Tira News March 10, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Floyd Payton. He passed away Sunday and his funeral was held at the Tira Methodist Church on Wednesday, under the direction of Murray-Orwosky funeral home. Floyd and Martha have been very active in the church and community. Floyd was the president of the Tira Cemetery Association for many years, as well as Mayor of Tira up until about a year ago. Please remember the family in prayer.
We want to thank everyone who helped out with the meal for the family at the Community Center.
Jerry Vessel, husband of June (Chapman) Vessel passed away recently. A memorial service is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18th, at the Tira Cemetery. We want to express our sympathy to the family and lift them up in prayer.
On Friday, March 3rd, Joyce Dodd, Tonja Jones, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton went to Healdton, Oklahoma to see Maegan Shelton graduate from Wilson Training Academy along with 42 other cadets. Each cadet received their certification to be correctional officers for the Oklahoma Correctional Prison System.
Congratulations are in order for Kim Beck. She was named “Ambassador of the Year” at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet recently.
The Tira City Council met at the Community Center on Tuesday evening and discussed several items of business. One topic of discussion was the Tira Food Pantry, which is being constructed, with the help of the North Hopkins FFA students, as an effort to meet immediate needs of hungry individuals or families. Community members may contribute items for the pantry, which will be available to be picked up at no charge by those in need.
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].
Wildcats Are 1-1 in Grayson County Classic
Runs were plentiful as the Wildcats’ baseball team split their first two games in the Grayson County Classic Thursday. The Wildcats outscored Sanger, 13-9 and then came out on the short end of a 17-5 loss to Cedar Hill. Both games were played in Sherman.
In the opener, Sanger opened the game with 5 runs on 6 hits. The Wildcats managed one first inning run as Triston McCormick singled in Kaden Argenbright who had singled. Wildcats pitcher Ryan Humphries kept Sanger off the board in the second and third innings and the Wildcats took the lead 8-5 with a 4 run second inning and a 3 run third. In the second Kyle Dodd got on on an error and Jamal Hobson-Cox and Gavin Millsap both singled. Mason Buck drove home a run with a sacrifice fly. Argenbright plated 2 runs with a triple and Humphries drove home a run with a single. The Wildcats took the lead in the third with a walk by Michael Arnold, a fielder’s choice by Easton Silman, then Hobson-Cox got on by an error and Millsap had an RBI ground out. Sanger rallied with 2 more runs in the top of the fourth to make it 8-7. The Wildcats extended the lead with 3 more runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 11-7. Argenbright and Humphries singled, McCormick got on on an error that scored a run, Arnold singled, Silman hit an RBI double, Dodd walked and Hobson-Cox drove a run in with a sacrifice fly. The Wildcats added a run in the bottom of the fifth to lead 12-7. Buck walked and scored on a Humphries ground ball. Sanger wasn’t through, scoring 2 runs in the top of the sixth to narrow the lead to 12-9. The Wildcats added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Arnold singled, stole second and later scored on a wild pitch. Time ran out in the inning giving the Wildcats the 13-9 win. The Wildcats had 12 hits. Humphries got the pitching win.
The second game was defined by a whopping first inning that saw Cedar Hill score 13 runs on 6 hits and 3 Wildcat errors. The Longhorns led off the game with a home run and later had a grand slam homer. The Wildcats reduced the deficit to 13-2 with a pair of runs in the second. Arnold walked and Silman, Dawson Draper and Hobson-Cox all singled. Draper’s hit drove in a run. Buck had a fielder’s choice RBI. Cedar Hill responded with 4 third inning runs to go up 17-2. The Wildcats added 3 runs in the bottom of the third to make it a 17-5 game. Humprhies tripled and McCormick hat a two-run homer. Later Draper doubled and scored on a Hobson-Cox single. Neither team scored in the final 2 innings before time ran out and Cedar Hill won 17-5. The Wildcats managed 8 hits. Kamren Harrison got the pitching loss. The Wildcats are now 4-5-1 for the season. They will play Celina at 10 a.m. Friday in Sherman in the tournament.
