tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59451237245851770352024-02-07T17:14:31.616-08:00Hays County Agriculture & Natural ResourcesRichard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-56997391761941853922016-02-08T09:22:00.000-08:002016-02-08T09:22:35.033-08:00Last Chance CEU Round-upAre you still in need of CEUs for your chemical applicators license? If so, the Travis County Extension Office is hosting a series to help you get the hours that you are missing. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGQjRHT2cwUzY4VnM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Click here for more information on when and where these programs are being offered.</a>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-11234198532257091382016-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:002016-01-22T12:25:50.173-08:00Feral Hog Management Workshop - February 9The Caldwell County Extension Office is offering a Feral Hog Management Workshop on February 9 at the Luling Foundation Farm in Luling. Cost to participate is $15 early registration (prior to February 5) and $20 at the door. Those in attendance holding a TDA chemical applicators license will receive 5 CEUs for attending (2 hours General, 2 hours IPM, 1 hours Laws and Regs). A copy of the agenda and information on how to Pre-Register can be found <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGV2puRjNrQ0h1U0U/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">by clicking here.</a></b>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-43039885974224155952016-01-04T08:44:00.001-08:002016-01-04T08:44:29.406-08:00Treating Oak WiltOak Wilt is a fungal disease that affects red oaks and live oaks. You can find out more about oak wilt and how to treat it by <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGbzc1eWpqd2h5WUE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>clicking here</b></a> and watching this video developed by the Texas Forest Service. Injection tanks are available for check our from the Hays County Extension Office. Call 512-393-2120 to find out more about the Injection Tank Check Out Program.Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-90064080061038753592015-09-24T08:30:00.001-07:002015-12-07T17:53:05.663-08:00Composting Video SeriesComposting is a great way to keep those yard wastes and other organic wastes out of the land fill and put nutrients back into your lawn and garden. To find out more about compost, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGLWlnbzU3Qm1WbDQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">check out an introductory compost video by clicking here.</a><br />
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With autumn upon us, it will soon be time for the leaves to start changing colors and falling off the trees onto the ground. Too many people rake up and bag up those leaves and send them to a landfill. Don't send those valuable nutrients off your property...compost them and return those nutrients to your own soil! To find out more about the process of leaf composting, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGRWpPZFgwaGU3RDQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">check out a leaf management video by clicking here.</a>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-33444291952665024092015-07-17T08:29:00.001-07:002015-07-17T08:29:39.130-07:00Pecan Weevil Found in Hays County<div class="MsoBodyText3">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_pEl2xr2tsjB5beIrmAxaxS3G3TTKECvBSgiOqMtCDp3IEfll_chMvuFV0IUO1vyHg9x8_Ga9_WKCYwMh4WMxWXQ8ivaiFa-jGn3G5-ST3IxK5gfQcqMCuJh-B2TdqNnr-gUe9S1HjU/s1600/Pecan+Weevil+Damage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_pEl2xr2tsjB5beIrmAxaxS3G3TTKECvBSgiOqMtCDp3IEfll_chMvuFV0IUO1vyHg9x8_Ga9_WKCYwMh4WMxWXQ8ivaiFa-jGn3G5-ST3IxK5gfQcqMCuJh-B2TdqNnr-gUe9S1HjU/s320/Pecan+Weevil+Damage.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 114%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;">Pecan Weevils were found in Hays County back in December of 2014. This finding has caused concern within the Texas Pecan Industry because of the ease of access to the Guadalupe River Basin and the potential impact to commercial pecan trees along the Guadalupe River.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 114%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 119%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;">Pecan weevils lay their eggs in the developing pecan. The developing larva eat </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 114%;">the meat in the developing kernel and then bore a hole in the pecan and then emerge.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 114%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 114%;">They burrow into the ground before they emerge as an adult two years later.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 114%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;">August and September is when one would expect to begin seeing damage from the pecan weevil. If you see a round hole bored into the shell of a pecan, chances are good that you have pecan weevil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 114%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 119%; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;">If you find pecans that exhibit the signs of pecan weevil damage, please collect a few specimens and bring them by the Hays County Extension Office. We are </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 119%;">still trying to determine how widespread they are in Hays County.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 119%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 119%;">With the sample, please provide an address or description where they were collected.</span></div>
