the stretch of the 19/154 highway between FM 1536 and FM 1537. Also, TxDOT officials will meet with county commissioners during a work session Tuesday, March 20th at 10 a.m. at the courthouse.
Evans says those who have to wait to make a left hand turn along the roadway are must vulnerable to accident. He named two specific accidents in the past three months that resulted in death. Evans travels that roadway often as well due to his work and as a private citizen. He noted the speed limit and the repaired roadway’s contribution to higher speeds. When Evans came into office, State Highway 11W faced many of the same issues.
He noted that 11-West is being reworked, even though it is taking 10 years to complete. He notes the Highway 19/154 problems will take time to improve. Studies made, funds appropriated, and work done take time, according to Evans. However, he thinks the planning and development of the plan needs to begin now.
Dinner Bell Served by the Marine Corps League
The weekly free community lunch, hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs was dished up by the Hopkins County Marine Corps League. Commandant R.W. Derb Goodman greeted everyone as they entered the Fellowship Hall. The Corps led the Pledge of Allegiance. A prayer was said, and the serving began.
FUMC partners with the community to provide a free-for-everyone meal each Wednesday. If you would like to sponsor, call 903.885.2185.
Early Morning Assault Results in Arrest
Before the Hopkins County Deputy arrived, Quinston Trail Brooks, 20, of Sulphur Springs had left the Highway 11 West location to which the deputy had been called regarding a disturbance. At the location, the deputy noted the visible injuries to the neck and arms of the female victim. Damage to the victim’s yard was also noted.
Brooks was found at his Beckham Street residence at 2:49 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Brooks admitted to striking the victim but not choking the victim.
Brooks is in Hopkins County Jail charged with Assault Family/House Member Impede Breath/Circulation and is being held on a $1 5,000 bond.
Lady Cats Defeat Hallsville 2-1; Enter Bi-District as Second Place Team in District
The Lady Cats’ soccer team defeated the district’s top team Hallsville, 2-1 at the SSHS Track Complex Tuesday night to nail down the number two seed in the district. Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon believes the Lady Cats will now face Royse City in a bi-district playoff game. Details still need to be worked out.
In the game, Hallsville actually scored first at 19:59 of the first half on a nice crossing play. Lady Bobcat Mariah Martinez was camped right in front of the goal and scored. At 11:10 of the first half, Lady Cat Sophie Young maneuvered past defenders and put a shot on goal that the Hallsville keeper got hands on but could not keep the ball it from getting behind her. It was 1-1 at halftime. With possible overtime looming with just 3:15 left in the second half, Lady Cat Mileena Zirretta found the ball through a crowd around the goal and scored the go ahead goal. The Lady Cats held on and celebrated the hard fought win.
The Lady Cats ended district play with an 8-4 record. They are 13-7-2 for the season.
Wildcats Are in Playoffs Following Victory at Hallsville
For the second year in a row, the Wildcats’ soccer team has faced a must win game at Hallsville to get into the playoffs. For the second straight year, the Wildcats came through with the win.
The Wildcats jumped on the Bobcats with 3 first half goals and led 3-0 at the half. Hallsville could only get one goal back and the Wildcats tacked on a late goal to take the 4-1 win. The win gave the Wildcats the fourth and final playoff spot in the district. It is believed that the Wildcats will face Lovejoy in bi-district action. Details need to be ironed out. The Wildcats ended district play with 5 wins, 2 shootout losses and 5 outright losses. Their season record is now 12-6-3.
Wildcats Soccer Coach Nicky Wiggins noted earlier this week that his team was playing solid soccer late in district play like they did in non-district games. The Wildcats solid finish overcame their slow start in early district play.
Lady Cats Softball 2-1 in District
The Pine Tree Lady Cats jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 4 innings and then held on to defeat the Lady Cats’ softball team, 5-3 at Pine Tree Tuesday night.
Pine Tree led 5-1 after five. The Lady Cats managed single runs in the sixth and seventh but it wasn’t enough. The Lady Cats outhit the Lady Pirates 11 to 8. Bailey Haggerty pitched all six innings for the Lady Cats allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and she struck out 6. The Lady Cats committed one error behind her. Leading hitters for the Lady Cats with two hits apiece were Kristen Allen, Jaye Doughtie and Brinklee Driver. Alyssa Abron gor a walk. Hannah Crowson and Driver each had one RBI.
The Lady Cats slip to 2-1 in district play. They are 15-5 for the season. The Lady Cats will play Marshall at home Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Lady Cat Park.
