Local Civil Air Patrol Cadet remembered
Charles White grew up in a dairy-farming family in Hopkins County. In fact, his family’s business, White’s Dairy on I-30 West, is one of the oldest continually-operating farms in the county. But Charles never really wanted to be a farmer: the boy from the country met his life’s work.. ..flying… when he was still a student at SSHS. He already had an after-school job at the local airport, doing odd jobs, painting markers and turning on the beacon at dusk, and one afternoon a local pilot asked if he would like to go up for a short run. After that, Charles was hooked. He studied continually and soon the 17-year-old became certified to fly. Later that busy year of 1947, he and three fellow cadets purchased a fixer-upper plane of their own. It was transported by truck to Sulphur Springs, stopping off at Ward Gober Humble Station near downtown. Representatives of Civil Air Patrol were sent to Sulphur Springs to assist in the restoration process, which was performed inside a garage located near today’s Pilot Truck Stop. When the plane was finally ready to go aloft, a Highway Patrolman stopped traffic on Highway 19 so that Charles could take off for it’s new home at the airport. Following high school graduation, Charles joined the National Guard and then landed a job with an airline. In November 1966, Lt. White was conducting helicopter flight training for Viet Nam when he and his student were killed in a crash. His brother, Gerald White, his five sisters and their mother remember the 29-year-old as doing what he always wanted to do, and are proud to honor the memory of his service to America, as Civil Air Patrol observes it’s 75th anniversary.
A & M-Commerce Presents 8th Annual TUBACHRISTMAS
COMMERCE, TX— Over 50 area tuba and euphonium players will present the eighth annual Commerce Merry TUBACHRISTMAS concert on Saturday, December 10th. The performance will take place outdoors on the square in downtown Commerce at 12:30 pm and this year’s conductor is A&M-Commerce alum and honorary tubist, Timothy Emsley.
The concert is free of charge and open to the public and is presented by the Texas A&M University-Commerce Music Department and the Harvey Phillips Foundation.
Jeff Baker said, “There will be wassail available at the square. It’s a family-friendly environment where we encourage everyone to sing along with the carols and help us judge the decorating contest!”
TUBACHRISTMAS concerts are performed annually in over 150 cities throughout the United States and Canada. These concerts are presented as a tribute to the late, great William J. Bell who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. “Bill” Bell is recognized by all musicians as one of the most preeminent tuba players throughout the world. This year’s concert will be dedicated to the memory of Harvey Phillips (1929-2010), founder of TUBACHRISTMAS, who passed away on October 20, 2010.
Persons of all ages who play the tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, or baritone horn are cordially invited to perform in this concert. Registration is from 10:15-11 a.m. and is followed by a music rehearsal from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The registration and rehearsal will take place at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Music Building. Participants should dress in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions. The music performed will be from CAROLS FOR A MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS, which is used at all official MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS concerts. The books may be purchased at registration for $20.00.
The registration fee for participants is $10.
For questions and updated information regarding the 2016 Commerce TUBACHRISTMAS, contact: Dr. Jeff Baker, Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, at [email protected] or 903-886-5290.
PJC Announces Graduation, Early Registration, Winter Mid-Term for All Campuses
Paris Junior College will hold fall semester graduation on Friday, Dec. 16 in the Hunt Center beginning at 7 p.m. Students who plan to be in the ceremony are encouraged to come at 6 p.m. to the Rheudasil Learning Center to begin lining up. Early registration for spring classes on the Sulphur Springs campus is underway.
Early registration is also going on for the winter mini-term, which starts on Dec. 19, and the spring semester that begins on Jan. 17, 2017.
“PJC’s winter mini-term is a great way to take care of core classes,” said PJC Registrar Amie Cato. “They are offered online and are transferable to all Texas universities.”
PJC will close for the regular winter break after graduation on Dec. 16, so those wanting to sign up for the winter mini-term need to do so now. Students may also register early for the spring semester.
The college will reopen on Jan. 2, 2017 and resume early registration for spring. One-and-done on-campus registration will be Jan. 10 in Greenville, Jan. 11 in Sulphur Springs, and Jan. 12 in Paris, as well as Saturday registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all locations on Jan. 14.
