Wildcats Lose to Class 6A #15 Cibolo Steele
The Wildcats’ basketball team had an eleven game winning streak end as they lost to a powerful Cibolo Steele team, 60-47 in a quarterfinal game of a tough In-N-Out BurgerAllen Holiday Invitational Tournament on Friday (December 29). The Wildcats will now play Dallas Jesuit Saturday morning (December 30) at 9:45 a.m. The Wildcats are now in a bracket to determine who will finish in fifth place in this tough tournament.
The Wildcats are ranked #11 in Class 5A and their season record is now 18-2. Cibolo Steele is ranked #15 in Class 6A. Both of the Wildcats losses this season have come against ranked teams in Class 6A. They also lost to #6 ranked South Garland in the Curtis Culwell Center Tournament in Garland back on December 2.
The Wildcats made it into the Allen tournament’s final eight after two wins Thursday. The Wildcats topped Plano’s John Paul II, 68-44 Thursday afternoon (December 28) and then got by El Paso Burges, 56-51 Thursday night. Burges is the #7 ranked team in Class 5A.
All eight of the teams that were left in the championship bracket after play Thursday are state ranked, three are in Class 5A and five are in Class 6A.
Flies and How to Get Rid of Them By Mario Villarino
Happy New Year 2018!
We at the Hopkins County Extension Office will like to wish you a safe and happy new year 2018!. Recently a heavy infestation of flies has been reported inside homes around Hopkins County. I know because I personally have found them around my home lately. The cold weather differential between outdoors and heated homes lures them inside looking for survival when cold weather prevails. According to Dr. Michael Merchant, Extension Entomologist form Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, most homes and businesses eventually experience problems with indoor flies. Though relatively few kinds of flies can breed and complete their life cycles inside a structure, each indoor fly species is unique. For that reason, it’s important to correctly identify the type of fly in your home in order to control it. Flies are one of the largest groups of insects. Unlike most other winged insects, which have four wings, flies have only two. This difference distinguishes them from nearly all other insect orders. All flies go through complete metamorphosis—egg, larva, pupa and adult. These stages of development allow flies to take advantage of different breeding and living sites. Fly eggs and larvae, for example, are not highly mobile and are generally found in moist or watery environments. Adults, on the other hand, are highly mobile—they can fly and locate food in wet or dry environments. Because they can fly, adult flies can find even temporary food sources quickly, before they disappear. Immature flies (larvae) are legless and may live in drains, standing water, rotting foods, potting soil, or garbage. Smaller house-infesting flies include drain flies, fruit flies, phorid flies, and fungus gnats. Larger flies, such as blow flies and flesh flies, occasionally invade homes to lay eggs on a decaying carcass. These flies rarely infest homes for long. House flies and mosquitoes rarely breed inside structures; however, they readily take advantage of open doors or unscreened windows to get indoors for food or shelter. Insecticides alone are rarely successful in eliminating indoor fly infestations. Fly control is most effective when breeding sites in the structure are identified and eliminated. Because each type of indoor fly prefers slightly different breeding sites, identifying the fly should be the first step in any control effort. The following are descriptions of the most common indoor flies along with explanations of how to locate and eliminate their breeding sites.
Small indoor flies
Small house-infesting flies are generally less than 1/8 inch (4 mm) long as adults. All of the following flies are capable of breeding and living entirely indoors. These flies, however, are also found outdoors and may enter through open windows or doors. Fruit flies (Family Drosophilidae) are common indoors and out. Infestations are most frequent during the summer when fruit flies are active outdoors—though indoor infestations are possible any time of year. Fruit flies are approximately 1/8 inch long (2 to 4 mm) with a stout, cylindrical body. They usually have reddish eyes. They are small enough to pass through window screens and can easily enter through open doors or windows. They can be distinguished from other small indoor flies by the feathery bristle (arista) on the tip of their third antennal segment.
Drosophila fruit flies are used widely in genetics research because of their ability to reproduce quickly. Under optimum conditions, the life cycle of a fruit fly can complete in as few as 8 days. Fruit flies are sometimes referred to as vinegar or pomace flies because they are attracted to vinegar and almost any decaying fruit. There are more than 170 species of fruit flies in the U.S. and Canada. Their food preferences can vary, but these flies will breed in almost any fermenting fruit or vegetable. They are also commonly found in spilled syrups, wine, or beer—especially in moist places, such as under commercial kitchen equipment, bars, soft drink dispensers, and in cracked tile or flooring. In homes, breeding is more common in overripe or damaged fruits (especially bananas) and spoiling vegetables such as rotting onions or potatoes. The larvae feed on yeasts associated with the decay of these materials.
