OLD SALTILLO CEMETERY ANNUAL MEETING and MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
OLD SALTILLO CEMETERY ANNUAL MEETING/MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023 — 10:30 A.M.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association have been making plans for the 2023 Memorial Day Program/Annual Business Meeting. As tradition, the program will be held on the third Sunday, July 16th from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the beautifully renovated and air-conditioned Old Saltillo United Methodist Church, located on 664 CR 3357, directly across the road from the cemetery. The program will begin with congregational singing led by Steve Conley and accompanied by pianist, Lisa Lowry. Rev. Dan Hoke will give the invocation. A patriotic recognition of the veterans will be led by Lucas Dennis with all of the youth in attendance assisting.
Greetings will be made by Lou Briley Daniel, followed by the Annual Business Meeting which consists of a report on the activities taken and work performed for the care of the cemetery during the past year. A financial report and the election of three members for three-year terms to the Board of Directors. Each year, a special memorial tribute to those interred in the Old Saltillo Cemetery in the preceding twelve months is conducted. Special music by will be presented by Steve Conley. This year, Kelli McAfee Traver, assisted by Ginny Agee Doyle will make the presentation to recognize the loved ones that have been interred in the Old Saltillo Cemetery this past year. Members of the family of each person buried in the cemetery during this past year are encouraged to attend and participate in the honoring of their loved ones.
The program this year will be a “Commemoration of the Life of David Murrel Lewis, 2nd Lieutenant U.S. Army Air Force, Killed in Action August 1, 1943, remains identified May 11, 2022, and ALL U.S. Mikan Veterans will be honored”.
After the benediction given by Rev. Cassie Wade, lunch will be served in the air-conditioned Kirby Memorial Center. Everyone is asked to bring the usual full meal with ample portions to be shared with others. The food will be arranged in buffet style with cups, plates, napkins, eating utensils, and water and iced tea being furnished. For those who still prefer Memorial Day lunch outdoors, space is available under the shade of the church’s large oak trees. Please bring lawn chairs and card tables so that you can enjoy the lunch and fellowship after the service.
Time will be provided at lunch and later during the afternoon for visiting – renewing old acquaintance and making new friends. Please make plans to attend the service to be held on the Third Sunday in July.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association are Randy Agee, Ryan Agee Lou Briley Daniel, Vivian Dennis-Monzingo, Sara Wardrup, Kathy Whitten Patterson, Johnny McAfee, Kennith Patrick, and Lucas Dennis.
Friday From The Chamber June 30th, 2023
Exciting Stew Announcement!
The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families.
Signature Solar and the Chamber announced last week that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship.
Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. Online tickets, which are $8 each for everyone 13 years and older, will be available July 1 at HopkinsChamber.org. Paper tickets will be available Aug. 1 at the Chamber and local banks.
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, and we will be announcing that line-up soon.
Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Stew Cook Registration is NOW OPEN!
Register here: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stewcooks/
Mark these important dates on your calendar because before you know it, the festivities will be upon us:
August 8 – “Stewcomers” meeting (for anyone interested in learning more about cooking in the competition – no registration required)
September 29 – Stew cook registration deadline
October 6 – Goody bag deadline for sponsors
October 17 – Goody bag pickup and New Cooks meeting
October 27 – Friday Night Appetizer Contest
October 28 – Game Day! The Stew Contest
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Adult Leadership Applications Now Open!
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Firework Safety Tips For Fourth Of July
Every year thousands of people are hospitalized due to firework related accidents, many of these incidents involving children and young adults. A majority of these incidents are due to professional, homemade or illegal fireworks or explosives.
These Tips are as follows:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
On average nearly 19,000 fires each year caused by fireworks.
Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Struck Down By Supreme Court
June 30, 2023- The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Joe Biden’s federal student loan forgiveness plan, denying tens of millions of Americans the chance to get up to $20,000 of their debt erased.
The ruling, is a massive blow to those who have received loans after being promised loan forgiveness by the Biden administration last summer.
