Latest KSST News

Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs

PUBLIC NOTICE: Child Find – Special Education Services & Referral Process

Posted by on 9:30 am in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Medical News, News, School News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on PUBLIC NOTICE: Child Find – Special Education Services & Referral Process

PUBLIC NOTICE: Child Find – Special Education Services & Referral Process

Federal and state laws require all students (birth through age 21) with disabilities, residing within the SSISD district, who are in need of special education and related services, including children with disabilities attending private schools and children who are homeless or are a ward of the state, to be identified, located, and evaluated, which is a process referred to as CHILD FIND. Child Find referrals may be initiated by a parent/guardian, doctor, teacher, relative or friend. If you are concerned about a child’s learning, contact the SSISD Special Programs Director at 903-885-6230. You may also contact any administrator in SSISD at www.ssisd.net. For birth through age 3 contact Children’s Center-ECI of Lakes Regional Community Center at 903-454-0300. 

Las leyes federales y estatales requieren que todos los estudiantes (desde nacimiento hasta los 21 anos de edad) con discapacidades, que residen dentro del distrito de SSISD, que necesiten servicios de educación especial y servicios relacionados, incluidos los ninos con discapacidades que asisten a alguna escuela privada o los ninos que no tienen hogar o que viven bajo la tutela del estado, para ser identificado, localizado y evaluado, que es un proceso conocido como Child Find (Encontrar un Nino).  Las referencias de Child Find pueden ser iniciadas por parte del padre/tutor, medico, maestro, pariente o amigo.  Si le preocupa el aprendizaje de un nino/a, comuníquese con el Director de Programas Especiales de SSISD al 903-885-6230.  También puede comunicarse con cualquier administrador de SSISD en www.ssisd.net.  Para nino/as de nacimiento hasta los 3 anos, comuníquense con Children’s Center (Centro Infantil)-ECI of Lakes Regional Community Center al 903-454-0300.

Lady Cats Softball Completes Perfect 12-0 District Season

Posted by on 9:00 am in App, Featured, Headlines, News, School News, Sports, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Lady Cats Softball Completes Perfect 12-0 District Season

Lady Cats Softball Completes Perfect 12-0 District Season

Coach David Carrillo’s team would not be denied their perfect district season in their finale. 

Lady Cats softball scored two runs thanks to a HR from Parris Pickett and a sac fly from Anahi Velasquez to get Sulphur Springs an early 2-0 lead  in the 2nd. 

Three singles and an error in the next Lady Cats at-bat pushed it to a 5-0 advantage after 4 1/2 innings. Parris Pickett picked up a second RBI when she got 3B Addison Caddell home in the 5th building the Sulphur Springs lead to 6-0. 

Two singles, a double and a triple blew the game away as the Lady Cats put 10 runs on Pine Tree and blew out the Lady Pirates 10-0. 

Crimson Bryant got her 11th win in 12 starts. The junior pitched a complete game, giving up four hits but no runs. Bryant struck out 13 Lady Pirates to earn her eighth straight win in the circle. 

Kinz Smallwood went 3 for 3 versus Pine Tree, driving 2 runs and crossing home thrice herself. Anahi Velasquez was 3 for 4 against the Lady Pirates driving in another 2 runs and crossing home twice. 

SS Parris Pickett had herself a game. Her HR, plus another hit, gave the Lady Cats another 2 RBIs and crossed home twice in the victory. 

Caddell, Bryant, Nicole Higgins, and Tia Nash all recorded a hit, with the latter’s driving in two more runs for Sulphur Springs. 

The win Tuesday, Apr. 19 completes a perfect 12-0 district season for Coach David Carrillo’s team. Sulphur Springs finishes the regular season as back-to-back 15-5A District Champions, sporting an impressive 21-1-2 record. 

Next up, the Lady Cats hope to play a warm-up game this weekend before opening the playoffs next weekend. 

Coach Carrillo anticipates playing Whitehouse in Bi-District, with times and dates of the opening series of playoffs yet to be determined. 


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.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Investigation Results In Warrant Arrest

Posted by on 8:23 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on Investigation Results In Warrant Arrest

Investigation Results In Warrant Arrest

Dike Man, Como Woman Jailed On Warrants Following Disturbances; 1 Other Jailed On Warrant

Local officers arrested at least four people on warrants over the last week. An investigation at a Pickton residence Tuesday evening resulted in a warrant arrest. Two others have been arrested on warrants following disturbances over the last week. A traffic stop resulted in a Hurst man’s arrest on a warrant, according to arrest reports.