After closing for Martin Luther King Day, classes begin on Tuesday, Jan. 17 and late registration will be held that Tuesday and Wednesday.
For more information, call 903-885-1232 for the PJC – Sulphur Springs Center, 903-454-9333 for the PJC – Greenville Center, or 903-782-0425 at the Paris campus. To see available classes, go to www.parisjc.edu/schedule.
SPRING REGISTRATION Registration for the winter mini-term and the spring semester are underway at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. Above, Brooklyn Moon of Sulphur Springs, a second year student, is registering for spring classes with the help of Advisor Carey Gable. Registration is available during regular office hours at the Sulphur Springs campus located at 1137 Loop 301 East. For more information, call 903-885-1232.
Lights of Life Tree Lighting at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Sulphur Springs–Video Presentation
Lights of Life Tree Lighting celebrated its 21st anniversary Thursday night and having benefited the local hospital with over $2.1 million during those years.
Markeda Fisher, Chair of the Foundation Board, recounted some of the equipment that has been purchased for the hospital with donated funds. She told of a friend that benefitted from the Tele-Medicine addition to the hospital.
Paul Harvey, CEO of the hospital, thanked members of the foundation for all the work they do in adding to the life of the hospital. He reminded those present of the mission of CHRISTUS, which is to continue the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. He offered prayer…
Campaign Chair Sam and Sher Sevier and Recognition of Lights of Life Campaign Honorees Bill and Peggy Dietze preceded the entertainment provided by Water Oaks students, the Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band and the CHRISTUS Physicians Choir.
New Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Signal Lights Installed at A & M-Commerce
Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that installation of new pedestrian hybrid beacon signal lights has begun at two locations in Hunt County to improve pedestrian safety near Texas A&M University at Commerce.
The High-intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signals are being installed along State Highway 24/11 on the western edge of the university, and on Culver Street near the Whitley Residence Hall.
North Texas Traffic Systems Construction Ltd., of Bonham, Texas, began work on these signals Nov. 30 at an estimated cost of more than $160,000. The target date for completion of this safety project is January 2017, TxDOT officials said.
After the signals are installed, pedestrians wishing to cross the road will push a button to activate the crosswalk signal and receive visual and audio prompts to do so after yellow and red beacon lights signal drivers to stop for pedestrians. After pedestrians are safely across the road, the roadway beacons prompt stopped drivers to resume travel cautiously.
This online video provides an example of how HAWK signals work: https://youtu.be/6_rym0bYINU
TxDOT officials said the new pedestrian hybrid beacon signal lights will improve the safety of pedestrian crossings, and provide drivers approaching these crossings with better visual cues to make a safe stop for pedestrian traffic.
TxDot logo
Lady Cats Defeat Whitehouse, Longview to Win Pool Play at Winnsboro Hoopfest
The Lady Cats’ basketball team won their pool with two wins Thursday at the Winnsboro Hoopfest. After using a second half rally to edge past Longview, 42-38, the Lady Cats overwhelmed Whitehouse, 76-12.
In the Longview contest at the Winnsboro High School Gym, Sadavia Porter led the Lady Cats with 12 points while Autumn Tanton added 8. Kaylee Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 6 steals. The Lady Cats trailed 15-11 after one quarter and 21-19 at the half before outscoring the Lady Lobos 23-17 over the last two quarters. The late Thursday game against Whitehouse at the Winnsboro Memorial Junior High Gym was a mismatch. Whitehouse managed only two free throws at halftime against a stifling Lady Cats press. The Lady Cats led after one quarter 26-2 and at the half 51-2. The Lady Cats had numerous steals that led to many layups from lots of nice assists. Kaylee Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 28 points. Sadavia Porter added 14 points and Imani Taylor had 13 points. Tori Moore had 7 points including a three-point basket. All nine Lady Cats on the roster scored.
The Lady Cats improved their season record to 6-1. They will play Friday at 9:20 a.m. in the Winnsboro High School Gym against the winner of the late Thursday game between Texas High and Lindale.
