Food, Candy, Barbecue Rub Recalled Due To Allergens
Lemonade, Tang, Tea, Kool-Aid, Hand Sanitizer, Injectables Also Recalled
Before you pour that glass of lemonade, Kool-Aid or tea, be sure to check the label. Several products have recently been recalled either voluntarily or under the direction of the US Food and Drug Administration due to the presence of potentially hazardous particles, unlabeled allergens, or possible contaminates. At least one type of candy, hummus and barbecue rub are among the products recalled due to unlabeled allergens. Certain drinks such as lemonade, tea and Kool-Aid are being recalled because of foreign particles, hand sanitizer due to type of container and a pharmaceutical injectable due to lack of sterility.
Drinks
Select code dates of Country Time Lemonade, Tang, Arizona Tea powdered beverages and limited Kool- Aid powdered beverages with “Best When Used By” dates between May 10, 2023 and November 1, 2023 are being voluntarily recalled in the U.S. due to the potential presence of foreign material, specifically very small pieces of metal or glass, that may have been introduced during production.
Additionally, select code dates of Country Time Lemonade with “Best When Used By” date of September 15, 2023 and select Tang powdered beverages with “Best When Used By” dates of August 20-21, 2023 are being voluntarily recalled in Canada for the same issue.
The issue was first discovered during an internal review at the manufacturing facility. The Company is actively working with retail partners and distributors to remove potentially impacted product from circulation.
Consumers who purchased these items, listed below, should not consume the product and can either return it to the store where it was purchased, or discard it. Consumers can contact Kraft Heinz from 9 am-6 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday- Friday at the below phone numbers to see if a product they purchased is part of the voluntary recall and to receive reimbursement:
U.S. Consumer Relations at 1-855-713-9237 Canada Consumer Relations at 1-855-268-1775
No other sizes, varieties or code dates of Country Time Lemonade, Kool-Aid, Arizona Tea, Tang or other powdered beverages, ready-to-drink beverages or Kraft Heinz products are included in this recall.
Kraft Heinz is committed to upholding the highest safety and quality standards.
| Product Size | Name of Product | Individual Package Best Before Date | Individual Package UPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 oz | Arizona Arnold Palmer | 08/05/23 through 09/10/23 | 043000086643 |
| 82.5oz | Country Time Lemonade | 8/6/2023 through 10/22/23 | 043000928608 |
| 63 oz | Country Time Lemonade | 8/8/2023 through 9/6/23 | 043000082195 |
| 58.9 oz | Tang Orange | 8/11/2023 through 10/04/23 | 043000082171 |
| 63oz. | Kool- Aid Tropical Punch | 8/12/2023 through 9/22/23 | 043000082164 |
| 82.5oz. | Kool- Aid Tropical Punch | 8/18/2023 through 9/22/23 | 043000957400 |
| 82.5oz | Kool-Aid Tropical Punch | 8/17/2023 through 10/05/23 | 043000957400 |
| 82.5oz | Country Time Pink Lemonade | 8/20/2023 through 9/27/23 | 043000928615 |
| 82.5oz | Country Time Pink Lemonade | 8/20/23 | 043000928615 |
| 82.5oz | Country Time Pink Lemonade | 9/17/23 | 043000928615 |
| 72 oz | Tang Orange | 8/21/2023 through 9/20/23 | 043000032268 |
| 72 oz | Tang Orange | 8/22/2023 through 9/28/23 | 043000032268 |
| 82.5 oz | 82.5Z Country Time HLF&HLF 34 QT/6 | 8/24/23 | 043000046012 |
| 82.5 oz | Kool- Aid Tropical Punch | 8/31/2023 through 10/06/23 | 043000957400 |
| 63 oz | Country Time Pink Lemonade | 9/6/2023 through 9/7/23 | 043000082188 |
| 63 oz | Kool-Aid Strawberry Cherry | 10/2/23 | 043000082201 |
| 20 oz | Kool- Aid Raspberry Lemonade | 8/5/2023 through 10/18/23 | 043000954072 |
