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Wildcats Football Players Earn All-District Honors

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Wildcats Football Players Earn All-District Honors

It may have been a tough season for Wildcats football, but with their district rival Ennis eliminated in the Area round, AD and head football coach for Sulphur Springs Greg Owens released the District 8-5A awards for his team.

While no football players made the first team all-district, four players were selected to the second team.

One player, Matthew Sherman, made academic first team all-state.

The aforementioned four players, three juniors and one senior, were mostly skill positions. Junior Nick Cantillo was the only member of Coach Kurt McCains defense to be awarded to the second team all-district.

Wildcat Football

Two players from the offense, juniors Luke Caton and CJ Williams, were crowned second team tight end and wide receiver, respectively.

Colby Albritton made the second team as punter from District 8-5A.

Two offensive linemen, senior C Jakobe Yarbrough and junior LG Sean Dial earned Honorable Mentions for holding down the fort in the interior offensive line.

Weston Fields was also an honorable mention for wide receiver from the district.

Moving over to the defense, Coach McCain’s unit saw five honorable mentions awarded to his unit, four of which were seniors.

In the trenches, DT Carson Fenton was awarded honorable mention on the defensive line, and ILB Griffin Crawford was selected as honorable mention linebacker.

The defensive backfield, one of the strengths of the 2021 Wildcats football team, saw three of its athletes awarded honorable mentions.

Senior Korderrian “Bull” Turner and junior Riley Hammons were named honorable mention safeties, and Colt Silman rounded out district awards by being selected as honorable mention cornerback for District 8-5A.

Matthew Sherman was the only Wildcat to be selected as Academic All-State.

Seven players made the second team, though:

  • Slot WR Reed Williams and X WR Cable Glenn
  • Z WRs Aidyn Rogers and Alex Flecker
  • TE/DT Carson Fenton
  • OLB Madison Martin
  • ILB Griffin Crawford

Honorable mentions for Academic All-State were awarded to four football players:

  • Clayton Boykin
  • WR/Corner Colt Silman
  • C Jakobe Yarbrough
  • Stanley Alba

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

3 Jailed On Felony Warrants In Hopkins County

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3 Jailed On Felony Warrants In Hopkins County

At least three men were jailed on felony warrants in Hopkins County over the past two days, according to arrest and jail reports.

Gary Lee Gibson

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Terry Thompson took Gary Lee Gibson into custody at 1 p.m. Decd. 14, 2021. The 46-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into the county jail at 3:22 p.m. for bond forfeiture on an April 23, 2021 theft of property valued at less than $2,500. The charge was enhanced to a felony offense because Gibson has two or more previous convictions on his record, according to arrest and jail reports.

Gibson remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in lieu of the new $15,000 bond set on the theft charge, according to jail reports.

Manuel Botello-Zapeda

HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman took Manuel Botello-Zapeda into custody at 6:40 a.m. Dec. 14, 2021, at Cameron County Detention Center in Brownsville and transported him to Hopkins County jail. Huffman noted the 41-year-old Brashear man was cooperative and polite the entire trip. Botello-Zapeda was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:08 p.m. Dec. 14, 2021, on the warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a Nov. 13, 2016 third or more driving while intoxicated offense, according to arrest reports.

He remained in the county jail Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, held on the outstanding charge, according to jail reports.

Wesley Thomas McConnell

HCSO Deputy Kevin Lester took custody of Wesley Thomas McConnell into custody at 1:24 p.m. Dec. 13, 2021, at Franklin County jail. Lester transported the 43-year-old Scroggins man to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 2:31 p.m. Dec. 13 on a warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for a July 27, 2018 tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge, according to arrest reports.

McConnell was held in Hopkins County jail Dec. 15, 2021 on the charge, 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.

What Is A Winter Solstice?

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What Is A Winter Solstice?

The term “solstice” comes from the Latin words /sol (Sun) and /sistere/ (to stand still) because, during the solstice, the angle between the Sun’s rays and the plane of the Earth’s equator (called declination) appears to stand still.

