PJC LVN Students Practice Patient Skills
PRACTICING SKILLS
Paris Junior College students in the licensed vocational nursing program recently practiced the art of feeding patients. They took turns in role-playing, simulating impairment in patients. Shown from left are Sulphur Springs students Michala Davis and Kasie Brantley, Karli Emmons of Cumby, and Mysti Dooley of Greenville.
A & M Commerce Implements Zero-Tolerance For Animal Neglect; Ag Department Personnel Change
COMMERCE, Texas — Texas A&M University-Commerce Interim President Ray Keck announced today the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy for the neglect and mistreatment of animals by university personnel and students, as well as plans to enhance university oversight of the agriculture department.
The announcement was prompted by Dr. Keck’s findings during an ongoing university-wide review, which he launched after assuming the role of interim president on June 1, 2016.
“Since arriving, I have been impressed each day by the high quality of the work and the community at this university,” Dr. Keck said. “Unfortunately, my review of the care and past oversight of animals on our campus, particularly in our agriculture department, proved to be an exception. I have determined that our performance in this area has been inadequate and far short of the high standards I pledged to uphold at this institution.”
Dr. Keck was moved to immediately address the issue after reviewing a 2015 internal report, which found that failure to provide adequate treatment resulted in the need to euthanize a university-owned horse. All university personnel responsible for the oversight and care of the horse have since been replaced.
Dr. Keck said he believes the new policy will bolster the work being done by those currently serving in supervisory positions by making the expectations of quality care clear for all individuals on campus who interact with animals.
“When we encounter such systemic failures, it is important that we acknowledge them, move swiftly to address them and take steps to ensure that they are not repeated,” Dr. Keck said. “While Texas A&M-Commerce has responded to issues as they have arisen, we must redouble our efforts to stop them from coming up in the first place.”
New leadership is being installed in order to further increase oversight of animal care and assist in the enforcement of the school’s new zero-tolerance policy, which is effective immediately.
Starting this month, Dr. Randy Harp, who was most recently a professor of animal science at Tarleton State University, has been appointed the new director of the School of Agriculture at Texas A&M-Commerce. Dr. Harp is familiar with the university, having served on the faculty previously. He earned his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from Oklahoma State University, as well as a master’s degree from New Mexico State University.
“Sometimes, it helps to bring fresh eyes to a situation to prevent complacency and generate needed cultural change,” Dr. Keck said. “I am grateful to Dr. Harp for agreeing to step in and share his expertise with us in this important role. I am confident that he will help us reach the level of excellence in care we strive for and expect at Texas A&M-Commerce.”
Dr. Keck indicated that he expects to make additional leadership announcements soon.
Dr. Harp and other leaders will work with the university oversight committee responsible for animal welfare to implement the zero-tolerance policy in a fair and clear manner.
Few Season Tickets Remain as Friday Deadline Looms
Wildcats football season tickets went on sale to the general public Thursday morning and Season Ticket Coordinator Lynette King said a long line had formed by the time doors at the high school library opened at 8:45 a.m. As of 11 a.m. Thursday, just less than 60 seats remained for purchase. Quite a few of these are on rows 1 and 2. Two tickets did remain on row 4 in Section B. The rest were scattered single seats.
Hours of operation will continue through 5 p.m. Thursday and then from 8:45 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Friday. Ms. King said seats left provide a person with a chance to get their name on the board. She added next year the purchaser could seek an upgrade.
ssisd football wildcats
SSHS Cross Country Teams Preparing for 2016 Season
New Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks designated Monday, August 1 as the day to begin the process of preparing for the upcoming season. Team members have been showing up this week starting at 7:15 a.m. for group runs. As former Coach Andy Holt always did, Coach Hicks runs with his athletes. He says he also plans for them to spent a couple of days a week in the weight room.
Coach Hicks says lots of the athletes have been running on their own this summer so most of them showed up Monday in good shape. If things come together as planned, the Wildcats and Lady Cats will be competing in a meet on August 27. He says he is looking for team leaders to develop on both the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ teams.
Lady Cats Volleyball Scrimmage Friday
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team will play in their first scrimmage Friday at home against Cumby and Commerce. Freshmen and JV games will take place in the Auxiliary Gym while the Varsity will play in Wildcats Gym. Games will be played at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and at noon. New Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness says he’s looking forward to the scrimmage action. He says Cumby and Commerce will provide a good test for his team.