Soil pH By Mario Villarino
As temperatures start warming up, ranchers and farmers start planning crops and crop cycles for the summer season. A very important part of the planning process should include soil testing to determine current soil conditions before planting. According to Dr. Redmon, Texas A&M AgriLife Soil Scientist, various environmental, climatic, and cultural factors can affect formation of acid soils. The most common factors are: Parent material: Soils formed from acidic rocks have a lower pH than those formed from basic or alkaline parent material. Leaching: Rainfall/irrigation leaches basic elements such as calcium, magnesium and sodium from the soil profile, leaving the acidic elements hydrogen, aluminum and manganese. Cultural: Various management practices can affect the formation of acid soils, including: Soil erosion can cause the loss of basic elements thus increasing soil acidity. Removal of harvested crops depletes basic elements from the soil. Nitrogen fertilization can lead to the formation of acid soils when ammonium is converted to nitrate by soil microbes releasing hydrogen ions. Anhydrous ammonia, urea, and ammonium nitrate each produce about one-third as much acidity as ammonium sulfate. Soil pH is a measure of hydrogen ion activity in the soil solution. However, a buffer-pH test should be used to more accurately predict the limestone needed to raise soil pH to a desired level. The soil pH scale extends from 0 to 14; thus soil pH in the range of 6.6 to 7.3 is rated neutral. Soils are considered slightly acid between pH 6.5 – 6.1, moderately acid between 6.0 – 5.5, strongly acid between 5.5 – 5.1, very strongly acid between 5.0 – 4.5, and extremely acid below pH 4.4. Soils with pH values above 7.4 are rated as alkaline. Although a decrease in soil pH from 6.0 to 5.0 does not appear significant, there is a 10-fold increase in soil acidity for every whole unit change in soil pH.Proper detection of soil pH can be achieved using a soil test. The most important benefit of liming acid soils is a reduction of the potentially toxic elements hydrogen, aluminum and manganese. Hydrogen ions only become toxic to plants in extremely acid soils (pH<4.0) and at very low calcium levels. As pH drops below 5.5, the concentration of soluble aluminum increases and becomes toxic to plant root growth when it exceeds 1.0 part per million (ppm). Below pH 5.2, the concentration of manganese can become toxic. Optimum nutrient uptake by most crops occurs at a soil pH near 7.0. The availability of fertilizer nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium generally is reduced as soil pH decreases. Phosphorus is particularly sensitive to pH and can become a limiting nutrient in strongly acid soils. Thus, reduced fertilizer use efficiency and crop performance occurs when
soil acidity is not controlled. Soil pH also affects the types, concentrations and activities of soil microorganisms. As pH drops below 5.5, the population of soil microbes changes and is reduced due to aluminum and manganese toxicity and lower nutrient availability. Naturally occurring soils in Hopkins County can have a pH below 5.0. An effective method to correct acid soil pH is using agricultural lime. Agricultural lime is a product of limestone quarries. All limestones are not the same and may react more or less efficiently based on the particle size and neutralizing value of the limestone material. Smaller particles have more surface area, react more rapidly to change soil pH, and thus have a higher efficiency rating (ER). Particles larger than 0.080 inches in diameter (about the size of #9 shotgun shot) do not react with the soil to effectively change pH. As particle size decreases, the rate of reaction increases and reaches 100% for particles less than 1/1,000 inch in diameter. The ability of a limestone to neutralize soil acidity also depends upon its calcium carbonate equivalence (CCE) or neutralizing value, which is expressed as a percentage. Pure calcium carbonate is the standard and has a CCE of 100%. All other liming materials are compared with this standard. Dolomitic limestones
contain both calcium and magnesium carbonates. If a soil test indicates low magnesium, dolomitic limestone can be used to correct both the nutrient deficiency and pH. Limestone can be applied at any time, however, several factors should be considered when planning an application. Soil moisture is critical to the reaction of limestone, thus rainfall patterns in the area should be used as a guide. Soils should be sufficiently firm to support heavy equipment and minimize compaction. If subsoil pH is low, a long period will be required for the limestone to effect a change in the soil pH with depth. In addition, coarse limestone reacts more slowly and, as with all limestones, is most effective when incorporated into the soil. When a more rapid and longer lasting pH adjustment is needed, the use of finely ground, high ECCE limestone is advisable. Dry bulk limestone is typically applied using fertilizer spreader trucks. A moisture content of 7 to 9% in fine limestone is needed to minimize dust and achieve a uniform spreading pattern.