So what does that mean, exactly? On the arrival of the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its lowest in the sky, and its noontime elevation seems to stay the same for several days before and after this day. The Sun’s gradual decrease in the sky reverses upon the winter solstice. In the United States, the official start of the winter season happens on the winter solstice.

Winter solstice 2021 will take place on December 21, albeit at different times across the country. It doesn’t fall on the exact same date every year, but occurs on either December 21 or December 22 annually across U.S. time zones. Arriving a few days before Christmas, most people are long into their cold weather activities by then, and many not even realize that this December solstice is taking place.

On December 21, 2021, winter will come to the central standard time at 9:59 am.

Typical possible daylight hours at the December solstice. (Credit: The Weather Channel)

Solstice vs. Equinox

They are not the same thing. In fact, they are opposites.

Because the planet rotates on a tilted axis, different locations receive varying amounts of sunlight as the year progresses. The solstices mark the days at which the path of the sun travels farthest north or south from the earth’s equator. This is why the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year, and conversely the summer solstice is the longest day.

The equinoxes, which take place in March and September are the moments in the spring and fall where the sun is directly above the equator and daylight and night time are relatively equal. Meaning, that while solstices and equinoxes are related, they happen at different times of the year.

Easier to remember is that solstices are the longest and shortest days of the year, while equinoxes occur when the day and night are equally as long, or the same number of hours.

While we celebrate the winter solstice, those living in the Southern Hemisphere will be simultaneously marking the arrival of summer. That’s because while our half of the globe is inclined away from the Sun, their half is inclined toward it. Being tilted away from the Sun brings us shorter days and colder temperatures.

Historians believe Stonehenge in England was erected to keep track of the Sun’s yearly progress.

Winter solstice gardening, in most regions of this country, the first day of winter is too cold for much winter solstice gardening. However, many gardeners find some indoor gardening practices that work for them. For example, one way to celebrate winter solstice for gardeners is to use that day to order seeds for next spring’s garden. This is especially fun if you get catalogs in the mail that you can flip through, but shopping online is increasing in popularity.

There’s no better time than winter to organize and plan for sunnier days to come!


Contributed by Phyllis Kitten, Hopkins County Master Gardeners

$10,000 Worth Of Stolen Property Recovered, 2 Burglaries Added To Hays’ List Of Charges

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$10,000 Worth Of Stolen Property Recovered, 2 Burglaries Added To Hays’ List Of Charges

More than $10,000 worth of stolen property has now been recovered and two burglaries have been added to the charges Brian Alan Hays has formally been charged with, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum and jail reports.

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Investigator Dennis Findley inventories firearms and other property reportedly stolen from a Weaver residence during the Thanksgiving holidays.

“Investigators recovered over $10,000 worth of stolen property taken out of a residence in Weaver around Thanksgiving. Items were also recovered in Wills Point. The subject, Brian Hays, is in custody now for a parole violation has 2 burglary of a habitation warrants pending,” Tatum reported Tuesday night.

At 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, jail records show two burglary warrants among the charges Hays is held on. The 49-year-old was arrested Dec. 9, 2021, on the parole warrant.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Aaron Hanna around 3:40 p.m. last Thursday located and stopped a suspicious vehicle, one reportedly seen leaving the area of a recent burglary in which firearms were stolen, on FM 1567 east, just south of State Highway 11 east. As Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Lester and Sgt. Richard Greer arrived, they observed the trooper approach the passenger’s side door of the maroon Nissan Sentra. The trooper reported seeing marijuana scattered throughout the vehicle and instructed the man in the car to get out. As the man got out, Lester too reported seeing marijuana not only on the floorboard of the car but also on the man’s lap, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.

The man, identified as 49-year-old Brian Alan Hays, was placed into handcuffs as a safety precaution while the officers continued to investigate. A records check showed Hays to be wanted by the Parole Board in Austin, deputies alleged in arrest reports.

A probable cause search of the wanted man’s car allegedly revealed more than one item reported to belong to the person whose guns were reportedly stolen during the prior burglary. At least one of the items was believed to have been stolen earlier Thursday morning, Dec. 9, 2021, as the property owner’s family member reported seeing it that morning, Lester noted in arrest reports. The items had not, at that time, been reported stolen yet.

