Learn What the Plant of the Month is for June 2024 on This Episode of A Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. The two discuss “the plant of the month,” and some other interesting topics. You really should check it out. Enjoy!
Hope and John Mark Discuss New Titles at the Library on this Second Cup of Coffee
When Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain sat down with John Mark last on A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, the two discussed new books at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. They also talked about some upcoming titles. Give it a view and see what’s new at your Sulphur Springs Public Library.
Dinner Bell for June 19th, 2024
The Lions Club was organized in Sulphur Springs in 1937. Since early 2000 it has sponsored the FAMOUS CHRISTMAS PARADE of LIGHTS, the seventeenth one on December 1, 2023. It is part of an international service club known for fighting blindness. Locally the club provides vision screening and corrective glasses (if needed) for those students financially unable to cover those costs.
The Lions Club has been a Community Partner a number of years. One year it was a Partner and returned at a later date to facilitate the preparation of the boxes given to those in need of a meal.
Other services from the club include making beds for Beds of Hope for those in the foster care program; helping Can Help with the Back to School Fair; participating in the Texas Ramp Project; and sending Special Needs students to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas.
The Dinner Bell ministry is honored the Lions Club of Sulphur Springs helps feed those who need a meal in addition to its other worthy endeavors.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken Thighs in a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rice
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Ooey Gooey Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Saharan Dust Making Yearly Visit to Texas Next Week
June 14, 2024 – Computer models suggests that a light plume of Saharan dust may begin to arrive over portions of deep South Texas and the lower coastal bend of Texas next week.
The dust cloud is officially called the Saharan Air Layer. It forms in the late spring or early summer every year due to storms in Africa’s Sahel region bordering the Sahara Desert. And then, it drifts across the Atlantic Ocean into the western hemisphere.
Estimates range from 60 – 200 million tons of Saharan dust being swept into the upper atmosphere each year. The vast majority of that sand falls into the ocean between continents and never reaches land.
The sand particles are rich in iron, and may help reflect heat and radiation back into space. This could reduce ocean water heating, and potentially reduce the severity of frequency of cyclones.
Because Saharan dust includes a type of sand not found in our area, it can trigger your immune system to react with symptoms typical of springtime allergies.
The benefit to this yearly visitors arrival: the dust helps create beautiful sunsets.
The sun’s white light is composed of all the colors of the rainbow. Our skies are normally blue because the gases that make up the atmosphere naturally scatter blue hues (shorter wavelengths) as opposed to the yellow-orange-red hues (longer wavelengths). Sunsets and sunrises take on more yellow and reddish hues because the low-angle sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere before it reaches your eyes. A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can enhance this effect, leading to longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunsets and sunrises.
Managing Pond Weeds by Mario Villarino
June 13, 2024 – Managing pond weeds effectively is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, especially in agricultural contexts like those overseen by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Effective pond weed management involves a combination of preventive, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.
Preventive Measures: The first step in pond weed management is prevention. This includes minimizing nutrient runoff into the pond, as excessive nutrients can promote weed growth. Maintaining a buffer zone of native vegetation around the pond can help absorb nutrients before they enter the water. Regular monitoring of the pond is essential to detect and address weed problems early.
Mechanical Control: Mechanical methods involve physically removing the weeds. This can be done manually or with equipment like rakes, cutters, or weed harvesters. While effective for small infestations, mechanical control can be labor-intensive and may not be feasible for large ponds.
Biological Control: Introducing biological controls such as herbivorous fish (e.g., grass carp) can be an effective way to manage certain types of pond weeds. Grass carp feed on many types of submerged vegetation and can significantly reduce weed biomass. However, it is important to consult local regulations and ensure that the introduced species are appropriate for the specific pond environment.