Coach Maness says he plans to experiment with rotations as he seeks team chemistry. He says he has a roster of players that can handle different roles. Coach Maness says his team features many offensive weapons and he’s been impressed with how hard they have practiced.
Sheretta Hill and Imani Taylor have been added to the varsity roster, which also includes six returnees from last year’s playoff team.
Previous season
Chamber Connection- August 4th
Chamber Connection-August 4th
Huge news!!! The Chamber of Commerce is hosting An Evening of Speed Networking! Because networking is just a fancy word for making friends! Our event will be held on Tuesday, August 30th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cedar Canyon in Sulphur Springs. This is the perfect opportunity for local business owners to network in a non-pressured environment, meet new people, promote and describe their businesses, and enjoy delicious food and beverages provided by Lyndsay’s Plates + Provisions. Many door prizes will be given away throughout the evening. There are very limited spaces available, so tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Tickets are $25, so call the Chamber of Commerce at (903)885-6515 to reserve your ticket right away! It’s going to be fantastic!
IT IS TIME to submit your entries into the first annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest! Let me review the basics. Anyone of any age can enter as we have a children’s category. The picture must be newer than January 1, 2014, and must have been taken in Hopkins County. The contest will be open from August 1st to August 31st. There are seven categories you may enter: Natural World, Travel, People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children’s Category. Only digital images are accepted (no prints). To submit your photograph, email the picture to [email protected] Rules are releases will be available on the Chamber of Commerce website. I cannot wait to see your beautiful photos!
Just a reminder… effective August 1st we have new business hours. The Chamber of Commerce is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on Mondays from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. as well.
One Way Auto hosted a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 2nd at noon
One Way Auto hosted a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 2nd at noon. One Way Auto is located at 900 Gilmer Street. The new owner, Clint Lewis, is very excited about opening this new business in Hopkins County. He specializes in used auto sales and he, his wife, and his staff are ready to assist you. Clint explained during the ribbon cutting that One Way Auto has no affiliation with the previous business housed there. Please plan to come by and support our new local business!!
Fall Festival will hold the Finals Competition for Battle of the Bands August 6th at 6 p.m.
It’s that time again… the Fall Festival’s Battle of the Bands Competition is in full swing. August 6th at 6 p.m., the Finals Competition will be held on Celebration Plaza. A winner will be chosen from that group of bands! Exciting!
Lyndsay’s Plates + Provisions will host their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 9th at 11:30 a.m.
Lyndsay’s Plates + Provisions is a new restaurant and market located at 313 Main Street. Lyndsay’s offers a daily lunch menu but also offers take home options to bake at dinner time. She offers Take and Bake Options which are prepared and ready for baking, and she also offers Mise en Boxes. Mise en Boxes are containers of the appropriate ingredients to take home and cook for yourself. This week’s Mise en Boxes include pasta with house made meatballs and curry chicken. You may even order online by going to www.lyndsaysplates.com. Go by and check this out straight away!!
Days Inn of Sulphur Springs hosts ribbon cutting and Grand Opening August 10th at 5 p.m.
Days Inn of Sulphur Springs is under new ownership and has been recently completely remodeled. They are hosting their ribbon cutting and Business After Hours event on Wednesday, August 10th at 5 p.m. Come and enjoy live entertainment, snacks, fellowship, and fun!
The Venue at Two Nineteen will host its Grand Opening Celebration Friday, August 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appetizers and drinks will be served at the Grand Opening of The Venue at Two Nineteen on Main Street. Live entertainment will also be provided by James Taylor. Please make plans stop in, admire, and celebrate this new venue on Main Street.
The 10th Annual Hot August Night BBQ Cook-off will be held on Saturday, August 13th
The whole weekend is scheduled to be full of Hot August Nights! Come watch firefighters from across the country compete in the “Toughest 2 Minutes in Sports” at the SSHS Football Stadium parking lot on Friday, August 12th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday the 13th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The BBQ cook-off food service will begin at 5 p.m., and the Third Day with Steven Curtis Chapman Concert is slated for Saturday evening. For ticket information, please visit itickets.com or call 903-885-7639.
