Toyota ShareLunker Program Commences its 39th Season Jan. 1
January 2, 2024 – ATHENS – New Year’s Day represents new beginnings, and for the Toyota ShareLunker Program, it’s the launch of the program’s 39th season.
Anglers from across Texas and the nation will visit the world class fisheries across the state and cast their lines in hopes of landing a Legacy Class large muth bass of 13 pounds or more.
During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 through March 31), anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to TPWD for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program.
The Toyota ShareLunker program has played an integral part in making Texas a destination for hundreds of thousands of anglers in search of this prized sport fish. Grabbing a pole, hitting the water and hauling in a 13-pound largemouth bass would be a great way to kick off the new year. The cast of the line, the lure landing just right on the water and a strike from a possible fish of a lifetime is what many anglers strive to experience.
“The start of a new Toyota ShareLunker season is always full of excitement and possibility,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, Toyota ShareLunker program coordinator. “A new Toyota ShareLunker season means new opportunities to partner with anglers and industry supporters, advance bass genetics, and create a future filled with more trophy-sized fish in Texas public waters.”
The 2024 season was another banner year for the program. Together, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Division staff and participating anglers made the program a success by reaching multiple milestones and making irreplaceable memories.
Key highlights from the 2024 Toyota ShareLunker collection season include:
- Six reservoirs delivered Legacy Class Lunkers (Fort Phantom Hill, Inks Lake, J.B. Thomas, O.H. Ivie, Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend)
- Three new reservoirs with Legacy Class ShareLunkers (Fort Phantom Hill, Inks Lake, J.B. Thomas)
- Three new waterbody records (J.B. Thomas, Inks Lake, Fort Phantom Hill) and one new junior waterbody record (J.B. Thomas)
- Angler Kyle Hall’s ShareLunker 665 (15.82-pounds) made the Texas Top 50 as the 37th heaviest all-time Texas largemouth bass
- Angler Kyle Hall recorded a Legacy Lunker in three consecutive seasons
- Six out-of-state anglers etched their name into the program’s record book. The anglers hailed from Kansas, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington.
- Angler Larry R. Walker reeled in two Legacy Class Lunkers in 2024
- Anglers submitted more than 600 ShareLunker entries during the year-round program, including 12 Lew’s Legend Class (13+ pounds)
Anglers who catch a qualifying fish can call the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550 to report their catch 24/7 through March 31, 2025.
Anglers that catch and loan a 13-plus pound lunkers earn Legacy Class status, receive a catch kit filled with merchandise, a 13lb+ Legacy decal for their vehicle or boat, VIP access to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event, a high-quality replica mount of their fish from Lake Fork Taxidermy, ShareLunker branded apparel provided by AFTCO, and Bass University will provide a swag pack and annual subscription. Anglers also receive entries into two separate drawings – a Legacy Class Drawing and the year-end Grand Prize Drawing. Both drawings will award the winner a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.
The year-round Toyota ShareLunker program offers anglers three additional levels of participation for catching bass over eight pounds or 24 inches in Texas public waters. Each of these levels provide vital data to TPWD fisheries biologists, helping them continue to create bigger, better bass in Texas.
Anglers who enter data for any lunker they catch greater than eight pounds or 24 inches also receive a catch kit, a decal for their vehicle or boat, a one-month subscription to Bass University and an entry into the year-end Grand Prize Drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. ShareLunker entry classes include the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+) and Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+).
Once a lunker is reeled in, anglers need to enter the catch data on the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app – available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play – or at TexasSharelunker.com.
In addition to providing basic catch information, anglers have the option to send a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass to TPWD researchers for genetic analysis. Anglers who contribute a sample to the program will receive a Lew’s baitcast reel valued at up to $200 while supplies last, with a limit of one reel per angler. Anglers who send in a genetic sample will also get a three-month subscription to Bass University. Instructions for submitting DNA samples are located on the Toyota ShareLunker website.
