Tira News, August 24th, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
The quarterly Tira City Council meeting has been moved to Monday, August 27 th at 6:00 p.m. We are saddened to learn that Powell Vickery and Sherry Smiddy are resigning from the Council, due to Powell’s current health condition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. The Council will be discussing the changes at the meeting on Monday. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Council would like to express appreciation to the anonymous donor for the generous contributions to the Tira Food Pantry. The Pantry is in need of donations on a regular basis. Canned meat is especially needed at this time. You are welcome to bring donations to the quarterly meetings or contact a member about contributing anytime.
Shelia Boyd reports, “Anytime you get to see all three children is a good weekend! We visited with Colton earlier on Saturday, as the guys were spending time together. Then Jeremy and Jessica brought the kids out and we cooked burgers.” She comments, “My Saturday morning wasn’t as nice though, we attended my aunt’s funeral, Linda Brantley. She was a great aunt. My love to my cousins and all the family. Remember to cherish your time that you are given.” We want to express our sympathy to Shelia and her family at this time. Please keep them in your prayers.
Yvonne Weir shared, “Eli and Elise had a big birthday bash on Sunday, the 12th , with both sides of the family and lots of friends.” It was a swim party at Mike and Dacy (Weir) Campbell’s home. She added, “Wesley had his Senior Pictures taken on Wednesday, then we went to the Children’s Museum in Commerce. Dustin, Natalie, and Maria stopped in on Saturday. We had a late lunch at Juan Pablo’s and then they came out to get ready for their good friend Clarissa’s wedding. Between the drought and the grasshoppers our garden is gone.”
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] .
Fundraiser for Local Kids: This Saturday
The Lil 4’s club is hosting a fundraiser garage sale tomorrow, August 25th from 7am to 3pm. They are hoping to raise the needed $15,000 to be able to purchase their building. The fundraiser will be located at 200 Lee street. Come out and support your community!
Fall Armyworms By Mario Villarino
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a common pest of bermudagrass, sorghum, corn, wheat and rye grass and many other crops in north and central Texas. According to Dr. Allen Knutson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologist, the larvae of fall armyworms are green, brown or black with white to yellowish lines running from head to tail. A distinct white line between the eyes forms an inverted “Y” pattern on the face. Four black spots aligned in a square on the top of the segment near the back end of the caterpillar are also characteristic. Armyworms are very small (1/8 inch) at first, cause little plant damage and as a result often go unnoticed. Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Given their immense appetite, great numbers, and marching ability, fall armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days.
Once the armyworm larva completes feeding, it tunnels into the soil to a depth of about an inch and enters the pupal stage. The armyworm moth emerges from the pupa in about ten days and repeats the life cycle. The fall armyworm moth has a wingspan of about 1 1/2 inches. The front pair of wings is dark gray with an irregular pattern of light and dark areas. Moths are active at night when they feed on nectar and deposit egg masses. A single female can deposit up to 2000 eggs and there are four to five generations per year. The fall armyworm apparently does not overwinter in north Texas, but survives the winter in south Texas. Populations increase in south Texas in early spring and successive generations move northward as the season progresses.
Management. Fall armyworm outbreaks in pastures and hay fields often occur following a rain which apparently creates favorable conditions for eggs and small larvae to survive in large numbers. Hay fields with a dense canopy and vigorous plant growth are often more susceptible to armyworm infestations than less intensely fertilized and managed fields. Irrigated fields are also susceptible to fall armyworm infestations, especially during drought conditions. Also monitor volunteer wheat and weedy grasses in ditches and around fields which may be a source of armyworms that can move into the adjacent crop.
Look for fall armyworm larvae feeding in the crop canopy during the late evening and early morning and during cool, cloudy weather. During hot days, look for armyworms low in the canopy or even on the soil surface where they hide under loose soil and fallen leaves. A sweep net is very effective for sampling hay fields for fall armyworms. When fields are wet with dew, armyworms can stick on rubber boots worn while walking through the field. Small larvae chew the green layer from the leaves, creating a “window pane” effect and later notch the edges of leaves. The key to managing fall armyworms is frequent inspection of fields to detect infestations before they have caused economic damage. Once larvae are more than ¾ inch long, the quantity of foliage they eat increases dramatically. During their final 2-3 days of feeding, armyworms eat 80% of the total foliage consumed during their entire development.
