Special July Events at the Senior Center
There are a few Special Events at the Senior Center in July in addition to our regular monthly events.
1) I Finally found a Magician for the Senior Prom, “Through The Looking Glass”, on Saturday, July 22nd. Terry Cunningham with Have Fun-Will Travel will be performing. I still have a few tickets left if you want to attend, Call Soon before they are gone.
2) Don’t forget that “Basics at Brunch” will be on Monday, July 17th at 10:30. Ross and Shoalmire, Elder Care Attorneys will be speaking on the “Pitfalls of Sharing Your Home with Caregivers and Adult Children” You will be able to ask any question about any subject after they get through speaking. At Home Healthcare and Carriage House Manor will be providing the Brunch.
3) Ice Cream Freeze Off.. Thursday, July 13th at 2:00 will be the Ice Cream Freeze Off. Right now I have 17 Ice Cream Freezers coming for the Competition. The Seniors will be the judges. I will give everyone 3 Poker Chips when they come in.. They will sample all of the Ice Cream Flavors then put a Poker Chip into a cup in front of their 3 favorite flavors. Will will count up the poker chips at the end of the contest and award 1st 2nd and 3rd places by the number of poker chips in their cups. It is not too late to enter a freezer of Ice Cream. Just call me and let me know what kind you will be bringing. 
4) BUNCO will be on Thursday, July 27th at 1:00.. We always have a GREAT TIME.
If you don’t know how to play it is easy and we will teach you. Cost is $ 5.00 which is prize money and dish of some kind. (Chips, Sandwiches, Fruit, Brownies, Cookies, popcorn, etc… ) 
For more information about any of these events contact:
Karon Weatherman
Program and Marketing Director
Senior Citizen’s Center
150 Martin Luther King Blvd
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
(903) 885-1661
An Inside Look at Barn Swallows: How They Do Their Part
By Savannah Owens
Once again Barn Swallow season in Texas is coming to a close as the beautiful birds prepare to migrate south for the winter. Barn Swallows typically can be found in Texas sometimes as early as March and typically stay until June or July. With this year’s cooler weather we have enjoyed a longer season with many birds hatching out their last brood in July.
Barn Swallows are easily identified by their blue backs and wings and tawny colored underbellies. The have blue heads, with a cinnamon color around their beaks and chins. They have long forked tails that have hints of white in them.
Their nests are made of mud and straw, and often found on barns, porches, and bridges. “Swallows, their nests and its contents, like most other North American birds, their nests and its contents, are protected by both state and federal laws making it illegal to harass the birds or destroy their active nests.” A Texas Parks and Wildlife booklet explained.
Barn Swallows love to eat insects: especially mosquitoes, gnats, and flying termites. A single Barn Swallow can consume 60 insects per hour, that’s 850 bugs per day.
“Barn Swallow parents sometimes get help from other birds to feed their young. These “helpers at the nest” are usually older siblings from previous clutches, but unrelated juveniles may help as well…Barn Swallow populations declined by over 1% per year from 1966 to 2014, resulting in a cumulative decline of 46%, according to the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 120 million with 24% spending some part of the year in the U.S, 2% in Mexico, and 4% breeding in Canada. They rate an 8 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score…”A Cornell Lab of Ornithology Article stated.
Barn Swallows are an important part of the environment-not to mention all of the benefits from having to deal with less mosquitoes in the hot Texas summers!
Storytime for Athletes at The Edge
From the beginning of The Edge conditioning program, Wildcats Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Greg Owens has been reading a page or two a day from a book to the athletes. The book is entitled, Chop Wood, Carry Water. It features a Samurai archer. Coach Owens said he heard about the book at a clinic presented by SMU Football Coach Chad Morris. Coach Owens picked up a copy of the book and he liked it’s messages for athletes. He compared it to an athlete’s daily devotional.
Coach Owens said stories teach things like work ethic, perseverance, and mental and physical toughness. He said each story applies to what an athlete is doing at The Edge that day. Coach Owens said each day’s five minute reading leaves the listener wanting to know what will happen next. He said the readings are popular with both athletes and coaches. Coach Owens said he has gone through about twenty chapters of the book so far. He expects to finish the book’s last eight chapter by the end of The Edge in early August.
