Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – April 7, 2020
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell presented the following report to Sulphur Springs City Council during the April 7, 2020 meeting conducted via Zoom and online:
COVID-19 RESPONSE
- All City offices are closed to the public except by appointment.
- Much of City staff are alternating workdays.
- Police and Fire have instituted new procedures for dealing with persons suspected of COVID-19.
- Police and Fire have their temperature taken when arriving at work.
- Meetings are conducted virtually when possible.
- Department Heads, the City Manager and the Mayor meet 3 times each week (virtually) to coordinate our efforts.
- Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief and Fire Chief attend EOC briefings three times per week.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The issues I previously reported with the blowers have been resolved. All 3 blowers are operating without issues. We have returned the rented blower. I expect to close out our contract with Gracon this month.
GRAYS BUILDING
Specifications are being written for the new Grays building. I expect to advertise for bids in 60 days. In the meantime we will build up the pad for the building.
BELLVIEW STREET
The water main was completed this month. Next up will be cement stabilization of the subgrade and asphalt pavement. Unfortunately street work can’t begin until Atmos has replaced their line. I expect Atmos won’t be finished for 90 days.
MCCANN STREET – HOLIDAY DRIVE
These streets are up next on our list of capital improvement projects. We have begun doing some investigative work onsite, but we are discussing the possibility of delaying the project until we have a better understanding of the financial impact of the pandemic. We may be scheduling this topic at a future City Council meeting.
CONNALLY STREET
The sidewalk on the north side of the street is completed. We will start on the other side of the street soon.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM – The Capital Construction Division replaced various curb segments for the streets that will be repaved in this year’s Street Improvement Program, (S.I.P.). The S.I.P. is funded by a combination of General Fund revenues and the Street Maintenance Fee on the water bill. I expect the contractor, Texana Land and Asphalt to begin as soon as weather permits. The following streets will be repaved this year:
S.H. 11 WIDENING (LIFT STATION)
The lift station is operational. All that remains is a little TxDOT paperwork.
CLAIMS
We had 3 minor worker’s compensation claims in March and zero liability claims. We submitted a property claim to the TML Risk Pool for a police cruiser that was totaled in a pursuit.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will give a year- to-date report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Conducted 20 building inspections, 23 electrical inspections, 10 plumbing inspections and 7 mechanical inspections and issued 15 building permits.
- Responded to 174 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires and 2 vehicle fires.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 20 fire hydrants.
- Performed 15 fire inspections and reviewed 15 pre-fire plans.
- Checked out 2306 items from the library and 755 eBooks.
- Sold 1,640 gallons of AvGas and 5,100 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids count of .54 mg/L.
- Repaired 3 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 7 water meters.
- Unstopped 32 sewer mains.
- Repaired 4 sewer mains.
- Washed 70,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Flushed 36 dead-end water mains.
- Treated 132 million gallons of potable water.
- Responded to 164 animal control calls while achieving a 93% adoption rate.
- Made 8 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 42 accidents, wrote 354 traffic citations, recorded 57 offenses and made 51 arrests in the Patrol Division.
- Performed 8 major street repairs following utility repairs.
- Replaced 310 feet of curb and gutter in preparation for Street Improvement Program.
- Patched 422 potholes.
- Installed “No Parking” signs on Connally Street.
Tira Residence Destroyed By Blaze
Donations Accepted Thursday At Community Chest For Residents
A Tira residence was destroyed by a blaze Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Emergency dispatchers were first contacted at 3:35 p.m. April 7; the caller reported the FM 1536 home was reported to be fully engulfed flames. Hopkins County, Tira, North Hopkins, Dike and Sulphur Bluff firefighters were dispatched. Hopkins County EMS and Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies also responded.
When Hopkins County EMS, who had been staging at 19 and FM 71, arrived on scene, personnel confirmed a single story brick house was fully involved with fire. They were able to ascertain the woman and her son, who resided at the home, were out of the house. The family’s dogs were reportedly found in the fenced area behind the house. The neighbors went over and got the dogs, according to fire reports.
