2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest Results
Despite a delayed start of about an hour — the Junior Dairy Show ran over, the 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Milking Contest Saturday progressed almost as smooth at butter, with only a few “surprises” — but certainly not enough to completely sour the fun.
The 2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest featured all of the 2022 pageant contestants, each assigned a cow to milk. Six heifers were used, with girls assigned numbers 1-6, which determined whether they were in the first or second round of competition. Each round was timed. Each contestant did her best to squeeze as much milk from her assigned cow into a pail as possible before time was called.
Then, each contestant turned in her milk pail, which was weighed. After all milk was accounted the pails and pails emptied, the girls’ parents then together tried their luck at milking. The contestants’ parents too were charged with filling the pail with as much milk as possible before time was called.
While those tallies were being figured to determine which contestants and parents went home with trophies, 10 hot air balloon pilots then tried their hands at milking too, in keeping with what has become a competitive tradition. They competed only for the experience, fun and bragging rights.
When dealing with large animals such as cows, there are always a few surprises. In this instance, a few heifers appeared to be tender before all six rounds of competition, others tired from being at the show all day.
One step taken to encourage the milk cows to remain standing in place during the duration of the contest is to delay feeding them until right before the contest begins. That way they are hungry and too busy eating to focus on being milked by strangers in an arena and half a stadium full of people and cows. A few cows had apparently consumed just enough food and fluids to suddenly make unpleasant “prizes” those milking them had to dodge to avoid wearing. A couple of heifers were also a bit contrary, perhaps even a bit nervous from so much attention and noise, and tried to pull away from trying to milk them. A few contestants’ milking pails were tipped over, spilling the freshly squeezed milk onto the Arena ground, forcing the competitors to start over.
Brooklynn Shackelford, first place, 2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest 
Olivia Worth, second place, 2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest 
Jocelyne Yanez, third place, 2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest 
Dairy Festival Milking Contest winners 
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Pageant contestants and 2019 Queen Rachel Bramlett with milking pails
Trophies were presented to the three contestants and parents teams who were able to get the most milk in their pails.
Among the parent participants, Erika and Enriquez and Edgar Velasquez received the first place trophy for filling Vanessa Wayne’s milk pail with 60.5 ounces of milk. Second place honors went to Juan and Cristin Yanez, parents of pageant contestant Jocelyne Yanez, whose milk weighed 58.8 ounces. Taking third place with 52.7 ounces of milk were Stan and Brandy Fisher, parents of contestant Miley Fisher.
Among contestants, Brooklynn Shackelford received the first place trophy for having 49.5 ounces of milk in her pail. Olivia Worth received the second place trophy for having 49.1 ounces of milk. Finally, the third place trophy went to Dairy Festival Pageant contestant Jocelyne Yanez, who had 46.6 ounces of milk.
Watch for Intersection Changes at FM 69 and SH 11 in Como
NEWS RELEASE
PARIS DISTRICT
Tim McAlavy
(903) 737-9213
[email protected]
Watch for Intersection Changes at FM 69 and SH 11 in Como
June 13, 2022,
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that work to create a four-way stop at the intersection of FM 69 and State Highway 11 in Como, Texas, in Hopkins County is set for July 6.
TxDOT will place stop signs necessary to convert this intersection to a four-way stop in all directions, officials said. Advance warning signs and message boards will be placed near this intersection soon. The work to install the stop signs at this intersection should begin on July 6, weather permitting.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area 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 be prepared to encounter rough pavement and brief traffic delays, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Parade, Junior Dairy Show Great Successes
Festival Heats Up Saturday With Hot Air Balloon Rally & Glow, Milking Contest
The 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Parade was a huge hit, the Junior Dairy Show a great success and the milking contest included a few surprises.
The second day of Hopkins County Dairy Festival dawned brightly, with lots of color, and black and white cows and ice cream décor galore. Even without the extreme heat advisory issued for the weekend, there is no doubt summer has arrived in Hopkins County.
The heat index for all of North and Central Texas was projected to climb as high as 108 in some areas between noon Saturday, June 11, and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 12. While the parade disbursed around 11 a.m. Saturday, June 10, the sun beat down, baking the pavement, leaving those who forgot to apply sunscreen with a new pink if not rosy tomato hue, those without proper hydration parched and most at least mildly dewy if not drenched from the humidity. Proper hydration for those involved in outdoor activities, especially those with added heat such as the Hot Air Balloon Rally, was a necessity to prevent dehydration, overheating and potentially even heat stroke.