KSST is Giving Away More Texas Rangers Tickets!
KSST is giving away tickets to the July 8th and July 9th, 2017 Texas Rangers Game. Winners will be announced during Afternoon Drive 4-6PM on Friday July 7th, 2017.
The Tickets:
- 1 pair for the Saturday July 8th, 8:05 First Pitch
- 1 pair for the Sunday July 9th game, 2:05 first pitch
- 2 sets of four to the Sunday July 9th game, 2:05 first pitch
Rules:
- The tickets must be picked up from the KSST Studios before 5pm Friday June 7th, 2017. If can’t pick them up Friday, a Saturday morning pickup can be arranged. 903 885 3111
- Ticket dates/games are first come, first served.
- The tickets must NOT be resold!
- Unclaimed tickets will be dispersed by KSST.
- Employees of KSST can not win.
- Winner’s names will be announced on the radio.
- Winner’s names will be posted on Facebook.
- We will be picking the winners Friday afternoon.
- Winners will be notified via Facebook, and announced on the air.
How to enter: Like KSST on Facebook, AND like this Post on Facebook.
Local Girl Heads to National American Miss Pageant
Sarah Nicole Joslin is a 13-year-old student at Sulphur Springs Middle School. On the weekend of July 15, she will head to the Metroplex to compete in the National American Miss Texas State Pageant to be held in the Westin Galleria Hotel. She will join a few dozen other young ladies in the Junior Teen age division who also desire the “Texas” title National American Miss with rights to compete at Nationals in Hollywood, California.
13-year-old Sarah Nicole Joslin represents Sulphur Springs in the Junior Teen Division of the National American Miss Texas Pageant
Sarah says she is like any other normal 13-year-old….she has a busy family with mom, dad, brother and cousins, and she has recently become an aunt. She has dogs and cats for pets, enjoys music and loves spending time with friends. Sarah also maintains a high grade point average…3.9…and that’s how she was selected for eligibility in the pageant. The National American Miss pageant is headquartered in Houston. It’s focus is on natural beauty, personality and intelligence… and not so much a “Miss America” staged persona. Last year was her first time as a contestant. According to Sarah, on the first day of the pageant, you will meet the judges. This is called Personal Introduction, and you get to sit down and answer some questions about yourself so they can get to know you better. Later you meet up with other girls in the contest and that’s when you start making friends! Later comes the Casual Wear competition. Your outfit and presentation is a way that you can show your own personality in the outfit you select, such as a jeans outfit or a church outfit. The big night of competition is called Formal Escort. Your formal dress or gown is shown off in the spotlight as you and your escort walk the stage in front of the cameras. The announcement of winners is made before the audience, but everybody feels like a winner by just being in the pageant. And you make some lifelong friends too!
Sarah’s mom, LaShae Joslin, invites anyone who would like to be a sponsorship donor for Sarah’s bid in the pageant to contact them at 903-689-6991. Proceeds will be used for travel and related expenses.
Regional AgriLife Research and Extension Center Celebrates 50 Years of Service
The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton will celebrate 50 years serving Texans on July 12.
AgriLife Extension has grown to become a statewide, national and international agricultural education agency over the past 100-plus years. Over the past 50 years, the Overton center has helped guide cattle, forage, ornamental plant and fruit and vegetable production. And AgriLife Extension outreach programs to educate producers and the public about best recommended practices.
AgriLife Extension’s roots grew in Smith County from a single seed – the first agriculture Extension agent in Texas: William C. Stallings – in 1906.
Overton center staff will welcome the public, state and area officials and Texas A&M University System officials to the facility at 1:15 p.m. July 12 for presentations regarding its history and contributions to Texans.
Presentations by staff will be followed by a keynote address from John Sharp, Texas A&M System chancellor, and comments by Dr. Craig Nessler, AgriLife Research director; Dr. Doug Steele, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service director, and Dr. Mark Hussey, vice chancellor and dean for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, all from College Station.
A reception will follow the ceremony.
