Soccer Bi-District Friday Night at Tyler Rose Stadium
Both the Wildcats and the Lady Cats’ soccer teams have bi-district playoffs game tonight. And they are playing at the same place, Tyler’s Rose Stadium. The Wildcats will get things started at 6 p.m. As they face Lufkin from district 16-5A. The Wildcats finished third in district 15-5A with a record of 9 wins, 4 losses and one tie. Their season record is 14-9-2. The Lufkin Panthers were the runner up team in their district.
In the second half of the doubleheader, the Lady Cats’ soccer team will play Whitehouse at around 8 p.m. The Lady Cars were the third place finisher in district 15-5A with a record of 8-5-1. Their season record is 17-6-1. Whitehouse wound up second in their district 16-5A. We’ll bring you both soccer teams tonight live from Tyler Rose Stadium beginning at around 6 p.m. on KSST Radio. We’ll also videotape both games for replay at a later date on Channel 18 TV on Suddenlink Cable.
Author Gene Shelton’s “Houston Madam”
Sulphur Springs author Gene Shelton has announced the publication of his 27th book, a novel titled “Houston Madam”, the fictionalized biography of Pamelia Mann, one of the most colorful characters in Texas history. Gene has been a writer of western fiction and is retired after 35 years as newspaper journalist, having worked in Sulphur Springs and other Texas cities. He was Friday’s guest on KSST’s Morning Show with Enola Gay.
In a backstory, Gene’s newest book was ready for publication as a hardback by DoubleDay in the mid-90’s, when the publishing house folded. Gene received an advance royalty check, then shelved the manuscript where it lay dormant for 20 years. In late 2015, his publisher friend Wes Ferguson asked if Gene had a book ready for electronic publishing. This being a new medium for him, Gene offered the Houston Madam manuscript. He scanned the original type-written manuscript into his computer, re-constructed a missing couple of chapters, and had it published in a matter of weeks.
Find it on AmazonPrime this week!
Hearts of Life Presents Thumper
Thumper is a country dog that made his first trip to town this week as Hearts of Life presents Thumper for adoption. Thumper is part Lab, loves water, very active, and ready for a new home. Thumper, who is 7-years old, needs a home where he can run and play.
Last week, Hearts of Life adopt-a-thon was a big success as three dogs found their new home. April 1-2, Hearts of Life will be at Fix-N-Feed with several dogs for adoption. April 30-May 1, Hearts of Life will return to Petsense for a two day adoption event.
Tira News By Jan Vaughn
Tira News
By Jan Vaughn
Joe Dan Karney passed away on Tuesday, March 22nd. His parents were the late Dooley and Thelma (Vandever) Karney. His wife of forty-four years, Gwendolyn Kraatz Karney, survives and we want to express our sympathy to her. Joe Dan’s funeral service was held on Thursday afternoon at the Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel, with burial at the Tira Cemetery. Please be in prayer for Gwen and family.
Tiffany Vaughn, Jaidyn Joslin, and Darris Cross went to Piney Shores Resort on Lake Conroe last Monday for Spring Break. They went through Tyler and did some shopping on the way. Kenden Joslin and Chip and I met them there on Wednesday. Morgan Joslin stayed home, hoping to get in some flying lessons, but weather and other issues prevented that. We enjoyed playing miniature golf, walking on the trails, swimming in the indoor & outdoor pools, and other resort amenities. On Thursday, we went to the Woodlands Children Museum for their “Irish-at-heart” tribute to Saint Patrick’s Day. The Irish dance presentation was wonderful and the juggling show was fun to watch. Jaidyn enjoyed checking out the interactive exhibits. That evening and the next day, she had fun playing with the “neighbor” kids at the resort, and we cooked hot dogs and made s’mores. Darris, Tiffany, and Kenden went shopping on Friday, and then they and Jaidyn headed home that afternoon. Chip and I shopped a little in Conroe on Friday evening and had a delicious meal at Texas Roadhouse that night. The next morning, we packed up and drove to Sour Lake, near Beaumont, to watch our great-granddaughter, Dixie, play T-ball. We had a good visit with her at the Dairy Queen following the game, and then we drove to Somerville to see Larry and Dorothy Fitzgerald. We visited and played cards that afternoon and evening. On Sunday morning, we went to First Baptist Church in Somerville with them. Larry, their new music director, led the choir in a wonderful Easter musical. We all, including another couple from their church, went to College Station for lunch at Genghis Grill. Chip and I drove back to home that afternoon.
Darris Cross and Jaidyn Joslin
On Saturday, Tiffany, Jaidyn, and Darris participated in the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Easter Egg Hunt and Meet & Greet. Darris and Jaidyn were clowns for the event.
