Last Warrant for ATV Thefts Served; Chambers is in Hopkins County Jail
Christopher Lee Chambers, 29, of Maybank (picture not available at this time) is now in Hopkins County Jail held on a $500,000 bond and a Lindale, Texas $200,000 bond for engaging in organized crime. In February, Chambers was the only remaining warrant to be served for the theft of all-terrain vehicles from Nor-Tex Tractor in Sulphur Springs. The thefts dated back to November of 2015. At that time some 20 to 21 individuals were being sought for the organized criminal activity that that stolen ATVs in at least three states–Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
In February, 2016, Christopher Brandon Garcia, 32, of Balch Springs, and Dustin Kyle “Dud” Garcia, 33, of Mesquite, were arrested in Seagoville Texas. With those two arrested on active warrants only one other active warrant for Chambers remained.
In late January, seven (7) individuals involved in the theft of utility, all-terrain vehicles in three states had been booked into Hopkins County Jail. Brian E. Wheeler of Balch Springs; David Paul Rockwell of Terrell; Ricardo Saldivar, 34, of Combine; James Lindy Minter, 37, Joshua Christopher Terry, 34, and Laronda Kaye Reed, 29, all of Kemp; and Darrell Wayne Waites from Deville, Louisiana. All have been charged locally with organized criminal activity. Hopkins County Criminal investigators, Sulphur Springs Police Department Detectives, and Investigator Tony Hurley have been working since last November with others to round up what is thought to be a ring plying their trade of theft in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas.
In late January twelve (12) Polaris Razors and two (2) Polaris Rangers had been recovered. Approximately $234,000 in stolen property has been recovered including six (6) units from the November theft at Nor-Tex Tractors totaling $74,000 and eight (8) units stolen from other jurisdictions in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas totaling $160,000.
Sergeant Bo Fox, Sulphur Springs Police Department said some of the suspects involved in the theft at Nor-Tex have been linked to burglaries in Lindale, Tyler and numerous other jurisdictions in Texas as well as other states as far east as Tennessee.
SS Church of the Nazarene Annual Plant Sale
The Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene has kicked off their annual youth plant sale. The plant sale began Thursday and will continue through Saturday, April 9th. The funds accumulated will go towards the youth group of the church attend camp and other events through out the year. A few of the available plants are begonias, sweet potato vine, petunias, boston ferns, lantanas, marigolds, and verbenas.
The sale will be open from 8 am each morning until dusk that night. Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene is located at 1300 League St.
Animal of the Week: Jazz and Bella
Jazz and Bella are two female cats that were surrendered by their owner who could no longer care for them. Jazz, the black cat, is three years old, and Bella, the Siamese cat, is six years old. “From what I understand, the daughter moved off and couldn’t take them so she left them with her mother who couldn’t have indoor cats,” Animal Shelter Officer Barbi Blanch said. “She kept them in a rent house until she could bring them here.”
Both Jazz and Bella are incredibly sheltered cats, having spent the majority of their lives in one house. Since arriving at the Shelter, they have been nervous of others and frightened by their new surroundings. “Right now they’re just scared,” Officer Barbi said. “I’m sure they’d be a little more active in a more quiet setting, but the Shelter with all of the dogs barking and people coming and going, they’re just so scared.”
Both cats are spayed and only need to receive recent shots. Currently, the Animal Shelter has a special lowered adoption fee for both cats in order to keep them together. “We have a special going to try and keep them together to find them a nice home where they’ll come out of their shell,” Officer Barbi said. “It’s not that important that they stay together, but I think they’ll do better because they know each other. ”
Both cats have been at the Shelter for over a week, and during that time, Officer Blanch has worked with the cats to help them become more comfortable at the Shelter. “I try to spend some time with them and talk with them,” Officer Blanch said. “They’ll come up to the front of the cage, and Jazz has even come out of the cage when I was cleaning it, but she’s still scared of the other noises. Usually when their left alone they’ll eventually come out of their shell. A nice, quiet home would be my preference for them.”
