Deputy Finds Fake ID, Suspected Marijuana, Synthetic Urine
2 Men Jailed On Warrants, 1 on Marijuana Charge
November 11, 2022 – A sheriff’s deputy stopped to check on a motorist parked on the shoulder of I-30, but ended up finding a fake ID, suspected marijuana and synthetic urine; one person was taken into custody on a fraud charge as a result. A Naples man with two outstanding warrants allegedly gave a fake name and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine during an early morning traffic stop, and the other Naples man in the car was found to be wanted as well. About two hours later, a Grand Prairie man was found in possession of three baggies of suspected marijuana.
I-30 West Motorist Assist
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Bobby Osornio stopped near mile marker 140 on Interstate 30 west to check on occupants of a Chevy Malibu parked with flashers on on the improved shoulder of a bridge, between a guardrail and the solid white line, at 12:05 a.m. Nov. 11, 2022. He pulled in behind the car and turned on his emergency lights, so other motorists would be aware they were on the roadside.
Upon contact, Osornio noted the female driver was crying. The woman told him she was upset because of the vehicle problems she was having. While talking to her, Osornio said he noticed another female walking on the shoulder toward the woman’s car. He instructed the driver to move the car forward to a safer location past the bridge.
Osornio noted a strong marijuana odor could be smelled coming from the car while he was talking to the woman, then, noticed a green, leafy substance he believed to be marijuana on the passenger’s side floorboard.
The driver gave the deputy a Texas ID card and the other female, identified as a passenger, gave Osornio a Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate card identifying her as April Danielle Homer. He then had the two women exit the car and asked them to empty their pockets. They agreed to let the deputy search their wallets. A driver’s license in Homer’s wallet appeared to the deputy to be a fake ID, but had Homer’s name and date of birth on it. A records check using the card number showed it had been issued to someone else, Osornio alleged in arrest reports.
Homer also was allegedly found to be in possession of a small baggy containing a green leafy substance the deputy believed to be marijuana. A probable cause search of the car revealed a marijuana rolling tray with residue in the passenger’s side floorboard and two bottles of synthetic urine in the glove box, Osornio alleged in arrest reports. He collected the suspect marijuana, rolling tray and synthetic urine secured it. Homer was placed into custody at 12:27 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. The driver had help en route to assist her with the vehicle problems. He left the driver to wait and transported the 35-year-old Dallas woman to Hopkins County jail.
Homer, who arrest reports show is also known by the alias “Boosie,” was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:05 a.m. Friday Nov. 11, 2022, on a fraudulent use or possession of less than 5 items of identifying information, according to arrest reports.
West Shannon Road Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Dustin Green reported stopping a Honda Civic at 12:38 a.m. Friday morning, Nov. 11, 2022, on West Shannon Road (near I-30 east mile marker 123) for a traffic violation.
Upon contact, Green obtained ID information from the two men in the car, and asked communications operators for a records check on the two.
Dispatchers advised the passenger had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. After the warrant was confirmed by Bowie County authorities as active, the 34-year-old Naples man was arrested at 12:58 a.m. Friday on a warrant for violating probation on a misdemeanor theft of property warrant.
Green had the driver step out of the tan vehicle as well. As he did, the officer reported seeing a clear plastic bag with a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine on the driver’s seat where the Naples man had been sitting in the car. The suspected meth and packaging weighed 1.2 grams, resulting in the driver’s arrest at 12:54 a.m. Friday, Green alleged in reports.
The car was impounded and the two Naples men were transported to the county jail. Upon arrival at the county jail, however, Green learned the driver had given him a false name. Instead of being 33-year-old Lamonte Williams, the driver was actually 32-year-old Dereck Williams of Naples, Texas, a man with two outstanding warrants.
As a result, Dereck Wayne Williams was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:50 a.m. Nov. 11, 2022, on possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and failure to identify charges, as well as a violation of parole warrant and a Morris County unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge. Bond was recommended at $4,000, according to arrest reports.
