Game Day: Wildcats, North Forney Bi-District Game Live on KSST 7 p.m. Friday
The Wildcats’ baseball team opens a bi-district playoff series against the North Forney Falcons at North Forney Friday at 7 p.m. The playoff game will mark the first playoff game ever for the Falcons. They got hot just in time this season to earn a playoff berth.
In their last scheduled district game last Friday, they trailed highly rated cross town rival Forney 3-0 before scoring four late runs to shock the Jackrabbits, 4-3. Then the following day, North Forney defeated Wylie East and Lovejoy to not only make the playoffs but wind up as the number three seed in their district.
While the Falcons come in with three straight wins, the Wildcats lost games to Hallsville last Friday and Saturday. The Friday loss to the Bobcats made both teams co-district champs with 10-2 district records. The Wildcats also lost a seeding game the next day in Tyler. Coach Jerrod Hammack is certain his team will bounce back. The Wildcats have a 16-8-2 season record.
We will have Wildcats’ bi-district playoff baseball at North Forney Friday at 7 p.m. on KSST Radio. Don Julian will do play by play with expert commentary from former Wildcats coach Eric Buck. Doug Haston will also videotape the game for replay at a later date on Channel 18 on Sudddenlink Cable.
Downtown Plaza Gets Ready for Busy Weekend
City crews and event volunteers were getting ready for the busy weekend on Celebration Plaza. The weekend kicks off on Friday night at 5pm with a Cinco de Mayo celebration hosted by the Celebration Association. A quick turnaround tomorrow morning will have volunteers and city workers busy with setting up the vendors for the Reds, Whites, and Brews festival which will start at 2pm and run until 7pm. Wine and beer vendors will offer their products and live musical entertainment will also be enjoyed. Then yet another turnaround for a Sunday morning event starting at 11am. The Enchanted Bride Festival will host vendors for everything a bride would need to host the perfect wedding and reception. Florists, photographers, rental vendors, and more will display their offerings around the plaza until 5pm.
In addition to the events on the plaza, other events going on nearby include the Community Players production of “Dearly Departed” with shows at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, as well as another performance on Sunday at 2pm. The Northeast Texas Choral Society will also be performing at the Hopkins County Civic Center on Saturday night 7pm as well as a Sunday performance at 2pm.
Fund Established for Tanner Gilbreath of Como
Como resident Tanner Gilbreath, 24, was critically injured in a vehicle accident in Como on April 22, 2017. The accident resulted in a broken neck and partial paralysis for Gilbreath. He required emergency surgery on his spine. According to his doctor in Tyler, he will require months of therapy to regain the use of his arms and legs. Because the driver of the vehicle did not have insurance, his family will bear the cost and provide his medical care at home.
A fund has been established at City National Bank in the name of Diane George Busby Medical-Gilbreath. Also an online account has been established at YouCaring, Tanner Gilbreath.
TANNER GILBREATH AND HIS MOM DIANE GEORGE BUSBY
City Council, School Board Polling Places for Saturday, May 6th
In the city of Sulphur Springs, residents will be electing two city council places. Candidates for Place 6 are Brad Burgin and Dan Froneburger. Charles Oxford’s name will appear on the ballot but he withdrew from the race after the ballots were printed. Kayla Price-Mitchell, current Place 6 Councilperson decided early on to not seek re-election. Candidates for Place 7 are incumbent John Sellers and Andy Lowen. Voting takes place at the SSISD Administration Building Board Room, 631 Connally Street.
A record Early Voting turnout of 851 in person and 20 by mail ballots have been cast for a total of 871 Early Voting in the Mount Vernon ISD Board election. Saturday, those living in voting precincts 101, 201, 301, 401, and 202 will cast ballots at the Mount Vernon City Hall, 109 North Kaufman Street. Those living in precinct 102 will vote at the Hagansport Community Center, 10284 State Highway 37N, Talco. Those casting ballots in precinct 402 will vote at the South Franklin Community Center., 3150 FM 1448, Scroggins. The Mt Vernon ISD election features 12 candidates seeking the three places on the board.
