Recovery of Stolen Property Leads to Arrest
A 31-year old Pickton man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a recent Hopkins County home burglary. The burglary occurred at a residence on State Highway 154 South. Justice of the Peace B.J. Teer set bond for William Kyle Parks at $50,000. Stolen goods work at least $25,000 were recovered by Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies. Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Investigator Lewis Tatum stated that the owner of the stolen property, including a Carlos Santana autographed guitar, posted pictures of the stolen items on social media. A Hawkins business that had purchased the stolen items notified local authorities.
Sheriff’s Criminal Investigator Dennis Finley and SSPD Detective Monty Tipps began the investigation Tuesday with a trip to Hawkins. Tipps went along because of his expertise in musical instruments and equipment. A photo lineup shown to the purchaser led Tatum, Finley, and a patrol deputy to travel to Pickton with a search warrant in hand. Parks, from Sulphur Springs but living in Pickton, was arrested at the time.
Tatum said the cooperative effort led to the recovery of amplifiers, power equipment, guitars, fishing equipment, shop equipment, televisions, and other items.
State Rep Flynn Files For Re-election
Wednesday, November 18, 2015, State Representative Dan Flynn, R-Van, filed for re-election at the Republican Party of Texas Headquarters in Austin, Texas.
Representative Flynn, Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, said: “It has been a great honor and privilege to serve as State Representative for House District 2, and today I am filing to run for re-election.”
Flynn went on to say, “I am pleased that in the last session we prioritized public education, and fought to protect innocent life and religious freedom. We addressed important water issues, and took steps to improve transportation while upholding our constitutional responsibility of maintaining a balanced budget. Our economy continues to be affected by the challenges in funding public education, the decline in oil and gas prices as well as the continued challenge of funding healthcare.”
“With the anticipation of a new administration in Washington, I feel we will finally have the opportunity to receive assistance in securing our Southern border and will truly be able to address illegal immigration and sanctuary cities. I will continue my efforts for Texas to recognize only American law on American soil,” said Rep. Flynn.
“There is still so much to be done, and I would ask for your support to represent the constituents of House District 2, to continue fighting for your interests and for the good of all Texans.”
NETLA Broiler Show Validation by November 30th at 5:00 PM.
NETLA Broiler Show Validation by November 30th at 5:00 PM.
Broiler projects are popular with 4-H and FFA members and are an integral part of most youth livestock shows. Broiler projects are especially suitable for youngsters with limited space. When planning to start a broiler project, contact the county Extension office, a 4-H leader or an agricultural science instructor. Birds not shown can be slaughtered for home use or sold locally to special markets. For the NETLA show (our local county show) broilers are provided in pens of 25 each with every validation entries. All participants of the NETLA show must belong to a 4-H club, be currently enrolled, have a quality counts number and have a validation form filled out with $30 payment to NETLA by November 30th 2015 at 5:00 PM. Broilers will be ready for pick up January 13 or 14, 2016.
Preparation and Brooding
Clean and disinfect the broiler house, feeders and waterers at least two weeks before the chicks arrive. Wash the house down with soap and water. Then spray a commercial disinfectant labeled for use in poultry houses. Be prepared for the chicks two days in advance. Put at least 4 inches of litter on the floor of the cleaned, disinfected house. Wood shavings, cane fiber, coarse dry sawdust, peanut hulls or rice hulls make good litter. Hay makes very poor litter. Keep all sticks, boards and sharp
objects away from the broiler house. Construct a cardboard brooder guard (brooder circle) to keep chicks near heat, water and feed. The brooder guard should be 18 inches high and must be a minimum of 5 feet in diameter for 50 chicks. When chicks are seven days old, remove the guard and allow them full freedom of the pen. Electric heat lamps (infrared bulbs) are good heat sources for brooding chicks. Two 125-watt bulbs per 50 chicks are recommended. Make certain lamps are secured so they cannot fall to the litter and create a fire hazard. The lamps should hang so that the bottoms are 18 to 24 inches from the litter. Lamps can be raised or lowered depending on temperature conditions. Place waterers a good distance from the lamps to prevent splashing water from cracking the hot bulbs. If a gas or an electric hover-type brooder is used, it should operate at a temperature of approximately 92 degrees to 95 degrees F. Gradually reduce the temperature 5 degrees each week until the broilers are three to four weeks old or until the house temperature reaches 70 degrees F. When chicks are comfortable, they will bed down in a semicircle around the perimeter of the heat zone. If cold, chicks will crowd under the heat source. If too warm, they will move to the outer limits of the brooder guard. Chilling can stunt chicks. In cold weather the heat source should be turned on 48 hours before chicks arrive to adequately heat the litter.
A complete set of recommendations in how to raise chicken for shows by contacting the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office or email me at [email protected].
