June 18, 2015 - It’s becoming more and more obvious that the deluge of rains we received just weeks ago and now this drenching from tropical storm Bill has negatively affected local gardens and orchards. The excessive moisture has caused a number of problems.

June 1, 2015 - With all this rain, experts are anticipating a significant increase in the state’s mosquito population. Even as this is being written, mosquito populations are booming throughout the state and will likely not go away anytime soon after all our rains and flooding.

With the mosquitoes, health departments are monitoring closely an increase in mosquito vectored disease. And humans are not the only ones to suffer from mosquito-borne diseases, AgriLife Extension experts noted.

May 19, 2015 - The Jefferson Co. Whizbang was held in Winnie on Saturday May 16th. Shelby Co 4h shooters had four kids participating; Colton Gutermuth, Lance Holloway, Logan Holloway and Seth Shamblin.

May 8, 2015 - It seems that every rural or “nearly-rural” landowner wants their own farm pond for the kids to fish in, livestock to drink from, and just its natural beauty. Ponds certainly add beauty, function, and value to one’s property.

Keeping ponds healthy and useful is possible through following a good management program. Good management includes controlling weeds, harvesting fish in appropriate numbers and sizes, and keeping ponds stocked at recommended rates.

April 27, 2015 - The Cherokee County Whizbang was held at Rose City Flying Clays in Tyler on Saturday, April 25. It was a beautiful day for shooting clays. Shelby County 4h shooters had thirteen kids participate in the shoot. They were Wade Baty, Konner Windham, Nic Lambert, Logan Holloway, Lance Holloway, Jacob Cox, Colton Gutermuth, Mathew Borders, Seth Shamblin, Cole McDaniel, Tucker Scarber, Hagan Craig, and Kutter Milford.