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Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-25059827720393264432015-07-17T08:07:00.001-07:002015-07-17T08:07:07.115-07:00Private Chemical Applicators Training Now Online<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Private Applicator Training is now available online. The course is designed to provide the required training to Texans who wish to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator license but are unable to attend training provided by county Extension offices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">This training tool walks potential applicators through 11 topics related to chemical </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 119%;">use.</span><span style="line-height: 119%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 119%;">At the conclusion of the course, after trainees pass a review exam, they will receive a certificate of completion and an electronic form which the trainee submits to TDA.</span><span style="line-height: 119%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 119%;">The cost of the online course is $75, which includes the shipping and handling fees for the training manuals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">For more information about this new training opportunity, visit </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 119%; text-decoration: underline;">http://agrilife.org/aes</span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;"> or </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0070c0; line-height: 119%; text-decoration: underline;">http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu </span><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 119%;">and search “Texas Private Applicator”.</span></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; language: en-US; line-height: 119%; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-10973384739320166742014-06-25T11:48:00.002-07:002014-06-25T11:49:13.615-07:00Mowing Your Lawn<span style="font-family: Arial;">Did you know that improper mowing habits can place significant amounts of stress on your lawn? Do you know the optimum height and frequency that you need to be mowing for your specific turfgrass variety?</span><br />
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Mowing is a very important part of proper lawn maintenance and plays a huge role in the overall quality of your turfgrass. If your mowing height is lower than the optimum range for your variety, undue stress will occur which may cause a steady decline of your lawn. As a result, pests (i.e. weeds, diseases, insects) may invade your site. The same goes for your frequency of mowing. If you are leaving "windrows" of grass clippings when you mow, you are probably mowing too infrequent. A good rule of thumb is to never take off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade each time you mow. So, do your homework and find out what mowing height is appropriate for your lawn grass and always remember to keep your mower blades sharpened. You and your lawn will be pleased with the results!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">For more detailed information on "mowing", go to the Aggie-Turf web site at </span><a href="http://aggieturf.tamu.edu/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://aggie-turf.tamu.edu</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and click on "Answers 4 You", then "Mowing".</span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-12707220443562413022014-06-25T11:44:00.003-07:002014-06-25T11:46:49.574-07:00Water Conservation Tips Can Save Water and Money<span style="font-family: Arial;">The average Texan’s day starts and ends with water: wake up, use the bathroom, take a shower. Teeth need brushing, and perhaps today is laundry day. Hands get washed as many times as needed, bedtime requires brushing teeth and washing that face before bed. Sleep comes after tuning out the annoying drip-drip-drip from a leaky showerhead. </span><br />
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On a typical day such as this, a person uses 72.5 gallons of water inside the home, possibly without even thinking about it. But 72.5 gallons of water is worth thinking about, because it adds up: A typical family of four uses almost 300 gallons of water in one day. <br />
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But with some simple conservation strategies, a person can reduce home water use by about 30 percent, said <strong>Joyce Cavanagh</strong>, family economics specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Cavanagh is an expert on strategies Texans can use to conserve water and also save money in the process. <br />
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"There are the standard (tips), you know: check for leaky faucets and toilets," said Cavanagh, "and don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth." <br />
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Cavanagh said that people can save even more water by focusing on the "big three" water users in the home: showers, toilets and washing machines. "These account for about two-thirds of the water used in an average household," she said. <br />
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Toilets are the biggest offenders, using almost a third of the total water used in a typical household. "Older toilets use three to seven gallons of water per flush," Cavanagh said, "but the newer ones use only 1.6 gallons." <br />
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If homeowners have a toilet that is 10 years old or more, they should consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient one, and if replacing the toilet is not feasible, then Cavanagh suggested displacing some of the water in the tank. "People can place a plastic bottle filled with water inside the tank or get a toilet dam to partition off a section of the tank," she said. <br />
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"If people are buying new appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines," Cavanagh said, "people should look for the Energy Star (label), but also look at the amount of water the appliance uses." <br />
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Cavanagh said that, when replacing washing machines, front-loading options are ideal. "They use less water, plus they are easier on your clothes, because they don’t have as much agitation." Front-loading machines also spin more water out during the spin cycle. "Your clothes will have less water when you put them in the dryer, and thus will take less time to dry, saving you money not only in water, but also in electricity or gas from the dryer." <br />