The passenger was booked in at 2:22 a.m. Veterans Day on the misdemeanor Bowie County warrant for violation of probation, according to arrest reports.
I-30 West Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy Josh Davis stopped a Toyota Corolla at 3:35 a.m. Friday at mile marker 116 on I-30 west for a defective license plate light and expired registration. Upon contact with the driver, Davis reported he could smell a marijuana odor and noticed a small baggy containing suspected marijuana in the 25-year-old’s front shirt pocket.
Davis then advised the Grand Prairie man he would be conducting a probable cause search of the car. Two large bags of suspected marijuana were found in a backpack in the trunk, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Demetrice Rashun Watson Jr. was taken into custody at 4:34 a.m. Nov. 11, 2022, and the car was impounded. Upon arrival at the sheriff’s office, the suspected marijuana was weighed. The small bag weighed 3.46 grams and the two larger bags together weighed 2.02 pounds. Watson was booked into the county jail at 5:03 a.m. Friday for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana (roughly 2.03 pounds), a felony offense.
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.
Author Jenniffer Hudson Connors To Be Featured Speaker At Nov. 17 Genealogical Society Meeting
Jenniffer Hudson Connors. is slated to give a “Veterans Day worthy presentation” during the next Hopkins County Genealogical Society meeting.
Based on her first novel, “In His Hands,” she will tell the story of Lily and Chu. As Lily closes her beloved grandmamma’s house, she finds a bundle of letters written by a pilot in the Vietnam War. The discovery of a long-lost uncle, MIA since 1972, leads her on a search to learn more about him and the answer to a prayer first uttered two generations before.
The author will deliver her talk in person at the 7 p.m. Nov. 17 HCGS meeting in the library, 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs.
Those who live too far from Sulphur Springs to drive to the meeting can join in via Zoom! Register in advance for this meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAud-ioqzwiE9Jk-BhaPxjdSvqxLKbjhg7k. A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent upon completion of registration.
Commander Bryan Crittendon and Corporal Robert Kerr Honored
Bryan Crittendon and Robert Kerr have been awarded the Congressional Veteran Commendation. In a ceremony held on Thursday November 10th, 2022, standing with other distinguished veterans, Crittendon and Kerr were received by Representative Pat Fallon. Both Veterans are members of the Hopkins County Marine Corp League.
The ceremony was conducted at the Plano Flags of Honor in Plano, TX. The Plano East Rotary Club errects 1000+ American flags each November in honor of those who have served and continue to serve today.
The Congressional Veteran Commendation is a nominations-based program designed to recognize the wartime sacrifices and peacetime community involvement of Texas Veterans. Honorees are exceptional Americans in every way.
Bryan Crittendon served as a transport helicopter pilot and obtained the titles of Captain and Pilot. As a Military Chaplain, he ministered to active troops, and continues that work at his church. He has become certified as an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer.
Kerr was a squad leader at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. He served in Viet nam as a Squad Leader, and was also an Ammunition Technician. Kerr was also awarded a Purple Heart during his service in Viet Nam. Kerr is the Judge Advocate of the Hopkins County Marine Corp League.
Registration For Blue Santa Toy Program Continues Through Dec. 2, 2022
Blue Santa Toy Drive Slated Dec. 1-2, At Walmart
Registration is currently under way for the Hopkins County-Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Toy Program, a partnership of city and county law enforcement and CANHelp, in cooperation with local businesses and community members.
How To Apply
Hopkins County families with a financial need may apply to the local Blue Santa program for assistance in providing toys for their children, ages 1-14 this Christmas. Registration began on Halloween and will end on Dec. 2, 2022. To apply for assistance, go online to the CANHelp website, canhelponline.org, and select “Click here to register” under the Blue Santa logo when it appears on the main banner. Then, follow the instructions to complete the application.
