NETLA Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show 2022 Ag Mechanics Contest
The weeklong Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show and Sale conducted by Northeast Texas Livestock Association kicked off Tuesday afternoon with the annual Ag Mechanics Show.
Students from all seven Hopkins County school districts built and brought projects, which ranged from students first ever attempts to commissioned projects and those that have already received awards this year at other contests. Some projects took hours, others took weeks and months to complete.
Union Grove ISD agriculture instructor Josh Shafer judged the entries, submitted Feb. 22, 2022 in nine different classes. Ribbons were awarded to top ranked entries in each class. Banners were awarded to the Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion and Showmanship award winners, who will get to take home belt buckles denoting the achievement awarded during the sale of champions.
Shafer said with no prior knowledge of any of the school programs or projects, but was very impressed with the Hopkins County students’ projects. He said while not all were top to bottom a first place entry, there were a lot of close decisions, indicative of the time, effort, care the students put into the quality projects.
In addition to winning the first place ribbon in Class 8, North Hopkins students won the Grand Champion award with their 28-foot gooseneck lowboy trailer. Built and shown by Roan Adair and Cory Long, the heavy duty trailer was customized to be used by the school as their project trailer, with school logos and initials on the front and back ramps. The project was a challenge, making adjustments as needed, and the welding. The trailer can be used not only to haul things for the school, but is designed so the front can house a workstation and so a pike won’t stick out too far behind or from the side of the trailer.
The Reserve Grand Champion award for the NETLA Ag Mechanics Show was project 3, a 14-foot utility trailer built by Como-Pickton students. The trailer earned a blue ribbon for placing first in Class 3.
The overall Showmanship award went to Cash Vititow, a Sulphur Springs student.
Ribbons were awarded for first-fourth in each Class, provided there were enough projects to award multiple places. by place, school and project:
Class 1 – Gates
- North Hopkins, 16-foot cattle guard
- Como-Pickton, 14-foot farm gate
- Miller Grove , 18-foot entry gate
- Sulphur Bluff, cattle guard
Class 2 – Other Trailers
- Como-Pickton, stock trailer
- Como-Pickton, dump trailer
- Miller Grove, 5×10 welding trailer
Class 3 – Utility/BP Trailers
- Como-Pickton, 14-foot utility trailer
- Sulphur Springs, 16-foot bumper pull trailer
- Miller Grove, 18-foot bumper pull trailer
Class 4 – Farm Equipment/Implements
- Como-Pickton Grapple
- Cumby, Skeleton Bucket
- Cumby, Log Splitter
- Como-Pickton, Gravel Spreader (gray)
Class 5 – Other Yard Conveniences
- Como-Pickton, Swing Stand & Swing
- Sulphur Springs, Picnic Table #3 (black)
- Como-Pickton, Entryway Bench
- Sulphur Springs, Picnic Table #2 (copper)
Class 6 – Grills/Fire Pits
- Sulphur Springs, Fire Pit
- Como-Pickton, Santa Maria Grill
- Como-Pickton, Jeep Firepit
- Como-Pickton, Texas Firepit
Class 7- Livestock Feeders
- Miller Grove, 8-Foot Cattle Feeder
- Saltillo, Feeder
Class 8 – Large Gooseneck Trailers
- North Hopkins, 28-Foot Gooseneck Lowboy Trailer
- Sulphur Bluff, Gooseneck Trailer (red)
- Sulphur Springs, 24-foot Gooseneck Lowboy Trailer
Class 9 – Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sulphur Bluff, Bumper
- Sulphur Springs, Welding Skid
The Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show resumed Thursday with the lamb and goat contests, and is scheduled to continue at 8 a.m. Friday with the broilers contest, followed by the swine project show around noon, steer competition around 3 p.m. at heifer show at approximatley 6 p.m. Feb. 25, 2022. The NETLA Stew and Chili Lunch will be served at noon Saturday and the Sale of Champions is slated to get under way at 1 p.m.