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Cavanagh also recommended some not-so-obvious ways to save water. Some water filters, she said, produce wastewater. "Reverse osmosis filters have some wastewater as part of the process used to remove any impurities from the water, which can be substantial over time," she said. <br />
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If only filtering to improve the taste or smell of the water, she suggested using faucet or pitcher filters that don’t waste water. With those filters "the water is just filtering through and you pretty much get the same amount of water as you filter," she said. <br />
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There are also some direct economic incentives for conserving water. Cavanagh said that homeowners should check with their local utility providers; some cities will offer rebates to those who switch to water-efficient appliances or install rain barrels or other rain harvesting systems. <br />
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Some communities are also increasing rates on heavy water users. "Once you reach a certain threshold of water usage, the rate increases for the additional quantities of water that you are using," she said. Communities use this tiered-rate structure as an "incentive to get folks to use less water." <br />
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Though saving money is an incentive, to Cavanagh it is not all about the money. "It’s about making sure that we have good quality water to drink and cook with." <br />
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"When I see water running down the street from somebody’s yard," Cavanagh said, "those people, one of these days they are going to turn their faucet on to get a drink of water and nothing is going to come out. They are going to wish we had that water back to drink." <br />
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Cavanagh recommend these additional water conservation tips: <br />
<u>In the bathroom<br />
</u></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">• Take shorter showers, and/or turn off the shower while lathering. A shut-off valve can be used to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature. <br />
• Turn off the water while shaving, brushing teeth or face washing. <br />
• Use low-flow showerheads and toilets. Look for the Water Sense label on bathroom fixtures. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>In the kitchen</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">• Fill the dishwasher completely, or if washing by hand, use a pan of soapy water for washing and a pan of hot water for rinsing. <br />
• Scrape, don’t rinse, the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. With modern dishwashers and detergents, there is no need to do a "pre-clean." <br />
• Use the smallest amount of water necessary to cook foods. <br />
• Use leftover vegetable juices for soups and the water used to cook chicken for cooking rice, pasta or vegetables. <br />
• Limit the use of the garbage disposal. Save the scraps to run the disposal once or place them in a compost pile. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>In the yard<br />
</u>• Water the lawn early in the morning or late in the evening. This diminishes water lost to evaporation. <br />
• Water less frequently, but for a longer period. This allows the water to better penetrate the ground. <br />
• Consider lawns "low priority" when it comes to watering. Keeping the grass green during hot weather wastes a lot of water. Instead, use the water for trees and shrubs, which are more susceptible to drought damage.
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• If remodeling a lawn or garden, consider using native plants and grasses. Native plants need less water and fertilizer and often live longer than nonnative species. Native buffalo grass, for example, is very tolerant to drought and heat and is becoming the turf of choice in places that get less than 20 inches of water a year. </span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-34413401262815832262014-02-19T14:43:00.000-08:002014-02-19T14:43:11.730-08:00Chagas Disease on the Rise Among PetsChagas disease is on the rise among pets. This disease, caused by the Kissing Bug, can have serious health threats for humans and even worse outcome for our pets. Education about the Kissing Bug and Chagas is the first step in protecting your family and your pets. <br />
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Research is being done with the Kissing Bug. If you find one, carefully collect it and send it to the Texas Department of State Health Services for testing. You can find out more information about Kissing Bugs, Chagas, and how to submit Kissing Bug samples from the links below.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGTWpuZ1Awd2RZTm8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">News Article on the Kissing Bug and Chagas</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGc1BhamtaaDc4eEE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Chagas Disease in Texas brochure</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGTUpmUGk1S0NQT3c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Kissing Bugs in Texas brochure</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGd3NGdVNEblZYaFE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Chagas Disease, A Potential Threat to Human & Animal Health in Texas</a><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1GZSLidjAdGTjdwWnNmSTNDdW8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Texas Triatomine Bug Submission Form</a><br />
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<br />Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-20529295183848480792013-10-17T13:28:00.000-07:002013-10-17T13:29:37.548-07:00New Emergency Website for Hays County<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Hays
County is coordinating a countywide effort to help the public have access to
official information during emergency situations in Hays County. Internet users
can now visit <a href="http://www.haysinformed.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.HaysInformed.com</span></a>
when a major emergency occurs to get updates on the situation. Authorized users
from the county, cities, school districts, law enforcement, fire and EMS
