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.
SSISD Head Start Registration April 11-15
SSISD 2016-2017 Head Start Registration
April 11-15, 2016
Early Childhood Learning Center
390 Hillcrest Drive
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903.439.6170
The Head Start Program will be accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year.
If your child will be 3 or 4 years of age On or Before September 1, 2016, you may complete the registration process to determine if your child will qualify for the program.
How to Register:
Head Start Registration/Round-Up will be held the week of April 11-15
between 8:30 – 2:00 @ ECLC. Parents must:
- Bring all required and applicable documents (see list below) in order to register their child. Packets will not be provided if required documents are not obtained.
- Schedule an appointment and complete ALL parts of the application at home
- Bring completed application to scheduled appointment.
| PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN ORDER TO REGISTER:
Household Income — (2015 Tax Returns, 2015 W-2 Forms, or 12 months of Paycheck stub(s), Letter from Employers if above documents are not available. Must be on official letter head with contact information and notarized. TANF, SSI, Child Support/Alimony, Military Documents – LES/FSSA) 1 Proof of Residency (Electric/Water/Gas Bill, etc.) (You must reside in the Sulphur Springs School District) Official Child’s Birth Certificate Child’s Social Security Card Child’s Up-to-date Immunization Record Current Medicaid, Private Insurance or CHIP Card Food Stamp card and Case # WIC card Foster Care Information IEP’s (Individualized Education Plan) Dr.’s Notes Concerning Allergy/Health Needs Custodial Documents or Court Orders |
Head Start provides the following services:
Certified teachers/assistants, two nutritional meals and a snack per day, full-day educational services, outdoor playground facilities, limited transportation services, social services, parent involvement activities, speech/hearing evaluations, health/dental screenings and accepts children with mild, moderate or severe disabilities as determined by individual needs.
Your registration packet must be filled out completely BEFORE your appointment!
SSISD 2016-2017 Registracion de Head Start
Abril 11-15, 2016
Early Childhood Learning Center
390 Hillcrest Drive
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903.439.6170
El Programa de Head Start estará aceptando aplicaciones para el año escolar 2016-2017.
Si su hijo(a) tiene 3 o 4 años de edad En o Antes de Septiembre 1, 2016, Ud. puede completar el proceso de registración para determinar si su niño(a) califica para el programa.
Como Registrar:
Registro de Head Start se llevara a cabo la semana del 11 al 15 de Abril entre las 8:30-2:00 en la escuela de ECLC. Los padres deben:
- Traiga todos los documentos requeridos y aplicables (véase la lista abajo) en orden para inscribir
a su hijo(a). Los paquetes no se proporcionaran si la documentación requerida no se trae.
- Programar una cita y completar TODAS las partes de la aplicación en casa
- Traer la aplicación completa ala cita programada.
| POR FAVOR TRAIGA LOS SIGUIENTES DOCUMENTOS PARA REGISTRAR:
Ingreso Familiar — (Devoluciones de Impuestos (2015 Tax Returns), Formularios W-2 2015, o Talones de Pago(s) por 12 meses, Carta del Empleador. Tiene que ser carta con sello oficial, información para contactar.(notariada) TANF, SSI, Manutención para el Niño(a)/Pensión Alimenticia, Documentos Militares – LES/FSSA) 1 Prueba de donde vive (Recibos de Electricidad/Agua/Gas, etc.) (Debe vivir en el Distrito Escolar de Sulphur Springs) Certificado de Nacimiento de su Niño(a) Tarjeta del Seguro Social de su Niño(a) Record de Vacunas que estén Actualizados de su Hijo(a) Tarjeta de Medicaid, Aseguranza Privada o CHIP Actualizados Tarjeta de Estampilla de Comida y el Numero de Caso Tarjeta de WIC Información de un Niño al Cuidado (Foster) IEP’s (Plan Educacional Individualizado) Notas del Doctor acerca de Alergias/Salud Documentos de Custodia o Ordenes de Corte/Judiciales |
Head Start proporciona los siguientes servicios:
Maestras certificadas/asistentes, dos comidas nutricionales y un aperitivo por día, servicios educacionales por el día completo, facilidades de juegos en el patio, servicios de transportación limitado, servicios sociales, actividades para que padres participen, evaluación de lenguaje/oído, evaluaciones de salud/dental y se aceptan niños con discapacidades leves, moderadas o severas determinada según las necesidades individuales.
