Can Help Sponsors Annual Coat and Blanket Drive For Those in Need
The winter months can be a tough time for everyone, especially those already struggling to get by. Thankfully, for those in Hopkins County, help is available. Please join CANHelp by participating the annual FALL COAT & BLANKET DRIVE to ensure everyone in Hopkins County stays warm this winter.
CANHelp and its partners are now accepting new and gently used coats and blankets of all sizes from now through the beginning of the year. CANHelp’s FALL COAT & BLANKET DRIVE provides an easy way for individuals and families to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by simply passing along coats, jackets, and blankets that are no longer needed.
Donations may be dropped off at CANHelp located at 613 Gilmer St. or at City National Bank (Downtown location), First Baptist Church, Shannon Oaks Church, and St. James Catholic Church, all located Sulphur Springs.
The Sulphur Springs High School Tennis Team will also be holding its 3rd annual Share the Warmth Tennis Tournament benefiting CANHelp on Saturday, November 11th. The tournament is open to all ages and the entry fee is a coat donation. For registration information, contact Coach Tony Martinez at SSISD.
All donated coats and blankets will be distributed at CANHelp to those in need. If you are in need of a coat or blanket or know someone who is, contact CANHelp at 903-885-9797 ext. 3 for more details.
Thank you to our sponsors: CANHelp, City National Bank, First Baptist Church, Shannon Oaks Church, and St. James Catholic Church.
What’s a Quarter Auction? The Nov. 2 Fun Event Benefits Lights of Life!
Meredith Caddell, Executive Director of the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, continues the series of fundraisers for the Lights of Life Campaign, which will culminate at the Gala on January 27, 2018. Already, the Lights of Life Style Show and a Sip’n See Historic Tour have brought in donations for purchase of needed equipment for the local hospital. The next event is the Quarter Auction to be held at the Civic Center at 6pm on the evening of Thursday November 2, 2017. Tickets to attend are $10 each from local merchants and at the door for your Bidder Paddle. Also bring a roll or two of quarters, because that’s how you bid on the wonderful prizes in the auction. Additionally, there will be shopping opportunities in fashion, decor and more at more than two dozen vendor booths. A Soup Buffet will be offered along with wine by the glass. Below is your invitation to to the Quarter Auction from Meredith!
We are so excited to invite you to the Lights of Life Quarter Auction. I would like to encourage you to make plans to attend and please invite your friends. Thursday, November 2nd at 6:00 at the Civic Center
Here is how it works:
Local Retail & Direct Sales Vendors have donated nice items for auction AND they will have booths set up for shopping after the auction. Some vendors have donated multiple items.
We present each item for auction. If you want to bid, you raise your paddle (or 2) and place the required bid on the table (1, 2, 3 or 4 quarters…based on the value of the item.)
We will draw a number from the hopper. If you bid on the item & your number is drawn, you win that item!!!
We will also have a soup buffet for a $5 donation and we will also be selling wine by the glass! This is a perfect night for a big group of friends to hang out & have a very fun night!
Here is the list of vendors we have that are currently selling tickets. ($10 each)
Avon-Patsy Cowan-903-243-5216
Gourmet Kitchen & Company-213 Main
Herbalife-Wendi Armstrong-Snap Fitness
Juice Plus-Candace Ashmore
Lou Nell’s-122 Lee
Marlene’s Sass & Class-212 Main
Merle Norman-212 Davis Street
Pampered Chef-Katie Joslin
Revital U Coffee-Morgan Vail-903-348-2050
Rodan & Fields-Jeana [email protected]
Scentsy-Brittany Russel- 903-335-7073
Simply Spoiled-208 Main Street
Sister Babyz-135 Gilmer
Thirty-One Bags- Sara [email protected]
Young Living Essential Oils-Jessica Conley-903-285-4943
You may also purchase tickets at the Foundation office located inside near the hospital gift shop. With questions, you may call the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation office at 903-438-4799.
Sulphur Springs Corvette Club Hosts Annual Classic
Over 150 Corvettes will fill Celebration Plaza Saturday as the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club hosts their annual Classic Show.
On Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. the Corvettes will be on display and trophies and plaques will be awarded to winning autos in 14 designated classes. Nine Sponsor Awards will also be presented. The public is invited to view the Corvettes.
Friday night’s “The Fabulous Fifties”, a reservation only dinner and entertainment for those who will display their Corvettes, will feature an Elvis Tribute Artist in the Elliott Hanger at the Municipal Airport.
Tira News
by Jan Vaughn
The Fall Carnival at North Hopkins School will be this Friday, October 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Also, the Book Fair has been going on all week and will be open during the carnival. Come enjoy the food, fun, and games and support the students.