Steele said Stallings laid the groundwork for the evolution of AgriLife Extension and its mission to reach and educate the agricultural public and industry to provide the best, science-based data and recommendations to help them be successful.
“W.C. Stallings represents the genesis for what has become one of the most significant public service initiatives in our nation’s history,” he said. “It’s humbling to think about what he did to turn around production numbers for East Texas farmers at the time and to then multiply the daily impacts AgriLife Extension agents make in the lives of individuals, producers and agricultural industries around Texas more than a century later.”
East Texas, specifically Smith County, was a major hub for agriculture in the late-1800s, according to historical records from the Smith County Historical Society. Smith County was considered a “garden spot,” according to the records. The Cotton Belt Railroad reported the county produced 35 percent of all fruits and vegetables it shipped from Texas.
But agricultural yields dwindled as damage from boll weevils, other pests and diseases began to take their toll on area growers.
Concerned Smith County leaders and members of the Tyler Commercial Club hired Stallings as the first agricultural agent in Texas. He also became the first agricultural agent in the U.S. to serve a single county.
Stallings was credited with turning around farmers’ fortunes. The state quickly began adding agricultural agents and began establishing agricultural experiment stations around Texas to determine best practices based on scientific trials for farmers in their respective regions.
Today, AgriLife Extension includes a network of 13 AgriLife Research and Extension centers and offices in 250 counties staffed by some 900 professional educators who provide expertise in various fields, including soil and animal sciences, plant pathology, entomology, wildlife and fisheries, family and consumer health, economics and 4-H youth development programs.
AgriLife Extension spearheads efforts across Texas to address drought, wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, as well as provide the latest scientifically supported best recommendations for producers in the full spectrum of farming enterprises, including beef cattle, dairies, poultry, row crops, and fruits and vegetables.
Texans also benefit from AgriLife Extension’s community health and wellness outreach programs regarding diabetes, healthy eating, child safety, food safety and cancer detection.
The economic impact of AgriLife Extension efforts, including saving residents money and creating opportunity for increased earnings or job creation, reaches into the billions of dollars annually, according to AgriLife Extension economic impact briefs.
For example, the economic benefit in net returns from adoption and implementation of selected beef cattle management practices, taught at the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course and Ranch Management University, was $32.1 million in 2015, according to an AgriLife Extension economic impact brief.
But AgriLife Extension impacts are not only monetary.
In 2011, the Plum Creek Watershed became the first watershed in Texas to be removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of impaired water bodies due to watershed improvement efforts spearheaded by AgriLife Extension, community leaders and volunteers, according to Extension impact briefs. AgriLife Extension continues to work in dozens of watersheds to reduce contamination, including high bacteria levels and increase accessibility to clean water for consumption and recreation.
Tira News July 7, 2017
The annual Tira Homecoming was held on Sunday, July 2nd. Larry Fitzgerald did a great job serving as Master of Ceremonies and singing two inspirational songs. Dusti James presented a rose to the families of those buried in the Tira Cemetery during the past year. Lynda Garner, accompanied by Tiffany Vaughn at the piano, led the congregation in singing the traditional “Church in the Wildwood” and “America the Beautiful” Several in attendance shared memories and thoughts of Tira. Jan Vaughn read the minutes of the last homecoming, gave the financial report, and shared that the new section of the cemetery had been developed and that several monuments, in the other sections, had been leveled. Martha Payton shared that her brother, BC Honzell, and his crew had leveled some monuments at no charge. We really appreciate him sharing his time and skills in this manner. Mick Petty and Mary Beth Moore were reelected to the cemetery board. Floyd Lawson is to be commended for keeping the cemetery grounds in beautiful condition. Following the program and meeting, the group gathered at the picnic tables and enjoyed a covered-dish lunch. Mark your calendar for the next homecoming, which will be on the first Sunday in July next year.
Kim and Lee Beck picked up mom, Sue Beck, from Sulphur Springs and met son, Jason and daughter, Maddie, in Rockwall for lunch on the 4th. Jason was visiting from Virginia and his girlfriend, Courtney, came in from Florida to celebrate Independence Day.
