Cool Nights, Fall Leaves, Campfires And Thankfulness At Cooper Lake State Park
Submitted by Steve Killian, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas State Parks, Complex Superintendent for Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas — The best month of fall any Texan would say is November. From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, to far East Texas and out west to Big Bend country, fall has arrived in force. Leaves are changing throughout Texas and are best viewed on a Texas State Park trail. Cooper Lake State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with portions also open to mountain bikers and equestrian riders. The essence of fall is all around this time of year at a Texas State Park. Smell the campfire in the morning as you prepare breakfast! Nothing is better than a meal with family and friends around a campfire.
November is dotted with perfect-temperature days making it a great time to have a picnic or wet a line. The month will also provide stargazers with clear, cool nights just made for viewing the heavens. During this November, a total of 11 programs focused on family fun and learning about our natural world will be presented. Our highlighted program topics for November are Skins & Skulls, Kid Fish, and S’mores and a Movie! All programs are free with a valid entrance permit.
Relatively short periods of experiencing nature directly, research has shown, can make you happier, healthier, and even smarter! Make Cooper Lake State Park or one of our other 88 State Parks your go-to for that special something we all need in our busy, stressful lives. Texas State Park Rangers are here and ready to help make your next visit memorable.
Have you ever thought about spending Thanksgiving week camping at a Texas State Park? Actually, this is a very busy time of year with most campsites full, especially cabins! This year make a Texas State Park your happy place to reflect, recreate, and be thankful with family and friends.
For more information on this or other events and programs, please visit and like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit, 903-945-5256, or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100.
Doctors Creek
- Saturday, November 5
- Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
- Sunday, November 6
- Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Calling all artists! All art supplies provided.
- Saturday, November 12
- Go Take a Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at Cedar Creek North Loop Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek North Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Saturday, November 19
- Kid’s Fishing – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, November 20
- Becoming a Junior Ranger – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Check off activities to earn your Junior Ranger badge.
- Saturday, November 26
- Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
South Sulphur
- Saturday, November 5
- Skins and Skulls – 2 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
- Saturday, November 12 — SS
- Go Take a Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, November 13 — SS
- Nature Journaling – 10 a.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff pavilion parking lot – Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Learn about journaling in nature.
- Saturday, November 19
- S’mores and a Movie! Join us at the Honey Creek Amphitheater at 6 p.m. for S’mores, remember to bring your fixings for your S’mores. Then, stay for the movie starting at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 26
- Skins and Skulls – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
Weather-Related Updates From Hopkins County Emergency Management Officials
Most of Hopkins County was reported to have weathered the tornado and early evening storm with minimal damages. Structural damages reported, thus far, have been contained to one area and no injuries reported at 7:30 p.m. Friday, according to reports from city and county emergency officials
At 5:24 p.m., Sulphur Springs emergency management officials had received confirmation of a tornado on State Highway 19 at FM 1567, traveling from southwest Hopkins County to Northeast Hopkins County. The city’s emergency sirens had already been sounded to warn people to find shelter until it passed.
Although Sulphur Springs got very dark with the cell passing over, city officials at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, reported no injuries nor damages reported in the city.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, Hopkins County officials had received reports of four houses in the area of FM 3389 that had sustained structural damage. The Salvation Army had deployed to assist those families. No one was reported to have been injured, however, authorities reported. County officials were still out assessing and checking for further damages
Hopkins County EOC and Sheriff’s Office ask anyone who has damage in their area is requested to email their location information and photos, if possible, to [email protected].
The tornado watch for Hopkins County remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Central and North Central Texas including Hopkins, Delta, Lamar, Hunt and Rains Counties.
At least one fire truck was reported just before 8 p.m. to be headed to Lamar County to provide mutual aid, however.
Stay tuned to KSST Radio 1230 AM for live weather updates for Hopkins County. Or, click here to listen to KSST’s anytime and anywhere Internet is available.
Ending the Streak of Daily Deaths on Texas Highways
OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: ENDING THE STREAK OF DAILY DEATHS ON TEXAS HIGHWAYS
By Laura Ryan
Texas Transportation Commissioner
Imagine the headlines if the population of Harlingen, Pflugerville, or North Richland Hills were wiped out by a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado, or by a terrorist attack. Or that 18 airplanes crashed in Texas, with no survivors, every year for the last 22 years. We would all be shocked and horrified at such an incomprehensible loss of life. And yet since Nov. 7, 2000—the last deathless day on Texas roadways—we have lost close to the population of those cities and those airplane crashes to traffic fatalities—more than 79,000 people.