Stay tuned to KSST 1230 AM and check this website (KSSTradio.com) for additional photos from the show as well as information on the winners and sale.
Friday Winter Weather Closings And Delayed Starts
Icy road conditions will be possible Friday morning with damp conditions and below freezing temperatures overnight Thursday night into Friday morning causing refreezing on roads as well as bridges and overpasses. For the protection of everyone involved, many offices and businesses in Hopkins County will be opening late. Below is a comprehensive list which is updated as we receive information.
Offices for the City of Sulphur Springs offices will be open Friday during normal hours. Trash service will run a bit later than usual, but will run Feb. 25, 2022, City Manager Marc Maxwell reported at 5:30 a.m. Friday.
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center will not be delivering Meal-A-Day meals due to potential for icy conditions, which would preventing drivers from getting to meal recipients’ homes in town and throughout the county. BINGO and the monthly birthday party which would normally be held this Friday, Feb. 25, at the senior center are also cancelled, Program Director Karon Weatherman determined Thursday evening.
TRAX buses will have a delayed start of 10 a.m.
Hopkins County will reopen their offices Friday morning at 9 a.m. including the last day of Early Voting for the March 1st Democratic and Republican Primaries.
Emergency responders and law enforcement have remained on-duty through the storm.
Per the Secretary of State’s Office, the Hopkins County early voting center located inside the Justice of the Peace 2 Courtroom will follow county hours, due to the wintry weather which is considered a public safety issue.
NETLA Junior Market Livestock Show continues on Friday at the Hopkins County Civic Center with it’s regular schedule.
SCHOOLS
Sulphur Springs ISD already had a planned holiday for Friday, February 25, so neither students or teachers will not report to campus Friday.
North Hopkins ISD and Como-Pickton CISD also had a planned holiday on Friday, and will continue to be out.
Saltillo ISD and Sulphur Bluff ISD will report to campuses Friday morning, but are planning for a delayed start time of 10 a.m.
Miller Grove ISD plans to have their teachers return on Friday for a teacher work session with no students, but with a 10 a.m. start time.
Cumby ISD has teacher work day as well on Friday, and teachers are to report at 9 a.m.
Yantis ISD will have students and teachers report to campus at regular times.
Businesses
Alliance Bank: All locations will resume regular business hours on Friday.
KSST will provide updates of any potential school or business closings, delays or scheduling changes due to the possible wintry weather as they are announced or become available, so be sure to stay tuned to 1230 AM and www.KSSTRadio.com for updates.
Ongoing Commitment To Service Earns Local Agent CENTURY 21, 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Award
Sulphur Springs, Texas (Grassroots Newswire) February 24, 2022 – Deborah Wright, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 First Group announced today that Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently recognized sales affiliate Reva Cotton with the CENTURY 21 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award.
“The Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award is an integral part of our brand’s commitment to excellence and recognizes Reva’s dedication to making each and every client interaction a positive one,” said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate.
The annual award is based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey (QSS) which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home. To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, an agent must receive completed customer surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 – December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percent or better for two consecutive years.
“Reva provides clients with knowledge and advice related to their real estate transaction and offers them confidence during what may be the most significant purchase of a lifetime,” said Deborah Wright, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 First Group.
“The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like Reva Cotton who always elevate and give 121% to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Michael Miedler. “So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and property investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice.”
Cotton will receive a customized glass trophy, in addition to being recognized at the CENTURY 21 Global Conference.
About CENTURY 21 First Group
CENTURY 21 First Group is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 14,250 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 86 countries and territories worldwide with about 153,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com.
(c)2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Wildcats Basketball in Area Round Tomorrow, Tickets Must Be Purchased Online
Men’s basketball plays in the second round of playoffs on Friday, Feb. 25 against Midlothian.
The Area round of playoffs tips off at Forney High School on Friday at 8 P.M.
