Cool Season Weeds Can Be Detrimental To Warm Season Perennial Forages
By Mario Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, forage producers focus most of our energy on our warm season perennial pastures and hay meadows (bermudagrass, bahiagrass, etc.). That means most of our weed control efforts are also focused on warm season weeds (such as carolina horsenettle, blackberry, etc). Unfortunately, cool season weeds can be just as detrimental to our warm season perennial forages.
Annual ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is a cool season annual forage often utilized by livestock producers for winter grazing. However, it’s often deemed an enemy of many a hay producer in East Texas. Later maturity of annual ryegrass can delay or prevent our warm season perennial forages from breaking dormancy in April/May therefore delaying our initial hay cutting. There are multiple ways to manage unwanted ryegrass. Use of herbicides to control annual ryegrass is probably the most common method practiced. Pendimethalin can be used as a pre-emergent herbicide for dormant bermudagrass and bahiagrass pastures and hay meadows. Glyphosate, metsulfuron and nicosulfuron are post emergent herbicide options.
Henbit
Henbit is a plant that is not generally considered a pasture weed. It can become a major competitor with bermudagrass in the early spring for moisture and nutrients. 2,4-D alone is not highly effective against henbit. However, glyhphosate in the dormant season; mixtures of 2,4-D and glyphosate; and mixtures of 2,4-D and dicamba, picloram, aminopyralid, and metsulfuron; are quite effective against henbit. Henbit is a cool season annual and should be sprayed when it is small for best results.
Thistle
If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. Best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves (November – March). If thistles have bolted or developed seed heads, they are much more difficult to control. Several broadleaf herbicides are effective against thistles if they are in the rosette stage (2,4-D alone; 2,4-D with picloram; dicamba or aminopyralid; metsulfuron methyl; or a combination of metsulfuron methyl with 2,4-D and dicamba).
Texas Groundsel
Texas Groundsel or Texas squaw-weed is another common cool season annual weed. Control is less expensive and more likely if plants are treated while still in the rosette stage. Once the plant begins to bolt, more herbicide is required. 2,4-D alone can be effective if applied in the rosette stage. Other effective products include: 2,4-D and dicamba, 2,4-D and aminopyralid, aminopyralid, metsulfuron, metsulfuron and nicosulfuron, metsulfuron with 2,4-D and dicamba.
Mature Texas Groundsel
Winter weeds are not a problem in all perennial warm-season pastures and hay meadows. Fields should be scouted to determine if treatment is warranted. In most cases, controlling winter weeds in summer perennial pastures involved an additional application since it is unlikely that an application during the dormant season will control summer weeds.
Label directions
Strict adherence to label directions is required by law. Paying close attention to label directions will also ensure safe, effective and economical use. Herbicide labels contain directions for proper rate and timing of application, a list of susceptible species, and information regarding cleanup and disposal following use.
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].
City Council Approves 2 Ordinances, Appoints New Public Works Director
Sulphur Springs City Council approved 2 ordinances and appointed a new public works director during the regular January 2023 meeting Tuesday evening.
City Appointment
The City Council met at 6:30 p.m. in executive session, just prior to the open portion of the Jan. 3, 2023 meeting, to discuss deliberations regarding economic development for Ashoka Steel, personnel matters — including the public works director position — and to consult with their attorney.
At the end of the meeting, Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian made a motion, which Spraggins seconded, to appoint Bryan Craig as the city’s public works director. The City council unanimously agreed.
Craig was re-hired by the city on March 2, 2015 as Capital Construction Assistant Superintendent. He was promoted to Capital Construction Superintendent on Oct. 25, 2015, a position he held until Tuesday. Public Works Director Russ Nuss passed away in early December, leaving the position open. Craig was promoted Jan. 3 to public works director.
Sanitation Ordinance
Sulphur Springs City Council was asked Jan. 3 to consider on second reading Ordinance No. 2815, amending the sanitation rate ordinance setting new sanitation rates.
