Try a Mortgage Lifter Tomato in 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
January 7, 2024 – If you’re looking for a “different” large (as in huge!) tomato with great flavor, then perhaps the Mortgage Lifter is a plant you should consider. It’s an indeterminate, open-pollinated, heirloom tomato producing fruit weighing up to 2.5 pound that will produce until frost! The plant has a pinkish-red beefsteak-shaped fruit that has few seeds. Maturity occurs in 80-85 days. The plant can grow as large as 7-9-foot.
Mortgage Lifters were developed in the 1930’s during the depression by a man named M.C. Byles. He was a radiator mechanic who worked out of his homebased repair shop in Logan, West Virginia. Funds were tight, and he was looking for a way to pay off his $6000 home mortgage loan. For whatever reason he decided to develop a new, large tomato. His method was somewhat unorthodox in that he chose to do so by crossbreeding four existing large fruited varieties, beefsteak, an Italian variety, German Johnson, and an English variety.
The German Johnson tomato plant was placed in the ground with the other three planted around it. Gathering pollen, he then hand pollinated the German Johnson using a baby’s ear syringe! He then took the resulting seeds from the modified German Johnson fruit, replanted the saved seeds the next year and duplicated this process every year for the next six years.
By the 1940’s, M.C. began selling his plants for $1 each. Word spread, and the plant fruit grew in popularity. Gardeners were coming from up to 200 miles away (obviously prior to the internet!) to buy the seedlings. MC was able to pay off his mortgage, and the plant thus became known as the Mortgage Lifter!
Due to plant growth size, spacing up to 4’ is recommended, with stake or cages to provide support. Mulching is recommended. Water 1-2” per week.
Paris District Road Report for week of January 8, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 8, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Click It or Ticket
“Click It or Ticket” is a TxDOT campaign urging Texans to buckle up. Currently 90.38 percent of Texans buckle up. However, in 2022, the number of people who died while not wearing a seat belt increased by 2.5 percent over 2021, with 1,258 unbuckled drivers and passengers killed on Texas roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates since its inception 21 years ago, “Click It or Ticket” has saved 7,399 lives, prevented more than 129,000 serious injuries and saved Texas more than $28.5 billion in related economic costs.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45 percent for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60 percent. Your seat belt is designed to keep you from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield—or even onto the road. An airbag can be a big lifesaver. But without a seat belt, it can be ineffective and even dangerous. In a crash, a seat belt ensures you’re not thrown into a opening airbag—a force that could injure or kill you. You may think your airbag is going to protect you, but it’s designed to work with seat belts, not to replace them.
In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than eight years must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than four feet, nine inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is ongoing.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 377 to US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
FM 151, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 981, from SH 78 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 896, from Business SH 121 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1553, from SH 78 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews grade ditches for truck parking area.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from the FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County: SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at the various locations. The contractor is backfilling and placing sod at various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun preparing the right of way and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and preparing to perform subgrade widening work and base work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening and lime treatment of the subgrade near mile 6 of the 8-mile project. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Ave. Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County work has begun on the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound mainlane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform mainlane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects. Hunt Maintenance has performed overlay work on both FM 1569 and FM3427. Rains maintenance section performed seal coat prep work on FM 2101.
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AARP Tax-Aide Sign Up Information for 2024
January 6, 2024 – AARP Tax-Aide sign up is officially open for Sulphur Springs, TX. This is a free Federal Tax preparation service for seniors, and anyone of any age that wants to use the service. Even if you think you don’t need to file your taxes, experts agree that everyone should file every year.
Here’s more good news, Tax-Aide Sulphur Springs has enrolled several new volunteers to help the public this year. Increased demand for the free service and ever changing tax laws mean Tax Aide is always looking for dedicated volunteers. Join the team by clicking here.
The Sulphur Springs Library plays a vital role in the service. Not only do they host Tax-Aide, they serve as a point of information and the place where people can pick up their filing packets. Remember, your packet must be filled out before AARP Tax Aide can assist you.
AARP Tax-Aide also offers, free of charge, the option to e-file. If you are eligible for a refund, there is no quicker way to receive your money than by using e-file and direct deposit.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Awards Ceremony to be held January 15, 2024
The Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony is scheduled to take place Monday, January 15, 2024, beginning at 7 PM, at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Fuller Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Guest Speaker will be Zenetta Drew, Executive Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre. She has been Executive Director of Dallas Black Dance Theatre since 1987. During her tenure, Dallas Black Dance Theatre has grown from an annual operating budget of $175,000 to over $4.9 million and has also grown from a community-based organization to a fully professional dance company.
The public is invited to this free event!!!!