In addition, TPWD and the Toyota ShareLunker Program are partnering with AFTCO on a new promotion for the 2025 ShareLunker season. The AFTCO Guide of the Year award will recognize a fishing guide who contributes to conservation and enhancement of largemouth bass in Texas.
The Toyota ShareLunker Program is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Toyota. Toyota is a longtime supporter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and TPWD, providing major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks and wildlife projects.
Additional vital program support comes from Legend class category prize sponsor Lew’s, Elite class category prize sponsor Strike King, Lunker class category prize sponsor Bass Pro Shops, AFTCO, Bass Forecast, Bass University and Lake Fork Taxidermy.
For updates on the Toyota ShareLunker Program, visit facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram/, https://www.instagram.com/TexasShareLunker/ or TexasSharelunker.com
New Water Loss Validation Requirement Takes Effect
January 1, 2025 – To effectively plan for the future, water utilities need to know how much water they are using and losing in their systems today. Water loss audits help utilities identify where water loss is occurring and where they may need to implement mitigation activities.
Starting January 1, 2025, all utilities that have an active financial obligation or are applying for financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will be required to have their annual water loss audits validated to improve the quality of the data. Water loss audit validation is a process that identifies uncertainty in the water loss audit and, as a result, provides more reliable data.
The validation process includes examining water loss audit inputs and gathering additional information to identify and correct data inaccuracies in alignment with industry standards. The TWDB will work with utilities to validate their submitted water loss audits at no cost to the utility, or utilities can choose to have the audit validated elsewhere if the validation follows the TWDB’s guidelines.
“It’s important for a utility to accurately calculate and understand how much water they are losing in their system,” said Daniel Rice, Team Lead for the TWDB’s Municipal Water Conservation Team. “Reliable water loss audits provide a better picture of how much water is actually being used and to better plan for future needs. The validation process also allows us to provide recommendations to the utilities based on more accurate data.”
Recommendations can include activities such as implementing a meter testing program, master meter calibration, or revising data collection and billing accounting procedures.
In addition to identifying where infrastructure upgrades and other water loss mitigation activities may be needed in a system, audits can also be used to measure the effectiveness of the policies and procedures related to data collection and reporting. If water management strategies are developed using incorrect water loss audit data, a utility’s water loss mitigation plan may be less effective.
The TWDB began offering voluntary water loss audit validation services earlier this year to refine and improve the process ahead of the requirement in January. The City of Hurst in Tarrant County was one of 23 utilities that participated in the voluntary validation process, and the TWDB’s validators helped identify a more accurate water loss dataset for every utility that participated.
“We recognized the opportunity to not only be better prepared for the new audit requirement, but also an opportunity to roll up our sleeves together with the TWDB’s team for a much more detailed and comprehensive exercise,” said Chris Perry, Director of Utilites for the City of Hurst. “Working through the components of the audit together provided more of a one-on-one resource for any and every issue that arose.”
Through the validation process, the City of Hurst identified areas for improvement in data recording, storing, and sharing that will optimize how the utility manages water supply, including compliance reporting and water loss mitigation efforts.
Utilities equipped with accurate and reliable data can make informed decisions when it comes to directing resources and meeting Texas’ long-range water needs.
To learn more about water loss audits, visit the TWDB website.
A New Kind Of Resolution: Prioritizing Mental Health In The New Year
Small steps and self-care can help people navigate post-holiday challenges and set meaningful resolutions for the new year.
January 1, 2024 – By Texas A&M Health – Whether the winter brought connection and celebration or the perfect storm for anxiety, depression and other mental health struggles, individuals forging resolutions in the afterglow of the holiday season can make mental health a priority in the new year.