Neither Jazz nor Bella will be at the off site adoption this Saturday, April 9 at Tractor Supply from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to their nervousness. The Shelter will be closed on Saturday, but anyone wishing to adopt Jazz and Bella can call Officer Barbi during the weekend. “They’re very sweet cats, and I think they just need a place where they can sit quietly,” Officer Blanch said. “They will not be at any off site, but if anybody wants to view the cats, especially on the weekends or after hours, I’ll be more than happy to meet them at the Shelter. My cell is (903) 348-1868, and I’ll be more than happy to show Bella and Jazz because I just want to find them a nice home and get them out of here.”
Meanwhile, construction on the outdoor kennels is almost complete. The last of the fencing and the overhead tarp are the last steps that need to be completed.
Wildcats Tennis Have Success in District Consolation Bracket
The Wildcats’ tennis team did not have anyone qualify for the regional tournament at the district tennis tournament Tuesday and Wednesday in Texarkana. Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez said all his teams and players lost in the first round with the exception of the boys doubles team of Harrison Harbin and Blaine Flemens who defeated a Pine Tree team. Harbin and Flemens lost in the second round to a Texas High duo that ended up finishing second to a Longview team. The Wildcats did have success in the consolation bracket. The boys doubles team of Chase Crouch and Joey Gatewood took first place in consolation over a Pine Tree team, 8-3. In girls’ singles, it was an all-Sulphur Springs match up in the consolation finals. Karolina Espinoza defeated teammate Brynn Offutt, 8-4. Two Wildcats’ boys singles players, Jesse Allen and Andrew Sant both won three consolation matches before bowing out in the consolation semi-finals to Pine Tree players.
The JV district tournament took place Monday in Longview and Coach Martinez said a freshman got a big victory. Corbin Philo finished second in boys singles in the tournament. One of his victories was against a Texas High player.
The Wildcats’ tennis team will lose no one to graduation. There are no seniors on the roster. Coach Martinez has already turned his thoughts to next year. Some of his players will participate in a Pro-Am event in May. Coach Martinez said he is already looking forward to Team Tennis competition in the fall.
Yantis Golf Teams Qualify for Regional Tourney
Both the Yantis Owls and Lady Owls’ golf teams qualified for the regional golf tournament at district tournaments this week. The Lady Owls’ team of Bayley Bush, Montana Wetzel, Ashten Burnett and Paola Nunez won the district championship. The Owls’ team of Jayden Modrall, Bradley Potts, Bryce Ogle, Lane Ogle and Logan Glenn were second at the district tournament.
Both teams will go the regional golf tournament in Stephenville next Monday and Tuesday.
Top 10 Foods with Health Benefits
Texas A&M University Names Top 10 Foods with Health Benefits
Interesting research topics often cross my desk, but this particular article caught my attention more than some. As my husband and I read through the list of these beneficial foods, we realized that we consume many of these on a regular basis. This information was posted on Stone Hearth News by Texas A&M University Health Science Center and I wanted to share it with you.
When you open your refrigerator, do you see a way to fight cancer or a way to boost memory retention? Day in and day out, we put food in our bodies, but might be unaware of the benefits to our health. With media and fad diets constantly advising us on what to eat, it’s difficult to sort out the good information from the bad – and that’s where the experts at the Texas A&M Health Science Center can help. If you’re unsure of how to fuel your body, these 10 foods with health benefits can be a game-changer for your healthy lifestyle.
1) Almonds: adding a handful of this antioxidant to your daily diet can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. A study in the Nutrition Research Journal suggests that diet quality improves when eating these tear-shaped nuts on a consistent basis.
2) Apples: While eating an apple a day doesn’t keep the doctor away on its own, they are a good source of dietary fiber for your diet. One study found that compounds from apples can help slow aging and extends the length of your life. Additionally, eating the white fruit more often can protect against stroke.
3) Avocados: This creamy, green fruit (one of my personal favorites!) launched into popularity over the past few years and for good reason. Avocados are a great source of fat that lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease if substituted in place of other dietary fats.
4) Beans: Providing health benefits for over 10,000 years, beans are a common part of diets around the world. Beans contain protein, fiber and many vitamins and minerals that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Scientists recommend eating half a cup of beans per day to take advantage of their nutrients.
