Protecting Plants, Pipes And Animals From Frost And Freeze
By Mario Villarino, Extension Agent, Agriculture/Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Frosts and freeze can damage or kill exposed plants, especially those in containers. Damage can vary greatly among plant varieties, so cold-sensitive plants will require more protection than hardier plants.
Plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures because they lack the insulation the soil provides. They should be moved inside the home or garage — any space where temperatures will stay above freezing
If container plants cannot be moved indoors, put them on the south side of the house, water them well and pile on mulch, leaves or hay to protect the roots and/or cover them with a frost blanket.
Cold-sensitive landscape plants can also be covered with similar protection. When covering plants, drape them with cardboard or cloth material to the ground and secure it. The idea is to trap enough warmer air escaping from the soil to protect plants from a killing freeze. Stringing holiday lights around sensitive plants and covering them with a tarp can provide protection from light freezes.
Watering plants and making sure they are not drought-stressed before freezing temperatures arrive can help. Watering just before the freeze can also help because water creates warmth and loses heat slowly. Drought-stressed plants are more susceptible to the cold and if you can’t bring a plant inside, the best option is to cover them and remember to place them in a location that gets ample sunlight and to water them.
Protecting pipes
When it comes to freeze damage to homes, protecting exposed pipes is critical when temperatures dip below freezing. Outdoor faucets and pipes need extra protection when temperatures drop below freezing. It’s best to act early, rather than when the storm is coming in, prepare now because supplies of insulation and parts might be limited during a rush for items needed to protect pipes just before freezing temperatures arrive. Water pipes can freeze and burst when the outside temperature reaches 20 degrees or below, take precautions anytime temperatures dip below freezing. Pipes with northern exposure face increased risk of freeze.
Exposed pipes, including outdoor faucets, water sprinklers, water pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics or garages, pipes that run along exterior walls, swimming pool supply lines and well houses are especially susceptible to freezing temperatures.
Outdoor water systems should be drained and covered or allowed to drip slowly to help protect from damage. Products made to insulate water pipes like sleeves, insulation or heat tape should be applied to exposed water pipes. Many products are available at local plumbing supply retailers. Newspaper can also provide some protection to exposed pipes as long as exposure is not prolonged. Foam faucet covers also add protection to an area susceptible to freezing.
Leaving water running slightly does help during prolonged events, and heat lamps to raise temperatures in lesser-insulated spaces with pipes like well houses or basements can help prevent breaks. Insulating exposed pipes goes a long way to protect for a few hours of freezing temperatures but draining pipes inside the home is easy and draining pipes to any well head is a good idea when freezes are prolonged.
Protect livestock and pets
Farm animals and pets require extra attention when it is cold outside. Most livestock species are adaptable, however, it’s important to provide animals shelter to protect them from cold, blustery and wet conditions. Once a shelter is in place, maintaining the area can ensure animals stay healthy. Keeping outdoor animals bedding replaced will ensure they have an excellent place to escape the winter elements. Along those same lines, make sure that clean, adequate water supplies are available and will be easy to maintain during freezing conditions.
Energy and protein are important levels to evaluate during a cold winter, which includes high calorie food for companion animals as well as quality forage for livestock. Evaluate forage before offering it to livestock.
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].
SSPD Asking For Help Identifying, Locating Joe Bob’s Too Burglary Suspects
Sulphur Springs Police Department asking for assistance in identifying the individuals involved in a burglary at Joe Bob’s Too, located at 597 South League Street.
The offense is reported to have occurred early Friday morning. At least three people were caught on video, which SSPD has shared with the public. The individuals appear in the video to be wearing hooded shirts and face coverings, while going through items under counters. The suspect vehicle is believed to be the four-door model pictured at right.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joe Scott at SSPD at 903-885-7602, or remain anonymous by calling Lake Country Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020. Tips called into Crime Stoppers could result in a financial reward.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Representative Slaton Files Legislation To Finish Building Border Wall
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Last week, Representative Bryan Slaton, HD-2, filed legislation which would finish building the wall along the southern border with Mexico, as ordered by President Donald Trump during his term in office. HB 209 would empower the Texas Department of Public Safety to use the Border Security Enhancement Fund to construct a wall along the border while meeting minimum federal specifications.
Representative Bryan Slaton issued the following statement:
“Texas is under an invasion, and we need this border wall now more than ever. The human trafficking, crime, and illegal drugs that the cartels are bringing over our borders have reached unprecedented levels. Over 100,000 people died from illegal drugs last year alone. This is truly a crisis. While the whole nation is affected by the situation on our border, Texans are suffering the most. We must act.”
Representative Slaton filed similar legislation during the 87th legislative session.
Representative continued, saying, “The border wall is an issue of national and state security, and should not be a partisan issue. I am filing this bill because the federal government is failing to protect our citizens, so Texas must protect herself.”
