Sewer Line Completion Will Speed Work on Bill Bradford Road, Aid Development on Broadway
Work on Bill Bradford Road should increase speed now that the work on a new sewer line behind Chili’s, Whataburger, McDonalds, and one half of the apartments on Duckworth Street has been completed. The new sewer line will open new properties for development which will in turn increase tax revenues for the city, according to City Manager Marc Maxwell. The increased speed of work on Bill Bradford Road will be welcomed by many.
The new sewer line relieves the stress of use on a sewer line from Duckworth to Mockingbird. The new sewer line was the only remedy to the problem. Maxwell said no developer wanted to include the improvement in their costs. The city spent $130,000 dollars on the improvement. He expects development to begin soon on some properties now served by the new line.
On Bill Bradford Road, water lines have been completed from Broadway to Elm and now crews will double back and begin work on the sewer line in that segment. He stated that street work will begin as soon as segments of the sewer line are laid.
Maxwell expects work to move more quickly also with the National Weather Service recent statement that drier conditions can be expected this summer.
SCU Marijuana Bust Leads To More Problems For Sulphur Springs Man
Kelvin Dionn Harrison, 47, of Sulphur Springs was arrested Wednesday morning by Special Crimes Unit Detective Sergeant Tony Crouse on three charges. A caller, who asked to remain anonymous, informed Sgt. Crouse of suspicious activity taking place at an East Beckham Street residence. During an investigation of the property, Sgt. Crouse noticed from the street that marijuana plants were being grown outside the residence in plain view allowing for a probable cause search of the home to be conducted at which time it was discovered that Harrison was also growing marijuana inside the hot water heater closet. Sgt. Crouse also located cocaine above a kitchen cabinet as well as a gun that was stolen during a previous burglary in Hopkins County. Harrison was then taken into custody and transported to the Hopkins County Jail where he now sits on $27,000 total bond: $15,000 for a 3rd degree felony Possession of a Controlled Substance less than 1 gram in a Drug Free Zone, $10,000 for Possession of Marijuana less than 2 ounces in a Drug Free Zone, and $2,000 for a State Jail felony Theft of a Firearm.
Lawn Damage and White Grubs
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
by Mario Villarino
Our recent intensive rains not only affect our hay farmers. Your lawn might be also become affected by diseases due to the intensive and prolong water and moisture. From typical “take- all” fungal to fire ants and white grubs can all be culprit due to the amount of water displacing air forcing insects to come out seeking air.
A common culprit of lawn damage are white grubs. White grub damage can be easily be confused with fungal diseases in lawns.White grubs are the immature stages of May or June beetles, commonly called “June bugs.” There are more than 90 species of scarab beetles in Texas that are considered to be white grubs or May and June beetles. Their biologies are similar, but they differ in distribution, habitat preference, length of life cycle and seasonal occurrence. Common white grub species belong to the genus Phyllophaga, with P. crinita being particularly common in Texas on bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass and tall fescue. The southern masked chafer and the green June beetle are other species within the white grub group. The Japanese beetle has recently been detected in some Texas counties.
White grubs are whitish, C-shaped larvae (up to 1-inch long) with brown head capsules and chewing mouthparts. They have three pairs of legs (one pair on each of the first three segments behind the head); this separates them from larval hunting billbugs (weevils), which they otherwise superficially resemble.White grubs feed on the roots of many plants including turfgrasses, weeds, vegetable transplants and ornamentals. Larvae develop mainly during the fall and spring. During extreme environmental conditions (cold, drought), the larvae burrow deeper into the soil. In Texas pupation occurs mainly during the spring. Severely damaged turfgrass dies and can be rolled up like a carpet because of the lack of roots. Heavily infested lawns are attractive to moles, raccoons, skunks and armadillos, which dig through the surface to feed on the grubs.
Adults of many May and June beetle species begin emerging in February. However, peak emergence of turf-infesting species usually occurs during late June in central Texas, somewhat earlier in South Texas and later in North Texas. Peak adult emergence is important because approximately 5 weeks later eggs laid by mated females will hatch. This is the best time for insecticide treatment to prevent white grub damage where there is a history of white grub problems. Insecticides are most effective when the turf is watered thoroughly just before and after treatment. Turfgrasses that are highly fertilized and frequently watered have a thick thatch layer and/or are grown in highly organic soils are most vulnerable to attack. The need for insecticide treatments also can be determined by sampling for white grubs. One proposed action level is four grubs per square foot. Applying insecticide while white grubs still are small prevents unnecessary damage to turf and increases the chances that the chemical will be effective in controlling the grubs.
