Suspect Arrested For Capital Murder In Connection With Shootings At Texas A&M University-Commerce
A suspect has been arrested on the charge of capital murder in connection with the shootings that occurred on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce this week, reported Tuesday evening.
The suspect is 21-year-old Jacques Dshawn Smith. Smith is not a student at A&M-Commerce. He is believed to be the ex-boyfriend of Abbaney Matts, one of the deceased individuals.
An arrest warrant was obtained through the use of surveillance and witness tips.
A&M-Commerce University Police Department led the investigation with the help of the Texas Rangers, FBI, DPS, ATF, Mesquite Police Department, Commerce Police Department, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and Hunt County Homeland Security.
The other deceased was Abbaney Matts’ sister, 19-year-old TAMUC student Deja Matts. The third victim, identified by UPD was the two-year-old son of Abbaney Matts, was treated and released to the care of family members, according to UPD.
University Police in a release earlier in the day said the shooting appears to be a targeted, isolated event.”
TxDOT: State Highway 11 Overlay Begins On Feb. 10
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that work to overlay new pavement on a portion of State Highway 11 in Hopkins County will begin on Feb. 10.
The contractor, Richard Drake Construction Company LP, was granted 100 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $2.2 million. The target completion date for this for this project is mid-May 2020, officials said.
Contractor crews will overlay new pavement on State Highway 11 from 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653 in Hopkins County. This work will require temporary daytime lane closures at times.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
Cool Season Weeds Can Be Detrimental To Warm Season Perennial Forages
Submitted by Dr. Mario Villarino, Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent, agriculture and natural resources.
When it comes to controlling cool season weeds, Dr. Vanessa Olson, forage specialist from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension reports the following:
As forage producers, we focus most of our energy on our warm season perennial pastures and hay meadows (bermudagrass, bahiagrass, etc.). That means most of our weed control efforts are also focused on warm season weeds (such as Carolina horse nettle, blackberry, etc). Unfortunately, cool season weeds can be just as detrimental to our warm season perennial forages.
Annual ryegrass is a cool season annual forage often utilized by livestock producers for winter grazing. However, it’s often deemed an enemy of many a hay producer in East Texas. Later maturity of annual ryegrass can delay or prevent our warm season perennial forages from breaking dormancy in April/May therefore delaying our initial hay cutting.
There are multiple ways to manage unwanted ryegrass. The use of herbicides to control annual ryegrass is probably the most common method practiced. Pendimethalin can be used as a pre-emergent herbicide for dormant bermudagrass and bahiagrass pastures and hay meadows. Glyphosate; metsulfuron and nicosulfuron are post emergent herbicide options.
Henbit is a plant that is not generally considered a pasture weed. It can become a major competitor with bermudagrass in the early spring for moisture and nutrients. 2,4-D alone is not highly effective against henbit. However, glyhphosate in the dormant season; mixtures of 2,4-D and glyphosate; and mixtures of 2,4-D and dicamba, picloram, aminopyralid, and metsulfuron; are quite effective against henbit.
Henbit is a cool season annual and should be sprayed when it is small for best results. If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. The best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves (November – March). If thistles have bolted or developed seed heads, they are much more difficult to control.
Several broadleaf herbicides are effective against thistles if they are in the rosette stage (2,4-D alone; 2,4-D with picloram; dicamba or aminopyralid; metsulfuron methyl; or a combination of metsulfuron methyl with 2,4-D and dicamba).
Texas Groundsel or Texas squaw-weed is another common cool season annual weed. Control is less expensive and more likely if plants are treated while still in the rosette stage. Once the plant begins to bolt, more herbicide is required. 2,4-D alone can be effective if applied in the rosette stage. Other effective products include: 2,4-D and dicamba, 2,4-D and aminopyralid, aminopyralid, metsulfuron, metsulfuron and nicosulfuron, metsulfuron with 2,4-D and dicamba.