Michelle Bettin, senior director of counseling and mental health care at Texas A&M University Health Services, said this time of year can be particularly difficult. Seasonal reductions in natural sunlight, along with changes in diet, exercise and routine, can contribute to challenging environmental factors. And while the holidays tend to bring people together, some individuals may struggle with dysfunctional family dynamics or a lack of family connection altogether. Others may experience stress or sadness at saying goodbye to loved ones as the holidays conclude.
It’s easy to slip into a deficit mindset, comparing celebrations to social media posts, Bettin said. “It also can highlight how our family or our relationships are not like the families and holidays we see on the TV and in movies,” she said.
Bettin recommended extending grace to oneself and others. She advised against adhering to arbitrary standards or unrealistic expectations, and she cautioned against comparing oneself to others’ experiences, which can open the door to self-doubt and disappointment, she said.
Instead of measuring success by comparison metrics, Bettin recommended approaching resolutions by setting small, attainable goals for the new year. Prioritizing mental health through “SMART goals,” provides a framework to for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound aspirations. The SMART goal method swaps lofty goals, like “cure my anxiety” or “be happy every day,” for more realistic steps tailored to fit specific lifestyles. Bettin said reasonable goals might include “get to therapy once a month” or “set aside 15 minutes for a walk or meditation.”
Along with honoring individual priorities, resolutions should create opportunities or guard time for self-care. Even without pre-existing mental health conditions, self-care plays a crucial role in managing the stresses of daily life and can look different for everyone.
For those struggling, a wide range of national and local resources offer support: University Health Services curates a list of local and national hotline numbers, and 211 Texas lists resources and information on topics including housing, employment, nutrition and mental health. Reach 211 Texas online or by dialing 211 to access a variety of services, including urgent and non-urgent mental health care.
When balancing different facets of life and maintaining mental health feels overwhelming or even impossible, Bettin stressed the importance of striving for a positive attitude and asking for help when needed. “We can plan all we want, but life happens while we’re making plans,” she said. “Being willing to accept that sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned — and finding, even in those moments, what there is to be grateful about and what really brings you joy — can make all the difference.”
This and That for January 2025 From Master Gardener David Wall
December 31, 2024 – The Northern giant hornet (largest wasp in existence) arrived in the U.S. in 2019. Due to its ability to literally destroy a honeybee hive it quickly became known as the murder hornet. Whatever the name, it posed a major threat to North American honeybees and our agriculture. As a result, a program was established to remove the hornet from our continent. After three years without a sighting, despite many supposed sightings, it appears to have successfully been removed.
To ease the starting of a new hibiscus plant, cut off a small twig of your existing plant. Cut a ½” to ¾” section out of a still mostly green banana. Put the sprig base in the banana section and plant. It’ll root and grow.
Every day, 27,000 trees are cut down for toilet paper. To at least reduce that number, a new high-quality 3-ply tissue made from bamboo has been developed. The result is a high-quality product that doesn’t harm trees is now available. Bamboo grows up to roughly 100 times faster than an average tree. It may not be available locally, but you can order it on-line. I’m very satisfied with mine!
Always have a lemon available in your refrigerator and have one in your bedroom at night. For your bedroom, curt a cross in the lemon and put it on the nightstand next to you. They’re considered a natural medicine and are gaining in popularity. They are known to help people who suffer problems in sleeping. They’re loaded with antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The aroma reduces stress and fatigue and can help get rid of a hangover! The aroma also helps clean nasal passages, and repels mosquitoes. It helps with allergies and promotes lung health. It filters and cleans our blood, and helps with arthritic, rheumatism pain, stomach upset
TPWD Encourages Monitoring, Reporting of Animals Affected by New World Screwworm
December 30, 2024 – AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) asks hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts in South Texas to monitor for animals affected by New World Screwworm (NWS) after a recent detection in Mexico.
This detection, found in a cow at an inspection checkpoint in the southern Mexico State of Chiapas, close to the border with Guatemala, follows the progressively northward movement of NWS through both South and Central Americas.
