Tira News January 25th, 2019
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council will have a called meeting on Monday, January 28, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., to discuss the water damage and needed repairs at the Community Center. Also on the agenda will be a discussion about property insurance. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Evelyn Horne went to the Ft. Worth Stock Show and the stockyards this past weekend, with a friend of hers from Navasota. They attended the rodeo, saw some exhibits, did some shopping, and “enjoyed fabulous steaks at H3 Ranch restaurant”. She adds, “…and yes, freezing cold, but had fun.”
Yvonne Weir recently returned from a trip to South Africa with Destri, Eben and Nico, her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. She reports, “We arrived after a 24-hour flight, which was interrupted by a layover in London. I was told to stay awake, so I wouldn’t be jet lagged but I kept falling asleep during conversations. We visited Eben’s sister and family in Cape Town and
his parents in Agulhas.
In Cape Town, we went to the beach and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens.
We also went to the water front and shopped. On the way to Agulhas we stopped near a shipwreck site called Birkenhead. This was the place that the “women and children first” tradition when a ship sank originated. Four hundred plus men died, but many women and children survived.
We ate at Bientang cave. The food was wonderful and it was next to the ocean, but the steep rock steps were killers. We rented a house by the sea in Agulhas. It was lovely, but the beach was very rocky. There is a monument there at the lowest point in South Africa and it is where the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean meet. There is a lighthouse there that is fully
operational.
During our drives we saw African deer and wild ostrich. Eben’s parents cooked for us. They cook lamb and sausage over a wood fire, which is in a brick oven. It is the way the Afrikaners have prepared their food for centuries. After staying there three days we headed to Franschoek, which is a winery area. Eben’s parents stayed with us in a lovely home.
We went on a winery tram and saw beautiful country and stopped at 5 or 6 wine tastings. Some were good, others not so much. It is summer there, so the flowers were lovely. One of the flowers, called the Proteus, is found naturally only in the Cape Town area.
After 3 days there I rode with Eben’s parents back to Cape Town and we went to a butterfly preserve. There were many other types of birds, reptiles, etc. there, too. The Flame Butterflies were the most prominent. The next day we toured around Cape Town. The wind was high and the waves were, also. Table Rock was closed due to clouds. We shopped at Simon Town.
We rode the ferry to Robbene Island, and then rode on a bus around the island and toured the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 17 years. The tours were led by former political prisoners and their stories were compelling. We saw a family of penguins and a springbok on the island. The day before we left Table Rock was open, so we rode the cable car to the top. It was beautiful, with 360-degree views of the ocean, Cape Town and
mountains, etc.
All in all, it was the trip of a lifetime and I met very wonderful people. I was slower than the kids, but they were very gracious to help me.”
Grace Vaughn celebrating her 98th birthday
Chip and I picked up his mother, Grace, on Saturday and we met Linda Ellen, Chip’s sister, in Greenville for lunch at Red Lobster. We were celebrating Grace’s 98th birthday, which was on Friday, January 18th . Grace rode back with Linda Ellen, who was spending the weekend with her. They joined Chip, Tiffany, and me, at our house, for lunch on Sunday. Jaidyn was with Malcolm and Kenden was with a friend.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected] .
Loving Your Heart – for the Health of it By Johanna Hicks
While February is best known for Valentine’s Day, did you know that it is also American Heart Month? This February, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommends giving your heart love, too, by being aware of heart problems and the steps you can take to prevent them.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 610,000 deaths each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The root cause of heart disease is plaque formation and buildup that occurs when coronary arteries become clogged by cholesterol, fatty deposits, and calcium. Buildup causes arteries to become narrow, making it difficult for oxygen and blood to flow through the body and to the organs.
Anyone is at risk for developing heart disease. However, people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoke cigarettes are at higher risk. According to the CDC, about 47% of Americans have at least one of these risk factors. Additional factors that contribute to the progression of the disease include:
· Diabetes
· Being overweight or obese
· Poor diet
· Physical inactivity
· Excessive alcohol use
· Having a family history of heart disease
· Age, especially in women 55 and older
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recommends taking preventative measures by becoming aware of risk factors and consulting with a doctor on a regular basis. Developing a treatment plan with a physician can help stabilize blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels. Other preventative measures include:
• Eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables
• Being physically active
• Stopping the use of cigarettes
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Reducing sodium intake
When it comes to pursuing a healthy lifestyle, try incorporating heart healthy foods into your diet such as green, leafy vegetables, avocadoes, whole grains, and seeds. Add these ingredients into meals like Quinoa Cakes, a Fresh Berry Caprese Salad, or an Avocado Mandarin Salad by using recipes from AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight. To find more recipes, visitdinnertonight.tamu.edu.