Delta County firefighters were contacted for mutual aid; Cooper and Klondike responded. Hopkins County EMS and the Salvation Army provided rehab for firefighters on scene. The Red Cross was contacted by phone fore a teleconference regarding the situation, according to officials.
Hopkins County Fire Department is still investigating; no cause had been determined yet.
A hotel room was provided for the two residents, Hopkins County Community Chest Director Judy Moore and her son, Gene, who also volunteers at HCCC.
Those who would like to help may donate clothing for the displaced residents may do so at Community Chest on Linda Drive in Sulphur Springs, on Thursday, April 9. Needed are ladies size 2X clothing and size 6 1/2 shoe; and men’s size 38 x 32 pants, XL shirts and size 10 1/2 shoes.
Plane Crash Reported In Pecan Gap
A plane crash reported in Pecan Gap Tuesday evening resulted in serious injuries for the pilot, Delta County authorities reported.
The crop dusting plane reported clipped a tree and crashed into a field off FM 64 in Pecan Gap at 7:07 p.m. April 7, 2020, catching on fire. The pilot reportedly dragged himself out of the plane and about 300 yards away to a back porch. The residents reported seeing the crash through a window, spotted the man and called for help, according to Delta County Sheriff’s Office.
Delta County Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Deputies and Constable; Hopkins County EMS; and Lifestar responded at the crash site.
The pilot sustained burns throughout his body. He was flown to Parkland Hospital for treatment. No additional information was available Wednesday, according to DCSO reports.
Bob Evans Foods Offering Free Food For Families On Good Friday
Bob Evans Foods is will be offering free food for families on Good Friday. The company will be bringing two 18-wheeler trucks loaded with egg and potato products to be given away in bundles to the first 2,400 families who arrive, completely free of charge, on April 10.
Families will be able to get a bundle of groceries April 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Civic Center Arena. This is a drive-through process; people are not to leave their cars.
To receive a bundle, simply get in line, pull through the arena, have groceries placed in the trunk, and then pull away.
“It’s that easy! We have enough groceries to give to 2,400 families! This is only occurring on Friday, and once they are gone, they are gone,” said Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce President Lezley Brown.
COVID-19 Update: CHRISTUS Officials Report Hospital, Clinic Are Open and Safe
Hospital Officials: COVID-19 Test Results Are Coming Back Quicker
During a meeting with Hopkins County Emergency Management Team Wednesday, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs officials gave an COVID-19 update which included information on hospital preparedness, COVID-19 testing and wait times, and reporting.
Hospital Preparedness
“It is a safe place to come and get your care at hospital and in the clinic,” CMFH-SS CEO Paul Harvey said. “Our number one goal is to provide a safe place to have care in Hopkins County.”
While some places across the state or nation may be reporting shortages, Harvey said CMFH-SS has plenty of beds available to treat COVID-19 patients as well as other patients. The hospital has 96 licensed beds, and has 77 beds available at any time for medical surgical, ICU or COVID-19 patients in Northeast Texas. The facility also have ventilators available.
Harvey and Dr. Martin Fielder, chief medical officer for CMFH-SS, report the hospital and clinic are ready to “take on any surge” in COVID-19 patients, if it were to come to that. In anticipation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital has converted the ICU into a COVID 19 unit that is “set up to be completely isolated from the rest of the hospital.” ICU has been moved. They report the CHRISTUS hospital and clinic have the ventilator capacity and staff to be able to take on that type of a surge. Different PPE is designated to care for COVID-19 patients for the safety of all patients and associates.
Fielder said the hospital is also now beginning to reschedule patients whose care was delayed at the outset of the pandemic as a precaution.
“We are reading the environment and adapting to the situation. We are able to meet many needs in a safe area. Our infection control specialists are on top of this,” Fielder said.
He clarified that these may include surgeries and procedures that are needed, but did not have to be performed immediately. CHRISTUS facilties will continue to adapt along with the COVID-19 situational changes. CMFH-SS and clinic operates utilizing guidance from the corporate Irving and Regional Tyler offices.
