Wildcat Tennis Results at Longview Tourney Thursday
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said his team did well in some key matches at a Longview tournament Thursday (March 8). He said there were 22 teams in the tournament including some solid tennis programs like Whitehouse, All Saints of Tyler, Nacogdoches, Corsicana, Mesquite and Kilgore.
Coach Martinez said it was a tough tournament. He was especially pleased with his number one boys doubles team of Alex Benitez and Jonah Kirkpatrick. Coach Martinez said they won both of their matches. As a sign of progress, he said the pair easily defeated a Whitehouse duo that they barely lost to earlier this season. Coach Martinez said he was also proud of the boys doubles team of Jordan Gonzales and Logan Schumacher. They won the B Boys Doubles Consolation title. Coach Martinez said they fell behind 4-0 but then fought back to win 8-5. He said boys singles player Chase Crouch won both of his matches. Coach Martinez also put back together a mixed doubles pair that showed promise in the fall, Aaron Lucas and Heather Harris. He said they did well Thursday.
Overall he said he was happy with the results in the tournament. Last week, the Sulphur Springs’ Wildcats Tennis Center hosted JV and Varsity Invitational Tournaments. The JV Tournament was rained out on Tuesday of last week and then was rescheduled for last Thursday. The varsity tournament took place last Friday. He said the results for the Wildcats were good adding they earned some medals for their play. He added visiting coaches were happy with the tournaments.
Coach Martinez said he continues to get a lot of positive feedback about the Wildcats Tennis Center.
tennis
The Olympics isn’t Over Yet: It’s Just Starting
By Savannah Owens
Photo Courtesy of Team USA-teamusa.orgAttention Olympics fans: KSST has good news for you! The 2018 Paralympic events in Peong Chang South Korea have begun! Opening ceremony was Today, March 9th at 6:00am. Events begin tonight at 6:30pm (Central) and continue until March 18th.
This is the largest competition for the Paralympics with 48 countries, one delegation and almost 570 competitors. The USA has 68 athletes attending and representation in all of the six sporting events. The sports are: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, para ice hockey, snowboarding and wheelchair curling. These events have been slightly modified from the Olympics you may have just seen. For example, there is no sweeping in curling, and hockey involves sleds. Support our team by cheering them on as you watch the 2018 Paralympics!
For specific events and channels to watch them on view the 2018 Paralympic Schedule here (keep in mind times on the schedule are in Eastern).
Sign up for the Spring Break Sewing Workshop
On Monday through Wednesday March 12-14th The Agri-life extension office is hosting a Spring Break Sewing Workshop. It will be from 9:00 am to 3:00-ish p.m, and the $10 cost covers all three sessions.
You will learn how to read a pattern envelope, measure for correct size, prepare fabric for cutting, pattern placement, applique, etc. You can also learn how to hem, repair a ripped seam, and sew on a button. There will be various make-and-take projects including: Pocket tissue holder, no-fail book mark, decorative pillow cases, plastic bag holder sleeve, and more!
Sewing machines and fabric will be provided for the make and take projects, but you will need to bring: sewing scissors, pins with ball heads, and tape measures.
This fun event is open to all ages, but children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-register today! Call Johanna Hicks at (903)-885-3443.
Space is limited to the first 10 callers.
SSHS One Act Play Advances
District 16-5A UIL One-Act Play Contest
SSHS’s production of Violet Sharp, Sulphur Springs High Schools One-Act Play, earned the right to perform at Bi-District One-Act Play competition on March 20 – 21, 2018 with an outstanding performance at District competition this past Thursday in Texarkana. Other advancing schools included Hallsville and Texas High. Individual honors were awarded to the following students:
| Brianna Isham ……………………………. | Best Actress |
| Sarah Harper ……………………………… | All Star Cast |
| Rachel Bramlett …………………………. | Honorable Mention All Star Cast |
| Leif Thomas ……………………………….. | All Star Tech Crew |
Cast and crew for Violet Sharp include Brianna Isham, Sarah Harper, Jaci Reed, Sami Harmon, Chase Berry, Hagen Hunt, Dusty Merrell, Lainee Ashford, Rachel Bramlett, Nathan Braddy, Joseph Baxley, Annmarie Gunn, Reagan Kesting, Lucia Yanez, Leif Thomas, Tre Ransom, Cody Queen, Kennedy Dicus, Hannah Shultz, and Rorie Young. Directors for the play are Lesha Woodard and Desi Pharis.