Brian Alan Hays (HCSO jail photo)

Officers took Hays into custody on the violation of parole warrant. The investigation into the alleged burglaries and suspected stolen items continued. The car was impounded and Hays (who is also known to use the aliases Brian Alan Hayes, Brian Allen Hayes, Brian Allen Hays, Brian Samuels and Brian Wilson) was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he remained Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 15, 2021, according to jail reports.

Tatum Tuesday night reported altogether more than $10,000 worth of property stolen around Thanksgiving has been recovered, including items found in Wills Point. Deputies sought warrants for two burglaries the items were connected to. Two burglary of a habitation charges were added to the list of offenses Hays is accused of by midday Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, 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.

Lady Cats Basketball Falls to Mount Pleasant in District Opener

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Lady Cats Basketball Falls to Mount Pleasant in District Opener
basketball

The Lady Cats basketball team were on the road the last two games and lost both to Dallas Kimball and Mount Pleasant.

Last Saturday the women’s basketball team travelled to coach Erica Delley’s alma mater and took on the Lady Knights, falling to Dallas Kimball in a tight one 34-30.

Sulphur Springs was up in the fourth against the Lady Knights, but once Kimball got momentum and came back, the Lady Cats could not put the breaks on and as a result suffered a come-from-behind defeat to the Lady Knights.

“We did a whole bunch of good things,” Coach Delley said. But said her team “[has] to work on finishing games,” the women’s basketball coach said.

Sulphur Springs had the chance to rebound Tuesday, Dec. 14 when they travelled east on I-30 to take on district foe Mount Pleasant in both teams’ district openers.

The women’s basketball team fell to the Lady Tigers to go 0-1 in district.

The Lady Cats started out well, jumping to a 7-3 lead, but the Lady Tigers defense which presses their opponents wore down the women’s basketball team.

Mount Pleasant hit a couple of threes and jump shots to pull away from Sulphur Springs in both teams’ district openers.

Coach Delley said her freshmen may have gotten rattled by the defensive pressure, but liked the way her team performed nonetheless.

“We’re getting better,” Coach Delley said. “I like the way they played and I liked the way they hustled and never gave up the game,” the women’s basketball coach said.

The two losses drop the Lady Cats basketball team to 0-16 overall (0-1 district).

Next up, the women’s basketball team will be back at home on Friday, Dec. 17 when they host Texas High. JV will get the action underway at the SSHS Main Gym on Friday at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity at 6:15 P.M.

Friday’s district match-up between Sulphur Springs and Texas High will be broadcasted over the radio on KSST 1230 AM. If given permission, we will also be broadcasting the game on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.

basketball

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

Plans For Jail Trusty Facility Taking Shape But Still In Design, Development Stage

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Plans For Jail Trusty Facility Taking Shape But Still In Design, Development Stage

Plans for the 48-bed jail trusty facility are beginning to take shape, but are still in the design and development phase, according to DRG Architects LLC Principal Architect Wayne Gondeck. DRG is the company that designed the current Hopkins County jail facility/sheriff’s office.

Wayne Gondeck, DRG Architects LLC President and Principal Architect, discusses with county officials plans for the new trusty housing facility to be constructed across from the current jail facility,

As is the process when constructing a facility to house inmates, the initial plans have been submitted to the jail standards administration. A meeting was held with the state officials, with some recommendation. Modifications are being made based on those recommendations as well as requests made by the Commissioners Court, Sheriff and Jail Administrator.

The revised plans have to go back to the state authorities over jails, and another conference, less formal than the first required sit down meeting, will be conducted. Once any issues are resolved and the plan is given the green light by state and local officials, the project will move into the construction documents phase of the building project. Those will then be sent to the jail commission, and officials will be given a chance to discuss that and provide a time for any formal comments to be made. If the jail commission is not satisfied, then a written response will need to be accompanied by the written design information.

Gondeck hopes to be at the stage by the end of January to start looking at contractors for the project. Several contractors have called enquiring about the project. They hope to be able to go out for requests for qualifications and proposals right before Christmas, with a mid January deadline for those interested to get their qualifications and information in. They’ve held off so as to have as clean a request for contractors as possible before posting that information.