A Year In Review By Johanna Hicks
A Year in Review
Every year around this time, our staff begins a series of columns about major programming impacts in our respective areas of expertise. Today, I want to focus on Diabetes Education in Hopkins County, which is a passion for me. My son, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2-1/2, is my inspiration for helping others learn how to manage the disease. He is now 24 years old, and he and his wife are expecting their first child in June, 2017! He runs several 5K races each year, enjoys the outdoors, woodworking, and his career. Diabetes has been a nuisance, but has not taken control of his life.
The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes (primarily type 2 diabetes) is 29.1 million according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2014. Texas data indicates that 10.8% of the population has been diagnosed with diabetes, while in Hopkins County, 10.5% of residents have been diagnosed with diabetes – only slightly lower than the state average (www.dcd.gov). Diabetes is not curable, but it is manageable.
The Hopkins County Family & Consumer Sciences Committee identified diabetes education as a continuing need in Hopkins County. In 2016, “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series was held. This 5-lesson series includes the following topics: 1) How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose; 2) Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates?; 3) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity; 4) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Medication; 5) Celebrating Diabetes Control. My Diabetes Coalition took a leading role by assisting me with teaching, marketing/promotion of the classes, and providing supplementary materials. Master Wellness Volunteers assisted with registration, survey implementation, tray preparations/cooking demonstrations, and wrap-up.
Nine participants completed the spring Do Well, Be With Diabetes series, with the following results:
- Because neuropathy can lead to serious health issues, it is important for persons with diabetes to check their feet. Prior to the class, only 22% (2) had their doctor check their feet. Following the class 100% indicated that they would check their feet and ask their doctor to do so at each visit.
- Participants’ understanding of the recommended number of carb choices per meal increased from 33% (3) prior to attending the class to 100% (9) following the series.
- Participants who were able to recognize the high carbohydrate food in a given list increased from 33% (3) to 100% (9) following the series.
- Participants knowing the recommended blood glucose ranges before and two hours after a meal increased from 11% (1) to 100% (9) following the series.
- Participants rating their ability to control their diabetes as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ rose from 0% to 88% (8) following the class. This was a big improvement. One participant rated their ability as ‘good.’ Prior to attending the series, 100% (9) rated their ability to control their diabetes as ‘fair’ or ‘poor.’
- Economic impact: $381,592 based on projected health care cost savings and value for lost wages.
In addition, diabetes information was provided at the Senior Expo, 55+ Health Fair, and through the Sulphur Springs News Telegram, Front Porch News Texas Facebook page, and Hopkins County Family & Consumer Sciences Facebook Page. An 8-issue e-newsletter was provided to individuals wishing to receive the series.
I had the privilege of being selected to serve on a regional committee to revise the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series, which focuses on food choices, revision of recipes to make them healthier, and cooking methods to reduce fat and sodium, and increase fiber. The new series is scheduled to be rolled out in 2017 statewide.
Appreciation is expressed to my Family & Consumer Sciences Committee, Diabetes Coalition, and Master Wellness Volunteers for their part in making diabetes education in Hopkins County a priority. Diabetes Education has once again been designated as a priority in Hopkins County and will be addressed in 2017. For information on the 2017 series, contact my office at 930-885-3443.
Next Week, I will focus on the Hopkins County Health & Wellness plan for 2016 and methods utilized for addressing the issue of overweight/obesity, wellness and nutrition. Stay tuned!
County-wide 4-H Christmas Party
Hopkins County 4-H members will gather on Monday, December 5 for “Pajamas and Pancakes”. We will have food (pancakes and toppings, hot chocolate bar, and plenty of water!), games, photo booth, crafts, and a community service project. This is a great way for our 4-H kids to have fun while celebrating Christmas. We will also be discussing a 2017 Exchange Trip with Sanders County, Montana. Julie Hutchins, former Hopkins County 4-H Agent, is spearheading the event for the Montana kids, and we will be working closely with her via e-mail and phone to plan a fun, educational exchange trip!