In Yantis, the school board election will be conducted in the front lobby of the Imogene Glenn Elementary School.
At Como-Pickton, the high school cafeteria is the location for voting.
KSST radio and ksstradio.com will be reporting the results of each election as soon as votes are counted and results in each election are forwarded to us .
Wood County Sheriff’s Report April 26-May 2, 2017
April 26th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 2560 in Mineola, at approximately 8:26 a.m., in reference to the reporting party’s vehicle being burned. The reporting party stated he did not know what caused the fire.
At 11:25 p.m., on N. Beulah St. in Hawkins, a deputy pulled a driver over for an obscured license plate. Once he made contact with the driver, he smelled the marijuana, which gave him probable cause to search the vehicle. Braillion Torres, 18, of Hawkins, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
April 27th
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3118 in Quitman in reference to a theft of service. The reporting party performed work on his behalf, but did not receive the full payment.
Cattle were reported out at 2:21 p.m., out on CR 3990 in Winnsboro.
Deputies were dispatched to the area of Highway 69 near the Sabine River Bridge, at approximately 8:36 p.m. for a suspicious person walking down the highway. Louie Culp, 51, of Arlington, was intoxicated. He was arrested for Public Intoxication and Failure to Identify.
April 28th
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 12:29 a.m. to FM 3056 in reference to a disturbance where an assault happened. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:16 p.m., to HWY 154 in Yantis, in reference to a possible harassment. The victim stated that the suspect left multiple phone messages. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
April 29th
Deputies were dispatched at 10:27 a.m. to Commanche Rd in Quitman, in regards to a theft. The reporting party said that tools were stolen from the vehicle.
Deputies attempted to serve a felony warrant on a suspect at 12:19 p.m. on Cheyenne Rd in Quitman. The suspect was found with illegal items and drugs. Nicole Roberts, 37, of Quitman, was placed in custody for her felony warrants and possession of a controlled substance. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
April 30th
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:33 p.m., to PR 7816 in Hawkins, in regards to a possible theft. Several large items were missing from the resident’s storage building. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 1:26 p.m., cows were reported out on FM 69 in Winnsboro.
May 1st
At 3:47 p.m., a llama was reported out on 154 in Lake Lydia.
Deputies attempted to serve a warrant on CR 2359 in Mineola at approximately 11:29 p.m. The suspect was not at the residence, but another party was found unlawfully in possession of a firearm. Holly Hortman, 47, of Mineola was arrested for unlawful possession firearm (by felon).
Deputies were dispatched to CR 3420 in Hawkins at approximately 1:45 p.m. in reference to copper theft. Approximately 300 ft of copper was stolen from the construction site. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
At 8:28 p.m., cows were reported out on CR 4730.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 9:35 p.m. to CR 2503 in Mineola, in reference to a disturbance where an assault happened. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
May 2nd
At 2:52 a.m., on Loop 564 in Mineola, a deputy had a suspect pulled over for an expired vehicle registration. Marijuana was confiscated from the vehicle. Joshua Jones, 22, of Mineola was arrested for possession of marijuana.
At 8:35 a.m., cows were reported out on CR 4150.
At 1:33 p.m., horses were reported out on HWY 37 N.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 3:59 p.m., to CR 4760 in reference to a theft. A vehicle that was not drivable was stolen from the victim’s property. This case has been forwarded to investigators.
Total Jail Count – 148 prisoners – 117 males and 31 females.
Civil Process for March – 96 civil papers received – 70 were served and 26 were either unable to be served or were recalled. These civil papers range from Subpoenas to Writs of Execution.
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.
Three Arrested for Burglary of Church; Fourth Individual Fled
May 5, 2017 – Three individuals were arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity when they were apprehended at Weaver Baptist Church during a break-in Thursday afternoon. A fourth individual fled the scene but Hopkins County Deputies have his identifying information.