Winter weeds are not a problem in all perennial warm-season pastures and hay meadows. Fields should be scouted to determine if treatment is warranted. In most cases, controlling winter weeds in summer perennial pastures involved an additional application since it is unlikely that an application during the dormant season will control summer weeds.
Strict adherence to label directions is required by law. Paying close attention to label directions will also ensure safe, effective and economical use. Herbicide labels contain directions for proper rate and timing of application, a list of susceptible species, and information regarding cleanup and disposal following use.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me, Mario Villarino, at [email protected].
Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Offers a Nursing Program
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Nurse Instructor Kristi Schultz discusses lesson plans with students in her CNA class who are studying to be nurse aides. The students, from left, front row are Jamaica Emmers, Tierra Ellis and Brakeisha Mitchell. Back row are Imelda and Kelly Abbott. Call 903-885-1232 for information about this and other classes.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
11 From SSHS Qualify For State BPA Meet, 3 Others Named State Alternates
Sulphur Springs High School was well represented at the regional Business Professionals of America competition in Rockwall, with 25 students competing. Of those, 11 are advancing to the state contest and three were selected as state alternates, according to SSHS Director of College and Career Readiness/Career and Technical Education Director Jenny Arledge.
Students advancing from the Jan. 18 contest at Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy in Rockwall to the March 4-7 Texas State Leadership Conference in Dallas included:
Alternates are:
Others participating at the regional contest included Daniel Soto, Jamie Cervantes, Jaqueline Olivo, Caleb Kesting, Chloe Anderson, Jacob Semler, Jordan Gonzales, Sahib Randhawa, Zackery Ward, Karen Martinez, Logan Latimer, Martha Gonzalez and Patrick Synott-Owens.
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Said His Team Lost to the Best Team They Have Played Friday Night
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Javier Aguayo had nothing but praise for the Wylie East after the Lady Raiders defeated the Lady Cats, 7-0 Friday night (January 31) in Wylie. Coach Aguayo called them a tough opponent and organized. He said they were good on defense. Coach Aguayo said the Lady Raiders have only given up about 3 goals all season. Their season record is a sterling 11-0-2. He also added they had good wingers or forwards. He said they were good at making through ball passes. A couple of them resulted in goals. Coach Aguayo said Lady Cats’ errors continue to hurt them. He said they had at least four big mistakes in the first half as Wylie East led 5-0. He called the Lady Raiders he best team his team has faced all season. Coach Aguayo said he would continue to work with the Lady Cats in an attempt to eliminate the costly mistakes. Before entering district play, the Lady Cats will host Nevada Community at Gerald Prim Stadium Friday night.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats Soccer Coach is Pleased With What He Saw in Wildcats 1-1 Tie With Good Lovejoy Team
Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton is hoping his team wins their way to the Regional Tournament this season. Perhaps he got a chance to measure where his team is right now as they played a talented Lovejoy team to a 1-1 tie at Gerald Prim Stadium Friday night (January 31). Lovejoy was preseason ranked #4 in the Region in Class 5A by TASCO, the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches Organization. Having seen them up close, Coach Upton said Lovejoy is really good and athletic. He said they are even more talented this year than they were last year. Lovejoy scored early but the Wildcats finally answered that goal with one of their own with about 8:00 minutes left to play. Coach Upton said the Lovejoy goal was unusual. He said a weird deflection came to a Leopard player who put a shot through a lot of people and into the net. Coach Upton said the Wildcats played really good defense all night. On the Wildcats goal, he said a ball was played into the box, chaos ensued and Alejandro Diosdado tapped the ball into the net. Before entering district play, the Wildcats have one more non-district game. They play at Nevada Community Friday night. The Braves were preseason ranked as the #5 team in the Region in Class 4A, according to a TASCO poll.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams Play Greenville at Home on Tuesday Game Day
The Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams are playing Greenville at home on this game day Tuesday (February 4).