The density of armyworms sufficient to justify insecticide treatment depends on the stage of crop growth and value of the crop. Seedling plants can tolerate fewer armyworms than established plants. Infestations of more than 2-3 armyworms (1/2 inch or longer) per square foot may justify an insecticide application. If practical, apply insecticides early in the morning or late in the evening when armyworm larvae are most active and therefor most likely to come into contact with the insecticide spray. If the field is near harvest, an early harvest, rather than an insecticide treatment, is an option. Always read and follow all label instructions on pesticide use and restrictions.
Creative Arts Contest – Are You Ready? By Johanna Hicks
Every year, the Hopkins County Fall Festival features fun events for the entire family. This year’s event will begin with a ribbon cutting on Celebration Square at noon, Friday, October 19. The parade will take place on Saturday, October 20, and other events will take place throughout the week. Two of the highlights of the fair are the Arts & Crafts Show and the Creative Arts Contest. These are two totally separate events, but each equally awesome! Since I am the coordinator for both of these events, I want to encourage you to participate! This week’s column will feature the Creative Arts Contest.
The 2018 Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest will start with registration of items on Thursday, October 25, at the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Room, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, October 26, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. No entries will be accepted after that time. Items may also be taken to the Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Monday thru Wednesday, October 22-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. if necessary.
Below are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) Due to space restrictions, entrants must be from Hopkins County.
2) Article may be exhibited only by the maker and must have been made within the past year (September, 2017 – October, 2018)
3) Participants may enter as many categories as desired, but may enter only one subclass in each category.
4) Age divisions are: children (age 10 and under); Youth (ages 11-19); Adults (ages 20-69); Older Texans (70 and above); nursing home and assisted living residents
5) Entries must be labeled using the color coded label provided at registration.
6) Entries will be judged beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 26. Each entry will be awarded a ribbon: White – good; Red – better; Blue – best. Best of Show and Reserve Best of Show will be selected from blue ribbon winners in each age division and category.
7) No professional exhibits allowed. (example: professional photographers, florists, etc.)
8) Items will be on display to the public in the Sulphur Springs High School Conference Center, Friday, October 26 after judging is complete – approximately 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please leave items until this time so visitors can enjoy viewing them.
9) Pictures of Best of Show and Reserve Best of Show winners will be made at 1:30 p.m., after which all entries may be picked up. Items that are not picked up will be kept at the Hopkins County Extension Office, but we encourage you to pick them up at the school!
10) Creative Arts Committee members will be on hand during all public viewing times, but the Fall Festival Creative Arts Committee is not responsible for any damage that may occur during public viewing times.
Entry categories include:
- Art (no paint by number except in children’s and youth divisions): oil, water color, pen & ink, rub outs, pencil, acrylic, paper tole, crayon, spray paint, chalk, miscellaneous
- Bake Show (must be in disposable containers. Entries requiring refrigeration will not be accepted): breads, cakes, pies, cookies, candy
- Clothing Construction: classic/tailored; after-five; children’s wear, everyday (pajamas, casual); wearable art
- Creative Crafts: crafts, ceramics, stained glass, painted household accessories, miscellaneous
- Decorated Cakes (will NOT be cut)
- Food Preservation: vegetables, fruits, jams, preserves, fruit butters, jellies, pickles, relish, pickled vegetables, dehydrated foods, miscellaneous
- Handiwork: knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, sewn items, beadwork, beaded jewelry, other
- Holiday/seasonal: Christmas, tablecloths, decorations, wreath/door hanging, nativity scenes
- Horticulture: agricultural produce, cut flowers, potted plans, hanging baskets, succulents, dried, gourds, herbs
- Photography (black & white, and color in each class): portrait, scenic, still life, animals, people, special effects, floral architectural, grouping
- Quilts: hand quilted, machine quilted, quilts with combination of stitching (hand & machine), baby quilts, quilted items
- Woodworking: kits, inlaid wood, mosaic wood art, furniture, wall hangings, wood carving, yard art, rustic art, birdhouses, toys, miscellaneous
- Nursing home and assisted living divisions: holiday, quilts, plastic art, handmade garments, accessories, needlework, leather craft, metal crafts, wood craft, art, weaving, miscellaneous
Please feel free to call if you have questions. We hope this is the best year ever!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
Each fall, I provide this four lesson series to help individuals with diabetes learn healthier cooking methods, learn to recognize high carbohydrate foods, and celebrate sensibly with diabetes. The series is scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays, September 10, 13, 17, and 20, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Hopkins County office, 1200 W. Houston, in Sulphur Springs. Two times are being offered to fit schedules of those attending: 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. Cost for the series is $25 which covers materials, cooking demonstrations, sampling, and door prizes. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Closing Thought
Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired – Terri, age 4
Wildcat Team Tennis Picks Up 17-2 Win Against Pine Tree
Perhaps the Wildcats’ team tennis squad is getting hot at just the right time. Thursday (August 23) afternoon, the Wildcats won handily against Pine Tree on the road, 17-2.
