PJC-Sulphur Springs Early Registration Draws Students from Across Hopkins County
EARLY REGISTRATION Gladys Pulgarin, right, of Como, gets help as she plans her spring semester schedule at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center. Office manager Linda Meier, left, and Advisor Carey Gable assist Gladys during her registration process. For more information and to take advantage of early registration, call 903-885-1232.
Donation Made to Dinner Bell
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club made a donation of $1,000 to the Dinner Bell at First United Methodist Church. Corvette Club Treasurer, Mike Hart presents Judy Gilreath the check as The Dinner Bell staff prepared another community meal at the First United Methodist Church. Proceeds came from the Club’s annual car show and other activities. If you’d like to help or for more information on the Dinner Bell click here.
Wildcats Finish Third at Curtis Culwell Invitational in Garland; Only loss to #6, 6A Team
The Wildcats’ basketball team took third place in the Curtis Culwell Invitational in Garland with a pulse pounding 62-61 win over West Mesquite Saturday evening. Victor Iwuakor hit the winning shot for the Wildcats with just 1.3 seconds left to play. The heroics helped erase a turnover on an inbounds pass that resulted in a basket for West Mesquite. That basket gave the Wranglers a 60-59 lead with just 8.9 seconds remaining. The Wildcats stormed down the court and found Iwuakor under the basket and he hit the game winning shot. A desperation shot by West Mesquite was off the mark. The Wildcats won despite a rash of turnovers. West Mesquite also aided their cause with strong offensive rebounding, especially in the second half. The Wranglers also hit ten three pointers. The Wildcats got off to a great start and they led 21-12 after the first quarter. Their lead shrink some in the second quarter but they still held a 34-29 lead. The Wildcats also led after three quarters, 49-45. Keaston Willis had a very big game for the Wildcats with 24 points including five three-point baskets. Iwuakor scored 17 points and Godsgift Ezedinma added 13 points. Michael Jefferson had 8 points including a three-pointer and Bryson Lynn hit a three for his 3 points. The aptly named Tra Mallard led the Wranglers with 17 points including five baskets from behind the 3-point arc.
Earlier in the day, the Wildcats missed a chance to play in the tournament championship game due to their first loss of the year to South Garland, 60-51. The Colonels are the #6 ranked team in Texas in Class 6A. The game was actually tied up 51-51 with just under 5 minutes left to play. The Wildcats shots refused to fall late in the game and they were forced to foul. The Wildcats had a strong start in the game leading 22-19 after one quarter. South Garland moved ahead at halftime, 34-29. The Colonels’ lead was only 2 points after three quarters, 47-45. Willis lead the Wildcats with 15 points including one three-pointer. Iwuakor had 12 points, Jefferson added 10 points including three three-point baskets and Ezedinma had 9 points including a three. Lynn had 5 points with a three-pointer. South Garland’s Tyrese Maxey poured in 31 points including four three-point baskets.
After Saturday’s play, the Wildcats season record is 8-1. They are 3-0 against Class 5A teams and they are 5-1 against larger Class 6A teams. Next the Wildcats travel to North Lamar to play the Panthers Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
basketball
Saltillo Teams Struggle in Weekend Tournaments
Saltillo basketball teams found wins hard to come by at two separate tournaments Friday.
The Saltillo Lions lost two games at a Miller Grove tournament. The Lions lost to the McKinney Boyd JV, 65-51. They were also outpointed by White Oak, 54-45. In that one, the Lions actually led 13-12 after the first quarter and 21-18 at the half. White Oak went ahead 36-33 after three quarters and added to their lead by outscoring the Lions, 18-12 in the fourth quarter. Against White Oak, Walker McGill led Saltillo with 12 points. Lyle Bench had 11 points, Chris Boekhorst added 10 points, Trevor Moore had 6 and Matt Gurley, Ryan Pruitt and Branson McGill had 2 points each. After Friday play, the Lions’ season record is 2-6.