Red Cup with fingerprints
The group pushed open a set of double doors to gain access to the church according to the findings of Hopkins County Deputies Kelly Wiser and Todd Evans, who responded to the call of a possible burglary of the church building. Deputies were told of an address on County Road 3531, the location of a possible suspect. Under Miranda, the suspect admitted to making entry inside the church. The individuals admitted taking the property when deputies told the four that they would finger print a red cup found on the church porch. Property taken in the church burglary and another recent burglary were discovered inside the residence on the county road.
Items taken in this and recent burglary
The attempted burglary was found as members of Weaver Church began preparing to host a dinner for pastors in the Rehoboth Baptist Association that took place Thursday night at 6 p.m. Among items taken was the briquette and tea that had been prepared for the dinner. Tom Friday, Pastor of the Weaver Church, praised the work of the deputies in their quick work that led to an arrest. Rehoboth Executive Director Kent Pate and Rehoboth Moderator Jim Rogers, Pastor of White Oak Church-Yantis, praised the church members for their work in providing a meal and pleasant experience for the pastors in spite of the difficult afternoon.
Arrested were:
Ryan Albert Shores, 23, of Weaver, TX
Penny Deann Conger-Prince, 27, of Saltillo,
and Lauren Serene Maxwell, 24, of Saltillo.
The three are in Hopkins County Jail. Law Enforcement continue to seek the fourth individual that fled at the time of the arrest.
Tira News May 5, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
The Aiguier Cemetery Association homecoming will be coming up on Sunday, June 4th. A pot-luck lunch will be shared on the grounds at noon, and then there will be a brief business meeting.
Also, mark you calendars for the Tira Homecoming, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 2nd. Watch for more details as the time approaches.
Minnie (Hillis) Reagor wants to spread the word about the 2017 Hillis Family Reunion, which will be held at the Tira Community Center on Saturday and Sunday, June 17th and 18th. She says, “Reunion time again! Hope you will join us, as we gather with kinfolk from near and far…close relatives and extended families!” She said that any Hillis descendent from any branch is welcome. For more information, please contact her at [email protected].
Chip and I spent a couple of days in the Tyler area last week. On Friday, we went to the Rose Garden Center and enjoyed strolling among the flowers and viewing the beautiful displays in the museum. After a delicious lunch at Clear Springs Restaurant, we toured the 1859 Goodman-LeGrand home, and then went to a movie, before driving to The Villages Resort on Lake Palestine. We had a relaxing day at the resort on Saturday, before returning home.
On Sunday, Landon, Laiken, Rylan, Brailon, and Slaiden Joslin, Tiffany Vaughn, Malcolm, Kenden, Jaidyn, and Morgan Joslin, and Morgan’s friend, Alexis, joined us for hamburgers and cake in honor of Landon’s birthday. Landon, Laiken, and the boys celebrated again that evening with a fish fry with Laiken’s family.
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].
Trees In The Landscape and Their Importance By Mario Villarino
Although many gardeners and homeowners pay close attention to lawns, trees in the landscape play a significant role in the value of the property as landscape and the reason is quite simple: A lawn can be prepared and re-established in one year, even when a complete overhaul is needed. Trees in the other hand, are a significant time and money investment in the landscape. Although our modern landscape technologies and companies can handle the planting of significant size trees, the project does not come cheap, with mature trees transplanted costing in the thousands of dollars. Also, for Northeast Texas, new landowners are looking for trees as part of the landscape, since is the iconic look for our landscapes. I personally believe in the importance of trees in the landscape and try to share my interest for trees in our community. There are several challenges from the landscape esthetic stand point that often gets debated and is related to the “iconic” look of a landscape. Branched trees have a better eye appeal, while single truck trees are more dynamically stable. This is extremely important during high winds, storms and tornados. Single truck trees can withstand better winds because the distribution of wind stress is coming from one point into the root system and a single truck offers least wind resistance than a multi-branched tree. As you walk or drive thru streets in our cities, you might notice that those trees with branched trunks suffer the most after storms.