Master Wellness Volunteer Program
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]
Master Wellness Volunteer Program
Did you know that Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteers contributed 55 hours of volunteer service in April? From helping with Kids’ Safe Saturday to Kids’ Camp planning, from assisting with the Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes series to helping distribute educational information at the Region 8 Education Service Center Parent Fair, our certified volunteers have helped make an impact!
Finding reliable resources of health and wellness information can be a challenge. Since 1906, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has provided Texans with guidance in various health areas and is now training volunteers to provide more communities with the education and tools needed for healthy living.
The Master Wellness Volunteer Initiative is an AgriLife Extension program that provides volunteers with 40 hours of training in health and nutrition education. In return, the volunteers agree to give back 40 hours of service. The volunteer opportunities are diverse – giving presentations for local community groups, assisting with periodic cooking schools, distributing information at health fairs, and much more. Previous health or wellness training is not required, but an interest in living healthfully and helping others do the same is a key factor.
Nell Shipp, long-time volunteer, is perhaps the most “seasoned” volunteer, and she always provides a smile and a hug! She was recognized in 2014 as the Outstanding Extension Volunteer of the Year at our annual Extension Leadership Banquet. Nell took the very first training offered in Hopkins County (2007), and has not slowed down one bit!
Volunteer training for the next program will be held in January and February, 2017, in five sessions (one day a week for five weeks). Tentative dates are on Mondays, January 30, February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2017. The training will focus on physical activity, nutrition, food safety and food demonstrations, child health, various AgriLife Extension health programs, and more. The first and last training days will be face-to-face, with the other sessions being offered face-to-face or on-line, whichever is most convenient to participants.
If you are undecided about taking the training, but would be interested in learning more, put this date on your calendar: Thursday, July 21, 2016. A regional Master Wellness Volunteer Conference will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & Research Center, in Dallas. I will be taking a carload of current volunteers and invite anyone else who would like to attend. The conference will be from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m. Contact my office at 903-885-3443 for more information!
Twogether in Texas Marriage Education – Last Call!
As of this writing, five couples have signed up for the Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. That’s a good group, but we have room for more! This workshop has had great reviews, and the price can’t be beat – free! Topics covered are: Marriage Expectations, Communication, Conflict Resolution, Money Management, and Goals & Dreams. Video, couple interactions, and group discussions are all part of the workshop.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided, and perhaps the best advantage is the great information couples receive. Engaged couples have an added advantage of saving $60 when applying for a marriage license.
Whether engaged, seriously dating, or married, all couples are invited to participate. To sign up, simply call my office at 903-885-3443. For more information, go to www.twogetherintexas.com.
Closing Thought
“The difference between ‘involvement’ and ‘commitment’ is like eggs and ham for breakfast: the chicken was involved, the pig was committed” – unknown
Animal of the Week: Peanut the Pit
Peanut with Officer Blanch
Peanut is a female Pit Bull puppy who is only five weeks old. She was signed over and given to the Sulphur Springs Animal Shelter by the Police. “The Sheriff’s Office arrested somebody who apparently is not getting out of jail, so we got him to sign the dog over so we can find her another home,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “He couldn’t get any family members to come get her.”
The Police originally believed Peanut to be a male when handing her over to the Shelter. It wasn’t until after she was named that the Shelter discovered the mistake. She is currently too young to receive any vaccinations until next week. “She is a little playful, but she’s a little shy,” Officer Barbi said. “It’s a whole new world for her and all of the noises in the Shelter scare her.”
She is currently being kept in an open cat cage due to her small size and lack of vaccinations until next week. “Other than keeping her away from other animals, you have to be very careful where you set her down because she can be easily exposed to Parvo at her young age,” Officer Blanch said.
She will be involved in the off-site adoptions at Atwoods this Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Shelter will be open during that time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lady Cats Scouting Report on Mansfield Legacy
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo gave a scouting report Wednesday morning on Mansfield Legacy, who the Lady Cats will face Thursday and Friday in a best two out of three regional quarterfinal series at Royse City. Game 1 is Thursday at 7 p.m. Game 2 is Friday at 6 p.m. with game 3 to follow, if necessary.