- When signing up online, families will need to provide:
- Proof of Hopkins County residence, such as a current utility bill;
- Birth certificate or proof of school enrollment for each child;
- Proof of income (help is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines);
- Proof of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF or CHIPS (a state benefits letter), if applicable; and
- If not the child’s parent, proof of guardianship must be shown.
All applications must be completed online and an email address is required for the parent/guardian applying for toy assistance for the children in their care. CANHelp is helping to screen applicants, and will be communicating with registered families through email. Families may also receive text reminders about the pick up, so a cell phone number is needed.
Toy distribution will be Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Everyone will line up in their vehicle starting at the City National Bank drive-through at 201 Connally Street, then follow the officers’ directions to pick up location. Sulphur Springs Police officers will control the traffic, Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies and Sheriff’s Posse will provide security. CANHelp will be set up to distribute assigned numbers as the vehicles drive through the designated location at FUMC.
Any additional questions about registration may be directed to CANHelp at 903-885-9797.
How To Help
Blue Santa has been a holiday tradition in Hopkins County for decades. Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County law enforcement work together to see that no child goes without gifts at Christmas. The officials, however, depend on the community to help bless Hopkins County children by contributing toys and monetary donations to apply toward toys.
Toy donations may be made in the labeled Blue Santa barrels being distributed at locations throughout Hopkins County, at the annual 2-day Toy Drive or handed to Santa’s Helpers (look for the people wearing blue Christmas hats alongside Blue Santa’s ride) during the Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade.
Look for Blue Santa barrels (or other designated Blue Santa containers) at the following and other locations throughout the county:
Monetary donations to benefit the Blue Santa program may be made at the Blue Santa Toy Drive, electronically by scanning a QR code on or beside Blue Santa barrels, on the Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Blue Santa Facebook page and on flyers on this page.
Toy Drive
The Blue Santa Toy Drive is an annual event the community looks forward to every year.
Businesses, offices, agencies and sometimes even friends or families have fun challenging each other to contribute to Blue Santa. Kids enjoy going to the store, selecting items they would like or that they think kids of other ages would like, then taking them to drive to children who aren’t as financially fortunate as their families.
Children have been known to bring change they’ve saved up in their piggy banks to donate, because they can’t stand the thought of another kid not having presents to open and enjoy on Christmas. All amounts, big or small are appreciated and will be used to provide toys for Hopkins County children.
This year’s annual two-day Blue Santa Toy Drive will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2, 2022, in the corner of Wal-Mart parking lot closest to Super Handy. Look for the law enforcement tents and Blue Santa.
Another annual part of the Toy Drive is the brisket lunch, provided by CJ Duffey and Choice Hospice. Pull up, ask for a lunch, make a $5 donation (or more if you are feeling generous) and someone will bring it to you. Delivery will be available in town for those ordering a minimum of five lunches per location. To reserve a lunch or schedule delivery for 5 or more brisket lunches Dec. 1-2 during lunch time (or until they run out) call 903-366-6629.
Bring the kids to the Toy Drive. The Grinch will be making his appearance with Blue Santa himself at the Toy Drive. A QR Code will be available for purchasing lunches and making donations.
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education
By JOHANNA HICKS, Texas AgriLife Extension Agents for Family and Community Health in Hopkins County, [email protected]
Each year in November and December, my co-worker and I provide highlights and impacts of our programming for the year. My passion has been teaching others about self-management of diabetes. Many people know that our son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 ½. Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes is most common among young people. The pancreas stops producing insulin due to the body’s own immune system attacking itself and harming the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is necessary to regulate blood glucose in the body. Without that regulation, glucose builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar. Insulin is necessary in order to live. Treatment has come a long way since our son was diagnosed. Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and electronics have made diabetes much more manageable.
The programs presented through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension focus on management of type 2 diabetes. This type is more common in adults. The problem occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body doesn’t utilize that insulin correctly. Most people with type 2 can control the disease by diet, exercise, and oral medication. Below is a summary of diabetes education in Hopkins County.