Su paquete de registración necesita estar completamente lleno ANTES de su cita!
Cumby, Como-Pickton Lead 2-A, District 18 Baseball Standings
Como-Pickton and Cumby meet Friday at 6 p.m. at Como-Pickton. The two lead 2-A, Region III, District 18 standings.
The Como-Pickton Eagles remained in a three way tie for first place in district with an impressive, 18-0 home win over Fruitvale Tuesday night. Pitcher Cameron Matthews threw a no hitter and struck out 8. The Eagles are 7-1 in district play and 8-3 for the season.
Meanwhile the Cumby Trojans picked a couple of big wins this week. The Trojans defeated Fruitvale, 13-0 on Monday. They had 17 hits. Pitcher Triston Hearn allowed only two hits and he struck out nine. Then on Tuesday, the Trojans defeated Yantis, 16-1. The Trojans had 12 hits. Travis Taylor hit a triple. Taylor was also the winning pitcher for Cumby allowing one run but no hits.
Ten Lady Cats Named to Soccer All-District
The Lady Cats’ soccer team placed ten players on the All-District Soccer Team chosen by the district’s coaches recently.
Mileena Zirretta earned a superlative as she was selected the District Sophomore of the Year.
First Team Lady Cats selections included midfielder Ciarra Rico, a junior and sophomore defender Jo McMillan.
Chosen for the second team were midfielder Faith Singleton, a junior, forward Makenna Kagar, a sophomore, senior defender Mary McMillan and junior goal keeper Abbi Hale.
Making the honorable mention list were sophomore forward Gracie Boyer, sophomore midfielder Taylor Robinson and junior defender Kamryn Wimberly.
Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Assault Charges Filed
Forced entry into a residence on Houston Street resulted in an assault and the arrest of Wesley James Chester, 34. Chester of Sulphur Springs assaulted a male and female in the Houston Street resident. He shoved the female toward the front door and placed her in a choke hold causing restriction of breathing. He then struck a male in the head and placed him in a choke hold causing restricted breathing.
Law enforcement observed visible injuries to both victims. Chester. charged with burglary of a habitation with intent to assault, was belligerent with officers and jailers when booked into Hopkins County jail where he is held on a $20,000 bond.
Engineers Hashing Out Site Details for Starbucks in Sulphur Springs
Engineers for Starbucks and the City Engineer for Sulphur Springs are currently hashing out site details that will enable the building of a local outlet for the purveyor of coffee on South Broadway in the city, according to a city source. Although no date for construction has been set, the city and Starbucks are taking steps to facilitate a good relationship.
This is just another hurdle that has not deterred the determination to locate the popular coffee brand locally. It all began with a sign. Sulphur Springs Zoning Board of Adjustments was asked to approve a sign ordinance variance for the property located at 1320 South Broadway. The approval of the sign opened the door for further steps to be taken. The property owners at 1320 South Broadway sought the variance to the city sign ordinance. The sign will stand 85 ft. high. The city sign ordinance, as written, allows signs to be only 24 feet high. City staff favored the variance and no property owners around the property opposed. The approval given for the sign is contingent on the lot being plotted and building permit for Starbucks issued.
The second hurdle is currently under construction. A sewer project approved by the city council on Mockingbird Lane between Furr’s and EZ-Mart that would divert wastewater flow from three fast food restaurants and one apartment away from the Mockingbird sewer main and toward the trunk line that parallels South Town Branch. The new line will also carry flow from any new development south and east of Chili’s. That includes the Starbucks location. This project has begun, and it is progressing from east to west. So far, the city has installed 168’ of sewer line starting at the eastern boundary of the Furr’s property, and has recently finished installing a manhole in the EZ-Mart driveway approach. The work continues on this project.