Closing Thought
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt – Abraham Lincoln
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]
2016 Hopkins County Livestock and Forage By Mario Villarino
Relevance: Beef and Dairy Production is a 2.96 billion dollar industry in the East Region of Texas. The most common beef producer in the region is a cow/calf producer with less than 100 head. County-based Program Area Committees (PAC) firmly establish the need for educational programs targeted for beef and dairy producers enabling them to increase knowledge as well as adopt best management practices and new technologies improving product quality and producer sustainability. A pre-conditioning sale of stocker cattle (NETBIO) has proven to be a successful marketing tool with more than 400,000 head process since its conception. This program will cooperate with NETBIO committee and subcommittees to resolve educational issues related to the success of the beef industry in Hopkins County. This plan has the intent to provide educational experiences to more than 250 private pesticide applicators, 60 dairy farmers and more than 350 beef producers. Marketing of the activities included in this plan will be conducted by press releases, flyers and personal communications. Technology based educational events will be incorporated seamlessly into already planned educational activities.
Response:
To address the educational needs established by the Beef Program Area Committee, this plan conducted the following activities:
- 7 PAC planning meetings (Monthly from April 2016-October 2016).
- 4 Newsletters for private applicators and beef producers (650 mailings)(quarterly).
- 3 New Private Applicators Trainings (February, July and October 2016) (technology based).
- 6 Press releases related to beef science (15,000 reached on each one)(News Telegram newspaper).
- 4 NETBIO Board meetings.
- Beef Quality Assurance Training (June 22, 2016) (65 participants).
- Result demonstration of use of bio-solid type A in hay meadows (Knight, cooperator).
- Result demonstration in evaluation of mosquitoes present in Hopkins County (Dr. Swiger, PI).
- Hay Clinic in collaboration with Holt (60 attending)
- Cattlemen’s Classic and Ribeye Cook-off (850 attendance)(October 7, 2016).
- Private Applicator CEU’s (November 2, 2016)(80 attending).
- In depth plan summary, interpretation to volunteers (Nov 10, 2016) and Commissioner’s Court (Nov 28, 2016).
Results:
- 77% (52/67) Private Applicators will take actions and make changes because of what they learned during the training. (2016 Private Applicators CEU).
- 89% (60/67) will benefit economically as a direct result of the training (2016 Private Applicators CEU).
- Attendees consider extremely and quite valuable (89%) the information provided by Extension in educational programs (2016 Private Applicators CEU).
- 77% Rated the program as excellent (Beef Quality Assurance Training)(65 participants).
- 71% will benefit economically as a direct result of the training (Beef Quality Assurance Training) ($1-$20 per head).
Future Implications: Pesticide private applicators have a vested interest in beef educational topics. The committee strongly suggested continuing educational opportunities in beef management and pasture management in separated sessions.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
Kim Beck reported that Tira, North Hopkins, and Brinker volunteer firefighters, and the Hopkins County Fire Chief responded to a fire on County Road 4612, just behind her home, on Sunday afternoon. The house was not occupied and was in a state of disrepair.
William and Joyce Dodd hosted a Thanksgiving celebration at their home. Those attending were Michael McNiel and friend, Jayna Shull, Rob Dodd, Tonja Jones, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton, Brad, Tanya, Trenton, and Matthew Dodd, Tiffany, Emery, Eli, and Edon McPherson, Von and Janie Prahl. Jonathon & Ruth Shelton stopped by for a visit. Joyce shares, “We had a very blessed day.”
Regina Payton, from Victoria, visited with Floyd and Martha Payton over the Thanksgiving holidays. Martha says, “We were thankful for our time together and completing some unfinished chores.” She adds, “Thanks again for all the prayers, kind words, and love shared during our loss.”
Jimmy and Janie Lewis traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate Thanksgiving with Jeremy Wright. They also visited Jimmy’s sister on the way.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with our family last Friday. Our guests included Delayne Vaughn, Tiffany Vaughn, Jaidyn and Kenden Joslin, and friend Abby, and Morgan Joslin and friend Alexis, Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin, Elizabeth Steinsiek, Tracy and Lani Horn, and Linda Ellen and Grace Vaughn. After the meal and visiting, several of us went to see the progress on Liz’s cabin. Michael Horn, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, was not able to be off work on Friday. Jordyn and Madison Horn were visiting their grandmother, in Frisco. Linda Ellen Vaughn and Tiffany and the kids joined us for leftovers on Sunday.
Landon and Rylan Joslin went hunting on Thanksgiving morning and got a deer. Michael Horn took Kenden Joslin hunting on Sunday afternoon.
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].
Miller Grover News
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