Yvonne Weir flew up to Rapid City, South Dakota on October 4th. Her sister-in-law, Lynn, picked her up and they drove around 150 miles to the Hall Ranch in Meadow, where she stayed at her childhood home. While there she did some wallpapering, planted flowers, played Chicken Foot and Rummicub with family, and relaxed a lot! She got to visit with cousins from the area and one from Colorado. One day she met a high school friend in Spearfish and they enjoyed shopping and visiting. During her stay, her nephew and several others went on a dinosaur dig nearby and found lots of bones. She returned to Tira on October 19th.
Destri Weir was in Baltimore, Maryland over the weekend to host a wedding shower for a friend. Eben came and brought the baby, Nico, and his daughters, Mena & Emmie, to visit with Robert & Yvonne & family.
Yvonne and Wesley went to Princeton to watch Eli, Dacy’s son, play soccer on Sunday afternoon.
Wesley Weir turned 17 on October 24th. He was treated to strawberry cake at school, and then he and his parents, Robert and Yvonne, went to eat at Juan Pablo’s in Sulphur Springs that night. He was thrilled to have the staff sing to him and he enjoyed the strawberries and cream on the sopapilla. On the previous Friday, Robert & Yvonne took Wesley to a Kris Kristofferson concert for his birthday.
Chip and I were in Dallas on Saturday to visit Chip’s sister, Linda Ellen Vaughn. Chip did some handyman jobs for her while there.
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].
Hopkins County and Surrounding Counties Placed Under Freeze Warning for Friday Night and Saturday Morning
Hopkins County and surrounding counties have been placed under a Freeze Warning for Friday night and Saturday morning.
Much colder air will continue to filter into North and Central Texas today on gusty north winds behind a powerful cold front. The coldest night of the fall is expected tonight, and subfreezing temperatures are anticipated for parts of the area. The freeze watch has therefore been upgraded to a freeze warning.
The freeze warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, October 28. Low temperatures of 30-33 degrees are expected late tonight and Saturday morning. Sensitive plants may be damaged or killed if left unprotected Friday night and Saturday morning. Some frost may also occur where temperatures do not quite reach freezing.
A freeze warning means the seasons first episode of sub-freezing temperatures are likely to occur. These conditions will kill sensitive plants and residents are advised to protect tender vegetation. Automatic sprinkler systems should also be turned off to avoid creating ice patches on nearby roads, driveways, and sidewalks.
Prussic Acid Intoxication of Cattle By Mario Villarino
Every years, as cold weather reaches Northeast Texas, concerns about toxicity of feed and feedstuff are common in our ranchers. Prussic acid poisoning also called hydrocyanic acid or cyanide poisoning. Cyanogenic compounds can develop in plants that are stressed; in the rumen the compounds are converted to cyanide, which can kill livestock.
Livestock can show symptoms of intoxication within 5 minutes of eating plants with the poison, and may die within 15 minutes. Salivation and labored breathing occur first, followed by muscular tremors, uncoordinated movements, bloating, convulsions and death from respiratory failure. Prussic acid can accumulate in plants in the sorghum family, such as johnsongrass, sudangrass, forage sorghums and grain sorghum.
It appears to occur when plants are injured by frost. Severe drought stress can also cause prussic acid to form. High concentrations may be associated with rapid growth, such as shortly after a rain irrigation on previously drought-stressed fields, or warm weather after a cool period. Under good conditions, toxic concentrations can also form in young, rapidly growing plants. Prussic acid dissipates from plant properly cured for hay.
To prevent prussic acid poisoning:
- If plants have been damaged by frost, defer grazing until they either are well recovered from injury or cut for hay, or after a killing freeze and the plants have been allowed to dry.
- Do not graze plants in the sorghum family until they are 2 to 3 feet tall.
- Remove all livestock from the feed source when an animal is found to have died suddenly after grazing forages under poor growing conditions.
- After plants have grown rapidly, such as shortly after a rain irrigation on previously drought-stressed fields or warm weather after a cool period, wait at least 2 weeks after the plants begin to grow before grazing.
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
Final Reminder about “Christmas Joys” By Johanna Hicks
The weather has been absolutely crazy lately – up and down – but with cooler temperatures, Fall Festival, and the rapidly approaching holiday season, everyone seems to be in a festive mood. For me, the annual “Christmas Joys” program jump-starts my holidays! This year’s program is full of great recipes, decorating ideas, and gift-giving ideas! For those who have already signed up, please remember to attend! The 1:30 program is full, and we don’t want to leave anyone out that would like to come. However, we still have seats left for the 5:30 p.m. session, which will be the exact same program.
As a reminder, here are the details:
- What: 44th Annual Christmas Joys Holiday Program
- When: Monday, November 6
- Time: 1:30 p.m. (full), repeated at 5:30 p.m. (seats still remain)
- Where: Southwest Dairy Museum auditorium
- Cost: $5
The fee covers goody bags, booklet of all the recipes and ideas shared, chance for door prizes, and refreshments provided by the Southwest Dairy Museum. In addition, each attendee will receive one of the completed projects demonstrated in the program!
