Heatwaves and Trees by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Recently, several homeowners located in Hopkins County have called the Hopkins County Extension Office commenting their concerns related to their trees. Trees have an interest effect in people: from some people are a top priority for their landscape while for others are not that significant. While an important asset to our landscape, trees have an important requirement difficult to substitute: it takes time to grow a tree and because of that, trees command an important economic decision to make.
As I did some research in the subject, I found a small amount of published data related to the impact of heatwaves on trees. Because we are going thru a series of heatwaves typical of the summer season, heat impact is one of those causes of stress during this time of the year. According to Teskey et. Al. 2014 “the number and intensity of heat waves has increased, and this trend is likely to continue throughout the 21st century. Often, heat waves are accompanied by drought conditions. It is projected that the global land area experiencing heat waves will double by 2020, and quadruple by 2040. Extreme heat events can impact a wide variety of tree functions. At the leaf level, photosynthesis is reduced, photooxidative stress increases, leaves abscise and the growth rate of remaining leaves decreases. In some species, stomatal conductance increases at high temperatures, which may be a mechanism for leaf cooling. At the whole plant level, heat stress can decrease growth and shift biomass allocation.
When drought stress accompanies heat waves, the negative effects of heat stress are exacerbated and can lead to tree mortality. However, some species exhibit remarkable tolerance to thermal stress. Responses include changes that minimize stress on photosynthesis and reductions in dark respiration. Although there have been few studies to date, there is evidence of within-species genetic variation in thermal tolerance, which could be important to exploit in production forestry systems. Understanding the mechanisms of differing tree responses to extreme temperature events may be critically important for understanding how tree species will be affected by climate change”. For the homeowner, the effect of heatwaves might impact the tree population in different ways IF the trees have a different genetic background (unrelated) since their capacity to coupe with heat might be different. If those trees are related (as often happens with wildtypes trees) the heatwaves effect might cause similar damage to the trees. Homeowners should expect change in color (photosynthesis impact), loosing of limbs and leaves (biomass shifting) and potentially death due to heatwaves. Because of the genetic difference of the trees (or lack off) the heatwave impact might be similar to some trees (those closely related) or very different in unrelated trees.
It is important to homeowner to evaluate the potential consequences of the effect of loosing a tree in the landscape: the biomass of a dead tree is very significant and the impact in existing structures and people or animals living in the location most be considered when big trees fall down because of the potential damage that this can cause. It is always recommended to be extremely cautious when making the decision to take down a tree and err on the safety side if needed. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443.
Will We Ever Cruise Again?
Most of us here at KSST love to travel by cruise ship. Whether Alaska, Caribbean, or even traversing the Panama Canal, traveling by cruise ship has wonderful qualities. But a worldwide pandemic has but the entire cruise industry on hold. The dates that cruise companies will resume cruising keep getting pushed back. The much anticipated Virgin Cruises first ship, Scarlet Lady, was supposed to debut at the end of March, then July, and then August, and finally will debut October 16th. Or will it? No one really knows when cruise ships will be allowed to resume, or when the cruise companies themselves will think it is safe to sail. Currently, the ships of all of the major cruise lines are scattered across the globe. Some floating near the Bahamas near their own private islands, and nearly three dozen ships in the Port of Manila (Philippines). One cruise company, Pullmantur, has filed for reorganization. It is a small line with only three ships based in Spain, but Royal Caribbean owns 49% of the cruise company. Royal Caribbean along with Norwegian Cruise line and Carnival (which also owns Holland America and Princess) are all waiting until October to resume cruises. But even then each line will not resume all of their ships right away, and then there is the worry of which ports of call will accept cruise ships.
Even with all of these concerns, the cruise companies are counting on demand to return quickly when the ships start sailing. With all of this confusion and uncertainty, when do you think YOU will cruise again? Vote in our poll:
[poll id=”140″]
Equipment Lease, Fireworks Contract Approved by Commissioners Court
Hopkins County Commissioners Court considered a number of items during their regular meeting Monday morning, June 22. The Commissioners Court approved a lease agreement for a backhoe, reappointment of officers and reorganization of some duties at the fire department and related budgetary amendments, security agreements for four county facilities, agreement for fireworks on the 4th of July, and inter-local agreements with 2 neighboring counties.