| 20 oz | Tang Orange | 8/6/2023 through 10/23/23 | 043000032275 |
| 20 oz | Tang Orange | 5/15/2023 through 10/22/23 | 043000032275 |
| 19 oz | Kool-Aid Cherry | 8/9/23 | 043000953532 |
| 18 oz | Tang Guava Pineapple | 8/13/23 | 043000064511 |
| 19 oz | Country Time Lemonade | 8/11/2023 through 09/11/23 | 043000951170 |
| 19 oz | Country Time Pink Lemonade | 8/30/2023 through 9/13/23 | 043000951149 |
| 19 oz | Kool- Aid Tropical Punch | 6/12/2023 through 10/20/23 | 043000953501 |
| 19 oz | 19Z Countrty Time HALF&HALF 8QT/12 | 9/13/2023 through 9/14/23 | 043000046005 |
| 19oz | Kool-Aid Tropical Punch | 8/31/2023 through 10/19/23 | 043000953501 |
| 19 oz | Kool-Aid Strawberry | 10/18/2023 through 10/19/23 | 043000953556 |
| 6.7 oz | Country Time “on the go” Lemonade 10 pack | 9/20/2023 through 10/04/23 | 43000010983 |
| 6.6 oz | Kool -Aid Tropical Punch “on the go” 10 pack | 10/19/2023 through 11/01/23 | 043000023464 |
| 63oz. | 63oz Kool- Aid Twin pack Tropical Punch | 8/16/2023 through 8/17/23 | 043000089712 |
| 29 oz | Country Time Lemonade 12 qt | 8/10/23 | 043000951194 |
| 116oz. | Country Time Powdered Soft Drink Sugar Sweetened Lemonade, pack of 4 | 5/10/2023 through 8/10/23 | 043000075388 |
| 19 oz | Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix, 6 pack case | 6/20/2023 through 8/12/23 | 043000951170 |
| 2.4 kg | Country Time Original Lemonade | 9/15/23 | 661880533800 |
| 2.2 kg | Tang Orange | 8/20/2023 through 8/21/23 | 661880575900 |
| 82.5 oz | EXPORT 82.5Z SSKA TROP PNCH 6 | 8/18/23 | 4300001464 |
| 20 oz | EXPORT 20Z TANG ORNG 6QT 12 | 8/9/23 | 430000322700 |
| 19 oz | EXPORT 19Z KA CHRY SS 8QT KOREA EXP 12 | 8/8/2023 through 8/9/23 | 430000341600 |
| 19 oz | EXPORT 19Z CT HALF&HALF 8QT/12 | 9/14/23 | 430000460000 |
| 82.5 oz | EXPORT 82.5Z CT HLF&HLF 34 QT/6 | 8/24/23 | 430000460100 |
| 19 oz | EXPORT 19Z SSKA TROP PNCH 12 | 9/5/2023 through 9/6/23 | 430009535000 |
Hummus
TaDah! Foods of Springfield, VA, is voluntarily recalling two batches of production of Spicy Brown Sugar Harissa Hummus due to an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. There have been no reports of illness to date.
The specific products being recalled are:
- TaDah!, Spicy Brown Sugar Harissa Hummus Falafel Wrap 7.5oz with a lot code 0601TaDah!, Spicy Brown Sugar Harissa Hummus Falafel Wrap 7.5oz with a “Best By” date of September 01, 2022 (090122) UPC number 85019800307-5
- TaDah!, Spicy Brown Sugar Harissa Hummus Falafel Wrap 7.5oz with a lote code 0621TaDah!, Spicy Brown Sugar Harissa Hummus Falafel Wrap 7.5oz with a “Best By” September 03, 2022 (090322) UPC number 8-5019800307-5
The company understands that this is a problem, and as an abundance of caution it is taking these measures to ensure the safety of its consumers. Consumers who have purchased the potentially affected products with these code dates are asked to immediately dispose of them and should please contact TaDah! Foods s for a full replacement or refund.
TaDah! Foods is also working with their distribution network to immediately remove these specific code-dated falafel wraps from their warehouses and from retail shelves. The falafel wraps are sold at natural food stores and grocery retailers nation-wide.
Consumers requesting refunds or with additional questions can email TaDah! Foods at [email protected] or call (571) 335-1635, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm Eastern Standard Time.
Hand Sanitizer
American Screening LLC of Shreveport, Louisiana is voluntarily recalling 153,336 units of Hand Sanitizer, containing 70% ethyl alcohol gel to the consumer level. The hand sanitizer is packaged in 8 oz. containers that resemble water bottles posing a risk of consumption.
