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COUNTY LIFE

Fresh produce requires some preparation

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The summer season is a busy time for outdoor farmers markets, which means plenty of opportunities for consumers to purchase fresh produce.
But it is crucial to follow safe handling tips, Rebecca Dittmar, AgriLife Extension program specialist in Nutrition and Food Science, said.
“Whether produce comes from a grocery store or farmers market, it’s important to be consistent in practicing safe food handling at home,” Dittmar said.
Handling practices can be extremely simple and can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses from fresh produce, she said.
Consumers should always wash their produce before eating, regardless of where it was purchased.
“You should thoroughly rinse fresh produce with fresh water just before you eat or prepare it to be eaten,” she said. “Never use soap or bleach to clean fresh fruits or vegetables, and be sure to refrigerate cut, peeled or cooked fresh fruits and vegetables within two hours of preparing them.”
Produce should always be checked for bruising and other damages when purchasing. Pre-cut fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated or on ice. Produce should also be kept separate from raw meat, seafood, poultry, eggs and dairy while shopping and in the refrigerator, Dittmar noted.
Hands and surface areas should be cleaned and disinfected before and after preparing produce, as well.
“Before and after you handle your produce, wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds,” she said. “Make sure all surfaces and utensils, such as cutting boards and knives, are washed with hot soapy water and sanitized before and after preparing your produce.”
Running water can be used to rinse off produce. Pre-packaged ready-to-eat or triple-washed fruits and vegetables should be good to go.More information can be found at foodsafety.tamu.edu and the Partnership for Food Safety Education website.

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COUNTY LIFE

July Jam planned for July 27

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The 22nd annual July Jam returns on July 27 to the Bowie Community Center West Hall, 413 Pelham Street in Bowie.
There will be a “chickin’ pickin’ fiddling fun time” as guests will be entertained by amazing fiddling tunes and enjoying a chicken meal with delicious homemade jams because it wouldn’t be July Jam without it.
Tickets are just $15 with the event starting at 6 p.m. The funds raised help provide awards for the Championship Fiddler Competition during Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival on Oct. 5.
This attracts talented musicians from all over to visit downtown Bowie to test their fiddling skills on stage in the Bowie Fire Hall on Oct. 5.
Along with the live fiddling entertainment, come hungry and be ready to outbid your neighbors at the silent auction or just stop by for a great meal, fellowship and soak in the air conditioning.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

This large group of fiddlers entertain at the 2023 July Jam. (Photo by Barbara Green)
Chicken hats reign at July Jam with a little country dancing. (Photo by Barbara Green0
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COUNTY LIFE

Nocona Summer Reading welcomes animals, insects

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(top) Children were fascinated with bugs and spiders displayed at this past week’s Nocona Public Library’s Summer reading program, which is at 10 a.m. each Wednesday in July at 100 Clay in the Justin Building. (Above) These youngsters touched a snake that was displayed. (Courtesy photos)
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COUNTY LIFE

Nocona City Council reviews budget work

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The Nocona City Council met this past week making plans for budget and tax rate hearings.
Councilors received a brief update on the 2024-25 budget preparations. City Secretary Revell Hardison said the final proposal is almost complete and they now await the arrival of the no-new revenue tax rate that will be reviewed by the council after it is calculated by the tax collector.

The proposal includes a tax rate increase of about 3% similar to last year and there will be a small increase in water and sewer rates, but Hardison said the final crunch on those will come after the tax rate projections arrive.

Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News.

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