departments will be able to post information about major emergency events so
that residents and visitors can get real-time information about what is going
on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">The
website will be used to post information about major emergencies, including
issues that affect schools, but not minor or scheduled street closings or
signal light issues and the like. Each authorized jurisdiction and agency,
including the on-scene commander for major situations, will be able to post
information from the scene, from an office or by the side of the road quickly
and efficiently. It will also make it easier for response agencies that do not
have public information staff to post information.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Another
feature of the new website is that by using an RSS feed, other entities can
link to the information, helping to ensure that official information is shared
and lessening the occurrence of inaccurate information and rumors being spread
via social media. The County will soon begin publicizing the website via bumper
stickers, sending information home with school children and at other venues
where the public congregates.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Emergency responders see this as an advantage
for people traveling within our county from one </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">community to another and for
persons who might be traveling through the county when an emergency situation
is occurring. Rather than try to visit websites or phone various jurisdictions,
the information will be in one place and easy to review. People will be able to
tell if roads are blocked, schools are locked down or if an area is being
evacuated, and know what action officials are asking them to take. </span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-25212630158546024532013-04-09T12:56:00.003-07:002013-04-09T12:56:24.364-07:00Landscape Maintenance Practices Save Water<span style="font-family: Arial;">Proper maintenance is a key principle in reducing irrigation requirements in the landscape. Maintenance practices, such as mulching, mowing and fertilizing greatly impact the water efficiency of any landscape, as well as the landscape's ability to survive a drought.</span><br />
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Research at Texas A&M University has shown that unmulched soil may lose twice as much water to evaporation as mulched soil. Mulch is a layer of material covering the soil surface around plants. Mulches can be organic materials, such as shredded bark, compost and wood chips; or inorganic materials, such as lava rock, limestone and woven plastic.<br />
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Use a mulch wherever possible. A good mulch preserves soil moisture, prevents soil<br />
compaction, keeps soil temperatures more moderate and reduces weed populations. In case weeds do get a start, they are much easier to pull if a mulch has been used.<br />
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Organic mulches will decompose and sometimes wash away, so make checks regularly and replacements when necessary.<br />
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In addition to mulching, other maintenance practices help save water in the landscape. Raising the mowing height on turfgrasses helps lawns survive drought conditions. For example, raise the mowing height on St. Augustinegrass to 3 ½ to 4 inches during drought. The typical mowing height is 2-2 ½ inches.<br />
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Another maintenance practice that adds to the efficient use of water by plants is proper<br />
fertilization. Applying fertilizer to the lawn at the proper time and in the proper amount can save time, effort and money through reduced mowing and watering. Fertilizers can also be a major source of pollution of streams and groundwater if excessive amounts are applied.<br />
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Fertilize the lawn once in spring and again in fall to produce a beautiful turf without<br />
excess growth which demands frequent watering. Use a slow-release form of nitrogen in spring and a quick release form in fall. Apply only 1 pound of actual nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn at one time. By using this fertilizer schedule, no other fertilizer is needed for most shrubs and trees in the lawn area.<br />
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Other cultural practices that add to the efficient use of water by plants are periodic<br />
checks of the irrigation system, properly-timed insect and disease control and elimination of water-demanding weeds.Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-77379260541316447212012-10-11T08:10:00.003-07:002012-10-11T08:10:39.233-07:00Texas Animal Health Commission Announces Details of New Cattle Traceability Rule<span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A requirement for adult cattle in Texas to have an approved form of permanent identification in place at change of ownership will go into effect January 1, 2013 according to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). The Commission amended its rules in June of this year to enhance the effective traceability of beef cattle movements in Texas, which is the cornerstone of disease control activities. Implementation of the changes was delayed by the Commission to ensure cattle producers understand the requirements and can prepare for the changes. </span><br />
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The amended rule permanently cancels the brucellosis test requirement for adult cattle at change of ownership, which was unofficially suspended in the summer of 2011. Although testing of adult cattle is no longer required with the rule change, all sexually intact cattle, parturient or post parturient, or 18 months of age and older changing ownership must still be officially identified with Commission approved permanent identification. This change primarily affects beef cattle, as dairy cattle in Texas have had an even more stringent identification requirement in place since 2008. <br />