Even so, Hopkins County enjoyed the return of the festival for the first time since 2019.
Families lined the streets with youngsters, eager to see what goodies those in the DF Parade procession would toss as they passed by. Many threw individual or small packages of candy or gum, while others tossed dairy-related items such as foam or stuffed ice cream cones and cows. A few who walked alongside floats and decorated rides handed out other items such as free or discounted coupons for family entertainment or upcoming activities.
The parade had no marshal this year, so reigning Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett, the only three-year queen in the pageant’s history thanks to COVID-19, lead from just behind the police escort signaling the start of the parade and the mounted Sheriff’s Posse carrying the flags. (Bramlett as the official face and ambassador for the Dairy Festival, attended all of the events and activities, lending a hand where needed, greeting visitors and friends, a delightful representative of Hopkins County and the dairy community.)
Other local royalty featured atop or waving from within vehicles in the June 11, 2022 Dairy Festival Parade included Kylene Claypool, who was crowned 2022 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic June 4, 2022, as well as a few legacy Dairy Festival Queens such as Linda Booker Bennett who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of her win, Shelbi Charles Verratti who celebrated 25 years since her win, and Molly Millsap Stevens who celebrated the 10th anniversary since she achieved her childhood dream of becoming Dairy Festival Queen.
The 12 young ladies who are vying this year for the 2022 title of Dairy Festival Queen each entered a float or conveyance designed around an ice cream flavor, in keeping with this year’s festival theme, “Ice Scream For Dairyland.”
The parade also featured entries from church and community groups, businesses and families, most decorated in black and white spots, with cows or ice cream themes. One truck pulling a group was even “dressed up” to look like a cow. Others wore cow costumes, make-up and horns. MADD’s haybale cow was not happy about drunk and impaired driving. One group added a twist to the them with zombie cows causing the “screaming” instead of people clamoring for ice cream.
Entries too included tractors and big trucks, fire trucks, elected city and county officials, Sulphur Springs Corvette Club members, Jeep Club members and a couple of big rigs of the kind used to transport dairy products, some horseback riders and three ice cream and snack trucks.
The hot air balloon pilots and crews in town for the weekend got in on the fun too, not only decorating their baskets and rides with odes to the dairy industry or ice cream theme, but firing up from their baskets along the parade route and, later, asking if they too might once again participate in the milking contest along with pageant contestants and their parents for ragging rights.
As the parade was starting at Buford Park, about a block over the Junior Dairy Show was also getting under way in the Civic Center Arena. This year’s show was considered a huge success, with about 60 entries — nearly three times as many entries as the last show. The livestock projects were as varied as the youth showing them, some younger and smaller, many of different colors and sizes reflecting their breed, class and category.
The cows in each class were ranked, with the top ones then pitted against one another for a chance to win overall Grand and Reserve Champions and showmanship recognition, then from those a supreme champion was selected. There were so many entered that the Junior Dairy Show ran about an hour over, delaying the start of the Milking Contest.
The 2022 Dairy Festival Milking Contest featured all of the 2022 pageant contestants assigned a cow to milk. The milk was collected, then weighed. The contestants’ parents then were charged with taking their daughter’s pails and trying to milk. Six heifers were used, with girls assigned numbers which determined whether they were in the first or second round of competition. Each was timed and the milk from the contestant’s pail weighed at the end of the round. The girls’ parents then together tried their luck at milking. While those tallies were being figured, 10 balloon pilots then tried their hands at milking too, in keeping with what has become a competitive tradition for them as well.
Trophies were presented to the three contestants and parents teams who were able to get the most milk in their pails.
And, of course, when dealing with animals, there are always a few surprises such as heifers that are tender, tired of being on show all day, that have consumed just enough foods and fluids to suddenly make a “prize” those showing them in the Dairy Show and those milking had not bargained for. A couple of heifers were a bit contrary, perhaps even a bit nervous from so much attention and noise, and sat down when they needed to circle the arena or pulled away from those guiding or trying to milk them, and a of pageant contestant’s milking pails were tipped over and freshly squeezed milk spilled onto the Arena ground, forcing the competitors to start over.