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
Agrilife Update By Johanna Hicks
Parenting Connections Offered Through Extension
I recently received a call from a young man asking about parenting classes. I have the perfect solution! “Parenting Connections” is a series developed by Dr. Stephen Green, Child Development Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
I am offering the series on two consecutive Thursday evenings this month, and the workshop is open to parents, caregivers, and grandparents. Both sessions will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Hopkins County, 1200-B W. Houston Street, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 topics will be “Child Growth and Development” and “Parent-Child Communication.” We’ll discuss ages and stages of development and have a hands-on activity to reinforce the topics.
Thursday, March 30 topics will be “Positive Discipline” and “Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem.” We’ll explore parenting styles and discuss the most effective type.
At the conclusion of each session, I will provide certificates to all attendees. This is a fun, stress-free program, and I encourage you to call and reserve a seat!
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
If you or someone you know has diabetes, this is the course for you! We are making it easy for you to attend by providing two time options – 1:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Pharmacists, fitness experts, and others will be on hand to assist in teaching the sessions. Below is a list of dates and topics:
– Tuesday, April 4: “Getting Started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose”
– Thursday, April 6: “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbs? Let’s Find Out!”
– Tuesday, April 11: “Beyond Diet: Improving your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity”
– Thursday, April 13: “Improving Your Blood Glucose Control with Medication”
– Tuesday, April 18: “Celebration! Having Your Snack and Eating it, too, While Avoiding Complications”
All sessions will take place at the Extension Office. A small one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, covers all materials, refreshments, door prizes, and supplementary materials. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions, if possible. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Leave your name, address, and phone number so we can mail a registration form to bring to the first session.
4-H Members Excel in Presentations
Hopkins County 4-H’ers recently participated in County 4-H Contests. Food Show participants were: Ethan George, Jorja Bessonett, Jacob George, and Aleigh Bessonett and qualified for District Contests to be held later this month. Fashion Show participants were: Ethan George, Zia Miller, Elida Miller, Jorja Bessonett, Jacob George, and Aleigh Bessonett.
Public speaking participants were: Diego Childs and Elida Miller. Educational Presentation participants were: Christian Ebel, Zia Miller, Valerie Flecker, Judah VanRijn, Blaine Allen, Kennadi Erwin, Ethan George, Honesty Bridges, Savannah Allen, Eric Bridges, Braden Lennon, Maddie Holt, Trinity Sickles, and Cade Goldsmith. Share-the-Fun participants were: Christian Ebel and Kiara Stowater.
Congratulations to each of you!
Closing Thought
When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look. You mean the world to someone!
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]
SSISD Board Adopts Resolution Opposing A-F Accountability Rating System for School Districts
Sulphur Springs School Board adopted a resolution opposing the A-F Accountability Rating for Texas Schools. Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams presented the resolution to the board Monday night during their March session stating the local district has met standards. However, he noted the A-F system does not give an accurate picture of SSISD. The resolution calls for the repeal of the rating system and requests that each local school district in the state be allowed to develop their own rating system that meets state standards. Almost one-half of the number of school districts in Texas has made the same request.
