During the Year 2020, Many Different Parts of Agriculture Became Challenged by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
During the year 2020, many different parts of agriculture became challenged either because lack of distribution or lack of workforce. As we celebrate our thanksgiving, we can see the importance of food and food supply in our society. There are many phases of a very complicate system that interact to make a meal in a consumer’s table a reality. All the components of the system are critical and if one just “misses” its target the complete system can collapse. One component of the meat production system is veterinary care. Today, many rural large animal practices are operated by older vets, and younger veterinary professionals are going to pet care because it’s more lucrative, said Tom Hairgrove, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service cattle veterinary specialist in the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science. That could result in the reduction of rural large animal practices.“ We know livestock enterprises are major contributors to rural communities,” Hairgrove said. “We want to improve the communication and cooperation between the livestock industry and the veterinary profession to ultimately improve livestock health and economic sustainability for rural communities.” New strategies implemented recently will try to overcome this problem. The “Improving the Sustainability of Rural Veterinarians Through Mentoring, Targeted Education, Telemedicine and Monitoring of Disease Syndromes” project, funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant will try to do so. The goal of the project is to shift producer utilization of rural practitioners from a reactionary approach to one of comprehensive herd health practices that can help prevent metabolic diseases, respiratory and reproductive diseases. By doing so, the practitioner becomes a greater asset to producers. “Veterinarians responding in a ‘fire engine’ manner simply is no longer practical,” Hairgrove said. “We need livestock producers to realize that veterinarians can contribute more to their operation profits if a comprehensive health management program is developed. ”A first step can be utilizing the local vet to focus on proper stocking rates, forage and herd management to eliminate overstocking of forage systems, he said. “We believe if we can change producer mindset to one of ‘complete herd health’ instead of only calling the vet to periodically pull a calf, it will be good not only for the veterinarian and the economics of the rural communities but to the producer’s bottom line as well,” he said. “We know veterinarians can make producers money by helping them develop vaccination programs and by working with them to outline nutrition programs to improve their calving and weaning rates,” said Ron Gill, Texas AgriLife Extension Services beef cattle specialist. But if ranchers do not engage with and employ the services of rural veterinarians, the vet practice will not be sustainable, and the producers won’t realize that additional benefit.” As we move into to celebrate our thanksgiving I invite you to reflect in all the different components that made your celebration possible, including yourself, and those health care professional looking after human and animal health.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please call the Hopkins County Extension Office in Hopkins County by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Extension
Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas
75482 903-885-3443
Sherman Makes Plays Down the Stretch to Top Wildcats Basketball Team 62-59
The Wildcats Basketball Team hosted Sherman Monday afternoon and the two teams exchanged the lead throughout the game but the Bearcats made more plays down the stretch to come away with a 62-59 win in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School. Sherman outscored the Wildcats 18-15 in the fourth quarter to get the win. The Bearcats had four players in double figures in scoring led by sophomore Vontrelle Sanders who led all scorers with 16 points. Wildcats senior point guard Lamodrick Johnson led the Wildcats with 15 points. Senior guard Boo Wilkerson and sophomore post Kordrick Turner both scored 11 points for the Wildcats. Senior guard Malique Cole and junior forward Justin Haire both scored 7 points. It was Haire’s first game back from an injury. Caleb Alexander hit two three-point baskets for 6 points. Junior Cason Arrington has 2 points. The two teams were tied after one quarter, 14-14. Sherman led by three at halftime, 32-29. The two teams were tied again at 44-44 after three quarters. Sherman improved their season record to 2-1. The Wildcats slip to 1-3. The Wildcats play Wednesday at 4 p.m. against Dallas Lincoln at PC Cobb Center in Dallas.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Says Team Played Well Friday in Bi-District Win
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Bailey Dorner admits to going into Friday night’s bi-district contest against Tyler a little worried that her team may come into the game underestimating their opponent. After all, the district champ Lady Cats were the #1 seed against #4 seed Tyler.
Turns out Coach Dorner had nothing to worry about. Her team promptly took care of business defeating Tyler, 3-0 by the score of 25-14, 25-14 and 25-7.