Equipment Lease
Hopkins County Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked the other members of the court to consider approving a 3-year lease agreement for a $112,750 backhoe. He said he plans to trade in one piece of equipment which would cost more to repair that it’s worth to apply toward equipment lease agreement. At the end of the 3 years, he’d have the option to purchase the backhoe.
The item will be leased from Asco Equipment through BuyBoard purchasing cooperative at a 7.10 percent interest rate. The equipment would be warrantied for the full 3 years, for up to 650 work hours per year. if there are any mechanical issues, the company will fix the problem and bring another loaner unit while it’s being repaired, Barker reported.
Barker said he anticipates by leasing the backhoe instead of purchasing it saving money on cost of repairs.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley pointed out that new equipment purchases are typically warrantied.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price also noted that when purchased new apparatus normally comes with a warranty from the factory.
Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook said she is concerned the high interest rate will outweigh any amount he might save in repairs costs.
Bartley asked who would be responsible for routine maintenance for the leased equipment. Barker said the company would pay for the first time for sure, but the county would be responsible for costs of routine maintenance, otherwise.
Barker said in his experience Asco is a good company to do business with.
The Commissioners Court approved the lease agreement and financing of the backhoe for Precinct 1, as well as trading an old piece of equipment from Precinct 1.
Fireworks
Also approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court was an agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks Inc. to provide a fireworks show on the 4th of July.
While the county is sponsoring Independence Day celebration with fireworks to be launched from just off the square, it won’t cost the county any money, thanks to contributions from private businesses. Grocery Supply Company and Alliance Bank will each be contributing $5,000 to pay Pyrotecnic to provide the fireworks display, according to the county judge.
“We appreciate these two businesses and others who will be involved in the night,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said.
County Treasurer Danny Davis said while the night is offered as a free family-friendly community event, the public will be asked to follow established health standards as recommended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jettribe Racing will be providing over 2,000 masks throughout the night in keeping and those attending are encouraged to follow the minimum standard protocols issued by Governor Greg Abbott regarding social distancing. Bulkley Trucking will be sponsoring the band Calvin and Calvin and One Republic will be providing cold water, according to Davis.
Newsom noted the Hopkins County Freedom Ball too has stepped up to assist with the Independence Day Celebration.
Security Systems
Hopkins County Commissioners Court also approved security proposals from Firetrol Protection Systems for four county facilities.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tanner Crump explained this will extend the security monitoring systems already in place at the 3 new District buildings and recently at the Justices of the Peace building.
The security systems would be installed at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office/Records Building and Hopkins County Courthouse first, with funding to be paid out of the current budget. The security systems for the Civic Center and county fire station would be installed later, billed for payment during the 2020-2021 budget which beings in October. Approving the agreements today locks the cost at the June 22 price, the county officials reported.
The cost will be more expensive for at least one county facility, where access controls will also be added to allow county employees to swipe a card or badge to gain entry to the building The commissioners approved the agreements. The cost for the systems was not given during the meeting.
The equipment is installed by Firetrol but is monitored at the sheriff’s office. This should provide for a much quicker response system, according to Newsom and Crump.
Previously, any alarm system in place would go to a monitoring company, where a representative would then determine who to contact and call that agency, where a dispatchers could then send an officer as needed. Crump said could delay response by 10 minutes.
If an alarm is sounded via the Firetrol system, the alert goes directly to Hopkins County Sheriff’s dispatchers so that the closest officer, whether city or county, can be sent to the location immediately to check out the situation.
For instance, an alarm is sounded at one of the county buildings. The alarm goes directly to the sheriff’s office for dispatch of an officer from the closest available agency.
“I really think this is a big step. The fire station has no system that’s workable,” said Newsom. “I’m excited for more security for Hopkins County buildings.”
Fire Department
Andy Endsley was reappointed as Hopkins County fire chief and emergency management coordinator. Mike Matthews was reappointed as county fire marshal and appointed as assistant emergency management coordinator. Kristy Springfield was officially appointed as deputy emergency management coordinator as well as designated representative/inspector for Hopkins County.
The county officials explained that the appointments are for 2 years, and it is time for reappointment of both Endsley and Matthews. Springfield was officially designated.
Endsley noted that Matthews also will be taking over environmental duties for the county, replacing an employee that was dismissed. Eventually, Endsley said, the fire department is looking to move the county fire marshal, emergency management and environmental offices under a Homeland Security umbrella, while still being part of the fire department. This should not only help streamline these departments and make them more efficient, but should also qualify the department for additional grant funding as well.