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop
While we’re on the topic of February, Heart Month, I want to remind everyone about an upcoming workshop. The Christmas holidays and Valentines’ Day are both popular times for couples to become engaged, and Extension wants to help prepare them for a healthy start! The Twogether in Texas Marriage education workshop is designed to equip couples with practical information to strengthen their bond and help them get their marriage off to a good start.
Three workshops are offered each year, so if one date doesn’t work, there are two other opportunities! The workshop is a one-day (approximately 6 hours) event, covering the following topics:
- Marriage expectations
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Money Management
- Goals & dreams
Videos, couple interaction, group participation, and fun activities are included in the workshop. Engaged couples who complete the workshop will receive a certificate for a $60 savings (state portion) when applying for a marriage license. The certificate is good for one year from the date I issue it, so even if the wedding is several months away, the savings is still viable. Here are the specifics on the upcoming workshop:
- Date: Saturday, February 9 (other workshops are offered on May 18 and August 24)
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Hopkins County Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Cost: nothing, but couples are requested to RSVP so adequate preparations can be made
- To reserve a seat: call 903-885-3443 – give us your names and phone number
Closing Thought
Life is too precious to hurry through and not enjoy the moment – Melinda Hill
Recipe of the Week
Avocado Mandarin Salad
Ingredients:
one 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained
½ cup green onions thinly sliced
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups torn salad greens
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
¼ cup fat-free Italian dressing
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine oranges, onion, pecans, and pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Place the greens in a salad bowl, and top with orange mixture and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with dressing before serving.
Nutrition Facts per serving (makes 8 servings):
Calories – 100; total fat – 7 g; cholesterol – 0 mg; sodium – 85 mg; carbohydrate – 8 g; dietary fiber – 3 g
Cumby Trojans Robotics Team Hosts State, National VEX Qualifying Event
On Saturday January 26, 2019 the World Champ Cumby ISD Robotics team will host a qualifying event for other Texas high school teams. About 20 teams from nearby and across the state who compete in the VEX Robotic Program competitions will arrive at Cumby High School for the day-long qualifier. Matches will begin at 9am, and spectators are welcome to attend free of charge.
Team members are Jadryen Long, Akayshia Smith, Lacy Jacobs, Cillian Smith, Kadden Cota and Ken Chapin. Senior students Long, Jacobs, Cota and Chapin are veterans of the school’s World title. Robotics coach is Ms. Lee Gifford who sponsored the team to the 2016 win at World and in their first and second-place National wins.
The 6-member team has been working feverishly since school resumed in 2019, getting their robot built and strategies developed for the “Turning Point” game, the recommended contest game. Match winners will be teams with the fastest and highest-scoring robots in the tasks assigned. The Cumby team demonstrated how their robot must enter and maneuver the playing field, lift and place a designated object, toss a ball to hit a target, then park itself in a designated space. This year’s qualifying rounds will differ from previous ones due to the newly developed VS electronic robot technology required of the high school-level teams. Fundraising was necessary due to the cost of the new robot technology. This is Cumby ISD’s seventh year to compete.
Wildcat Tennis Opens Season Friday
The Wildcats’ tennis team opens the season Friday at a Hallsville tournament, weather permitting. Tony Martinez is in his fifth year as Wildcats Tennis Coach. His assistant is Coach Mike Meador. Coach Martinez told his team recently they are ahead of where they were at his time last year. He said this year’s team is the best he has had at Sulphur Springs. Coach Martinez expects his players to go deep in tournaments.
On the boys’ side, Jonah Kirkpatrick serves as the team captain. Other key boys include Aaron Lucas, Logan Schumacher, Michael McCord, Jordan Gonzales, Carlos Lopez and Brandon Dittrich.
On the girls’ side, Coach Martinez expects experienced play from Zoe Wilson, Harleigh Stegient and Katie Beth Hurd. Coach Martinez is also excited about four freshmen girls that played well during the fall team tennis season. The #1 girls’ player is Jeaux Leigh Cantu. The others are Paige Miesse, Emily Dick and Savannah Lilly.
