Tree Roots By Mario Villarino
Metsulfuron-methyl is a residual sulfonylurea herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds and some annual grasses. It is a systemic compound with foliar and soil activity, that inhibits cell division in shoots and roots. It has residual activity in soils, allowing it to be used infrequently but requiring up to 22 months before planting certain crops (sunflowers, flax, corn, or safflower). It has very low toxicity to mammals, birds, fish, and insects, but is a moderate eye irritant. Metsulfuron is currently sold under several comercial names. It is an affordable option to control broadleaf plants and some weed grasses.The most important step in pesticide application is to read the label in its entirety before beginning any application. In most cases, off-target damage from herbicide use can be completely avoided by following the manufacturer’s label. It is important not only to use a herbicide with the correct concentration of the correct active ingredient, but also the one labeled for a specific crop or site. For example, Nufarm’s Manor® and PurestandTM both contain 60% of metsulfuron-methyl, but the former is labeled for turfgrass and the latter for pastures. Thus, applying PurestandTM to turf would be an off-label use. Not all metsulfuron herbicides labeled for turf are registered in CDMS. A web-wide search can yield equally suitable products (including generic options), like MSM Turf Herbicide Quali-Pro or Rometsol® by Rotam.Injury to not target plants from herbicide use is often simply a case of over application; therefore, it is always important to calibrate your equipment properly. Merely mixing the correct amount of product into a spray tank does not mean your equipment is calibrated. It is important to apply the correct amount of product per area and not to rely on the concentration of the spray solution. To reduce the chances of injury from drift, avoid making applications during periods of high temperature and low relative humidity. Never spray during windy conditions. Using nozzles that form larger droplet sizes and conducting applications at lower spray pressures can also help to reduce drift.
When metsulfuron-methyl injury has been reported, damage from drift or over-application (off-label) are often ruled out and injury is usually the result of root uptake. To avoid damage from root uptake, trees and shrubs should not be planted in areas treated with metsulfuron-methyl for at least one year after the last application and bedding plants should not be planted for at least two years. Never rinse out spraying equipment or flush hoses near desirable plants. According to most label instructions, metsulfuron-methyl should not be applied near desirable ornamental trees or shrubs, on areas where their roots may extend, or in locations where the herbicide may be washed or moved into contact with their roots.
How do you determine how far tree roots extend? This is difficult to determine because it is species dependent. A general rule of thumb is that for established trees, the roots are likely to extend up to two or more times the width of the branches (drip line). Research at the University of Florida has shown that on average, tree roots spread close to three times the spread of the drip line and fine roots are concentrated in the top 12 inches of soil with many in the top 2 inches (Gilman 2011). For large palms, primary roots are often found 50 feet or more away from the trunk. This means that just because the herbicide is not applied near the base of the plant does not mean that roots will not be contacted by metsulfuron-methyl or other similar herbicides. In practice, as per the label instructions, many residential lawns should not be treated with this herbicide because they are filled with tree roots Metsulfuron is a very effective and economical herbicide that has low odor, low usage rates, a short restricted entry interval (REI) of only 4 hours, and is safe on Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass, and other warm season turfgrasses. It is one of the few herbicides available to selectively control bahiagrass in other lawn types and also controls other broadleaf weeds that are often difficult to manage. However, caution should be used when applications are made on sites containing trees and palms growing in or near turf areas, especially sites where oak trees are planted. Metsulfuron-methyl is effective for weed control at low usage rates and the lowest effective rate should be chosen for the target weed species. For a given species, a lower rate will be effective when the weeds are still small, less than 4 inches tall (McAfee and Baumann 2007). As per the manufacturer label, do not apply metsulfuron-methyl-containing products in close proximity to ornamental species or in areas where their roots can be contacted. In landscapes containing many trees, palms, and shrubs, it will be difficult to avoid making applications over the root zone of potentially sensitive plants. In these cases, a different herbicide should be selected to avoid potential injury in certain situations. If injury has already occurred, recovery time will be based on numerous factors and is difficult to predict. The most effective corrective measure, if any is available, should be determined on a case by case basis depending on the species effected, application rate, time of year, and other environmental factors. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Incorporating Dike Townhall With Municipal Attorney Charlie Zeck
April 11, 2023- Municipal Attorney Charlie Zeck will be at the Dike community center Saturday April 15th to discuss Incorporating Dike.