Fruit flies with black eyes, known as dark-eyed fruit flies, breed more frequently in drains, around bathrooms and urinals, and even in rotting cacti. Fruit flies do not bite, but most people consider them annoying. In hospitals, they are considered a public health risk because of their potential for contaminating sterile surfaces. In addition to bacterial contamination, ingestion of fruit fly-infested food has been reported to cause intestinal upset, diarrhea, or intestinal myiasis. Health departments consider fruit flies in restaurants or other food service businesses to be unsanitary.
Fruit flies can be controlled by taking out the trash or removing unrefrigerated, overripe fruit, or rotting vegetables. Locating and eliminating other breeding sites can sometimes be more challenging. Using traps or sprays may provide temporary relief from fruit flies, but eliminating the breeding site is essential for complete control.
Phorid flies (Family Phoridae) are another fly found in homes and, even more commonly, in commercial buildings. They are approximately the same size as fruit flies (1/8 inch, 2 to 4 mm) but have a hump-backed appearance. They are tan to dark-brown or black. Phorid flies have dark veins along the front edge of their wings. The veins in the central part of the wings are almost parallel and lack the linking cross veins seen in most other fly wings. Phorid flies have enlarged femurs on the third pair of legs, which make them good runners. They often run and stop repeatedly before taking wing, giving them another common name, “scuttle fly.”
The phorid fly’s life cycle, from egg to adult, takes 14 to 37 days, depending on conditions. Eggs are laid on or beside moist decaying materials.
Phorid fly larvae feed on a variety of decaying plant and animal matter. They are found in any type of moist, decaying material including: decomposing animal carcasses, garbage, drain pipes, flowers in vases, wet potted plant soil, garbage cans, broken garbage disposals, dung, feces, and fungi. Because phorid flies come from such unsanitary breeding sites, their presence around kitchens and in sterile areas is highly undesirable. Having a few phorid flies indoors is not unusual, but large numbers of them usually indicate unsanitary conditions.
Phorid flies have an amazing ability to penetrate soil to locate breeding sites. They can even penetrate six feet or more of soil to infest caskets, earning them still another common name, the “coffin fly.” Phorid flies are frequent pests in cemeteries and mausoleums where they develop in liquid wastes associated with decay.
Another underground source of phorid flies is soil that has been contaminated by leaks around sewer lines. When such leaks occur under buildings, they can lead to severe indoor fly infestations and sometimes require expensive excavation to remove the contaminated soil.
Drain flies (Family Psychodidae) are also called moth flies because of their fuzzy, moth-like appearance. They are dark gray to black and found near sinks and tubs.
Adult drain flies are small (1/16 to 1/5 in, 2 to 5 mm), greyish, and densely covered with hairs. They hold their broad wings either flat or like a roof over the body at rest. Drain flies usually fly only a few feet at a time.
Females lay masses of 20 to 100 eggs, which hatch in less than 48 hours into small (up to 3/8 in, 4 to 10 mm), legless larvae. These larvae are brown, sometimes pale in the middle and darker on the ends, and may look banded. The larval stage lasts 8 to 24 days and the pupal stage 1 to 2 days. Adults may live as long as 2 weeks.
Drain fly larvae and pupae live in the thin microbial films often found in drains, underground septic tank field lines, and on filter stones in wastewater treatment plants. Drain flies feed on algae, bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms associated with the film. Indoors, drain flies can breed in floor or sink drains, air conditioner and refrigerator condensate pans, bottoms of garbage cans, under broken or cracked tile, in tracks of sliding glass doors, in wet cracks in the floor, or around dirty floor drains.
Fungus gnats (Families Mycetophilidae and Sciaridae) are very small (1/16 to 1/8 in, 1.5 to 3 mm), slender flies with clear or dark wings. They are mosquito like, with long slender legs and bead-like antennae—though much smaller than mosquitoes. Also, unlike mosquitoes, fungus gnats do not bite, though they can be a nuisance when flying around one’s face or in front of a computer screen.
Fungus gnat larvae (1/4 in, 6 mm) live in moist locations such as potting soil. They are white, legless and slender, and have shiny black head capsules. These larvae feed on the roots of plants or on fungi growing in potting soil. They are most likely to emerge from the potting media of houseplants, although some types may also feed on microbial films in drains, similar to drain flies. In some cases, infestations of potted plants occur when one uses soil from a batch that was infested from storage or from the manufacturer.