Other outpatient care has moved to video and telephone visits, when possible, for both specialist and primary care. This is an added safety measure in keeping with state, federal and local guidelines. This has proved especially helpful for those patients who might feel uncomfortable going out during these times.
Speed of Results, Testing Process
Dr. Fielder said exciting news from a testing standpoint is that testing for COVID-19 has shorter results times, especially if the test is done at a hospital.
Testing continues be conducted on a priority basis as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control on outpatient basis and inpatient basis. Testing from CHRISTUS labs are going to the labs in Tyler, which means a faster turnaround time. Tests taken “in-house” are coming back within a day.
CHRISTUS is working to get more test kits and cartridges to conduct more tests. Testing should soon be moving to blood testing, which are antibody testing. Fielder said he hopes to have this testing in the CMF hospital soon. That could mean results in hours instead of days.
“We are starting to antibody test as of today, which will speed up results within hours. I’m not sure the exact time frame when we’ll have that in Sulphur springs, but I expect within the week or early part of next week,” Fielder said.
Antibody tests can detected IGM and IGG. IGM results show early infestation, and IGG shows later infection and may stay positive for an extended period of time, according to Fielder.
The number of people who can be tested varies daily based on availability of swabs and test kits. Initially, individuals were tested using both.
Hopkins County Hospital District COO/Director of EMS Brent Smith, when asked, said he does not foresee EMS performing COVID-19 testing, unless standards change.
“We aren’t certified to perform tests, because of the sterilization process involved,” Smith said.
Who Gets Tested
Individuals continue to be tested based on the three levels of criteria established by the CDC and Texas Department of State Health Services.
Health care providers make a judgement call on who is tested based on where the individual falls in the three categories, according to Fielder.
The most common symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, a deep cough that is typically considered pneumonia.
Test numbers
Hopkins County as of 3 p.m. continues to have only four confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, with one of those four individuals reported to have recovered from novel coronavirus. Positive cases represent people whose address is Hopkins County, and whose case has been reported to the state health authorities, the CHRISTUS and HDEMT officials reported.
Thus, this does not necessarily reflect the number of cases tested in Hopkins County. If a person who lives outside of Hopkins County is tested at a Sulphur Springs facility and has a positive result for COVID-19 and is treated in Hopkins County, that positive case will be attributed to the county in which lives. That’s the way the state is handling information.
At this time, no additional details will be released about COVID-19 patients; this is to protect their privacy and follow HIPPA guidelines and procedures of the department of health and health authority in an area. Because of the legal patient protection rights, officials are limited in information they receive and are able to release.
Testing counts are being provided by healthcare partners to Smith, who is reporting confirmed information.
“Some other counties are covered by a public health department. IT’s a Different process with DSHS. We have a local health authority. We receive limited information. It boils down to manpower, what information is allowed to be shared from different health authorities. It’s a complex web. DSHS is over all of it,” Smith said.
Because some areas of the community are so small, giving an age and community of residence could potentially identify an individual.
The officials said as new health processes are implemented and the situation continues to evolve, it’s possible the local health authority may be able to release some demographics in the near future, Smith said.
Step Pay Increase Approved For Sulphur Springs Police Department Officers
Sulphur Springs City Council Tuesday night approved a step pay raise for police officers. All certified officers will be getting a $4,000 increase per step of the officer step plan, which is equivalent to a 7 percent increase on average.
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported the department lost six officers in the last three years, and currently has two officers who are in the interview process with other agencies as well. The pay increase should help with recruitment for and retention of good officers, as it would make SSPD more competitive with other similarly sized departments in the area.
Also, in 2016, Sulphur Springs Fire Department received a 13 percent across the board increase in pay, while SSPD officers received an average 7 percent pay increase, with a fitness stipend which they could opt to strive to earn additional benefits. Because of the high standards for the fitness program are so high, it is hard for officers to meet; less than one-third of officers were able to pass the standard in the last 6 months
By doing away with the fitness program and using those funds, plus adjustments to other areas of the SSPD budget, the raise could be given staring next month without having to add any additional funding the police department budget. The city starting in the next fiscal year would need to budget for additional $63,000 for SSPD in future to cover the step increase, officials proposed.