Holiday Food Safety Success
Holiday Food Safety Success
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings and perhaps, just for a moment, forget about all the turmoil that is taking place around the world. Many families will be gathered around a table for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. In order to keep your friends and family healthy, there are some tips that need to be followed.
1) Be prepared! Before purchasing your turkey, make ample space in your refrigerator, moving shelves if necessary. There is no quality difference between a fresh or frozen turkey although fresh turkeys have shorter shelf lives. By purchasing a frozen turkey, you can get the turkey in advance and take advantage of special sales. Fresh turkeys provide convenience because they do not require thawing. Allow one pound per person.
2) When to Buy: Keep in mind that a whole turkey takes about 24 hours per four to five pounds to thaw in the refrigerator. (For example: A 15-pound frozen bird will take 3 to 4 full days to thaw in the refrigerator.) Ideally, purchase your frozen turkey as far in advance as necessary to safely thaw it in the refrigerator. If buying a fresh turkey, purchase it only 1 to 2 days before the meal and keep it refrigerated.
3) Thaw Properly! There are three ways to thaw your turkey safely — in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave oven. In the Refrigerator (40 °F or below), allow approximately 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds: 4 to 12 pounds – 1 to 3 days; 12 to 16 pounds – 3 to 4 days; 16 to 20 pounds – 4 to 5 days; 20 to 24 pounds – 5 to 6 days. Be sure to keep it in its original wrapper and place a pan under it to catch any juices that may drip. Thawing the turkey in the refrigerator is the safest method and will result in the best quality. You may keep the turkey safely in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days after thawing with this method.
If you choose to thaw in cold water, allow 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes making sure the water is not able to seep through the wrapper. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing with this method.
If you choose the microwave method, follow your oven’s manual for recommended thawing times and cooking power. Remove all wrappings and place on a microwave safe dish. Cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Remove the giblets and cook separately after thawing.
4) Cook to a safe temperature! The single most important thing to know, no matter the cooking method, is that the turkey must be cooked to the proper internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone. Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
5) Safe Serving: It’s best to let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to set, so the turkey will carve more easily. Use a clean cutting board that has a well to catch juices. (For maximum safety, stuffing should be cooked separately.) Do not leave any extra turkey, stuffing or other leftovers out for more than two hours.
6) Store Leftovers Safely! Within two hours, store leftover turkey in shallow containers and put in the refrigerator or the freezer. Use cooked leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy within 3-4 days. Cooked turkey keeps for 3-4 months in the freezer. When using leftovers, reheat the foods thoroughly to 165 °F or until hot and steaming; bring gravy to a boil before serving.
For more information about Thanksgiving food safety, go to http://www.fightbac.org/winter/thanksgiving/talking-turkey/.
Hopkins County 4-H News
Several opportunities await Hopkins County 4-H members in December! For those who are in high school, a District-wide 4-H Opportunities Scholarship workshop will take place in our own neighborhood! The workshop is scheduled Monday, December 7, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs. Two sessions are being offered, so choose the one that best suits your schedule: 10:00 a.m., repeated at 6:00 p.m. There is no cost, but interested 4-H members should call 903-885-3443 or sign up on your 4-H Connect account.
On Tuesday, December 8, all Hopkins County 4-H members, leaders, parents, and guests are invited to the County-wide 4-H Christmas party. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. at the League Street Church of Christ, and then carpool to Sunny springs Nursing Home to deliver snow flake door ornaments and sing Christmas carols with the residents. Then, we’ll travel back to the church for food, games, photo booth and crafts. Bring your camera or phone to take pictures! Because our office is providing the refreshments, we are asking those who plan to attend to contact our office at 903-885-3443. Our County 4-H Council officers have planned a fun evening!
Closing Thought
The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.
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]
Saltillo Lions Open Season With Loss
Saltillo Lions varsity hosted Class 3-A Chapel Hill Tuesday night and, according to Coach Bill Giles, “are not ready to compete against a good 3A team.” Saltillo lost 81-21.
Chapel Hill outscored the Lions 28-5 in the first quarter and continued 20-point quarters in the second and third. Saltillo had only one double digit quarter, the second. It was 51-15 at the half. Coach Giles said, “We have a lot of work to do. Hopefully our players now understand the importance of doing things right, not turning the ball over, and being more active on defense.
Lane Bench led Saltillo scoring with 12. The team was 4 for 8 from the free throw line. Others scoring for the Lions: Lyle Bench 2, Logan Camp 3, Adam Valenzuela 2
The Lions are 0-1 on the season and see action Thursday through Saturday in the Slidell Tournament. They face Denton Calvary in the first game of the tourney.
The Junior Varsity Boys lost to Chapel Hill as well. The good news in the JV game is that the Lions were 4 for 4 at the free throw line. Scoring for the JV: Ben Moore 6, Levi Hoover 2, Canyon Davis 2.