Ingesting hand sanitizer, which is intended for topical use, could potentially result in alcohol toxicity. Symptoms of alcohol toxicity may range from lack of coordination, slowed or slurred speech, drowsiness to coma, which can be fatal. Furthermore, ingesting alcohol can affect the brain and cause impaired driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol can also interact with numerous drugs which may result in serious adverse effects. Ingesting alcohol by people with alcohol addiction may interfere with maintaining abstinence. Additionally, people with alcohol addiction may seek large amounts of ethanol-based hand sanitizers as a substitute. To date, American Screening LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
The product is intended to be applied topically to help reduce bacteria on the skin that could cause diseases when soap and water are not available and is packaged in an eight ounce bottle. The affected hand sanitizer lots include the following expiration dates of 5/21/2022 and 05/24/2022 for black capped bottles and no lot numbers or expiration dates for clear capped bottles. The product can be identified by its shape (small water bottle), with a black flip top cap or clear cap with blue pouring spout with the weight of measure of eight (8) ounces/237mL, UPC 8 4005051579 2. The Hand Sanitizer was sold to customers & distributors Nationwide via the internet at americanscreeningcorp.com and/or in-house sales.
American Screening LLC is notifying its distributors and customers by mass email and is arranging for return of all recalled Hand Sanitizers.
Consumers & distributors that have this hand sanitizer which is being recalled should stop distribution/use and return to place of purchase or discard.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Wendy Laskowski by e-mailing [email protected] or call 318-606-6037 Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to ingesting the hand sanitizer packaged in the 8 oz. water bottle style.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
Candy
Cargill is voluntarily recalling 469, one-pound bags of Wilbur Dark Chocolate Triple Covered Malted Milk Balls. Sold locally through the Wilbur Chocolate Store in Lititz, Pa. and online at Wilburbuds.com to customers nationwide between Sept. 28 and Nov. 17, 2021, the bags are being recalled because it may contain undeclared peanut allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
While packaging the Wilbur Dark Chocolate Triple Covered Malted Milk Balls, a Cargill employee identified a milk-chocolate covered peanut within the malted milk balls and packaging production was immediately stopped. The bag labels do bear a “may contain peanut” statement; however, Cargill is recalling the product in an abundance of caution.
Peanut allergic individuals should not consume the Dark Chocolate Triple Covered Malted Milk Balls with lot #s 211007MB and 210917MB & UPC and Item Code 200171-16.
No other Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate or Wilbur products were reported to have been involved in this recall. No illnesses or health-related complaints have been reported to date to Cargill in connection with this recall.
Customers who purchased any of these products should not consume them and should contact the Wilbur Chocolate Store immediately to receive a full refund and confirm the product has been disposed. Customers with recalled product should contact Denise Auker by email at [email protected] or by phone at 717-627-7946 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday-Friday.
This action by Cargill and Wilbur Chocolate is being taken for cautionary purposes and in the greatest interest of consumer safety.
Barbecue Rub
The Spice House is voluntarily recalling Sichuan Chili BBQ Rub because it may contain undeclared sesame. People who have an allergy or sensitivity to sesame seeds should immediately discontinue use of this product.
The product is being recalled because the wrong spice blend may be in the bottle and therefore it could contain undeclared sesame. Less than 40 jars of the product are affected by this issue, but all Sichuan Chili BBQ Rub produced is being recalled.
The product was only available for purchase from November 12 through November 18, 2021. It was distributed at The Spice House retail stores and on the company’s website. It is sold in a glass jar marked with the UPC 816328028240.
No allergic reactions have been reported to date.
Affected consumers should dispose of the product and contact [email protected] to obtain a replacement. Consumers with questions also may contact the company at [email protected].
The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Injectables
CHICAGO, IL – November 19, 2021 – Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the voluntary nationwide recall of four lots of Levetiracetam Injection, USP, (an antiepileptic drug available as a clear, colorless, sterile solution (100 mg/mL) for intravenous administration) to the user level. The lack of container closure integrity, found in reserve sample vials may result in a non-sterile product.
Risk Statement: Intravenous administration of a product intended to be sterile that is not sterile could result in serious systemic infections which may be life threatening. To date, Sagent has not received reports of any product complaints or adverse events associated with this issue.
Levetiracetam Injection, USP 500 mg per 5 mL, is used in the treatment of certain types of seizures and is packaged in a 5mL single-does vial. The Levetiracetam Injection, USP, label and affected lot numbers with Expiration Dates and NDC number can be found in the table below. Product was distributed Nationwide from March to November 2021.
Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is notifying customers by fax, email, FedEx, and/or certified mail, which includes arrangements for return of all recalled product. Customers that have Levetiracetam Injection, USP 500mg per 5 mL, which is being recalled, have been instructed to examine their inventory immediately and to quarantine, discontinue distribution of, and return as directed the recalled lots of product. Customers who may have further distributed this product have been requested to identify their customers and notify them at once of this product recall. Healthcare/distributors/retailers that have product which is being recalled should stop using product and return the recalled product. The necessary form to document product information, as well as other information regarding this recall, is available at www.Sagentpharma.comExternal Link Disclaimer.
Consumers or healthcare workers with any questions regarding this recall can contact the customer call center (866) 625-1618 M-F, 8am-7pm CST. Patients should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
4 Jailed On Shoplifting, Theft-Related Charges
At least two people were jailed Monday on shoplifting charges and two others were arrested on theft-related charges, according to arrest reports.
South Broadway Street Thefts
Christie Lee Wilson of Cooper was arrested at 8:59 p.m. Nov. 22, in the 1700 block of South Broadway Street on a theft of property valued at less than $2,500, a charge enhanced to a felony offense because the woman has two or more prior convictions, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Dustin Green responded to a theft report at Walmart. He met the suspect outside the store. The 38-year-old Cooper woman had reportedly passed all points of sale with concealed items, which she was accused of not paying for. Multiple items of merchandise including consumable goods and clothing with a total value of less than $150 were removed from her person and placed on the ground.
A records check by communications operators showed the woman to have two prior convictions for theft of property. She was arrested on the charge. She remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Bond was set at $5,000 on the charge, according to jail reports.
A SSPD Officer and Hopkins County Sheriff officer responded at 9:23 p.m. Nov. 22 at the address, where a 32-year-old Cooper woman was also reported to have shoplifted items from the store.
Upon contact, she too was accused of having merchandise on her when she passed all points of sale without paying for them. She allegedly had 23 stolen items of merchandise, including leggings and a small amount of food. Overall, the items totaled more than $200, resulting in the woman’s arrest on a misdemeanor theft of property charge. She too remained in Hopkins County jail; her bond was set at $1,000 on the charge, according to arrest reports.
Warrant Arrests
A Sulphur Springs Police office was made aware of a warrant for a 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest. He contacted him at his Davis Street residence, confirmed the man’s ID and took him into custody at 6:29 p.m. Nov. 22, 2021, on the misdemeanor warrant for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750, according to arrest reports.
The Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, on a $1,000 bond on the misdemeanor theft warrant, according to jail reports.
A 27-year-old Winnsboro man was taken into custody at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at the Adult Probation Office in Sulphur Springs. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alvin Jordan transported Lucas Cade Henson to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on a Smith County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, according to arrest reports.
Henson remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, on the Smith County warrant, according to jail reports.
Multi-County Pursuit Ends In Hopkins County After Vehicle’s Tires Are Spiked
A multi-county pursuit ended after the fleeing vehicle’s tires were spiked on State Highway 19 north in Hopkins County early Tuesday morning, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified at 2:40 a.m. Nov. 23 about a vehicle pursuit initiated in Lamar County that was reported to be headed south on State Highway 19 north toward Hopkins County. Deputies Elijah Fite, Zack Horne, Josh Davis and Isaac Foley, and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded. The sheriff’s officers set up spike strips on SH 19 north at County Road 4508 as the Toyota Tundra in question approached it. They deployed the strips with a positive result, Fite noted in arrest reports.
However, the truck continued on south on SH 19 north with deputies in pursuit starting near the bridges on highway 19. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The truck struck a guardrail on the east side of the road, then, continued into the bar ditch, according to arrest reports.
Deputies approached the truck to conduct a high risk take-down, forcing entry into the vehicle, where they found a 53-year-old Eustace man unconscious. The sheriff’s officers extracted him from the truck, secured him in handcuffs at 2:58 a.m. Tuesday, and began rendering aid. The man, identified in arrest reports as John Alan Fidler, became conscious and was transported by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, where he was later medically cleared and determined fit for confinement, HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite noted in arrest reports.
Fidler was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:52 a.m. Tuesday on an evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail late Wednesday morning, Nov. 24, 2021. Bond on the felony charge was set at $15,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Falls to Liberty Eylau at Home, 66-24
The women’s basketball team fought all game long but could not keep up with a proficient scoring attack in Liberty Eylau, falling 63-24 to the Lady Leopards on Tuesday, Nov. 23.