When presented for discussion, Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith reported no changes had been made to the policy presented in December for first review.
The City Council voted earlier in the year when approving city utility rates to postpone making a decision on the sanitation rates so that the fees would be based on more accurate rates based on consumer price index rates. In August, city officials proposed a 9.8% increase to reflect contract provision with sanitation services providers.
The City’s sanitation revenue was less than projected over the last year, city staff reports. Both sanitation companies serving Sulphur Springs submit rates at the end of October, which is after the annual budget is adopted in September and, typically, utility rates for city residents as well. Annual contract increases over the past 5 years have been based on the consumer price index-for urban wage earners and clerical workers (wages for hourly staff — CPI-W) in October, but the city’s rates, including any increases, are decided on in September.
At the Dec. 6, 2022 City Council meeting, Smith proposed a 6.16% increase in rates using a weighted average increase for the contracts.
The landfill sanitation contract increase is based on the CPI-W for October, with the Sanitation Solutions contract based on December’s CPI-W, but capped at 5%. There is no cap on the landfill contract CPI increase. The CPI-W for October came in at a 7.9% increase over October 2021. Although the December CPI wasn’t expected to be available until this month, Smith in December noted it it is highly unlikely the CPI percentage increase would fall below the cap of 5%.
Using the weighted average increase for contract, city staff proposed a 6.16% increase in sanitation rates, The landfill charges comprise about 40% of the sanitation expense, with a proposed increase to rates of 7.9% and the collection contract comprises the other 60% of the cost with a proposed increase of 5%. Using the weighted average of the two contracts, the result and proposed sanitation rate increase would be 6.16%. This increase will generate the increase in revenue needed to cover the increase in expense.
At the Jan. 3, 2023 meeting, Sulphur Springs City Council Place 7 Councilman John Sellers made a motion, which Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins seconded, to approved Ordinance No. 2518 as proposed on second and final reading. The motion received unanimous approval of the ordinance, and will become effective on February 1, 2023.
The monthly charge for residential sanitation collection twice a week will be $13.88 for each dwelling unit, including each unit in multi-family residences and each unit in mobile home parks. That’s an $0.81 increase in the residential hand-collection sanitation rate. The monthly charge for commercial hand collection will be $27.76 for each commercial unit, a $1.61 increase per yard.
Rezoning Ordinance
The City Council also considered, on first reading, Ordinance # 2820, a request by Kennedy Commercial-Shannon Rd LLC to rezone 0.78 acre of property at 1439 East Shannon Road from heavy industrial to multifamily sot hat it can be developed as Cadi Lane North subdivision.
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski noted city staff and the Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission have reviewed the request, and given the zoning around it, recommended approving the request.
The property is surrounded by a variety of zoning types. To the north is a heavy industrial zone, which includes warehousing and offices. To the east is another heavy commercial zone on Helm Lane, where apartments are located. To the south and west is a neighborhood with single family housing which are zoned single family-6.
The developer indicated plans to construct three duplex-style rental properties on the property, located on the back side of the East Industrial Drive property, near the intersection of Cadi Lane and Helm Lane. The intent is for the property to be very similar to the units Joe Ardis had constructed on Lundy Street, Niewiadomski reported.
Residential development is not permitted in heavy industrial zones. Heavy industrial zoning currently allows for auto wrecking yards, lumber mills, junkyards, factories, and other commercial and rental uses, thus, the request for rezoning.
Niewiadomski said multifamily zoning would be a step in the right direction, a bridge of sorts from the Helm Lane apartments to the single family residential neighborhood behind the complex.
Certified letters were sent to 13 surrounding property owners within 200 feet of the proposed zoning change, notifying them of the request and P&Z meeting on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. The City of Sulphur Springs received received four in opposition to the zoning change. The developer claimed adding duplexes right next to the entrance to Woodcreek Subdivision would further impact his ability to sell the homes being built there, including the five single family homes he had yet to sell in December.