Relevance:
The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) defines chronic diseases as those lasting longer than 1 year resulting in continued medical care or limited daily activity. Currently in Texas, approximately 12.2% of the adult population have diabetes. In Hopkins County, that number is 12%. Additionally, 32% are reportedly physically inactive and 37% of the county population is obese.
Education is an integral component in managing the prevalence of diabetes. “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is an Extension program designed to reach clientele with research and evidence-based interventions. Unlike other chronic diseases, people with type 2 diabetes can learn to manage their disease by following a healthful eating plan, participating in regular physical activity, and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose. “Cooking Well with Diabetes” offers practical dietary and self-care management focusing on healthy cooking alternatives.
Response:
The target audience was individuals with type 2 diabetes and their families. “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” 5-lesson series and “Cooking Well with Diabetes” 4-lesson series took place in 2022. Partnerships and collaborators included the Texas Diabetes Council and American Diabetes Association (materials), Master Wellness Volunteers (marketing, registration, tray preparations), local diabetes educator and pharmacist (taught specific sessions). Nine individuals completed DWBW and 10 completed the CWWD series. Sessions included recognizing carbohydrate foods, meal planning, physical activity, diabetes medications, and managing complications. CWWD sessions included recognizing carbohydrate foods, making recipes with fat better for you, reducing sodium, increasing fiber, and celebrating sensibly with diabetes. CWWD included cooking demonstrations and recipe sampling.
Results:
Pre- and post-surveys were distributed to participants. Below are the indications from the DWWD surveys:
- 100% indicated learning the connection between carbohydrates and blood glucose
- 10-% reported increased confidence in achieving 30 minutes of physical activity most days
- 100% learned how to prevent blood glucose from dropping during exercise
- 79% reported improved overall health
- 79% increased frequency of checking their feet
For Cooking Well with Diabetes, the results are:
- 100% indicated that the series met or exceeded their expectations
- 80% indicated reducing added salt at the table
- 77% reference MyPlate for meal planning
- 70% indicated increasing fiber and vegetable consumption
The economic impact for Do Well with Diabetes is $159.197 in reducing doctor visits due to diabetes, reducing or eliminating sick days due to diabetes, and increased overall health. One participant stated, “These classes were a good eye opener for me. I don’t have diabetes now but was warned by my doctor to change my diet.” Another stated, “This course has taught me so much! I have a much better understanding of diabetes.”
Closing Thought
The best way to predict your future is to create it. – Abraham Lincoln
Contact Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for Family & Community Health Agent, at the Hopkins County office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; [email protected].
Upcoming Seasonal Events Include The UPRA Rodeo, Be The Service, Thanksgiveaway
By Butch Burney
If it’s November, it means Christmas is coming, and the Lions Club will help you get in the Christmas spirit when they host their 16th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 2.
If you’d like to register for the parade, contact the Chamber at [email protected] and we can email you a form. Entries will be graded in three categories: large business, small business and non-profit.
The parade will start at 7 p.m.
Grand Reopening
If you like wings and networking, then take note.
Wingstop will have a grand re-opening for the local restaurant at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
UPRA Rodeo
Fresh off its season-ending rodeo at the state fair, the UPRA rodeo association will get back to ropin’ and ridin’ on the weekend of Nov. 18-19 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. each night and will feature team roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, ranch bronc, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway, barrel racing, and tie down roping.
You don’t want to miss the chance to see these cowboys and cowgirls in action.
Be The Service
Do you know of a family in need of a meal this Thanksgiving? Be The Service is here to help. Join the Hopkins County Christian Alliance on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they give out 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need. Each box of food comes with a turkey and other items for a Thanksgiving meal.
The food distribution starts at 10 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. The line for the distribution begins in the Sulphur Springs High School Parking Lot. When you arrive, follow the traffic attendant’s directions. Also, please fill out all the information on the registration card that an attendant will give you that morning.