The City Council voted unanimously to the proposed $4,000 step pay increase.
“I really think this is something we needed to do. I am happy to do it. I hope this will help you and your department,” Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers told Ricketson.
Update: Tip Results In Two Arrests And Recovery of Two Stolen Vehicles
A tip to Hopkins County sheriff’s officers Tuesday resulted in two arrests and recovery of two stolen vehicles, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s deputies reported receiving a tip indicating where they might find a lime green tow truck that had been reported April 6 to Greenville Police Department as stolen, according to arrest reports.
The stolen wrecker, valued at more than $40,000, was located by sheriff’s investigators and recovered from Commerce Sand & Gravel, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Wade Sheets.
The officers spoke with 19-year-old Dalton Eugene Tucker of Quinlan, who was reportedly in possession of the stolen truck. The teen allegedly confessed to driving the green wrecker. Tucker was arrested at 10:57 a.m. April 7 for theft of property valued at more than $30,000 but less than $150,000 against the elderly, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Marney and Investigator Michael Russell alleged in arrest reports.
Investigators also spoke with 19-year-old Daniel Allen Saulters of Terrell in connection with wrecker. Saulters allegedly confessed to being in the green wrecker, which had been confirmed as stolen out of Greenville Police Department.
After being interviewed later Tuesday about the stolen tow truck. He allegedly admitted knowledge that the truck was stolen as was another vehicle, a 2008 Ford Mustang, which he’d ridden around in over the past two days. Consequently, Saulters too was taken into custody at 5:30 p.m. and jailed for theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000 against the elderly, Russell and Sheets alleged in arrest reports.
During their investigation, officials received information, which they relayed to Hunt County officials, regarding the location of the Mustang. Hunt County officials recovered the stolen 2008 Ford Mustang in that county, according to Sheets.
Both Tucker and Salters remained in Hopkins County jail, Wednesday morning. Tucker’s bond on the theft charge was set at $30,000, according to jail reports.
(HCSO photo)
Chamber Connection- April 9
Here are a few things I wanted to share with you today…
I’m seeing some of the most beautiful and heartwarming things happening in our community. We have such good people doing such good things. Keep it up, my friends… I think we are in for a long haul. But don’t think about the long haul, just think about today. How can I make today awesome for someone? My youngest spontaneously wrote a message to her daddy in chalk on the driveway. All it said was, “You are amazing.” That’s all it took … happiness won. We are just looking for the good, and it abounds.
Texas A&M-Commerce to host Virtual Career Fair, April 16
Students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend Texas A&M-Commerce’s Virtual All Majors & Teacher Career Fair on April 16 from 12-7pm. More than 50 hiring entities will be in attendance to recruit candidates for full-time jobs and internships. Register today at http://tamuchirealion.easyvirtualfair.com. If you have questions about the fair, please contact Bethany Ferrall at [email protected]. If you are an alumni or student who needs a resume review or help with your job search, please visit tamuc.joinhandshake.com to set up a resume review appointment with your career coach.
Here is an update to life as we know it right now, and it is changing quickly!
Chamber of Commerce
We are postponing our Chamber Golf Tournament to Friday, June 19. Our lobby is closed to visitors at this time. We have forwarded our phones and will be answering them Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Chamber will be closed on Friday, April 10, for Good Friday.
Restaurants
All restaurant sit-down dining has been halted until April 30. Most have moved to curbside service and some are even offering home delivery. Just call ahead and visit with your favorite restaurant, and they will bring your food out to you. You can also visit “Takeout Together” on Facebook and Instagram. This is a place where restaurants are publishing current information and items they are offering.
Banking
Most financial institutions have closed their lobbies are banking by appointment. Most transactions can be handled online, and they are also available by phone.
