Killing Thistles for Good From Master Gardener David Wall
June 2, 2024 – Thistles are a great attraction for pollinators. The flowers are very attractive, and the plant has several medicinal qualities. On the other hand, they’re as tough a weed as you’ll find anywhere. Their tap root is known to go down as far as over 15’, and it annually puts out many thousands of ultralight seeds.
When living in the country, I used to go out with a hoe and chop them down, which really amounted to nothing more than keeping them in check, because even chopped down, that tap root will bring them back, and who wants to dig that far down to get “all” the tap root.
Fortunately, there’s an organic, effective, and easy way to eliminate thistles. Horticultural vinegar kills the above ground plant and the below ground taproot. Local feed stores should have it or be able to order it for you.
Vinegar you buy in the grocery store is usually 3-5% acid. Horticultural vinegar is a stronger version, weighing in at anywhere from 15-50% acidity. For regular weeds, I use 30% diluted with water to 15%. For thistles, a minimum of 30% is needed, but 35-45% is best.
For garden use, I use a handheld spray bottle, get right next to the weeds, and lightly spray. You don’t want to “generally” spray, because the mist will kill whatever it touches. A similar, but more pinpoint method is used to kill thistles.
With a good pair of garden shears or scissors, cutdown the thistle no more than a few inches above ground. Immediately use a small spray bottle or even an eye dropper, to get the vinegar directly on the exposed cut. The plant will attempt to seal the cut and readily allow the vinegar to penetrate the plant veins and be carried down the tap root.
Watch for Bridge Repair Crews Working in Five Counties
June 2, 2024 – PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that several bridges in five counties will undergo maintenance and erosion control repairs beginning June 2.
The contractor, DCC Construction and Services LLC, was granted 213 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $1.7 million. The contractor anticipates starting work June 3 in Hopkins County. The target completion date for this project is July 2025.
The contractor will perform maintenance for erosion control and needed concrete repairs, officials said. Daytime lane closures may be present during construction.
This project will occur in these locations: Delta County, portions of FM 2068; Fannin County, portions of SH 78, SH 121, FM 896, FM 1753, FM 1553 and FM 151; Grayson County, portions of US 69, US 75, US 82 SH 91, Spur 503, FM 814, FM 3133 and FM 131.
In Hopkins County, portions of I-30, I-30 frontage road, FM 1567 and FM 2297. In Lamar County, portions of FM 79.
Motorists who travel frequently in these areas are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
Paris District Road Report for Week of June 3, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 3, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Tips to avoid aggressive driving
Operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people or property is aggressive driving. Road rage occurs when behavior becomes violent. If caught you can be fined up to $200 for each violation.
Tips to avoid aggressive driving:
- Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
- Plan ahead and anticipate delays.
- Focus on your own driving. Be cautious and considerate.
- Avoid creating a situation that may cause provocation.
- Give angry drivers plenty of room.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Use the left lane only when passing.
- Use your horn sparingly.
- Don’t tailgate or flash your lights behind someone.
- Don’t yell obscenities, respond to aggressive drivers, or make inappropriate hand gestures.