5) Blueberries: Another of my favorite foods, blueberries are abundant in anthocyanins, which give the fruit a blue pigment and are filled with antioxidants. Studies show that these anthocyanins help reduce and prevent chronic inflammation. Additionally, increasing the intake of blueberries can help with short-term memory in children and elderly.
6) Broccoli: Put another scoopful on your plate tonight! This powerful vegetable contains vitamin C and folic acid, as well as being a good source of fiber and potassium. One compound in broccoli, called sulforaphane, can fight and treat cancers and reduce inflammation in chronic diseases like heart disease. In order to get the most out or your broccoli, avoid freezing or boiling the vegetable.
7) Cranberries: While active ingredients in cranberries are well known for treating urinary tract infections, these same ingredients can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Additionally, cranberries can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease and various types of cancer.
8) Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and cabbage can pack a punch of health benefits if added to your diet. Filled with vitamins C, K, and E, folate, carotenoids, and fiber, studies show that leafy greens may help prevent cancer. For adults, the USDA recommends eating three to four cups of leafy greens weekly.
9) Fish: Oily fish is a great source of protein, low in fat and abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, lower blood pressure and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. The American Heart Association recommends eating 3.5 ounces of fish twice a week.
10) Sweet potatoes: While you might find this orange vegetables on your table at Thanksgiving, sweet potatoes have high nutritional value year round. Nutrients provide anti-cancer, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Even more, the leaves of sweet potatoes can be treated like leafy greens and help reduce malnutrition.
And of course, don’t forget the milk! Dairy products are full of nutrients, including calcium, riboflavin, and other vitamins and minerals to help strengthen your bones and teeth. Three servings a day provide the calcium you need. A serving consists of one cup of milk, one-ounce of cheese, 8 ounces of yogurt, or ½ cup ice cream made with milk. When you are given a choice, go with the lower fat versions to reduce calories.
4-H Members to Compete at TAMU-Commerce
On April 15 and 16, a whole slew of Hopkins County 4-H members will converge on Texas A&M University in Commerce for District competition in Educational Presentations, Public Speaking, Food Show, and Fashion Show. Watch my column later this month for the results!
Closing Thought
An optimist is the human personification of spring – Susan Bissonette
Master Gardener’s Present Outdoor Education at Douglas Elementary
Hopkins County Master Gardener Brenda Payne explain students basic principles of keyhole gardening during a working session in Douglas Campus.
A new concept of outdoor education is currently “growing up” in Douglas Campus in Sulphur Springs. With the leadership of Mr. Tim Thomas, science teacher in the campus and 4-H leader, Hopkins County Master Gardener’s volunteers and Hopkins County 4-H, the idea of outdoor education has become a reality. “My life long desire of incorporating physical activity, science projects and gardening has become a reality- Thomas said. According to Mr. Thomas, the outdoor classroom was planned to incorporate several science projects to give the students in Douglas Campus an opportunity to become engaged in basic agriculture, biology and physical activity. The project, funded by the SSISD foundation and enhanced by grants of Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Hopkins County and University of Texas in Tyler is trying to bridge the gap between traditional classroom education and open walls teaching approaches.
Dr. Mario Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources has been involved since the planning part of the project. According to Villarino, several components will be included in the outdoor classroom. The idea started with Mr. Thomas concept of the outdoor classroom- Villarino added, then we planned activities and structures that allow us to make them a reality. A key component was the creation of a 4-H club in Douglas school to provide a foundation to youth involvement outside traditional teaching schedule. More than 70 youth attendants met to create the club, few weeks ago, selected a club name, elect officers and set up a working meeting.
The Hopkins County Master Gardeners have participated in several session during planting and teaching principles of horticulture and of keyhole gardening. According to Bill Sevier, Oklahoma Master Gardener, “ the keyhole garden technique was first made popular in sub-Saharan Africa, where it was recognized to be a method of growing green vegetables with limited water supply. In the U.S., it has been popularized by environmental scientist Deb Tolman, Ph.D.