Shopping
Most clothing stores are offering online shopping, curbside pickup, and even doorstep delivery. Please, please don’t forget about your favorite place to shop during this time. They are all fearful and need your help!
Groceries
Our grocery stores have changed their hours of operation. They are closing at nigh to disinfect and re-stock shelves. They are also limiting quantities of items that you can purchase. Hopefully, this will help distribute goods in a more effective manner.
Pharmacies
Our pharmacies are open. Some have closed their lobbies but can be reached through the drive through or curbside service.
Museums, Theatre
All museums are closed to the public. Most of them still have staffers and can be reached by phone. Main Street Theatre is also closed.
Library, Senior Citizen Center
Closed indefinitely. Meal-A-Day is still making daily deliveries.
Hotels
All of our hotels are open for business and have increased their cleaning protocols.
Energy Companies
Our energy companies have closed their lobbies to visitors but can be reached by phone if needed.
Insurance Companies
Most of our insurance companies have closed their lobbies, but they are open and goin strong by phone and email.
Hospital
For the safety and health of the community and ministry, CHRISTUS Health is screening all associates and visitors to hospitals to help lessen the risk of infectious disease transmission among patients, associates, and guests.
- 1) Entrance to hospital through Emergency Department 24/7
- (1) Visitor per patient
- Visitors must be between the ages of 16 years-old and 65-years old
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7am to 7pm (subject to change)
- NEW effective 4/6/2020: ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
School Districts in Hopkins County
All school districts in Hopkins County have moved to online learning.
SSISD: Free Meals Provided by SSISD
As of Tuesday, March 17, SSISD Food Services is providing FREE meals for ALL SSISD students AND any community children who are between the ages of 1-18. Meals will be available for pick-up each Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. until further notices. Students will be able to pick up one breakfast and one lunch meal at this time. Students do not have to attend any one of these campuses to participate. Pick-up areas will be curbside grab-and-go and will be held at the following locations across
Sulphur Springs:
- SSES (Lee Street bus lane)
- Bowie (Mockingbird Lane student drop off/pick up lane)
- Bush (South bus lane circle to awning), and
- Douglass (Calvert Street awning).
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office, Civic Center
Both are open with limited staff.
Business Highlight
During the year 2020, The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a business each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for April 9, Jeff’s Carpet Cleaning.
Hicks: Navigating Tough Financial Times During The COVID-19 Pandemic
By Johanna Hicks
In addition to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families are also having to deal with unexpected financial concerns. For many people, the situation has been just as difficult — possibly even more difficult — from a financial standpoint, according to Joyce Cavanagh, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist in family economics and disaster assessment and recovery, College Station. Many have had their hours cut or have been temporarily or permanently laid off, and this has added another layer of stress at an already hard time.
Cavanaugh suggests the following to help the financial situation:
- Establish a spending plan and prioritize: It is important to recognize fixed, variable, discretionary and occasional expenses so you can organize your cash flow, prioritize those expenses and determine which you may or may not be able to pay. You also need to understand the possible consequences of not paying certain bills. Many utility companies, service providers, corporations and others are now making allowances for the current financial situation by offering payment extensions and other options for easing some of the financial stress. Cavanaugh says, “If there’s one specific piece of advice I’d give people in financial straits or anticipating hard times financially, it would be to contact their creditors, explain their financial situation and see if the creditor is making allowances or offering some sort of temporary relief. One of the main things you want to do is lighten your overall debt load wherever possible, but you don’t want to just ignore your bills as that could be to your long-term financial detriment.” She noted, however, if unable to pay some bills, then the bills having the highest priority are “survival” expenses, such as food, shelter, utilities and work-associated expenses.
- Look for additional ways to save: Be sure you look at each expense and see where you can eliminate anything you don’t need, like extra movie channels on your cable or satellite service or home services you’re paying for that you or never use. While some U.S. industries have been hard hit by coronavirus pandemic, others are adding jobs and there may be opportunities there. Cavanagh said depending on the situation and risk comfort level, this may also be a good time to re-examine and re-evaluate insurance coverages for home and auto. “You probably don’t want to take the risk of eliminating health insurance, but as far as home and auto insurance go, you might be able to reduce some coverage or go to a higher deductible for a lower rate,” Cavanaugh states.