- If you’re concerned for your safety, call 911.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access Eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
Watch for lane closures on eastbound and westbound Spur 503 while crews build temporary detour pavement sections.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work on a pavement overlay project that will begin June 3.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek will be closed to through traffic beginning June 3 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions. Watch for daytime lane closures on eastbound US 82 between Frisco Road and FM 1417 as workers install a center median concrete barrier.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform the final punch list work on this project to overlay the roadways within the Park. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, from Center Avenue to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 902, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek Bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek Bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning June 17 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at the Sandy Creek bridge will be closed to thru traffic beginning June 17 as the contractor replaces the existing bridge. Message boards will be placed in advance of the road closures to alert local traffic of the upcoming closure. During the detour traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform tree trimming operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor is working on placing HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes; this operation will continue for the next several days. The contractor will then begin mill and overlay work to improve ride condition this week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations and performing concrete median work and placing signal drill shafts on University Street and signal box controller pads at various locations. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final striping and signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor was placing and repairing pavement due to potholes and base failures on FM 2642. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: Work has begun converting the frontage roads to a one-way configuration. The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work and repairing signs. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
#ole repair work and finishing up seal coat prep work. Crews will work on FM 1532 performing base repair work. Rains County crews worked on FM 2795 performing edge work, spot base repair on FM 3274, and addressed complaints on various roadways. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
Safe Summer Fun in the Sun at Cooper Lake
May 31, 2024 – Cooper, TX – It’s the start of summer and there will be plenty of things to do at Cooper Lake State Park! When planning your next trip, be sure to think about how you can stay safe in the Texas summer heat. When you come out to hike, it’s important to stay hydrated so bring plenty of water for yourself and those joining you, including pets. Sunshine is nice but when you come out to swim or catch some fish, be sure to use sunscreen and spend some time in the shade if you start to get too hot. Be sure to check out our sand volleyball court on your next visit. Here at Cooper Lake State Park, we want you to be safe so everyone can have fun!
There are plenty of events to attend this month at Cooper Lake State Park. Kicking off the month is Fishing with the Ranger on June 1st from 9am to 11am at the Doctors Creek Unit and South Sulphur Unit. On June 2nd there will be Art in the Park at both units starting at 10am. Join us on June 8th for a guided hike at either unit starting at 9am. The hike at Doctors Creek will start at the Pelican Point parking lot and the South Sulphur hike will start at the Buggy Whip trailhead. On Saturday, June 15th at Doctors Creek, there will be Kayaking 101 from 9am to 11am. Those interested will need to register if you need to borrow a kayak from the park, and children under 10 will need to be with an adult. You can register for this event by contacting Alicia O’Connor at Alicia.o’[email protected]. On June 15th at South Sulphur, kids can become Junior Rangers, just meet up at HQ at 3pm. The next day, June 16th there will be a skins and skulls presentation at South Sulphur at 10am. June 22nd there will be Roving with the Ranger at Doctors Creek from 9am to 10am and a Moonlit Walk at South Sulphur starting at the Coyote Run trailhead at 8pm. Come stargazing at Doctors Creek on June 28th, meet us on the swim beach at 8:30pm. On June 29th there will be a skins and skulls presentation at 9am for Doctors Creek and a guided hike at South Sulphur starting from the Buggy Whip trailhead at 10am. Our final event of the month will be our Becoming a Junior Ranger program on June 30th at the South Sulphur unit starting at 10am.
All programs are free with your entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903)395-3100).
Doctors Creek
Saturday, June 1 – DC
Fishing with the Ranger: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at the Lone Pine Boat Launch Area. Bring your own fishing gear or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, June 2 – DC
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion –
Let loose your inner artist. All art supplies provided. The great outdoors is our inspiration!
Saturday, June 8 — DC
Guided Hike – 9 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Parking Lot. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, the pocket prairie, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Saturday, 15 — DC
Kayaking 101 – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Registration required if borrowing one of our kayaks – Meet at Lone Pine Kayak Launch – Learn to kayak, then go for an instructor lead paddle around the cove. Children under ten years old must be with an adult in kayak. Life jackets will be provided and worn by all participants. You are welcome to bring your own kayak(s) and life jackets. Please ask about available kayak sizes when registering. Contact Alicia O’Connor – alicia.o’[email protected] or call (903) 395-3100 to register.
Saturday, June 22 – DC
Roving with the Ranger – 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Stop our roving ranger to find out what they are sharing about a natural resource of the park.
Friday, June 28 — DC
Stargazing – 8:30 p.m. Meet at the swim beach. We’ll have the telescopes out. How many constellations can you see and name?
Saturday, June 29 – DC
Skins and Skulls – 9 a.m. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Headquarters – Get an inside look at some of the mammals of the park.
South Sulphur
Saturday, June 1 – SS
Fishing with the Ranger: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall in the Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, June 2 — SS
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion – Let loose your inner artist. All art supplies provided. The great outdoors is our inspiration!