Larry and Dorothy Fitzgerald arrived at our house on Friday afternoon, from Somerville, and spent the weekend with us. We enjoyed playing cards and Rummikub and visiting. The “girls” beat the “boys” at Spades by a wide margin on Saturday. They wanted a chance to redeem themselves, so the girls let them win (ha, ha) on Sunday. On Saturday evening, Tiffany, Morgan, Kenden, and Jaidyn joined us and we all went to AJ’s Fish House in Yantis and enjoyed the buffet, before heading to the square in Sulphur Springs for the 4th of July musical presentation and fireworks. We went to the Tira Homecoming on Sunday.
Tiffany and the kids celebrated the 4th with their friends, Shane and Barndi Rhudy and their family. I’m sure many more were involved with Independence Day activities. I hope to have more reports for the next column.
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].
Wood County Sheriff’s Report June 28-July 4, 2017
June 28th
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 8:01 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
At approximately 9:07 a.m., deputies contacted the reporting party in reference to a request to speak to an officer. Deputies gave the reporting party information regarding a civil issue that occurred on HWY 182 near Quitman.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 4560 near Winnsboro; at approximately 9:48 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2869 near Hawkins, at approximately 10:14 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A brick wall was damaged on the building by actors, or actors unknown. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 10:40 a.m., cows were reported out on SPUR 514 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1678 near Alba, at approximately 1:19 p.m., in reference to a burglary. The reporting party advised deputies they just wanted them aware of the incident.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 515 near Yantis, at approximately 2:47 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the residence was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1681 near Alba, at approximately 4:33 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2117 near Quitman, at approximately 5:55 p.m., in reference to shots being fired. Upon arrival, the subject advised he was shooting turtles. Deputies were unable to identify any violation of the law.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4390 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:07 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies checked the scene and everything was cleared.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1885 near Yantis, at approximately 10:57 p.m. The individual was located and everything was cleared.
June 29th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person at Lake Quitman, at approximately 12:30 a.m. Individuals were located and advised it was not safe to swim at night.
Deputies met with the reporting party, at approximately 12:46 p.m., in regards to harassment that is reoccurring on FM 1448 near Winnsboro. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At approximately 1:25 p.m., deputies contacted the reporting party in reference to a request to speak to an officer. Extra patrol on FM 14 near Hawkins was requested, due to multiple reckless drivers.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 154 near Quitman, at approximately 6:12 p.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies checked the area and everything was cleared.
Deputies were dispatched to Holiday Village Dr. near Quitman, at approximately 6:30 p.m., in reference to a criminal trespass. Michael Long, 57, of Quitman, was arrested for Criminal Trespassing.
At 7:18 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 2724 near Mineola.
At 8:41 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1660 near Alba; at approximately 10:03 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual. The reporting party requested extra patrol.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 10:15 p.m., in reference to criminal mischief. Upon the deputies’ arrival, it appeared there was no criminal activity.
June 30th
Deputies responded to a suspicious person on CR 1280 near Quitman; at approximately 1:38 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2460 near Mineola, at approximately 7:46 a.m., in reference to an unauthorized use of a vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the owner.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 564 near Mineola, at approximately 7:57 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and everything was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 10:00 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
At 10:19 a.m., cows were reported out on FM 69/North of HWY 37 near Quitman.
Deputies were dispatched to 1686 near Alba, at approximately 11:38 a.m., in reference to a welfare check. Deputies checked the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to FM 2966 near Yantis; at approximately 2:19 p.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the individual.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1895 near Yantis, at approximately 3:07 p.m., in reference to a theft. Actors, or actors unknown, stole farm equipment from the reporting party’s property.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2231 near Mineola, at approximately 7:18 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were advised to separate for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 9:01 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies were advised it was only verbal, and the parties were separated for the night.
July 1st
Deputies were dispatched to PR 6304 near Mineola, at approximately 8:39 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies were advised there was no physical contact, and the parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 778 near Hainesville, at approximately 1:59 p.m., in reference to a fire. There was an oil tank explosion that was possibly caused by a lightning strike. Hainseville Fire Department responded to the call and extinguished the fire.