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Before August of 2011, official identification devices such as eartags were applied automatically at the time a brucellosis test was performed. The inadvertent loss of the identification devices applied to cattle when brucellosis testing stopped has threatened TAHC's ability to effectively trace cattle as part of any ongoing disease investigation. <br />
The TAHC routinely performs cattle health investigations where the identification and location of exposed/infected animals is critical to success. For example, 30 Brucellosis reactors, over 300 Bovine Trichomoniasis affected bulls and 22 bovine tuberculosis cases have been investigated by the TAHC to date in 2012. The new traceability rule will help preserve the TAHC's ability to identify and trace animal movements quickly and effectively, no matter which disease is involved. <br />
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A complete list of acceptable identification devices/methods may be found at </span><a href="http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">www.tahc.state.tx.us</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, but the most commonly used devices include USDA metal tags, brucellosis calfhood vaccination tags, US origin 840 series Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID), and breed registration tattoos or firebrands. Producers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian or TAHC to determine which method of tagging will be best for their operation. </span><br />
Free USDA metal tags, and a limited number of free applicator pliers (dependent on available funding) will be provided by the TAHC to producers wishing to use them. The tags and/or pliers may be obtained by contacting local TAHC field staff and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services representatives. The TAHC is developing tag distribution partnerships with interested veterinary practitioners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices. Partner contact information will be published as it becomes available. Producers may locate the closest tag distributor online at <br />
<a href="http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">www.tahc.state.tx.us</span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-10938431286097925622012-10-11T08:09:00.004-07:002012-10-22T13:16:47.905-07:00New Tool For Mesquite Control<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, Dow AgroSciences has released a new herbicide called SenderoTM. This product has two active ingredients, aminopyralid + clopyralid, which means that it is not a restricted use herbicide and does not require a pesticide applicator’s license to purchase or apply. Recent testing of this herbicide has shown that it provides nearly 40 percent more consistent control than the traditional mix of Remedy Ultra and Reclaim.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foliar applications should be made when:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The soil temperature at 12-inches below the surface is 75° F or higher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) The mesquite leaves are a dark green color all over, rather than some light green new growth at the ends. Applications should be avoided immediately following a significant rainfall,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as the production of too much new growth will reduce the movement of herbicide the root system.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) The mesquite tree is not flowering or elongating the beans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) The leaves are healthy. No more than 25% of the leaves can have damage by insects, hail, disease, or rodents. Soil moisture is another important factor to consider before treating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though mesquite is a deep rooted plant, treatments should be delayed if plants are under drought stress. If you miss the foliar treatment timing window, you do have other options to help manage mesquite, including mechanical treatments or basal stem treatments.</span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-75416532489024806242012-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:002012-09-04T14:22:23.441-07:00Riparian Resilence and Recovery<div align="left">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Join the Texas Riparian Association for their Annual Meeting on October 26 and 27 with presentations Friday and a field tour on Saturday to the Bastrop State Park and Griffith Lee Boy Scout Ranch to explore the riparian resilience and recovery of this area after the devastating wild fire. McKinney Roughs is a 1,100 acre nature park where the Post Oak Savannah, Blackland Prairie, East Texas Piney Woods, and Colorado River valley converge to create an unusual blend of natural resources. Located just 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, McKinney Roughs is home to hundreds of plant and animal species living within the rolling box canyons, wildflower meadows and lazy river bends of the Texas Colorado River. More information and a registration form can be accessed by <strong><u><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1GZSLidjAdGX0drLURreEtsLVk" target="_blank">clicking here</a></span></u></strong>.</span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-58621942871885362302012-02-10T11:35:00.000-08:002012-02-10T11:35:03.374-08:00Make Your Own Compost<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each year millions of tons of leaves, </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">grass clippings, tree limbs, weeds, organic debris and other yard wastes end up in Texas landfills. This volume represents about 20 percent of all trash placed in landfills. It costs Texans over $300 million a year to collect and dis</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">pose of yard wastes. Putting these materials to use instead of throwing them </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">away can save money and preserve and protect the environment for all Texans. </span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd15HQCkqn8XpoKo4v3tEZuEHG8YAAEPwdwcY0n0JllZdujOOV24RuRp4Isvl2oG1thnMJsmEIGdjvh6mCFypwSRIwd4YF8BNYW2d8dWslQjyzpVwHgI2u_V01CNcvOVmhB5HnJyJV_M4/s1600/compostlogo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd15HQCkqn8XpoKo4v3tEZuEHG8YAAEPwdwcY0n0JllZdujOOV24RuRp4Isvl2oG1thnMJsmEIGdjvh6mCFypwSRIwd4YF8BNYW2d8dWslQjyzpVwHgI2u_V01CNcvOVmhB5HnJyJV_M4/s200/compostlogo2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"> <b></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><b>What Is Compost?