As the Texas legislature reviews the rating system, the local district resolution will be presented along with others. The local resolution states:
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has enacted legislation that requires the Commissioner of Education to implement a public school rating system that would assign A through F grades to schools and districts beginning with the 2017-18 school year; and
WHEREAS, at least 16 states have implemented a similar rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts and, to date, there is no definitive research that suggests these ratings have improved student or school performance; and
WHEREAS, in a recent statewide survey conducted by the State Board of Education, an overwhelming majority of Texans do not want high-stakes, standardized test scores to serve as the primary basis for a public school rating system; and
WHEREAS, the majority (55%) of the A through F grades are based on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), a high-stakes, standardized test that does not accurately measure student learning; and
WHEREAS, the STAAR provides little meaningful information to guide student learning, inform teachers or report academic progress to parents; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner’s proposed rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts includes five domains and numerous unrelated indicators to determine a single grade, leaving the public with an invalid, disconnected reflection of school quality; and
WHEREAS, the Commissioner’s proposed rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools, and districts creates a false impression about students, ignores the unique strengths of each school, and unfairly reduces each student’s worth to the school’s assigned grade; and
WHEREAS, we believe in the tenets set out in Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas (TASA, 2008) and our goal is to transform education in Sulphur Springs ISD in accordance with these tenets; and
WHEREAS, we embrace meaningful accountability that informs students, parents, and teachers about the learning needs of each student and each school; and
WHEREAS, we believe our state’s future prosperity relies on a high-quality education system that prepares students for college and careers, and without such a system Texas’ economic competitiveness and ability to attract new business will falter; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees calls on the Texas Legislature to repeal the rating system utilizing A through F grades for schools and districts and develop a community-based accountability system that empowers school districts to design their own internal systems of assessment and accountability that, while meeting general state standards, allows districts to innovate and customize curriculum and instruction to meet the needs and interests of each student and their communities; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that this new system should reduce the use of high-stakes, standardized tests, encompass multiple assessments, reflect greater validity, and, more accurately reflect what students know and can do in terms of the rigorous standards.
Back in Hopkins County Jail
Valirie Ann Hicks, 34, of Pittsburg was transferred from Titus County to Hopkins County Jail. Hicks was arrested on three warrants issued by the Eighth Judicial District Court and one issued by the County Court. She has been in Hopkins County Jail previously.
Hicks was one of two women arrested in Sulphur Springs in January 2016 by Hopkins County officers for prostitution and drugs. They journeyed from Titus County to Hopkins County at that time thinking they were meeting customers. Instead, they were introduced to Hopkins County Investigators and Deputies who made the arrest. She was also arrested in March, 2016 on Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 charges.
Hicks was indicted in May, 2016 on one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 1 gram, one count of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance more than 1 gram but less than 4 grams, and for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance less than 28 grams. In March 2016, she was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 under 1-gram.
Hicks is in Hopkins County Jail being held on $55,500 in bonds.
Aggravated Assault Disturbance Endangered Child
A disturbance that began at Broadway Street led to Parkins Street ended at 4:23 p.m. Wednesday with the arrest of Paul Edward Watson, Jr., 47, of Sulphur Springs.
During the investigation of the disturbance, Watson became belligerent and combative. He used loud profanity with neighbors and children present making it impossible for the Sulphur Springs Police Officer to continue the investigation. The officer secured Watson in handcuffs but Watson did not give up. The officer held him to the ground until Watson calmed.
It was found that Watson had caused a crash following a disturbance by ramming and pushing the victims vehicle into traffic on Broadway. The victim’s one year old child was also inside the vehicle when it was pushed into traffic.
Watson complained of chest pains and EMS was called. He was taken to the Emergency Room at CHRISTUS Mother Frances in Sulphur Springs prior to being taken to jail.
Watson is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Abandon Endanger Child Criminal Negligence, and Resist Arrest Search or Transport. He is being held on a total of $42,000 in bonds.
WATSON,PAUL EUGENE JR
Oxford Withdraws From Council Race; Name Will be on Ballot
According to City staff, perennial candidate for Sulphur Springs City Council Charles Oxford has withdrawn from the race for Place 6 but his name will remain on the ballot. Oxford withdrew from the race two days after the deadline that would have kept his name off the ballot.