West Main Street Warrant Arrest

Amanda Kamile Clawson AKA Amanda Kamile Murray, Amanda Kamiley Murray and Kazper (HCSO jail photo)

HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans and Sgt. Tanner Steward responded to a disturbance on West Main Street in Como Saturday. One of the people at the location of the disturbance call was identified as Amanda Kamile Clawson, a woman found to have an outstanding warrant. The deputies took the 41-year-old Como woman into custody at 6:50 p.m. April 16, 2022 and transported her to jail.

Clawson, who jail reports show is also known by Amanda Kamile Murray, Amanda Kamiley Murray and Kazper, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:03 p.m. April 16, 2022, on the warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for a possession of a controlled substance charge, as well as two traffic warrants. She was held in Hopkins County jail without bond on the probation charge Wednesday, April 20, 2022, according to jail reports.

CR 4208 Warrant Arrest

Mauro Lopez-Perez AKA Mauro Lopez-Lopez, Mauro Perez and Mauro Lopez

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde was assisting Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office investigators with an investigation at a County Road 4208 residence April 19, 2022. While assisting, Ugalde was made aware one of the people who occupies the residence had an active warrant for his arrest.

HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford has the warrant in hand when Mauro Lopez pulled into the driveway in a Dodge pickup a short time later. The driver stepped out of the truck and identified himself as Mauro Lopez. Ugalde took the 35-year-old Pickton man into custody at 7:30 p.m. April 19, on the warrant and transported him to jail without incident.

Lopez, who is also known by Mauro Lopez-Perez, Mauro Lopez-Lopez and Mauro Perez, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:09 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022, on the outstanding injury to a child, elderly or disabled person charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, April 20, 2022. Bond on the charge was set at $50,000, according to jail reports.

Mockingbird Lane Warrant Arrest

Tyler Lorenzo Caruso AKA Maitai and Myty

Sulphur Springs Police Sgt. Brandon Mayes stopped a Nissan Altima Saturday on Mockingbird Lane for a traffic violation.

The driver, Tyler Lorenzo Caruso, was discovered to be wanted in Dallas County. The 36-year-old Hurst man was arrested April 16, 2022 and transported to jail. The car was released to the female passenger who owned it.

Caruso was booked in for bond forfeiture on a possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was remained in Hopkins County jail overnight. Bond on the charge was set at $1,005, according to jail and arrest reports.

Fuller Street Arrest

Sulphur Springs Police responded at the Municipal Court to a report of an unruly person causing a disturbance with the judge. Upon arrival, the judge advised the man had walked away prior to their arrival, but did have an active warrant for his arrest, according to police reports.

Police searched and found the 33-year-old Dike man on Fuller Street, where he was taken into custody at 2:14 p.m. April 19, 2022, on a driving while license invalid charge; the fee owed for the misdemeanor offense was $281.70. He spent the night in Hopkins County jail and was released Wednesday morning on the misdemeanor charge, according to arrest and jail reports.


KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.


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.

Saltillo FCCLA Members Return From 2022 State Meet With 36 Awards

Posted by on 6:15 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, School News, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Saltillo FCCLA Members Return From 2022 State Meet With 36 Awards

Saltillo FCCLA Members Return From 2022 State Meet With 36 Awards

Saltillo Family Career Community Leaders of America Chapter members returned from the State FCCLA meet in Dallas with 36 awards in family and consumer science assessments and one student competed in the talent show.

The group got to attend the April 7-9, 2022, FCCLA State Leadership Conference in person this year, with the exception of Saltillo sophomores, who competed virtually because their STAAR test was the same day as the in-person competition. The students were able to join the group in Dallas after all had finished testing in Saltillo.

“Thursday night, Allie Lane competed in the Talent Show part of the competition and did a great job for Saltillo, considering we have never had anyone step out to participate in the competition,” noted advisor Johnna West.

Saltillo FCCLA sate competitors included (1st Row, from left) Cindy Alvarez, Caden McGill, Julianna Giles, Amira Terry, Yadhira Alonso, Brianna Tawil, Jazmine Castro, Alyssa Partin and McKenna Gurley; (2nd row) Ethan White, Trinity White, Crisitan Trejo, Ehtan Sexton, Evan Andrew, Jacob Sexton, Luis Ortega, Elena Heukels, McKenna Gurley and Kelsie Minick; (3rd Row) Nora Martinez, Allie Lane, Cason Carmody, Jordan Metcalf, Gabby Ross, Maysen Pipkin, Sheri hailey and Luke Ritter; (4th Row) Sara Martinez, Colton McGill, Gunner Tarver, Ridge Johnson, Justice Burke, Heston Peeples, Drew Redburn and David Whitworth.; (Not Pictured) Landon Peeples, Harley Perez, Michael Gonzles, Coy Collins and Raegan Speir.

