Tips To Help Weather Texas’ Extreme Summer Heat And Humidity
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Earlier in the week, I had the chance to visit a beef rancher early in the morning. Before the visit a request to get together early took me a bit as a surprise, but after few minutes I agreed with him because it is “getting really hot outside.” Knowing each other for several years now, I was glad to find him well and excited about ranching. We look at cattle and remembered the “good ole days.”
A few minutes into the morning, the temperature was rapidly increasing. As we continue our normal activities during the summer, it is important to remember to stay adequately hydrated. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM, dehydration increases the risk of heat exhaustion and is a risk factor for heat stroke.
- To help avoid dehydration, it’s important to drink an adequate amount of water if you’re out in the sun, even if you’re not especially thirsty. Fluids replace the body’s water lost through sweating, and that amount will differ from person to person. Experts suggest four to six cups of water daily for generally healthy people but note water intake should be individualized and depends on factors such as whether a person plans to be physically active or outdoors on a hot day. Generally, two to three cups of water per hour can help you stay hydrated during hotter or more active times.
- “Be cool” about scheduling activities. The ACSM also noted the risk of heat stress and illness are increased when the outdoor temperature is 80 degrees or higher and humidity is greater than 75%. Plan your days so you can be indoors and in air-conditioning as much as possible when it is the hottest outside.
- Dress appropriately, use sunscreen and limit your time in the sun especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants, that will cover potentially exposed skin. Wear a cap or broad-brim hat to protect your face, and regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher. Follow all product directions and warnings, including how much and when you should apply and reapply.
- When possible, park under a tree or in a shaded area. It’s not always possible, but if you can find a shaded place to park it will reduce the amount of direct sun exposure to your vehicle.
- Check on others. As a courtesy and out of concern for others, you may want to check on any friends or neighbors you feel may be more susceptible to the heat and at greater risk for heat stress or heat-related illness.
Learn More About the Welding Program at Paris Junior College
SPARKS FLYING
Donavon Thurneberry, a student in the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, has the sparks flying as he works on a project. To learn more about the welding program or other workforce education opportunities, call the campus at 903-885-1232.
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.
Unemployment Up In May 2022 Across The State, Including In Hopkins, Surrounding Counties
Seasonally unadjusted unemployment as a whole was up slightly across the state in May 2022, including in the 9-County Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area, which includes Hopkins County.
Texas & Northeast Texas WDA
In fact, the Northeast Texas WDA’s 4.1% unemployment rate is slightly higher than the overall state average of 3.8% last month, according to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics reported for May 2022 on the Texas Labor Market Information website.
Unemployment across the state rose 0.1% from April 2022 to May 2022, with 554,136 Texans without jobs in May 2022, up from 530,006 unemployed Texans in April 2022. The overall labor force in Texas also rose from 14,462,598 in Texas in April 2022 to 14,500,613 in May 2022. Both Texas and NETWDA’s May 2022 unemployment stats are still better those recorded in May 2021, when the labor force was smaller but more people were seeking jobs. A total of 798,571 of the 14,123,599 labor force in Texas were unemployed in May 2021, for an overall state unemployment rate of 5.7% in May 2021 – 2 full points higher than in April 2022 and 1.9% than in May 2022.
Across Northeast Texas WDA, the unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in April 2022, when 4,865 of 124,322 member labor force were unemployed, to 4.1% last month. Out of a total labor force of 124,583, TLMI’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics show 5,124 were unemployed in May 2022. While the labor force has grown from May 2021 to May 2022, so too have the number of available jobs in Northeast Texas WDA. In May 2021, TLMI shows 6,947 in NETWDA were without jobs out of a potential labor force of 124,783. May 2022’s unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than the 5.6% posted in May of 2021 for the NETWDA.
Lowest NETWDA Unemployment Rate
Franklin County’s May 2022 unemployment rate of 2.9% was the lowest among all 9 counties in NETWDA. While that’s 1.3% lower than in May of 2021, when 222 of the 5,226 member labor force were seeking work, the ay 2022 unemployment rate in Franklin County was still higher than the 2.6% unemployment rate reported in April 2022, when only 136 of the 5,191 labor force were seeking work. Last month, Franklin County’s labor force was 5,170, including 149 people who were unemployed.
