Liquid Versus Solid Fertilizers For Your Patio
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Many keep liquid fertilizers to feed individual plants around the patio. They act faster than solid fertilizers and give plants an immediate shot in the arm, so to speak. In fact, patio container grown plants do their best when they get frequent doses of liquid fertilizers, because nutrients are immediately distributed throughout the container. Liquid fertilizers work very well but have two negative aspects. First, they’re very short acting, necessitating more frequent feedings. Second, many mistakenly believe they’re far too expensive for gardens.
Soil nitrogen is difficult for plants to absorb until the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees. As such, early planted vegetables may start off very slowly. Liquid fertilizers negate this difficulty, by giving plants a shot in the arm until the soil warms up. It’s easy to overdo solid fertilizer, resulting in monstrous plants that produce very little, but since liquid fertilizers are so short acting, they don’t have this problem. Late in the season, liquid fertilizers can give tomato plants a much-needed shot to rejuvenate their fruit.
There are several free liquid fertilizers you can make, but most involve fresh manure and/or urine. An easy, free formula is to take an old pillow case and drop two shovelfuls of compost (not mulch) into it. Now, take a large garbage can with a lid and fill with water. Close off the pillow case, drop in the water and put on the lid. Let it steep 3-4 three to four days. Remove the bag, and you have a mild liquid fertilizer. If the liquid is very dark, dilute so that it changes to at least a medium brown color. Use a hand-held water can, and water your garden plants every 2-3 weeks. If the soil is dry, water to wet the soil first for better fertilizer penetration. Try it!!!
Hopkins County Republicans Call for Slaton to Resign
Local Republicans issue press release calling for District 2 Texas House Representative Bryan Slaton to resign in the wake of a report issued by the House General Investigating Committee. See previous story here: Slaton Faces Expulsion
The following Press Release was received by KSST News:
For immediate Release:
It is with much sadness that we the below, 10 members of the 11 member Hopkins County Republican
Party Executive Committee, call on Representative Bryan Slaton to immediately resign as
Representative of House District # 2. After reading the report of the House General Investigating Committee, in the matter of Representative Bryan L. Slaton, there is no other recommendation that we can make. While we commend Representative Slaton for much good work, we cannot condone conduct unbecoming a member of the House of Representatives as set forth by the House rules and the laws of the State of Texas. It is our hope that Representative Slaton will heed our call and let the healing process begin with his family, the victim and her family, and all other parties involved. We encourage everyone to continue in prayer and lift all involved up in prayer to God for his loving comfort and healing.
Donnie W. Wisenbaker, Hopkins County Republican Chairman
James Thompson, Precinct # 1 Chair Vince Palumbo, Precinct # 2 Chair
Karon Weatherman, Precinct # 2A Chair Nancy Swint, Precinct # 3 Chair
John Allen, Precinct # 3A Chair Debbie Harris, Precinct # 4 Chair
Daniel Bobay, Precinct # 16 Chair Jennifer Harrington, Precinct # 17 Chair
Melonie Findley, Precinct # 36 Chair
As members of the State Republican Party’s Executive Committee, that serves Hopkins County, we support the Hopkins County Republican Party Executive Committee members in their call for Representative Slaton’s immediate resignation.
Christian Bentley, SD-1 State Republican Party Executive Committee, Committeewoman
Donnie W. Wisenbaker, SD-1 State Republican Party Executive Committee, Committeeman
Local Rep Bryan Slaton May Face Expulsion After Release of Disturbing Report
May 5, 2023 – During the first working weekend session of the 88th Legislative session, members of the Texas House were presented with a report shortly after noon Saturday detailing the findings from the House General Investigating Committee. The report detailed that Slaton did not dispute allegations that he had sex wth a 19 year old aide as well as provided alcohol to the underage aide. The report also stated that Slaton did not express remorse or regret for his actions. The HGIC report indicated that Slaton’s attorney spoke to the committee and argued that the complaints should be dismissed as the location of the allegations occurred at Slaton’s Austin residence, not the workplace.