Other issues that are faced continue to be addressed but the city and Starbucks continue to be determined to bring the coffee purveyor to South Broadway.
City Manager’s Report: Sewer Improvement Will Assist Development On South Broadway, Shannon Rd
EZ MART SEWER PROJECT – At a previous meeting, the city council approved a sewer project on Mockingbird Lane between Furr’s and EZ-Mart that would divert wastewater flow from three fast food restaurants and one apartment away from the Mockingbird sewer main and toward the trunk line that parallels South Town Branch. The new line would also carry flow from any new development south and east of Chili’s. This project has begun, and it is progressing from east to west. So far, we have installed 168’ of sewer line starting at the eastern boundary of the Furr’s property, and we just finished installing a manhole in the EZ-Mart driveway approach. Next we will cross Mockingbird and continue to the west.
STREETS, WATER AND SEWER – Bill Bradford Road is progressing slowly but steadily. Utilities work continues from west to east. The road is closed to through traffic, but open to customers of the businesses located in the closed portion of the road, namely Village Pawn and Gun Shop and Sulphur Springs Floral Etc.
This $1.4 million project includes water and sewer utilities, underground drainage on the western end of the street and complete reconstruction of the street. Previously I reported that the street would be paved in asphalt with 500’ feet of concrete at both ends. Staff is presently evaluating whether to construct the entire street with concrete. We recently got a great bid on concrete on Rockdale Road, and the contractor who performed the work did a good job. We are going to bid the job both ways and bring it to the City Council at a future meeting.
DAVIS/TOMLINSON PARKING LOT – Demolition has begun. Construction will begin on the south side of the project and progress to the north. Doing it this way will preserve some of the parking throughout the project for nearby businesses.
JEFFERSON STREET PARKING LOT – This is a County project at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Rosemont. The new lot will have 77 spaces. The County is constructing the lot in concrete and the City is installing lights and landscaping per our earlier agreement at the time the tax increment reinvestment zone was created. When the County opted into the zone, the City committed to beautification of the lot when it was built.
SPRING CLEANUP – Spring cleanup is in full swing. Saturday will be the last day. The location is the same as previous years, ¼ mile east of Flowserve on Industrial Drive. It is open to city residents only. Residents should bring their water bill and ID. Hours are from 7 am to 7 pm. No household hazardous waste is accepted; no tires, batteries, chemicals, or anything with refrigerant in it.
CLAIMS – We had one workers’ compensation claim in March for a knee injury. The incident has not resulted in any lost time.
We had three liability claims in March, two claiming damage to a structure from wastewater overflows and one claiming damage to an automobile from a pothole. All three were submitted to TML. All three were denied.
We were served one lawsuit in March.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REMODEL – This project is completed. The Police Department has moved in, and the temporary trailers are gone.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Total suspended solids (TSS) came in at 7.74 mg/L, well within the limit of 15 mg/L.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director, Peter Karstens will present a year-to-date summary of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Fertilized all athletic fields in preparation for spring youth athletic programs.
- Mowed the airport, library grounds, Pacific Park, senior citizens building grounds, Buford Park, Coleman Park, and the north side of Coleman Lake.
- Patched 149 potholes.
- Repaired 12 street cuts following utility repairs.
- Poured concrete for dog pens at animal control.
- Repaired drain flume at the airport.
- Cleaned storm drains and catch basins.
- Checked out 3,698 library materials.
- Rebuilt the bar screen at the wastewater treatment plant.
- Performed preventative maintenance on numerous items at the wastewater treatment plant and water treatment plant.
- Responded to 128 fire/rescue calls including 2 structure fires.
- Responded to 189 animal control calls and achieved a 50% adoption rate.
- Made 6 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
