Hopkins County 4-H & Youth Program By Johanna Hicks
Several of my previous columns featured major programs that are offered through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hopkins County. One of the major branches under the large umbrella of Extension is the 4-H & Youth program, so I wanted to focus on some of the accomplishments of our youth. Hopkins County boasts nearly 150 4-H...
Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness By Johanna Hicks
Note: this is the 3rd in a series of “A Year in Review,” highlighting major program efforts in the area of Family & Community Health. Any parent who has had a 1st thru 4th grade child in the Sulphur Springs ISD the past 8 years has probably heard of this camp. The camp, started in 2010, was developed by the Community Health/Wellness Alliance as a way to address childhood health in Hopkins County. Relevance: ...
Impaired Driving: A Deadly Danger at Thanksgiving By Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have joined forces this Thanksgiving holiday to remind drivers that whether under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol, any form of impaired driving is deadly and dangerous — and illegal. The message is clear: If You...
Understanding the Texas Cottage Food Law By Johanna Hicks
The Texas Cottage Food Law allows the sale of foods that are prepared in residential homes as long as gross sales do not exceed $50,000 annually. This type of business is not regulated by a local or state health department, which means that your kitchen will not be inspected by a health inspector unless there is concern about the public’s...
Watch Out for Spooks on the Road By Johanna Hicks
I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween because it has taken on a sinister, dark, and scary nature. As a child, I enjoyed dressing up in a homemade costume and going from door-to-door with my older brother to procure those tasty treats. We never had to worry about danger lurking around the corner or mischievous acts. We just enjoyed seeing our neighbors and other kids enjoying the evening. Times have changed, but there are still...
Wildcat, Lady Cat Cross Country Teams Prepare for Regional Meet October 22
At the District 15-5A Cross Country Meet Monday at Mount Pleasant, the Wildcats won the district championship for the first time in nine years. The Wildcats finished four points ahead of host Mount Pleasant. The Lady Cats finished third behind Mount Pleasant and Royse City. Both the Wildcats and Lady Cats will advance to the regional meet on October 22 at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie. Wildcats and Lady Cats Coach Ross Hicks said...
At Arlington Meet Wildcats Cross Country Finishes 6th; Lady Cats Finish 26th
After two straight cross country meets were rained out for the Wildcats and Lady Cats, they were able to compete Thursday (September 27) at a meet at Lynn Creek Park in Arlington. Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said the Arlington course, the site for the regional cross country meet, had to be altered Thursday due to high water from recent rains. Coach Hicks said he noticed a new pond in an area where athletes used to run. He said the...
MyPlate Jeopardy By Johanna Hicks
MyPlate Jeopardy I grew up watching the television game show, “Jeopardy,” and marveled at the intelligence of the competitors. As I grew older, wiser, and more experienced, the mental challenge was refreshing, and my ability to answer several questions was invigorating. As an educator, I’m always looking for fresh ideas to bring educational programs to life. That made me think about the influences that inspired me to...
Cross Country: Miller Grove; Saltillo; Sulphur Springs
Both the Miller Grove Hornets and Lady Hornets and the Saltillo Lady Lions competed in recent cross country meets. The Saltillo Lady Lions were at the 22nd Tim Menke Invitational at North Hopkins last Thursday (September 6) and the Lady Lions finished 12th as a team. Sienna Collins led the Lady Lions with a 3rd place finish running a time of 13:00. Raegan Spear was 50th in the race. Ofelia Cabrera was 92nd, Danielle Ross finished...
Tailgating and Picnicking Safely this Football Season By Johanna Hicks
Texans are crazy about football. However, this is also middle school and high school cross country, volleyball, and tennis season. Sports fans are out in full force to support their favorite high school, college, and professional teams. Tailgating is often associated with football season, so don’t let your fun be spoiled by foodborne illness. Foodborne illness, with its stomach cramps, diarrhea,...