Then, everything was packed up for a brief respite before the balloon crews, contestants and Dairy Festival Board headed back over to Shannon Oaks Church to meet up with volunteers and balloon crews for another evening Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow. Friday night left many drenched from the humidity, heat and hard work and heat from the burning fuel which inflated and lifted the balloons into the air. With the high heat and humidity, Saturday night was a real scorcher.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — June 6-12, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of June 6-12, 2022 included:
Arrests
- William Jesters, 30 years of age, of Quitman was arrested on June 6, 2022, for possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Shaunin Maynard, 40 years of age, of Mount Vernon was arrested on June 8, 2022, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug free zone and possession of 2 ounces or more of marijuana in a drug free zone.
- Hailey McLemore, 30 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on June 13, 2022, for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 122 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 11 citations and 21 warnings during this reporting period.
Meal A Day Menu – June 13-17, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of June 13-17, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Stroganoff, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Oven Omelet with Ham, Blue Berry Muffins and Fruit Cup.
- Wednesday – Chicken and Dumplings, Tossed Salad and Crackers.
- Thursday – Beef Sour Cream Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Chips and Salsa.
- Friday – Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce and a Roll.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Paris District Road Report for June 13, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 13, 2022. 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Grayson County is scheduled to begin the week of June 13. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews place a seal coat to the pavement on these roadways: FM 902 between the Cooke County line and US 377, FM 902 between SH 5 and SH 11, FM 120 between SH 289 and Willow Springs Road, and FM 1897 between US 69 and Ambrose St.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). On June 16, Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 will be closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around this intersection.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Eastbound Lamar Street.
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Westbound Houston Street.
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 southbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes will remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier will separate southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic.
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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
On June 17, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road south of Lamar Street and transition to the on ramp at Washington St and back to existing mainlanes just before North Travis Street. This switch will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes will remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The Lamberth Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use Taylor Street or Canyon Creek Drive during this closure.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install an eight-foot-wide minimum sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: 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.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: 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.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 898, Grayson County, from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on backfilling the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County, in Tioga at the FM 922 intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures with flaggers present June 7 thru June 10 while crews backfill the roadway and then restripe the roadway for a northbound US 377 left-turn lane onto FM 922. Motorists should expect delays while crews are present performing this work.
The annual contract to perform seal coat operations in Fannin County is scheduled to begin the week of June 13. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone while crews seal coat the pavement at these locations: US 82 between the Grayson County line and SH 121, FM 68 between SH 78 and SH 34, and FM 1396 between SH 78 and FM 2029.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
SH 11, Fannin County: from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 68, Fannin County: from F M 271 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level the roadway.
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.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Bagota,Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on SH 271 removing existing concrete and pouring proposed sidewalk and driveways. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has been working on the ditches and watering base for dust control, and setting offset stakes. The contractor will be grading base and installing the MBGF.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. The contractor will continue setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the south side of the project once material delays are resolved. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed the concrete paving on the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extension on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor is working on the proposed signing for the project. Contractor completed first course for riding surface this week. The second course will be scheduled later this week. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing seal coat operations on FM 499 from SH 24 to the county line and FM 118 from SH 224 to FM 512. The contractor will be performing full depth repair in spots on I-30 and Monte Stratton Boulevard, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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2022 Dairy Festival Takes Flight Friday With Ribbon Cutting, Hot Air Balloons
Festival Continues Saturday with Parade, Jr. Dairy Show, Milking Contest, More Hot Air Balloons
The 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival took flight Friday with a ribbon cutting and Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow.
The 12 Dairy Festival Queen Coronation Pageant contestants gathered with 2019 Queen Rachel Bramlett, DF Board and Chamber of Commerce Board members, and community residents on Celebration Plaza at noon June 10, 2022, for the ribbon cutting event, which serves as the official opening ceremony for the community’s salute to the dairy industry.
Contestants and the queen had their photos made in and around a hot air balloon, which a balloon pilot lit to give everyone a feel for the Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow, which began at 6 p.m. and continued until at least 9 p.m. Friday.
The Balloon Rally featured over a dozen balloons being inflated from the field behind Shannon Oaks Church on East Industrial Drive. At least that many more balloons were heated and inflated for the “glow.” At least one featured the face of a raccoon and another a character, while the others were a kaleidoscope of color hovering one the ground, including volunteers and pilot crews tethered by someone holding the hot air balloon ropes.
Once all of the balloons were inflated, the area was opened and encouraged to stride out, take photos and ask the pilots and balloon crews questions. All ages attend, many arriving early to watch as the balloons slowly took shape. An ice cream truck was on site and the church youth offered snacks for a fee.
