Grand Opening Planned For The Plant Niche
A grand opening and ribbon cutting for a new local business, The Plant Niche, is planned for this weekend.
Owned by Erika Mayorga and business partner Olegario Gutierrez of Como, The Plant Niche offers interior house plants, interior plant scaping, interior plant maintenance. and workshops. Mayorga, whose father was in the landscaping business, decided in 2015 to focus on interior plant scaping and obtained her business degree. The business focuses on designing home or business spaces to the aesthetics that best fits the space and lighting. She said she plans to offer some big species of plants that are typically only available from larger merchants in the Dallas area.
A soft opening for the business will be conducted at noon Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, with the grand opening to follow at noon Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at The Plant Niche, located at 222 Tomlinson St. in Sulphur Springs. Community members are invited to stop by as Mayorga presents her concept to Sulphur Springs during these openings.
Hopkins County 4-H Will Have an Achievement Banquet August 21st at 6 PM
An Achievement Banquet will be held at the Hopkins County Civic Center on August 21, 2021. The banquet will recognize the achievements of 4-H members. Bring the whole family! Tickets are just $2. Reserve them by August 18th.
Prepping for Gardening in September and October, by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
If you haven’t already done so, this is the time to begin sowing seeds for fall transplants. By starting now, you can have pansies, calendulas, Johnny-jump-ups, flowering cabbage, lettuce and othe cool season transplants ready to plant in the garden in September or early October.
If starting your own transplants has been disastrous for you in the past, especially in spring, take heart because starting fall transplants is easier. Since the soil is not as cool as it is in spring, there is not much damping-off disease.
Gardeners are able to start the transplants outside where they receive plenty of sunlight; however, don’t let transplants get too much sun. Morning sun and afternoon shade are a good combination. Although many different containers can be used to grow seeds, one of the most convenient is a styrofoam coffee cup.
Simply poke three or four holes in the side at the bottom of the cup. Write the name of the variety on the side of the cup so it won’t get lost, as so often happens with labels. Another advantage of using coffee cups is that they’re white and reflect heat.
The next major concern is a potting soil mix. Many standard potting soils will work fairly well, but you can make your own. To one bushel each of vermiculite and peat moss (finely ground pine bark can be substituted for peat moss), add 10 tablespoons of 0-20-0 (superphosphate) and l/2 cup of garden fertilizer, such as 12-24-12. Mix the material thoroughly by putting the ingredients out on the drive, scooping into the bottom and throwing each shovelful on top, pyramid fashion.
Another technique is to roll the mixture back and forth in an old tarp. The soil should be slightly watered down so it’s damp but not soggy. Most seeds should be barely covered with the soil mix, but some tiny seeds like lettuce need not be covered at all. Water them thoroughly, preferably by setting them in a pan of water and allowing the soil to soak from the bottom. Allow the containers to drain and then put them in a plastic bag out of sunlight.
Within a few days the seedlings will begin to grow. As soon as this happens, take the containers out of the bags and put them in a well-ventilated area. As the seedlings begin to make growth, use any soluble houseplant fertilizer to keep them growing vigorously.
If you’ve had problems with disease in the past, you might want to use a fungicide twice: once at planting and again at germination. Lightly dust the seeds prior to planting. A fungicide can also be used to drench young seedlings just as they come up.
Before you know it, you’ll have a pot full of tiny seedlings that can either be transplanted into individual containers, or if there aren’t too many in the pot, held until time to go into the garden.
Perhaps the simplest technique is just to plant two or three seeds in each pot, thinning them to one plant after a few weeks. If you opt for transplanting, be sure that you handle the young seedling only by the leaves. If you grasp the stem and damage it to any extent, the young seedling will be stunted.
Pots for transplants should be filled to within l/4 inch of the rim. A pencil can be used to put a hole in the center of the potting soil mixture. This is where a little moisture is critical; dry soil won’t allow the soil to stay open. Carefully lower the seedling roots into the hole and then use the pencil again in a lever-like action to firm the soil against the root system.
Be sure to water the plants carefully, picking up any leaves that get knocked into the soil. Before you know it, you’ll be eating delicious, home-grown broccoli.
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].