Tickets for the game must be purchased online. SSISD reports no cash sales at the gate for the Wildcats’ second round game with Midlothian.
Tickets must be bought here.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s team come into the Area round rematch with the Panthers 27-9 overall (10-2 district), fresh off of Tuesday’s gritty win over Huntsville.
Sulphur Springs now has a rematch with Midlothian (20-14 overall, 9-3 district), the team who eliminated the Wildcats in the postseason last year.
That game, just like Friday’s, occurred in the second round.
Coach Shaver and his squad need all hands on deck if they hope to beat a Panthers team who eliminated Mesquite Poteet 55-53 in the Bi-District round Tuesday in a game that came down to the wire.
Friday’s Area round rematch between Sulphur Springs and Midlothian tips off on Friday, Feb. 25 at Forney HS at 8 P.M.
Again, tickets must be bought online for the second round basketball match. No cash sales will be made at Friday’s contest.
Tickets must be bought here.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
HHSC Recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with Virtual Conference
Series of Webinars Throughout March Focuses On ‘The Power of Prevention’
AUSTIN – During National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March, the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Disability Prevention for Children is hosting a free statewide virtual conference featuring a series of weekly webinars focused on preventing intellectual and developmental disabilities in children. An estimated 485,000 children are affected by IDD in Texas.
“Our goal is promoting respect, fostering understanding and highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention initiatives in the lives of Texas children and families,” said Keisha Rowe, HHSC associate commissioner of Rehabilitative and Independence Services. “We can change lives when we give Texans tools to support maternal health, prevent childhood injuries, and identify disabilities early.”
The second annual HHS Office of Disability Prevention for Children Statewide Virtual Conference, “The Power of Prevention: Promoting Healthy Development in Children,” aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community-based organizations, government, health care professionals, educators, families, caregivers and others to discuss and learn about strategies for implementing positive change in the lives of children and families across Texas. Several state and national prevention professionals will share information about current trends, initiatives and practical information for attendees. The webinars are free and open to the public, and takes place on the first four Tuesdays in March from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Keynote topics include providing equitable learning opportunities for all learners, the role of Medicaid in improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities, and addressing the impacts of COVID-19. Other topics include water safety education, Texas WIC, childhood injury prevention, Early Childhood Intervention, and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.
The full conference agenda and registration for all four virtual sessions is here. Continuing education credits for multiple disciplines can be earned for attending this event.
About the HHS Office of Disability Prevention for Children
The Office of Disability Prevention for Children works to prevent developmental disabilities in infants and children from conception to age 12 through provider and public education, partnerships with other state agencies and stakeholders and evaluating state efforts to prevent developmental disabilities. For more information, visit PreventChildDisability.org.
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SSHS Well Represented At The 2022 HOSA Area Competition
Sulphur Springs High School was well represented at the HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Area Competition in Dallas on Feb. 18-19. Two students were recognized for placing in the top 5 in their categories at the contest.
HOSA competitors were follows:
- Alex Botello 12th and Katie Henderson 10th, Researched Persuasive writing and speaking
- Maleah Doss 11th and Graham Mayo 9th, Prepared Speaking
- Bailee Burnett 12th and Kate Monk 10th, Extemporaneous Writing
- Jayden Eskew 11th, Research Poster
- Kalyssa Johnson-12th and Janiya Gatlin 12th, job Seeking Skills.
Recognized for placing four and fifth respectively in job seeking skills competition were Gatlin and Johnson.
Did You Observe – Or Even Know There Was A -National Sleep Awareness Week?
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Hopkins County AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, [email protected]
It seems as though there is a national recognition for just about everything – National Donut Day, National Twin Day, Dr. Seuss Day, National Taco Day, etc. However, there are those that raise awareness for health and wellness issues. An article recently came across my desk that will strike a chord in many individuals – National Sleep Awareness Week, March 13-19, 2022.