Be The Service is an annual event sponsored by local churches right here in Hopkins County.
Soulman’s Thanksgiveaway
For the seventh consecutive year, the Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Thanksgiveaway is back to help families in need during this holiday season. Each family selected through the online nomination system will receive a Thanksgiving family meal including a bone-in hickory smoked turkey, cornbread dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce.
Nominations for the 2022 Thanksgiveaway are available here: www.soulmans.com/thanksgiveaway, where guests will need to include the name of the nominated recipient, the reason for the nomination, and additional contact information. Winners will be notified on November 14, and will be required to respond within 48 hours for pick-up on November 20, 21 or 22.
Annie’s Room
The unveiling of Annie’s Room in the Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, with Leesa and Brian Toliver and family. The unveiling will take place in the Medical Plaza Conference Room at 113 Airport Road.
The public is invited.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop will host a ribbon cutting at their new address, 224 Connally St., a few doors down from their previous location, at noon on Friday, Nov. 11. Please join us for this event.
- Top Notch Realty will have a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Please help welcome this to the business community.
- Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home will have an open house at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at their new facility on Wildcat Way.
- Corner Grubhouse will have a ribbon cutting for their new breakfast menu at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. Please join us.
- At noon on Thursday, Nov. 17, 101 Barbershop, located at 101 Bill Bradford Drive, will have a ribbon cutting. Please hel us welcome them.
- Hampton House Jewelry and Rockshop will host a 30-year ribbon cutting at their shop on Main Street at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Please help us celebrate their achievement!
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs’ Last Saturday Injury Clinic Canceled
By Jennifer Heitman, Marketing, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, our Free Saturday Injury Clinic this Saturday, November 12, 2022, will be canceled.
ONCOR (electric company) is going to be working on some electrical issues near our hospital and will result in some temporary power outages. This will not affect our hospital services in any way as we can always rely on emergency generator.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for our student athletes.
Good Luck Wildcats!
We at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital- Sulphur Springs would like to wish the best of luck to all of our Wildcats as many are competing in sports and band competitions as regional and state finalists! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication. GO WILDCATS!
Interventional Pain Management
One of the most common reasons that adults seek medical care today is chronic pain. Pain can affect every aspect of your life, often limiting mobility, and affecting not just your physical health but also your emotional well-being. Advancements in pain physiology research have led to an improved understanding of how to support the body’s ability to heal itself and new modalities to intervene with pain signals so that people can get back to living. Interventional pain medicine physicians take a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to treating all types of pain.
Many patients come to us suffering from back and neck pain, painful joint or muscle conditions and nerve pain in the arms and legs. Each patient goes through an evaluation and assessment that leads to a highly personalized level of care. If you want help with your pain, call to set up an appointment with Interventional Pain Medicine physician Dr. Matthew Johnson, at the CHRISTUS Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Sulphur Springs at 903.885.1740.
Our Hearts Are Here For Yours
Advanced Heart Care and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Health System have delivered heart care in Northeast Texas for over 40 years. Together, we will continue providing leading-edge heart care to the communities in which we serve.
Available right here in Sulphur Springs hospital is our team of heart specialists at Advanced Heart Care made up of Cardiologists and Electrophysiologists, our state-of-the-art Cath lab, Pulmonary Medicine, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Heart Attack Care 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We look forward to helping you take an active role in your heart health with our team approach for your care.
For more information on the Cardiology group, and their capabilities to see patients in person or via telemedicine, go to www.advancedheartcare.com.
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
Determining What To Do About Damaged Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
A storm can leave trees looking like there is no tomorrow. Major limbs may be broken or damaged, foliage can be shredded or stripped, or the bark may be torn or gouged. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds are not necessarily fatal to a tree. Trees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage.
Before writing off a damaged tree as a “goner,” homeowners should evaluate their trees by asking the following questions:
- Other than the storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous?