Infestations from potted plants can be eliminated by moving the pots outdoors. These infestations are most common during the winter months, when over-watering is more common. When plants cannot be removed, you can suppress an infestation by watering less frequently so that potting soil has a chance to dry out. However, once fungus gnats become a problem, just reducing moisture may not provide satisfactory control. In such cases, the pot and soil should be treated with an insecticide or replaced.
Indoor insecticide sprays or fogs may provide temporary relief from fungus gnat infestations, but they will not solve the problem. The only way to get rid of fungus gnats is to find and eliminate the breeding sites.
Large indoor flies
The following flies are generally more than ¼ inch long as adults. These larger flies are found principally outdoors, but can also become indoor pests. House flies rarely breed indoors, but may enter through open windows or doors. The soldier fly and the carrion breeding flies may breed indoors when an animal dies inside or under a structure. Good pest proofing will generally prevent these larger flies from becoming an indoor problem.
House flies (Family Muscidae) are outdoor flies that do not bite. They are generally not an important indoor pest unless doors or windows are poorly screened or frequently left open.
House flies breed in decaying organic matter such as livestock feces and garbage. They are active on warm days year around but reproduce most quickly in the summer. At 60 °F it takes a house fly about 45 days to go through its life cycle; at 95 °F that time is shortened to 7 days. Adult house flies live for up to three weeks.
House flies are not only a nuisance; they are thought to carry more than 100 diseases. Because house flies continuously deposit feces and regurgitate on surfaces, health departments consider their presence in restaurants or other food service businesses to be unsanitary.
House flies can migrate as far as 20 miles, but most stay within ½ to 1 mile of their breeding site. When house flies become a problem outside of a structure, look for nearby breeding sites including livestock or compost operations, improperly functioning latrines, and poorly maintained dumpsters or garbage cans. Household compost piles that are not properly managed may also become a source of house fly breeding.
Fly swatters are an effective control measure for the occasional household fly, though commercial restaurants and other sensitive commercial sites usually use insect light traps. In addition, automatic air curtains in doorways can help reduce fly infiltration at entryways to commercial facilities.
Soldier flies (Family Stratiomyidae) are outdoor flies that occasionally enter homes and buildings. Indoors, these flies are most commonly seen as full-grown larvae that have completed feeding and are searching for a place to develop (pupate) into an adult. During this wandering phase, soldier fly larvae may travel several yards from their breeding site, and may be seen wriggling along a floor, patio, or fireplace hearth. Soldier fly larvae are about 1 inch long, legless, grey to dark brown, and flattened. The “skin” is has a distinctive, leathery texture. Though not harmful, most people would consider the presence of these tough-skinned larvae indoors to be objectionable. Control involves finding and eliminating the food source. Breeding sites include rotting organic matter, such as spoiled grain, dead birds or other animals in an attic or chimney, or a decaying bee nest in a wall. Indoor worm compost bins have been known to harbor soldier flies.
The adult stage of the most common species of soldier fly is about 3/4 inch long and black, with a translucent segment on the tail (abdomen). Adult flies are sluggish until induced to fly, and are rarely noticed. They may be attracted to light but do not seem attracted to food.
Carrion flies include flesh flies (Family Sarcophagidae) and blow flies (Family Calliphoridae). Immature stages of blow flies feed on decaying organic material—especially dead animals but also garbage, manure, or other rotting plant material. Blow fly larvae are creamy white and legless. Sometimes referred to as maggots, blow and flesh fly larvae are cylindrical and taper to a pointed head. The presence of these larvae in a home usually indicates that a bird, squirrel, rat, etc., has died somewhere in the structure.
Maggots in homes are usually those that have completed feeding and are searching for a place complete their metamorphosis. Left undisturbed, they will pupate in a crack or other protected spot and emerge as an adult fly.
Adult blow flies are shiny blue or green and are ¼ to 7/16 in long (6 to 11 mm). Flesh flies are large (3/8 to 5/8 in, 10 to 16 mm) and gray with black stripes on the thorax. The tip of the abdomen is red or pink in some species.
Adult blow and flesh flies are usually seen 1 to 2 weeks after maggots appear in a home. Flies may continue to emerge for 1 to 3 weeks, after which they should disappear. Ideally, you should remove any dead animal carcasses, though these are sometimes difficult to find or are out of reach. In most cases destroying any maggots and killing adult flies with a fly swatter is the only practical response to such fly infestations.
Blow flies and flesh flies indoors indicate a home that is poorly sealed against wildlife. The house should be inspected for any openings where birds or mammals might enter. These openings should be sealed with sturdy wire, sheet metal, or other pest-resistant material. Chimneys should be sealed with a chimney cap, and roof turbines and vents should be screened to exclude birds, bats, and other wildlife.