She says her team showed up and played well in all areas. Coach Dorner liked her team’s serve and serve receive. She singled out junior middle blocker Brooklynn Burnside for special praise noting that she had an amazing game. Burnside led the team in kills and blocks.
Now, the Lady Cats face North Forney in an Area contest Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Royse City. Coach Dorner says the Lady Falcons are athletic and scrappy. She says they dropped the first set of their bi-district match against Joshua, but just continued on like nothing had happened. Coach Dorner says North Forney has a couple of girls on the front row that are athletic and know where to hit the ball.
The Lady Cats are 15-7 for the season. The Lady Falcons, third in their district, come in 16-5.
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta Says Team Played Pretty Well In Friday Night Loss
Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta found himself in an unusual place Monday morning, Nov. 23. Coach Cipoletta says he is not used to talking about his team playing pretty well, but losing.
His evidence includes 1.16 point per possession for his team. In fact, he says the Wildcats played outstanding ball and shot well on the offensive end. He says the Wildcats were at 42% in three point shooting and hit 85% of their free throws.
Coach Cipaletta does say the Wildcats need to find a way to make more stops and he adds they need to just improve overall on defense. He is confident they can get to where they need to be.
The Wildcats were playing without their experienced post player Justin Haire. Haire was out with an injury but, is returning Monday.
Coach Cipoletta says the Wildcats led at McKinney Boyd Friday for three quarters of the game until the Broncos erupted for a three-point filled fourth quarter to win, 71-64. He calls the loss a learning experience. He says he schedules Class 6A playoff caliber teams so his team can see what works and to determine what needs to be worked on.
The Wildcats are 1-2 and, Coach Cip says, he is already tired of losing. The Wildcats play at home Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. against Sherman.
He says the Bearcats have two elite guards. One scored over 50 points last year against Mount Pleasant. The second had about 30 points this season against Denton Braswell.
There will be a JV contest at 2 p.m. in the SSHS Auxiliary Gym. The varsity game is at 4 p.m. in the Main Gym at SSHS.
KSST Radio will have the Sherman and Wildcats game at 4 p.m. with video and audio streaming. The game will be videotaped for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
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.
2 Accused Of Credit Or Debit Card Abuse
Two Sulphur Springs residents were accused of credit or debit card abuse over the weekend, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender spotted Jonathan Wayne Smith standing behind a Honda at his rural Sulphur Springs residence and took him into custody Saturday, Nov. 21 on the warrant. The 23-year-old was booked into Hopkins County jail on the felony credit or debit card abuse warrant at 4:45 p.m. Nov. 21.
Smith was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, Nov. 22, on a $10,000 bond on the warrant.
HCSO deputies received a tip a 28-year-old woman wanted on a credit or debit card abuse warrant could be found at a local motel. Deputy Kevin Lester and Sgt. Richard Greer went to the motel, where Heather Marie Anderson was located in a room as was reported.
Because she is pregnant, the woman’s handcuffed hands were placed in front of her instead of behind her, then she was transported at 4:08 p.m. Nov. 21 to Hopkins County jail. She was then transported to jail on the warrant; the offense was alleged to have occurred on Sept. 28, 2020,on FM 1567 east, according to arrest reports.
Anderson was released from the county jail Sunday, Nov. 22, on a $10,000 bond on the credit or debit card abuse charge, according to jail reports.
Commissioners Court Approves 2 Tax Incentives, Reinvestment Zone
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved 2 tax incentives and a reinvestment zone for a planned solar farm, among other items, during the regular court meeting Monday morning.
My Perfect Pet Agreement
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving two Chapter 381 agreements.
First, Feagley told the court My Perfect Pet was requesting a 10-year Chapter 381 agreement. The gourmet dog food maker would, under the agreement, be required to pay taxes for the Sulphur Springs facility, then upon providing proof the business is meeting all terms of the agreement would be reimbursed for a total of 55 percent of the taxes for the business over the 10 years.