The 6-3 majority ruled that at least one of the six states that challenged the loan relief program had the proper legal footing, known as standing, to do so.
The high court has also stated that President Biden did not have the authority to instruct hus Education secretary to cancel such a large amount of debt without authorization from Congress and agreed the program would cause harm to the plaintiffs.
The student loan forgiveness plan reached the supreme court after Biden announced he’d cancel up to $10,000 in federal student debt for most borrowers, and as much as $20,000 for those who’d received a Pell Grant in college, a form of aid for low-income families.
When the Biden administration rolled out its loan forgiveness plan, it also released a 25-page memo by the U.S. Department of Justice asserting that its relief was permitted by the Heroes Act of 2003 – a product of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and which grants the president broad power to revise student loan programs during national emergencies. The country was operating under an emergency declaration due to Covid-19 at the time.
However, Biden’s plan has faced several legal issues against his debt forgiveness plan. The justices heard oral arguments on several cases at the end of February.
Texas Game Wardens Urge Water, Boating Safety During July 4 Holiday Weekend
Texas Game Wardens Urge Water, Boating Safety During July 4 Holiday Weekend
AUSTIN—Across the state, folks are making plans for barbeques and relaxing days on lakes, rivers and the Texas coast to celebrate the Fourth of July. Before taking a dip, Texas Game Wardens urge everyone spending time in the water to remember to follow basic safety precautions while on the water.
Simple steps to take before heading out on the water include wearing a life jacket, learning to swim, using the ignition safety switch, checking weather reports and participating in a boater education class.
Last year, wardens issued 1,560 citations and 1,976 warnings for various boating safety law violations. Forty-nine individuals were also arrested for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), and eight others were charged for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, another 23 people were arrested for various other charges.
Game wardens will join the United States Coast Guard and thousands of law enforcement officers on heightened alert for violations as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated enforcement campaign focused on deterring boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“If you’re operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’re putting people at risk,” said Cody Jones, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement. “Sadly, we see it time and time again – holiday celebrations that end in accidents or fatalities caused by unsafe boating practices.”
Summer is the busiest time for Texas lakes and rivers, and it’s important for everyone to continue practicing safe water and boating practices every time they hit the water. A complete list of safety equipment required is found in the Texas Water Safety Act. For more information about water safety, visit Water Safety — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend,” said Kimberly Sorensen, TPWD Boater Education Manger. “Make a plan to be safe on and around the water by wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol and taking a boater education course.”
On July 1, the TPWD Boater Education program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers, Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County, Colin’s Hope (drowning prevention) and 4 W’s Outdoors (National Safe Boating Campaign) will be at the Canyon Park Boat Ramp 18 and Canyon Lake Marina promoting boating safety with outreach booths and prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on safe boating, please visit the TPWD Boater Education Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Water Safety Program and the National Safe Boating Council.
Boaters Urged To ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ To Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
Every year, Texans enjoy the Fourth of July by soaking in the summer sun on the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species during the heart of boating season.
“While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want them to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment every time.”
Zebra mussels and giant salvinia continue to spread to new areas in Texas. While they remain as some of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, other highly invasive species that boaters can transport include water hyacinth, crested floating heart and quagga mussels.
Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, also pose a significant threat to our lakes. These invasive mussels damage boats and infrastructure for water supply and control, alter lake ecosystems and cause harm to native species. They also litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.
“Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can be attached to boats or even carried by anchors or attached to plants clinging to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. “Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can be transported in residual water in the boat. Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a huge difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and harm to Texas lakes.”
Zebra mussels are now found in 36 Texas lakes across seven river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. TPWD and partners monitor numerous at-risk lakes around the state for early detection of zebra (and closely related quagga) mussels, but once they’ve been introduced and become established in a lake, nothing can be done to control or eradicate them.
Giant salvinia, a free-floating aquatic fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is one of the major threats to our lakes. This highly invasive plant can produce thick surface mats that make fishing, boating, swimming and other water recreation nearly impossible.