Control suggestions:
Sanitation
The key any indoor fly problem is to find and eliminate the source, that is, anywhere excess moisture and organic debris may have accumulated. Moisture is critical for fly breeding. Fly larvae cannot breed without some source of water, so look for areas with moisture. Sanitation suggestions include:
- Find and clean up any spilled or spoiled food on floors or in pantries
- Clean sink and bathtub/shower drains
- Check under liners in garbage containers and, if necessary, use soap and water to remove all organic residues
- Clean under and around the floor drain covers—especially in commercial buildings
- Clean under foam floor mats in commercial kitchens
- Hang mops off the floor to encourage drying—do not store dirty mops
- Inspect and clean under and around the feet of refrigerators or other kitchen equipment where organic matter collects
- Check and clean condensate lines and trays associated with refrigerators and icemakers
- Look for cracked or loose ceramic floor or bath tiles that could hide bacterial films
- Check for signs of rodents or other wildlife that might indicate the presence of a dead animal—seal any potential animal entry points
Drain and septic treatment
To check whether a drain is breeding site, place a length of clear packing tape across the drain without totally covering the opening. If you cover the opening completely, there will be no airflow and flies may not emerge. Check the tape periodically. If you see flies stuck to the tape, you have found a source of infestation.
After locating the sources, drains must be cleaned to eliminate any bacterial film inside the plumbing. Chlorine bleach or drain cleaner is largely ineffective at removing such films. To eliminate these breeding sites, you must clean the pipes and traps with a stiff brush. After scrubbing, flush the lines with hot to boiling water to remove any material left in them.
An alternative to scrubbing is to use an antibacterial drain product designed to biodegrade organic films. These drain treatments usually require repeat applications over several weeks to eliminate the bacterial films. If you have a septic system, make sure any drain cleaning product you use is compatible with your system.
Most insecticides are not labeled for use in drains; however, S-hydroprene (Gentrol) can be used in drains as a spray or foam. It may also be applied to other areas that are not easily cleaned. Hydroprene is a low-toxicity insect growth regulator that disrupts the fly’s life cycle. This product does not kill adult flies, but it does prevent larvae from completing their development.
Traps
Light traps take advantage of a fly’s attraction to short wavelength light (ultraviolet, or UV) to draw them to a glue board or low voltage electric grid. They are most effective for larger flies, like house flies, but may also trap small flies and other flying insects. Light traps should be installed 4 to 6 feet above the floor, which is the typical flying height for house flies. Because lights can attract flies from a distance, they should be mounted so they are not visible from the outdoors. Most light trap manufacturers recommend that the bulbs be replaced annually because UV output of fluorescent tubes degrades over time. High voltage, outdoor “bug zappers” should not be used indoors because they tend to scatter insect fragments and can contaminate the indoors.
Baited traps are frequently used for fruit flies and, occasionally, for other flying insects. Though bait traps alone rarely provide adequate fly control, they can help pinpoint the source of a fly problem, monitor the success of control program, or help reduce fly numbers as you find and eliminate breeding sites. Traps can be as simple as a plastic bowl containing an attractant, like apple cider vinegar, and a few drops of soap to drown flies that attempt to land on the solution. They can also be commercial traps with funnels or small entry ports that make escape difficult.
In natural settings, fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruits. Suitable attractants for traps include apple cider vinegar, wine, bananas, orange slices, apple cider, etc. You can add a small amount of yeast to the trap material to increase its attractiveness; however, the odor of fermenting baits may be objectionable indoors. These types of baits may need to be replaced every few days. Some commercial traps use low odor lures that can last as long as a week. Such traps can capture large numbers of fruit flies.
Insecticides for fly control
Once the fly-breeding areas are cleaned or eliminated, you should not need to use insecticides. However, insecticides are sometimes helpful to knock down remaining adult flies, or to help control flies that come in from other locations.
Pyrethrin aerosol sprays, or other “flying insect” sprays, can provide temporary control of adult flies indoors. For outdoor fly problems, a residual insecticide labeled for outdoor fly control can be applied to fly resting sites. When mosquitoes or house flies are common outdoors, spray door entryways with one of these insecticides to reduce the number of flies that enter the house with human traffic. Be sure to follow label directions carefully, as many insecticide labels now prohibit spraying pavement, surfaces exposed to rain, or surfaces that drain onto pavement. The goal of these precautions is to prevent insecticides from being washed into streams or storm drains.