Matthews will receive training for additional duties as soon as a 3-day inspector class is available; currently the course isn’t offered until August. Springfield has picked up inspection of aerobic septic systems.
Bartley expressed concern regarding appointment of both Matthews and Springfield’s to two-year positions, as county officials are not expected to begin working on the county’s 2020-21 budget for a few weeks. He questioned whether the county is “jumping the gun” by appointing them now instead of waiting until funding for those offices has been approved in the budget.
“What I understand is funds budgeted for the previous employee are still available,” Barker said.
“We’ll have to do a budget amendment to change the positions within the budget and name the position that he’s going to be paid under, but it’s not going to be affecting money,” Aulsbrook said.
“We have to be able to designate where that money is going to so there has to be an approval for that,” Davis added.
Matthews’ pay as fire marshal has been paid for out of the fire department’s part-time budget. The funding for a litter abatement officer and an inspector will now be redirected to the fire marshal and environmental officer/enforcement.
Barker said like Bartley, he wondered if the matter shouldn’t be discussed more in budget planning before the new appointments are approved.
Aulsbrook said for the officer to be paid now for the job being done using those funds, a budget amendment is required to designate the funding appropriately.
“The COVID CARES Act has helped the county. I know there are counties not even taking advantage of it. But it has helped the county in that, as you came in this morning, you’ll notice your temperature was taken by an officer there at the door. That’s in all of our courtrooms. Those people are actually being paid for by the CARES Act. I think Kristy, and perhaps Mike, also have been paid for through the CARES Act. Much of their salary has been since the middle of March,” Newsom said, offering credit to the auditor’s office and human resources departments for making the most of the federal money that has been allotted to Hopkins County.
The county judge also noted having Matthews and Springfield perform multiple duties fits with the direction the county is currently striving for.
“I like the idea of cross training. We’re trying to do that in every department in the county. We’re cross training so we don’t ever lapse if somebody gets sick or something happens, someone else can step right up,” Newsom said. “There is so much happening in Hopkins County. We need to be on top of this.”
Having both Springfield and Matthews trained will allow things to run smoothly. Designating Springfield as the county representative would allow her to conduct emergency management and certain other businesses should Endsley or Matthews either require to be out of town or unavailable.
For instance, when the state calls to report additional positive COVID-19 cases to the county, they will not release that information to just anyone. If Endsley and Judge Robert Newsom, the emergency management director, are out of town or unavailable to take the call, Matthews and/or Springfield would be available to take the call and make the appropriate notifications at the local level, Endsley explained.
The Commissioners Court agreed to change the budget to reflect the change in duties so that Springfield and Matthews can be paid for their work.
Inter-local Agreements
Endsley asked the Commissioners Court to consider approving inter-local agreements with Franklin and Hunt Counties. This would be similar to agreements with neighboring counties for mutual aid for fire protection.
In the event HCFD needs assistance, Hunt and Franklin County officials can provide advice and lend a hand if needed with environmental matters. And, HCFD would be available to assist in the two other counties if needed as well. If something were to happen to an employee during that mutual aid, the neighbor county would not be held accountable, according to Endsley.
When asked, the county officials assured Barker that the assistance would be on an “as needed” basis.
Endsley said he anticipates likely seeking similar agreements with other neighboring counties as well.
The court approved the inter-local agreements with Franklin and Hunt counties.
Consent Agenda
Also approved at the 9 a.m. meetings Monday, June 22, was the consent agenda, which included minutes from May 26 and June 8 regular meetings and work sessions, and multiple utility distribution requests.
Farmers Electric received county approval to construct electrical power distribution facilities which will cross County Road 2322, north of Spring Creek Circle in Precinct 2; County Road 3338, east of County Road 3341 in Precinct 3; County Road 1159, north of FM 1567 in Precinct 1; and 2310, at the intersection of County Road 2448 in Precinct 2.
North Hopkins Water Supply Corporation received permission to place an extension of approximately 2,600 feet of 2-inch water line on the west side of County Road 3504, west of County Road 3511, including three creek bores.
“This is one of the longest lists for this type of things we’ve had. Thing are starting to happen here again … that have to go either over or under our roads. Actually,” Newsom pointed out, “there are many more coming that are new hookups. So there’s a lot of things happening in Hopkins County and I am pretty excited for the future. People are starting construction and going forward.”