Among the 18 Saltillo FCCLA Chapter members earning gold in FCS contests were Trinity White, Heston Peeples, Cason Carmody, Nora Martinez, Ethan White, Cindy Alvarez, Gunner Tarver, Yadhira Alonso, Ridge Johnson, Sara Martinez, Julianna Giles, Luis Ortega, Cristian Trejo, Caden McGill, Harley Perez, Gabby Ross, Andrew Redburn and Maysen Pipkin.

The 10 students earning silver in FCS contests included Brianna Tawil, Luke Ritter, Kelsie Minick, Landon Peeples, Amira Terry, Evan Andrew, David Whitworth, Colton McGill, Raegan Speir and Jordan Metcalf.

The eight Saltillo student receiving bronze medals or FCS contests included McKenna Gurley, Jacob Sexton, Michael Gonzales, Coy Collins, Yasmin Garcia, Sheri Hailey, Alyssa Partin and Jazmin Castro.

Three additional students also participated in FCS contests, but did not receive medals for their work.

Congratulations to these Saltillo FCCLA members for their achievements at the state contest.

Saltillo ISD Lions

Escaped Inmate Allegedly Committed 2 Burglaries While Eluding Authorities

Posted by on 12:15 pm in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Escaped Inmate Allegedly Committed 2 Burglaries While Eluding Authorities

Escaped Inmate Allegedly Committed 2 Burglaries While Eluding Authorities

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office reported finding the escaped jail trusty  Melton Medina-Tuirubiates in a wooded area off FM 69 around 12:25 p.m. Tuesday using search dogs. Officials reported the man was in custody, and officers were in the process of walking the inmate to a more accessible area so he can be checked by EMS at 12:30 p.m. April 19, 2022.

The 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man was reported around 9 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2022, to have escaped from a work detail at Sulphur Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Medina-Tuirubiates was pursued into the night by Texas Department of Criminal Justice-ID K9 units, federal, state and local law enforcement, including Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft, according to arrest reports.

Tuesday morning, April 19, 2022, K9 units tracked the escaped trusty to a deer camp on FM 69, which was believed to have been used for overnight accommodations. The camp was found to have been broken into and items were reported to have been stolen from inside of it, Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger John Vance alleged in arrest reports.

Later Tuesday morning, the K9 units tracked Medina-Tuirubiates to a residence on the corner of FM 69 and the north Interstate 30 feeder road. That residence also was alleged to have been broken into and had items stolen from inside, the Texas Ranger noted in arrest reports.

Around 12:30 p.m. April 19, 2022, law enforcement apprehended Medina-Tuirubiates. He was alleged at that time to have on him, items alleged to have been stolen during the two previous burglaries.

After being checked by EMS personnel, Medina Tuirubiates was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked not only on the original violation of probation charge he was jail for on March 21, 2022, Medina-Tuirubiates, but also three new charges: escape while in confinement for walking off from his work detail as a trusty, and two burglary of a habitation charges, according to jail 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.

Deputies Catch Suspect Alleged To Have Stolen Side-By-Side

Posted by on 11:45 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department | Comments Off on Deputies Catch Suspect Alleged To Have Stolen Side-By-Side

Deputies Catch Suspect Alleged To Have Stolen Side-By-Side

Shortly after concluding a manhunt for an inmate who had escaped custody the day before, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators engaged in a second search Tuesday afternoon for a suspect reported to have stolen a side-by-side.

Photo of Jacob Lyda posted by HCSO as the suspect in an UTV theft April 19, 2022

A homeowner notified HCSO at 3:44 p.m. April 19, 2022, that his side-by-side vehicle had been stolen and he was attempting to pursue the suspect. The owner reported being awakened to the sound of the utility terrain vehicle starting up outside the residence. The keys, he reported were inside his residence. He discovered a white male with a bald head, wearing a black hoody driving the vehicle through the woods, possibly headed toward the oil fields in the area of FM 3505, according to arrest reports.