In some cases, commercial baits are available for controlling house flies. Bait formulations include products that can be used in bait stations or applied as a liquid or slurry to areas where flies land. Some baits can be toxic to pets or livestock, so follow label safety precautions.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Wood County Sheriff’s Report December 20-26, 2017
December 20th
Deputies were dispatched to Oak St. in Yantis, at approximately 12:10 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Yantis, at approximately 5:37 a.m., in reference to criminal trespass. Deputies located the individual and issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 9:09 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any individuals.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4849 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:41 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:57 a.m., in reference to a disturbance that occurred on FM 2869 near Hawkins. Deputies cleared the incident.
At 11:45 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 2270 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3540 near Hawkins, at approximately 3:39 p.m., in reference to theft. Upon arrival, deputies were advised the dogs were lost, not stolen, and the incident was cleared.
Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 4:35 p.m., in reference to a scam that occurred on CR 2246 near Mineola. Deputies cleared the incident.
At 5:50 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4730 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:14 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individuals and cleared the scene.
December 21st
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3819 near Hawkins, at approximately 2:34 a.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2966 near Quitman, at approximately 6:35 a.m., in reference to an inquest. A female, 72, was found deceased in her residence. The Justice of the Peace arrived and no autopsy was ordered.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 1254 near Mineola; at approximately 9:17 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 14 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:21 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3234 near Quitman, at approximately 10:24 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies located the incident and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3496 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:25 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies located the incident and cleared the scene.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 12:46 p.m., in reference to a dispute that occurred on CR 3598 near Winnsboro. Deputies cleared the incident.
At 12:48 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37/CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to Clear Lakes near Quitman, at approximately 6:06 p.m., in reference to an arrest/warrant service. Anthony Perkins, 25, of Quitman, was arrested for Evading Arrest/Detention and outstanding warrants.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on Lloyd Ave. in Quitman; at approximately 6:27 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1513 near Alba, at approximately 8:15 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the activity and the individuals advised they were done shooting their guns for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 9:10 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
December 22nd
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1801 near Mineola, at approximately 2:52 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2377 near Alba, at approximately 8:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 10:31 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 779 near Alba, at approximately 11:56 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Actors, or actors unknown, damaged the reporting party’s vehicle. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Quitman, at approximately 12:50 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1660 near Alba, at approximately 5:00 p.m., in reference to an accidental shooting. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 5:39 p.m. James Goddard, 47, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and Violation of a Protective Order.
At 10:38 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 Quitman.
December 23rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2840 near Mineola, at approximately 4:37 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4440 near Winnsboro, at approximately 8:10 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 515 near Winnsboro; at approximately 10:24 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 10:25 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 2869 near Winnsboro.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 10:51 a.m., in reference to disorderly conduct that occurred on CR 1813 near Yantis. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:02 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 11:44 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole several items from the reporting party’s building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 12:33 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3810 near Hawkins, at approximately 12:41 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Parties were separated for the day.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3147 near Quitman, at approximately 3:16 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
At 4:14 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4186 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2650/CR 2655 near Mineola, at approximately 8:56 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any suspicious activity.
Deputies went out on an arrest/warrant service to FM 14 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:15 p.m. Kolten Bennett, 22, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant.
December 24th
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on CR 1600 near Alba, at approximately 12:23 a.m. Randall Hargiss, 28, of Alba, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 2:07 a.m. Charles Elliot, 37, of Alba, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, and Driving While License invalid.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 3:15 a.m., in reference to a welfare check on FM 2088 near Quitman. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to PR 5937 near Yantis, at approximately 8:41 a.m., in reference to a burglary. Actors, or actors unknown, stole jewelry from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 9:55 a.m., horses were reported out on HWY 80 near Mineola.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2167 near Quitman, at approximately 10:11 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to find the individuals.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on FM 2869 near Hawkins; at approximately 11:09 a.m. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 11:50, in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies located the suspicious activity and cleared the scene.
Deputies were dispatched to Main St. in Quitman, at approximately 11:53 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies located the individual and cleared the scene.
At 3:53 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Mineola.
At 5:45 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Mineola.
At 5:56 p.m., cows were reported out on SPUR 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to Meadowview Path near Hawkins, in reference to suspicious circumstances. Wendy Applewhite, 41, of Hawkins, was arrested for an outstanding warrant and Possession of Marijuana. Chad Hoppe, 51, of Hawkins, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.
At 10:25 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 3987 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2380 near Mineola, at approximately 10:27 p.m., in reference to a dispute. Deputies arrived and cleared the scene.
December 25th
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6778 near Mineola, at approximately 12:18 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies located the activity and advised the individuals to lower the volume of their music.
At 1:53 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 14 near Quitman, at approximately 2:51 a.m. Milton Campos, 32, of Pickton, was arrested for No Drivers License.