Coach Carrillo says the Lady Broncos are a good solid team with strong hitters throughout their batting order. He says they use two or three pitchers but their main hurler is a lefthander. He says she throws in the upper 50’s or lower 60’s. Coach Carrillo says she will try to throw inside to right handed hitters using her curve ball. She stays outside with her drop ball. He says she has good speed, doesn’t change speeds much but he adds her ball moves really well. Coach Carrillo says left handed pitchers are somewhat rare in fast pitch softball and the Lady Cats have not seen many this year.
Perhaps the main Legacy offensive threat is a senior catcher, committed to UTA, who is a big home run threat. She hit three against Mt. Pleasant in their last series. Coach Carrillo says he is also impressed with a very fast player who bats ninth. She is committed to Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Coach Carrillo says when she gets on, she runs the bases well.
He says his team knows they will be challenged but they are playing with confidence and are thankful to still be playing. Coach Carrillo says he is stressing to his team that they are one of sixteen teams in the regional to still be playing. He adds the Lady Cats have already played or scrimmaged four of those teams and they did well against them.
Holy Highway Fish Fry is Saturday May 14
The Holy Highway Girls Home in Pickton, Texas will benefit from an annual major fundraiser, and you are invited to help the cause. The Fish Fry with all the trimmings and the Auction, hosted by Tabernacle Baptist Church in Pickton, is set for Saturday May 14 , 2016 from 5-7pm. The church location is 9985 FM 269, just off Highway 11 E. You may eat by donation, and tables of 10 are available at $100. During the evening, you will meet the Holy Highway residents, hear their testimonies and songs, and enjoy a country music concert by Larry and Tracy Neal. There will also be auctions of homemade desserts and donated items. For details, phone Tommy Neal at 903-243-3925 or Pastor Mike Haun at Tabernacle Baptist Church at 903-866-2315.
Holy Highway has been in operation for 29 years, founded by Pam Burton who answered a call to this mission. Today Linda Williams is Director and Chris Dickens is Assistant Director. Holy Highway is a non-denominational private Christina home, worship center, and school located on a working farm at Pickton, Texas. The home assists girls ages 12-17 to overcome substance abuse, physical and emotionally abusive situations. The home is state-licensed but accepts no money from the State. The home operates on personal and private donations, helping girls with tuition whose families have no available finances and girls who have no family support. Many of these girls choose to stay at Holy Highway for a time after graduation to finish school, prepare for college and transition into independent living. Many graduates of Holy Highway support the ministry by donations of food, money, clothing and personal items that girls may need. Holy Highway girls have come from all over the United States and several countries. There have been over 800 graduates and hundreds more whose lives have been changed through this ministry.
Holy Highway Director Linda Williams, Assistant Director Chris Dickens, Founder Pam Burton and Tabernacle Baptist Church Pastor Mike Haun.
Local Man Arrested After Shooting Attempt
Christopher Scott Brown, 37, was arrested Tuesday night after an altercation involving a deadly weapon. Sulphur Springs Police Department Officers responded to a report of gun shots at a South Moore Street residence. Upon arrival, a victim was holding Brown down on the ground, restraining him from making an escape. According to the arrest report Brown, who showed indications of intoxication, started an altercation with the victim outside of the residence.
During the argument, Brown retrieved a .12 gauge shotgun and confronted the victim while pointing the gun at him. Brown then fired a single shot towards the victim and bystanders. The shot struck the house missing everyone standing outside the residence.
Brown was taken into custody and transported to the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital to be treated for injuries. After treatment, officers transported Brown to the Hopkins County Jail where he now sits on $100,000 bond for Aggravated Assault of a Family Member with a Deadly Weapon, a first degree felony.
Juvenile Confesses to Vandalism Committed During Christian Youth Gathering
veterans memorial vandalism 5/9/16
It happened on the Wednesday night when area church groups gathered on Celebration Plaza for a time of fellowship and worship. The pillars surrounding the kiosk at the Hopkins County Veterans’ Memorial at Celebration Plaza were vandalized with a sketch of a human face and the word ROMEO and other scratching. A 14-year old juvenile has confessed to causing damage to the Hopkins County Veteran’s Memorial. The juvenile, accompanied by his parents, confessed his work to Sulphur Springs Police Detective David Gilmore this week.
According to Police Chief Jay Sanders, the juvenile’s confession was made in the presence of his parents who supported the decisions made regarding the arrest Tuesday. Sanders said the misdemeanor penalties for a juvenile call for the teen’s case to be turned over to juvenile probation who will handle restitution and punishment. The restitution will reimburse the cost of correcting the damage done to the Memorial kiosk.
