Leadership, Mentorship, Partnership and Involvement
Leadership, mentorship, partnership and involvement: important components of the extension mission in Hopkins County.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hopkins County provides training opportunities during the year to several audiences identified as priorities in the County. At least three times per year, a group of volunteers gets organized as a board and provide guidance, identifies priorities and directions for the many different activities conducted by the staff. It is critical that as a general priority, the activities conducted by the extension office are needed by the community and are provided in a timely manner. To satisfy this objective, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is seeking volunteers to participate in the leadership advisory board and program area committees. These advisory boards meet three times per year, provide leadership, participation and implementation on the many different activities conducted by our local extension office. Community members interested in volunteering as board members in Agriculture, Youth Development, Family Consumer Science and Community Development are encourage to contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 and request more information on this volunteer opportunity.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education, 2015
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education, 2015
The Family & Consumer Sciences Committee recognized Diabetes Education in Hopkins County as a needed component for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to continuing addressing. The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes is approximately 29.1 million according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2015. An estimated 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Health-care costs now average $13,700 per person with diabetes.
In Texas, 1,919,500 individuals have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Association. Medical costs are $13.35 billion, and indirect costs (lost productivity) are $4.90 billion. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death as listed on death certificates. Complications include nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), foot and skin problems, and others.
The burden of diabetes mismanagement are disproportionately borne by those with little or no insurance coverage, lower literacy, poor or no English skills, lower educational and income levels, and poor access to transportation. There is no cure for diabetes (yet), but the disease is manageable with determination.
A diabetes coalition has been in place in Hopkins County, which helps with teaching, marketing/promotion of the classes, and providing supplementary materials. Master Wellness Volunteers assist with registration, survey implementation, and tray preparations/cooking demonstrations.
In response to the need for continued diabetes education for citizens, two sessions of “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” were implemented. 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 Medications; 5) Celebrating Diabetes Control.
One session of “Cooking Well with Diabetes” was implemented. This 4-lesson series includes the following topics: 1) Carbohydrate Foods; 2) Making Recipes with Fat Better for You; 3) Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – Increasing Fiber, Decreasing Sodium; 4) Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. Other educational endeavors included diabetes exhibits at the Senior Citizen Expo, 55+ Health Fair, and Ocean Spray Employee Health Fair. Diabetes educational packets were given to twenty-two individuals requesting information to help them in their diabetes management.
Results of the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series are to be applauded. Twenty-five individuals participated in the lesson series.
- 56% pre and 87% post surveys indicated that individuals were watching their carbohydrate intake more closely.
- 50% pre and 73% post surveys indicated that individuals are achieving 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week.
- 13% of individuals knew the healthy blood sugar range prior to the series, increasing to 93% after taking the classes.
- Participants knowing the recommended number of carbohydrates per meal increased for 38% pre to 100% after taking the classes.
- Participants rating their ability to control diabetes showed vast improvement: 87% indicated poor prior to taking the classes, and 100% indicated very good or excellent after taking the classes.
“Cooking Well with Diabetes” also had similar results.:
- The ability to recognize starchy vegetables rose from 60% prior to classes to 100% after classes.
- Those who use herbs & spices instead of salt rose from 40% prior to classes to 100% after classes.
- The confidence to prepare healthy meals for persons with diabetes rose from 20% prior to classes to 100% after classes.
- Verbal feedback: “The Plate Method will become second nature – MY plan is to increase fiber, reduce fat and carbs.” “I learned which foods are high in carbs and which are low – I learned that fruits are healthy, but DO contain carbs!” “I learned the formula to reduce salt & sugar in recipes to make them healthier.”
The potential lifetime health-care cost savings resulting from improved management of diabetes by these participants is an estimated $925,019. Because diabetes education have been consistently recognized by the Family & Consumer Sciences committee and Extension Leadership Advisory Board, the series will continue to be implemented. In addition, I was appointed to serve on a regional committee to re-design the “Cooking Well with Diabetes” curriculum, which will be finalized in 2016. Stay posted!
Hicks enjoys working with food models to help individuals visualize healthy portions.
Closing Thought
When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals.
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
Voter Registration Cards Contain Error; Will Not Affect Casting Ballot in Elections
If you have a middle name, your 2016-2017 Voter Registration Card will reflect that name first on the left hand side. The error will not affect your ability to vote, according to Debbie Jenkins, Hopkins County Tax Assessor Collector. Jenkins said it would cost the county $5,000 to correct the error if they had chosen to do so. The new voter registration cards were mailed Friday, December 4th prior to the December 6th state deadline. In a mailing cost saving move, Jenkins had the printer mailed out the 20,007 voter cards this year.