Hot August Night is also introducing a new event… the Hot August Night Street Party featuring James Taylor from The Bachelorette. The Street Party will be held Friday night, August 12th, on Main Street. The concert is free and will begin at 9 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Beauty Grace Boutique on Wednesday, August 17th at noon
The Beauty Grace Boutique will host a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 17th at noon. The new boutique is located at 101 Bill Bradford Road Suite 21, and specializes in women’s fashion and accessories. The owner, Ana Velasco, has spent time selling her merchandise at Canton, so she is thrilled to be opening a shop right here in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to attend the ribbon cutting and do a bit of shopping!
The Hopkins County Fall Festival presents Emerald City Band on Friday, August 19th
The Emerald City Band will be performing on Friday, August 19th, on Celebration Plaza. For ticket information, contact a Fall Festival Board member or by calling (903)243-1925.
The Venue at Two Nineteen will host its Ribbon Cutting Celebration Wednesday, August 24th at noon
Please make plans to attend the ribbon cutting celebration for The Venue at Two Nineteen on Main Street at noon. We have all watched this building with anticipation wondering how beautiful this venue would become. Well, now is the time to see for yourself. Put the ribbon cutting on your calendar, and we’ll see you at noon!
Adult Leadership Class being offered for the Fall! Sign up Now!!!
Lynda Hager reported that she would be offering an Adult Leadership Class starting in August for anyone who is interested. The Adult Leadership Class is a community leadership development program sponsored by the Hopkins county Chamber of Commerce. The course was created in 1989 with the concept of offering leadership training and community involvement for emerging business and community leaders. Leadership Sulphur Springs is a nine-month session, with meetings held once a month. The deadline is quickly approaching, and application will be accepted until August 15th. For more information, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 903-885-6515.
First United Methodist Church hosts Divorce Care every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Divorce Care continues every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through September 13th in the administration building at First United Methodist Church. All who are dealing with separation or divorce are invited to attend.
New members to the Chamber of Commerce:
Welcome to The Venue at two nineteen, a beautiful new venue on Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Also welcome to Beauty Grace Boutique located at 101 Bill Bradford Road Suite 21 in Sulphur Springs, and Lyndsay’s Plates + Provisions at 313 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. We are very excited to welcome these businesses to the Chamber of Commerce!
Celebration Plaza’s Friday night movie will be Jurassic World at 8 p.m. Saturday morning, Yoga on the Square will be offered from 9 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The Celebration Market will be held on Celebration Plaza from 6-10 p.m. and Battle of the Bands will provide your entertainment starting at 6 p.m.. The Allen Bowles Knife and Gun Show will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Civic Center.
Ribbon Cuttings:
One Way Auto hosts Ribbon Cutting Celebration
One Way Auto hosted their ribbon cutting celebration on Tuesday, August 2nd at noon. Clint Lewis, the owner of One Way Auto, explained that he was so excited about opening this new business in Sulphur Springs, and he, his wife, and his staff are ready to assist you. They are located at 900 Gilmer Street in Sulphur Springs.
Grasshopper Control Update: Pasture Management
Grasshopper control update: Pasture management
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Overton, there are about 150 species of grasshoppers in the state of Texas, but 90% of the damage to crops, gardens, trees, and pastures is caused by just 5 species. Grasshoppers deposit their eggs 1/2 to 2 inches below the soil surface in pod-like structures. Each egg pod consists of 20 to 120 eggs. Egg pods are very resistant to cold and can easily survive the winter if the soil is not disturbed. Grasshoppers deposit eggs in fallow fields, ditches, fencerows, and weedy areas, as well as in crop fields and hay fields. Eggs begin hatching in late April or early May; hatching peaks about mid-June. If spring weather is cool and dry, hatching may be delayed until July. Young grasshoppers are called nymphs. They look like adults, but are smaller and do not have wings. Nymphs go through 5 to 6 developmental stages and become adults in 40 to 60 days, depending on weather and food supplies. The adult grasshoppers deposit eggs from late July through the fall. Usually only one generation of grasshoppers is produced each year. Producers should start watching for grasshoppers early in the season and begin control measures while grasshoppers are still nymphs. Smaller grasshoppers are more susceptible to insecticides than larger ones.