An average of 3,700 mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children and loved ones have been needlessly taken from their families every year. Last year, just under 4,500 loved ones died on our roads. Half of those fatalities were caused by driving at unsafe speeds or not wearing a seatbelt. If only different decisions had been made, more than half of those who died last year would be alive today. We know from crash reports that the vast majority of traffic fatalities are caused by reckless behavior, such as driving at an unsafe speed, distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving drunk or high. That’s why it’s so important we each take responsibility to encourage those we love—including ourselves—to be better when behind the wheel.
The good news is that we can choose to be better drivers. We can take personal responsibility when we get behind the wheel. It’s easy to think of other cars on the road as just machines getting in your way, but every one of them carries one or more people with hopes and dreams and family and friends—people with real, precious lives and someone that will miss them waiting for them at home—just like you and me.
It’s simple to take action. TxDOT takes this shared responsibility seriously. While we work to engineer our roads to be forgiving of driver error, we need your help. Don’t drink and drive. Put away the cell phone. Buckle up. Drive the speed limit or lower when conditions require it. Obey traffic laws. These simple measures can save lives. Maybe even yours.
Like many of TxDOT’s other safety and educational campaigns, #EndTheStreakTX calls on personal responsibility to prevent needless tragedy. We’re asking all Texans to help us end this streak of daily deaths by posting their pledge to do so on social media along with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
Everyone you know—your family, friends, coworkers—and all of your neighbors and fellow Texans are at risk every time we drive, especially if you choose to drive carelessly. Be responsible. Be an example to your kids. Be the driver you would want next to you, in front of you or behind you on the roadway. You have the power to help end this daily death streak on our roads. Together we can #EndTheStreakTX.
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Tornado Warning issued for the area…
The Warning Sirens are going off in Sulphur Springs…. There are various reports of a tornado on the ground… Take shelter… There is a Tornado Warning for Hopkins County until 5:15pm… Stay tuned for updates….
Tornado confirmed in the area of Highway 19 and 1567, headed North East….
5:49pm… The tornado has moved out of the Sulphur Springs area….
6:42pm… A couple of reports have come in. Four houses sustained some damage in the area of 3389. Unclear at this time how much. The Red Cross and the Salvations Army are out and about providing assistance wherever they can. 1181 in now clear…. At this time there are no reports of any injuries….
Extension Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers, Supporters At Annual Banquet
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office recognized outstanding volunteers and supporters Thursday evening, Nov. 3, during the 2022 Extension Leadership Banquet.
Featured Speaker
While honorees and special guests enjoyed a meal of salad, baked potatoes, barbecue and peach cobbler prepared by Andy and Mary Lou Wright, Hopkins County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer discussed ways everyone can became gamechangers.
Teer noted several people made historic industry changes with small changes.
For instance, Ray Kroc was selling Multimixers (milkshake machines), when he bought into the McDonald brothers’ restaurant in the 1950s. He specialized in the assembly line method of preparing pre-cooked food, changing the industry.
Percy Spencer, Teer noted, discovered the power of microwave technology by accident in 1947, when a candy bar in his pocket melted as he got close to a magnetron machine he was working on. The first microwave was a 750-pound, five-foot-tall RadarRange.
Teer said gamechangers are those who are willing to be a shining light for others, but realizes they cannot do everything. He reminded that when things get darkest, light shines brightest. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that while no one can do everything, everyone can do something, even small things, which stacked together can result in great things happening. A single snowflake falling by itself, for instance, is no big deal, but an infinite number of snowflakes together can make up a snow storm, or even a blizzard, which can be a big deal.
The JP noted the power of hope is important for game changers. Start with something simple, making the bed every morning. That’s an accomplishment daily. If you can’t take care of the little things, you won’t be able to take care of hte big things either, Teer noted, citing Naval Admiral William McRaven’s keynote address at the 2014 University of Texas graduation. Or, as Teer has been told, take care of hte pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.
Gamechangers embrace curiosity; they say yes, summon their courage, get out of their comfort one and try new things. They act. Each person is called to do something with their lives. Great things can happen when you roll in your role. He encouraged those present to summon God to help and will make His agenda their agenda.