Saturday, the Dairy Festival continues with the parade following the traditional parade route at 10 a.m. from Buford Park, down Connally Street to Gilmer and stopping at Kyle Street (between Brookshire’s and the car wash). The Junior Dairy Show also begins at 10 a.m. in the Civic Center Arena. Dial Study Club will hold a Cow Patty Bingo at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center, then Pageant contestants and their parents will compete in the Milking contest in the Civic Center Arena at 3 p.m.
Another Hot Air Balloon Rally and Glow will follow at 6 p.m. June 11 at Shannon Oaks Church. Bring a chair and something to drink, or some money for snacks.
The Dairy Festival will culminate next Saturday, June 18, 2022 with the Coronation Pageant in the SSHS Auditorium with the crowning of the 2022 Dairy Festival Queen. The pageant begins at 7 p.m. See any contestant or contact a DF Board member for tickets.
4 Veterans Recognized For Participation In DFW Honor Flight
Four local veterans were recognized Thursday for participation in a DFW Honor Flight. Troy Gilbreath made the trip to the national’s Capital last fall, but was honored along with Philip Gabbert, Richard Patterson and Gene White on June 9, 2022, on Celebration Plaza at send off celebration for their Honor Flight 47, which departed early Friday morning from DFW.
The four honorees took their places at the front of a small group of chairs placed in front of the courthouse steps, with other veterans who have already participated in the DFW Honor Flight also honored in seats directly behind the day’s honorees. Members of local veterans organizations stood nearby, among community members, who waved USA flags and clapped as each honoree was recognized.
Each of the four honorees was recognized, along with their guardian – the family member of friend selected to accompany them to Washington, D.C. to help in whatever way might be needed.
Veterans Administration Officer/County Treasurer Danny Davis lead the pledges to the USA and Texas flags, and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings sang the National Anthem. Veteran Clayton McGraw recited “That Ragged Old Flag,” bring a tear to some eyes. League Street Church of Christ Minister offered a prayer for the veterans. Each veteran present who served was asked to stand or, if already standing to give a wave or acknowledgement when the song for their branch of service was played.
Judy Rawson Heaps, a current DFW Honor Flights Board member who has worked with the board since her dad Jean Rawson was selected to make the first DFW Honor Flight from Dallas to D.C. in May of 2009, noted that the flight will be the 47th offered at no cost to the veterans, with others involved volunteering their time to the project. Gabbert, Patterson and White were scheduled to board their plane before dawn from DFW Airport, and will return Saturday night, June 11, 2022. The veterans will tour various veterans memorials and be honored in D.C. at a veterans dinner for their service.
Troy Keith Gilbreath of Yantis, who made the flight in the fall, enjoyed the entire trip, including seeing the Vietnam Memorial for those killed in action in, but observing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Park was the thing that moved him most.
“The changing of the Guard is something to see,” said Gilbreath, who was drafted into the Army and served as a member of the military police in Vietnam from 1966-67.
To get the full impact, people need to see in person the Sentinels in the 3rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) ceremoniously changing guard duty every hour from Oct. 1 to March 31 and every half hour from April 1 through Sept. 30 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Sentinels guard the gravesite of three unknown American service members; a World War I service member placed at rest 101 years ago in the tomb in Arlington National Park, and two unknown soldiers from later wars who were placed in the memorial site in 1958 and 1984.
“It was great. It’s something I wanted to but have never gotten to do. I was proud to do it,” Gilbreath said of the DFW Honor Flight trip he was selected to participate in during the fall.
Gilbreath’s son Trey served as his guardian for the Honor Flight.
“I did not have to worry about nothing, if you needs a chair they’d get it. They fed ya. It was nice,” Gilbreath said.
Rural Sulphur Springs resident Philip Gabbert served in the Air Force for 20 years, servicing equipment. He currently works to support his community. He is involved in the VFW, and noted The Canteen has recently reopened. The VFW is open to anyone, and they are also looking for veterans to join, and always has room for more.
The American Legion, VFW and Auxiliary are partnering with Carter BloodCare in the near future to host a blood drive and membership drive.
“I am here trying to support the community and veterans as much as possible,” Philip Gabbert said.
Gabbert will be accompanied by his son, Ben, who is flying in from Denver. He said he put out the word to his family to see who wanted to go. Ben said he felt it fitting he serve as his father’s guardian as he is a security officer at home.
The occasion will be a birthday flight for the pair. Philip Gabbert’s birthday is the 11th and Ben’s is the 12th, so they’ll get to experience it together.