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Current & Past Board of Directors Gather In Celebration
By Kayla Price
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding, fêted current and former Foundation Board members with a reception on November 15 at the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs lobby.
The reception felt more like a family reunion as community leaders gathered to celebrate the successes of the CMF-SS, HCHC Foundation, and the Hospital District.
CEO and President of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Paul Harvey welcomed the group who had gathered around the large, elegant Christmas tree festooning the entrance to the hospital. He provided the group with an update of what new offerings have been added at the hospital as well as a few soon to be available. He also shared the great position the hospital is in as well as the hospital’s on-going commitment to the community. Harvey concluded his comments by sharing his genuine appreciation for the devotion to local health care that those in attendance have.
Maleta Reynolds, chair of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, shared some of last year’s Foundation accomplishments with the attendees. One highlight was the unveiling of Annie’s Room, donated by Leesa and Brian Toliver, which had just occurred in the Medical Plaza. Leesa and Brian have served as Gala chairs, Board member, and frequent volunteers.
The crowd was also informed of the latest happenings at the Hospital District. President Kerry Law shared updates on the new 16,000 square foot building as well as details of the operations of EMS, ambulance services, and other programming the District provides to Hopkins County.
Guests were treated to a table of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres catered by ARAMark Chef Toby Blakley and
his Hospital Café staff.
Reminders of the long-standing support of those in attendance were visible at the reception, including a
lovely monument and water feature installed in a courtyard which overlooked the refreshments table. It
was a 2011 gift from Patsy and Coy Johnson to honor the hospital’s Volunteer Auxiliary’s 50th anniversary. Patsy is a former Foundation Board member who attended the reception. The Johnsons have been long-term supporters of the hospital and Foundation.
Additionally, the hospital gift shop, named for Mickie Masters-Barnett, is a prominent feature of the
hospital lobby. Her daughter-in-law and son, Rhonda and Chad Young, were also in attendance. They
have volunteered in support of the hospital and Foundation through the years as Gala chairs, Board
member, event hosts, and fundraisers.
The Foundation Board of Directors is and has always been composed of local volunteers who work to
identify and acquire resources necessary to provide a vast array of health care offerings to the citizens of
Hopkins County. Because of the work of those who have served on this Board, equipment, technology,
and programs not normally available at a hospital located in an area the size of Hopkins County, are
available for the benefit of all community members.
To find out more about the Foundation or funding opportunities to support local health care, contact
the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, at 903-438-
4799.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Nov. 14-20, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of Nov. 14-20 2022, included:
Arrests
- Matthew Monday, 41 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 16, 2022, for Possession of Less than 2 ounces of Marijuana.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 149 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 39 citations and 74 warnings during this reporting period.
Thankful To Serve A Great Community And Extend The Healing Ministry Of Jesus Christ
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Happy Thanksgiving
From our CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful to serve this great community and be able to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. It is our honor and privilege, every single day.
Hopkins County Turkey Trot
The CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room and Athletic Training staff will be onsite at the annual Hopkins County Turkey Trot this year to assist with any injuries. We will also have CHRISTUS associates that have graciously volunteered to help pass out water there as well.
The Hopkins County Turkey Trot race is on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. and CHRISTUS will be set up on the square near Corner Grub House. Please come by the purple tent and say hello!
Good luck to everyone that has entered the race!
Annie’s Room
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs held a reception last Tuesday, November 15, to celebrate the opening of Annie’s Room at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Medical Plaza. This special room was made possible through a generous gift from Leesa and Brian Toliver in honor of their granddaughter, Annie.
Annie’s parents, Jonathan and Sally, learned while they were pregnant with Annie, that the then unborn baby had a congenital heart defect. This necessitated Sally to make frequent trips out of town to visit a team of specialists for checkups.
Through the 2022 Lights of Life Gala, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was able to purchase a 4D Video Sonogram machine to be used by patients in this same situation to benefit from telemedicine and to mitigate the stress, hardship and expense of frequent out of town trips for doctors’ appointments. This allows a Sulphur Springs doctor to coordinate care with the CHRISTUS Maternal – Fetal Medicine Program, located in Tyler, all while keeping the pregnant mom from having to travel.
When the doctors from the CHRISTUS Maternal – Fetal Medicine Program need to discuss a diagnosis, treatment or follow-up with parents, a room is needed for the doctor’s tele visit. This room needs a large monitor, comfortable seating, and the ability for the room to be private so parents can converse with the doctors without interruption. The Tolivers, realizing what a benefit this would be for Hopkins County parents, graciously offered to fund the room and name it in tribute to young Annie. We are thankful for this generous gift to our community.
Flu Shots: Do Not Delay, Get Yours Today!
Flu shots are available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 105 Medical Plaza. Schedule an appointment with your provider today at 903.885.3181. If your provider has seen you in the last six months, you may walk in for a flu shot weekdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Wildcats Basketball Wins Game One, Thanksgiving Classic Continues Tuesday
Tuesday has Wildcat basketball playing in their second home game in as many days.