Topics will include:
- CONTINUATION OF ALL COUNTY SERVICES
- CLARIFICATION OF NO PROPERTY TAX
- DESCRIPTION OF A CLASS-C MUNICIPALITY
Open for Q&A – send questions to [email protected]
POLLINATOR GARDEN PLANTING • EARTH DAY 2023
APRIL 22nd – 10am-1pm – Lunch Provided – Free Community Event
CraversTX Community Garden will be planting their FOURTH pollinator habitat in Sulphur Springs! Our event is in partnership with Pollinator.org and will also be a new way station for Monarchs.
A Monarch Waystation is an intentionally-managed garden that provides food and habitat for the struggling Monarch butterfly population. As a rule, a waystation must include at least 2 types of Milkweed, the ‘host’ plant for Monarchs.
Join us in the garden for a picnic lunch and planting. We have everything you need: gloves, native TX plants, Earth Day Crafts, etc. If you would like to volunteer, email them at [email protected]
The Community Garden is located at 420 W Park St in Sulphur Springs, TX.
Information From the Welding Program at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
STRUCTURAL WELDING
La’Den Tice works on a structural welding project in his class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop. To learn more about the welding program and enrollment procedure, call Instructor John Plemons at 903-885-1232.–
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
James Michael Feldman Sentenced
April 11, 2023 – Last week in 8th Judicial District Court, the case State of Texas vs. James Michael Feldman was tried. Feldman was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.
How The Case Started
In 2019, a CPS (or their equivalent) worker in New Jersey was investigating a completely separate matter and knocked on the door of the victim. During the interview, the victim told the investigator of the incident that had happened when she was visiting her dad in Sulphur Springs a few summers prior. At the time of the offense, James Feldman was living in Sulphur Springs while his daughter lived with her mother in New Jersey. Again, the act of sexual abuse occurred during a summer visitation between the father and daughter in Sulphur Springs. We believe the year to have been 2016.
After hearing the outcry, the CPS investigator was able to get word to the Sulphur Springs Police Department regarding the outcry of sexual abuse. SSPD requested law enforcement in Ocean County, NJ to perform a courtesy forensic interview of the child. This was completed and sent to Texas.
Since the time of the offense in 2016, everyone was living in the Northeast. The defendant was living in New York while the victim and her mother continued to live in New Jersey.
The Defendant was indicted in June of 2020 and appeared for court via zoom due to the pandemic. The entire time he had not been arrested on the charges. Eventually, the Defendant was ordered to appear in person and did not do so blaming back injuries and surgeries.
At this point, with cooperation between the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and a NYPD/federal task force, the Defendant was finally captured outside of his home. He was sent to Rikers Island and held there until a Governor’s Warrant could be obtained so that he could be extradited to Hopkins County. He officially arrived in Hopkins County in August of 2022.
During the investigation, the District Attorney’s Office was made aware of another biological daughter who was a victim of Feldman’s sexual abuse years ago. She was located in Florida.
At trial, the State presented testimony from the named victim from New Jersey as well as her mother. Also testifying was the other daughter/victim from Florida. The State brought the CPS investigator from New Jersey, the detective from New Jersey and a NYPD officer who was integral in the Defendant’s eventual arrest.
A Decision Rendered
After around 3 hours of deliberation on Wednesday, the jury found the Defendant guilty as charged. The Defendant had elected for the Court to set punishment in the event of a conviction. After hearing evidence and arguments, the Court sentenced the Defendant to 60 years in prison. Due to the classification of the offense, the Defendant would not be eligible for parole until he serves at least half of that time (or 30 years). (There may be 3 more mandatory years based on his remaining at large after the warrant was issued. That would be a decision for the parole board.)
“I am very proud of these young ladies for having the courage to travel very long distances and testify in front of the man who committed these acts. They spoke truth to this Hopkins County jury and justice was achieved. I appreciate the strong punishment verdict from the Judge. Just one more statement that Hopkins County will not tolerate the abuse of our most vulnerable.”
Will Ramsay
8th Judicial District Attorney
Click here to read a story on KSSTRadio.com about Feldman’s arrest. Ohio And New York Men Jailed On Aggravated Sexual Assault Of A Child Warrants
Baseball has crucial game Tuesday at Pittsburg
Sulphur Springs has another must-win game Tuesday, Apr. 11 when they travel to Pittsburg to take on the Pirates.
Coach Jerrod Hammock’s squad must win Tuesday in Pittsburg if they hope to keep postseason hopes alive.
Most recently, on Thursday prior to Good Friday, Wildcats baseball traveled to Paris for their second match-up with the Panthers. Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs, they fell big at North Lamar 14-0. It is the second such shutout loss in district play for Wildcats baseball.
Coach Hammock’s squad went hitless in Paris on Thursday. They also committed a costly six errors in the loss.