The five member House General Investigating Committee, made up of three Republicans and two Democrats, recommended that the 150 member Texas House exercise their right to expel Slaton from the House. The Texas House has not expelled one of their own members in almost 100 years. House Representative Andrew Murr (Republican) filed House Resolution 1542 which calls for a vote for Slaton’s expulsion. That vote would require a 2/3 majority from the Texas House.
District 2 Representative Bryan Slaton could also face criminal charges related to the incidents as the HCIC believe that Slaton committeed three Class A Misdemeanors including:
Providing alcohol to a minor,
Abuse of official capacity, which occurs when public servants violate a law relating to their office or employment, and
Official oppression, which can occur when a public servant “intentionally subjects another to sexual harassment.”
The House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, May 8th, at 10 a.m.
Update: Hopkins County Republicans Call for Slaton’s Resignation
Dike Incorporation Election Fails to Pass
May 6, 2023 – With 140 of 218 eligible voters in the Dike community voting in the special election for Class C Incorporation, the measure failed to pass witha majority of votes. 59 voters voted early, with 8 for and 51 against, and on election day 24 voting for and 57 voting against. With the measure failing to pass, mayor and city commissioner election results were rendered uneeded.
Dike will remain an unincorporated area of Hopkins County.
Como-Pickton CISD Elects Four to Board of Trustees
May 6, 2023 – A total of 81 voters voted in early voting and election day voting in the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees election. The four members elected to serve on the board are: DJ Carr, Brittney Wright Smith, Jim Murray, and Keith Monk.
The following are the vote totals for early and election day voting:
DJ Carr: Early, 49, Election Day, 27, Total: 76
Brittney Wright Smith: Early, 68, Election Day 28, Total: 76
Jim Murray: Early 48, Election Day, 24, Total: 72
Keith Monk: Early 45 Election Day, 22, Total 67
Danny R. Ireland: Early 8, Electin Day, 7, Total 15
Voters Elect Reed and Teer to SSISD Board of Trustees
May 6, 2023 – With 5.47% of the SSISD registered voters voting in this 2023 election, two new board members will take their place on the SSISD Board of Trustees. Darla Gibson Reed received the most votes of the four candidates with a total of 616 votes (437 early voting plus 179 on election day). Adam Teer received the second most votes with a total of 499 votes (360 early voting plus 139 on election day). As the top two out of the four candidates, Reed and Teer will take the two seats on SSISD board. The other two candidates, Earvin Larry, Jr. and Wesley Cooper received a total of 232 and 177 votes respectively.
Hopkins County Records – May 5th
Land deed Transactions
Ricardo Chavarria to Melvis Bonilla and Olga Bonilla; tract M A Bowlin survey
Robert Scott Ficke, James Scott and Sharon Amanda Scott to Charlye Hooten and Tristyn Hooten; tract M A Bowlin survey
Judy Kay Heaps, Stan Heaps, Carolyn Ann Rawson, Mary Ann Rawson, Michael Jean Rawson to 2 Times LLC; tract in the L P Dikes survey
Beborah M Jacobs and Michael D Jacobs to Deborah M Jacobs Revocable living trust, Deborah M Jacobs Trustee, Michael D Jacobs Revocable Living Trust, Michael D Jacobs Trustee; tract in the Santiago Comancho survey
Kimberly Posekany and TSSF LLC to Jacqueline Johnson; tract in the Edmond P Gaines survey
Donald Wayne Hatley and Mikell Sue Hatley to Brandon Lee Betterton and Kimerly Kay Betterton; tract in the Alexander Park survey
Hunter Wayne Mills to Dan Iven Hamiter SR Estate and Martha Dean Lee IND EXEC; tract M A Bowlin survey
Cynthia An Spence Bledsoe Co Trustee, Anna M Spence, Anna M Spence Co Trustee, Spence living Trust, Michael Leroy Spence Co Trustee, Mitchell Wayne Spence Co trustee and William Mark Spence Co Trustee; tract in the James Lee survey
Jana Dodd to Anita Jenkins; tract M A Bowlin survey
Amita Jenkins to Keegan Silas Morris and Savannah Christine Ritchie; tract M A Bowlin survey
Larry Lance Chapman, Tommie Cherie White Reeves and Matthew Grant White to Lauren Reeves; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Meredith Dodd to Wyatt Grace Properties LLC; tract M A Bowlin survey
Jose Santacruz to Ricardo Chavarria; tract M A Bowlin survey