Chemical Control: Herbicides are another option for managing pond weeds. It is critical to use herbicides that are specifically labeled for aquatic use to avoid harming non-target species and causing environmental damage. Applying herbicides requires careful consideration of the type of weed, the extent of the infestation, and the timing of application. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider consulting with a professional.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides resources and expertise to help pond owners develop integrated weed management plans tailored to their specific needs. By combining different management strategies, pond owners can maintain healthy, productive ponds and minimize the negative impacts of invasive and excessive aquatic vegetation. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are key components of a successful pond weed management program. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Wednesday at Meal-A-Day
June 12, 2024 – Meal-A-Day volunteers work to package up lunches on Wednesday morning. This cheerie and positive bunch is looking forward to moving their crew to the new Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Activity Center on 301 Oak Ave.
MAD is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help provide senior citizens with a $2 delivered lunch each weekday, call Director Amanda Dietlin at 903 885 1661.
Adaptive Community Theatre Presents Footloose
A.C.T. (Adaptive Community Theater) through Community Players, Inc is a theater program for youth and adults with a variety of developmental, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. In this program, participants are given opportunities to shine through performing in a stage production, which will include drama, music, and dance. Our theater believes that the future of the performing arts should be accessible to all.
Click here to register fot the production.
Not only can involvement in the arts strongly impact multiple areas of their life, but it can also have an impact on our community. We strive to enrich the lives of our actors with disabilities by encouraging their creative talents when performing, singing, and dancing.
Our production staff and “buddies” will support our actors in specific areas, such as learning lines, learning stage cues, prompting during performances, facilitating small group activities, and other support as specified on an individual basis.
Our program is open to ages 16 and up. This program is intended to provide inclusion in an activity that sparks creativity, self-confidence, social interaction, and positive self-esteem. Join our warm, inclusive group of actors, singers, and dancers. They will be surrounded by friends, family, and caring professional directors, actors, and other theater members.
In this two-week program, they will work with a team of theater teachers and student aides, following a musical theater format. They will learn through vocal warm-ups, songs, dance, interpretive movements, and theatrical games. And then we will bring it all together at performances that are open to family, friends, and the community. Our purpose is to develop communication, artistic, and leadership skills, and lasting professional and personal friendships.
July 15th – 19th, 22th – 25 9am-12pm
Shows: July 26th & 27th @ 7pm, July 28th @ 2pm
ABOUT FOOTLOOSE
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 17 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
COMMUNITY PLAYERS, INC.
Community Players, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-run, donor-sustained organization.
Our volunteer and donor support has given Community Players Inc. the opportunity to provide entertainment to Sulphur Springs and the surrounding areas for 40+ years!
In addition to our primary mission of furthering the Arts, we strive to provide opportunities to aspiring actors and actresses, as well as persons interested in the “behind the scenes” workings of theatre.
We also bring opportunity and fun to the children of Sulphur Springs and the surrounding area by offering a Children’s Workshop during the summer season. This has been a very successful endeavor that allows our children the chance to see what happens throughout the production of a play from start to finish, as well as give them the opportunity to perform or control the backstage elements of a performance.
Sulphur Springs Clean Up Site Open For Tree Limbs This Weekend
June 11, 2024 – This weekend, Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell will open the City Cleanup Site for tree limbs only.
Access is available to Sulphur Springs residents only and you may be asked to prove residency with a driver’s license or water bill.
Friday 8 am to 4 pm will be self service only.
Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. Help will be available.
The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Fest Parade Marched Through Sulphur Springs Saturday, June 8th, without a Hitch
June 10, 2024 – The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Parade marched it’s way through Sulphur Springs, Texas, Saturday morning, June 8th, without any problems. The parade was a huge success and well attended as onlookers watched and cheered. Floats featuring the 2023 Dairy Festival Queen, and the 2024 Dairy Festival Contestants marched through downtown Sulphur Springs. There were First Responders vehicles, with their lights a glow, blasting their sirens, the ROTC, milk trucks, floats of all kinds with passengers throwing candy and waving to the crowds, and so much more. Check out the excitement below as KSST’s James Terry and Intern Nataleigh Sheffield bring you the play by play of the exciting parade!