Daylight Savings Time: Change Clocks, Alarm Batteries Says Fire Chief
Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday morning at 2 a.m. and as you change your various time pieces that are analog and have to be changed manually, don’t forget to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and other home warning devices. Hopkins County Fire Chief Andy Ensley says this is a great time to put fresh batteries in your alarms.
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms do an important job of giving you and your family time to escape a fire or CO poisoning incident, but only if they have batteries that are working.
In an average year, 2,200 people die in home fires and there are about 400 CO poisoning deaths each year. Many of those who died did not have working smoke or CO alarms in their homes.
Here are a few steps to take to keep your family and home safe:
- Change smoke and other alarm batteries at least once each year.
- Test the alarms every month to make sure they are working.
- Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and inside each bedroom.
- CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area.
TxDOT Advises Plan While You Can for a Responsible Spring Break
AUSTIN – Each year in Texas, more than half of drivers involved in deadly drunk driving crashes are between the ages of 17 and 34. With many college students and young adults heading to Spring Break destinations in the coming weeks, the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign reminds them to make a sober ride part of their festivities.
“Enjoy Spring Break, but do so responsibly,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you drink and drive, you run the very real risk of being killed or destroying your future and the lives of others. It’s irresponsible and just not worth it.”
During last year’s Spring Break* in Texas, there were 410 crashes involving young drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol. Those crashes killed 20 people and seriously injured another 48.
The “Plan While You Can” campaign includes a statewide tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game where participants try to avoid incoming “beach balls” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, participants experience how drinking can slow their reaction times as on-screen avatars begin responding more slowly to their players’ movements. The experience will visit eight Texas cities during March.
While drivers under the influence of alcohol risk killing or seriously injuring themselves or others, they also face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:
- Designating a sober driver, or calling someone for a sober ride home.
- Contacting Uber or ride-share service.
- Spending the night.
TxDot logo
Tira News March 9, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
The Tira City Council met on Tuesday, March 6 th , at the Tira Community Center to conduct routine business. The next quarterly meeting will be on Tuesday, June 5 th . Daylee Fite is a member of the MisFitz softball team. Sherry Smiddy reports, “The team will be having a Hot Dog Plate and Bake Sale on March 24 th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will include hot dog, chips and a drink. There will be many baked goods, too. This will be to raise money towards the team. Come see and eat with the team that day and donate for a good cause.”
Sherry Smiddy and Powell Vickery were surprised with a cruise to Cozumel and Progresso for their 20 th anniversary. Those attending were, Tara and Mike Owens, David and Deanna Vickery, Bobby and Carley Vickery, Jana Johnson and Mike Mitchell, Todd and Christy Johnson, Anna Hines, Shelley and Justin Adair, Chris and Jenna Vickery, Vicky and Jack Trentham, Sheila Jenkins and Tommy Tew. Sherry comments, “The weather was perfect and so much fun was had by all. The scenery and food were amazing.” She reported that the private venue for their anniversary was “absolutely beautiful.” Also, Sheila Jenkins and Tommy Tew got engaged the same night. Sherry said, “It was a trip of a lifetime and that ship will never be the same.”
Yvonne Weir reported that Destri, Eben, Nico, Mena, and Emmy visited them weekend before last. She said, “The kids had a blast playing in the mud.” Also, Dustin visited them and on Sunday Dacy’s family, Destri’s family, Dustin, Natalie, Maria, and Robert, Yvonne, and Wesley went to the Dallas Zoo. Yvonne adds, “It was fun, but exhausting.”
Jaidyn Joslin played in her last Little Dribblers game of the season at North Hopkins on Saturday. Chip and I, along with her parents, Malcolm Joslin and Tiffany Vaughn, were there to cheer her on. Jaidyn’s nephews, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden spent the afternoon with her and her mom, Tiffany, and they enjoyed getting to play outside. Later that evening, Chip, Tiffany, Jaidyn, and I went to the Fish Fry in Paris, and then did a little shopping after the delicious meal. Chip and I ran into Robert Aiguier and his brother, Bill, at Juan Pablo’s a couple of weeks ago. They are descendants of the family that the Aiguier Cemetery is named for. Robert shared that they had a nice afternoon “out in North Hopkins after lunch that day, just enjoying the dry weather for a change!”
I agree that it’s been nice to see some sunshine the past few days and to see the beauty of the flowering trees!
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].
Asian Lady Beetle Infestation of Structures By Mario Villarino
The Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), is relatively new to this country. The beetle is native to Asia (e.g., China, Russia, Korea, Japan), where it dwells in trees and fields, preying on aphids and scale insects. According to Potter et al, Extension Entomologist from the University of Kentucky, the first field populations in the United States were found in Louisiana in 1988. Since then the beetle has expanded its range to include much of the U.S. and parts of Canada.