The Saltillo Lady Lions dropped a game to Tyler Grace Comminity School, 45-21 in the Winnsboro Hoopfest Friday. Tyler Grace led after all four periods Friday. Madison Simmons led the Lady Lions with 9 points, Jocelyn Ochoa had 5 points, Anna Reeder had 4 points, Maddie Smith had 3 points and Kristina Wade scored 2 points.
Christmas on the Square: Slides, Tigers, and More!
Hundreds of people came out to watch the parade and participate in the activities on the square. There was a petting zoo with baby goats, and bunnies. A carousel for kids to ride miniature horses. Not to mention the huge snow slide which takes a total of five pallets of bags of ice to last the entire night. The continuously popular white tiger exhibit was also there, allowing families to feed and take pictures with the tigers. The square was decorated in Christmas lights that flashed on beat with the Christmas music playing around Celebration Plaza. Vendors sold light up necklaces and swords and one sold produce and knit-items. EMT’s and other first responders were there to make sure everyone had a great time and stayed safe.
Check out these pictures from this classic hometown event!
Annual Lions Club Christmas Parade
The parade was full of bright lights and Christmas decor. There was a Blue Santa, lots of presents, and many decorative Christmas trees. Streets were packed with many townsfolk who eagerly watched and cheered as the floats passed. The Parade started in Buford Park, and traveled down Connelly to Houston. Trucks and cars of all kinds and colors passed with people singing Christmas carols and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Sulphur Springs Band and Cheerleaders were also decked out in Christmas lights. The Como-Pickton Cheerleaders performed their routines with a mascot who wore an ugly Christmas sweater. There was even Mary Poppins, the Grinch, and Thomas the Train!
Here are some photos from the parade.
Corvette Club Donates to SS Animal Shelter
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club made a generous donation of $1,000 to the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter. Proceeds came from the annual car show and other activities. The Animal shelter was grateful for the donation. For more information on upcoming events or to adopt visit the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter’s facebook.
AgriLife: Diabetes Education in Hopkins County
Diabetes Education in Hopkins County
Each year, our staff provides a summary of our major in-depth Extension programs. Diabetes education is of particular interest to me because I know the struggles that individuals face on a day-to-day basis. Our youngest child was diagnosed with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes at the age of 2 ½ and he is my inspiration for helping others to manage their diabetes.
Relevance: According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), approximately 29.1 million (9.3%) people in the U.S. have diabetes. Similarly in Texas, approximately 1.8 million (9.7%) have diabetes. In Hopkins County, approximately 3,575 residents have been diagnosed with diabetes (10.5%). Unlike other chronic diseases, a person with type 2 diabetes can manage their disease by following a healthful eating pattern, regular physical activity, and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose, rather than medication dependency alone. Diabetes is not curable (yet), but it is manageable.
The Hopkins County Family & Consumer Sciences Committee identified diabetes education as a continuing need in Hopkins County. A Diabetes Coalition (consisting of local pharmacist, dietitian, nurse, certified geriatric health trainer, and Department of State Health Services staff member) took a leading role by assisting with teaching, marketing/promotion of the classes, and providing supplementary materials. Master Wellness Volunteers assisted with marketing, registration, survey implementation, tray preparations/cooking demonstrations, and wrap-up.
Response: The 2017 spring series of “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” featured 5 lessons: 1) How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose; 2) Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? 3) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity; 4) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Medication; 5) Celebrating Diabetes Control.
The newly revised “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series was held in the summer, and featured 4 topics: 1) Carbohydrate Foods; 2) Making Recipes with Fat Better for You; 3) Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber; 4) Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. In addition, diabetes information was provided at the 55+ Health Fair and through the mass media.
Results:
1) “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series: 12 participants completed the pre-and post- surveys
– Demographics: 5 females, 7 males; average age – 67; 83% (10) had never attended a diabetes class
– Adoption of practices: 30 minutes of physical activity most days – 92% (11); limiting carbohydrates – 100% (12); will have dilated eye exam – 100% (12); will have doctor check feet – 100%
– Understanding: knowing the recommended blood sugar ranges before and after meals – 100% (12); knowing the number of recommended carb choices – 100% (12); recognizing foods that are high and low in carbohydrates – 100% (12).