My Perfect Pet relocated its operations from a San Diego, California suburb to Sulphur Springs. The goal was to provide 30 new jobs to the area. However, according to Feagley, owner Karen Neola is having difficulty finding workers to fill all positions. Feagley said it was thought with the food industries in the area there would be plenty of food workers to apply to help make the USDA-quality foods, which are sent frozen for sale through distributors.
The court granted the requested 381 agreement for My Perfect Pet.
D6 Inc. Agreement
Feagley also noted the Commissioners Court was being asked to consider approving a Chapter 381 Agreement for D6 Inc., not for the entire operation but for the planned 25000 Square foot expansion at the facility.
D6 Inc. out of Portland, Oregon has purchased the building known locally as the old Coca-Cola building, but which was most recently been the location for S&S Commercial operations, where the business plans to make aluminum pie pans and Danish trays, including the plastic that goes on them. The business uses recycled aluminum and plastics. D6 Inc. also makes personal protective equipment, specifically plastic face shields.
The business plans to initially hire 30 individuals, pay taxes on the original building, but asked for a 381 agreement for the new building being constructed onsite. The business’ original plan was to hire 70 employees, but the agreement the court approved was for 30 employees. Feagley said the business is putting equipment in place in the building but isn’t fully operational yet, but has begun hiring employees. Like Neola, Feagley said D6 indicated the business is having a hard time filling positions.
Also, if all goes according to plan, D6 Inc. is planning another expansion in about 18 months, which would provide jobs for additional employees, with a goal of employing up to 90 total employees at the Sulphur Springs facility.
“They are hiring people. They are not up to 30 people yet,” Feagley noted.
The court approved the request.
Bright Arrow Solar Reinvestment Zone
During a public hearing for a request to establish a reinvestment zone for Bright Arrow Solar LLC, Feagley reported the new solar farm is planned off State Highway 11 west in Precinct 4, on three separate properties. The farm is estimated to be a $275 million project plus cost of batteries, upon approval of agreements for tax incentives, is anticipated to being construction in the second quarter of 2021 and with about 300 people working take about 18 months to construct.
Approval of a reinvestment zone will allow the hospital district at a future date consider granting a tax abatement for the solar project and allow the county in the future to approve a 381 agreement for the project as well.
“It seems as if all the solar projects will start at the same time. Do we have the work force for that?” Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked.
Feagley said it is his understanding currently most the planned solar projects — there are currently 4 in Hopkins County — are expected to get started in the next 6-10 months. The Pine Forest Solar project could begin as early as next month. Most have indicated to Feagley plans to begin in the first or second quarter of 2021, he noted.
The EDC director explained that the companies will bring in most of a the contract labor force, and will be filling local hotels, apartments, and places where travel trailers can park. Some may “spill over to Greenville” or other surrounding areas as well.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said it was his understanding the Bright Arrow Solar project plans to construct a road through the property off of State Highway 11 west instead of using county roads like other project. He asked Feagley if that was his understanding as well, or if the Bright Arrow agreement would, like the other projects, include a fee for use of the county roads.
Feagley affirmed that was while the other projects, due to their locations do plan to use county roads, and have agreed to pay fees to help with maintenance on those roads due to heavy truck traffic during the construction process, the plan is to build a road off SH 11 west for Bright Arrow Solar. Road fees for other projects vary by project based on a number of factors, including investment and size of the property, and nameplate capacity — how much electricity will be generated. Those funds will be paid at the beginning of the project and first year and will go into a specially designated line item within the impacted precinct’s road and bridge fund for repair of the specific road used.
Barker asked if the Bright Arrow Solar project managers had contacted NETEX (North East Texas Rural Transportation District rail line through Northeast Texas).
“If it goes straight in they’ll have to,” Feagley replied.
Price asked what recourse the county would have if the company did use county roads to get to the solar farm after or if the right-of-way crossing agreements aren’t obtained to locate the road across the railroad. Feagley suggested potential ticketing.
Employment
Judge Robert Newsom noted that Friday Hopkins County was reported to have the lowest unemployment rate in the North East Texas region. He asked Feagley to brief the court on employment in the county, information the judge and EDC director had previously.
Feagley said there are jobs available in a variety of fields that have not been filled. The trick to lowering the unemployment rate is matching labor force to needs of employers. While the county’s unemployment rate is low, it’s still above last year’s rats of 2-3 percent.