Shelby Weatherbee to Larry A Weatherbee
Sharon Hooten Christy to Katelin L Gumpert; tract in the R Hicklin survey
Sharon Moore to James Michael Jordan; tract in the R Hicklin survey
Soraya J Fernandez and Jean Lafleur to Jean Jose Lafleur Co Trustee, Lafleur Living Trust, Soraya Jesus Fernandez Lafleur Co Trustee; tract in the E Burkham survey
Cephis Gregory to Buddy C Walls II; tract in the James Hawkins survey
Buddy C Walls II and Destanie Lyne Walls to Jeffery M Swiggart; tract in the E Melton survey
Cynthia Stinson and Rickey L Stinson to John Edward Rory Curtin IV and Kasey L Curtin; tract in the J W Hatchell survey
Bernable Colon Trustee, Janis Kit Colon Trustee and Colon Trust to Our Fathers House Church; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Billy Gunn to Square W Ranch LLC; tract in the D Ramsey survey
100 MPH+ Property Management LLC to Bonde David and Virginia Bode; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Darryl Lavonce Mcguire, Janice Elaine Mcguire, Shannon Raye McGuire and Willis Jaye McGuire to Landon Womack; tract in the Rattan D survey
Alvin A Wagner to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract M A Bowlin
Melissa Harris and Rebecca Wix to Heath Howard; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Tonja Lue Brown to Benjamin Wright; tract in the William Gregg survey
S Clements Homes Incorporated to Wattenbarger Properties LLC; tract in the Connally Corner survey
Ashley Nicole Likout and Ryan Likout to Cartus Financial Corporation; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Cartus Financial Corporation to Carla Gwen Turnipseed and Jimmy Don Turnispeed; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
Lisa Childress and Kris Childress to Cinthya Carrasco and Mark Anthony Carrasco; tract in the Santos Coy survey
L S Brophy and Aldo Molteni to Brittny Rene’e Caughron and William Kaleb Caughron; tract in the Daniel Fuller survey
Kayla Tully to Robert Stoll; tract in the Thomas Norris survey
Marrige License applications
Eli Logan Ham and Mollye Rosas
Tyrek Treyvon Cork and Alyssa Joyce McLarry
John David Conley and Frances Louise Corona
Judsen Tanner Truett and Kaitlyn Grace Brittain
Travis Charles Sutton and Marilee Ann Witton
Travis Michael Furguson and Colleen Rebecca McIntyre
BMW Recalls Vehicles Over Exploding Airbags
May 5, 2023- BMW has issued a “do not drive” warning to the owners of about 90,000 older models in the U.S. because of defective airbags that might explode in a crash.
The affected vehicles are the 2000-2006 model years that have been recalled before due to known issues with Takata-manufactured airbag inflators. however, BMW has decided to escalate previous recall notices to a “Do Not Drive” order due to the affected vehicles not being brought in for repairs.
Takata, The company responsible for the airbag inflators, used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags in the event of a crash. However, the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to heat and humidity and eventually blow apart a metal canister it is contained in, hurling metal pieces that can severely injure or even kill driver or passengers.
These repairs are free for the affected BMW models.
Since 2009, the exploding airbags made by Takata have killed at least 33 people worldwide, 24 of which was in the United States. Most of the deaths and about 400 injuries have happened in U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.
BMW stated that remote technicians can be sent to wherever the vehicle is located and repairs can be completed on site, typically in under an hour. If remote repair is not available for a customer with an affected vehicle, BMW will have the car picked up at the customer’s home or office free of charge, repaired and returned when the service is complete.
Owners of the affected vehicals may contact BMW here: BMW Recall’s or by calling BMW customer relations (866)-835-8615
SSISD Board Names Lone Finalist For SSISD Superintendent
May 5, 2023 – Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees selects Dr. Deana Steeber as the lone finalist to be the next superintendent.
The Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees would like to announce that Dr. Deana Steeber has been selected as the lone finalist for the district’s next superintendent. Former superintendent, Mike Lamb, ended his time at SSISD on April 30, 2023.