At 3:35 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 779 near Alba.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3163 near Quitman, at approximately 11:39 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the building and it was secure.
At 12:46 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Yantis.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2427 near Mineola; at approximately
1:57 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
At 3:14 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 515 near Winnsboro.
At 3:17 p.m., cows were reported out on HWY 37 near Winnsboro.
At 5:03 p.m., cows were reported out on SPUR 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2310 near Mineola, at approximately 8:40 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Upon deputies’ arrival, it appeared there were no signs of a burglary. Deputies cleared the scene.
December 26th
Deputies were dispatched to Cheyenne near Quitman, at approximately 12:49 a.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
At 10:17 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 514 near Como.
Deputies spoke with the reporting party, at approximately 2:28 p.m., in reference to a theft that occurred on CR 2724 near Mineola. Actors, or actors unknown, stole jewelry from the reporting party’s residence. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies spoke to the reporting party, at approximately 2:45 p.m., in reference to credit/debit card abuse that occurred on HWY 11 near Winnsboro. A known actor used the reporting party’s credit card without authorization. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 4:36 p.m., cows were reported out on Hwy 37 near Winnsboro.
At 7:07 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088/CR 3987 near Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1813 near Yantis, at approximately 7:12 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located the individual and everything was OK.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1946 near Yantis, at approximately 11:54 p.m., in reference to a burglary. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the actors.
Between the dates of December 20 and December 26, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included Police Departments and Emergency Medical Services.
Between the dates of December 20 and December 26, Wood County Sheriff’s Investigators filed 2 cases with the District Attorney, obtained 2 arrest warrants and arrested the individuals.
Total Jail Count – 144 inmates – 123 males and 21 females.
Sheriff Castloo would like to remind everyone…if you have any information on these or any other crimes, please contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 903-763-2201 or
Crime Stoppers at 903-763-CASH.
Contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office if you notice any suspicious vehicles or activity around your neighborhood. Please be aware of your surroundings.
She Said She was Trying to Get Away From the Deputy
While on patrol, the Hopkins County Deputy clocked the speed of a 2013 Chevy Malibu at 105 mph on FM 69 Thursday morning. The deputy turned around and initiated a traffic stop. However, the driver of the Malibu failed to stop and continued for several miles finally stopping in a driveway on the South Service Road of I-30.
After being advised of her rights, Brooke Sierra Hayward, 23, of Sulphur Springs stated she was trying to get away from the deputy. The deputy was driving one of the new county patrol units that are capable of greater speed than previous units.
Hayward was arrested for a Felony 3 Evading Arrest with a Vehicle and is being held on a $10,000.
Nurses at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs Honored With DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
December 28, 2017 – Nurses at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs (CMFH-SS) are being honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Pictured left to right: Susan McGrady, RN – ICU Director; Angel Raphel, RN; Anitha Sanderson, Chief Nursing Officer; Paul Harvey, President / CEO
The January 2018 award recipient is Angel Raphael, RN in the ICU department for her attentiveness to patient needs and always creating a soothing and safe environment. Congratulations, Angel!
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at CMFH-SS to receive The DAISY Award. Recipients are chosen twice a year and presentations are given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” The Honoree will also be given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.
Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at CMFH-SS are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.
Said Chief Nursing Officer Anitha Sanderson, “We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”
Wildcats Remain in Tournament Championship Bracket With Other State Ranked Teams
The Wildcats’ basketball team, ranked #11 in Class 5A, is one of eight teams still alive in the championship bracket of the In-N-Out Burger Allen Holiday Invitational after winning their first two games on Thursday.
The Wildcats defeated John Paul II of Plano, 68-44 Thursday afternoon and then fought past the #7 ranked team in Class 5A El Paso Burges, 56- 51 Thursday night.
On Friday at 11:45 a.m. in the Allen High School Gym, the Wildcats will play Cibolo-Steele, the #15 ranked team in Class 6A. Seven of the eight teams left in the championship bracket are state ranked, three in Class 5A and four in Class 6A.
Update: Friday Lady Cats Face Mississippi Team in Idabel Tourney
The Lady Cats’ basketball team opened a three-day Idabel holiday tournament with a strong showing overwhelming Arkansas High, 86-25 Thursday morning (December 28). The Lady Cats play next on Friday at 4 p.m. against Choctaw Central of Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Thursday morning, the Lady Cats got off to a hot start outscoring Arkansas High, 19-1 after the first quarter. It was 39-13 at the half, 61-23 after three quarters and 86-25 at the finish. The Lady Razorbacks only scored two points in the fourth quarter.