Deputies converged in the area, identifying tracks consistent with those made by the UTV in pastures and rough terrain impassable for most motor vehicles. Alerted to a possible sighting of the suspect heading into Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit, deputies followed the track until they caught sight of a male driving what appeared to be the stole UTV behind the restrooms in the Herron Harbor area of CLSP, deputies wrote in arrest reports.

Deputies began pursuing the UTV and male, ordering him to stop evading officers. The suspect reportedly failed to heed the command, instead, driving into terrain impassable to patrol units. A while later, the UTV was found, wrecked in a creek bed. Deputies followed footprints leading away from the area, according to sheriff’s reports.

Officials then were alerted a male, believed to be the suspect in the side-by-side theft, had entered a County Road 4722 residence without consent and took summer sausage that didn’t belong to him. He placed the homeowner’s child in fear; she entered a room away from the suspect and locked the door. The suspect then fled from that residence with the summer sausage, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.

Sheriff’s staff continued attempting to track the suspect, dubbed the sausage bandit by at least one pursuer. They were soon alerted another homeowner had located a person believed to be the suspect, and guided deputies along the path the traveled while trying to elude deputies, arrest reports alleged.

Deputies reported spotting the believed suspect and chased him on foot and using a UTV. The man was alleged to be holding an open knife and summer sausage. The man reportedly dropped both items.

HCSO Sgt. Investigator Michael Russell, Sgt. Scott Davis, and Deputies Kevin Lester and Zack Steward took the suspect into custody at 6:27 p.m. Tuesday and transported him to Hopkins County jail. The man, identified in arrest reports as Jacob Tomeis Lyda, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:28 p.m. April 19, 2022, for evading arrest with a motor vehicle, theft of property the side-by-side which was valued at $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000, and two burglary of a habitation charges. The 31-year-old Linden man remained in the county jail Wednesday morning, April 20, 2022, on all four charges, according to arrest reports.

Hopkins County Sheriff
Hopkins County Sheriff

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.

19 Saltillo Academic UIL Competitors Advancing From District To Region

Posted by on 10:45 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, School News | Comments Off on 19 Saltillo Academic UIL Competitors Advancing From District To Region

19 Saltillo Academic UIL Competitors Advancing From District To Region

Saltillo ISD earned 371 points, giving the academic UIL competitors a second place overall finish at the District Academic UIL Competition, making the team the Academic UIL Runner Up Champion this year. Saltillo had 31 competitors who racked up 32 individual awards; eight teams were recognized as well.

Nineteen students scored high enough at the March 24 contest at Union Hill High School to advanced to the Academic UIL Regional contest April 22-23, 2022, in Waxahachie. To advance, students had to be ranked among the top three competitors in their category or be a member of the first place team.

 Saltillo Academic UIL District competitors included (from left, kneeling) Trinity White, Caden McGill, Jordan Cartwright, Grayson Gurley, Amira Terry, Jazmine Castro and Alyssa Partin; (standing) Cason Carmody, Evan Andrew, Colby McCoy, Ethan White, Ethan Sexton, Jacob Sexton, David Whitworth, Gunner Tarver, Cristian Trejo, Ridge Johnson, Luke Ritter, Drew Redburn, Yadhira Alonso, Katelyn Cline, Ryleigh Redar, Allie Lane, Gabby Ross, Maysen Pipkin, Coy Collins and Sheri Hailey; and (not pictured) Justice Burke, Julianna Giles, Olyveah Allen and Brianna Tawil

The Saltillo accounting team won first place honors by taking four of the top six places in the event. Gunner Tarver won second place honors, Yadhira Alonso third place honors, Brianna Tawil placed fourth and Trinity White fifth in accounting. This team advances.

The Saltillo students also did especially well in journalism competition, earning a first place ranking overall.

In copy editing, Amira Terry earned second place honors, Sheri Hailey third place honors and Colby McCoy finished sixth.

In editorial writing, Allie Lane placed fourth, Julianna Giles fifth and Alyssa Partin sixth.

In feature writing, Katelyn Cline won first place honors, Olyveah Allen second place and Gabby Ross placed fourth.

In headline writing, Ryleigh Redar earned second place honors, Gunner Tarver third place honors and Luke Ritter sixth place honors.

In news writing, Cristian Trejo won first place honors and Cason Carmody second place honors.

The Saltillo computer science competitors garnered second place team honors. Individually, Caden McGill finished fourth, Jacob Sexton fifth and Cristian Trejo sixth.

The speech team and spelling and vocabulary team also each earned second place recognition. In spelling, Ethan Sexton was recognized for finishing fourth and Amira Terry fifth.