Spraggins noted that initially, considering the address for the requested zoning change, he did not think making the property that backs up to five homes in that addition which have not yet sold would be appropriate. However, after driving over to see the property thinks the multifamily designation and duplex-style rentals would be a better transition between the apartments and residential addition than a heavy industrial use.
Spraggins then made a motion, which Place 4 Councilman Tommy Harrison seconded, to approved Ordinance #2820 granting the zoning change. The ordinance will need to be read and approved a second time at a future meeting by the City Council in order for it to go into effect.
Underwriters Sought For Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Project
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is seeking underwriters for one of its funding goals for the year. The funding priority is an educational program that the Hopkins County Hospital District’s EMS will make available to area teens to educate them on the risks of impaired driving.
The program, designed by paramedic Kelly Stonaker, includes various components aimed at different forms of pedagogy such as experiential, audio, and visual. For example, a student who will wear drowsy goggles and operate a pedal kart will experience drowsy driving. A video presentation, discussion, and self-test are also included in the program.
This program will cost an estimated $37,000 to acquire the necessary equipment. Although the start-up costs are significant, all of the items to be purchased have a long lifespan.
Two donors have already contributed to the program, leaving $34,000 still needed. Local residents Candy and Jimmy Jones as well as Galyean Insurance were eager to assist with this endeavor. This is a great opportunity for businesses and individuals to support the health and well-being of Hopkins County teens.
Stonaker has designed and taught a similar program in the past and was pleased with the outcomes.
“The students were comfortable in the learning environment and asked some great questions. However, once they put on the drunk or drowsy goggles and tried to drive the pedal kart, they really understood how a slight impairment could affect their driving abilities.” said Stonaker.
Stonaker continued, “The goal of this program is to keep our young people safe and to prevent accidents caused by impairment. Hopefully by being able to safely experience various levels of impairment, they will realize the possible consequences of their actions.”
If you are interested in learning more about supporting this program, please contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-4799.
— Submitted by Kayla Price, Executive Director, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
Man Jailed For Second Time In 2 Weeks
A 27-year-old rural Sulphur Springs man was jailed this week for the second time in 2 weeks on a felony charge.
Morgan Lane Brown was taken into custody at his County Road 4769 residence for the second time in just under 2 weeks at 2:49 p.m. Jan. 3, 2023. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Michael Chang and Aaron Chaney were notified by Sgt. Todd Evans of a felony warrant issued for Brown’s arrest on a retaliation charge. The deputies found Brown standing on his CR 4769 porch and took him into custody and transported him to the county jail Tuesday afternoon.
The 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail at 3:57 p.m. on the retaliation warrant. The offense is alleged to have occurred Jan. 1, 2023. According to HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford, the warrant was sought after Brown threatened people involved in reporting and/or the victim of prior offenses for which he was arrested.
Arrest and jail records showed Brown most recently was arrested Dec. 21, 2022, on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a cruelty to non-livestock animals charges, offenses alleged to have occurred on Dec. 18, 2022. His bond was recommended at $35,000 per charge at that time. Brown was released from the county jail two days later, according to jail records.
That in turn resulted in insufficient bonds on the December 2022 charges. His new bonds on the assault and animal cruelty charges was set at $100,000 each. Jail records show Brown was again released from Hopkins County jail on new bonds on Jan. 4, 2023.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – Jan. 3, 2023
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday evening, Jan. 3, 2023, presented to the City Council, in a Memorandum as well as aloud, the following monthly manager’s report:
CLAIMS
We had one workers compensation claim in December for a firefighter who fractured his ribs in a fall.
We filed a claim on another driver’s insurance who crashed into a trailer at the water treatment plant.
We filed a claim on our own insurance for damages to a police cruiser when the officer struck a light pole in a parking lot.