Unemployment In Hopkins County
In Hopkins County both labor force and number of people seeking work grew slightly from April 2022 to May 2022, causing a rise in unemployment last month as well. In April 2022, 514 members of Hopkins County’s 18,045 labor force were unemployed, giving the county a 2.8% unemployment rate. Last month, 55 additional people joined the labor force and 45 additional people were jobless in Hopkins County, increasing the unemployment rate slightly to 3.1%. While there were 314 fewer people employed or actively seeking work in Hopkins County in May 2021 than in May 2022, there were also 210 more people seeking work in May of 2021 than last month.
The unemployment rate in Hopkins County has risen from April to May in 11 of the past 22 years in Hopkins County, and was unchanged in nine additional years. That means in only three of the past 23 years has the unemployment rate declined from April to May: from 4.8% to 4.6% in 2021, from 7.8% to 6.9% in 2020, and from 3.3% to 3.2% in 2018.
The lowest monthly unemployment rates in Hopkins County since 2000 was 2.7% in April and May of 2019. The highest unemployment rates recorded in the past 23 years for Hopkins County were 8.4% in June 2011, 8.2% in July 2011, 8.1% in January of 2010 and 2011, a 8% in February 2011 and 7.9% in February 2010.
While unemployment rates spiked in Hopkins County in April 2020 due to COVID-19 shutdowns, job-wise things were worse in 2011 and 2012. In fact, even with the spikes, the yearly unemployment average for Hopkins County was only 5.1% in 2020, which was still better than during 8 of the past 23 years: 5.8% in 2013, 6.4% in 2012, 7.6% in 2011, 7.5% in 2010, 6% in 2009, 5.3% in 2004 and 5.4% in 2002. The lowest annual unemployment rate for Hopkins was 3.1% in 2019.
Also Below State, WDA Rates
Delta County is the only other county in the Northeast Texas with a May 2022 unemployment rate lower than the state average of 3.8%. Delta County’s unemployment rate rose from 3.3% in April 2022, when 82 of the labor force of 2465 was unemployed, to 3.6% in May 2022, when 6 people more were unemployed and the labor force was 5 people fewer. Both were still better than the 5% unemployment rate recorded for Delta County in May 2021, when 122 people out of a labor force or 2,448 were unemployed.
Titus County’s unemployment rate matched the state average of 3.8% in May 2022, when 522 of the county’s 13,572 labor force were reported to be unemployed. That’s up 0.2% from April 2022, when 488 of the 13,465 labor force were unemployed. Last month’s unemployment rate was still 1.3% less than was reported for Titus County in May 2021, when 685 out of the13,483 labor force were unemployed.
Lamar County’s numbers were higher than the state average but just lower than the 9-county NETWDA unemployment rate of 4.1%. Lamar County’s unemployment rose slightly from 3.8% in April 2022, 913 of the 23,931 labor for were unemployed, to 4% in May 2022, when 961 of the 24,119 labor force were unemployed. That’s still 1.3% less than in May 2021, when 1,295 of the 24,524 work force were unemployed.
Above Texas, NETWDA Averages
Bowie County’s unemployment rate rose from 3.9% in April 2022 to 4.4% in May 2022. In April 2022, 37,586 Bowie residents were employed and 1,646 were unemployed. One month later, 37,490 people in Bowie County were employed and 1,721 were unemployed. Last month’s employment stats were still better than those recorded in May of 2022, when 36,868 were employed and 2,248 were unemployed, giving Bowie County an overall 5.7% unemployment rate.
Cass and Red River Counties each had a May 2022 unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Cass County’s labor force shrunk from 12,255 in April 2022 to 12,217 in May 2022. A total of 565 were unemployed in May 2022 in Cass County, 24 more than the month before. Unemployment was down from 6.7% in May of 2021, when the labor force in Cass County was 12,372 strong, with 828 unemployed.