Lady Cat Kaylee Jefferson poured in 34 points and Sadavia Porter added 25 points. Autumn Tanton scored 14 and Imani Taylor chipped in 11 points. Danielle Godbolt added 2 points. The red-hot Lady Cats hit 52% of their shots making 37 of 71 attempts. Porter hit two three-point shots and Taylor had one. The Lady Cats hit 3 of 10 three-pointers for 30% and 9 of 19 free throws for 47%. Jefferson had a big game rebounding also with 14. The team claimed 29. Godbolt and Tanton each had 4 assists as the team had 16.
The Lady Cats only made 12 turnovers. They had 20 deflections with Te’Arria Rose leading the team with 6. The Lady Cats collected 21 steals with Tanton and Porter sharing a team leading total of 5 each. The Lady Cats also had 7 blocks.
The win was the Lady Cats tenth straight. They improved their season record to 16-2. The Lady Cats are ranked #9 in the state in Class 5A.
Tira News December 29th, 2017
By Jan Vaughn
Martha Payton enjoyed the holidays with visit from Brad and Virginia Payton from Keller arriving on Thursday, and daughter Regina from Victoria coming on Friday. Martha shares, “We had an early Christmas dinner on Friday evening and exchanged gifts. Brad brought his boxer dog named Joe. At eight-thirty every evening the dog tells you it is eight-thirty and ‘treat time’.” Brad and Virginia returned home on Saturday and Regina stayed until Wednesday morning. She will finish the week in Port Aranksas house sitting for a friend while they are in Austin for a wedding.
William and Joyce Dodd celebrated Christmas with family and friends by hosting lunch and then opening gifts. Those in attendance were Michael McNiel, Tonja Jones and friend Jerry
Lucas, Rob Dodd, Brad, Tanya, Matthew, and Trenton Dodd and his friend Melony Huffman, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton, Maegan Shelton and her friend Matt, Mandi Owens, Stuart,
Tiffany, Emery, Elliana, and Eadon McPherson. Joyce reports, “We enjoyed visiting with everyone. It had been over two years since we had seen Mandi and about a year since we had
seen Maegan. They had to go back to Arkansas, after our tree was over. Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan went back with them for a few days. It was the best Christmas we have had in a while. We
wish everyone a very blessed New Year.”
Kim and Lee Beck had visits from son, Jason Beck, who is now living in Maryland., daughter, Maddie Beck who came from Ft. Worth, son and daughter in law, Jackson & Courtney Dailey who came in from San Antonio. Kim adds, “Derek & Michelle Dailey traveled from Grand Prairie and brought daughter, Demi, for some Christmas cheer! There is nothing better than watching that almost 2-year- old giggle with glee over her new Fisher Price Little People Farm set. Bamaw & Lee Pa are blessed for sure!”
Evelyn Horne was at her daughter’s Alisa Ottley’s home in Dallas for Christmas. Family gathered at Rick and Judy Petty’s home for Christmas. They started out with lunch and finished up with visiting and catching up on events of the past year, followed by games and lots of laughter and “of course more eating.” Those who were able come included Chris, Robin, Trever and Trey Petty from Cedar Park (this was our first year to have to share Tyler who has become engaged and spent this Christmas with fiancée Caitlin Valley and her family), Ronnie, Amy, Mitchell and Macy Green from Cooper, Mick and Linda Petty, Billy Joe Clayton all from Tira, Mike and Tara Owens from Dallas, James and Cathy Humphrey and Chaney Klemptner from New Braunfels and Dustin Churchman, Hesston Humphrey, Katie Stewart all from Sulphur Springs and Reagan Humphrey from Bolivar, Missouri. Judy comments, “Always great to have everyone together, especially at Christmas.”
Our family Christmas began with attending church services on Christmas Eve. Our daughter, Tiffany, and grandchildren, Kenden and Jaidyn, joined us at First Baptist Church, after they attended the Christmas Eve service at Posey Baptist Church. We went out to eat following the service at First Baptist. Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin, Morgan Joslin and fiancée, Allison, Tiffany Vaughn, Kenden and Jaidyn Joslin, and Linda Ellen Vaughn came over for a time of exchanging gifts and eating Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. Malcolm Joslin came to Tira on Christmas night to celebrate Christmas with Kenden, Jaidyn, Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden. On the day after Christmas, our son, Delayne Vaughn, came from Waco and we enjoyed lunch with him, Tiffany, Kenden, and Jaidyn. Grace and Linda Ellen Vaughn joined us for dessert, and then we opened more gifts. Landon, Laiken, and the boys celebrated with Laiken’s family on Christmas Eve.