He said they have been working out with civil engineers a plan for runoff so that it won’t increase the waterflow into the nearby creek.

Discussed at previous planning sessions for the trusty facility was whether to design it for low risk, medium risk or as a maximum security facility. The plan changed from low risk to medium security. After consultations the determination was that there would not be a big design difference if the facility is constructed as a maximum or minimum security facility. That would, if the need arose in the future, allow the jail to segregate some inmates or house female or federal inmates. Space within could be utilized for classes and gatherings, such as church services for the male trusties.

One adjustment officials stipulated is additional cell access. Where the corrections officer would be stationed, truck delivery, trusty and dumper pickup locations have also been considered with adjustments made. Whether to provide a full kitchen and storage for trusties’ snacks and items too was considered in the plan.

Map showing planned location for a new trusty housing facility to be constructed on county-owed property just across from Hopkins County jail.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked is the project with some of the adjustments that were being considered to make the facility a maximum security structure would put the project over budget. He noted that a total of $4.5 million has been designated to cover everything. That, he said is the entire budget, and no more to spare.

Gondock said some items could be scaled back if the project looks like due to increasing materials and labor shortages the project costs get too high, while still keeping the basic design that meets jail commission standards. For instance a $3,000-$5,000 door on a safety vestibule could be left off.

Beth Wisenbaker, grants coordinator for Hopkins County, said she anticipates as part of requirements for the federal funding, environmental and historical impact studies and statements will likely be needed. Gondock noted that if there are any findings in the mitigational plan those would be addressed in Phase 2 with environmental. For Phase 1, a company soil drills. For environmental, if they find anything that requires it, then the need would arise to go back and test it.

The structure is to be built as the current jail, solidly, with typical wall sections, planks on concrete blocks reinforced. The trusty facility would be built with precast concrete, fire proof attic space, able to withstand high winds, and if maximum security, the walls would need to have 8 feet with rebar.

The kitchen as proposed has a three compartment sink, cabinet storage, an ice maker, double convection oven, reach in refrigerator and freezer where meals or food for special diets can be stored. The facility also would have a small commercial laundry. The trusty housing areas would have two zones for smoking, providing an additional safe area where inmates could be moved to if there is a fire on one side. The lighting is to be all LED.

Instead of two water broilers for all 48 inmates to use for showering, the commissioners and sheriff indicated a desire for all tankless heating. This would mean all 48 could take showers and they’d never run out of hot water, and water wouldn’t have to be heated all the time, which could prove more efficient.

A desire too was expressed by the sheriff for natural gas heating rather than electric heating of the facility, which they believe based on current uses would be more efficient

One commissioner asked if the facility was constructed so that, if the county chose at a future time, solar panels could be install on top of the building. This is something the county has done for several buildings and are finding to be financially beneficial in reduced energy costs.

Funding for the Hopkins County Trustee Housing Facility would come from the $7-plus million the county has been awarded in American Rescue Program funding, with no local tax dollars allocated for the project. The facility would keep the trustees, who work in the community, separate from other inmates as a safety precaution against COVID-19 or any other illness being spread, and to better keep contraband such as snuff or controlled substance out of the county jail, officials noted when announcing plans to use a large chunk of the COVID-19 related funding to build separate housing for jail trusties.

In addition to the DRG and county officials, Adams & Associates Principal Gary Adams also was present at the Dec. 9, 2021, meeting.

Wildcats Soccer Continues Unbeaten Pre-Season With 3-1 Win in Greenville

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Wildcats Soccer Continues Unbeaten Pre-Season With 3-1 Win in Greenville

Coach Alexi Upton’s Wildcats varsity soccer team were the only squad to get the win over the Greenville Lions on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

The men’s varsity soccer team beat Greenville 3-1 to stay unbeaten in scrimmage play.

Edgar Salazar got the scoring going for Sulphur Springs, assisted on the goal by Alex Yanez.

An own-goal committed by the Lions gave the Wildcats their second goal on the night.