I would like to wish you all a blessed Easter!
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].
Tough Night for Lady Cats at Hallsville
softball
The Lady Cats’ softball team continues to seek the key to a district victory against Hallsville. The Lady Bobcats, rated #2 in the state in one poll, took a dominating 11-0 win over the Lady Cats at home Thursday night. The game was moved to Hallsville because Lady Cat Park was too wet after overnight rain.
Hallsville scored in four straight innings getting one in the first, six runs in a big second, one more in the third and three in the fourth. The game was called after four and a half innings due to the ten-run rule. Hallsville had eight hits and the Lady Cats collected six. Jaye Doughtie and Molly Johnston led the Lady Cats with two hits apiece. Sarah Womack and Landri Bell each pitched two innings for the Lady Cats. The Lady Cats had two errors.
The Lady Cats are now 4-2 in district play and 20-4 for the season. The Lady Cats will play at Pine Tree Tuesday night. That game will mark the end of the first half of district play.
Wildcats Lose on the Road in Hallsville
The Wildcats’ baseball team was defeated by Hallsville, 6-1 on the road Thursday night. The Bobcats scored a pair of runs in the first and second inning to jump out to a 4-0 lead. The Wildcats narrowed the margin to 4-1 in the fourth inning but the Bobcats tacked on two final runs in the sixth inning.
Ryan Humphries took the loss for the Wildcats giving up four runs on eight hits in four innings of work. He did strike out 6. Heston Golightly worked the last two innings giving up two runs and two hits. The Wildcats got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning as Golightly and Mason Buck singled and then Easton Silman drove home a run with a sacrifice fly. The Wildcats also threatened putting two runners on base in the second and the sixth inning but they could not bring them home. Mason Buck had two singles. Michael Arnold hit a double. The Wildcats also got singles from Tyler Follis, Golightly and Triston McCormack. The Wildcats got six hits. Hallsville had ten. The Bobcats commited the games only error.
The Wildcats and Bobcats now both have 2-2 records in district play. The Wildcats season record is now 5-7-1.
The Wildcats will host Pine Tree at Eagle Stadium Tuesday night.
Business History Month: Yard By Yard
Henry and Janice Keller had humble beginnings with their nursery business. In 1979, the Keller’s had a greenhouse in their backyard on Morris Dr. in Sulphur Springs, Texas and began to sell plants they had raised themselves. Ten years later, in 1989, the two had a full grown business and decided to move to a separate location. Henry Keller, a Vietnam War veteran and plant enthusiast, bought a house with an acre lot on Church St. He turned the house into a gift shop and office for the business and moved his greenhouse onto the land next to the building.
Now, twenty seven years later, the Keller’s have a thriving business and have expanded immensely. The two employ several people and their business is on about three and a half acres of land. Yard By Yard offers a large selection of flowers, shrubs, trees, and arrangements. Yard By Yard grows about 90% of their own color plants and have added a landscaping branch. The original building has recently been remolded with a more open concept and a rustic decor feel. In their gift shop, they offer fresh flower arrangements, pottery, crosses, yard art, and wind chimes. The two have also incorporated their hobbies into their business and sell fresh eggs from their free range chickens.
Have an Egg-cellent Spring
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]
by Johanna Hicks
Happy Spring and Easter from our Staff
It’s spring – – the season to enjoy the great outdoors and to celebrate special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day, and graduation. While eggs are used all year, they are especially popular for many spring and summertime activities. They are used for cooking festive delights and for decorating and hiding just before the big Easter egg hunt.
Eggs are perishable and need to be handled properly to prevent foodborne illness. There are many cute decorating ideas on Pinterest and Facebook, but be cautious when using alternate methods of dying eggs. Some methods may render the egg inedible, while others are perfectly safe. So if you plan to actually eat the decorated hard-cooked eggs, you might want to stick with the traditional food coloring and save the cute designer egg ideas for decorating.
Here’s what you can do to have a safe and egg-cellent spring!
- Clean up, clean up…Clean hands are key! Always wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after food handling. Beware of cross-contamination. Foodborne illness can occur when kitchen equipment is not thoroughly washed between uses. Always wash food contact surfaces and cooking equipment in hot water and soap.
- Cook and keep cool…Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, so it’s important to refrigerate eggs and egg-containing foods. Your refrigerator should be at 40°F or below. Remember the 2-hour rule: don’t leave perishables out at room temperature for more than two hours. The temperature danger zone for perishable foods is 40° to 140°F. If the temperature is over 90 degrees outside and you are having a picnic, perishables should be refrigerated or cooled within one hour.