June 22nd: Hopkins County Updates On Latest COVID-19 Cases
The Hopkins County Emergency Management Team gave a quick update on the status of COVID-19 cases Monday afternoon (June 22nd). Two new positive cases were confirmed in Hopkins County and no new recoveries were reported at this time. The Emergency Managment Team did not have any updates on the status of the the two deaths being reported by the state. One of those cases is being challenged in it’s determination by the local health authority as it is known that the patient had underlying health conditions, and although the patient tested positive for COVID-19, it is unclear if the virus was a contributing factor in his or her death. The second death case reported by the state has not been confirmed by the local authorities nor have our local authorities been contacted from the state at this time. It is not known at this time if this is a reporting error by the state (a duplicate of the first report) or if it involves someone from outside the county or state that has listed a home address inside Hopkins County.
This brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County to 50 and recoveries at 20, leaving 30 active cases.
PJC Begins Face-To-Face Classes
By PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, Public Information Services
PJC expands Summer II offerings with face-to-face classes
Working to meet the varied learning needs of students, Paris Junior College has added
several face-to-face classes to a Summer II term already offering a larger than normal number of
online classes. Financial assistance is also available to help students pay for their classes.
Summer II begins on July 8.
“PJC is giving our students as many learning options as possible,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “There were already many Summer II classes to help students stay on track and reach their educational goals. We also know that some students seek a more traditional classroom experience.”
New face-to-face classes in Paris include College Algebra, Composition II, Federal Government, Introduction to Theater, and United States History II. Anatomy & Physiology II and Public Speaking are at the PJC-Greenville Center, and the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center has Music Appreciation and United States History II. Longer periods between class times will allow
for rooms to be sanitized.
“These classes are all from the State of Texas’ approved core curriculum for transfer to a university,” said Dr. Anglin. “They are taught by outstanding faculty with deep experience. PJC has also been providing online classes since the 1990s and has great expertise in assisting our students.”
In addition to a special scholarship for area graduating high school students covering tuition for one Summer I or Summer II class, other types of financial aid are available.
Returning students who have received a federal Pell Grant and are taking at least six hours may use any remaining funds from the past year. New students planning to attend PJC for Summer II and Fall need to fill out a 2020-2021 application for federal aid at FAFSA.gov. Other scholarships may also be available at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships.
PJC continues to distribute funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds. As of June 8, 2020, $433,250 has been distributed to students under Section 18004(a)1) of the CARES Act. Also as of June 8, 994 PJC students have received a distribution under the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant.
While the College is operating remotely, all student services are fully staffed. Returning students may sign up through MyPJC or contact their student success coach at [email protected]. New students may start at [email protected]. Those with questions may call the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center at 903-885-1232.
Hopkins County Hospital District June 23 Agenda
Hopkins County Hospital District Regular Meeting of Board of Directors
Notice is hereby given that a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of Hopkins County Hospital District will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm in the Plaza Conference Room of the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at 113 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
REVISED AGENDA
- Call to Order
- Invocation
- Public Forum
- Swearing in of Board and Election of Officers
- Review and Approve Renewal of Employee Health Insurance and Benefits
- Review and Approve Asbestos Mitigation for 2 Houses on Airport Road
- Review and Approve Appointment of Subcommittee and Delegate Authority for Approvals of the Planning, Design and Construction of EMS Headquarters
- Review and Approve Rees Architectural/Engineering Services Fee
- Capital Expenditures Request
a. Lucas Devices
b. Remount of Medic
c. LTV 1200 Ventilator
d. Chevrolet Tahoe - Review and Approve Franklin County EMS Renewal Contract
- Review and Approve Financial Statements for January through April 2020
- a. Financial Statements for January through April 2020 5
- b. EMS Update and Review 6
- c. RA-QRF Mission and State Deployments
- Consent Agenda
- a. Nursing Home Reports 7
- b. Review and Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting for February 25, 2020 8
- Update for CHHA by Paul Harvey, President/CEO
- Executive Session
- a. Review Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting February 25, 2020
- Return to Regular Session
- a. Approve Executive Session Board Minutes for Regular Meeting February 25, 2020
- Adjourn
Attention Car Thieves: Stay OUT of Hopkins County
June 22, 2020 – Apparently the car thieves are not paying attention as the law enforcement officers are getting pretty good at catching people who are driving through Hopkins County in a stolen vehicle. Over this past weekend, two more incidents resulted in the arrest of people accused of “Unauthorzed Use of a Motor Vehicle” This will be the fifth time in less than a month officers of various departments in Hopkins County have apprehended someone for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
On Friday, a Hopkins County Deputy was alerted to a vehicle traveling east bound on I-30 that had previously been reported as stolen out of Texarkana. When stopped, Christopher Levell Cooksey of Texarkana made the statement that he was returning the vehicle back to it’s owner. Unfortunately for Cooksey, the Texarkana, Arkansas Police Department responded by saying the owner of the vehicle had reported the vehicle was taken by force one day prior. The driver admitted to being the person who gained its possession from the registered owner and was booked into the county jail where he remains on the UUMV charge and a bail amount of $5,000.