Coach Alexi Upton’s squad was able to put away the scrimmage match thanks to an Alex Yanez goal that was assisted by teammate Manuel Vega to complete the 3-1 win over the Lions.

Men’s soccer continues their unbeaten pre-season, now at 3-0-1 after the win in Greenville.

Next up, the Wildcats will be in the DFW metroplex taking on Carrollton’s RL Turner HS on Friday, Dec. 17. JV2/freshmen will get the action going Friday at 4 P.M. followed by JV at 5:30 P.M.

Varsity will kick-off against RL Turner at 7:30 P.M.


KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Chamber Connection – Dec. 15: Shopping Local Isn’t Just A Slogan, It’s A Way Of Life

Posted by on 7:47 am in App, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, Senior Citizen News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Chamber Connection – Dec. 15: Shopping Local Isn’t Just A Slogan, It’s A Way Of Life

Chamber Connection – Dec. 15: Shopping Local Isn’t Just A Slogan, It’s A Way Of Life

By Butch Burney

As you finish up your Christmas shopping – or get started, if you’re a Christmas Eve shopper – don’t pass up the treasure of local stores and restaurants.

Shopping local isn’t just a slogan, it’s a way of life. When you shop (and eat) local, you not only support your neighbors and friends who are small business owners and their employees, you keep your money circulating in your hometown. Local staff are helpful, courteous and make it easy to purchase what you are looking for.

Don’t spend gas and time trying to force your way through Metroplex traffic, or buy online only to realize what you purchased wasn’t quite what you thought it was. Shop here. Buy here. Live here.

Annual Nominations

As 2021 comes to an end, it is time to get nominations in for those individuals and businesses that have been outstanding this year.

Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.

Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:

  • Citizen of the Year — Chamber of Commerce —110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Woman of the Year — Beta Sigma Phi Organization — P.O. Box 72, SS, TX 75483.
  • Caregiver of the Year — The Pilot Club—P.O. Box 131, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
  • Community Pride Award — Adult Leadership Class — 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Agriculturist of the Year — Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur
  • Springs 75482.
  • Growth and Renewal — DBA — 109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
  • Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher) —Chamber of Commerce —110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Outstanding Paraprofessional Educator (Secretary or Aide) — Chamber of Commerce —110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria) — Chamber of Commerce —110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement — civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
  • Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
  • Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.

Chamber Directory

Work is continuing on the 2022 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Directory. We distribute over 7,000 of these directories to visitors, relocation hopefuls, and even hometown heroes who are interested in learning more about our local businesses.  They include historical information as well all things to the see and do in Hopkins County. The best part is, they include an alphabetical and categorical listing of your business. LeeAnn Peugh, with Echo Publishing, will be contacting you in the next few weeks to see if you are interested in placing an ad in the directory.

The rates are affordable, and one of the best ways to represent your business. I hope you will consider this a wise investment with over 7,000 opportunities for business exposure. You may also contact the Chamber, and I will pass your information along to her.

Wreaths Across America

Veterans who are buried in Sulphur Springs City Cemetery will have a wreath placed on their gravesites on Saturday, Dec. 18, during National Wreaths Across America Day. For a $15 sponsorship, you can help provide the wreaths during the ceremony. To make a donation, go to: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/tx0613.

Golden Agers Gift Tree

You can adopt a senior citizen through the Golden Agers Gift Tree, through Dec. 17, by choosing a name off the tree and going shopping with the senior. The tree is located at the Senior Citizens Center, 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Business Highlight

The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for Dec. 1, Millennium Shopper. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.

Millennium Shopper

A Year in Review – Diabetes Education

Posted by on 6:04 am in App, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on A Year in Review – Diabetes Education

A Year in Review – Diabetes Education
Johanna Hicks

By Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent

Each year, our staff provides summaries of programs that have had an impact in Hopkins County. This is the first in a series of program summaries. Because our youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2 ½, he has been as my inspiration for helping individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes – primarily type 2 diabetes. Below is a summary of the relevance, response, and results for the Diabetes and Chronic Disease Management in Hopkins County.