- If the tree is basically healthy, is not creating a hazard, and did not suffer major structural damage, it will generally recover if first aid measures are applied immediately after the storm.
- Are major limbs broken? The larger a broken limb is, the harder it will be for the tree to recover from the damage. If most of the main branches are gone, the tree may have little chance of surviving.
- Has the leader (the main upward-trending branch on most trees) been lost? In species where a leader is important to upward growth or a desirable appearance, saving the tree may have to be a judgment call. The tree may live without its leader, but at best it would be a stunted or deformed version of the original.
- Is at least 50 percent of the tree’s crown (branches and leaves) still intact? This is a good rule of thumb on tree survivability. A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season.
- How big are the wounds where branches have been broken or bark has been damaged? The larger the wound is in relation to the size of the limb, the less likely it is to heal, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. A 2- to 3-inch wound on a 12-inch diameter limb will seal over with new bark within a couple of years.
- Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure? The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as the tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if there are branches that can eventually fill out the tree’s appearance.
- Is the tree of a desirable species for its location? If the tree is in the wrong location (such as a potentially tall tree beneath a power line), or is an undesirable species for the property (messy fruit, etc.), it may be best to remove it if it has serious damage.
In general, the answer as to what to do about a particular tree will fall into one of three categories:
- It’s a Keeper
- If damage is relatively slight, prune any broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin the process of wound repair.
- Wait and See
- If a valuable tree appears to be a borderline case, resist the temptation to simply cut the tree down and be done with it. It may be best to stand back for a while and think it over. Remember that time is on your side. After careful pruning of broken branches, give the tree some time to recover. A final decision can be made later.
- A mature shade tree can usually survive the loss of one major limb. The broken branch should be pruned back to the trunk. In the months that follow, large wounds should be closely monitored for signs of decay. Although the tree has been damaged, enough strong limbs may remain on a basically healthy tree to make saving it possible.
- Young trees can sustain quite a bit of damage and still recover quickly. If the leader is intact and the structure for future branching remains, remove the damaged limbs and allow the tree to recover. Resist the temptation to prune too heavily. Remember that the tree will need all the foliage it can produce in order to make it through the next growing season. Remove only the damaged limbs, then wait and see what happens.
- A healthy, mature tree can recover even when several major limbs are damaged. With large trees, a professional arborist should be brought in to assess damage and to safely accomplish needed pruning and branch removal.
- Say Goodbye
- Some trees simply can’t be saved or are not worth saving. If the tree has already been weakened by disease, if the trunk is split, or if more than 50 percent of the crown is gone, the tree has lost its survival edge.
Don’t Try to Do It All Alone
Some of your trees may have damage that’s too close to call, or they may have hidden damage. If that is the case, you’ll need a tree professional to help you decide what to do. Don’t hire just anyone who shows up at your door after a storm. Look for qualified arborists in the phone book or by contacting your state or city forester.
Tree Tragedy
This otherwise healthy young tree has lost too much of its crown-the leafy head that is vital for survival. It will probably not be able to grow enough new branches and leaves to provide needed nourishment, and will never be able to regain its former beautiful shape.
Hopeless Case
About all that’s left of this tree is its trunk. The few remaining branches can’t provide enough foliage to enable the tree to make it through another growing season. Farewell to a Friend: A rotten inner core in the trunk or structural weakness in branching patterns can cause a split trunk-the tree equivalent of a heart attack. The wounds are too large to ever mend, and the tree has lost its sap lifeline between roots and leaves. This tree is all but dead.
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].
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report Oct. 31, 2022 to Nov. 6, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022, included:
Arrests
- River Scudday, 21 years of age, of Gilmer, was arrested on Nov. 5, 2022, on an Upshur County warrant for striking fixture or highway landscape valued at $200 or less.