CONTROL OPTIONS:
Cultural Control: Controlling summer weeds reduces available feed for newly hatching nymphs as well as making it easier for birds to prey on grasshoppers.
Chemical Control: Grasshoppers are susceptible to many insecticides. The length of control will depend on the residual activity of the insecticides and the frequency of treatment. Controlling grasshoppers over a large area will reduce the numbers present which can re-infest a treated area. Remember, smaller grasshoppers are more susceptible to insecticides than larger ones.
Insecticides that can be used on pastures and hayfields:
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL INSTRUCTIONS ON PESTICIDES!
Mustang Max (9.6% zeta-cypermethrin)
Karate Z (lambda cyhalothrin): Do not harvest for hay until 7 days after application
Baythroid XL
Dimilin 2L: Dimilin must be applied when grasshoppers are about 1/4 inch. Dimilin is not effective on adults.
Sevin 4F, Sevin XLR, Sevin 80S, generic Carbaryl: 14 day waiting period before grazing or harvesting
Tombstone Helios (cyfluthrin)
Prevathon (RynaXypyr): For optimum control, apply to nymphs.
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
AgriLife Extension Offers Tips for Avoiding Zika
AgriLife Extension Offers Tips for Avoiding Zika
You have heard of the Zika virus in the news. The mosquito-transmitted virus is a potential threat to the health of unborn babies in Texas and other states. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has stepped up efforts to educate the public on ways to protect themselves from this new menace.
Dr. Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension entomologist, reminds us that it’s important to remember that the first line of defense against Zika is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos while we enjoy outdoor activities and summer travel. The Aides aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitos that transmit Zika occur commonly in our backyards where their eggs are laid and larvai live in standing water. They are active at sunrise and sunset like other mosquitos, but commonly bite throughout the day as well.
Swiger said it’s important to remember the “Four D’s” as a first line of defense. They are:
1) Drain: empy standing water, thus eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
2) Dress: Put on long sleeved shirts and pants when going outside.
3) Defend: Apply mosquito repellent when going outside.
4) Dusk and Dawn: Avoid outdoor activity during these two most mosquito-active periods.
Swiger said simple steps such as repairing screen doors and windows are critically important to keeping mosquitos out. Managing landscape water features is another key area in the fight against the spread of Zika. Mosquito dunks, sold in garden centers, can be used to treat water that cannot be readily drained. They contain insect growth regulators or mosquito=specific bacteria to effectively control mosquito larvae. These are not harmful to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Dr. Mike Merchant, AgriLife Extension Urban Entomologist at Dallas, indicates that fighting Zika will be much different than fighting West Nile virus. Aedes mosquitoes infected with Zika are not easily detected, so health official have to rely on actual human cases to identify hot spots. City and county-mounted sprayers are less effective at killing Aedes mosquitos, so stopping these mosquitoes in every backyard is even more important.
Anything that holds water should be dumped or treated. Breeding areas can include containers under potted plants and bird baths, old tires, empty cans and bottles, kiddie pools, buckets, boat tarps and even clogged gutters. Merchant states that it doesn’t take much water for the mosquitoes to reproduce. Aedes mosquitoes don’t travel far from their larval habitat, so if you have them, chances are you unknowingly raised them.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control conclude that mosquito repellents containing DEET, picardin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (called IR3535) as active ingredients provide reasonably long-lasting protection from mosquito bites. When used as directed, they are safe for people to use and are effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Users should always read and follow label instructions. Most repellents can be used on children over two months of age, except for those containing oil of lemon eucalyptus, which should not be used on children younger than 3 years old. For babies under two months of age, infant carriers fitted with mosquito netting are recommended. Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers can safely use EPA-approved insect repellents.
The highest risk is for pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant. To reduce risk during pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid intercourse with a recent visitor to a Zika-infested area, or always use a condom. Symptoms of the Zika virus usually start 2 to 7 days after infection and last about one week. 80% show no symptoms while the remaining 20% may have itchy eyes, fever, joint pain, and a rash. If a pregnant woman contracts Zika, the unborn baby may develop a severe birth defect know as microcephaly, which causes an unusually small head, brain damage, and often death of the infant.