We received two liability claims in December. One was for damages caused when an employee backed into another vehicle. The other claim is for flooding damages resulting from city crews turning on water to a building with a pre-existing freeze break. The employees mistakenly thought they had turned the valve to the off position.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
I have signed the contract with Hawk Construction, and we will issue a notice to proceed later this month.
PACIFIC PARK
XLNT Construction has ordered the steel frame for the pavilion. The lead time is 4 months. I don’t expect to see any more activity at Pacific Park until February. At that time XLNT will construct the building in about 90 days.
When the pavilion is complete, we will demolish the old basketball courts and grade the interior of the park. Then we will install irrigation and sod.
COLLEGE STREET
College Street is open down to Patton Street. We began installing utilities in the second phase of College Street (Patton to Ramsey) today. We have already completed all of the drainage improvements at College and Ramsey. Once we complete
201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 1
improvements to Ramsey Street, we will continue to Como Street. After that we will pause to turn our attention to Holiday Drive.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not present the year-end report of revenues and expenditures as she need a little more time to close out the books.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The only streets remaining on the Street Improvement Program are Ardis, Como, Commercial Services, Houston and Fisher. Houston was moved to the next year. Ardis and Como were delayed due to Atmos projects, but the Atmos should be done in the first quarter of 2023. The repairs on Commercial Services are in flux. Staff is considering whether to perform the repairs in house or contract it out. Staff removed Fisher from the list because it is a candidate for a total rebuild due to a water main issue.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Repaired numerous Christmas light circuits downtown.
- Performed electrical repairs at the library.
- Repaired Highway 11 lift station.
- Installed vacuum at service center gas pumps.
- Replaced 2 lights on the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial wall.
- Repaired the stove at the Grays Building.
- Made repairs on Animal Shelter A/C unit.
- Prepared all municipal building for the freeze.
- Performed preventative maintenance on multiple items at the wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant.
- Achieved daily average total suspended solids reading of .36 mg/L.
- Repaired 17 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 10 water meters.
- Unstopped 38 sewer mains.
- Washed 75,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 40 dead-end water mains.
- Repaired SCADA radio at Cooper Lake.
- Checked out 2,398 items from the library plus 653 eBooks.
- Installed Christmas decorations.
- Replanted 200 shrubs and 3 trees after freeze damage of 2021.
- Repainted the soccer concession.
- Removed 5 dead trees in the soccer complex.
- Cleaned around Upper Coleman Lake.
- Power-washed the restrooms at imagination Mountain.
- Conducted 37 building inspections, 19 electrical inspections, 20 plumbing inspections and 3 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 67 building permits.
- Responded to 272 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire and 8 grass fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance on78 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 20 fire inspections.
- Sold 1,630 gallons of AvGas and 10,200 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 675 operations at the airport.
- Responded to 193 animal control calls while achieving a 92% adoption rate.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,329 calls for law enforcement.
- Responded to 20 accidents, wrote 452 citations, recorded 44 offences, and made 55 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Repaired 648 potholes.
- Made 17 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Cleaned storm drain inlets twice.
- Removed 4 fallen trees from city street.
11 City Employees Recognized For Service
Sulphur Springs City Council during the regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, took time to recognize 11 employees for their service to the city.
Mayor Doug Moore presented service pins to city employees who’ve hit new 5-year milestones this year.
“When I first got on this council, I didn’t realize what it took to run this city, and I do now. I especially realize what a great bunch of employees the city has. I’m aware of that now. These service pins are in recognition of years of service,” Moore said.
Jameison Hawkins and Cpl. Chris Rosamond were both recognized for 5 years of service as police officers, while Tory Niewiadomski was recognized for 5 years as community development director.
Library Director Hope Cain was recognized for 10 years at the library and Driver/Engineer Bruce Millard for 10 years with the fire department
Firefighter John Lambert and Driver/Engineer Joseph Evans were recognized for 15 years, and Fire Chief David James for 20 years of service with the fire department.
Chief Jason Ricketson was recognized for 25 years of service with the police department.