“There’s no doubt that Texans love their lakes, but we also need Texans to take action to help protect them,” said John Findeisen, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement team lead. “It only takes a tiny fragment of an invasive plant to create a new infestation and preventing aquatic invasive species introductions avoids costly, long-term efforts to manage these species once they infest a lake. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — a small amount of our time as responsible boaters to clean, drain, and dry our boats and equipment can prevent new introductions of aquatic invasive species.”
Giant salvinia is currently present on 36 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont. While TPWD efforts have kept giant salvinia from limiting angling or boating access in Texas public waters, they can still hitchhike from one lake to another on a boat, trailer or other equipment.
TPWD urges boaters to follow these three simple but crucial steps to clean, drain and dry boats and gear before traveling from lake to lake.
- Remove plants, mud and debris.
- Drain all water from the boat and gear.
- Once back home, open compartments and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
If a boat has been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and poses an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
In addition to the harm invasive species can cause to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure and the recreational experience at lakes, the transport of these organisms can result in legal trouble for boaters. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $500 per violation for the first offense. It’s also the law that boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. They must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes, but anyone who spots them on boats, trailers or equipment that is being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. Anyone who finds invasive species such as zebra mussels in lakes where they haven’t been found before can help identify new introductions by emailing photos and location information to [email protected].
Homer Returned to Hopkins County to Face Fraud Charges
June 30, 2023 – APRIL DANIELLE HOMER was escorted back to the Hopkins County Jail this week to face:
1 32.51(C-1) FRAUD USE/POSS IDENT INFO # ITEMS 5<10 ELDERLY
Homer was arrested in November of last year after a traffic stop. See that story here.
Homer was transported from Hillsborough County Jail to Hopkins County jail without indicent.
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.
The Ladonia Rodeo is Coming up July 7th and 8th
The 57th Annual Ladonia Rodeo will be held July 7th and 8th. The event opens at 8:00pm each night, at Eastman Arena in Ladonia, Texas. Friday night will be Patriot Night. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids. Admission includes admission to the dance Saturday night, featuring Braxton Keith. Look them up on facebook.
Paris Junior College Coding Camp is Underway at the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center Campus
CODING CAMP
THE PJC Coding Camp for 6th through 8th graders is underway at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. PJC computer science instructor Cedric Crawford, above, is the camp instructor. Learning computer coding and programming from Crawford are Liam Schott, left, Caeden Lucas at the computer, and Casen Cowden, right. PJC-Sulphiur Springs Center will host another week of coding campus from July 24 through July 28. Call the campus at 903-885-1232 to register.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Overly Rich Soil
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
10+ years ago, I wrote articles on gardens’ ideal soil organic percentages being 5%. An interesting aspect is an awful lot of organic material doesn’t raise the overall percentage very much. Getting up to 5% can take several years. Finally, anything over 5% is a wasted effort. There was also an article that too much fertilizer could result in excess vegetable plant growth at the expense of fruit.
Well, it’s finally hit home. I’ve got three raised bed gardens, 9’ X 17’, 11’ X 23’, and 4’ X 38’. All started with a mixture of firewood, leaves, mulch, top soil and compost. Initial compost pH was 7.5 which was offset by the other raised bed contents. Several years ago, I switched to compost having a pH of 5.5 – 6.5. Compaction lowers the bed level, so every year, each garden takes on 1-2” of new compost, thus
further enriching the soil.
All have done well from day one except for a few bone head moves, such as watering corn with a hose which knocked off all the pollen and resulted in no corn!
Well, last year I noticed some unusual aspects in these gardens, okra, for example. We’re all used to 8’ tall plants which, toward end-of-season, require bending the plant over to reach the pods. 8’ is fine, but last year, okra plants were over 10’ tall. Fortunately, fruit production was good.
This year, I’ve already had to prune tomato plant tips due to excessive growth. Fruit production varies from very light to very heavy. Purple hull pea pants have multiple 6’+ runners. As a result, I’ve had to prune virtually every runner to force fruit production, which is running from almost non-existent to extremely well.
If this is the overly rich soil result, I think I’ll keep it!!!