“I liked the way we shot at the end better,” Coach Erica Delley, the women’s basketball coach said.
The Lady Cats coach said she tells her team no matter what the score may be, they always have to fight.
Three L.E. athletes finished in double figures and four more finished with nine and under.
Sulphur Sprints kept it close early, trailing 13-5 after the first quarter, but when the Lady Leopards took it up a notch, the Lady Cats fell behind in a big way 27-7. Coach Erica Delley’s squad would go on to fall to Liberty Eylau at home, 66-24.
While it was another tough loss for the women’s basketball team, there were some positives to take away from Tuesday’s loss.
Coach Delley said she liked the fight that her team demonstrated near the conclusion of the loss versus Liberty Eylau.
The loss drops the Lady Cats basketball team’s season record to 0-9.
Next up, Coach Delley’s team will have the rest of the Thanksgiving week off before resuming action next Tuesday. That could be just what this team needs, one that has dealt with issues having players suit up for the team.
Another thing that has hurt the women’s basketball team has been shifting the ideology to “next man up,” a popular mantra among sports teams. Coach Delley said some of her athletes have seen very little varsity game-time, so this next month ramping up to district play is all about developing a chemistry for the athletes that can compete for the Lady Cats.
“We’re gonna be fine,” the Sulphur Springs coach said. “We’re gonna get healthy, and we’ll keep progressing and be ready by district time,” Coach Delley said.
Sulphur Springs will be back on the road Tuesday, Nov. 30 when they travel to Canton to take on the Lady Eagles at 6:30 P.M.
The junior varsity will get the action going Tuesday at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity.
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.
Hawkins Receives 40-Year Prison Sentence
King Sentenced To
Robert Earl Hawkins Jr. received a 40-year prison sentence Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, for a burglary of a habitation charge. Also sentenced to Nov. 23, was Michail Germann King on a first-degree felony delivery of a controlled substance case, according to court reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Hawkins has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest Aug. 14 on outstanding charges for bond forfeiture on burglary of a habitation and two other charges, along with charges for tampering with evidence and possession of a controlled substance charges.
The 36-year-old Sulphur Springs man faced a sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the burglary of a habitation charge. According to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris, Hawkins pled open to the court on the burglary case and as part of a 12.45 agreement (referring to Chapter 12 section 44 of Texas Penal Code) several other charges were dismissed.
Hawkins, who jail records show is also known by the alias Pete Hawkins, was reported to have testified during the sentencing hearing Nov. 23, 2021 in the 8th Judicial District Court. The defense asked that Hawkins be sentenced to probation. Harris asked the judge to sentence the defendant to life in prison, citing his lengthy criminal history. The ADA focused most of his questioning and arguments on Hawkins’ “lengthy history of violence and terror against women.”
Hawkins’ criminal history in Hopkins County includes being booked into jail on more than 30 different occasions since 2004, including:
- a 2004 family violence assault causing bodily injury charge,
- a 2005 terroristic threat charge,
- a 2006 family violence assault causing bodily injury charge, a January 2007 warrant for not paying an assault fine,
- a July 2009 assault family violence charge,
- a November 2009 assault of a family or household member with previous conviction,
- a 5-year prison sentence in 2010 on a burglary convictions,
- an assault causing bodily injury to a family member warrant in November 2016,
- an assault causing bodily injury to a family member charge in January 2017,
- an April 2017 indictment for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member,
- an August 2020 warrant for assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing,
- a burglary of a habitation and theft of service warrants on New Year’s Day 2020,
- bond revocation for the burglary of habitation and assault family violence of a household member that impeded breathing charges in April 2021, and
- bond forfeiture on burglary of a habitation charge in August 2021, according to jail records.
Hawkins was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Michail Germann King
Michail Germann King, as arranged, pled guilty in court Nov. 23, 2021, as to a first-degree felony delivery case, as charged in the indictment, and received 7 years of deferred adjudication community supervision and a $1,000 fine, according to Assistant District Attorney Zachary Blackmon.
The 43-year-old Dallas man was indicted in May 2021 on a charge of possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams with intent to deliver, according to court reports.
Chamber Connection – Nov. 24: Lots Of Seasonal Events Coming Up
By Butch Burney
Here is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over.