Adult Asian lady beetles are oval, convex, and about 1/4-inch long. Their color can vary widely from tan to orange to red. They often have several black spots on the wing covers, although on some beetles the spots may be indistinct or entirely absent. Most beetles have a small, dark “M” or “W”-shaped marking on the whitish area behind the head.
As autumn approaches, the adult beetles leave their summer feeding sites in yards, fields and forests for protected places to spend the winter. Unfortunately, homes and buildings are one such location. Swarms of lady beetles typically fly to buildings in September though November depending on locale and weather conditions.
Studies have shown that Asian lady beetles are attracted to illuminated surfaces. Once the beetles alight on buildings, they seek out crevices and protected places to spend the winter. They often congregate in attics, wall cavities, and other protected locations. As temperatures warm in late winter/early spring, the beetles once again become active. This usually occurs first on the sunnier, southwest side of the building. As awakening beetles attempt to escape to the outdoors, some inadvertently wander inward, emerging from behind baseboards, walls, attics, suspended ceilings, etc. Since lady beetles are attracted to light, they are often seen around windows and light fixtures.
IMPACT ON HUMANS: Asian lady beetles generally do not injure humans and are mainly a nuisance, can cause allergies, irritate eyes, can bite or pinch and release noxious odors and stains. People’s reaction to lady beetles varies widely from tolerance to revulsion. Once the beetles are indoors, the easiest way to remove them is with a vacuum cleaner. Sealing cracks and openings is the most permanent way of preventing lady beetles from entering buildings. The time to do this is in late spring or summer, before the adults begin flying to buildings in search of overwintering sites. Cracks should be sealed around windows, doors, soffits, fascia boards, utility pipes and wires, etc. with caulk or other suitable sealant.
Insecticide foggers, “bug bombs” or sprays are generally not recommended for eliminating beetles indoors. Insecticides applied indoors for lady beetles tend to be ineffective and may stain or leave unwanted residues on walls, countertops and other surfaces. A vacuum is more sanitary and effective. Attempting to kill beetles hibernating in wall cavities and other protected locations is seldom effective. A better approach is to take preventive measures to reduce beetle entry in subsequent years. While sealing cracks and openings is a more permanent way to limit beetle entry, the approach is time-consuming and sometimes impractical. There can be countless cracks associated with eaves, siding, vents, etc. where insects can enter. On multi-story buildings, sealing becomes even more difficult.
If lady beetles are a perennial problem, owners may want to hire a professional pest control company. Many companies apply insecticides to building exteriors in the fall, which helps prevent pest entry. Light traps can be useful for capturing flies and lady beetles in dark confined spaces such as attics, but will capture relatively few beetles entering living spaces in the fall or emerging from hidden locations the following spring. Unfortunately, there is no “quick fix” or easy answer to annual lady beetle invasions. Vacuuming, pest proofing and properly timed exterior insecticide treatments can provide relief but will not prevent entry of every single beetle.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Multi-County 4-H Camp By Johanna Hicks
Multi-County 4-H Camp – Explore 4-H!
4-H is all about kids. One of the summer highlights available to 4-H members and guests is the Multi-County 4-H Camp. Plans are well underway, and registration forms will soon be available. “Explore 4-H” is the theme, and the dates are July 9-11, at Lakeview Baptist Encampment in Lone Star, Texas.
Workshops for the 2018 camp will be Nature/Master Gardeners, Archery, Real Life Skills, Re-Use Derby, Healthy Lifestyles (team games), and Ropes course (conducted by trained camp employees). The camp facility also has a swimming pool; lake with paddle boats, canoes, and the blob; tether ball; gift shop; snack shack; ping pong tables; and lots of beautiful scenery. A camp nurse will be available to administer medications or patch boo boos, and Extension agents and 4-H leaders will see that everything runs smoothly. All adults who serve as chaperones are required to have taken and passed the “Child Protection Training” course prior to attending.
Campers are asked to bring the following: sheet and blanket or sleeping bag; pillow; towels (for bathing & swimming), toiletries; bug spray; flashlight; sunscreen; reusable drink bottle (it’s hot in July! – we’ll have drink stations throughout the camp) and money if they want to purchase anything from the camp store or snack shack. Cool, comfortable clothing should include modest shirts (no low-cut, spaghetti straps) and modest length shorts. Other clothing items to bring include comfortable walking shoes, lake shoes (required for canoeing and paddleboats), and swim suit (girls must wear t-shirt over suit). Campers may also bring fun items such as card games or board games and snacks.