The first place current issues and events team also advances to regional competition this weekend. Jacob Sexton won second place honors and Evan Andrew sixth place recognition as well.

Ethan White won second place honors and Trinity White placed fifth in literary criticism, garnering a second place team finish.

In persuasive speaking, Luke Ritter won first place honors and Justice Burke third place honors.

In science, David Whitworth earned first place honors.

The social studies team also earned second place team recognition. Individually, Ethan White won third honors in social studies.

Congratulations to Saltillo Academic UIL competitors for these achievements at the district meet. KSST wishes them the best of luck at the regional meet this weekend.

Great Opportunities Await You!

Posted by on 8:18 am in App, Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News, Uncategorized, Winnsboro News | Comments Off on Great Opportunities Await You!

Great Opportunities Await You!

By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County, [email protected].

While providing an individual with my business card recently, I contemplated the Vision and Mission of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.  Our vision is “Helping Texans Better Their Lives” and our mission is “Through the application of science-based knowledge, we create high-quality, relevant continuing education that encourages lasting and effective change.”  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides workshops, program series, single educational programs, educational conferences, field days, 4-H events, tours, newsletters, and much more.  If you have not visited our office, we welcome you!

There are several opportunities for involvement coming up and we would like to have you as part of the action! 

  1. Walk Through Texas History
    • If you enjoy walking, you will really like this event.  Walk Through Texas History is a four-week program designed to help Texans establish the habit of regular physical activity while learning the rich history of Texas. Each adult team may include up to eight team members, all working together to follow along legendary historical Texas paths.  You can walk in the comfort of your own home, neighborhood, parks, etc., to help your team achieve the miles.  Hopkins County walkers will use the new 4-week Texas Historical Commission Route which is a 510-mile trek and log steps/miles on the WTTH link.  With each historic marker reached, you will be able to read about that particular location, without leaving your home! 
    • We will kick off the event on May 2 and the link will allow participants to start logging steps/miles.  Registration is required, so contact my office at 903-885-3443 for information on how to sign up.  I can walk interested individuals through the process.  There is no cost, but you will enjoy watching the progress of your team as you walk through Texas history! I will send a weekly e-mail listing the progress of each team along with a recipe.  Spring is a great time to participate before the hot Texas summer hits! 
  1. Fairs, Festivals, and Events Certified Judges’ Training
    • This event is back by popular demand!  Hopkins, Hunt, Rains, and Kaufman Counties are joining efforts to provide this opportunity to individuals who are interested in learning how to judge entries in county fairs and festivals.  The training will take place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Emory.  Join us for one or two fun-filled days and earn your certification in areas attended.  Below are the topics covered.
      • Monday, May 9: horticulture, woodworking, food preservation, and baked goods will be the topics covered. 
      • Tuesday, May 10: art, photography, quilting, and fiber arts will be the topics covered.
    • Cost is $25 per day, which includes lunch and materials.  Those completing the training will also be offered the opportunity to receive a Certified Judge name badge for an additional $10.  All trained judges will be included in a list which will be provided to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices to call upon when recruiting judges for special events. 
    • To register, go to: https://rains.agrilife.org/ffe_jt or drop by the Hopkins County Extension Office at 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs and we’ll give you a paper copy to fill out and mail.
  1. Multi-County 4-H Camp
    • This annual event is scheduled for July 11-13 at Lakeview Baptist Conference Center in Lone Star.  Workshops will include: Fun with Foods, Archery, Zip line/Rock wall, Sportfishing, Horticulture, and Healthy Lifestyles team activities.  The facility has a swimming pool, lake for paddle boating and canoeing, snack bar, gift shop, and beautiful settings for a great camp!.  The registration fee of $130 includes two nights lodging, six meals, and all camp activities and materials.  Registration forms are now available at the Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office.  Students grades 3 thru 12 are welcome to attend.  If a younger sibling wishes to attend, a parent must also be present. 
    • The deadline to register is June 1.  My co-worker and I will both be attending and serving as workshop leaders and chaperones.  More information is available.

There are many more opportunities coming up, so contact our office!

CLOSING THOUGHT

Lesson from a pencil maker: In life, you will go through painful sharpenings which will only make you better. What is important is what is inside of you.

Contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks at the Hopkins County Extension Office: P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].

Chamber Connection – April 20

Posted by on 7:02 am in App, Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Chamber Connection – April 20

Chamber Connection – April 20

Volunteers Needed April 22-23 To Help Rehab Kids Kingdom

By Butch Burney

This is the weekend that Kids Kingdom needs your help!