</b>Compost is a part of the natural process of decomposition. Leaves drop from trees. Grass clippings are left on the lawn after mowing. Living plants die and over time, all of these organic materials break down or decompose. The rich, dark-brown, crumbly, soil-like <span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">material that results is called compost. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Why Compost?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: #221e1f;">Organic wastes put back into the landscape in the form of compost can assist in reducing fertilizer applications, conserve water, and decrease the volume of wastes entering landfills. Compost can be used by other living things in the landscape and instead of going to a landfill, these wastes become a valuable resource.<strong> </strong></span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>The Composting Process:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color: #221e1f;">Compost can be made out of leaves, grass <span style="color: black;">clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, wood chips, straw, small twigs and similar materials. Tiny microorganisms do most of the </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">work of breaking down organic materials to form compost. These microorganisms include a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Animals living in the soil also help microorganisms break down organic materials. Worms and pill bugs are examples of soil animals that help change organic waste into compost.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The microorganisms and soil animals that turn organic matter into compost require many of the same nutrients </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">that plants need for growth (particularly nitrogen). Most of these nutrients are derived from the decomposing organic matter. Eventually, these nutrients are returned to the soil, to be used again by trees, grass, and other plants. This is nature’s way of recycling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Landscape Uses of Compost:</strong><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f;">Compost can be used as a mulch or mixed into the soil. Compost provides an almost constant source of free fertilizer and is an excellent soil conditioner. The organic materials in compost help plants grow by loosening the soil and providing improved aeration and drainage. The composition of compost also improves <span style="color: black;">the soils ability to hold water and can reduce the frequency of landscape irrigation. Compost has most of the nutrients plants require for growth and through </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">regular use can greatly reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. This can help limit the potential risk of environmental contamination.</span></span></span><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Making Compost:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Making compost can be easy! <br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">Choose a structure and location for making compost. Any type of composting bin will do. Plans for different types of composting bins can be found on Texas A&M University’s <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/" target="_blank">Aggie Horticulture web site</a>.</span></span><br />
<strong> </strong></span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">Place kitchen and yard wastes in the composting bin. <span style="color: black;">Chop or shred these organic materials for faster decomposition. </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">Spread soil or "already done" compost over the compost pile. This layer contains microorganisms and soil animals that do the work of composting. It also helps keep the surface from drying out.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Adjust the moisture of the compost pile. Add dry grass clippings or sawdust to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">soggy materials, or add water to a pile that is too dry. The materials should be damp to the touch, but not so wet that drops come out when squeezed. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">Allow the pile to "bake". It should heat quickly and reach the desired temperature of 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (32 to 60 degrees Celsius) in four to five days. Stir or turn the compost as it bakes to speed the decomposition process. The pile will settle down from its original height. This is a good sign that the organic matter is actively decomposing. <br />
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Thoroughly decomposed compost should look like dark crumbly soil mixed with small </span>pieces of organic material, with a sweet "earthy" smell.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;">Mix or turning the compost pile every week will speed up the process. Under normal conditions it should be "done," or ready 1-2 months. Compost piles that are not turned generally require 6-12 months to complete the process. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #221e1f; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With a little work, you can have a rich, inexpensive fertilizer for your gardens and flowerbeds in no time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-25500646734774511332012-02-10T11:21:00.000-08:002012-02-10T11:21:43.245-08:00Hypoxylon Canker Affects Stressed TreesHypoxylon canker is a fungus that causes cankers and death in hardwood trees. Relatively healthy trees are not invaded by the fungus, but the hypoxylon fungus will readily infect the sapwood of a tree that has been damaged, stressed, or weakened. Natural and man-caused factors that can weaken a tree include defoliation by insects or leaf fungi, saturated soil, fill dirt, soil compaction, excavation in the root zone of the tree, removal of top soil under the tree, disease, herbicide injury, drought, heat, nutrient deficiencies, competition or overcrowding, and other factors. The hypoxylon fungus is considered a weak pathogen in that it is not aggressive enough to invade healthy trees. In addition to the hypoxylon fungus, weakened and stressed trees may become susceptible to a host of other insect and disease pests. <br />