Jenkins is unsure if the error in printing names on the cards was in the instructions between the Office of the Secretary of State and the printer or where the error occurred. The voter name on the right hand side of the card is correct. However, the voter’s middle name precedes their first name on the left side of the card. Jenkins contacted the Secretary of State’s office immediately upon noting the error. In an email, the Secretary of State said they had given exact instructions to the printer regarding how the cards were to be printed. According to Jenkins, the good news is that voter cards are not required to reflect first and middle names in the correct order. The Secretary of State said new cards would not be required. Bar codes and the card with the voter number and a photo ID such as a driver’s license are all that are required to vote.
Some cards are being returned due to address change only. Jenkins said a second “after mass” mailing will go out soon. If those registered to vote have not received a new card after the first of the new year, she requests you contact her office.
The cards are valid until the last day of 2017. Voters are asked to not cut the blue cards but to fold them. Blue is the color for the 2016-2017 card. The color changes every two years. Voters are asked to throw away their old cards.
Five Wildcats Named Academic All-State Football
Five Wildcats have been named to the Academic All-State Football team according to Sulphur Springs High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Greg Owens. Owens released the list late Tuesday afternoon by email.
Named to the list are:
First Team: Cain Cody and Tanner Ramirez
Second Team: Spencer Bramlett
Honorable Mention: Alez Gamez and Dakotah Stalcup
Corvette Club’s Santa For Seniors Enters Final Night
Night two of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club “Santa for Seniors” garnered more donations of new blankets, new electric blankets, and cash for blankets Tuesday evening on Celebration Plaza, downtown Sulphur Springs. Tim Gee, Vice-President of the Club and organizer for the event, stated that they are nearing the goal of providing a blanket for needed senior adults in Hopkins County.
Gee told KSST listeners Tuesday night that the club had been given a list of those most needy by Karon Weatherman and staff at the city Seniors’ Center. These will be the first on the list to receive the blankets. Gee stated the “Santa for Seniors” is a grand opportunity for Hopkins County to give back to those seniors who have given during their younger days. The seniors that will be assisted are on fixed incomes and will face choices when it comes to utility bills this winter.
Club members are parking their Corvettes on the west side of the Plaza. Collection boxes are set at the southwest entrance to the plaza. Also members of the club are in the street at Gilmer Street and Main Street stop signs at the entrance to the plaza to receive donations.
Heather Marie, one of the volunteers at the Seniors’ Center who is involved in Santa for Seniors, said, “Okay SS, tonight is the last night the Corvette Club will be on the square collecting new blankets (and donations for blankets) for our Senior Citizen’s Center. On your way home, on your way to dinner or to happy hour stop by and show your support. Every dollar counts. See the Christmas lights, hear the music, see some amazing cars, laugh and fellowship with town’s people, but more than that be a part of our cause and community.”
KSST Radio is also doing a remote from the site.
Journey Baptist Church Responds to IMB Need
Jorney Baptist Church (Courtesy Southern Baptist Texan)
Journey Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs determined to do something about the financial needs of the international mission program of the denomination with which they are aligned. The local congregation made a $29,000 contribution to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention this month.
The story that follows is printed with permission of the Southern Baptist Texan and texanonline.net, newsjournal of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention.
A small church in east Texas has made a sizeable gift to the International Mission Board (IMB), even though doing so meant sacrificing funds that could have been used for a permanent building.
Two years ago, Journey Baptist Church sold its building, a facility that was poorly located, with little parking and no room for growth. A purchase of 10 acres as a future building site followed, but constructing a new structure proved cost prohibitive, so church leaders were content to meet in temporary facilities until they were able to complete the project.
Upon hearing of the IMB’s 2015 decision to reduce the numbers of staff and missionaries on the field, Journey church members set aside nearly a month in earnest prayer to decide how they could help, pastor Kyle Ray said.
“Our prayer focus was based on three truths or promises: (1) If we truly seek first God’s kingdom, not our own, then he will take care of all these other things. (2) Are we going to believe it is better to give than receive? (3) Will we love our neighbors more than ourselves?” Ray said.
“During our season of prayer, a local man desiring to build a Christian ministry around Sulphur Springs contacted us about our using that ministry’s building, [which is] expected to be completed within 18 months,” Ray said. Information about the man’s unsolicited offer was presented to the congregation at a meeting held in early October to determine the church’s response to the IMB funding issues.
The congregation of about 60 members voted to give all of a special reserve fund, monies saved over and above operating funds, to the IMB – a sum of more than $29,000.
Additionally, the church increased its Cooperative Program giving from 7 to 10 percent next year, with a commitment to increase it by 1 percent each year until they get to 15 percent.
While waiting on the new facility to become available, the church planned to continue meeting at a local hotel, but Ray said the church discovered a better option.