Gamechangers also are lifelong learners, who don’t let what they do know them from recognizing there are many things they don’t know. When knocked down in life, gamechangers find the good, look for what they can learn from the experience, Teer said.
A vision to lead is another trait of a gamechanger. With no vision you will perish; gamechangers do not let fear limit them or their vision. They strive to empower the people around them, pass on blessings to others, thereby empowering others to change the world.
“If you can change yourself, you can change the game. If you change the game, you change the world,” Teer said, encouraging those present to embrace their role as leaders to use their calling and traits to empower and bless others, to change the world.
Awards
Hopkins County Family and Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks expressed appreciation to all present at the Nov. 3, banquet, noting that each has made marked difference already. She too recognized Allie Owens who has been her right hand, working with her as she offers early childhood sessions for parents of SSISD’s youngest students.
Hicks then recognized the Master Wellness Volunteers, 14 individuals who have completed 40 hours of training in areas of health, wellness, food safety, working with diverse audiences, finding reliable resources on the web, and other topics. In turn, they work with the Family & Community Health Agent and other agencies for planning, promoting, implementing, and evaluating programs.
Hopkins County Master Wellness volunteers have contributed 1,403 volunteer hours and reached more than 6,000 individuals through their efforts. Hicks commended them for doing a wonderful job serving others.
She recognized what she calls “newbies,” those who have completed the training and put in a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service. They include:
- Mary Ballard, 325.5 hours
- Toni Maddin, 82.5 hours
- Hillary Young, 61.5 hours
Family and Community Health Extension Agent Johanna Hicks and Master Wellness Volunteers Susie Faltesek, Mary Ballard, Joan Brennan, Wendy Johnson, Pat Connally and Sylvia Millsap 
Joan Brennan, Master Wellness volunteer 
Pat Connally, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Susie Faltesek, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Wendy Johnson, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Sylvia Millsap, Master Wellness Volunteer
The more experienced master volunteers who also put in their share of invaluable hours of work included:
- Marjean Allen, 66 hours
- Joan Brennan, 125.5 hours
- Pat Connally, 210.5 hours
- Susie Faltesek, 89.5 hours
- LaTarra Giles, 30 hours
- Wendy Johnson, 87 hours,
- Sylvia Millsasp, 9.5 hours
- Patsy Neal, 305.5 hours
- Kim Sellers, 3.5
- Nell Shipp, 3.5 hours
- Linda Tanton, 3 hours
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mario Villarino, who oversees the 4-H program recognized Brad McCool who has attained certification to teach archery to local 4-H youth. He noted that when people asked how they make the 4-H program successful, he credits the kids who get excited and get other kids excited about 4-H projects and programs and tell their parents, who often become involved.
Villarino too recognized the the Hopkins County Master Gardeners who took a program and ran with it, overcoming challenges presented and having amazing results. Dawn Wilburn brought up the idea of teaching and education program to inmates in the jail trusty program. The Master Gardeners, who enjoy helping the community, took the idea and ran with it, offering two series for the inmates.
Hicks noted that like the agricultural and other programs, Master Gardener also helped her host a 3-day sewing workshop during spring break, her work with Ag-in-the-Classroom last month, Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest and has been putting goody bags together for Christmas Joys holiday program that Hicks and others will put on for the community on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.
For all of those things, the Extension Agents recognized Master Gardener Phyllis Kitten as the 2022 Outstanding Extension Supporter of the Year. Her name will be placed on a plaque which hangs at the Extension Office for all to see.
Carmen Rockett presented Kitten with a certificate on behalf of Rep. Slaton’s office, recognizing her and congratulating her for the honor of being Hopkins County’s 2022 Extension Supporter of the Year for her many contributions to the Hopkins County community.
Early Voting in Hopkins County to Close Early Today, November 4, 2022
Deputy Clerk, Leslie Cannon, with the County Clerk’s Office, contacted KSST to report that due to the possible threat of incoming bad weather, Early Voting in Hopkins County will close at 4:00pm today, Friday, November 4, 2022.
Attention Parents: SSISD Early Release Announced For Nov. 4, 2022
Attention parents and guardians of SSISD students, district administrators around noon sent out a notice that classes will be letting out early on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.
“SSISD will release all students today at 1:30 p.m. due to predicted weather. Buses will run at that time. Student safety is our 1st priority,” the notice stated.
Parents should make after-school arrangements for their students for the SSISD early release.