Sulphur Springs continues the Thanksgiving Classic Tuesday, Nov. 22 as they host Naaman Forest.
Monday had the men’s basketball team playing Dallas Lincoln, but Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad had to fight to win their first home game of the season.
While Sulphur Springs did jump out to a 6-4 lead early in the game, Lincoln would go on to lead for a vast majority of the game from there.
It took until about halfway through the fourth quarter for the Wildcats to retake the lead at 43-45.
Coach Shaver’s team took control from that point on as the Wildcats won 55-46 securing the victory in their home and tournament-opener.
The visiting Tigers gave the Wildcats all they could handle for a good portion of the game. Numerous traveling calls against Sulphur Springs ended many possessions in the first quarter as they trailed 16-11 and 33-28 after the first two quarters. Parker Whisenhunt and Kordrick Turner put the team on their backs in the second as both players combined for all 15 of the team’s points in the quarter scoring 10 and five in the second, respectively.
Dallas Lincoln made several open shots from downtown, helping them keep a leg up on the Wildcats. That all changed in the third as the defense locked down the sharpshooting Tigers. Sulphur Springs gave up just 18 points in the second half.
As the defense shut down Lincoln, great play-calling getting the rock to open players down low powered the men’s basketball team past the Tigers late, 55-46.
Three Wildcats led the way in double figures. Kordrick Turner got lots of looks, scoring 17 in the win, which in large part propelled Sulphur Springs past Lincoln late in the game. Whisenhunt, who scored 10 of his 15 points in the second quarter, got his last five in the second half.
Branson Lynn also had an impressive game, finishing with 10 in the victory.
Winning game one of their holiday tournament brings the season record for men’s basketball to 4-0. The Monday victory over Lincoln was the home-opener for the Wildcats, who continue their Thanksgiving Classic Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Tuesday has Sulphur Springs playing Naaman Forest in the final game of the holiday tournament.
That game is scheduled to tip-off in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 5 P.M.
Tuesday’s game will be broadcasted onto KSST 1230 AM.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Wins Fourth Straight, Hosts Farmersville Tuesday
Lady Cats basketball hosts a game in the SSHS Main Gym for the second day in a row, as Farmersville comes to town Tuesday.
Sulphur Springs looks to make it five straight victories if they can beat the Lady Farmers at home Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Coach Bryan Jones’s team won their fourth straight game, taking care of business versus Mineola on Monday.
The women’s basketball team came out to a blazing start, outscoring the visiting Yellowjackets 16-4 in the first quarter thanks in large part to Codee Roland.
The sophomore recorded seven of her 14 points in the first.
Mineola came roaring back in the second, outscoring the Lady Cats 15-10 to trail by seven at the half.
That is where the good times would end for the visiting Yellowjackets, as Sulphur Springs used even scoring the rest of the way to cruise to a 52-32 victory over Mineola on Monday, Nov. 21.
Six different players for Coach Jones’s squad scored in the victory. Addisyn Wall led the way at 18 points, thanks in large part to four shots made from downtown.
Monday’s fourth straight victory for the Lady Cats would have been a lot more precarious were it not for Trinity Jefferson’s 12 points; six in each half. The sophomore proved pivotal in the win — Mineola trapped Sulphur Springs all game long, and the Lady Cats, now much better suited to deal with that aggressive defense, found Jefferson consistently open as she took the rock and made several easy lay-ups to keep the team out in front.
Rounding out scoring for the Lady Cats, Kyra Carter made two field goals with Aaliyah Cheatum and Kenzie Willis both making a bucket in the win.
Watching Sulphur Springs constantly work around the trapping Mineola defense is night-and-day compared to last year’s team. By having a predominantly healthy team, the Lady Cats have several scoring and ball-handling options and can find ways to operate in spite of the trap.
The 52-32 victory over Mineola gives Sulphur Springs a 6-2 record, now having won four straight games.
They look to make it five straight when they host Farmersville on Tuesday.
That game is scheduled to tip-off in the SSHS Main on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at noon.
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.
Recent Refreshment Break Paris Junior College Provided on its Campuses
REFRESHING
PJC Student Activities Coordinator Megan Chapman, left, serves up Coke floats to students Mattie and Mollie O’Dell between classes at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus.
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.
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Nov. 21-25, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the remainder of the week of Nov. 21-25, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, NOV. 21 — Manager’s Choice with Black Beans and Corn, and a Roll.
- TUESDAY, NOV. 22 — Chicken Fried Steak Fingers, Mixed Vegetables, Macaroni and Cheese, and a Roll.
- WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23 — Turkey, Ham and Dressing, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes and a Roll.
- THURSDAY-FRIDAY, NOV. 24-25 — CLOSED To allow our volunteers To spend the Holiday With their Families.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