Red River County’s May jobless rate rose only 0.1% from April to May 2022,but was still 1.2% less than in May of 2021, when 308 people were reported to be unemployed and 4,971 unemployed. Six more people were reported to be unemployed in May 2022 than the 240 recorded in April 2022 as well. The labor force was four Red River County residents fewer in April than in May 2022, but had grown by 66 workers from May of 2021 to 5,345 in May of 2022.
Morris County’s unemployment rate of 7.1% was the highest in the Northeast Texas WDA. While Morris County’s labor force remained unchanged at 4,389 from April to May of 2022, eight more people were without work last month than the 305 recorded the month before. That’s still 165 more people employed in May of 2022 than were reported in May 2021, when the unemployment rate was 10.3%, with 470 of the labor force which numbered 4,549 unemployed, according to arrest reports.
Addition unemployment reports for Hopkins County and Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area can be found by clicking here. For additional statistics for Texas, NETWDA, Hopkins County and other counties, visit the Texas Labor Market Information website, https://texaslmi.com.
Cumby Man Accused Of Deadly Conduct
County authorities reportedly arrested a Cumby accused of deadly conduct Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the resident was reported for shooting a firearm through the side of his residence. The man was reported to have been firing at people who were not present. Authorities finally got the man into custody and transported him to jail, according to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reports.
According to jail reports, 64-year-old James Clyde Taylor was booked into Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, June 21, 2022, on a deadly conduct-discharge of a firearm charge. Taylor remained in the county jail just before 11 a.m. Tuesday on the felony charge, jail records showed.
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.
Early Morning Vehicle Pursuit Concludes With Crash, 3 In Custody, 1 Flown
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 – An early morning vehicle pursuit concluded when the stolen car authorities were chasing crashed into trees. Three Arkansas residents were reported to have been taken into custody for further investigation, and the fourth occupant had to be extricated and was flown to an area hospital, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received an alert on a stolen car traveling eastbound on Interstate 30 as it entered Hopkins County June 21, 2022. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, which showed to be stolen in western Hopkins County. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop. Officers pursued the speeding vehicle as it continued eastward on I-30. It appeared the driver attempted to turn off of I-30 east as it approached the 127 exit. The vehicle left the roadway and stopped only after hitting trees in the nearby median, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported late Tuesday morning.
Three of the four occupants in the car attempted to run from authorities on foot but were quickly apprehended and taken into custody for further investigation. The fourth occupant was reported to have been trapped in the car. Once firefighters and first responders arrived, the fourth occupant was extricated from the crushed car. A medical helicopter flew the occupant from the crash site to an area hospital to be evaluated and treated for injuries, Tatum reported.
The individuals in the car were all reported to be from Arkansas; charges were pending conclusion of an initial investigation of the incident, according to officials.
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.
Man Receives 40-Year Prison Sentence For Sexual Assault Of A Child
A Hopkins County jury earlier this month sentenced a 34-year-old man to a 40-year prison sentence on a sexual assault of a child charge, according to court reports and records.
Shannon Bryan Quinn will be required to serve 20 years in prison before he is eligible for parole according to current standards.
Law enforcement reportedly became involved after an outcry was made in April of 2021 that he’d sexually abused his teenage stepdaughter. While at school the alleged victim’s sibling mentioned things done to the stepdaughter. The information was relayed to the school resource officer and an investigation was launched.
An interview of the alleged child victim, reported to be 14 at the time, was scheduled at a Child Advocacy Center. Quinn was alleged to have forced sex with his stepchild approximately one week prior to the interview. A warrant was issued for Quinn’s arrest for the alleged sexual assault of a child offense. The charge was enhanced from a second-degree felony offense to a first-degree felony offense because sexual intercourse is prohibited between a stepparent and stepchild.
Sulphur Springs Police arrested Quinn on April 19, 2021, on warrants for aggravated sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child by sexual contact; an out-of-county warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact was also added, according to jail and arrest reports. He was released from Hopkins County jail June 24, 2021; bond on the charges totaled $175,000.