It was the Wildcats second straight win as they also took a 17-2 home win against Marshall last Thursday (August 16). The Wildcats are now 3-7 for the season.
They have been very competitive in many other matches this season. The Wildcats lost by a single point to Sherman and Forney. They lost by two points to Waxahachie and by five points to Denison and Spring Hill. The Wildcats will now have a lot of time to practice as they get ready for district play.
They Wildcats will travel to Lindale for a district opener on Tuesday, September 4.
Lady Cats Win 2, Lose 1 in Tyler Tournament Pool Play
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team, ranked #11 in the state, won two and lost one during pool play Thursday (August 23) in the Tyler ISD Volleyball Tournament. The matches were played at Tyler Lee High School.
The Lady Cats opened with a bad first set loss to old district foe Hallsville. However the Lady Cats bounced back to win sets two and three and the match, 28-26 and 25-23. No big comeback was forthcoming in the Lady Cats second pool play match of the day against White Oak. White Oak won 25-15 and 25-22. The Lady did have one more come back in them. In the third pool play game, they opened with a 25-20 loss to Henderson. The Lady Cats responded with 25-19 and 25-20 wins in sets two and three to down Henderson, 2-1.
The Lady Cats improved their season record to 16-4. They will resume play in the Tyler ISD Volleyball Tournament on Saturday (August 25). In the meantime, the Lady Cats will travel to Caddo Mills for a match Friday (August 24) at 6 p.m.
Turnovers Create Problems for Wildcat Offense in Scrimmage Thursday Night
Whether it’s a mid-season game or a preseason scrimmage, it’s hard for a team to have four turnovers and win. The Liberty-Eylau Leopards took advantage of four Wildcats’ turnovers to take a 28-21 scrimmage win at Gerald Prim Stadium Thursday (August 23) evening.
The Leopards got off to a good start going 75 yards on their opening drive for a score using 6 minutes and 33 seconds. Liberty-Eylau used a 9 yard TD run to take the lead. Their extra point went wide but they were up, 6-0 at 3:27 of the first quarter. The Wildcats got off to a slow start offensively as the Leopards got a pass interception, the first of the Wildcats turnovers. L-E drove down to the Wildcats 5 yard line but a holding penalty pushed them back. The Wildcats defense stiffened and a 30 yard field goal attempt by the Leopards was no good.
Early in the second quarter, the Wildcats cranked up their running game. Colton Allen gashed the Leopards for several good gains. The only sophomore on the Wildcats varsity, Caden Davis, electrified the crowd with a 36 yard touchdown run to tie the scrimmage at 6-6. Kicker Osiel Lopez’ extra point was good and the Wildcats led 7-6 with 8:50 left in the second quarter. L-E came right back with a 72-yard scoring drive of their own. The Leopards made good use of their passing game. They scored on a 1 yard run. After a successful extra point kick, Liberty-Eylau led 13-7 with 5:28 left before halftime. After a Wildcat punt, the Leopards threatened to get more but safety Austin Dodd picked off an L-E pass. It was Liberty-Eylau leading the Wildcats, 13-7 at the half.
The third quarter opened badly for the Wildcats. They fumbled the football for their second turnover of the night. Fortunately the Wildcats’ defense forced the Leopards to punt after the turnover. Then back up quarterback Noe Ponce came in an led the Wildcats to a score. He completed a couple of passes to Dodd and one to Aaron Douglas. From the five yard line of L-E, Wildcats back Aidan Walker took the ball into the end zone. Lopez successful kick made it Sulphur Springs 14 and Liberty-Eylau 13 with 3:52 left in the third quarter. On their next drive, the Leopards fumbled on an option play in their own territory and the Wildcats Andy Eddins recovered. Then the Wildcats took it into the end zone. Allen got the score on an 8 yard run. Lopez good extra point kick made it, Sulphur Springs 21 and L-E 13 with 2:11 left in the third quarter.
The Wildcats took the lead into the fourth quarter. Again that quarter started poorly for the home team. First came a bad snap and then a fumble, the Wildcats third miscue. The Leopards were aided by a big defensive penalty on their drive after the fumble recovery. They scored on a four yard run and then tied the game with a successful pass for a two point conversion. The game was tied , 21-21 with 6:45 left in the fourth quarter. On their next drive, the Wildcats were on the move when they suffered another fumble, this one after a pass reception. It was the Wildcats fourth turnover. L-E recovered on their own 22 yard line. A few plays later, a Leopard back burst into the clear and went 63 yards for the go ahead TD. With an extra point kick, Liberty-Eylau led 28-21 with just 2:47 left in the fourth quarter. On the subsequent Wildcats’ drive, another bad snap resulting in a big loss of yardage greatly hampered any hopes of a tying TD. The Wildcats were forced to punt and L-E then ran out the clock. The Leopards took a 28-21 scrimmage win.