Increasing focus is being paid to quality sleep as a means of improving general health and well-being. A lack of sleep has been shown to contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diseases, like heart disease and stroke.
With regard to our personal wellness, we often hear about the need for a good diet and an active lifestyle. Adequate sleep is a third component of a healthy lifestyle that is often overlooked or underemphasized. Getting the recommended eight hours is important.
Attempts to reduce weight, maintain peak performance at work, and communicate with others are all dependent on getting enough sleep. Erica Reyes, Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, provides three recommended practices to help obtain the rest your body requires to function healthily:
- Stick to a schedule: Our brain determines our times for day and night depending on our sleep routine and sleep cycles. When we disrupt those time frames by significantly altering our sleeping patterns for a few days, we might spend the remainder of the week off our schedule.
- Limit caffeine intake: Those who consume four or more caffeinated drinks per day are more prone to sleeplessness. Be mindful of coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks, and their serving sizes.
- Exercise: Regular exercise throughout the week may help boost the production of the hormone melatonin, termed the “Sleep hormone.” Simply ensure that your activity does not take place too close to bedtime or it may have the opposite effect.
Reyes recommends that health care providers and health care professionals assist by assessing patients’ sleep habits, and discussing the importance of sleep. It is important to assist in raising awareness by discussing sleep habits.
Upcoming Extension Events
- Spring Break Sewing Workshop, March 14-16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: targeted toward youth, this workshop will focus on the basics of sewing – threading a machine, filling a bobbin, backstitching and forward stitching, etc. We will have simple make-and-take projects each day. Several sewing machines will be available to use, but youth may bring their own, as well. Fabric will be furnished, but again, if participants have a specific project in mind, they may bring their own fabric. Youth under the age of 8 must have an adult present. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Spaces are limited.
- “Be Well, Live Well” 50+ Series, April 11,14,18, 21, 10 a.m.: This series is targeted toward the 50+ crowd, but is beneficial to all age groups. Topics will include Be Independent – Eat Well; Be Able – Read the Label; Be Safe – Eat Safe; Be Creative – Plan Meals; and Be Fit – Move More. There is no charge for the series. Please call to sign up.
Both of these events will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 West Houston St., Sulphur Springs. For more information and to sign up, call 903-885-3443.
Closing Thought
The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.
– Anne Frank
APHIS: Avian Flu Detected In Wild Birds In 3 States Not Immediate Public Health Emergency
None Found In Texas, But Implementation, Strengthening Of Biosecurity Practices Strongly Recommended By THAC
By Dr. Mario A. Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, [email protected]
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock of commercial turkeys in Indiana, a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Kentucky, and a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia, in February 2022.
Prior to these cases, APHIS also reported multiple confirmations of HPAI in the wild bird population, since January 2022. These findings are not unexpected, as wild birds can be infected with HPAI and can carry the disease to new areas when migrating. APHIS anticipates additional wild bird findings.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these avian influenza detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.
The United States has the strongest AI surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively surveil and test in the affected areas and look for the disease in other commercial poultry operations, live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.
While avian influenza has not been detected in Texas, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) strongly encourages poultry owners to implement or strengthen biosecurity practices in both commercial and backyard flocks immediately. Creating a barrier between migratory birds and your flock is of the utmost importance due to the known HPAI in the fly ways. Practicing sound biosecurity can help keep disease away from your flock and keep your birds healthy.
NWS Feb. 24, 2022: Winter Storm Warning & Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued
Local Emergency Management Official Gives Update On Conditions Thursday Morning
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a winter storm warning and hazardous weather outlook until 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, for North and Central Texas.
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022
Today and tonight, freezing rain and freezing drizzle will continue across much of North and Central Texas, including portions of North Central and Northeast Texas from the Metroplex to the Red River and east along the I-20 corridor.
With temperatures well below freezing this morning, any accumulation will result in hazardous driving conditions. Isolated sleet showers will also be possible. New ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. The precipitation will end from west to east during the afternoon.
