Texas Power Grid Energy Sources Wednesday
June 19, 2024 – Here is a snapshot (10:30 AM) of the energy sources powering the Texas Grid today. With overcast skies and little wind, wind and solar are producing significantly less than fossil fuels this morning.
Proposed Wind Farm Faces Lawsuit, Will Head to Trial
June 19, 2024 – Hopkins County neighbors take interest in nearby lawsuit outcome. A Cielo Wind landowner has been sued for their participation in the proposed Bug Tussle Wind Ranch that hopes to cover 30,000 acres across Fannin and Lamar counties. A neighbor of the potential 30-mile stretch of huge turbines has filed a lawsuit under the Texas Nuisance Law citing potential economic devastation and property value loss. Under that Texas law a nuisance consists of: “a condition that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of land by causing unreasonable discomfort or annoyance to persons of ordinary sensibilities attempting to use and enjoy it.“
More than a thousand residents from Fannin and Lamar counties have banded together in an effort to stop the wind farm, organizing the Facebook Group, Stop Fannin-Lamar Wind Project. Those organizers fear that neighbors along the windmill corridor will lose 25-30 percent of their land values when the huge turbines are erected.
The lawsuit reminiscent of David vs Goliath will go to trial in the 336th District Court in Fannin County, presumably heard by Judge Laurine J. Blake. Cielo Wind, per their website, states they plan to invest $300 million in the Bug Tussle Wind Ranch, partially financed using federal infrastructure bill tax credits.
Hopkins County residents continue to keep a close eye on the Fannin County lawsuit as Apex Energy plans a similar project in the Hopkins County area.
Sulphur Springs Corvette Club Donate Fans to Senior Center Fan Drive
June 16, 2024 – After a hot cup of coffee Tuesday morning at the local Whataburger, members of the local Corvette Club decided to make the summer a little cooler for some area seniors. Speeding into action, the members quickly gathered up the much needed fans to help benefit this year’s Fan Drive and delivered them to the Sulphur Springs Senior Activity Center on Oak Avenue. Corvette Club member Tim Gee said of the donation, “Our local club is proud to be first off the line to kick off this year’s Fan Drive, but this race to beat the heat could be long as hot temperatures set in for the long haul.” More help is needed as more requests will be coming in as the temperature rises. To find out how you can help, zoom in to the Sulphur Springs Senior Activity Center at 301 Oak Avenue or give director Dawna Pryor a call at (903) 885-1661. Pictured below dropping off the fans are Corvette Club members, (l-r) Ben Anglin, Matt Yosten, James Courson, Mike Hart, Lynn Luttrell, Tim Gee, and Dennis Gilbertson.
Chamber Connection – June 18, 2024
By Butch Burney
Oncor Electric Delivery is hosting a lunch for electrical, HVAC, insulation, lighting, plumbing, remodeling, roofing, window contractors and engineering to learn about Oncor’s Energy Efficiency programs.
The programs are designed to benefit residential and business customers.
The lunch is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 27 at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce.
Call the Chamber office for more information at 903-885-6515.
Stew is in the Air
It’s too hot for stew in June, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about the stew contest.
Stew cooks and sponsors, be looking for registration and sponsorship forms to be distributed in the next couple of weeks. This year’s theme for the 55th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest on Oct. 26 is Stewper Heroes.
The registration cost will remain at $100 per stew site.
Willy Wonka
The Community Players will present Willy Wonka Jr., a musical, later this month at Main Street Theatre. Production times are June 21, 22 and 28 at 7 p.m., and June 23, 29 and 30 at 2 p.m.
Go to CommunityPlayersInc.com for more more information.
Independence Day Concert
The 32nd annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks on the downtown square is set for Saturday, June 29, with the concert starting at 8 p.m.
The Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, will perform classic favorites.
Cocktails and Conversation
The Chamber’s next Cocktails and Conversation networking event is set for 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at NationsLending on Main Street.
There is no charge for the informal event, and you don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend the Cocktails and Conversation event. It is open to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Ribbon Cutting
There will be a ribbon cutting for Apple Bella Massage Therapy at 1422 Hillcrest Drive, Suite B, at noon on Thursday, June 20. Everyone is invited to the event.
Relive the Excitement of the 63rd Annual Dairy Fest Pageant and Watch Coryn Young Earn her Crown
Relive the excitement, glamor, and wonder of the 63rd Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival Pageant by checking out the video below. See how the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival came to an historical conclusion as Coryn Young earns her place on the throne to serve as our 2024 Dairy Festival Queen! Be sure to check it out, you won’t regret it!
This and That for June 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
June 18, 2024 – Bananas are great until they get overripe and turn mushy. To slow down ripening, wrap Saran Wrap around the crown to. Better, separate the bananas and wrap each one. Also, when the bananas are ripe, stick them in a refrigerator to greatly slow the overripening! Grass-fed beef only requires one days of eating grass. They can eat corn or other products the rest of their lives. Grass-finished beef means it had to eat grass for 80% of its life.