The End Of Tomato Season
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
As we approach the end of this year’s growing season, it’s time to remember that end-of-season for tomatoes is slightly different that several other garden plants. Tomato end-of-season varies by year, but the recommended procedures remain the same. If you grew determinate tomatoes, their productive lives ended months ago, and hopefully, you’ve already followed this article’s recommendation.
Your indeterminate tomato plants are still growing and producing, although production will very soon slow. Flowerings become few and far between. The fruits tend to get smaller and have less flavor. Nevertheless, they’ll stay alive until the first 2-3 light freezes, a heavy freeze, or a frost. Some wait for the killing temps, while others begin removing plants when they know killing temps are forecast.
With most vegetable plants, I prefer to cut the plant off at ground level, leaving the roots to rot and provide nutrients for a different vegetable plant next year. Tomato plants are “different.” They should be pulled out roots and all. Further, remove all traces – fallen fruit, dead/diseased leaves and plant debris. I’ve never done it, but the literature suggests disinfecting your tomato ages and/stakes. The bottom line is to remove any real or potential pathogens. By clearing out your dead tomato plants you remove pathogens at the same time … and you minimize future problems in the garden.
So, what to do with everything you’ve removed? Do NOT put in the compost pile. Pathogens can survive the winter and infect/reinfect next spring. If allowed, burn them. If not, bag and put in your trash.
Make sure to place next year’s tomato plants elsewhere. Destructive root knot nematodes are waiting to destroy tomato plant roots for the next 3 years where you planted this year.
Finally, plants in pots can be brought in to continue providing great fruit.
Rural Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Choking Assault
A rural Sulphur Springs man was accused of the choking assault of another male late Wednesday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Drew Fisher and Isaac Foley and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded at a County Road 3511 residence to a disturbance alleged to involve a firearm late Wednesday night. Upon arrival, they began speaking with the individuals said to have been involved in the disturbance. Deputies determined Arnulfo Tinajero-Zarate choked a Winfield man during an argument, but never produced a firearm as dispatchers had been told, Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
After collecting statements from all individuals said to have been involved in the incident, deputies took the 46-year-old male resident into custody just before midnight, then transported him to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center, Fisher noted in arrest reports.
Tinajero-Zarate was booked in Nov. 2 on a charge of family violence assault-impeding breathing or circulation. Deputies also requested an emergency protective order which if granted would require Tinajero-Zarate to stay away from the other male he was accused of choking, according to arrest reports.
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.
Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center launches 2022 Angel Tree program
More than 350 children are available to sponsor for Christmas
(Winnsboro, TX) – In this year alone, more than 350 children in northeast Texas have been victims of child sexual and physical abuse or neglect – the majority of whom are girls ages six to twelve.
While circumstances for these children and families may be difficult this year, anyone in northeast Texas can sponsor an “Angel” and help make this holiday season special for a local child in need.
“The Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center has been coordinating the Angel Tree program for our children, their siblings and families for nearly 20 years,” Lauren Fleming, the NETCAC Executive Director said. “With the cost of everything going up this year, it’s even more challenging for some of these families to create a magical Christmas for their kids – this is where our community comes in.”
“Angels” are children and their siblings ages 0 – 17 who have utilized NETCAC’s services this year and may have been alleged victims of child abuse or witness to domestic violence or drug use in the home.
“We are so grateful for how the community comes together every year to provide for our kids,” Fleming said. “We love seeing the Christmas spirit come alive for these families. It makes a tough job much easier and is a reminder of what this season is all about.”
Members of the community, including civic organizations, church groups and businesses, are encouraged to sponsor or adopt an “Angel” by purchasing items on their lists or to make a financial contribution toward the Angel’s gift requests.
General donations of new and handmade new items such as toys, games, diapers, stuffed animals, and more are also welcomed. For a full list of items, please visit https://www.netcac.org/services/angel-tree. To make a financial contribution, go to https://www.netcac.org.
To learn how you or your group can be part of the Angel Tree program this Christmas, contact Jennifer Williams at [email protected] or call (903) 629-7588.
For nearly 25 years, the Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has served more than 10,000 children and families in an eight-county region including Camp, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Titus, Upshur and Wood Counties. NETCAC collaborates with partners in law enforcement, child protective services and prosecutors to help victims of child physical and sexual abuse find hope and healing. To learn more, visit http://www.netcac.org.