Deputies were dispatched to Holly Lake Ranch, at approximately 5:01 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. The parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to HWY 37 near Quitman, at approximately 10:16 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1388 near Yantis, at approximately 10:42 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2155 near Quitman, at approximately 11:59 p.m., in reference to a public assist. Deputies helped the reporting party shut off their water that was flooding their residence.
July 2nd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2297 near Mineola, at approximately 10:31 a.m., in reference to an alarm. There were no signs of forced entry and the residence was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2100 near Quitman, at approximately 6:34 p.m., in reference to a reckless driving call. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on Beaulah St. near Hawkins, at approximately 6:48 p.m. Deputies located the individuals that stated they were visiting their relative.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2231 near Mineola, at approximately 9:39 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies were advised there was a verbal argument, and the parties were separated for the night.
At 9:47 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2966 near Yantis.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Hawkins, at approximately 9:56 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Deputies were advised it was only verbal, and the parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 10:17 p.m., in reference to a disturbance where a threat occurred. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched to SPUR 514 near Yantis, at approximately 10:45 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
June 3rd
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1985 near Yantis, at approximately 4:49 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 2470 near Alba; at approximately 7:23 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Emily St. near Mineola; at approximately 7:43 a.m. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to make contact with the individual.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to Francis St. near Hawkins; at approximately 8:08 a.m. Deputies made contact with a relative of the individual and advised them to make contact with the Justice of the Peace.
At 8:44 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 3234 near Quitman.
Deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle on CR 2220 near Mineola, at approximately 8:52 a.m. The vehicle was located and everything was cleared.
Deputies responded to an abandoned vehicle on FM 2869 near Winnsboro, at approximately 10:44 a.m. The vehicle was located with the owner inside of it. The owner stated that he was having car trouble.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 3287 near Hawkins; at approximately 1:32 p.m. Contact was made with the individual and was advised by deputies to contact the District Attorney’s office.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1998 near Yantis, at approximately 2:59 p.m., in reference to a dispute. The actor left the scene on foot prior to deputies’ arrival. Deputies located a matching description of the actor on CR 1987. Lecinda Calder, 63, of Red Oak, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4420 near Winnsboro, at approximately 4:06 p.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and everything was secure.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on FM 852 near Winnsboro, due to running the license plate and the driver having an active warrant. The actor fled the scene on foot, and deputies’ were unable to locate him.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 1799 near Mineola, at approximately 6:59 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3550 near Hawkins, at approximately 9:11 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties were separated for the night.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3160 near Quitman, at approximately 10:58 p.m., in regards to an assault that occurred. The actor left the scene, prior to the deputies’ arrival. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 11:36 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 2088/CR 3130 near Quitman.
July 4th
Deputies were dispatched to FM 69 near Quitman, at approximately 12:43 a.m., in reference to an alarm. Deputies checked the area and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 12:59 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Bryce Palmer, 21, of Quitman, was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3812 near Hawkins, at approximately 1:00 a.m., in reference to a disturbance. Parties separated before deputies arrived.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2260 near Mineola, at approximately 1:40 a.m., in reference to a reckless driving call. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to West Oak St. near Yantis, at approximately 2:18 a.m., in reference to criminal mischief. A fence and two signs were damaged. Deputies located a vehicle with damage and the actor on Sells St near Yantis. The actor advised the damage would be fixed.
Deputies went out on an Arrest/Warrant Service to CR 3230 near Quitman, at approximately 8:52 a.m. Jonathon Morrow, 70, of Quitman, was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 2088 near Quitman, at approximately 1:46 p.m., in reference to a reckless driving call. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to find the vehicle.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2425 near Mineola, at approximately9:11 p.m., in reference to suspicious circumstances. Fireworks were being thrown out of a moving vehicle. Deputies confiscated the fireworks.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 4495 near Winnsboro, at approximately 9:14 p.m., in reference to a firework violation. Upon the deputies’ arrival, there were no firework violations that occurred.
Deputies were dispatched to Lake Holbrook, at approximately 9:56 p.m., in reference to a disturbance. Actors were fighting but separated, prior to the deputies’ arrival.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2140 near Quitman, at approximately 10:04 p.m., in reference to an alarm. There were no signs of forced entry and the building was secure.