A tree often selected in our landscapes are Magnolias. According to Dr. W.C. Welch, extension horticulturists, there are at least l00 species of magnolias, from East Asia to the Americas, which share the genus name of Magnolia, but the one most familiar to most of us, and the one which is truly an emblem of the South, is Magnolia grandiflora. This is an evergreen tree native to stream and river beds in East Texas and the South which is large in every respect, towering from 60 to 80 feet in height, with leaves that can be as much as a foot in length. The cup-shaped white or cream colored blooms may reach fourteen inches across and are followed by rusty brown cones studded with bright red seeds. Fragrance of the southern magnolia (also known as bull bay) is legendary, and has been described as being as strong as that of jasmine or tuberose, but more delightful. As suburban yards and landscapes become smaller, larger sizes of magnolias become difficult to fit into the available space. Smaller cultivars of M. grandiflora can be popular substitutes. ‘Little Gem’ is a particularly good choice for a smaller garden space. In 15 years it may reach 12 feet in height, and has the added bonus of flowering at a much younger age. The underside of the leaves of ‘Little Gem’ are covered with a soft, furry brown growth of hairs called indumentum. Growth is narrow and upright, and its leaves and blooms are correspondingly smaller than the standard varieties. The Southern Magnolia will perform best in Texas on loose, acid soils and may appear stunted or be short-lived on heavy, poorly drained ground. Oftentimes in more alkaline areas magnolias will do well for a number of years until roots reach the compacted substrate soil, then decline. They do best in full sun. When situated in partial shade there will be fewer blooms. My experience is that magnolias should be planted only in areas that have deep soils that are acid and are, at least, neutral in pH. Numerous problems occur when attempts are made to grow them in other areas.
When planning to use a magnolia in the landscape, it is good to take into consideration the fact that grass will do poorly underneath, and that there will be considerable leaf litter during the spring when the majority of leaves are shed. Many homeowners become concerned at this time because the plant looks unthrifty, and leaves droop before finally being shed, but this is a normal process. Leaving lower branches in place will help to minimize the messiness of fallen leaves and cones. Magnolias are sometimes troubled by beetle attacks which damage or kill the ends of branches and cause unsightly dieback through the tree.
Seedlings will sometimes appear under trees, but most propagation is done through seed, cuttings taken in the summer, or from grafting. Most propagation is done through seed, cuttings taken in the summer, or from grafting. Cutting grown plants are vastly superior to most seedlings because they begin flowering the first year or two after propagation while seedlings may take 15 to 20 years to bloom. Rooting magnolias is not easily done. Even with intermittent mist systems and rooting hormones, he percentage of successfully rooted cuttings is often very low and best left to nurserymen and other professional horticulturists.
There are frequent requests to for instructions on growing magnolias from seed. The seeds should be collected as soon as possible after the fruit is mature which is usually mid-September or early October. The cone-like fruit should be spread out to dry for several days until they open. The seeds can then be shaken from the dried cone or fruit.
If the seed is to be kept for any length of time, the red pulp should be allowed to dry enough to lose its fleshy character, placed in sealed containers and stored at 32 to 41 degrees F. If stored over winter at room temperature seed will lose its viability. The seed should be cleaned before planting or stratifying. To remove the fleshy seed coat, soak the seed overnight in warm water. Remove the seed coat by rubbing against hardware cloth or window screening. After cleaning, the seeds should be sown immediately or stored for 3 to 6 months at about 40 degrees F and planted in the spring. An excellent way to stratify seeds is to use a polyethylene bag and place alternating layers of a moist medium such as a sand and peat mixture and seeds in the bag. Tie the top of the bag and place in a refrigerator at about 40 degrees. The medium should be just moist enough to stick together but not so wet that it will drip if squeezed by hand. Whether sown in the fall or stratified in the refrigerator and sown in the spring, the seeds should be covered with about l/4″ of soil and mulched to prevent drying. Seedbeds should be kept moist until germination is complete. Partial shade should be provided the first summer for seedlings.
The southern magnolia is a truly magnificent tree in areas where it thrives. Smaller growing cultivars and propagation by cuttings of outstanding types have made them useful even on smaller sites. They are an important part of our “sense of place” in East Texas and the South. Even though they are evergreen, magnolias drop litter most of the year and can be a burden when planted adjacent to pools or other areas where litter may create a problem.