– Ability to control diabetes: prior to class, 50% (6) rated their ability as fair, and 50% (6) as good or very good. After completing the class, 100% (12) rated their ability to control diabetes as very good or excellent.
– Economic impact: based on potential health care cost savings, the financial impact is $420,604
2) “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series: 12 participants, 10 completed pre- and post-surveys
– Demographics: 9 females, 3 males; average age – 60; 75% (9) had never attended a diabetes cooking class
– Adoption of practices: 83% (10) bake, broil or grill instead of fry; 100% (12) more closely check the nutrition facts label; 100% (12) mostly or always add extra vegetables to casseroles, soups, sandwiches and salads; 75% (9) mostly or always use herbs/spices in place of salt in recipes
– Understanding: 100% increased knowledge on meal planning; 100% increased understanding on making healthy choices when eating out
– Ability to control diabetes: prior to class 30% (4) rated their health as fair or very poor. After completing the class, 83% (10) rated their health as good or very good
3) Overall diabetes educational contacts – 210 which includes one-to-one consultations and planning/preparation meetings with Diabetes Coalition and Master Wellness Volunteers. Additionally, approximately 200 were reached at the 55+ health fair, and many more through mass media (newspaper, social media).
Future Implications:
I will be working with an employee/doctoral candidate at the Christus Trinity Hospital in Sulphur Springs to implement “Sí, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes” in 2018, targeting Hispanic audiences. Classes will take place at our Extension Office. The two diabetes series, “Cooking Well with Diabetes” and “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes,” are on the calendar for 2018.
Christmas Sewing Workshop Reminder
Spaces are still available for the Christmas Sewing Workshop, scheduled for December 11-13. You do not have to attend all three days, but we will be set up from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Several make-and-take projects will be available, as well as fabric. We have eight sewing machines, or you may bring your own. One of the optional projects will be quillows (a quilt that folds into itself to make a pillow). Bring a sack lunch – drinks will be provided. Cost is only $10, which includes several of the projects. Please call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat.
Closing Thought
True winners are distinguished by the fact that they sometimes lose, but more importantly that they can rise up from defeat. You cannot succeed if you are not prepared to fail.
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 Defeat J. J. Pearce in Second Game at Culwell Invitational
he Wildcats’ basketball team made enough key plays down the stretch to hold off Richardson J.J. Pearce in their second game at the Curtis Culwell Invitational in Garland Friday night. The Wildcats entered the fourth quarter with a 32-22 lead.
While the Wildcats experienced a scoring drought for several minutes, the Mustangs chipped into the lead. Victor Iwuakor scored two big baskets before fouling out with 38.9 seconds left in the game and the Wildcats clinging to a 36-34 lead. Pearce missed a foul shot that would have cut the lead to one. The Mustangs then fouled Keaston Willis who hit a pair of foul shots to increase the Wildcats lead to 38-34. Pearce’s 6-foot-11 center Drew Timme, said to be headed to Gonzaga then scored to again make it a 2 point game at 38-36. Michael Jefferson was then fouled with 19.8 seconds left and he made two crucial free throws to make it a 40-36 game. Pearce again went inside to Timme but Dedric Godbolt ripped the ball out of his hands and threw the ball down court to Keaston Willis who hit a layup giving the Wildcats a 42-36 lead. A shot by Timme at the buzzer failed to fall and the Wildcats got a hard earned 42-36 victory.
Jefferson and Godsgift Ezedinma led the Wildcats with 11 points each. Willis scored 10 points. Iwuakor had 5 points before fouling out. His defense was impressive on the taller Timme who ended up with 12 points. Bryson Lynn had 3 points and and Xavier Cork scored 2. The Wildcats led 11-9 after one quarter, 24-11 at the half and 32-22 after three quarters.
The Wildcats, ranked #13 in the state, improved their season record to 7-0. Five of their wins have been against Class 6A teams. The Wildcats will play either South Garland, ranked #6 in Class 6A, or Plano East Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Curtis Culwell Center. The winner of that game will advance to the Culwell Invitational Tournament Championship Game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Culwell Center.