Deputies were dispatched to FM 17 near Alba, at approximately 10:26 p.m., in reference to an assault that occurred. James Ryan Davis, 37, of Alba, was arrested for Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence.
At 10:29 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4255 near Winnsboro.
Deputies responded to a suspicious person at Lake Hawkins, at approximately 10:45 p.m. The individual was located and advised the deputies he was waiting for a friend to pick him up.
Deputies were dispatched to CR 1558 near Alba, at approximately 11:30 p.m., in reference to a noise complaint. Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate any activity.
Between the dates of June 28th and July 4th, Wood County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple agency assists that included the following: Police Departments, Child Protective Services, Wood County Electric Cooperative, Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services, and Holly Lake Ranch Security.
Total Jail Count – 154 prisoners – 125 males and 29 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.
Armyworms By Mario Villarino
According to producers in east Hopkins County and Rains County, armyworms have been seen recently affecting crops in those regions of Northeast Texas.
According to Dr. Knutson, agricultural entomologist with Texas A&M Agrilife extension, two species of armyworms attack forage and field crops in north Texas. The fall armyworm is most abundant during August through early November in north Texas and feeds primarily on bermudagrass, wheat and rye grass, although it attacks many other crops. The true armyworm is common during April and May when it attacks wheat, rye grass, winter pastures, and seedling corn and sorghum. Both caterpillars can occur in very large numbers, can consume a crop almost overnight, and will move in large masses or armies to adjacent fields in search of food. Armyworms attack many different kinds of plants and when food is scarce, they can feed on plants not normally attacked. The fall armyworm apparently does not overwinter in north Texas. Moths fly north from south Texas each year to re-infest the area. Outbreaks often occur in late summer and fall and follow periods of rain which create favorable conditions for eggs and small larvae to survive. Irrigated fields are also highly attractive to moths for egg laying, especially during drought conditions.
Life Stages of the Fall Armyworm:
Eggs: Eggs are laid in masses of up to 50 eggs on the grass leaves and are difficult to find. The eggs are covered with the grey scales from the moths body, giving the egg mass a fuzzy appearance. Eggs hatch in 2-3 days.
Caterpillar: Fall armyworms are green, brown or black. A distinct white line between the eyes forms an inverted Y. Pattern on the face. There are four black spots aligned in a square on the top of the 8th segment near the back end of the caterpillar. Armyworms are very small at first, cause little plant damage and as a result infestations often go unnoticed. Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2
inches long. Armyworms consume 80% of their total food intake during the last few days of development. Given their immense appetite, great numbers, and marching ability, armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days.
Once the armyworm completes feeding, in tunnels into the soil about an inch and enters the pupal stage.
Pupa:.The full grown armyworm tunnels into the soil and transforms to the pupae, an inactive, non-feeding stage. In 7-10 days, the moth emerges from the pupa and repeats the life cycle.
Moth: The fall armyworm moth has a wingspan of about 1-2 inches. The front pair of wings are dark gray with an irregular pattern of light and dark areas. Moths are active at night and common around lights at night. A single female can deposit up to 2000 eggs.
Development from egg to adult requires about 4 weeks during the summer and is longer during cool weather. There are several generations a year. Development ends with cold weather in November.
Management: The key to managing fall armyworms is to detect infestations before they have caused economic damage. Fall armyworm larvae feed primarily during the night and during cloudy weather. During the day, look for armyworms under loose soil and fallen leaves on the ground. The presence of chewed leaves can indicate armyworms are present. Small larvae chew the green layer from the leaves and leave a clearing or a window pane effect and consume only a small amount of foliage. For this reason, infestations can go unnoticed unless the field is closely inspected. Once larvae are greater than 3/4 inch, the quantity of leaves they eat increases dramatically. During the final 2-3 days of feeding, armyworms consume 80% of the total foliage consumed during their entire development. For this reason, extensive feeding damage can occur in a few days.