We ask that campers NOT bring the following: cell phones (if brought to camp, they should be left in the cabin. They will be taken up if brought to a workshop and returned at the conclusion of camp); video games; CD players/iPods/radios; sandals/flip flops (the camp facility has lots of hills and rocks, so please bring closed toed shoes instead); fireworks; duct tape; knives; shaving cream; or water guns.
Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt at registration to wear for county group pictures on the first day.
Multi-county 4-H camp is open to all youth grades 3 thru 12. You do not have to be a 4-H member. My co-worker and I will both be transporting supplies and campers, as well as other 4-H leaders. We will meet at the Extension Office on Monday, July 11 at 9:00 a.m. to arrange carpooling. The camp ends on July 11 at 10:00 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend the closing awards assembly at 9:00 a.m.
The cost of the camp is $115 per camper. We have scholarships to assist students with payment, if needed. Call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 for more information. Current 4-H members may refer to the March/April 4-H Gazette for more information.
Group of campers from Hopkins County who attended the 2017 Multi-county 4-H camp
County 4-H Roundup
March is a busy month for our 4-H members! We will hold County 4-H Round contests, where member’s talents and project work is highlighted. On Tuesday, March 20, we will hold the 4-H Fashion Show, Food Show, and Share-the-Fun (talent) at the Extension Office, and archery in the Civic Center arena, starting at 5:30 p.m. Entry forms for the Food Show and Fashion Show are due March 16. Thursday’s events will include Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, and Consumer Decision Making mock contest. These events will also start at 5:30 p.m. We encourage 4-H members to contact us if they plan to participate so adequate preparations can be made.
Closing Thought
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need – anonymous
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
Wildcats Lose Two by One Run At Grayson County Tourney Thursday
The Wildcats’ baseball team lost a pair of one-run games on the opening day of the Grayson County Classic Tournament Thursday. Playing in Denison, the Wildcats came up short against McKinney, 9-8 and then lost a later game, 5-4 to host Denison.
Against McKinney, the Wildcats got off to a good start by scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jaxon Chaney hit a double off the base of the center field wall that scored Kaden Argenbright who had walked and Ryan Humphries who got on on a fielder’s choice. The Lions third inning turned out to be more than the Wildcats could overcome. McKinney scored seven unearned runs. The Wildcats had a throwing error, a ball got lost in the sun and fell in for a single, there was a second throwing error and a hit batter. Then the Lions began to hit as they had three straight RBI singles and a three RBI double. McKinney was up 7-2 after the top of the third. Triston McCormick hit his first of two home runs in the game in the bottom of the third to trim the lead to 7-3. The Lions answered with two more runs in the top of the fourth. After a walk and a double, one Lions’ run scored on a wild pitch and another on a Wildcat error. The Lions led 9-3 after the top of the fourth. The Wildcats had a big rally in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs, McCormick connected for his second homer of the game. Then after a Chaney single and a walk for Dawson Draper, Ryder Caddell blasted a home run over the left field wall and McKinney’s lead was only 9-7 after five innings. The sixth inning turned to be the final one in the game due to the tournament time limit. The Wildcats scored a run and threatened to do more but they could not. Humphries had an RBI single after a single by Gavin Millsap and a walk for Austin Dodd. Humphries took the pitching loss despite yielding only a single earned run. Brady Crouse pitched well in relief allowing no hits or runs over three innings. Both teams had 7 hits.
In the late game, the Wildcats led all the way to the bitter end. The Wildcats broke a scoreless tie with Denison with three runs in the top of the third. Tyler Armstrong hit a home run. Jase Thompson drew a walk and Humphries hit a two-run home run over the left center field wall. The Yellow Jackets got two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth using a single, a walk and then an RBI single and RBI double. The Wildcats scored a run in the top of the fifth to go up 4-2. Millsap walked, stole second and then came around to score on Humphries’ double. Denison matched that run in the bottom of the fifth using two singles and a sacrifice fly. The Wildcats still led 4-3 after five. It stayed that way until the bottom of the seventh. Crouse replaced starter Triston McCormick for the Wildcats. The Yellow Jackets tied the game with a double, a stolen base, a walk and an RBI bunt single. Another successful bunt single loaded the bases. Draper came in to pitch. A wild pitch allowed Denison to score the winning run in the 5-4 win. The Wildcats season record is 3-7. They still have three games to play in the Grayson County Classic. They play Bridgeport in Sherman Friday morning at 11 a.m. The Wildcats end the tournament with back to back games on Saturday in Sherman. They face Celina at 11 a.m. and Sanger at 1:30 p.m.