Shucking corn is always messy and a problem. To ease the process, cut off the base and put the ear, shuck and all, in your microwave for two minutes. Let it cool somewhat, and then stand it vertically grasping the hush and silk. Now, lift the husk and silk right off the ear.
You just realized you’ve got room for a couple more tomato plants? Pick a leader stem from an existing tomato plant that’s at least a foot long. Cut it off, trim all the leaves except the uppermost, and plant it (hopefully deep!). It may look like a failure for a week or more, but it should come back and provide produce in the early fall.
Fire ants aerate soil and do little to no damage. If you can’t stand them, spread non-toxic diatomaceous earth or dried molasses on and around the mound. They’ll leave. Milk will last longer if you keep it in the back of the refrigerator. Temps are colder and more consistent
Hang an overripe banana in your garden to attract beneficial insects (bees, butterflies, ladybugs & other predatory insects + hummingbirds) and repel non-beneficials (aphids & gnats). A
Wive’s tale that works. Pennies are made from copper, which is a natural fungicide. Try planting a couple around each plant in the garden to protect them.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Pivotal Institution in Supporting Dairy Industry by Mario Villarino
June 18, 2024 – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a pivotal institution in supporting the dairy industry, particularly in North Central Texas. It focuses on providing research-based education and innovative solutions to enhance dairy farming efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. AgriLife Extension’s efforts encompass various aspects of dairy production, from improving cow comfort and nutrition to addressing environmental challenges associated with dairy farming.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
One significant area of focus is dairy cow comfort. For example, at the Southwest Regional Dairy Center, cows are milked three times daily using a 24-cow rotary milking parlor, which enhances efficiency and creates a stress-free environment for the cows. The center ensures cows have constant access to high-quality feed and clean water, essential for maintaining high milk production levels. Another critical aspect of AgriLife Extension’s work is nutrient recovery from dairy waste. Research led by Dr. Eunsung Kan explores the use of biochar enhanced with metal oxides to recover nutrients from dairy effluents. This innovative approach not only recycles nutrients back to crop fields but also prevents nutrient runoff into the environment, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices
Furthermore, AgriLife Extension addresses soil and forage management. Dr. Jim Muir’s research on high-phosphorus soil phytoremediation involves using cool- and warm-season forages to recycle phosphorus from dairy manure back into the soil, improving soil fertility and crop. This research is crucial for maintaining productive and sustainable dairy farms.
In addition to research, AgriLife Extension provides extensive educational resources through programs like “Texas Dairy Matters.” This initiative offers dairy producers access to recent events, fact sheets, and management strategies, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to improve their operations. The program covers various topics, including manure management, animal welfare, and emerging technologies in dairy farming.
AgriLife Extension also engages in community outreach and education through conferences and seminars, such as the High Plains Dairy Conference. These events facilitate the exchange of knowledge among dairy producers, researchers, and industry experts, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement in the dairy. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plays a crucial role in advancing the dairy industry through comprehensive research, innovative practices, and extensive educational outreach. By focusing on cow comfort, nutrient recovery, soil management, and community engagement, AgriLife Extension helps dairy producers enhance their operations sustainably and efficiently. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected]. By combining different management strategies, pond owners can maintain healthy, productive ponds and minimize the negative impacts of invasive and excessive aquatic vegetation. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are key components of a successful pond weed management program. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Ninth Paris Junior College President Begins his Tenure
June 18, 2024 – Dr. Stephen Michael Benson, the ninth president to serve Paris Junior College as it enters its 100th year, began his tenure on Monday, June 3. His first two weeks have helped him craft a short-term listening plan.
“It is an incredible honor to be serving at the ninth president of Paris Junior College,” said Benson. “PJC plays an important role in the life of the communities that it serves, not only to educate the student of these communities, but as a partner for economic development and as a community resource.”
While this is his first serving in the role of president, Benson has a twenty-seven year career as an administrator at a variety of higher education institutions. He came to McLennan Community College in April 2017 after serving three years as the Vice President for Business Services at Florida Gateway College in Lake City, Florida.
First serving as Vice President for Finance and Administration at New River Community and Technical College in Beckley, West Virginia, Benson then became Director of Administrative Services at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1997, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Keiser University in 2016.
Benson has been actively engaged in professional organizations, including Community College Business Officers groups in West Virginia as the Vice President, in Florida, and now as the Secretary for the Texas Association of Community College Business Officers. His community involvement included serving on boards for the United Way, Creative Waco, Youth Chorus of Central Texas, McGregor Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, and church committees.