“That week we were contacted by the pastor of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs who asked us, out of the blue, if we would be interested in meeting on Sunday mornings in that church’s Recreation Outreach Center (ROC) facility,” Ray said, calling the facility “one of the nicest buildings in town.”
The move to the ROC facility will save Journey church a significant amount each month, and the building will be available to use until they move to their more permanent location.
“As we prayed about giving more to the IMB, the Lord has seemingly convinced our church family that we don’t need to spend $500,000 on a building when we can get along fine without one. He will take care of us and has proven to do so by providing two meeting locations (one temporary and one for more long-term use) for way less than we are paying now and way less than a mortgage plus expenses would be to own a building,” Ray said. “It has been humbling to see God do so much.”
Journey church became a Southern Baptists of Texas Convention church plant four years ago and called Ray to become its senior pastor in January 2012. From the beginning, the church has embraced international missions, particularly among unreached people groups.
“Within six months of beginning our work together, we went on our first international trip … to work with an unreached people group,” Ray said. “We adopted that group and have since been back seven times, working with an IMB [worker] there.”
From fewer than 20 believers, the area where the church is partnering now has more than 200 believers and five churches.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Jane Rodgers is a correspondent for the Southern Baptist TEXAN at texanonline.net, newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.)
Express Care Open House Rescheduled
Open House and ribbon cutting at Express Care, an urgent care clinic, has been postponed until Monday, January 4th. The event was first scheduled for today. Open House is now set for 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday the 4th. The Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting is set for 5:15 p.m. The Express Care Clinic will open for business on January 5th.
Express Care, located at 1339 South Broadway in Sulphur Springs, is owned and operated by Hopkins County Memorial Hospital. The urgent care clinic will treat everything ranging from the common cold to flu to minor injuries and allergies. The clinic will provide x-ray and an in-house lab to expedite diagnostic services and develop a care plan that will fit your schedule and need.
Dr. Darrel Pierce, Colbie Cross, PA-C, and Kalee Kird, PA-C will rotate seeing patients on-site. Hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Saltillo Lions Lose to CHESS Tuesday
The first and fourth quarters were problems for the Saltillo Lions Tuesday night. The Lions lost to CHESS 50-43.
The Lions trailed 12-4 at the end of the first quarter but came back with a 12-9 second quarter and a 12-6 third. However, the Lions scored on 15 to 23 in the fourth.
Johnathon Vanholten produced 14 points for the Lions. Lane Bench was held to 8 points in the game. Bench has been in double figures and led scoring in several recent games this season. Lyle Bench and Michael Simmons contributed 6 each, Logan Camp 3, Adam Valenzuela 2, and Branson McGill 1. The team was 7 for 9 at the free throw line.
Saltillo travels to Trenton for a varsity boys 7 p.m. game Friday.
Four Arrested By Winnsboro Police November 30th – December 6th
Winnsboro Police Department made four (4) arrests, responded to 194 calls and issued 59 citations and 51 warnings for the seven day period of November 30th to December 6th. No accidents were reported during the time.
Wendel Miller, 34, of Winnsboro, was arrested Wednesday the 2nd for Public Intoxication.
Two were arrested Friday the 4th. Kerry Bryon Nobel, 48, of Winnsboro, was arrested on a Franklin County Warrant and Kendell Hill, 25, of Winnsboro, was arrested on a Wood County warrant.
Anthony Wagner, 31, of Winnsboro, was arrested Saturday the 6th for Driving While License Invalid/Suspended with a previous conviction.
New Athletic Director Seeks to Engage Greater Area Interest in A & M-Commerce Sports
The new Athletic Director at Texas A&M-Commerce Tim McMurray was a guest on KSST’s Good Morning Show. McMurray said Sulphur Springs is a great support for Texas A & M Commerce. He said the University will engage the community more in the future.
McMurray began his work with the University 60 days ago. He brings over 26 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics based on work with University of Maryland, SMU, Northern Illinois, Texas State, and Lamar (his undergraduate alma mater).
While at Lamar University, McMurray served in a various positions within the athletics department. He served as associate and sports information director (1993-96) and then was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director/External Affairs, where he was supervisor for women’s basketball and the men’s and women’s golf programs. At Texas State University as the Associate Athletics Director – Development/External Affairs, he moved to San Marcos, and then was the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Northern Illinois University.
McMurray served a three-year stint at Southern Methodist University as the Associate Athletics Director working with fundraising with major contributors to upgrade the SMU athletics facilities. At Maryland, He was Executive Director of the Terrapin Club Scholarship Fund.
A strategic plan will define specific goals for the athletic program, according to McMurray. He stated that his desire is to build on the five principles that Dr. Dan Jones, University President, had presented to him when he was employed.
All sports will receive his attention including a new partnership between the University and the Sulphur Springs Country Club. The University golf team will use the local Club course as their home course.