While the EDC director has spoken with numerous employers, he cannot speak for all. However, most places have openings in a wide range of fields to be filled. BEF foods, local restaurants, My Perfect Pet, D6 Inc., welding and others.
“We want to let people know the jobs are out there, good jobs,” Newsom said.
Some of the jobs, like manufacturing jobs at D6 and BEF, create additional jobs at grocery stores and restaurants where those workers spend their money.
Hicks: Preparing for Holiday Gatherings and Upcoming Programs in January
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Five Ways to Prepare for Holiday Gatherings
The holiday season is here, along with fun, family, and or course, delicious foods. Food play a big role during the holidays as it bring traditions, comfort, and a sense of togetherness. It’s okay to enjoy your holiday foods, but keep in mind moderations is key. Aside from a well-balanced meal and eating in moderation, physical activity can also help us stay healthy during this time of year.
A few small changes can really make a big difference. Try these tips:
- Try healthier dessert options – Include healthier ingredient alternatives. Try zests or spices for more flavor instead of added sugars or salt. Reduce the fat content in recipes by using applesauce or Greek yogurt in place of butter.
- Eat well-balanced meals – Include dairy, grains, protein, vegetables, and fruits. Try to keep your eating balanced but still include those holiday favorites, as well.
- Savor holiday foods – Instead of overconsuming them, eat slowly and make sure to eat these in moderation.
- Include fun holiday activities to get moving – Get the family up and moving. Try an outdoor sport or turn on some tunes to get the dance party started.
- Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight program – Dinner Tonight offer delicious and budget-friendly recipes that are great to include in your holiday meals.
Check out some delicious recipes at https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu
So, enjoy those traditional holiday foods and remember to get outside, stay active, and have a healthy and happy holiday season!
Two Exciting Programs in January
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension prides itself in offering quality workshops, program series, and other educational opportunities. Two exciting programs are currently open for registration, so I wanted to share these with you:
- “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is a 4-lesson series targeted toward individuals with Type 2 Diabetes. Sessions will take place on Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Spouses, caregivers, and family members are also welcome to participate. The series will be held virtually via Zoom, but please don’t let that keep you from participating! Anyone who wishes to participate is welcome to come to our office where I’ll be connected for the sessions. Topics and dates are:
- January 6: How Food Affects Your Blook Glucose, Alicia Fowler, PA-C, Bonham Specialty Clinic
- January 13: Eating the Right Amount of Carbs & Getting Active, Christian Graham, RDN, LD, CDES, Titus Regional Medical Center
- January 20: Medications, Alicia Fowler
- January 27: Complications & Celebrations, Sue Potts, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator, Hopkins County Health/Wellness Alliance
To register, please contact my office at 903-885-3443. Deadline to register is December 30.
- The 2021 Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative allows those who have a passion about health and wellness to share that passion with others via worksite wellness programs, community events, and more! The statewide cohort training will be presented in a hybrid manner. The first face-to-face session will be Tuesday, January 19, at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. The month of February will be individual online study. The final session will be face-to-face on Wednesday, March 3. To learn more about the Master Wellness Volunteer program, go to https://agrilife.org/mwv. Hopkins County currently has some very active Master Wellness Volunteers who have contributed over 700 hours during 2020. We would love to have you join the ranks!
Comparison is the thief of joy
Theodore roosevelt
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Burleson Woman Arrested Twice Nov. 22
A 52-year-old Burleson woman was arrested twice November 22, 2020 in Hopkins County, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley responded just before 10 p.m. Sunday in the 200 block of College Street, where officials had received a tip of suspected narcotics on the premises.