The 2024 MLK Nomination Committee: (Jossie Jimmerson, Tammy Duffey, Vanessa Abron, Patricia Cooper, Janice Henley, Marcie Porter, Uyvonne Thornton, Jackie Wade-Jackson, Angela Mosley, Lou Hall,
Demitra Robionson, Mynder Kelly, BJ Teer, Ricky Godbolt, Lewis Hawkins, Pastor Harold B. Nash, Sr., Ann Spivey, Latosha Ivery, Zhakari Jackson, and Pastor LaVelle Hendricks )
Those being honored are listed below:
Gilbert Roland
Shandis Young
Ann Spivey
Wanda Allen
Kenneth Dean
Marcie Porter
Kerry Wright
Chereasha Godbolt
Clarine Moore
Debra Berry
Debbie Stribling
Debra Smith
Uyvonne Thornton
Rachandra Berry
Ketena Cooper
SaDavia Porter
Tammy Wright
Sonia Rush
Regina Vaughn
Chan Berry
Calvin Hickerson
Jossie Jimmerson
Mary Sue Ross
Lillian Franlin
Cadyn Spigner
Patricia Vaughn
Lakayla Johnson Sims
Bridget Cooper
Billie Petty
Kim Hall-Johnson
Kiara Johnson
Bonnie McGlamery Moore
Melissa McLarry Lornson
Sharonda Wright
Frankie Joe Hawkins
Zachary Thomas
Damon Dugan
Coryn Young
Aidan McCarroll
Jeremiah Robinson
Terin Bethea
Malachi Clayton
Addison Godbolt
KaDardrian James Abron
Tommy Clayton
Lester Henley
Lucy Phifer
Glovene Johnson
Damia Dugan
Joyce Moore
Rita Taylor
Ricky Young
Lewis Hawkins
Rose Peters
Aldine Turman
Venda Wright
Trelandra Miles
Melba Nash
Betty Dial
Pastor D.K. Young
Della Cleveland
Edwin Thomas
Joel Peoples
Brian Crump
Marc Maxwell
Charlie Sickles
Melba Sickles
Kissy Miller
Letita Conliffe
Chandra Oud
Mollie Shepherd
Remona Hynson
Volunteers Still Needed for AARP Tax Aide
January 4, 2024 – Tax season is upon us all, and the AARP Tax Aide program is looking for more volunteers.
AARP Tax Aide is a free tax preparation and e-file service available by appointment to anyone. You do not need to be a senior to use this service. You do not need to be a senior to volunteer either. A member of the KSST Team is proud to be one of the new volunteer trainees for the 2023 tax season.
Tax Aide Volunteer Training will be during the month of January. It is largely computer based, and the actual returns done for clients are also done via computer. The returns are all done at the Sulphur Springs Library. If you have ever done your own tax return on a computer, you have a basic idea of how the process works.
Tax Aide volunteers are never alone. There is an entire team of support available at all times. Guidelines and policies developed by the IRS and AARP also protect the filer, and the volunteer. A volunteer who follows the rules in preparing a return can not be held liable for errors. Client returns are screened and their potential difficulty is matched with the volunteer’s level. Some simple returns might take just 15 minutes, others are more fit for experienced members of the team. Volunteers will never be put in a situation where they have no support. All returns prepared by a Tax Aide Volunteer are reviewed by a different volunteer member of the team before filing.
Please keep in mind that the free Tax Aide service can not help with every type of return. The majority of people who make an appointments do meet the return guidelines, or ‘scope’, set nationally by the IRS and AARP.
Training has already begun for the 2023 tax season. Any volunteer wanting to be included this season will be personally brought up to speed by local trainers.
Sign up to volunteer and learn more by clicking here.
The first appointments for the free service in the Sulphur Springs Area will be February 6th.
Hopkins County Sheriff Deputy Arrests Greenville Man
January 4, 2023 – A Hopkins County Sheriff Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Mazda SUV traveling over the speed limit on Hwy 11. While questioning the lone driver, the local sheriff’s deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle prompting a probable cause search of the vehicle.
During the thorough search, more than one clear plastic bag was found containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. Also found in the vehicle was a digital scale commonly used to weigh and distribute marijuana as well as a large amount of U.S. currency ($9,,850) and a black handgun.
A records check showed that the driver, identified as Kavrin Raphael Massey, was on probation which made the possession of a handgun a felony charge. Massey was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail charged with possession of marijuana, money laundering as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. A local towing company was dispatched to take possession of the 2021 Mazda.
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.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report – January 2024
January 04, 2023 – Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report submitted to Sulphur Springs City Council by City Manager Marc Maxwell
CLAIMS – Unable to provide claims report this month – flu season.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – We are applying for a $300,000 grant from the General Land Office to perform the plan. This will delay the plan a couple of months, but $300,000 is $300,000.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER – Construction continues. We will be connecting power to the building this month.