Hammack in 14th Year as Head Coach for Wildcat Baseball; Wildcats Ranked 10th in Preseason By THSBM
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack, starting with 14th season as Sulphur Springs Head Baseball Coach, said Thursday the Wildcats are preseason ranked #10 according to Texas High School Baseball Magazine. He said it is the highest preseason ranking any of his Wildcats’ teams have ever had. Coach Hammack said one of his teams, that went four rounds into the playoffs, finished with a #8 ranking.
He said the #10 ranking is nice for the team. Coach Hammack said it is probably because of the last two seasons that have seen the Wildcats finish as a co-district champ in 2017 and a tri-district champ last season. He said the ranking would put a target on the team’s back.
The cupboard is far from bare for the 2019 Wildcats. Coach Hammack said he has 6 players returning who were starters or played a significant amount of time. Pitchers Pacen Edwards and Jaxon Chaney return. Edwards also played shortstop and Chaney third base. Coach Hammack said Edwards is a competitor and should challenge to be the team’s ace. Coach Hammack said Chaney has as much power as any Wildcat he has had and could hit 10 plus home runs. Catcher Kaden Argenbright, a Henderson State signee, is also back. Coach Hammack expects Argenbright to hit second in the lineup as he has for the past three years. He said Argenbright could play anywhere but will probably be needed to catch. Austin Dodd will return in center field and is expected to bat lead off again. Coach Hammack said Kamren Harrison played a lot in right field last year.
He said he has holes to fill at first base, second base and left field. Coach Hammack said he likes the players that will probably move up from the JV. He expects them to provide depth on the mound and shore up other positions. Coach Hammack said he would be trying to find the right fit for positions during scrimmages and tournaments. He hopes to have the answers by the time district play begins.
Coach Hammack said it’s not unusual for practices to begin in the Multipurpose Building due to rainy and cold weather. The Wildcats first scrimmage is scheduled for February 4 at Wildcat Park as Sherman is coming to town. Coach Hammack said he has had past teams reach the third and fourth round of the playoffs and he added the current team is also capable of advancing. He said the team features good leadership from seniors and has camaraderie.
In closing Coach Hammack said by the end of the season, he hopes the Wildcats will have played to their full potential. He said if they do that he would be pleased.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department Purchases New Transport Van With Interdiction and Commissary Sales Monies
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department has purchased a new transport van with proceeds received through the interdiction program. The interdiction effort now operated by Corporal Zack Poindexter and his K-9 Chiv was started when Sheriff Lewis Tatum took office in 2017, with now retired Lt. Harry Washington, as the Deputy who led the program.
The van will be up fitted with funds from the Jail Commissary ran by Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean and Captain Wanda Allen. Selling commissary and the Interdiction program have allowed the department to purchase this necessary transport unit without using tax revenue. This unit will transport trustees, who assist in everything from picking up trash in the community, to assisting fire fighters clean up after fires. The van will also be used in transporting inmates when needed. The bus that the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court purchased for the department several years ago was in need of costly transmission repair and it proved too expensive to replace for that age of vehicle.
Sheriff Tatum said he would like to thank everyone who goes above and beyond to make the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office successful.
PJC-Sulphur Springs Welding Behind the Mask
Working behind the welding mask is Martin “Bull” Bullington of Neylandville. Martin is a second semester pipe welding student in the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding program.
Kid’s Trout Fishing Day Set for Saturday, February 2, 2019
On Saturday February 2nd, 2019, at Sulphur Springs City Park Pond (Peavine Pinion Pool located behind the Civic Center) will be the site of the Larry Buster Memorial Sulphur Springs Kids’ Trout Fishing Day. The event, which is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division, the City of Sulphur Springs, local merchants, civic organizations and many individual contributors, will run from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Soft drinks and hot dogs will be provided by the Kiwanis Club of Sulphur Springs, and there will be drawings for door prizes for participating kids. Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring their rods, reels and bait, to take a chance at catching some of the 2,000 rainbow trout that will be stocked by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel. Whole kernel corn, Berkley power eggs and trout bait, and small spinners are generally the favorite baits for trout.
Because this event is sponsored in part by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there is a special exemption in effect during the event. Adults who are actively helping kids fish for trout are exempt from the normal license requirements during the event only (10:00 am – 2:00 pm), Saturday February 2nd, 2019). All other anglers are required to have a freshwater fishing license. There is no minimum size limit on rainbow trout, but there is a daily bag limit of 5 fish per person.
Historical Photo Quiz #6 – Updated
Cathey Pribble Williams stopped by KSST many many times. This visit may have been to sell year book ads. Depending on the year, it could have been official rodeo business as well. Cathey thinks, based on her hair style, that this is 1968.