- Who to trust – and not trust: There are scammers who will try to take advantage of people during the current crisis — both in-person and online — including those who claim to represent legitimate financial institutions, service companies or charitable organizations. Follow the same protections you would in normal times but be even more vigilant as scammers and defrauders view a crisis or disaster as a moneymaking opportunity. Precautions include not sharing personal information in-person, online or by telephone with someone you don’t know; not responding to or opening unsolicited links, texts or messages; or opening attached documents unless the sender has notified you. Be suspicious of any special ‘promotions’ being offered, especially those requiring an immediate response, and only deal with merchants, providers and charities you know to be reputable.
- Extension resources for tough financial times: The Texas Extension Disaster Education Network, or Texas EDEN, contains links for information and resources relating to finances. Visit the website at: https://texashelp.tamu.edu/
Hopkins County Family And Community Health Facebook Page
While you are perusing your social media, be sure to “like” the Hopkins County Family & Community Health Facebook page. I attempt to add daily posts dealing with topics varying from youth activities to food safety. I am aiming for the goal of 300 “likes” by the end of April. You will see articles, pictures, and posts on local happenings, as well as great information too improve your health and wellness. Give it a try!
Closing Thought
Wash your hands. Health matters!
What To Know Before Taking On A Backyard Poultry Flock
By Dr. Mario Villarino
Backyard chicken flocks for meat or egg production are a growing trend among rural, suburban and even urban dwellers, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Craig Coufal, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension poultry specialist and associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Poultry Science at Texas A&M University, said increasing numbers of consumers want to know the source of their food. Producing eggs and poultry at home is part of that movement.
There are a number of considerations for backyard poultry beginners before they start a flock, he said. There is a range of informational resources available to prospective and established backyard poultry producers, Coufal said.
Investing in a barnyard flock is an upfront and ongoing expense. So, owners should consider what their expectations for the flock will be. Is it for the satisfaction of producing your own eggs and/or meat? Is it to make a profit or reduce the food bill?
“I will tell you now that it’s cheaper to go to the grocery store and buy eggs,” Coufal said. “But there is something about having homegrown eggs. It’s like producing your own vegetables, and I understand that. But it takes commitment and work to produce meat and eggs on a break-even scale much less turn a profit. But it can be done.”
Good nutritious feed helps egg-producing hens “build” their eggs, Coufal said. Even free-range chickens should be provided supplemental feed if producers want to maximize egg production.
“A young egg-producing breed should be producing an egg a day at around twenty-five weeks,” Coufal said. “That tapers off as they get older, but you will maximize production if you provide the right amount of protein, nutrients and vitamins to their diet and help the hen build her egg.”
Chickens can live for many years, but their egg production will reduce as they age. So maximum egg production, and thus reduced cost, is achieved with younger hens. If the backyard flock is producing for commercial sale, owners should know the applicable rules and regulations governing the operation, he said. Backyard producers in urban or suburban areas should also look at applicable regulations regarding chicken numbers and noise and odor abatement before investing time and money.
“Backyard flocks have grown in popularity over the last several years,” Coufal said. “It’s fun and satisfying work, but there is a lot more to it than just buying some chicks and collecting eggs.”
Coufal said it’s important for backyard flocks to include birds from reputable sources. This reduces the chance of buying incorrect sexes depending on production desires and birds that could be carrying disease without showing any symptoms.
Look for National Poultry Improvement Plan, NPIP, certified hatcheries, Coufal said. Many reputable poultry producers can be found online and will deliver vaccinated chicks. When purchasing ask for documentation regarding disease testing for diseases like Pullorum-Typhoid, Coufal said.
Buying from certified growers also reduces the possibility of exposing an existing flock to a disease when new birds are introduced.
For more information about this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