Saturday, June 8 — SS
Guided Hike – 9 a.m. Meet at the Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail Head. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on the Little Blue Stem trail getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, and the flora of the park.
Saturday, June 15 – SS
Becoming a Junior Ranger – 3 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Do you have what it takes to become a Jr. Ranger? Check your skills and complete the tasks.
Sunday, June 16 – SS
Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Headquarters – Get an inside look at some of the mammals of the park.
Saturday, June 22 — SS
Moonlight Walk – Meet at Coyote Run Trailhead, 8 p.m. Join us on a moonlit walk on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the nightlife along the trail, and the pocket prairie. Did you hear that? What was that noise?
Saturday, June 29 – SS
Guided Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at the Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail Head. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on the Little Blue Stem trail getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, and the flora of the park.
Sunday, June 30 – SS
Becoming a Junior Ranger – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Do you have what it takes to become a Jr. Ranger? Check your skills and complete the tasks.
Dinner Bell for June 5th, 2024
IT IS DAIRY FESTIVAL TIME IN SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS!!!
The Reigning Dairy Festival Queen, Caroline Prickett, and the 2024 contestants will grace the feeding ministry with their sleeves “rolled up” to fill the meal boxes and hand them to those persons in line to secure a meal.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
This menu contains many dairy items such as butter, cheese, sour cream and other products that make the meal rich, tasty and enjoyable!
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Hash Brown Casserole
Fresh Vegetable Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Banana Pudding
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Scholarship Winner
May 30, 2024 – Silvina Epperson , announces Mallory Wheat as the recipient of a $1,000.00 scholarship from the Hopkins County Genealogical Society. Mallory, a 2024 graduate of Cumby High School, was the winner of the 500 word essay contest titled “My Favorite Ancestor.” HCGS received thirteen wonderful entries this year and the judging was very tight. Each entry was very touching as the seniors shared their family members and how that person had influenced them personally. Congratulations to Mallory and best wishes for her great success in the years to come.
Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center Names First Associate Director
May 30, 2024 – Maureen Spill appointed as center’s inaugural associate director by Lindsay Hess.
The Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center has named Maureen Spill, Ph.D., as its first associate director. Maureen Spill, Ph.D., has been appointed as the associate director at the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center. (Lindsay Hess/Texas A&M AgriLife) Spill joined the Evidence Center as the program lead for nutrition and health in 2021 and brings vast expertise in nutrition research and evidence synthesis to the position.
“I’m honored and excited to continue to support the Evidence Center in the new role of associate director,” Spill said. “With the Evidence Center’s commitment to groundbreaking evidence synthesis and research, I’m eager to contribute to our scientific programs and ensure that we continue to provide high-quality, objective and transparent evidence-based scientific reviews and analyses for national and international governments as well as policy and public health organizations.”
Spill brings nutrition expertise to position
Spill has contributed to the dietary guidelines for Americans, among other important nutrition initiatives. She was an analyst for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review, or NESR team, from 2014-2022. She also led systematic reviews used to inform the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 and 2020-2025 editions. Her interest is in advancing review methodology and tools.
Prior to her work with NESR, Spill was a senior research associate on the Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods team at Pew Charitable Trusts, a post-doctorate fellow in the Laboratory of Human Ingestive Behavior at Penn State University, and a senior researcher at Campbell’s Soup Co. in Sydney, Australia.
“Dr. Spill has more than 20 years of experience in food and nutrition research with 10 years in systematic review and synthesis,” said Amanda MacFarlane, Ph.D., director of the Evidence Center. “She is an expert in systematic review methodology, a savvy project manager and has a keen eye for quality and detail. These characteristics will serve the Evidence Center well as she takes on the role of associate director. I can’t imagine a better person for this role.”
Evidence Center guides health practices, principles
Created in 2021, the Texas A&M Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Evidence Center’s mission is to produce transparent and reproducible evidence reviews and syntheses assessing the effectiveness of agri-food policies, practice and guidance related to agricultural, environmental, human and economic health. The Evidence Center advances methods, knowledge and practice, as well as promotes the harmonization of methods, metrics and standards of evidence, to ensure policymakers have the key information needed to inform evidence-based policies.
