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
CHRISTUS Health Provides Tips to Prepare for Summer Heat
June 10, 2024 – (EAST TEXAS) – The summer heat has arrived, which means understanding and preventing heat-related illnesses is more important than ever, according to CHRISTUS Health.
There are four main types of heat-related illnesses: heat rash, cramps, heat exhaustion and the most severe, heat stroke. There were nearly 2,500 heat-related deaths in the U.S. last year, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department reported.
“It does not take long for your body to feel the effects of the Texas heat,” said Julie Sperling, trauma prevention coordinator at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. “It is vital that you prepare your body to be in the heat, take adequate precautions, and recovery properly.”
Sperling said that hydration is the key before, during and after any heat-related activities. Focus on water and sports drinks while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks like soda.
Other suggestions include avoiding outside activities during peak heat hours, wearing loose fitting clothes, finding shelter in shaded areas to lower your body temperature, taking frequent breaks and if possible, working alongside a partner.
“Having a partner, a ‘buddy’ with you, can be vital in recognizing the signs of distress,” Sperling said. “Oftentimes the symptoms of a heat-related illness can be observed by others before we notice it ourselves.”
Symptoms of a heat-related illness include development of a heat rash, cramping, confusion, inability to sweat, seizures, dizziness or fainting, slurred speech, hallucinations and altered mental status, confusion, aggression, or agitation.
Anyone exhibiting these signs should stop their activity, attempt to cool the body immediately, and seek medical attention.
Upon completion of any outdoor activity, pay attention to weight loss, says Jim Rapp, director of the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute.
If hydration is not adequately replenished between bouts in the heat, a person can continue to lose weight and become significantly more at risk for serious heat related illnesses, he said.
“You cannot lose body fat at nearly the same rate,” Rapp said. “So intentional weight loss through diet and exercise should be cautioned in conditions of high heat and humidity because people can be fooled into thinking they are losing body fat when they are actually losing water and putting themselves at risk for injury.”
Both Rapp and Sperling also encourage people to check on those who have pre-existing health conditions, the elderly and those that may not have access to adequate cooling devices in their homes.
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CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute in Sulphur Springs Welcomes First Patient
June 10, 2024 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – Joe Bob Burgin is no stranger to the health care system in Sulphur Springs. Burgin was part of the hospital board when it was still Hopkins County Memorial Hospital and was integral in the successful merger with CHRISTUS Health in 2016.
When he found out CHRISTUS Health was expanding cardiology services to his hometown with the creation of the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, to say he was excited is an understatement.
“I am a CHRISTUS guy and I know what great work they do,” he said. “I am excited to see more of their high-quality care being offered to our community.”
On Tuesday, June 4, Burgin, who served as chair of the Texas Healthcare Trustees organization in 2023, was the first patient seen in the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs.
His history with the hospital in Sulphur Springs gave him great insight into the importance of expanding cardiac care in rural East Texas, especially for the older and more vulnerable population.
“Knowing we have more access to specialized care is a great value to our community,” he said.
Heart and Vascular Institute providers are part of the larger CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic cardiology team that currently employs more than 100 cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons, and advanced practice clinicians in the Northeast Texas region.
They will also work in close coordination with the teams at the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler, which has earned the National Distinction of Excellence as a HeartCARE Center four times from the American College of Cardiology, has earned a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification from the American Heart Association and the Joint
Commission, while maintaining a top-ranked heart surgery program as designated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
As for Burgin, he summed up his experience at the new Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, succinctly: “I was so impressed with my doctor, he was very thorough, and I have nothing but good things to say.”
The Heart and Vascular Institute is located at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. New and existing patients can call (903) 438-8330 to schedule an appointment.
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Pepper Corking From Master Gardener David Wall
June 9, 2024 – Several of you just said to yourself, “What is pepper corking?” I know I did the first time I saw the name! I have no idea who came up with the name, as it makes no sense to me.
OK, so what is pepper corking? Actually, it’s nothing more than scar marks on the pepper surface. They give the appearance of the pepper not receiving enough water, but the opposite is true. The scarring is caused by excessive water. I suppose it could occur on any pepper species, but I’ve never seen it on any species other than jalapenos, although almost any hot pepper is susceptible.
Tomatoes have the same problem, but it is much more pronounced. When too much water is pushed into a tomato, it tries to expand, but with its thin skin, breaks and deep cracks occur. They don’t ruin the fruit, but those cracks certainly reduce the fruit attractiveness.
Jalapenos have a much thicker and tougher skin. Corking begins with excess water filling and stretching the inner portion of that skin. The stretching extends to the outer surface, which cannot stretch as far without breaking. The skin, however is much tougher than a tomato, so the stretch becomes a minor scar instead of an open break.
A tomato usually has one vertical or perhaps a horizontal crack. The jalapeno, however, will usually have many vertical or perhaps numerous horizontal scars all over the outer skin. While they may detract the skin somewhat, they aren’t seen as detrimental. For whatever reason, many seek and prefer the scarred peppers. Taste is unaffected. The myth that scarring makes the pepper hotter is false.
To prevent, pick tomatoes before they’re fully ripe and peppers while smaller. With all the rain we’re getting, however, expect numerous cracked tomatoes and scarred peppers!
Local Masseuse Arrested for Prostitution in Sulphur Springs
June 9, 2024 – A Sulphur Springs masseuse got more than she bargained for as she allegedly attempted to bargain with undercover police for more than a massage. The local massage parlor employee ended up in jail for Solicitation of Prostituition after an undercover sting facilitated by local law enforcement revealed the offense in the 1600 block of Broadway. The Texas Penal Code lists the charge as a Class B Misdemeanor for a first offense and the 65 year-old Sulphur Springs resident charged remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting her bond to be set on the sex charge.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