As a protective measure, animal health officials ask those along the southern Texas border to monitor wildlife, livestock and pets for clinical signs of NWS and immediately report potential cases.
What is New World Screwworm?
New World screwworms are larvae or maggots of the NWS fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax), that cause a painful condition known as NWS myiasis. NWS flies lay eggs in open wounds or orifices of live tissue such as nostrils, eyes or mouth. These eggs hatch into dangerous parasitic larvae, and the maggots burrow or screw into flesh with sharp mouth hooks. Wounds can become larger, and an infestation can often cause serious, deadly damage or death to the infected animal.
NWS primarily infests livestock but can also affect humans and wildlife including deer and birds.
The parasite was last eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, with costly efforts by federal and state animal health officials, livestock producers and veterinary practitioners. Eradication efforts have continued in Central America, but the pest is considered widespread in Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and South American countries.
Clinical signs of NWS myiasis may include:
- Irritated or depressed behavior
- Loss of appetite
- Head shaking
- Smell of decaying flesh
- Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds
- Isolation from other animals or people
Transmission
NWS infestations begin when a female NWS fly is drawn to the odor of a wound or natural opening on a live, warm-blooded animal, where she lays her eggs. These openings can include wounds as small as a tick bite, nasal or eye openings, navel of a newborn or genitalia.
One NWS female fly can lay up to 300 eggs at a time and may lay up to 3,000 eggs during her lifespan. Eggs hatch into larvae (maggots) that burrow into an opening to feed. After feeding, larvae drop to the ground, burrow into the soil and emerge as adult NWS flies. Adult NWS flies can fly long distances and the movement of infested livestock or wildlife can increase the rate of spread.
Prevention
When spending time outdoors (especially if traveling abroad to NWS-affected areas), be sure to clean and cover all wounds in addition to applying insect repellant to outdoor clothing to help avoid contact with NWS and other harmful insects.
How to Help
While in the field enjoying activities such as hunting, hiking or bird watching, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are asked to report suspected signs of NWS. Any wildlife with suspicious clinical signs consistent with NWS should be immediately reported to a local wildlife biologist. Livestock reports should be made to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Those enjoying Texas’ natural resources have an opportunity to serve as the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health,” said TPWD wildlife veterinarian Dr. J Hunter Reed. “Their eyes and ears will be critical to quickly responding and managing this threat.”
Additional information about NWS can be found on TAHC, USDA and the Center for Disease Control NWS webpages.
Governor Abbott Statement On Passing Of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
December 29, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement following the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter:
“Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Carter family.”
Saving Your Tomato Seeds From Master Gardener David Wall
December 29, 2024 – Saving seeds for many vegetables is pretty straightforward. Depending on the vegetable, you may be able to get them from a ripe, over-ripe, or dead fruit. For example, save cucumber seeds from a ripe fruit. Save peppers from a red or over-ripe fruit. Save okra seeds from a dead pod. Saving tomato seeds for next year, however is slightly different.
Yes, you can collect the seeds, dry them, and store them in a container that breathes – I use envelopes! To get the best germination rates, however, tomato seeds need to be fermented. Fermentation is the natural process a tomato seed goes through in the wild. The fruit drops and rots. The seeds ferment as the fruit rots, and later they dry. Next spring, they sprout. Manual fermentation does the same thing. So how does one go about accomplishing this process?
First, gut the tomato, placing the insides (seeds, pulp & juice) in a jar. The outer skin is still available for salads and other uses. Then add enough water so that the entire mixture is in suspension. Now stir the mixture thoroughly with a spoon or other tool and set down. You’ll soon notice seeds that are floating. They’re no good and will be removed (not now!) later.
Now put a cloth cover over the jar top and secure it with string, a rubber band or other device. Using a cloth to ensures air can enter or leave. Now set aside. The jar may smell, but that’s all right. During this time, the seeds are fermenting. Good seeds will sink to the bottom.