The basic idea for the structure is simple. Usually it is a circular raised-bed garden 3-4 feet tall and about 6 feet across, with a wedge removed for access. From above, it looks like a keyhole or a pie with a skinny slice removed. In the center of the bed is an upright circular tube structure 3-4 feet tall and 1 foot in diameter, usually made of wire mesh. The height of the bed, the tube and the materials used to construct it have many variations. The outer wall is usually made of stone, wood, plastic or metal. Often, cardboard is used inside the bed on the sides to prevent leakage and as fill. The bed, all but the center wire tube, may be filled with layers of a variety of organic material such as cardboard, paper, manure, leaves, straw and old potting soil. Thin layers of garden soil are often added between these layers. All of the organics should be watered as added. The top 5-6 inches can be compost, good garden soil or potting soil. This will be used for planting. The top of the bed should slope from the center tube downward to the outside wall to promote drainage. The center tube, which has been made accessible by the wedged slot in the bed, is used to add alternating layers of green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon) garden wastes. This also includes all kitchen scraps except dairy, fats and meats. The central composting tube is also where water is added to the garden. With irrigation of the tube, the composting process of the organics goes fast, and water and nutrients (compost tea) leak into the surrounding bed. This conserves water and encourages the plants to put down deep roots.
The keyhole garden will allow you to grow many types of vegetables, especially the green leafy ones, using less water and fertilizer in a smaller space. It is versatile and accessible for the physically limited. With little effort, a frame may be constructed on which to place a cooling shade cloth in summer. The same frame can be covered with plastic sheeting as winter approaches, making a cold frame for extending your vegetables’ growing seasons”. The Douglas outdoor classroom has currently 3 keyhole gardens, fifty tomato plants growing in containers, 3 traditional raised beds and a rainwater harvesting unit. Plans are to include a greenhouse, Martin house, a screeching owl box and vermiculture units. The building of the different components of the outdoor classroom will be conducting during club meetings to enhanced curriculum during the session. We have got great response from the members of Douglas, and we are very excited of having this opportunity in our school, Thomas added.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topics contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration Roundup at ECLC
2016-2017, REGISTRATION ROUNDUP, HEAD START, PRE-K, AND KINDERGARTEN
The 2016-2017 Head Start Pre-K, and Kindergarten Registration Roundup will be held Monday-Friday, April 11-15, 2016, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in the ECLC Parent Center. Call 903-439-6170, extension 6111 or 6112, or go to www.ssisd.net for more information about the application or registration process.
To be eligible for Head Start 3, the student must be three years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016. There is an application process which determines eligibility. Head Start 3 is federally-funded.
To be eligible for Head Start 4 or Pre-K, the student must be four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016. There is an application process for both grade levels which determines eligibility. Head Start 4 is federally-funded; whereas, Pre-K is state-funded.
To be eligible for kindergarten, the student must be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2016. The only qualifying eligibility for kindergarten is age.
HEAD START ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (FEDERALLY-FUNDED):
(Student must be age three or four on or before September 1, 2016. Enrollment is limited.)
- A child, age three or four, who is from a family with an income below the federal poverty guidelines, set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is eligible to apply for Head Start; or,
- A child, age three or four, from a homeless family is eligible to apply for Head Start; or,
- A child, age three or four, from a family receiving public assistance such as TANF or SNAP… or…who receives SSI is eligible to apply for Head Start; or,
- A foster child, age three or four, is eligible to apply for Head Start, regardless of the foster family’s income; or,
- A child, age three or four, with a diagnosed disability and an Individual Education Plan (IEP), regardless of the family’s income, is eligible to apply for Head Start.
PRE-K ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA (STATE-FUNDED):
(Student must be age four on or before September 1, 2016.)
- A child, age 4, who is unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or,
- A child, age 4, who is educationally disadvantaged, i.e., eligible for the National School Lunch Program [NSLP]); or,
- A child, age 4, who is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child; or,
- A child, age 4, who is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority; or,
- A child, age 4, who is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or,
- A child, age 4, who is or has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code.