- Tasting is tempting, but licking a spoon or tasting raw cookie dough from a mixing bowl can be risky. Bacteria could be lurking in the raw eggs, so resist the temptation!
- Easter egg Hunt know-how…Only use eggs that have been refrigerated, and discard eggs that are cracked or dirty.
- When cooking eggs, place a single layer of eggs in a saucepan. Add water to at least one inch above the eggs. (You may also add a little vinegar to keep the eggs from cracking prematurely.) Cover the pan, bring the water to a boil, and carefully remove the pan from the heat. Let the eggs stand 18 minutes for extra-large, 15 minutes for large, or 12 minutes for medium. Immediately run cold water over the eggs. When the eggs are cool enough to handle, place them in an uncovered container in the refrigerator where they can air-dry. When decorating, be sure to use food-grade dyes. It is safe to use commercial egg dyes, liquid food coloring, and fruit-drink powders. You may also use juices from veggies, such as red cabbage.
- Hide the eggs in places that are protected from dirt, pets and other potential sources of bacteria. Remember the 2-hour rule, and make sure the “found” eggs are back in the refrigerator or consumed within two hours. Remember that hard-cooked eggs are only safe to eat for one week after cooking.
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
There is still time to sign up for the spring series of “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes.” This is a five-lesson series, scheduled to take place on Mondays and Thursdays, April 4, 7, 11, 14, and 18, at the Hopkins County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 1200-B w. Houston, in Sulphur Springs. We will start at 1:30 and end at 3:30.
A $25 fee, payable at the first session, covers all five sessions, materials, refreshments, supplementary items, and door prizes. Please contact my office to sign up – 903-885-3443. Feel free to call if you have questions. This is an excellent research-based series, supported by the American Diabetes Association standards of care.
Topics include nutrition, such as carbohydrate foods and how they affect blood sugar, knowing how many carbs to consume, recognizing foods high and low in carbs, and meal planning. Self-management topics include knowing your numbers, proper method to monitor blood glucose, sick day diabetes management, traveling with diabetes, check-ups – what you need and how often, physical activity, and diabetes medicines.
Closing Thought
Remember the power behind the cross.
Sam and Sher Sevier Named 2016-2017 Lights of Life Campaign Chairs
Sam and Sher Sevier were named 2016-2017 Lights of Life Campaign Chairs and checks for $120,000 and $100,000 were presented during the Celebration Reception honoring those involved in the 2015-2016 campaign. The $120,000 check was presented to the Memorial Hospital CEO/Michael McAndrew and Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors. The funds will be used to purchase 6 CPR devices for EMS which will provide the EMS Department the tools and abilities they need to improve survival rates during cardia arrest. The LUCAS CPR provides consistent and quality chest compressions without the need to stop compressions to perform other clinical procedures. The check for $100,000 was added to the growing Health Care Foundation “Leaving a Legacy” Endowment Fund held in trust by Guaranty Bank Trust and Wealth Management Group.
The 2015-2016 Lights of Life campaign chairs Donna Rudzik, Gloria Mitchell and Polly Swatsell, 2015-2016 Campaign Chairs, recognized and thanked the generous sponsors and guests who contributed to the overwhelming success of this year’s event.
The community is encouraged to mark their calendars now for November 1, 2016 for the official 2016-2017 Lights of Life Campaign & Gala kick-off. January 28, 2017 is the date for the 11th annual Lights of Life Gala. Previous sponsors and guests are reminded that seating is limited at the gala and it sells out every year, so sponsors and guests are encouraged to respond to the first sponsorship mailing that will go out June 1, 2016.
Storm Summary for Wednesday Night Severe Weather
Wednesday night, March 23, 2016, a band of severe thunderstorms moved into Hopkins County around 11:30 p.m. and exited shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday morning. Radar indicates a severe thunderstorm capable of 70 mph winds and hail the size of ping pong balls, according to the National Weather Service. High winds accompanied by hail and rainfall swept across much of the county. Radar showed the heaviest band of hail to have been in the Southern segment of the county around the Seymore Community proceeding to Como and then into Franklin County.
Wednesday evening a thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service to be in effect until midnight for Hopkins County and the surrounding area thanks to a storm moving from Collin County into Hunt County. At the time of the watch issued, radar showed a line of thunderstorms stretching from Forestburg, Texas, north of Decatur, into Oklahoma as a cold front makes its way across the area. That watch was later extended to 4 a.m. Thursday morning when storms in Van Zandt and Rains Counties became more intense.
KSST began reporting the potential of severe weather approximately 30 minutes prior to the National Weather Service issuing the watch. We continued to follow the storms through the area until 1 a.m.