In the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School, play begins at 5 p.m. with the Wildcats JV playing the Greenville JV. The Lady Cats varsity plays the Lady Lions starting at around 6:15 p.m. The Wildcats varsity takes on the Lions at around 7:30 p.m. In the auxiliary gym, the Lady Cats JV will play the Greenville JV at 5 p.m. After that the Wildcats and Lions’ freshman teams play beginning at around 6:15 p.m.
For the Lady Cats, the game is very important for the playoff race. Greenville, the Lady Cats and Lindale are all battling for the last playoff sport. The Lady Cats and Lady Eagles are 2-5 in district play. The Lady Lions have a 1-6 district record. The Lady Cats won at Lindale Friday to better position themselves in the playoff race. Greenville lost to Mount Pleasant on Friday. The Lady Cats won the first game against the Lady Lions in Greenville, 52-31 on January 17.
The Wildcats, ranked #9 in Class 5A, are tied for first place in district with Mount Pleasant after the first half of district play. The Wildcats are 4-1 in district and 22-7 for the season. This game will mark the continuation of the heated Sulphur Springs and Greenville rivalry. That rivalry got hotter after Greenville opened district play at home that an upset win over the Wildcats, 41-38 on January 17. Greenville was riding high after the win and added a win against Royse City to open 2-0 in district play. The Lions were even ranked in the Top 25 for a couple of weeks. Since then the Lions have fallen upon hard times with district losses to Lindale, Texas High and Mount Pleasant. The Lions are now 25-7 for the season and 2-3 in district play.
KSST Radio will have Lady Cats and Wildcats games against Greenville live from the main gym at Sulphur Springs High School starting at around 6:15 p.m.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Lady Cats Softball Scrimmage With Gilmer is Postponed Tuesday by Weather
The scheduled Lady Cats Softball scrimmage Tuesday (February 4) against Gilmer was postponed. The scrimmage had been scheduled for Gilmer but then was moved to a dryer Lady Cat Park. However more rain Tuesday forced the postponement. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo, an expert at weather watching, thought something like this might happen. He conducted an intensive inter squad scrimmage on Monday. Coach Carrillo is hoping the Lady Cats and Gilmer will be able to scrimmage on Thursday.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Tips For Reading a Pesticide Label
By Charlotte Wilson, Hopkins County Master Gardener
If you have ever tried to read a pesticide label, do not be overwhelmed. The pesticide label is your best guide in using a pesticide effectively and safely. All labels have some a few basic key words to look for and the label is very informative. Years of development have gone into the product you may buy and the manufacturer wants you to use the product correctly. Ignoring label directions can waste money and hurt you, your family, your pets, and the environment. The label is more than a set of guidelines – it is a legal document. All EPA approved pesticide labels contain the following statement, “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with labeling.” Some key words to look for are listed below.
Brand Name The brand name is the name on the front panel that you commonly use to identify the product. Products with the same active ingredient may have different brand names. For example, Sevin, a common insecticide, contains carbaryl and Ortho Bug-Geta Plus also contains carbaryl.
Active Ingredients List Ingredients are on the front label. These are the active ingredients and inert ingredients. Inert ingredients make up most of the product and improve the effectiveness or safety of the product.
Signal Words The signal words Caution, Warning and Danger indicate the toxicity of the product to humans based on exposure. All labels must tell you to “keep out of reach of children.”
- Caution – pesticides that are the least harmful to you
- Warning – more toxic than those with a caution label
- Danger – These are very poisonous or irritating and should be used with extreme care.
Directions For Use These are the instructions on how to apply the product. Using more than the instructions say is not better. This does not work faster, or kill pests any deader-dead is dead. The instructions give the smallest, most economical amount needed to be effective. Use the product as it is intended by the manufacturer.
Controls These are the target pests for which the product is intended. The level of control of any listed pest may vary by product. It is generally a good idea to select a pesticide that lists the pest you wish to control because not all pesticides kill all pests. Some kill pests when the pests eat the product and some kill by contact. Amdro is listed as killing fire ants but it may not be useful on spiders or squash bugs.
— This information is provided by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service.