At McLennan Community College, Benson was responsible for the preparation and control of an annual budget exceeding $61 million and overseeing Financial Services, Purchasing/Auxiliary Services, Human Resources, Technology, Campus Safety/Police, Emergency & Risk Management, Physical Plant, Admissions and Recruitment, Records and Registration, Enrollment Systems, Financial Aid, and Marketing and Communication, involving over 200 employees.
Directly responsible for strategic enrollment management at McLennan, Benson led many initiatives that stabilized, then grew enrollment. Under his financial leadership, MCC added over $14 million to its unrestricted fund balance and enhanced employee salaries and benefits by $6 million. A champion of collaboration, Benson routinely used committees and task forces representing all employees to best implement change.
While at Florida Gateway College, Benson provided leadership for planning multiple construction projects, developing a facilities masterplan, establishing a public safety office, and opening a campus-operated food service. Similarly, in his Vice President role at New River Community and Technical College, he was instrumental in providing leadership for the separation of the financial operations from Bluefield State College and establishing a business office, financial aid office, and purchasing department. His leadership allowed New River to drastically expand its facilities footprint on five campuses.
In addition to his professional roles in higher education, Benson has used his musical training to serve as the music director for First United Methodist Church of Buckhannon and as the director of the Buckhannon Choral Society. Most recently he served as the Music Director of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco. Music plays a major role in the life of the Benson family.
Benson is married to Christy and they have one daughter, Kiersten. Christy is the Financial Manager for MPL Corporation, a computer software company that is based in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Kiersten graduated this spring from Midway High School in Waco, Texas and will attend the University of Texas in Austin this fall to study chemistry.
With his first two weeks complete at the College, Dr. Benson is looking forward to increasing his outreach.
“It is important for me to learn about our communities and hear from everyone,” Benson said. “I plan to spend a considerable amount of time listening to our Board of Regents, Foundation Board, employees of PJC, alumni, College friends, and the communities at large. These conversations will help me develop a clear and strategic vision and plans for the future of the College. That future is bright, and I look forward to many years at Paris Junior College.”
Tumbleweed’s New One-Man Show to Premier at The Independence Day Festivities in Fort Davis July 5th
June 18, 2024 – TUMBLEWEED SMITH WILL PREMIER HIS NEW ONE-MAN SHOW OUTLANDISH TEXANS AT 4 PM JULY 5TH DURING THE INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES IN FORT DAVIS.
HE WILL ALSO PRESENT HIS POPULAR FAVORITE A TEXAS ODYSSEY AT 2PM, SATURDAY, JULY 6TH.
HIS 30 MINUTE SHOWS ARE LIKE A MINIATURE FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL AND FEATURES THE VOICES OF SOME OF THE BEST STORY TELLERS IN TEXAS. THE SHOWS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FORT DAVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE. THERE IS NO ADMISSION FEE.
IT IS THE SECOND TIME TUMBLEWEED HAS PREMIERED A NEW SHOW IN FORT DAVIS. HE PRESENTED OUTRAGEOUS TEXAS WOMEN OF CHARACTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2022.
TUMBLEWEED’S RADIO PROGRAM, THE SOUND OF TEXAS AND HIS NEWSPAPER COLUMN; ROLLING ACROSS TEXAS ARE SYNDICATED TO NEWSPAPERS AND RADIO STATIONS IN TEXAS.
Tupperware Brands Moving All Production South
June 18, 2024 – Tupperware, the brand renowned for its plastic food containers, is closing its last US manufacturing plant in Hemingway, South Carolina. The 78-year-old company plans to relocate production to Lerma, Mexico to capitalize on cheaper labor costs.
Layoffs will begin in September. The last US plant will close for good in January 2025.
Tupperware said in a statement that it sold the Hemingway plant last year and plans to transition operations to Lerma, Mexico, noting that most of its products sold in the U.S. and Canada are already made at that plant.
“It’s important to note this decision is not a reflection of the performance of the Hemingway team,” Tupperware said in the statement. “We appreciate each of our valued team members and the many years of service they have dedicated to our salesforce and to the Company.”
Founded in 1946 by chemist Earl Tupper, the company revolutionized household food storage with its airtight plastic containers. Tupperware quickly became a household name, especially through its innovative sales strategy of home parties, where suburban housewives would gather to buy and sell the products. The Hemingway plant, opened in April 1976, has produced billions of Tupperware products over its 48-year history.
The statement added that eligible employees impacted by the layoffs will be offered severance packages and early retirement, as well as the opportunity to connect with other businesses at an upcoming job fair.
Tupperware, based in Orlando, Florida, has faced a series of struggles in recent years.
In 2020, the company initiated a turnaround plan and has been trying to execute goals including improving profitability, strengthening its balance sheet and restructuring its debt, ever since.
However, in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing in April 2023, Tupperware said that “The Company has concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the expected issuance date of its Form 10-K financial statements.”
Tupperware appointed a new CEO, Laurie Ann Goldman, in October.