Whaley reported seeing a woman who fit the suspect description and contacted her. Samantha Mitchell Elkins allegedly admitted to being in possession of methamphetamines. She removed from her pants a clear bag containing suspected methamphetamine and was arrested 10:08 p.m. Nov. 22 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Jail reports show the Burleson woman arrested twice Nov. 22. She was Also booked into Hopkins County jail and released earlier Sunday on a $2,000 bond on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Miss UPRA Sarah Dalton, Former Winnsboro Rodeo Royalty, Appears at Finals Along with Miss Teen UPRA
18-year-old Sarah Dalton was crowned Miss UPRA in November 2019 in Hopkins County and she has proudly worn that crown during the most unusual year in UPRA history! Sarah’s competition career began a little differently than most. A brief four years ago, having never ridden a horse before or been active in rodeo interests, she expressed an interest in “queening” and was mentored by friends who were members of the Winnsboro Rodeo Club. Sarah spent a LOT of time on horseback, both daily and on weekends. She claimed the New Boston Rodeo Queen title, and brought that distinction to her bid for Miss UPRA last year. “I had about 500 flashcards which I studied over and over, which prepared me for the horsemanship portion of the contest and helped me with knowlege of the UPRA rules. I have horses now, but the horse I won with is Frost, a tall and wide gray horse who is extremely composed and capable, and has taught me so much. And made me look good, of course!”
When asked how COVID-19 affected her year as Miss Teen UPRA Jentri Haivala replied, “I was crowned in Hopkins County in Noveber 2019, and started out with great rodeos; Lubbock in January 2020 and Humble in February 2020, and then the pandemic struck. I was out at Midland, and the news was upsetting. Nobody knew what to expect and it was eerie, just shutting down like that. And as the Spring and Summer came on, instead of traveling every weekend to a rodeo, I got to appear at maybe a dozen because so many were cancelling or postponing across the circuit. I only put 2,835 miles on my truck this year instead of many, many more like in normal years. So, when I hand over my crown at the Finals, another unique situation will be that I will have no successor. There will be no UPRA Queen or Miss Teen UPRA until a new one is crowned in 2021, and that’s never happened, either. So, my reign has been one for the history books!”
Sarah is the daughter of Shonna Dalton and Leslie Dalton. Sarah currently works for Centurian Stud Farm of Como and attends North Texas Community College. She plans to continue in the equine field as a career. In addition to her parents, Sarah especially thanks Colleen Crumpton, UPRA Queen 2019 and Kim Crumpton for their help and friendship on her path to the Miss UPRA crown.
Jentri Haivala is the daughter of Rachel Murray and Clint Murray of Newton, Texas. Jentri is 16 years old and is homeschooled. She was raised by parents who both were in rodeo, and has been riding all her life. He won her first Rodeo Princess crown at age 4, at a Paris Rodeo and Horse Club event. Her motto, especially during 2020’s pandemic is, Never Give Up.
VFW To Offer Free Lunch to First Responders, Needy on Thanksgiving Day
Phillip Gabbert, Chaplain and Adjutant of VFW Post Home 8560 of Sulphur Springs and his fellow officers are spearheading a “Pay it Forward’ Thanksgiving meal for First Responders on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, 2020. starting at 11:30am, til it’s all gone. The traditional Thanksgiving take-out plate can be picked up in a drive-thru fashion at the covered entranceway of Patriot Hall, located at 1 Veterans Drive, located along East Industrial Drive. Also, if you wish to come inside, sit down and enjoy your meal there, that is also fine. The Patriot Hall ballroom has plenty of room for social distancing. The meal is free, but if you wish to give a donation or contribution, that is fine too.
According to Gabbert, ‘local businessman Ralph Bryant originally had this idea, along with his church, to prepare and serve our first responders a Thanksgiving meal in appreciation for their services. However, Ralph’s church family was not able to assist in the effort this year, so he reached out to the VFW officers. Gabbert said, “We will have turkey and the trimmings, and each plate will go out with our thanks to the city and county law enforcement, Firefighters, EMS and others who give up their time to keep our community safe at all times. And if there’s someone who is alone on Thanksgiving, they are welcome to have a meal on us too. Also, if there is someone who does not need a meal but wishes to join our efforts with a donation or contribution, that will gladly be accepted. Because we have the facilities and because we like to help in the community, we gladly seized the opportunity this year. And we will welcome a partnership with a church to carry this out for First Responders at Thanksgiving in 2021. From the officers and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8560, we wish everyone in our community a happy and safe Thanksgiving!”