City Managers Report June 4th 2024
CLAIMS – We did not have any workers’ compensation claims or liability claims in May.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – We have applied for a $250,000 grant from the General Land Office (GLO) to help pay for the plan. They required an amendment to our Financial Management Policy. The amendment was approved at the last meeting. We are still awaiting word from the GLO.
COLLEGE STREET – The street itself is
constructed, but the contractor still needs a couple of weeks to finish sidewalks and landscaping
repairs. We still have road closed signs at both ends, although you can get through if you are
careful.
HOLIDAY DRIVE – Water and sewer lines are completed. The Capital Construction Division has
installed about 1/3 of the underground drainage. The recent rains are significantly hampering this
project. This is a complete reconstruction project, like College Street. After Holiday Drive we will need to start installing water and sewer at Thermo.
WATER FILTER REHABILITATION – All of the filters have been rehabilitated except filter #6. This $3.2 million project is funded by The American Rescue Plan Act (covid money).
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) – Following is the list of streets to be repaved 201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 1 in the 2024 Street Improvement Program.
| Street | Between | Length |
| League | Asphalt Repairs | 1000 |
| League | Connally to KCS Rail | 1200 |
| W.A. | MLK to end | 2223 |
| Cranford | Robertson to Beasley | 1287 |
| S. Moore | Bellview to Tate | 449 |
| Oak | Gilmer to College | 3446 |
| Pollard | Mulberry to end | 211 |
| N. Davis | Glover to Airport | 1728 |
| Kirtley | Bellview to Nicholson | 412 |
| Ninth | Woodlawn to VanSickle | 845 |
| Carter | Bill Bradford to Whitworth | 2000 |
| Henderson | Craig to League | 449 |
| Melony | Azalea to end | 1215 |
| Jennings | Jefferson to College | 929 |
| Beckworth | Whitworth to Beckham | 690 |
| Sharon | W. Industrial to W. Pampa | 803 |
| Spence | Lemon to Carter | 639 |
| Weaver | Jackson to Teer | 2877 |
| Shook | Weaver to Jefferson | 536 |
| Jacobs | Houston to Bonner | 848 |
| 23787 |
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the usual report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- • Reset times on school zone lights.
• Continued upgrading lighting at City Hall and the Municipal Library to LED. • Tested emergency sirens.
• Repaired the water fountain at City Hall.
• Performed preventative maintenance on various items at the wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant.
• Treated effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of 0.48 mg/L • Repaired 2 water main ruptures.
• Hauled 394 tons of sludge to the landfill. - 201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 2
- • Replaced 13 water meters.
• Unstopped 14 sewer mains.
• Washed 83,000 feet of sewer mains.
• Flushed 37 dead-end water mains.
• Operated Cooper Lake pumps on generated power for a few days. • Sold 3,466 gallons of AvGas and 6,600 gallons of JetA fuel.
• Accommodated 1,569 operations at the airport.
• Accommodated 16 jet aircraft for the annual CJAA training event. • Trimmed downtown trees.
• Planted seasonal flowers downtown.
• Power washed the pavilion at Buford Park.
• Made several repairs to Kids Kingdom.
• Checked out 4,158 items from the library plus 1,063 eBooks.
• Conducted 78 building inspections, 19 electrical inspections, 12 plumbing inspections, 4 mechanical inspections and issued 32 building permits and 42 trade permits.
• Repaired 374 potholes.
• Made 11 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
• Demolished and removed 3 dilapidated structures.
• Replaced 7 street signs and 1 stop sign.
• Responded to 184 animal control calls while achieving an adoption rate of 70%. • Made 9 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
• Responded to 37 accidents, issued 488 citations, recorded 60 offences, and made 60 arrests in the Patrol Division.
• Responded to 253 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire and 2 vehicle fires. • Conducted 15 fire inspections.
• Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 3
