Texas pumpkin producers experienced a second sub-par season in a row, as drought conditions led to fewer management issues, but lower yields, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. However, lower yields were translating into higher prices and demand. Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension agriculture agent, Floyd County, said drought contributed to below average yields, though many fields performed better than 2021 when too much rain led to yields 30 percent below average. The pumpkin harvest in Floyd County, the top-producing area in the state, should wrap up within the next 10 days, Carroll said.

Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 this week due to increased wildfire activity, particularly in the eastern half of the state. Preparedness Levels 1-5 are planning assumptions and actions dictated by fuel and weather conditions, fire activity and fire suppression resource availability in the state.

Be on the lookout for fish fry updates as the even grows near. The Bedias Civic Club offers 1st Thursday potlucks, and 2nd Tuesday movies at the civic center. Please go to, www. facebook.com/BediasCivicClubAssoc, for more information. Mayor Gwen also shares that the civic assoc. will sponsor their Annual Trunk or Treat, Saturday, Oct. 22nd, and encourages area residents and businesses to participate. Mayor Gwen also shares that the civic assoc. will sponsor a Saturday, Nov. 5, city wide yard sale at the Civic Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call Mayor Gwen for more information or visit the civic club Facebook page. The Bedias Museum & Library sponsors 2nd Saturday Story Times (2 p.m.), 3rd Thursday Christian Movies (5 p.m.) and more. Please go to www.facebook.com/ BediasLibrary.home, for more information. The Bedias Food Pantry shares their third Saturday hours will now be 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for both canned goods and for produce day. For more information, please go to the pantry Facebook page, www.facebook. com/BediasFoodPantry.

On Thursday, October 6 of this year, voters of North Zulch ISD who voted in favor of last year’s bond election held May 1, 2021, got to witness a ribbon cutting and tour of the projects funded by the $4.5 million bond that was on the ballot.

The International Barbeque Cookers Association held a Texas State Championship at the Midway Volunteer Fire Department’s 16th Fall Fest barbeque starting on Friday, October 7, and ending on Saturday, October 8. At the event, the Regional Director for Region 1 of IBCA, Mike Gomez, spoke a little about the job and what he enjoys about it, “It’s challenging, it has its moments, and it’s a lot of fun, the great thing is going places and meeting great people,” said Mike Gomez “We’re the largest sanctioning body in the state of Texas, so we try and sanction the best cookoffs,” said Gomez.