The density of armyworms sufficient to justify insecticide treatment will depend on the stage of crop growth and value of the crop. Seedling plants can tolerate fewer armyworms than established plants. Infestations of 2-3 armyworms per square foot may justify treatment. Hot, dry weather and natural enemies limit armyworm populations. Insect parasites such as wasps and flies, ground beetles, and other predators help suppress armyworm numbers. Diseases such as insect viruses and fungi can also be important. However, these natural enemies can be overwhelmed when large numbers of migrating moths lay thousands of eggs in a field. Armyworms often infest fields of volunteer wheat and weedy grasses in ditches and around field margins. Destruction of volunteer wheat and weedy grasses can eliminate these sources of armyworms.
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
A Pinch Here, A Dash There Adds Up By Johanna Hicks
A Pinch Here, A Dash There Adds Up
Americans love their salt. A pinch here, a dash there, all adds up to too much. All that salt really does a job on your health – and not in a good way!
The American Heart Association indicates that most healthy people can consume 2,300 milligrams (mg) daily, or the equivalent of about 1 teaspoon. However, some individuals, especially over the age of 50, should attempt to hold it to 1,500 mg. The main reason is that too much salt raises your risk for high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems.
If you salt your food without first tasting it, you are probably consuming too much sodium. The average American consumes about 3 teaspoons per day when we take into account the sodium contained in foods, naturally occurring sodium, and sodium added at the table.
There are several sneaky sources of sodium. About 75% comes from restaurant meals and packaged foods. The biggest culprits include soup, salad dressings, frozen entrees, cold cuts, cereal, breads and crackers, cottage cheese, and other cheeses.
Nutrition labels can be a big help in determining the amount of sodium in foods. Check the labels to keep tabs on your intake. If the sodium content is 5% or less of the daily value (DV), that means it is low in sodium. If it contains 20% DV or more sodium per serving, that is considered high, so another option would be best.
So what does the packaging tell us? Many foods are marketed as low-sodium, reduced sodium, no salt added, lightly salted…this can be confusing. Here are the definitions of the terms according to the Food and Drug Administration:
- Very low sodium: 35 mg of sodium or less per serving
- Low sodium: 140 mg of sodium or less per serving
- Reduced sodium: at least 25% less sodium that the regular product
- Light in sodium or lightly salted: at least 50% less than the regular product
- No salt added: this product does not have added sodium, but may have naturally occurring sodium, so check the nutrition label.
There is a misconception that specialty salts are more nutrition. All salt has the same amount of sodium, but larger granules (like those of sea salt) mean you get more flavor in one granule, so you can use less when sprinkling it on top of foods. Some specialty salts, such as Himalayan pink salts have minerals, but they occur in such tiny amounts that you don’t get any health benefits.
When buying table salt, get the iodized variety. Your body needs iodine for thyroid health (the gland that influences metabolism, growth, and body temperature) and, if pregnant, for your baby’s brain development.
Dr. Janet Brill, author of Blood Pressure Down, suggests that a good option if you’re trying to reduce sodium intake when cooking at home, is using low-sodium salt. It’s a mix of sodium chloride (typical salt) and potassium chloride. This alternative tastes a little less salty.
What about children? More than 90% of children ages 4 to 18 get too much sodium. The upper limit is 2,300 mg for them, too, so pay close attention to their salt intake.
Twogether In Texas Marriage Education Workshop
If you or someone you know will be getting married within the next 12 months, this workshop provides many benefits! Twogether in Texas is a face-to-face workshop focusing on marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals and dreams. Engaged couples who attend the workshop will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license. However, married couples and seriously dating couples are also welcome!
Every week, I see names of couples in the newspaper who have applied for a marriage license, and they could have saved $60 by taking this workshop! Not only that, but strong marriages make strong families, strong families make strong communities, and strong communities make a strong society.
The final workshop for 2017 is scheduled for Saturday, August 26, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston Street in Sulphur Springs. We will start at 8:30 a.m., break for lunch, and finish the day around 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided, as well as coffee, water, and snacks throughout the day.
Did I mention that engaged couples will save $60 upon applying for a marriage license? Not only that, but the workshop is free of charge. However, I do need couples to call to reserve seats so we can make adequate arrangements for lunch and materials. Call 903-885-3443 to sign up.
Closing Thought
Goals are dreams with deadlines – Diana Hunt
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]