Special recognition was given for Russ Nuss, who also served the city for 25 years, becoming the Director of Public Works.
“As you all know we lost one of our own, Russ Nuss, in December, and his wife, who was unable to attend tonight, wanted us to read this into the record,” said City Manager Marc Maxwell, before reading the following letter submitted by Nuss’ wife of 39 years, Lori:
I will not be attending the presentation of service pins, but if I were there, this is what I would want to say: In the Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes it says a 'Man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.' Russ found satisfaction in working for the city, was proud to say he worked here, and told many people that it was a good place to work. Thank you for a good 25 years, Lorie
Human Resources Director/Assistant City Manager Gordon Frazier was honored for 35 years of service to the city.
Additional city employees have been recognized for their service as well, but either were unable or chose not to attend the Jan. 3, 2023 City Council meeting to receive their pins.
(Be sure to watch for information on the additional personnel recognized by the City this year. This was the first time in three years the city has been able to meet in large groups and recognize individuals reaching work milestones.)
Commissioners Table Public Health Nuisance Issue, Approve Fire Department Personnel Policy Change
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday made short work of the regular court session, opting to table a public health nuisance issue and approving a fire department personnel policy change.
Public Health Nuisance
Commissioners were slated to consider proceeding with an abatement of public health nuisance. The person on whose property the matter rests has been cited for the matter, that is in the justice of the peace court. With approval from local health authority Dr. Darrell pierce, it was recommended the property owner be given 10 days to take care of the matter after issuance of a citation, then for county abate the issue by paying for a system to be installed; a lien on the property until the fee had been recovered, Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley reported.
However, after contact with the Precinct 2 property owner, Endsley learned vendor has been contacted to install a septic system. The fire marshal said he’d personally talked to the vendor, who plans to perform the service as soon as it is dry enough. So, Endsley recommended the Commissioners Court postpone any decision on the matter until the weather has improve enough for the vendor to provide the service. This would be a cost savings to the county and would remedy the matter. The resident can continue to be fined daily until the system is in place.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley asked if additional action was needed as the agenda item called for consideration of “procedures for the abatement of public health nuisances,” if perhaps this item was policy that would cover additional situation of that nature if they should arise down the road.
County Judge Robert Newsom explained that a procedure would need to be taken every time as each public health nuisance situation would be different, so the procedure would be determined per individual situation.
He asked what would happen if the weather and ground conditions had not improved sufficient for the new system to be put in within the 10 days of notice for the citation. Endsley said as he understands it, the matter before the court would still be covered as tabled until the work is done. The matter in the justice of the peace court would be up to the judge.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said two additional day so of rain are predicted in the near future, he hopes the justice of the peace will consider that as well as the other factors in relation to the citations through that court.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin made a motion, which Barker seconded, to table any procedure for public health nuisance abatement on the matter until the next court session, which according the regular schedule should be next Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. The Commissioners Court voted unanimously to table the matter.
HCFD Personnel Policy
Hopkins County Fire Department Operations Chief Doug Skinner then asked the Commissioners Court to consider a change to the fire department personnel policy regarding earned time off. He noted that while the typical work week for most county employees would be 40 hours, with vacation time earned based on time worked, fire department personnel typically work upwards of 56 hours a week, or 5 shifts (one 24-hour shift every third day) every 2 weeks. That’s 3.3 shifts per week. He asked that the fire department personnel policy be adjusted so that the on-duty firefighters earn vacation or time off just like any other calendar employee.
The commissioners court agreed to the change in HCFD personnel policy for HCFD personnel.
Other Matters
Also during the Jan. 3, 2023 regular Commissioners Court meeting, Barker made a motion with Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded approving the consent agenda, which included requests from FEC to construct electric power distribution facilities across County Road 1127, north of County Road 1152 in Precinct 1, and across County Road 4128, southwest of FM 275 in Precinct 4. The Commissioners Court gave full approval to both requests.