I hope 2018 brings you all many blessings! I look forward to neighbors reporting about their New Year festivities!
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].
Become a Master Wellness Volunteer! By Johanna Hicks
Become a Master Wellness Volunteer!
Be a part of something BIG! In the United States, 86% of all health spending is related to chronic conditions – things like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and many others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these costs can be managed and potentially reduced through education and lifestyle modification.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is seeking participants for its Master Wellness Volunteer Program. The Master Wellness Volunteer program allows those who have a passion about health and wellness to share that passion with others via worksite wellness programs, community events and more. Obtain knowledge and skills to live a healthier lifestyle and encourage others to do the same. Master Wellness Volunteers (MWV) undergo 40 hours of training on health, nutrition and food safety and are then empowered to provide outreach and education, helping reduce the burden of chronic conditions in Texans and Texas’ communities. Not a health professional? Not a problem! We welcome participation from anyone interested in promoting health and wellness: college students, employees, retirees – anyone!
Session Topics:
* Master Wellness Volunteer Program overview
* Nutrition & Weight Management
* Health & Wellness
* Food Safety
* Physical Activity
* And more!
Opportunities to serve are wide-ranging: assisting with healthy cooking demonstrations, participating in health fairs, perhaps actually presenting a program for a local group, assisting with 4-H events, and much more. Because each community is different, MWV’s work with the County Extension Agent and other stakeholders to identify needs and opportunities to help make a local difference.
In January 2018, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will convene a statewide training for Master Wellness Volunteers…and you don’t even have to leave your county. Two in-person sessions will be held (January 23 and February 28) at the Hopkins County office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. The rest of the training will be conducted online. It’s never been easier to give back to your community! Currently, Hopkins County has 10 trained volunteers who contributed 684 hours in 2017, reaching over 8,000 people.
For more information about the Master Wellness Volunteer Program, visit http://agrilife.org/mwv. The cost is $75, and only $25 for college students. Registration is now open for the Master Wellness Volunteer Statewide Training: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/MWV. It will be available through January 16, 2018, in anticipation of the first training day on January 23, 2018. Be a part of something BIG!!
¡Si, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes!
Over 10% of adults in Texas have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total cost per person with diabetes is $15,654. These numbers are disturbing, but diabetes can be controlled.
A 7-lesson series has been scheduled for Hispanic audiences who have type 2 diabetes, and we hope you will help us get the word out! The classes will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs on January 8, 16, 22, 29, February 5, 12, and 19. Two times are being offered to accommodate schedules of those wishing to attend: 1:30, repeated at 5:30 p.m.
The series is free to those wanting to attend, but in order to adequately prepare, we request that they call Angela Doddy, with Christus Trinity Clinic at 903-244-1424, or the Extension Office at 903-885-3443. All sessions will be taught in Spanish, and will include handouts, door prizes, and great information.
Step Up and Scale Down
Another great opportunity for 2018 is the Step Up and Scale Down Series! And the nice thing about it is that you don’t even have to leave your home! A statewide series begins Monday, January 8 and continues for 12 weeks. Boost your physical and mental health in 2018 Step up Scale Down is a 12 week educational program based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. This program covers a wide range of topics that address barriers most people face when trying to lose weight. Beginning January 8, 2018 the Healthy Texas Office will be facilitating an online Step Up Scale Down course entitled “A Healthy You 2018”. Here is what you will receive as part of participating in SUSD A Healthy You 2018:
- Proper goal setting
- Reading nutrition labels
- Meal planning
- Motivation
- Socializing and more
Sign up by Jan. 8 for Step Up Scale Down online course and form habits to maintain a healthier weight, stay active, and reduce your risk for chronic diseases at: https://stepupscaledown.org. After you log on, you will have the opportunity to register, view frequently asked questions, and keep up with the on-line course.
Closing Thought
Some minds are like concrete – thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.
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]
Over 1500 Flu Cases Diagnosed in Clinics and Hospitals in CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances System
Cases of the flu are being reported in the area. Over 1500 cases of Influenza have been diagnosed in CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System clinics and hospitals in December, 2017, according to Jennifer Cole, Director of Infection Control Quality Management Department. Data shows 41% of the cases were identified as Type B influenza which is higher than the nationwide 15% for Type B of all flu cases.
Cole says for those with the flu to prevent transmission, they should stay home from work or school when sick. Cover cough and sneezes, and wash hands frequently. If you go to the doctor, wear ask for a surgical mask when you enter the office. She also suggests receiving the flu shot. She also suggests taking Vitamin C to improve you immune system.