COLLEGE STREET – Little changed from last month. The concrete contractor, 5W Contracting has
poured concrete all the way past Carter Rookson. They are now finishing the excavation of curb & gutter and sidewalks on the remaining 1,950 feet to Como Street. At the present rate the project should be finished by June.
PACIFIC PARK – We are very close to finishing the project. We just lack a bit more sod.
WATER FILTER REHABILITATION – This $3.2 million project will rehabilitate all 6 filters at the water treatment plant. Work on Filter #4, the most problematic filter is nearing completion. We continue to be impressed with the quality of work.
LEAGUE STREET DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS – This drainage project at the 201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org KCS railroad was authorized for $265,000 at the August 15th City Council meeting. This project began 4 weeks ago. It has already resolved the flooding problems at Main & League. We are still making improvements on the north side of the KCS tracks. Expect League Street to remain closed for 2 more weeks.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) – Following is a list of streets to be repaved in 2023.
Woodcrest and Rockdale are on hold for utility reasons. (Atmos and Oncor).
Street, Between, Length
League soft spot repairs 500
Woodcrest Azalea to Cul de Sac 898 – ON HOLD
Mulberry Woodlawn to RR 530
Lemon Bill Bradford to Spence 1199 – Completed
Milligan Church to Davis 549
Rockdale Shannon to Hillcrest 3749 - ON HOLD
Robertson Davis to Texas 1199
Houston Hillcrest to League 4800 – Completed
Putman Jackson to Carter 1400 – Putman
Texas Shannon to Arbala 1901 – Completed
Spence Fisher to Davis 476
Spence Gilmer to Ardis-end 850 – Completed
Spring Gilmer to Magnolia 808 – Completed
Peach Texas to Brinker 570
Craig Booker to Main 2170
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the usual report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 2,718 items from the library plus 924 eBooks.
- Restored electrical power to the Thermo property.
- Reset school zone flashing lights on League Street.
- Upgraded various downtown streetlights to LED.
- Repaired lights on Hopkins County Veterans Memorial.
- Upgraded lights at Coleman Park bathrooms to LED.
- Hauled 452 tons of sludge to the landfill.
- Began the process of renewing the wastewater treatment plant discharge permit.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average of 0.85 mg/L.
- Repaired 11 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 22 water meters.
- Unstopped 42 sewer mains.
- Repaired 2 sewer mains.
- Flushed 38 dead-end water mains.
- Performed preventative maintenance on spillway gates at Lake Sulphur Springs.
- Changed out banners downtown.
- Held 62 activities for seniors including a veteran’s breakfast and a Christmas
party. - Removed multiple tree stumps from Coleman Park.
- Repaired dugouts at Coleman Park.
- Mowed the airport and grass landing strip.
- Planted hardwood trees and fruit trees at Pacific Park.
- Made several repairs to Kids Kingdom.
- Sold 2,875 gallons of AvGas and 9,717 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Assisted with the Christmas parade.
- Responded to 204 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires and 2 vehicle fires.
- Performed 20 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 72 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 76 building inspections, 36 electrical inspections, 19 plumbing
inspections, and 3 mechanical inspections. - Issued 21 building permits and 50 trade permits.
- Responded to 167 animal control calls.
- Achieved a 78% adoption rate at the animal shelter.
- Responded to 1,917 911 calls for police.
- Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 29 accidents, issued 425 citations, recorded 59 offences and made
42 arrests in the patrol division.
Cell-O-Core Shuts Down Sulphur Springs Operations
January 4, 2024 – A local drinking straw manufacturer has shut down their Sulphur Springs plant. Ohio based Cell-O-Core expanded their operations to Sulphur Springs approximately 10 years ago under an agreement with the Sulphur Springs Economic Development Corporation. The local operation is housed on CMH drive in a building owned by the local EDC. In business since 1945, Cell-O-Core is the largest U.S. based straw manufacturer as they expanded their operations for the first time outside of Ohio ten years ago by choosing Sulphur Springs as the location to expand. KSST News was unable to reach Cell-O-Core management for more information on the company’s future plans.
Hopkins County Chamber Putting Finishing Touches On Chamber Directory
January 3, 2024 – Chamber members should make sure their membership is current with the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce as the local Chamber is wrapping up the info on the new Directory. The Chamber will distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses. They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business.
LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Print and Design, is contacting businesses to see if you are interested in
placing an ad in the directory. You can reach LeeAnn at 903-885-0861. The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her. If your business wants to be in the directory, please make sure your membership is current.