Dr. Deana Steeber is coming from Argyle ISD, where she serves as the Assistant Superintendent. She has 27 years of experience in education. She has served as an Assistant Superintendent since 2017. Prior to joining Argyle ISD, she served as a principal for 11 years at the high school, middle school, and elementary campus levels. Dr. Steeber grew up in Oklahoma where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Soon after, she completed a Master of Education. Dr. Steeber completed a Doctorate in School Administration at Texas A&M University – Commerce. Dr. Steeber has been involved in the master planning process for a fast growth school district, resulting in the passage of bonds and expanding learning opportunities for students. She is committed to effective team building, curriculum and program development through transparency and open, honest communication. She believes in being pro-active and reaching out to the community, involving them in the learning process, which contributes to the long-term success of the district. Encouraging students to be problem solvers and analytical thinkers who are adaptable gives them the ability to excel and compete at their greatest capacity.
Dr. Steeber has been married to her husband, Dr. Robert Steeber for twenty-six years. Dr. Robert Steeber is a retired superintendent in the state of Texas. They have two children, Hanna and Joseph. Hanna currently serves as a teacher and is a graduate of Texas Tech University. Joseph is in his senior year at the University of Texas at Arlington where he is a pitcher for the baseball team. He is pursuing a degree in Business Finance.
The school board was very pleased with the number of applicants that applied for the position, which totaled 48. The board studied each resume folder and narrowed candidates down to seven for the interview portion of their search. Sulphur Springs ISD Board President Craig Roberts said that all seven candidates were outstanding, but after the interviews were complete, they all agreed that Dr. Deana Steeber was the right fit for the district. Roberts continued, “The trustees are excited to welcome Dr. Steeber to our district. As an educational leader, she will guide our district’s vision to be a home for excellence in public education. Her proven track record brings experience and excitement which will lead to opportunities for our staff, students, and community. It is truly a Great Day to be a Wildcat! Let’s be the first to welcome Dr. Steeber.”
Rep. Bryan Slaton Refused To Speak About Closed Investigation Hearing
State Rep. Bryan Slaton, the Royse City Republican who had been accused of having inappropriate relations with a staffer, has declined Thursday to discuss his attendance at a closed-door hearing of a house investigation panel that has been looking into these allegations.
Slaton did not answer questions from reporters as he left the room where a due-process hearing was taking place. He was absent from the House floor as the investigative panel was meeting in a separate part of the Capitol.
The meeting of the General Investigating Committee came after the five-member panel voted unanimously on Monday to conduct a private due-process meeting.
Last month, a Capitol staffer alleged in a complaint to the committee that Slaton, 45, had sex with one of his employees, a woman under 21, and also provided her with alcohol. The said incident is thought to have occurred in Slaton’s Austin apartment in March.
Slaton has since refused to comment on his allegations, instead referring reports and the likes to his lawyers who have since released a statement claiming the allegations to be “false” and “outrageous” without specifying further.
The committee has kept its investigation under wraps, refusing to name the lawmaker currently being investigated and referring to the investigation as “Matter B” in public hearings. The committee is also believed to be looking into allegations of an “abusive and hostile” work environment by state Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston.
The committee also issued a subpoena in “Matter B” directing a man “to provide all relevant testimony and information concerning the committee’s inquiry” as well as the issuing of “one or more subpoenas for a part or portion of any relevant testimony or information as necessary to avoid overburdening a witness or the committee.”
The identity of the man who has been subpoena has yet to be identified.
The committee members then walked across the hall for their 2 p.m. due-process hearing and almost immediately went into executive session. About an hour later, Slaton was seen exiting the room through the same door he’d entered.
Slaton, one of the most far-right social conservatives in the Legislature, has been married to his second wife since 2017.
He joined the Texas House in 2021 after a campaign financed heavily by far-right Texas groups that framed him as a Christian family man and touted his previous work as a Southern Baptist youth pastor.
The allegations of an inappropriate workplace relationship created shockwaves through the most conservative wings of the Texas GOP. After days of rumors at the Capitol about Slaton’s unexplained, multiday absence last month, he faced calls to resign from two lawmakers with whom he is ideologically aligned.