- Scotty Wallis, 33 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 4, 2022, on two Wood County Justice of the Peace warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief – more than $100 but less than $750. He is also being charged with possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B Controlled Substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
- Sara Dickens, 32 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 4, 2022 for possession of a 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 106 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 29 citations and 21 warnings during this reporting period.
Hopkins County Community Once Again Comes Through For United Way, Agencies It Helps
The Hopkins County community has once again come through for United Way and the 18 agencies it will help with funds from the 2022-2023 campaign. Hopkins County United Way officers and campaign workers extend heartfelt thanks to all for their contributions, which have helped make this another successful campaign year.
“Every penny truly is valued,” Emily Glass, 2022-2023 HCUW campaign chair, said at the final campaign workers report meeting Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.
As campaign workers gathered around the table in Texas AgriLife Extension conference room, Glass noted that the campaign was well on it’s way to successfully meeting the $150,000 goal. They started the day at $107,507.08, and as each new contribution was turned in, each was celebrated with clapping and cheering.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning handed out a blue card with a snowflake glued onto it. The Hopkins county community, HCUW campaign volunteers and contributors, like snowflakes, may not be able to do as much individually, but working together benefit thousands of Hopkins County residents of all ages and groups through the 18 agencies HCUW has allocated funding from the 2022-2023 campaign.
Berning offered thanks to Larry Crowson and the employees at Sulta Mfg, for faithfully putting up the campaign thermometer by the firehouse on Gilmer St., sometimes more than once each year if it is knocked down due to weather.
Among the industries and groups contributing to this week’s total were Galyean Insurance; Alliance Bank employees and corporate office, which more than match their contribution; Robinson Bennet Construction, Dixon & Dixon Insurance; Sulphur Springs ISD employees, a new high total; Copy Products; Aerostar; Clarion Pointe Hotel; Cumby ISD, a new high total; Flip’s Burgers; Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office; Shing Investments; additional contributions from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs employees; Stefani’s Hair Studio; a donation submitted by Hopkins County native in California, via PayPal.; Ocean Spray employees; FlowServe employees; GSC corporate and employees; Bright Star Floors; Bearing General Contractors; Cowboy Trucking; Coldwell Banker-Watson Company; another donation from Jay Hodge, part of the dealership’s pledge from each car sold last month; D6, Inc.; Triple Crown Roofing; Yard By Yard nursery; Pioneer Memorial; April Showers; Magic Scoop; McKay Law; KSBR; A1 Auto Supply; Cross Motor Sales; Affordable Chiropractic; Barnes Chiropractic; Hill Family Chiropractic; iFocus Vision Care; Town Square Antique Mall; Sulphur Springs Livestock; Jason Tully Insurance; Highlander Trading Center; Bill and Charlotte Zahn; HSC Orthodontics; and City National Bank employees and corporate.
By the time the meeting was getting ready to wrap up, more than $48,400 in donations and pledges had come in. Just as the campaign total was reported, Glass spoke on the phone with a campaign worker who reported additional contributions, raising the HCUW campaign total to $167,459.08 and counting. (Glass and Berning said a few businesses have yet to get their donations in, but have faithfully given in the past and anticipated to continue their history of giving to HCUW.)
The donations given will provide a lot of help for this community through the 18 agencies allocated funding from the $150,000 campaign goal:
HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations include:
- Bright Star Baseball, $1,500
- CANHelp, $18,250
- Circle Ten Council of Boy Scouts of America, $1,000
- Community Players, Inc., $1,500
- East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (ETCADA), $1,500
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center, $8,000
- Hopkins County 4-H, $2,750
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard
- Hopkins County Community Chest, $40,000
- Lake CASA, $10,000
- Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Our Place, $4,500
- Meal-A-Day, $8,000
- Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Inc. (NETCAC), $3,500
- Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas (SAFE-T), $5,000
- Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, 4,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League, $1,000
- Teen Court, $2,500
- The Dinner Bell, $5,000
- United Way Worldwide, $1,500
- Administrative Expenses, $23,500