Only current members will be included in the directory. If you’re unsure, please contact the chamber at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Cooper Lake State Park Announces Activites For January 2024
January 3, 2024 – Press Release from Steve Killian, Cooper Lake State Park Superintedent
Experience the Best of Winter at Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas – Wintertime at Cooper Lake State Park brings very special opportunities for outdoor exploration. No mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and some of our other not so favorite animals are dormant so get out here and trop through the woods. January is the best month of the year for stargazing. With the park’s dark skies, celestial adventures await. Take a cool hike on almost 20 miles of parkland trails. Go trout fishing at the end of the month in our special event pond. Campout and enjoy a roaring campfire as you sip a steamy cup of hot chocolate as you roast a s’more! Are you excited yet?
Cooper Lake State Park is thrilled to host a series of fun and engaging educational events scheduled for the second half of January at both Doctors Creek and South Sulphur Units. Among these, the centerpiece is the eagerly anticipated “Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day” on Saturday, January 20th at the South Sulphur Unit. This is a perfect opportunity for young anglers to experience the joy of trout fishing, an unusual experience for sure for Texas. Kids be sure to bring an adult and they can fish too! No Fishing Licenses Required and we will have bait and loaner poles too!
The journey continues at South Sulphur (SS), the starry night of January 13th will bring the “Stargazing” event to life. Starting at 7 p.m. at the Gulls Bluff Boat Launch Parking Lot, you can gaze upon the celestial wonders and catch a glimpse of the Quadrantids meteor shower. The journey continues with and artistic flare January 14th with another “Art in the Park” session at 2 p.m. at the Gulls Bluff Pavilion, inviting more participants to join the State Fish Art contest. Finally, on January 27th, try your hand at archery with “Archery 101.” This event, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Buggy Whip Restroom, requires prior registration and is limited to 12 participants. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those aged 10 and up to learn archery, regardless of experience level. To reserve your spot, contact Alicia O’Connor at Alicia.O’[email protected] or call (903) 945-5256.
At Doctors Creek (DC), the journey begins with the “Skins and Skulls” event on January 13th. At 2 p.m., gather at the Doctors Creek Headquarters for a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local wildlife. The following day, on January 14th, “Art in the Park” beckons all creative spirits to Pelican Point Pavilion at 10 a.m. Here, artists of every skill level can express their creativity in the State Fish Art contest, with all materials provided. On January 20th, survival enthusiasts and nature lovers alike won’t want to miss “Fire Building 101.” Starting at 10 a.m. in the Bluebonnet Day Use Area, you’ll learn the art of building the perfect campfire. The month at Doctors Creek culminates with the “Wildlife Detectives” event on January 27th. Meet at 2 p.m. at the South Loop trailhead at Pelican Point parking lot for an enlightening walk on the South Loop Trail, where you’ll learn to read the signs of the local fauna.
We warmly invite everyone to participate in these enthralling activities, especially the Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day, a unique and delightful experience for budding fishing enthusiasts. Cooper Lake State Park is excited to offer these engaging events, fostering a connection with the natural work and sparking new interests. Join us for a January filled with discovery and fun! Park is committed to providing educational and recreational opportunities that connect our community with nature. We look forward to welcoming you to our park!
All programs and are free with your entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and also like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903) 395-3100).
Doctors Creek Unit
Saturday, January 13 – DC
Skins and Skulls – 2 p.m. Meet at Doctors Creek Headquarters – Get an inside look at a few of the local animals.
Sunday, January 14 – DC
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Calling all artist! All art supplies provided. The State Fish Art contest is our focus this month.
Saturday, January 20 —DC
Fire Building 101 – 10 a.m. Meet at Blue Bonnet Day Use Area – Learn tips and tricks on how to build a perfect campfire.
Saturday, January 27 — DC
Wildlife Detectives – 2 p.m. Meet at South Loop trail head at the Pelican Point parking lot. We’ll take a short walk on the South Loop Trail. Explore how to determine the types of animals that may have been here from the signs they leave behind.
South Sulphur Unit
Saturday, January 13 – SS
Stargazing – Join us as we explore the night sky. We’ll have the telescopes out for viewing a planet or two, viewing starts at 7 p.m. meet at the Gulls Bluff Boat Launch Parking Lot. We’ll also talk about viewing the tail end of the Quadrantids meteor shower.
Sunday, January 14 — SS
Art in the Park – 2 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion – Calling all artist! All art supplies provided. The State Fish Art contest is our focus this month.
Saturday, January 20 – SS
Annual Kid’s Trout Fishing Day – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Park at Headquarters and walk to the Event Pond. Experience the joy of catching trout. No rod and reel, no worries we have a few loaners available. Remember your trout bait.
Saturday, January 27 – SS
Archery 101: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at Buggy Whip Restroom. Registration is required, program limited to 12 participants. Reserve your spot by calling (903) 945-5256 or email Alicia O’Connor Alicia.O’[email protected]. No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. All equipment provided.