After 3-5 days, no longer, remove any floating mold and seeds. Put in a fine mesh stainer, wash/rinse, and put on a paper towel to dry. Once dried, store in a breathable container (I use envelopes!).
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Holiday Hours
December 27, 2024 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society announces that, in observance of the New Year’s Holiday, they will be closed Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. They will reopen Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 9:30am. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Library is located at 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society wishes everyone a safe and happy New Year, and will see you in 2025!
Some More Photo Ops With More Gala Sponsors
December 27, 2024 – Carriage House Manor
Thank you to our friends at Carriage House Manor for their sponsorship in support of the 19th annual Gala! The Tanton family is joined by the 2025 Gala Chairs, the Burgin family. From left to right are Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Arvis Tanton, Sheila Tanton, Shandra Dunn, Sharla Campbell, Linda Burgin, and Joe Bob Burgin.
Visit Gala2025.GiveSmart.com for more information.
City National Bank
Proceeds will go toward an MRI upgrade at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Get your tickets at Gala2024.GiveSmart.com!
Leesa & Brian Toliver
Thank you to Leesa and Brian Toliver for sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala. This annual event will be held on January 25, 2025, with proceeds going toward an MRI upgrade at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Gathered by the big tree and big check are, from left to right, Teffany Burgin, Brad Burgin, Julie Burgin, Leesa Toliver, Brian Toliver, Linda Burgin, and Joe Bob Burgin.
For more information or to get tickets, go to Gala2025.GiveSmart.com Bidding for silent auction items will start on the same site on January 20. Some of Leesa’s photographs will be up for bid.
Social Security Fairness Act Almost a Law
December 27, 2024 – The Social Security Fairness Act, recently passed by Congress, aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have reduced Social Security benefits for public-sector retirees such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers.
The Senate approved the bill with a bipartisan vote of 76-20 on December 21, 2024, following the House’s passage on November 12, 2024.
The legislation now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law.
Supporters argue that repealing WEP and GPO corrects long-standing inequities, allowing approximately 3 million public service retirees to receive full Social Security benefits they have earned.
Critics, however, express concerns about the financial implications, noting that the repeal could add $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade and accelerate the insolvency of Social Security Trust Funds by six months.
If enacted, the law is expected to provide retroactive payments for 2024 to affected workers, though specific details are yet to be clarified.
The Social Security Fairness Act represents a significant shift in retirement benefits for public-sector employees, addressing concerns that have been debated for nearly four decades.
As the bill awaits the President’s signature, discussions continue regarding its long-term impact on Social Security’s financial health and the broader implications for retirement policy in the United States.
Here are the specific benefits for survivors:
1. Increased Survivor Benefits
- The repeal of the GPO allows surviving spouses and dependents of public-sector retirees to receive full Social Security survivor benefits, even if the deceased spouse was receiving a government pension.
- Previously, the GPO reduced or entirely eliminated these benefits, disproportionately impacting widows and widowers who relied on Social Security for financial stability.
2. Restoration of Fairness
- Survivors who were penalized due to the deceased’s government pension will now receive benefits that reflect the deceased’s full contributions to Social Security.
- This ensures that the system treats survivors equitably, regardless of the pension structure of the deceased.
3. Retroactive Payments
- If enacted, the law is expected to provide retroactive payments for survivors who were previously denied full benefits due to the GPO or WEP.
- Details of the retroactive payment timeline are yet to be clarified but could significantly aid families who faced financial challenges.
4. Financial Security for Low-Income Households
- Survivors, particularly those in low-income households, will benefit from the removal of these offsets, providing better financial security in retirement or times of bereavement.
5. Support for Women
- Since women are often more likely to outlive their spouses and rely on survivor benefits, the repeal addresses gender disparities in Social Security payouts for survivors of public-sector employees.
This legislation aims to ensure that Social Security provides fair and comprehensive support to survivors, correcting what many have viewed as long-standing inequities in the system.