I hope you enjoy the holiday with family and friends – and then hit our local stores on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
Check out our website on Wednesday (or after) to see the Small Business Saturday deals from our local merchants. Just go to HopkinsChamber.org and on the home page, click on the “Featured Events” logo.
Our small business owners have so many great deals, quality items and friendly, helpful employees to make sure you get what you want. Hopkins County offers an incredible local shopping experience!
We love our small, locally owned businesses, and we want them to continue to thrive and be successful in all they do. Shop local for the holidays and enjoy Small Business Saturday on November 27.
Chamber Directory
Work is continuing on the 2022 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 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, will be contacting you in the next few weeks 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. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.
Christmas Parade
The local Lions Club is hosting their 15th Annual Christmas Light Parade, presented by Carriage House Manor, on Friday, Dec. 3. Every entry must be decorated with working Christmas lights. The parade will begin at Buford Park, down Connally Street to the square, north on Church Street and west on Houston Street, ending at Gerald Prim Stadium.
The parade begins at 7 p.m.
Registration, which is free, must be received by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 30. To register, pick up an entry form from any Lions Club member or at the Chamber, 110 Main St.
Categories for judging the entries are Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit Organizations/Churches.
Blue Santa
Sign-ups are ongoing for the Blue Santa toy program for Hopkins County. Registration can be done online at CanHelpOnline.org. Documents needed for upload are proof of Hopkins County residency, birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child ages 1-14, proof of income or proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS.
Shanna Martin, the executive director CanHelp, said in just five days, more than 130 families have already registered.
If you would like to donate toys or money, contact Tanner Crump or Angela Price at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. You can also message the Blue Santa/Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Facebook page.
Miracles Made on Connally Street
Miracles Made on Connally Street is the name of the CASA Christmas Tree Raffle that will be conducted until Dec. 6. The raffle will be held Dec. 8, with all proceeds benefitting the children served by Lake Country CASA.
Tickets are $25 each and each tickets gives you a chance to win one of 12 small decorated Christmas trees.
For more information, call 903-885-1173 or visit CASA at 218 Connally St.
Turkey Trot
Make way for your holiday meals by participating in the 11th Annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot, benefiting Journey Road Ministries and Mothers Culture Club. It will be ran Thanksgiving Day morning, with a 5K and 10K each starting at 8 a.m. There will be a Kids Run Run at 7:30 a.m.
Entry fee for the 5K race is $30 and for the 10K race it’s $40. Register online at GetMeRegistered.com and search “Hopkins County Turkey Trot.”
Ribbon Cuttings
Masterpiece Ultrasound Boutique hosted a ribbon cutting Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 468 Shannon Road West. Please welcome this new baby and mom full-service boutique to the business community.
Shoe Sensation hosted a ribbon cutting Friday, Nov. 19, at their store at 1402 Mockingbird Lane. Please welcome them to town.
Good News! Christian Bookstore celebrated 31 years in business and a new location, 1811 South Broadway with a ribbon cutting Friday, Nov. 19. Please continue to shop for Christian books and merchandise with them.
Make It To The Table This Thanksgiving
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent – Hopkins County, [email protected]
This Thanksgiving holiday, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program to make sure you make it to the Thanksgiving table. With the Thanksgiving holiday kicking off a very merry time of year, it’s essential to take some time to remember that buzzed driving Is drunk driving. If your plans to celebrate include alcohol, plan for a sober driver. You may have heard of the popular trend during the Thanksgiving holiday, “Blackout Wednesday,” which occurs on the eve of Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, this trend encourages the heavy consumption of alcohol, which is why we’re working hard to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
Nationally, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. If you are under the influence of any impairing substance, hand the keys to a sober friend instead of driving yourself home. We know friends and families will be especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year. Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving. We want our drivers to take Blackout Wednesday seriously. This is a dangerous trend. Driving under the influence is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.
Drunk-driving-related crashes spike during the Thanksgiving holiday season. According to NHTSA, from 2015 to 2019, 135 drivers involved in fatal crashes on Thanksgiving Eve (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.) were alcohol-impaired, and over the entire holiday period (6 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through 5:59 a.m. the Monday after Thanksgiving), nearly 800 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes. In fact, during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period, more than four times as many drivers involved in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired during nighttime hours than during the day.
It is never safe to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk or otherwise impaired. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If you’re planning to head out to the bar or to parties during the Thanksgiving holiday, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.
- Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If available, use your community’s sober ride
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 as drunk driving IS an emergency.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely
By working together, we can save lives and help keep America’s roadways safe. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Master Wellness Volunteer Training
I’m happy to announce the 2022 Master Wellness Volunteer training, scheduled to begin in January. Interested individuals will receive valuable information on health, food safety, childhood nutrition, and other topics. The first and last sessions will be held face-to=face at the Hopkins County Extension Office, and the middle three weeks will be completed on-line at the convenience of participants. Each week, new topics will be released. For more information, please contact my office at 903-885-3443. Join the great group of certified Master Wellness Volunteers already in place and have a great experience!
Closing Thought
“It’s not happy people who are thankful. It’s thankful people who are happy.”
Traveling Teslas Top Off For Thanksgiving Trips
This Tuesday proved to be a busy time for the local Tesla station located in downtown Sulphur Springs. Downtown was overflowing with Teslas as all available slots to charge traveling Teslas were occupied. Tesla license plates as far away as Virginia and Michigan were spotted taking a charge from the Sulphur Springs Super Station with Tesla owners that are traveling for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Although all available charging slots were occupied, the car’s were mostly empty as the car owner’s took advantage of their time in downtown to shop or eat at downtown establishments.
Keep Cows In Proper Body Condition Through Winter With Supplementation, Proper Nutrition
Getting or keeping cows in proper body condition throughout the winter can optimize pregnancy rates the following season.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension information indicates that cows with proper body condition scores at calving are more likely to breed back and produce healthy calves in the future. Proper nutrition and supplementation are two keys to keeping cows in good shape. Supplemental feeding during winter months is critical to ensure cows are in optimal condition for pregnancy, calving and future breeding. Two-and 3-year-old cows should have a body condition score of 6 or better at calving. Cows 4-years-old and older should be in a body condition score of 5 or greater at calving. Cows with a body condition score of 5 should display abundant muscle tissue. Ribs are noticeable but overall fat cover is lacking. Hooks and pins are less obvious and hips and backbone are slightly rounded versus a sharp appearance, according to the AgriLife Extension overviews. A body condition score of 6 represents cows that are ideal at calving. Ribs are covered completely with fat and beginning to cover the rump, and muscle tissue is at its greatest.
Hay should be tested for nutritional quality, which will give producers the necessary information to help determine supplementation requirements. Any supplementation plan should be based on three primary criteria – the nutrient requirements of the animal, the quality of available hay or roughage, and the current condition of the cows.
Winter supplementation will depend greatly on what stage of production the cow is in. Lactating cows require different amounts of supplementation than dry cows, those pregnant but not nursing a calf. To maintain its body condition, a lactating cow would require hay that is about 11.5 percent protein and 62-63 percent total digestible nutrients, or TDN. A dry cow in late gestation would need about 8 percent protein and 55 percent TDN.
Producers should select supplements based on the cost per unit of nutrient needed, Banta said. Cubes are a common supplement used by many producers. If both energy and protein supplementation are needed, a 20 percent cube would likely be most cost effective, he said. However, if only a protein supplement is needed, then a 40 percent cube is more cost effective.
Producers should start slow and build up with supplements, such as concentrates and grains, because cows are designed to consume grasses. It’s also important to feed them supplements consistently each day to avoid digestive problems such as acidosis, which can lead to founder, foot abscesses, damage to the rumen lining damage, or death. It is recommended starting with no more than 2 pounds of supplement per cow per day and slowly building up from there.
Producers should watch manure patties to monitor cows’ protein intake. If patties look like they are stacking up and are firm, that tells us we need more protein supplement. A 40 percent cube is a good concentrated supplement source of protein, he said. Generally speaking, if cows are in good condition then 1-1.5 pounds of a 40 percent cube or something similar is a good place to start for dry cows; 2-3 pounds per day would likely be needed for wet cows, Banta said. If cows also need energy, then something like a 20 percent cube could be a good option. With average quality hay, a common feeding rate for dry cows would be about 2-3 pounds per day per cow or 4-6 pounds for wet cows.
Feeding amounts really depend on hay quality and other factors, so for more information it is recommend visiting with a nutritionist or an AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist.
Contact Dr. Mario Villarino at [email protected]; 903-885-3443; and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Agriculture, Natural Resources specialist, Hopkins County, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Commissioners Agree To Small Change In Pine Forest Solar I & Hybrid I Road Use Contract
Purchase Of New Work Truck Approved For Precinct 3
Hopkins County Commissions Court on Monday approved the purchase of a new work truck for Precinct 3, a small change in Pine Forest Solar I and Pine Forest Hybrid I Road Use agreement, contract for sheriff’s and fire department training and equipment programs.