The meeting was paused while the county clerk and recently reelected and a few appointed county officials’ bonds could be taken care of prior to the swearing in ceremony, which followed at 10 a.m. in the second floor courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse. The Court then approved the bonds and the session adjourned.
County resident Mack Pitts during court thanked the judge, commissioners and all county employees “for making 2022 a good year for all of us.”
“While everybody’s not happy with everything, we’ve got a lot of people happy with a lot of things. So that’s a good deal. Our county here stands out and that’s because of the leadership within the county organization, all the county organizations. So thank you very much for that,” Pitts said. “Happy new year to each and every one of you to all the county employees and I truly appreciate what you’re going to do for us in 2023, especially my precinct commissioner. Thank you.”
County, District Officials Take Oath Of Office For Another Term
County and district officials who were reelected in November 2022 in Hopkins County took the oath of office for another term Tuesday morning, Jan. 3, 2023, during a swearing in ceremony conducted in the second floor courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse.
All local nine candidates were unchallenged in their bids for reelection to their district, county and precinct offices and were the certified unopposed incumbent candidates on the November 8, 2022 ballots.
“Thank you so much for letting me serve you, and I believe each official would say the same thing,” County Judge Robert Newsom said, opening the meeting. “It’s an honor to be part of something that is bigger than yourself. A lot of people all across Texas would like to be right here in Hopkins County. Actually things are going very, very well. We still stub our toes every so often but it is just part of the deal. You don’t make progress if you’re not going forward. We have to go forward.”
Hopkins County Court-At-Law Judge Clay Harrison joined Newsom and his wife, Robbie, at the front of the courtroom. Robbie held the Bible, which Robert Newsom placed one hand on, then raised the other while Harrison administered the oath of office for county judge.
Judge Newsom then administered the oath of office for court-at-law judge to Clay Harrison, for commissioner to Greg Anglin and Joe Price, and for treasurer to Danny Davis. Each’s wife participated by holding the Bible each swore on when taking their oath of office.
“I just want to thank you for being here,” Judge Harrison said. “Thank you to my family, to everyone here to support your family.”
Newsom said he officiated Clay and Tara Harrison’s wedding, and he has enjoyed seeing the pair grow together and become parents, and to see Clay settle into his role as court-at-law judge. Being able to give the oath to him was an honor, the county judge said.
“Judge Harrison has done an amazing, outstanding job,” Newsom said. “Things have changed for the better since you’ve been judge. We want to thank you for all your efforts, all your sacrifices.”
“I appreciate each and every one of you. I thank you for bringing me your money every day, which is properly taken care of,” Treasurer Danny Davis said.
“It was an agreeable four years. I’ve learned a lot. This is an eye-opening job and I’ve enjoyed it,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price.
“It’s an honor to serve Hopkins County. I’ve enjoyed it also, and a good group of people to work with,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin said.
Newsom said he is so proud of both District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith. He worked with both for many years previously and have each now been reelected to office.
“I just want them to know how much I appreciate the good work they do, so, thank you so much,” Newsom said.
“I just want to thank y’all for being here. I want to thank my staff for supporting me for the last 8 years. They’ve been wonderful. I don’t know about y’all as elected officials, but I can’t do it without their help. They support me and I support them. I just really appreciate it,” Fulcher said.
“Thank y’all for being here, thank the voters for electing me for another term doing a job I love. Again, you can’t do it without your staff so I want to thank all of my staff that I’ve got. I’ve got a good staff right now,” Smith said.
The two justices of the peace administered the oath of office for each other, with each’s wife also holding the Bible as he was sworn in.
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved the bonds for the elected officials and a few appointed county officials — including the County Fire Marshal, Tax Assessor/Collector’s Chief Deputy, and Deputy Treasurer — during the regular court meeting just before the ceremony.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
Hopkins County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price, Angela Price, County Judge Robert Newsom, Courtney Anglin and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin 
County Judge Robert, Newsom District Clerk Cheryl Fulcher and County Clerk Tracy Smith 
Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings, Janice Teer and Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer 
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer, Amy Cummings and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings 
What’s In Store For 2023?