A glaze of ice on area roads and bridges will make travel dangerous this morning. Travel impacts are expected to continue through midday.
The NWS recommends those who must travel to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency. For the latest on Texas road conditions, visit drivetexas.org.
The Weather Service at 9:30 a.m. also said some should prepare for possible power outages due to the weather. According to the TXU Storm Center outage Map, 44 area power outages had been reported at 8:02 a.m. Feb. 24, 2022, impacting a total of 1,260 customers.
In the Hopkins county area, one power outage in the southern part of Sulphur Springs affected about 24 TXU customers, between I-30 and Wildcat Way, and SH 154 and Arbala Road was reported earlier this morning, but as of 8:02 a.m. Feb. 24 had been restored, according to the TXU outage map.
Friday through Wednesday
Sleet may occur in portions of Central Texas Friday morning. Little to no accumulation is expected. One final round of wintry weather will be possible Saturday morning. There is a chance of freezing rain, perhaps mixed with snow, mainly north and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. No significant impacts are anticipated.
Detailed NWS Forecast For Feb. 24-March 2, 2022
- Today
- Freezing rain before 3 p.m., then a chance of rain between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Some thunder is also possible. High near 34. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime ice accumulation of less than a 0.1 of an inch possible.
- Tonight
- Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Friday
- Partly sunny, with a high near 46. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
- Friday Night
- A chance of rain and snow after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
- Saturday
- A chance of rain and snow before 7 a.m., then a chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 44. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Saturday Night
- A 50 percent chance of rain before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday
- Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Sunday Night
- Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
- Monday
- Sunny, with a high near 65. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
- Monday Night
- Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40.
- Tuesday
- Partly sunny, with a high near 69.
- Tuesday Night
- Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
- Wednesday
- Sunny, with a high near 71.
Lady Cats Powerlifting Have Good Outing in Commerce
While Lady Cats powerlifting did not have their best outing in Commerce last Friday, finishing in the middle of the pack in a crowded meet of 154 lifters, several lifters are moving on to the Regional meet held next week.
Two powerlifters, Machelle Allen and Anna Adair, move on to Regionals and Coach Casey Jeter believes several more will make it as well.
“We had more girls pushing than before trying to get in,” Coach Jeter said. Nine Lady Cats traveled to Commerce in hopes of moving on to the next competition in Pine Tree.
The top 12 powerlifters get to compete in Regionals, but the top two lifters at the Regional meet move on to the state competition. Two powerlifters ended up placing in Commerce; Brooklynn Shackleford and Anna Adair.
Brooklynn Shackleford of the 123 weight class placed 12th squatting 175 and bench pressing 110 pounds. Mary Taylor, also 123, finished right behind Shackleford in 13th and as a result narrowly missed out on placing. She squatted 190 and benched 80 in Commerce last Friday.
Anna Adair of 148 got a top three finish in Commerce, squatting 300 pounds and bench pressing 145. Max Bailey, the second Lady Cat in the 148 designation placed seventh with squats and benches of 250 and 130 pounds, respectively.
Machelle Allen placed second in the 259+ weight class.
Adair and Allen both advance to Regionals held next Thursday, Mar. 3 at Pine Tree.
Sulphur Springs having many move on to the Regional meet came in spite of mixed performances in Commerce.
Four athletes from Sulphur Springs bombed-out in Commerce. Caelyn Pilette (97), Haylee Schultz (105), Addyson Lamb (148), and Reese Offutt (259) all bombed-out last Friday.
In spite of a few rough lifts, the way it looks right now according to Coach Jeter, additional Lady Cat powerlifters moving on to the Regional meet are Schultz, Pilette (current at No. 4 in the region), and Offutt.
Coach Jeter says there is a real chance a couple of Lady Cats can make state.
For now, Sulphur Springs waits to hear the final news on who all travels on to the Regional meet held next Thursday in Pine Tree.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