An iconic magnolia tree currently lives next to our court house in downtown Sulphur Springs. That particular tree has created many comments and commitments for care thru-out the years. As I was answering questions related to that Magnolia, I once hear from a County Employee making the statement that “the magnolia was not going to die during his years serving the community” and “we will have to do whatever it took to keep it going until them”. At least two seedling from that tree were propagated by Brenda Payne (Hopkins County Master Gardeners) and Beth Reichert (Administrative Assistant- Hopkins County Judge Office) and planted in front of the Regional Civic Center by Hopkins County 4-H members during Arbor day 2016.
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
Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk? By Johanna Hicks
Hidden Lakes – Cooking with Chef Cruz Reminder
Response has been very good for the “Cooking with Chef Cruz” event, to take place on Tuesday, June 6. As a reminder, early registration of $20 is due May 12. After May 12, registration goes up to $25. The first 20 people to register will have the privilege of serving on a tasting panel. Seating is limited, so don’t delay in registering! But let me back up and start from the beginning in case you missed last week’s column!
A multi-county team of Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agents from northeast Texas (Hopkins, Hunt, Rains, and Wood Counties) worked diligently for several months to plan a special event that would appeal to both women and men. The overall name of the program is “Dinner Tonight – Cooking with Chef Cruz.” Dinner Tonight is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension banner program which has been implemented since 2010. Each year, our team rotates the location from county to county, with a different theme and focus. We don’t actually serve dinner (that would be too costly!), but we do share great recipes, cooking tips and demonstrations, food safety information…and we throw in a little fun along the way.
This year’s event will take place at the Hidden Lakes Hunting Lodge in Yantis, Tuesday, June 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Chef from the lodge will demonstrate recipes using Red Stag, Buffalo, Duck, and Quail. Our Extension team will be on hand to share recipes for great side dishes, food safety when preparing and storing wild game, and each participant will receive a goody bag. Door prizes will also be given. Chef Cruz Minjarez, originally from San Antonio, served as chef in Sitka, Alaska prior to becoming the Executive Chef for Hidden Lakes, so he also knows his fish!
I recently spoke with some friends who have dined at the lodge, and they give rave reviews over the food! You don’t want to miss this fun, informative event. For registration information, contact my office at 903-885-3443, or go to http://hopkins.agrilife.org
and click on events. Scroll down to the event and click on the registration link. The form and fee will need to be sent to the Rains County Extension Office.
Raw Milk vs. Pasteurized Milk?
Based on statistics from the five-year period 2009-2014, people who drink unpasteurized, raw milk are 840 times more likely to contract a foodborne illness than those who drink pasteurized milk. The statistics, included in a research report scheduled for publication in the upcoming June issue of “Emerging Infectious Diseases” also show raw milk drinkers are 45 times more likely to be hospitalized if they get sick from drinking unpasteurized milk. According to the research, the growing popularity of unpasteurized milk in the United States raises public health concerns… As consumption of unpasteurized dairy products grows, illnesses will increase steadily; a doubling in the consumption of unpasteurized milk or cheese could increase outbreak-related illnesses by 96 percent.
The researchers looked at illnesses from four pathogens commonly found in raw milk: Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter. Based on public health statistics from 2011-2014, the team found that more than 95 percent of these illnesses are salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis.
Despite those statistics and ongoing warnings from the CDC, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and local health departments, some people believe unpasteurized milk is more nutritious. “However, in contrast to some perceptions, natural food products are not necessarily safer than conventional ones, as evidenced by higher rates of foodborne illnesses associated with unpasteurized dairy products,” according to the research report.
Pasteurized milk is nutritious, delicious, and safe. Before my husband and I became empty nesters, our household went through 6 gallons of milk each week. (Of course, we had a daughter and two strapping boys, one of which was a cross-country runner!) We certainly did our part to support the dairy industry through our dairy product consumption! Store milk in the refrigerator and be sure that the refrigerator temperature is 40°F or lower. If in doubt, you may request a refrigerator thermometer from my office. After all, food borne illness can be prevented.
Closing Thought
“Don’t use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.” – Unknown
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]