Oxford personally conveyed his withdrawal to City staff this week. However, he did not fill out paperwork stating that he was tired of paperwork, according to one city source.
Oxford had filed for Place 6 after incumbent Kayla Price announced she would not seek re-election to free her time to pursue other interests including family and professional endeavors. He would have faced former council member Brad Burgin and SSISD Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger.
Oxford, who was elected to one term on the council but has been unsuccessful since that win has campaigned against current council members including Place 4 Freddie Taylor and Place 3 Oscar Aguilar.
KSST News will seek a statement from Mr. Oxford regarding his withdrawal from the election.
Chamber Connection-March 9, 2017
It’s time for the Spring Fever Bike Rally!!! Saturday, March 11th is the date for the Spring Fever Bike Rally. Hopkins County will be expecting 500-600 cyclists who will ride in either a 10 mile, 25 mile, 38 mile, or 58 mile ride. Matt Dunn will be providing entertainment on Celebration Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so either sign up to ride in the rally, or come out and cheer on these athletes!! It’s an entertaining day in Hopkins County! For additional information, visit our NEW website www.hopkinschamber.org!
Solar Nails & Spa will host their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Tuesday, March 14th at noon
Solar Nails and Spa, located at 1335 S. Broadway in Sulphur Springs, will host their ribbon cutting on Tuesday, March 14th at noon. Please mark your calendar and plan to come by to celebrate with Solar Nails & Spa!
| Hunt County Regional is offering March Mobile Mammography Coach in Sulphur Springs
Hunt County Regional Hospital is offering the Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach on March 23rd in the Spring Village Shopping Center in Sulphur Springs. All insurances accepted at Hunt Regional are also accepted for the Mobile Mammography Coach, including Medicare and Medicaid. They can also help with payment resources for uninsured/income-eligible women or those who choose to pay cash. For help with payment resources please call The Bridge Breast Network at (214) 821-3820 x 21.To schedule individual screening mammograms, please call (903) 408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering Parenting Connections Classes Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering “Parenting Connections”, a 4-lesson series on Child Growth & Development, Parent-Child Communication, Positive Discipline, and Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem. The series (2 lessons per session) will be held on Thursday, March 23 and Thursday, March 30, 6:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston, Sulphur Springs. Please call 903-885-3443 to enroll. |
Wesley United Methodist Church will host Free AARP Tax Aid on Saturdays until April 8th
Wesley United Methodist Church will host free AARP Tax Aide starting this Saturday, February 4th, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They will complete your taxes for free every Saturday and Tuesday until April 8th. Each tax preparation day will last from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church is located at 614 Texas Street in Sulphur Springs.
Hopkins County Fall Festival is Hosting the Circus!
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on Tuesday, March 21st at 4:30pm and 7:30pm, and Wednesday, March 22nd, at 7:30pm. The Big Top performances will be on the Civic Center grounds. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce!
Ribbon Cuttings:
Plain & Fancy hosted their 20 Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting on Friday, March 3rd
Plain and Fancy hosted their 20 Year Ribbon Cutting Celebration and Open House on Friday, March 3rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They offered a free dessert bar that night! We were happy to celebrate 20 years of success with Plain & Fancy!
Lil’ 4’s Club hosted their Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, March 4th at noon
Lil’s 4’s Club, a tutoring and mentoring company in Sulphur Springs, hosted their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Saturday, March 4th, at noon. They are located at 200 Fuller Street in Sulphur Springs. Welcome Lil’ 4’s to your new building and the Chamber family!
Come support the 2017 Spring Fever Bike Rally and cheer on the finishers. We’ll be on Celebration Plaza until 2 p.m. See you there!
Lezley Brown
President/CEO
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce
300 Connally Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
903-885-6515-office
903-885-6516-fax
www.sulphursprings-tx.com