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
With the new year you may be interested in being healthier, but what does healthy mean? The word healthy can be hard to define because there are many factors that contribute to one’s health. So let’s start with a few basics:
- A Balanced Plate: A balanced eating routine adds up over time. Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables, a quarter whole grains, and the remaining quarter low-fat protein, along with a serving of low-fat dairy or calcium-fortified alternative.
- Preparing Safe Food: Proper food safety can reduce your family’s risk of food poisoning. Some food safety practices that help prevent the spread of germs include washing your hands, utensils, and countertops, keeping ready-to-eat foods or raw produce away from uncooked meats or other proteins, using a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of cooked foods, and cooling and storing foods safely in the refrigerator to slow the spread of harmful bacteria.
- Being Physically Active: Find an activity you like to do! Recommendations vary between ages, but every minute counts. Adults should try to do 150 minutes or more a week (30 minutes a day for 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity; and two days a week of muscle-strengthening activity. Children (ages 6-17) should do 60 minutes or more of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
- Growing Fruits and Vegetables: Increase the availability of fresh produce at home by growing your own fruits and vegetables. It can be a fun activity for you and the family and an opportunity to get physically active while being outside. The Extension Office has a growing guide to help you select the best options for your climate.
- Food Resource Management Skills: Managing and creating a food budget may help promote balanced eating and reduce financial stress. Reduce the amount of money spent at the store by meal planning, using a grocery list, limiting the number of grocery trips, and being aware of local sales and available seasonal foods.
Remember, there are many factors that contribute to a healthy life. Do not feel like you have to ‘master’ everything at once; small steps can become great strides towards a healthier lifestyle.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, January 12, 4-H Poultry to be picked up at 7:30 at the Extension Office
- Saturday, January 14, County 4-H Food Show, 1 p.m. Extension Office (please contact the Extension Office if you plan to participate)
- Thursday, January 26, County 4-H Roundup, 5:30 p.m., Extension Office (4-H members can find information in the January/February 4-H Gazette)
- Friday, January 27, Retirement Reception for Johanna Hicks, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Extension Office (come-and-go)
Closing Thought
You can fuss about the rain or you can splash in the puddles.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County Office at P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483, 903-885-3443, [email protected]
Chamber Connection – Jan. 4, 2023: Awards Nominations Accepted Until Jan. 20; Banquet Tables & Tickets Available
By Butch Burney, Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
Thanks to everyone who has mailed or emailed nominations for the superlative awards that will be given out at the annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Membership Banquet on Feb. 16.
Here are some tips for those who want to nominate individuals, businesses, groups or clubs for the awards. This is a nomination process, not a voting contest. The nominations go to committees that very seriously look at the nominations sent in. So …
- Don’t just send in a name; instead, tell us why the person or business should be selected. That carries much more weight in the process.
- Get the nominations in before Jan. 20. That’s the deadline.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
- Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Woman of the Year—Beta Sigma Phi Organization—P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
- Caregiver of the Year—The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
- Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
- Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
- Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Tables and Tickets
The 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet will celebrate Hopkins County with a theme of “A Night at the Gallery,” awards and dinner on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
Social networking and a cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with food service at 6:30 p.m., and awards beginning at 7 p.m.
You can reserve your seat for $30 per person or get a table for 10 for $500. The tables include preferential seating and name displays, as well as video recognition at the banquet.
For more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Directories
Work is finishing on the 2023 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well as all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current. Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Blood Drives
Please join Carter BloodCare at the following sites in the next 10 days if you can give blood.
- Red River Credit Union, 822 Gilmer St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5.
- Brookshire’s parking lot at 809 Gilmer St., sponsored by American Legion Post #66 and VFW Post #8560, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14.