Sulphur Springs resident Gene White retired as a SMSGT after 25 years service in the Air Force. He served from 1961 to 1986, including time stationed in England, Japan and Crete. During those years, he got married and they raised a family. His wife made the moves with him, and always made him feel like he was home wherever they were.
He says he feels humbled to be among the veterans participating in Honor Flight 47. While he’s had an opportunity to tour many of the memorials in D.C., he is looking forward to going back. The trip before was the best trip.
White’s daughter, Linda Howell will be accompanying him on the Honor Flight as his guardian.
Sulphur Springs residents Richard Patterson joined the Army along with his two brothers, who were told if they joined they would not have to go to a war zone. They kept their word. When the rest of the company was sent to Vietnam, all three brothers were sent to Korea.
On the way over, Patterson said, they spent 23 days on a ship in weather and seas so rough they couldn’t go on deck and it was hard to eat. They came back to the US on a turbo prop plane. The flight was so bad, he swore he’d never get on another plane. In fact, he admitted he was still a little nervous about flying to reach D.C.
Patterson served from 1962 to 1963, and spent 13 months in Korea. He said when he and his twin returned home, they were stationed in Illinois on Lake Michigan. They stayed on fishing boats but didn’t do much fishing, he said.
He’s been to D.C. before and enjoyed it so he was sure he’d enjoy this weekend there as well. He said he couldn’t talk his son into going with him on the Honor Flight, so Troy Tutle is serving as his veteran guardian.
HCSO Canine Chiv Named Top Dog At USPCA Trials
Congratulations to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Colt Patterson and his canine partner, Chiv, who came home with the trophy for Top Dog at the recent United States Police Canine Association trials held in Greenville.
In addition to the trophy for having the overall “Top Dog,” Patterson and Chiv earned recognition as the first place Patrol K-9 Team and the fifth place Narcotics Detection K-9 Team at the USPCA Region 20 trials May 22-26, 2022.
“Deputy Patterson is very dedicated to his assignment and family. We are proud of their accomplishments this year,” Sheriff Lewis Tatum stated June 6, 2022.
Patterson has over 10 years experience as a peace officer. Patterson first partnered with Chiv, who’d had a previous handler, in 2019. The pair completed a two-week, 150-hour Advanced K-9 Handler Course with emphasis on narcotics as well as suspect tracking on various terrain, building clearing, suspect apprehension and integrating a K-9 into most aspects of the sheriff’s department patrol division. The specialized training certifying the pair to work together was obtained in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in the fall of 2019.
Patterson work regularly with Chiv to keep the police K-9’s skills sharp. Chiv has been used in the past few years to conduct open air searches to sniff for narcotics and other contraband, and has been utilized during manhunts and searches for missing individuals.
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.
Gina Law’s Retirement, Appointment Of New Director Announced For Lake Country CASA
In the 32 years since Lake Country Child Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was founded, the group has only had two executive directors. CASA’s current director, Gina Law, has served 21 of those years, fiercely supporting and upholding children’s rights. Now, she is ready to pass the torch.
“I have looked for the perfect fit for 21 years – and she appeared,” Law noted.
CASA’s next crusader is Amy Glenn, a Sulphur Springs insurance specialist, mom, and CASA volunteer.
Law thinks it is no surprise that CASA found their next executive director from within their own ranks.
“I have always said that we have the best volunteers, staff, and board of directors in the state,” she said.
Both women boast sterling credentials in the field of child advocacy.
“Gina Law has been a steady, driving force within this organization for the last 21 years,” CASA Board President Ryan McKenzie noted. “This entire community is deeply indebted to the care she and her volunteers and staff have given to so many children and families.”
Thankfully, the care given to the vulnerable children in Hopkins, Franklin, and Rains Counties will not skip a beat with Glenn at the helm.
“Amy is the perfect successor to Gina,” McKenzie said. “She has served on the Board of Directors of Lake Country CASA and sees the value of the role of Volunteer Advocates for our CASA children and families in our communities.”
For Glenn and her family, CASA’s cause is one that reaches close to home.
“Amy has personally experienced, first-hand, the impact CASA can have on communities as she and her husband have fostered and adopted,” McKenzie noted.
“We are committed to ensuring the continuity and success of the organization and the excellent quality of advocacy for our children,” Law said.
McKenzie invites the community to join CASA in congratulating Law on her much-deserved retirement and wishing Glenn success in pursuing CASA’s prestigious mission.