Pitcher for the Wildcats Ty Robinson picked up his third loss starting for Sulphur Springs in district play. He pitched just over an inning, giving up six hits in seven outs.
Coach Hammock’s squad coughed up 11 runs with Robinson on the mound, but the pitcher earned only three due to costly errors committed by Sulphur Springs.
Thursday’s loss dropped Wildcats baseball’s season record to 6-11 (2-7 district).
They look to rebound Tuesday when they head to Pittsburg for another duel for the final playoff position.
The Pirates are also 2-7 following their 3-0 loss to PG, so a win Tuesday for either team keeps them in the fourth spot with only five games left. More importantly, Tuesday’s duel in Pittsburg is the final match-up between the Wildcats and their hosts.
Sulphur Springs must win Tuesday if they hope to make the postseason.
The duel in Pittsburg tees off Tuesday, Apr. 11 at 7 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Hopkins County Commissioners Approve Inmate Psychiatry Service
April 11, 2023 – Hopkins County Commissioners Court discussed a temporary contract that would make psychiatry services available to inmates. This contract would bring Telepsychiatry services to inmates for a minimum charge of $1200 a month for a initial charge of $300 per inmate and $100 per month for a follow up appointment.
The commissioners unanimously approved the temporary contract for the services.
Speed Limit Change for CR 3523
April 11, 2023 Hopkins County Commissioners Court met April 10th and discussed the change of the speed limit for county road 3523 near the Community of Dike, TX. . With the sudden increase in traffic along the road the usual 35 miles per hour speed limit has been decided to be reduced to 25 mph. Commissioners unanimously approved the change of the speed limit.
Lady Cats track gets third, at 15-4A meet Tuesday
Coach Ross Hicks’s squad came up big again, getting a second straight top-3 finish as a team on Thursday. Doing so came at their home invitational on Thursday, Apr. 6.
It is a quick turnaround though as both track squads head to Texarkana for the 15-4A district championships this week.
It begins Tuesday, Apr. 11 at Liberty-Eylau’s Harris Field at 4 P.M.
Running Events
The 200 M dash was the first event in which Sulphur Springs scored points in their home invitational, as Jaicee Jasmer proved to be the first of two Lady Cats to emerge victorious in an event.
Her winning mark of 26.52 got Coach Ross Hicks’ squad 10 points. Codee Roland got sixth in the event.
Laney Hurst came in a little after a minute for fourth place and four points in the 400 M dash, but the 800 M run saw three Lady Cats get points:
- 3rd. Abigail Williams: 2:36.87 — six points
- 4th. Rainey Johnson: 2:38.59 — four
- 5th. Hurst: 2:42.75 — two points
Edith Martinez got fifth in the 1600 M run. She fared better in the 3200, getting third with a time of 12:36.62, and Dylan McKinney came up sixth in the event.
Lady Cats track & field placed fourth in the 4×100 M relay. Vanessa Wayne, Roland, Jasmer and Trinity Jefferson crossed the line at 51.80 for eight points. The same team, sub Wayne for Rowan Faircloth, got second with a mark of 1:51.58. That Lady Cat relay team scored 16 for Sulphur Springs.
Another fourth finish for Coach Ross Hicks’s squad came in the 4×400 M relay. Johnson, Jolea Moore, Hurst, and Aaliyah Cheatum got eight more for the Lady Cats.
Field Events
Codee Roland proved to be the final Lady cat to emerge victorious in an event in the Sulphur Springs invitational, coming up big in long jump.
Her winning mark of just over 15′ 1/2″ got her team 10 points.
Pole vault saw Jaicee Jasmer come up shy of winning a second event Thursday, getting second place as 12′ even. Her efforts got her team eight points.
Isabelle Thesing got sixth in discus. Amerson Boles placed the same in pole vault.
Sulphur Springs cumulated 88 points as a team. Lady Cats track and field slipped a spot as a team from last week’s competition, coming up third at their home invitational.
Next up, both track teams participate in the 15-4A district championships on Tuesday, Apr. 11.
The meet gets underway in Texarkana at Liberty Eylau’s Harris Field Tuesday at 4 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Notice Of Special Election For Dike Texas
April 11, 2023- Notice for the the registered voters of the Dike community,
This notice is issued to for the purpose of whether to incorporate the proposed city of Dike and to elect a mayor and two commissioners. The election of officials will only be necessary if the incorporation is approved by voters.
Voting will take place On May 6th located at the Dike Community Center at 6580 FM 69 North, Dike from 7a.m. to 7p.m.
Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted weekdays at Hopkins County Justice Of The Peace J.P. #2 Courtroom located at 128G Jefferson Street