The Sulphur Springs Leadership Class has selected to rehab Mary Bonham’s Kids Kingdom in Buford Park. And just like when it was constructed quarter-century ago, everyone is invited to help.

Friday and Saturday, April 22-23, have been designated as work days to re-stain all the wood in Kids Kingdom and spread mulch.

The class is also planning to replace and/or repair the equipment, such as the handicap swing, chains, swings, tires, etc. for the playground, restore the ground mulch and install lighting for safety and security.

Church and civic groups, as well as individuals, are encouraged to help with the project.

To sign up to help, contact the Chamber at 903-885-8515 or [email protected].

Wildcat Jazz

Wildcat Jazz Band’s 2nd Annual Jazz on the Square is coming to downtown at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21. They will feature songs from Three Dog Night, The B-52s, the Blues Brothers and more.

Be a Kids Superhero

You can be a superhero in attire and deed with the CASA Superhero Virtual Walk to promote Child Abuse Awareness. During the month of April, you are encouraged to walk or run anytime anywhere while wearing a superhero costume, cape or simply a blue shirt. Post your photo on social media with the hasthtag #lakecountrycasa.

Spring Market

The Spring Market on Main is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, on Main Street. Come out shop, eat and purchase from vendors, booths and shops.

Ribbon Cutting

Northeast Texas Children’s Museum

The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum on State Highway 11 as you enter Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 12. The museum is an interactive learn-and-play indoor and outdoor space for elementary age children.

Let ‘Er Rip will have a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at 1441 Shannon Road. Please welcome them to the business community.

The Shave Shop will have a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, April 22, at Kids Kingdom, as part of the renovation weekend.

Business of the Week

Nextlink, which provides high speed internet to Hopkins County, is the Business of the Week for April 20. See more about our Business of the Week on the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook pages as well as our website.

Nextlink

Ways To Manage Weed Infestation

Posted by on 10:09 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News, Uncategorized, Winnsboro News | Comments Off on Ways To Manage Weed Infestation

Ways To Manage Weed Infestation
Mario Villarino

By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Natural Resources and Agriculture, Hopkins County, [email protected]

Weed infestation generally increases after drought or when land is not managed properly. When fertilized according to laboratory recommendations, forage crops such as bermudagrass produce significantly more dry matter and can usually out-compete weed species. Without fertilization, however, weed species generally have the competitive advantage. Weeds hurt forage production by intercepting sunlight and removing moisture and nutrients forage crops need for growth. Weed flowers in the hay meadow are usually the first indication of a weed problem. Unfortunately, by the time weeds flower, it is usually too late to apply a herbicide or it takes additional herbicide to achieve control. A better strategy is to scout pastures early every growing season to determine whether weed infestation is at a level requiring intervention.

Prevention

The best way to manage weeds is to prevent them from becoming a problem. Proper seeding rates and forage selection, combined with good fertility, produce forage stands that are better able to compete with weed species. This approach to weed management is usually more cost-effective than applying herbicide later. Even with the best planting and soil management, however, most hay operations will require some form of weed control.

Chemical

When used appropriately, chemical weed management is safe and cost-effective. The first step is to correctly identify the weed species, then select the most effective herbicide.

The second step is to follow the label directions precisely to ensure that you use the herbicide safely, effectively and economically. Labels list safety precautions, proper application rates and times, target species, and cleanup and disposal information. Even if you have used certain herbicides for many years, check the label each year to see if the product instructions have changed. The Texas Agrilife Extension Service publishes weed control guides to help you select herbicides.

Prescribed Fire

Prescribed fire is generally used to suppress woody species and is often used after herbicide treatments. Prescribed fire can extend the life of the herbicide application and repeated fires, especially warmseason fires, can convert wooded areas into savannas that provide better livestock and/or wildlife habitat. Many producers also find the savanna ecosystem more aesthetically pleasing. Although prescribed fire is not common in east Texas, its value as a management tool should not be overlooked.

Mechanical

Mechanical weed management methods can be effective in regions that have problems with mesquite, huisache, blackbrush, and other woody species. Mechanical methods are generally less effective and more costly than chemical controls (Table 4). Mechanical treatments, primarily mowing or shredding, can actually make managing species like persimmon more difficult. Though it may appear to indicate only a slight economical advantage to the herbicide treatment, each season usually requires more than one mechanical treatment. When you consider even two trips across the field with a mower, the economic advantage of herbicides is immediately apparent.

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].