Quinn was indicted in June 2021 on sexual assault of a child and indecency with a a child by sexual contact charges. The Sulphur Springs man was jailed again in Hopkins County from Nov. 9-11, 2021 on Wood County warrants for sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by exposure charges; and on March 10, 2022, on a warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child, according to jail records.
During the course of the investigation into the alleged offenses, two additional potential child victims were identified, according to prosecutors. One youth, still only 17 at the time of Quinn’s trial, reported being inappropriately touched by Quinn on two occasions in years past. A second young person testified Quinn had attempted to have her touch him inappropriately as a little child, according to prosecutors.
The Hopkins County Jury, selected on June 6, 2022, found Quinn guilty of sexual assault of a child. He was taken into custody on June 8, 2022, after being sentenced to serve 40 year prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years, in accordance with current jail procedures.
“I really appreciate the serious work done by this Hopkins County jury,” 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay said June 20, 2022. “They listened to the testimony from the young ladies who came forward and bravely told their story. Because of the courage of these survivors, other children will be protected from this man.”
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – June 13-19, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of June 13-19, 2022 included:
Arrests
- Jesse Weems, 52 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on June 13, 2022 for Burglary and Criminal Mischief.
- Raymond Murphy, 58 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on June 15, 2022 for Public Intoxication.
- Michael Pucciarello, 61 years of age, of Hattiesburg, MS, was arrested on June 17, 2022 for Driving While Intoxicated- 2nd Offense.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 135 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 33 citations and 38 warnings during this reporting period.
Colbie Glenn Crowned 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
The 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival culminated Saturday night with Colbie Glenn being crowned at the conclusion of the Queen Coronation Pageant.
Glenn, daughter of Jason and Hayley Glenn, said winning the title of 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival seemed unbelievable. It’s something she’s wanted to be involved in since she first saw the pageant as a little girl. She said all of the girls who competed for the title did such a good job, she’d split the crown and give each a piece of it, if she could.
In addition to the crown, as the 2022 queen, Glenn will also receive a $1,250 scholarship, was presented with a spray of flowers and a silver bowl, and will represent the community at events such as ribbon cuttings, fairs and other area events as an ambassador for Hopkins County and the dairy industry over the next year.
First runner-up for the crown was Sallee Spraggins, daughter of Ben and Amy Spraggins. She too received flowers, will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a silver bowl. Sprague also won the 2022 Talent Award, with which also comes a $500 scholarship. She played the piano and sang Mumford & Sons’ “Below My Feet” during the Talent Contest.
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Coronation Pageant 
2019 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett, Contestant Brooklynn Shackelford and 2022 Dairy Festival Queen Colbie Glenn 
2rd Runner-Up Jocelyne Yanez, 2022 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Colbie Glenn, 1st Runner-Up Sallee Spraggins, and 3rd Runner-Up Madelyn Sherman 
2019 Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett presents Colbie Glenn with a sash officially designating her as the 2022 Dairy Festival Queen. 
2019 Dairy Festival Queen Rachel Bramlett passes the crown to Colbie Glenn, the 2022 Dairy Festival Queen. 
2nd Runner-Up Jocelyne Yanez, 2022 Dairy Festival Queen Colbie Glenn, 1st Runner-Up Sallee Spraggins and 3rd Runner-Up Madelyn Sherman 
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Coronation Pageant
Receiving a $750 scholarship, a silver bowl and flowers as the second runner-up was Jocelyne Yanez, daughter of Juan and Cristin Yanez.
Madelyn Sherman was named the third-runner up for the title of 2022 Dairy Festival Queen. She will receive a $500 scholarship for her efforts as well as a silver bowl and flowers. Sherman also received a gift card for selling the most pageant tickets this year. Sherman is the daughter of Rob and Shannon Sherman
Khira Young, daughter of Matt and Jamie Young, received the first ever Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award, an honor voted on by the contestants and awarded the fellow contestant they believed to be the most sincere, kind and helpful. While Miss Congeniality awards have been presented in past years, from this year moving forward the honor now is given in honor of Fox, who had been involved for a number of years before she passed away in 2019. Young also received a gift card for selling 117 pageant tickets, the second most Ticket Sales this year.