Hypoxylon canker activity usually increases when prolonged drought occurs. When drought stresses trees, the fungus is able to take advantage of these weakened trees. The moisture content of living wood in live, healthy trees is typically high. It is difficult for hypoxylon canker to develop in wood that has a normal moisture content. However, any of the factors listed above could weaken or stress trees causing the moisture content of the wood to reach levels low enough for the hypoxylon fungus to develop. When this happens, the fungus becomes active in the tree and invades and decays the sapwood causing the tree to die.<br />
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An early indication that hypoxylon canker may be invading a tree is a noticeable thinning of the crown. This should not be confused with leaf loss due to the autumn season. Also, the crown may exhibit branch dieback. As the fungus develops, small sections of bark will slough from the trunk and branches and collect at the base of the tree. The signs of the fungus are:<br />
<dir> <dir> • (early stages) light to dark reddish brown to olive green colored crusty fungal (stroma) tissue over the cankered area, <br />
• (later stages) grey surface that eventually flakes off after 6 – 12 months to reveal a dark brown to black crusty material that gives a burnt appearance to the tree. These sometimes have the appearance of solidified tar,<br />
• (advanced stages) the signs of the fungus may first appear as small patches a few inches in length, but will eventually merge to form large strips along the trunk and major limbs of the tree<br />
</dir> </dir> <br />
Once Hypoxylon canker is evident, it is usually too late to try to save the tree. Large portions of <br />
the tree will be dead, reducing the desirability as a landscape specimen. In addition, the structural <br />
integrity of the wood is compromised and the tree becomes hazardous. Trees exhibiting signs and <br />
symptoms of Hypoxylon canker should be carefully inspected and considered for removal. Trees that have died from hypoxylon canker and are located in an area where they could fall on structures, roads, fences, powerlines, etc., should be removed as soon as possible. During removal, it is very dangerous to climb trees killed by hypoxylon canker. Because the fungus decays the wood so rapidly, the tree may not support the weight of a climber. Caution should be exercised when removing a tree effected by hypoxylon canker.<br />
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Probably all oak trees are susceptible to hypoxylon canker. In addition, elm, pecan, hickory, sycamore, maple, beech, and other trees may be infected. The fungus spreads by airborn spores that apparently infect trees of any age by colonizing the inner bark. The fungus is known to be present in many healthy trees and can survive for long periods of time in the inner bark without invading the sapwood. As mentioned earlier, when a tree is weakened or stressed, the fungus may then invade the sapwood and become one of several factors that ultimately cause the tree to die.<br />
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There is no known control for hypoxylon canker other than maintaining tree vigor. Apparently the spores of this fungus are so common in most areas that removing trees infected with hypoxylon canker is of little value in controlling the spread of the disease. Also, infected fire wood is not considered to be a source of inoculation. The fungus does not kill groups of trees by spreading from tree to tree. There is usually little that can be done to avoid naturally occurring stress factors, but many man-caused stress factors can be avoided. During drought periods, supplemental watering is recommended, if the tree is near a water source. Damage to tree roots around construction areas commonly predisposes a tree to infection by hypoxylon canker.Richard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5945123724585177035.post-60130711140122729632012-01-30T14:10:00.001-08:002012-01-30T14:10:48.744-08:00Residents Reminded to Register Cell Phones for Emergency Notifications before the Next Event<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hays County Commissioners Court </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">and emergency response officials want to remind residents who use cell phones that they can receive emergency notifications on those phones. While landline phones are programmed automatically to receive emergency notifications, cell phones must be registered separately to receive them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.co.hays.tx.us/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">www.co.hays.tx.us</span></span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"> to register your cell phone.</span></span><br />
Hays County partners with the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) in the regional Emergency Notification System that allows officials to alert local residents when certain emergencies threaten. Once you register your phone it could take up to a month for the number to be included in the notification system, so residents are urged to register their phones before the next emergency strikes.<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">Individuals can register as many cell phone numbers at the same location as they want and cell phone numbers can be registered to multiple addresses, such as home and work. Public safety officials will only contact phone numbers assigned to the geographic area that is affected. <br />
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According to CAPCOG, VoIP phones will automatically be added to the database within the next few weeks, so there is no longer a need to register them separately through your provider.<br />
</span>There is a link on the County’s website atRichard Parrishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01386360314059343152noreply@blogger.com0