Relevance

The Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) defines chronic diseases as those lasting longer than 1 year resulting in continued medical care or limited daily activities, including type 2 diabetes. Currently, in Texas approximately 2.33 million (11.2%) adults have diabetes with 621,000 (21%) of those being undiagnosed in 2021.

In Hopkins County:

• 10% of the adult population have been diagnosed with diabetes, as compared to 11.2% in Texas and 8.5% in the country

• 35% are reportedly physically inactive

• 31% of the county adult population are obese

Diet related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes related to poor nutrition and physical inactivity can be better managed with dietary and self-care management, increased physical activity, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight.

Education is an integral component in managing the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Texas.

“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, rather than medication dependency alone.

“Cooking Well with Diabetes” offers practical dietary and self-care management focusing on healthy cooking alternatives.

Response

• Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes (DWBW) 5- lesson session held virtually in partnership with Fannin, Rockwall, Titus, and Hopkins Counties

• Cooking Well with Diabetes (CWWD) 4-lesson series held face-to-face

• National Diabetes Awareness Month exhibit

• Mass media contributions focusing on chronic disease management

TARGET AUDIENCE

Individuals with type 2 diabetes and their families

PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATORS

• Texas Diabetes Council, American Diabetes Association (materials)

• Master Wellness Volunteers (marketing, registration, tray preparations)

• Diabetes educator and pharmacist served as speakers for certain sessions

Six individuals from Hopkins County and one for California completed the Virtual DWBW series with all completed the pre- and post-survey . Twelve attended the CWWD series. Nine completed the pre-and post-surveys.

Results

Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes:

  • 7 of 7 (100%) indicated learning the connection between carbohydrates and blood glucose
  • 7 of 7 (100%) reported increased confidence in achieving 30 minutes of physical activity most days
  • 7 of 7 (100%) learned how to prevent blood glucose from dropping during exercise
  • 6 of 7 (85%) reported gaining confidence in managing diabetes
  • 5 of 7 (71%) reported improved overall health (3 remained the same at “good” or “very good”)
  • 5 of 7 (71%) reported increased confidence in spacing carbohydrates throughout the day.
  • 5 of 7 (71%) increased frequency of checking feet (2 remained the same)
  • Economic impact: $147,197

Cooking Well with Diabetes:

  • 9 of 9 (100%) indicated that the series met or exceeded expectations
  • 8 of 9 (88%) indicated reducing added salt at the table
  • 7 of 9 (77%) now use MyPlate for meal planning
  • 6 of 9 (66%) indicated increasing amount of fiber when cooking
  • 5 of 9 (56%) increased amount of non-starchy vegetable consumption (4 remained unchanged at ½ their plate)

Clientele feedback for both series was very positive. The two series will be offered in 2022 for interested individuals, so stay tuned.

Closing Thought

Greet people, don’t just meet them. Look for the good in others.

Vicki Hitzges, author and speaker

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

HC Genealogy Society Library Plans an Active New Year, Many Benefits for Membership

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HC Genealogy Society Library Plans an Active New Year, Many Benefits for Membership

The Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s Research Library, located inside the Sulphur Springs Public Library at 611 North Davis Street, operates with a vibrant group of volunteers eager to help the public with their research needs. Due to flooring renovations going on in December along with the holiday closure schedule, the doors to the HCGS Research Library will not be open during the final weeks of December. However, a bright new year awaits those who plan to utilize the Research Library and the knowledge and expertise of Society members. Good News! The Research Library will re-open on Monday January 3, 2022. In a press release from the HCGS, the good news is announced and membership application provided. Also, you can reach out to hcgstx.org for details.

We are happy to announce that the installation of the new carpet in our library is complete.  Numerous volunteers donated their time to return the library to its original functioning state.  We will wait until Monday, January 3. 2022, as originally planned, to resume our normal hours of operation.

In the meantime, we have attached the 2022 Membership Renewal form to this email, so that you can take care of that before the first of the year.  Remember, the password for the “Members Only” section of our website will expire on January 31st and you will need to have renewed your membership for 2022 to be given the new password.  We don’t want you to miss out on any announcements, events or new data added to the website.

It is our sincere hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas! We look forward to seeing everyone after the New Year!