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Another Visit With Hope Cain on A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark has a chat with Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain again. The two discuss the kick off of the 2024 Summer Reading Program, the petting zoo the library is going to have, games, and more. Be sure to give it a watch and learn about your local library.
Runoff Election in Hopkins County Yields Two New Commissioners
May 28, 2024 – The Republican Runoff Election was held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 to determine places for two precinct commissioner spots in Hopkins County. No clear winners emerged during the Republican Primary earlier in the year, so a runoff for both spots were needed. Contenders for Precinct 1 included Wesley Miller and incumbent Mickey Barker. Two new commisioner hopefuls for Precinct 3, Travis Thompson and William (Bill) Holden faced off as Incumbent Wade Bartley decided not to run for reelection. Early Voting turnout was light as 458 votes were cast in the abbreviated early voting time period for Precinct 1, and 328 early votes for Precinct 3. Miller dominated Barker in early voting with 316 votes to Barker’s 142. Precinct 3 early voting was a lot closer as Thompson edged out Holden by a narrow margin of 171 to 157.
Voting Day did not overturn the precedent set by early voting as incumbent Mickey Barker was defeated by challenger Wesley Miller. Miller, who will not have a Democratic challenger in November, is the presumptive commissioner for Precinct 1 come January 2025. Bill Holden, who narrowly missed clenching the earlier election was defeated by Travis Thompson for Bartley’s seat for Precinct 3. Thompson also will not have a Democratic challenger in November and will be the new commisioner for Precinct 3 being sworn in January 2025.
Election day voter turnout was weak as well with 335 votes cast for Precinct 1 candidates and 382 votes for Precinct 3 candidates. Final tallies for the two races saw Wesley Miller defeating incumbent Mickey Barker with a vote count of 543 to 250 or a margin of 68.47% to 31.53%. Over in Precinct 3, Thompson earned 428 votes to Holden’s 282 votes or a margin of 60.28% to 39.72%.
4-H Livestock Projects are a Significant Aspect of the 4-H Youth by Mario Villarino
May 28, 2024 – 4-H livestock projects are a significant aspect of the 4-H youth development program, which is designed to teach young people about agriculture, animal husbandry, and life skills. Participants in these projects typically select and care for animals, learning about their specific needs, proper management techniques, and how to prepare for exhibitions and competitions. Here’s an overview of what 4-H livestock projects entail:
1. Animal Selection: Youth select an animal species and often a specific breed to work with. Common livestock projects include cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and rabbits.
2. Care and Management: Participants learn about the daily care requirements of their chosen animals, including feeding, housing, health care, and grooming. This teaches responsibility and the importance of proper animal welfare.
3. Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of the animal’s growth, feed consumption, health treatments, and expenses is a crucial part of the project. This helps participants develop organizational and financial management skills.
4. Educational Activities: 4-H members engage in various educational activities such as workshops, clinics, and field days. These activities provide hands-on learning opportunities and expert guidance on different aspects of livestock management.
5. Exhibitions and Shows: A major highlight of 4-H livestock projects is participating in fairs and shows where members present their animals. These events offer a platform to demonstrate the results of their hard work, receive feedback from judges, and compete for awards. There are many different types of Livestock shows. A common Livestock show for 4-H members is the NETLA show held every February. During the NETLA show an exhibitor will select a project, validate it at the required place and time and prepare it for the show. 4-H and FFA memberships are required to validate and show project for the NETLA show.
6. Community Service and Leadership: 4-H promotes community involvement, and members often participate in service projects related to agriculture. Additionally, older members have opportunities to take on leadership roles within their clubs and mentor younger participants.
7. **Life Skills Development**: Through these projects, youth develop valuable life skills such as responsibility, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking.
Participating in 4-H livestock projects provides a comprehensive educational experience that extends beyond animal care, fostering personal growth and preparing young people for future careers. 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].