If you would like to attend the 5:30 session, please contact our office at 903-885-3443 and give your name and phone number. As of this writing, only 16 seats remain for the 5:30 session.
Flu Season and Hand Hygiene
In addition to cooler temperatures and approaching holidays, another not-so-pleasant occurrence takes place – flu season! Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious illness caused by a virus that affects the upper respiratory system (nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat). The flu virus spreads easily from person to person and can live on surfaces for hours. The flu season occurs every year from October to May and affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population.
The flu spreads easily from person to person. It can be “caught” by:
- Breathing airborne droplets of the flu virus from others’ coughs or sneezes
- Touching virus-contaminated surfaces (tables, doorknobs, telephones) and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with virus-contaminated hands
To aid in prevention, get an annual flu shot in the fall before the flu season starts (NOW is the time!) Stay 3 to 6 feet away from others who are sick. Obviously, do not kiss and hug others until you are well. Remain at home when sick and please keep your children home if they are ill. Do not return to school or work until your fever is below 100 ̊F for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.
Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when water is not available, will go a long way in helping prevent the spread of the flu. Also, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
You can strengthen your immune system with healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
– Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
– Getting plenty of rest. Sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night.
– Exercising regularly—at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week.
– Reducing your daily stress level.
There are some things you can do at home as treatment if you or a loved one comes down with the flu. First and foremost, stay home and rest. Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, electrolyte drinks). Take over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms. Antiviral medications are available by prescription from your doctor. o be effective, take antiviral medications within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Antiviral medications are recommended for people with a high risk of having flu complications. A cool-mist humidifier can be beneficial. Clean it regularly according to the instruction manual to prevent mold.
See a doctor when a young child, pregnant woman, elderly person, or someone with a chronic health condition becomes ill with the flu—they have an increased chance of flu complications. A stiff neck developing along with fever or complications, such as difficulty breathing or signs of dehydration occur signal a need to see a doctor. If symptoms worsen each day and you are concerned and need advice, a doctor can provide assistance.
Closing Thought
Ever speak badly about yourself. You are fearfully and wonderfully made!
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]
Wildcat Basketball Begins Season Practice
The Wildcats’ basketball team had their first practice of the season Wednesday. Clark Cipoletta returns for his fourth year as Wildcats Head Basketball Coach.
Last season the Wildcats made a quantum leap going 26-7. They defeated North Forney in bi-district and advanced to Area competition. The Wildcats went 10-2 in district play finishing second. They return six players who received All-District honors. 6-foot-8 junior post Victor Iwuakor was the district’s Defensive MVP. Junior Keaston Willis was First Team All-District. Sophomore Michael Jefferson and senior Bryson Lynn were Second Team All-District. Junior Xavier Cork and senior Dedric Godbolt were All-District Honorable Mention selections. Tall sophomore Godsgift Ezedinma, also known as GG, suffered a severe hand injury during the summer and is still in rehab hoping to join the team at some point this season.
Coach Cipoletta says he and the players are excited about the start of practice. He says the team will miss their two seniors from last year: Ke’Ontae Dunn and Dane Rutherford. Coach Cipoletta says this year’s team can be pretty good if he can put all of the pieces together. He says Cork has grown a little to 6-foot-7 and has benefited from going up against Victor and GG in practice every day last season. Coach Cipoletta says Cork is really starting to come around. He says the team wants a district championship this season.
The team’s first scrimmage will take place at Sachse on November 4.
Major Fall Festival Fun…Creative Arts Contest and Arts ‘n Crafts Show ‘n Sale!
According to Johanna Hicks, Texas Agri-Life Extension Agent and organizer of the Creative Arts Contest and the Arts n Crafts Show n Sale, this should be a big year for entries and vendors.
The Creative Arts Contest brings in foods, horticulture, arts, ceramics, handiwork and items created by people who live in Hopkins County. There are several dozen categories in which you can enter your items for judging. There are also age categories for entries, from children youth, adult, senior citizens and Nursing Home entries. Last year there were more than 250 items entered and Johanna hopes to break the 300-entry mark during this year’s event. The entries will be collected and judged inside the SSHS Media Center. Entries are due Thursday October 26 from 4:30 and 6 pm, or on Friday October 28 from 7:30 til 9:30 am. Following the judging portion, all the items can be viewed free by the public from 1:30 til 5 pm on Friday and from 9 am til 1:30 on Saturday. All winners of Best of Show rosettes are asked to be present for a photo at 1:30 pm Saturday before taking your items home.
The Arts and Crafts Show n Sale is not a competition but a collection of craft vendors from all over NE Texas. The show will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday October 27 and 28 inside and outside the SSHS Cafeteria area. All kinds of handmade jewelry, clothing, candles, gift items and holiday decor will be offered for sale both days. Concessions will be located nearby.