Swiger said that all cases of Zika in Texas have been travel associated, except for one contracted sexually from their partner who traveled. It is a global world of travel, and as people return from areas affected by Zika, some will return carrying the virus. Epidemics are expected as infected people arrive and locally acquired infections occur. Women infected by the virus while pregnant are known to have babies with severe neurological defects. Aside from mosquito infections, additional cases may occur from sexual transmission of the disease.
So do we need to panic? No! Controlling mosquitoes and protecting yourself from infection are the two key factors in the rigorous defense against this new mosquito-borne virus. More information is available at the following websites:
Texasinsects.org; Livestockvetento.tamu.edu; Preventingzika.org.
Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest
Watch for information on entry categories coming soon! In the meantime, save the dates: registration of items will take place October 17 thru 19 at the Extension Office, and afternoon on October 20 at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center. Judging will take place on the morning of October 21, and public viewing that afternoon thru Saturday, October 22 at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center.
Closing Thought
Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts and never hope for more than you work – Rita Mae Brown
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]
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
City to Rebuild Wastewater Treatment Plant
Construction could take two years for the rework of the Sulphur Springs Waste Water Treatment plan. It could cost near $18-million and continue with the same capacity as now. Governmental regulations and requirements for waste water treatment plants have increased, according to Peter Karsten, City Finance Director.
Karsten stated that if the city were to add two more industries that employ three to four hundred people or gain 6,000 in population, “we would have to start all over” Karsten said. Karsten said that the industries located in Sulphur Springs are a heavy load for the treatment plant even with the pre-treatment they perform.
Bidding will begin in September. 
Animal of the Week: Humperdink
Humperdink
Humperdink is a male black terrier mix. He was found at the Helm Ln apartments by Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter Officer Annie Patridge during what she described as one of the easiest catches of her career. “Supposedly, Humperdink was dumped at the Helm Ln apartments, from what I understand,” Officer Patridge said. “Whenever I went out there, I actually didn’t see him at first. He was hiding out in a little spot just out of sight when I was driving by. When I cam back around, there were some people outside and I asked them if they had seen a little black dog. I had about three people point at this little corner. I just called to him and he came walking up and I scratched him, picked him up, put him in the back of the truck and that was pretty much it.”
Humperdink shows no signs of training, but has adapted well to being on a leash. When asked about his age, Officer Patridge took one quick look at his teeth and revealed his age to be about roughly a year and a half. “As a dog gets older, they get more tartar and rings on their teeth, and they begin to wear down,” Officer Patridge said. “The older dogs, if you look at their canines, you’ll notice that the point is starting to wear down and can become flat. Also, when they’re old, they begin to start losing teeth. The young ones, if they have little puppy teeth, begin to shed them at about four months old. A dog that’s about a year old will have pearly whites, as if they’ve been brushing them every day.”
Humperdink is a very friendly dog and especially loves children. He is very energetic and often whines when left alone without a playmate. “He just wants to be someone’s buddy,” Officer Patridge said. “I took him into the office once for a little bit and he wanted to climb into my lap and just be loved on. He gets upset if I leave him by himself, he gets upset if I leave him with another dog next door. He just wants to be someone’s best buddy.”
According to Officer Patridge, Humperdink would make an excellent apartment dog and an excellent lap dog. As well as a fondness for human interaction, Humperdink also loves to play with other animals. “I think that he’s right at that age where’s he’s got enough energy that if you want to play with him or if you have another dog, he will play with them really well,” Officer Patridge said. “But he is starting to settle down and get to be more of a dog. So he’s not exactly bouncing off the walls by any means.”
Humperdink does have a misinformed tail. His crooked tail is the result of having been broken in the past and healing on its own without assistance. While it is crooked, the Shelter will not take any steps to fix his tail as that would require to purposely break it again and setting it properly. Since the tail does create any issues for the dog in any way, they have decided to leave it as it is. “I found him like that, and I don’t know how he did it or what the story was,” Officer Patridge said. “It’s actually become a part of his charm, that little crooked tail, it sets him apart and gives him personality.”
The adoption fee for Humperdink is $100, which will cover the cost for adoption as well as being neutered, receiving shots, and a de-worming. He will be present at an off-site adoption event which is scheduled to take place this weekend. However, due to weather, the location for the event has not been decided. Updates on the location can be found on the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter’s Facebook page.