On Saturday, a Cumby officer observed a mini-bike riding on the North Service Road with no license plate. After stopping the rider, a check of the VIN of the mini-bike was sent through dispatch, and the vehicle was cofirmed to be stolen out of Garland, TX. Nikolaus Kayne Ward was booked into the Hopkins County Jail on Saturday and was released on Sunday after posting the $5,000 bond for UUMV charge.
Three other incidents in the past few weeks have also resulted in arrests for people accussed of UUMV. They include a pursuit of about 10 miles that resulted in two arrests, an SUV stolen from Palestine, and two youths caught by SSPD in a stolen vehicle.
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.
Man Accused Of Threatening His Girlfriend At South Broadway Street Store
A 25-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused threatening his girlfriend at a South Broadway Street store June 21, 2020.
The man allegedly struck the girlfriend’s rear view mirror inside her vehicle, damaging not only the mirror but also a section of the windshield. Then he allegedly threatened the woman, causing her to fear for her safety and that of her children, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
An off-duty deputy was alerted around 6:10 p.m. June 21 regarding the situation. The off-duty deputy called for on-duty officers. Upon arrival, deputies were made aware of the situation. The man was taken into custody at the South Broadway Street business Sunday, June 21, and transported to jail on a charge of assault by threat, according to arrest reports.
The 25-year-old Sulphur Springs resident remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, June 22, on the Class C misdemeanor charge, according to 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.
Vandalism At Kid’s Kingdom
The Sulphur Springs Police Department reported on some vandalism that occurred at Kid’s Kingdom at Buford Park sometime between 10am Friday, June 19th and 9am Saturday, June 20th. Crimestoppers is paying a reward of up to $1000 for information in this case. If you have any information that could help solve this crime, you are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 903-885-2020, and you may remain anonymous.
Kid’s Kingdom was built over 20 years ago, through an effort where the community came together providing the labor, tools, and equipment needed to construct the massive playground. It is enjoyed by literally thousands of children each year, with other communities bussing in children from other areas for the day to enjoy the area. The City of Sulphur Springs parks department is tasked with the maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of the playground, which is sometimes challenging due to the abuse from those using it. This latest vandalism shows the disregard from someone of the literally thousands of labor hours that were donated by community members to make this dream a reality.
State Reports SECOND COVID-19 Death for Hopkins County
On June 21st the Texas Department of State Health Services has reported that another person has died in Hopkins County due to complications of COVID-19. This is the second death reported from the state health authority. No more information is known about either one of the cases or patients at this time. On June 20th, the first death from COVID-19 was reported by the state, and confirmed by county officials but the Local Health Authority of Hopkins County is challenging the determination as the patient had underlying health conditions.
The State website shows that 2,182 Texans have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began and 240 out of the 254 counties in the state have had at least one person testing positive for the coronavirus. Almost half of the counties in Texas (126 out of 254) have recorded at least one death as well.
The Texas Department of Health Services website shows positive cases, deaths, and recoveries by county. That website can be found by clicking here: TSDHS Covid-19
Hopkins County had been showing a positive turn this past week as 5 new positive cases were reported but 12 recoveries were reported as well. That changed for the worst over the weekend as the first death (although disputed) was reported along with two new positive cases on Saturday. So far, Hopkins County officials nor the Local Health Authority has confirmed knowledge of this second fatality reported by the state, as the flow of information from the state back to the counties is less than ideal.