The JV, 0-1, takes on Avery November 24.
Scoring by Quarter:
Varsity Boys
Chapel Hill 28 23 22 8 = 81
Saltillo 5 10 4 2 = 21
Junior Varsity Boys
Chapel Hill 12 13 6 12 = 43
Saltillo 6 0 2 2 = 10
Lady Cats Overwhelm Lindale 73-40
The Lady Cats’ basketball team put four strong quarters of offense together to overwhelm Lindale, 73-40 Tuesday night in Wildcats Gym. Kaylee Jefferson hit 14 of 17 free throws and scored 28 points to lead the Lady Cats. Lexie Moore added 14 points and Sheretta Hill 12.
The 3-0 Lady Cats host Hugo, Oklahoma Friday.
Bank Robbed in Franklin County
Franklin County Sheriff, Ricky Jones announced today November 17, 2015, that his department along with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers Service are investigating a Bank Robbery which occurred at 1:20PM at the Lake Cypress Springs Branch of First National Bank of Mount Vernon. The bank is located at 6648 FM 115, Scroggins in Franklin County.
A male subject entered the bank wearing jeans and a bright orange hoodie. Displaying a handgun, he directs the employees to fill a white plastic bag with money. Robbery suspect then takes one of the employee’s vehicle keys, goes outside the bank and steals the employee’s truck making his getaway. The get-away vehicle was recovered about three miles from the bank, shortly after the initial call, abandoned at a vacant house located at 72 SE County Road 4320, just off of FM 3122. No one was injured during the Robbery.
Robbery Suspect/Suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of money. The Lake Cypress Branch Bank is located in a high traffic area near the lake and Sheriff Jones is requesting if anyone feels they have any information, which may lead to the apprehension of the suspect or suspects to please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (903) 537-4539 or Northeast Texas Area Crime Stoppers by phone at 903-577 TIPS(8477) or at www.netacrimestoppers.org
Presidential Hopeful Santorum Speaks at Fundraiser in Sulphur Springs Tuesday
Presidential hopeful former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was in Sulphur Springs Tuesday at noon to address supporters and the curious at a fundraiser in the Regional Civic Center banquet room. Santorum, a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2012 election, won 11 contests and received 4 million votes, putting him in second place to nominee Mitt Romney. When Santorum suspended his campaign that year due to family health issues, he began talking about his 2016 campaign.
In an interview with KSST News, Santorum said his response to the terrorist attack in France would have been different from that of President Obama. Santorum believes one has to understand the Islamic State, ISIS. He stated to understand them, one has to read their books and study the seventh century beginnings of Islam. He said ISIS is territorial. Thus, they establish a Caliphate. A Caliphate is the territory governed by the group and as long as they have territory under their control they exist as a state. Santorum said Obama’s desire to contain ISIS is good news to them. They desire to remain a state and will not give up as long as their control specific territory.
Santorum said the immigration problem has taken on new meaning now that Syrian refugees are being allowed to enter the United States. He said to allow either Muslim and/or Christian Syrians to enter is a mistake. To allow Christians to immigrate is to give in to ISIS desire to push Christians from homelands they have held for 2000 years. He said the U. S. needs to stop immigration period.
Should he receive the Republican nomination, he expects to run against Hillary Clinton in the November election showdown. He said the former First Lady and former Secretary of State would prove a formidable foe to Republicans, especailly those who are beginners in international affairs. Only Santorum and one other have had interaction on the international stage, he said.
*Update* Burger Grind Grinds to a Halt
Burger Grind on Main ST has closed its doors for good. Burger Grind continues to see success in Tyler where the restaurant was first established. Its Sulphur Springs location, however, saw little to no service in the long run. According to Burger Grind owner Dennis Moreau, the Sulphur Springs location saw only a small lunch crowd and an even smaller crowd at dinner. The Sulphur Springs location was closed and a second location is opening in Tyler. The new location will help satisfy the demand in Tyler.
Christian Bookstore Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Good News Bookstore, a Christian bookstore, will soon celebrate its 25th anniversary under the ownership of Garry and Gena Jordan. Owners Garry and Gena Jordan were guests on KSST’s Good Morning Show with Enola Gay Tuesday morning. Garry said it is hard to believe they have been in business that long.
Once known as Thee Bookstore, the Jordan’s began ownership of the bookstore when it was located under the then old water tower on Main Street just blocks off the square. They moved from that location to a location in Windsor Plaza. Now located in the VF Outlet Mall, the Jordan’s purchased The Good News Bookstore in Mt Pleasant and changed the name of the local store at that time.
Both Gena and Garry worked in the 41-year old business long before owning it. Gena worked volunteering her time when she first started in the bookstore started by a group of local Christian business leaders. When the store began, the owners at that time could only afford to pay one worker.
The Jordans’ are currently celebrating the anniversary.