The Wildcats open the regular season on Friday night, August 31 against Frisco Wakeland at Frisco Memorial Stadium.
SSHS Cross Country to Run in Commerce Tigers Invitational
Wildcats and Lady Cats Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said he was pleased with last Saturday’s (August 18) time trial run at Coleman Park to determine his seven Wildcats and Lady Cats who will run this Saturday at the Commerce Tigers Invitational at Commerce High School.
He said Kaitlyn Ferrell was the top finisher for the Lady Cats Saturday. She was followed by Landrie McKinney and Ashley Noe.
For the Wildcats, Landon Thornton ran a very strong race. Coach Hicks said it was close to times run by college runners on the course in the Dairy Festival Milk Run in years past. Coach Hicks said Thornton was followed by Christian Palomino, Eli Sellers and Nabian Ramirez.
Coach Hicks said the course his team’s will run on Saturday in Commerce is a new course. He said it is a grass course and is flat with no hills. Coach Hicks said about 25 schools are expected to participate Saturday.
Wildcat Football: Defense; Offensive Linemen
Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra on Expectations for Wildcats Defense This Season
Earlier this week, new Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Alex Guerra discussed his expectations for the Wildcats defense this season. He said thy will need to play fast and play with a lot of heart and emotion. Coach Guerra said he wants a very chaotic defense but also one that plays under control. He said he wants guys who go at it with passion and emotion but then turn it off when the whistle blows to focus and get ready for the next play. Coach Guerra said the bottom line is that players are going to have to give second and third effort. He said other teams will probably be bigger than the Wildcats but he added the Wildcats must play faster and quicker. Coach Guerra said his players might be smaller but they must be strong. He said that’s where off season programs are so important. Coach Guerra said he knows he will be sharing lots of players with the offense. He said it is important for his defense to be two and three deep at positions. Coach Guerra said it is on coaches to make sure they don’t send a tired kid out on the field.
Jeremy Offutt on His Offensive Linemen
This is the last in a series on Wildcats coaches and their players. Today (August 23) we feature Offensive Line Coach Jeremy Offutt and his Wildcats varsity offensive linemen. Coach Offutt is in his seventh year coaching Wildcats varsity offensive linemen. Coach Offutt has lost over 40 pounds in recent months. He is a former North Lamar offensive linemen who played in college at Oklahoma State. Coach Offutt also was briefly with the Detroit Lions. He coached at Northwest Louisiana before coming to Sulphur Springs. Concerning this year’s offensive line, Coach Offutt said his current group has a lot of experience in some players but inexperience in others. He said he has got some size, four 300 pounders, and some good athletes. Coach Offutt said they are working hard to improve. Out of nine offensive linemen, six are seniors. They are Ethan Rodgers, Hayden Daniels, Jakeb Jonaitis, Charlie Maddox, Hunter Salverino and Phillip Rater. His juniors are Giovanni Pizano, Chandler Leo and Ryan Hammonds. Rodgers, at 6-3 and 300 pounds is in his third year on the varsity. He was all-district at guard last year. Rodgers has also played tackle. He’s the team’s starting center this year. Coach Offutt calls 6-foot-4 320 pound Daniels a Swiss army knife kind of guy since he can play all five positions along the line. Coach Offutt said 6-3 330 pound Jakeb Jonaitis is one of his most physical linemen. The second year varsity player had to overcome a very serious hand injury that threatened his playing career. 6-2 240 pound right tackle Maddox is also back after a serious injury right before the start of last seasont hat threatened his football career. Coach Offutt said watching film of Maddox this year, it appeared he was never out. 5-10 220 pound left guard Salverino is a converted center. Coach Offut said 6-3 230 pound Phillip Rater played on the JV last year and is improving all the time. Pizano is a 5-10 250 pound left guard. Leo at 6-foot and 240 pounds is athletic and can play several positions according to Coach Offutt. He said 6-3 310 pound Hammonds is physical and has played his way onto the varsity after being on the JV last season. Coach Offutt said offensive lines are almost always close knit. They thrive as a group since they don’t generate stats or get individual acclaim. Coach Offutt said they are a tighter brotherhood than any other position group on the team.