Road Use Amendment
The Commissioners Court on Aug. 23, 2021 agreed to allow at least 9 county roads to be used by Pine Forest Solar I, LLC, and Pine Forest Hybrid I, LLC, and “its successors and assigns,” during the planning and construction phases of its $252 million Solar Power and Energy Storage Project and Improvements, until the projects and improvements are completely abandoned, to access and leave power and energy storage project, encroachment into the county road right-of-ways, and for overhead and underground road crossings and with transmission lines connecting the project and improvements to the electrical grid power system.
On Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley explained that the developer amended the first list that he and Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin approved previously. The issue came in when the company used a map different from the one Bartley has been using since he’s been in office. Goggle showed the road name by a different number and the current map provided by Ark-Tex Council of Governments. The two road numbers in question are CR 3338 and CR 3334. Bartley said the amendment would change the road to the correct name.
“There are several roads that they are going to be using and upgrading and improving when construction starts. I move that we approve this amended resolution,” Bartley said.
Anglin seconded the motion, which then received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court. Among the County Roads named in the agreements were County Roads 2346, 2310, 2336, 2333, 3340, 3344, 3351, 3334 and 3342.
Fire Department Agreement
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley asked the court to approving an agreement extending services with TargetSolutions Learning LLC, which is doing business as Vector Solution, to including an additional platform which the sheriff’s office will help pay for.
“This is an ongoing program we already, a platform for our training side which will also enable us to start checking our equipment off and having electronic files on this where we can pull it up when Texas Commission on Fire Protection comes to do our audits by-yearly. We also will be joining with the sheriff’s department where we will start taking care of their self contained breathing apparatuses they have located throughout their jail. We’ll start inventorying those and making sure they are maintained. They can access those records as well,” Endsley explained.
Hopkins County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office would split the cost of the 50-50 for that program, Endsley noted.
The request was received unanimous approval from the Commissioners Court.
Truck Purchase
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook reported the county sought bids for a 1-ton crew cab 4×4 truck for Precinct 3. Information was sent out to all local companies. The county received only one bid. Jay Hodge Chevrolet bid $49,995 for a pickup without cruise control and $50,755 for a truck with cruise control. The delivery dates for the truck, however, is unknown.
Bartley said that’s due to current conditions in the industry. Knowing it could take up to 4 months or more, he asked the rest of the Commissioners Court to approve the bid, so it can be ordered, and come in as soon as possible instead of being further down the backorder list. He plans to use some grant funding for upkeep and equipment to purchase the 1-ton truck
“We are buying this truck with some of the money we got through grants to upgrade some of our equipment. I’m going to be replacing a service truck when I get this one in. So, that’s what the purpose is. It’s not like we just have to have it today, so we can wait on it,” Bartley said.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker seconded the motion, which received unanimous approval of the Commissioners Court.
Other Business
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agents Johanna Hicks and Mario Villarino gave an update on activities offered by or that the local Extension Office are involved in this year.
Villarino presented the Commissioners with a 2021 interpretation chart regarding agriculture and natural resources activities he’s been involved in recently, including hosting livestock and forage education curses, 4-H agriculture and livestock clinics and shows, and involvement in United Way and other community charitable activities.
Hicks too offered a legal paper highlighting the family and community health programs she and the extension volunteers have participated in during 2021. Some have included a four-county Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes course offered online; Cooking Well With Diabetes; Master Wellness Volunteer training; Better Living for Texans Fresh Start to a Healthier You, Healthy Snacking- Head Start Kids, a newsletter, 55-plus Health Fair, Marriage Education Workshop; Walk Across Texas, Walk & Talk and Walk Through Texas History; Dinner Tonight social media posts; Path to Plate during Ag in the Classroom; Kids Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness; and several other family and community health impacts.
The county Extension Agents plan to talk more about Extension’s reach and impacts in columns later this year.
The Commissioners Court also approved a reinvestment zone for a new solar farm, BT Solterro Solar, LLC, planned in the Saltillo area.
During the public forum portion of the Nov. 22, 2021, Commissioners Court meeting, Bill Pentak presented on behalf of Engie a $1,000 check to Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center Director Karon Weatherman to help feed senior citizens this Thanksgiving.