In the Little Dippers category, first place for their decorated golf cart wen to Joaquin and Margot Hernandez, son and daughter of Anthony and Vanessa Hernandez. Additional Little Kids or “Little Dippers” participating included Karen and Kaylee Crawford, daughter of John and Dara Crawford; Maudie Pearl Patrick, daughter of Jacob and Robin Boshears-Patrick; and Gus Grimes, son of Adam Grimes and Angela Grimes.
Although 2019 Queen Rachel Bramlett passed the crown on to Glenn, she was awarded a $1,250 scholarship from the Dairy Festival Board for gracefully continuing to represent the Dairy Festival at community events for the past 3 years – returning even after graduating from high school and the end of her term, to be in as many local and regional events as possible. She received a queen’s scholarship for winning the Dairy Festival in 2019. The amount presented Saturday night, June 18, is an amount above that for her continued dedication to the community she loves, even during times of COVID restrictions and when doing so made for a packed scheduled.
As is customary, Dairy Festival Board President Robbin Vaughn presented 2015 Dairy Festival Queen Sidney Dietze with her queen’s portrait. Queen photos are posted for five years for all to enjoy, then, when the photo is retired during the pageant. Craig Roberts provided introductions. Brad Cummings and Bramlett provided entertainment during the pageant.
Recognized for having the first place commercial float in the 2022 HCDF parade was Melba’s Kreations. Receiving second place for having the next best commercial float was CIP (Community Internet Providers) LLC.
Usherettes for the pageant were Caroline Prickette, Lily Glenn, Addison Graves, Lorelai Lilley, Emerson Penny, Tomi Pirtle, Talley Brown and Macey Williams.
The 2023 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is schedule June 9-17. Additional information will be posted as it become available on the Festival’s social media accounts, as well as at www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com.
2022 Juneteenth Celebration In Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs residents held a Juneteenth celebration Saturday with a parade, games, food and fellowship at Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs.
First thing Saturday morning, the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration kicked off with the 2nd Annual Run to Freedom Semi-2k Run was held for those
Juneteenth Parade 2022, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
2022 Juneteenth Parade and Celebration, Pacific Park, Sulphur Springs 
Things then transitioned to Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where people linked up their decorated vehicles and floats in readiness for the 11 a.m. Juneteenth Parade. The procession passed through the nearby neighborhood, passing then again passing by Pacific Park. Among the entries were winners from the June 11 Juneteenth Pageant, an antique car and ATVs, as well as those by churches, businesses, a child care facility, and individuals. Many tossed candy, beads and other items to children waiting eagerly along the street for these prizes as the parade passed their location
While everyone was busy running and enjoying the 2022 Juneteenth Parade, several community members were busy grilling food on big barbecue pits for everyone to enjoy. Others brought snacks, snow cones, popcorn and other items to share. Water was available to help those attending stay hydrated. Picnic tables offered seating for those who did not bring their own. A DJ played music from a stage set up in the middle of the park.
Some community members brought their own tents to offer shade from the triple digit temperature. A religious group was among those sporting games. A couple of tents held wares from local businesses. Columbia Lodge #81 offered tickets for chances to win the four-wheeler being raffled as a fundraiser for the charities, foster families and scholarships by the Help-A-Child Benefit the third Saturday in October (the 15th in 2022).
Children enjoyed the new playground equipment recently installed and running through the splash pad to stay cool at Pacific Park, both are part of a multiphase city improvement project at the park.
Many stayed late into the day playing games, catching up with friends and family, and even making a few new friends during the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration held at Pacific Park March 18.
Meal A Day Menu – June 20-24, 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 20-24, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Black-Eyed Peas, Sauerkraut and Corn Bread.
- Wednesday – Chicken Cuisine, Carrots and Normandy Vegetables.
- Thursday – Corn Flake Chicken Breast, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli and Roll.
- Friday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and 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.