Parents Invited Aug. 3 To Meet New Como-Pickton Elementary & Jr. High Principals
Comp-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower invites parents to stop by the school from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, to meet the new elementary and junior high principals.
The new Junior High Principal, appointed this summer is Jennifer Rock is excited to be returning home to the area and to the school district she attended from kindergarten through third grade, and where her return as a principal at the district where she spent her first few years of school and where her dad served one the school board for more than a decade.
Rock’s 28 years as an educator includes the 12 years experience as an administrator and 15 years teaching.
Ms. RockRock will be available from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the secondary cafeteria.
Parents too are encouraged to stop by Tuesday evening to meet the new CP Elementary Principal. Although appointed the new elementary principal, Eagle parents and students will recognize the 24-year educator. Cassie Bland has been serving as Como-Pickton Junior High principal, earning distinction as the Region 8 Outstanding Junior High School Principal of the Year in 2017 during that time. Prior to that she was a testing and student services coordinator.
Mrs. Bland earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University.
She will be available Aug. 3 in the elementary principal to greet parents.
Parents may find all school supply lists on the district website, or by clicking the link directly: https://www.cpcisd.net/page/school-supply-lists
SSHS Device Pick Up Schedule, Freshman Orientation, Senior Credit Review Dates Set
Sulphur Springs High School‘s device pick up schedule, freshman orientation and senior credit review dates have been announced.
Freshmen students and parents may pick up the SSHS 9th graders’ devices either before or after freshman orientation. An orientation for parents of 9th graders will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, in the high school cafeteria; those attending should plan to us the Houston Street parking lot and entrance.
All SSHS students will have the opportunity to attain their e-device on five different days: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11; or either from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. or noon to 4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Aug. 12-13 or Monday-Tuesday, Aug. 16-17. at the school.
Senior 2022 Credit Reviews with the Counselors began Aug. 2 and will continue Aug. 3-4 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Students should plan to sign-in upon arrival in the SSHS Office.
Classes will begin at SSHS for the fall 2021 semester at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18. Classes this year will be dismissed for the day at 3:35 p.m.
Sulphur Springs Man Allegedly Choked His Girlfriend Twice
Bridgeport Woman Accused Of Swinging Golf Club At Someone
Among those jailed on felony assault charges over the weekend was a 24-year-old rural Sulphur Springs man who allegedly choked his girlfriend twice and a 51-year-old Bridgeport woman accused of swinging a golf club at someone, according to arrest reports.
County Road 3511 Assault
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Aaron Chaney and Justin Wilkerson responded just after midnight Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, to what was reported to be an active disturbance in which a woman allegedly fled after being assaulted by her boyfriend at his County Road 3511 residence. The woman reportedly had trouble breathing and was upset because her child was still in the residence where she was assaulted.
Chaney found the woman at the address given, while Wilkerson went to the CR 3511 residence where the assault was reported to have occurred and and detained Jorge A. Roque-Hernandez in handcuffs pending the investigation.
Chaney reported the woman was emotional and crying, but attempted to ascertain what had occurred. Chaney alleged the woman had several red marks around her chest and face, as well as marks on her neck, all consistent with the account given regarding the alleged attack.
The woman’s boyfriend was accused of becoming jealous of phone messages sent to her. In a fit of rage, threw her phone at her then got on top of her while she sat on the couch, then choked her to the point she couldn’t breath and almost passed out. He then allegedly threw his girlfriend to the floor and pushed her head to the floor. When the boyfriend got off of her, she got on the couch, and sat pleading with him to stop. Roque-Hernandez allegedly became more enraged, got on her again and choked her again.
Roque-Hernandez reportedly got up and began asking for the password to her phone. When she tried to run out the front door, he reportedly blocked her path and pushed her into the living area of the residence. After giving him the password, she ran out the back door, fleeing to another location seeking help.
The woman was transported by Chaney to the CR 3511 residence to care for the child. Roque-Hernandez was arrested at 12:45 a.m. Aug. 1 and jailed on a family violence assault impeding breathing or circulation charge. Deputies requested an emergency protective order, which would detain the man for a specified time even if he were to secure bond on the charge. Jail reports show Roque-Hernandez was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, on a $20,000 bond.
FM 1567 East Assault
A 51-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested July 31, 2021, on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge.
HCSO Deputy Dan Turrentine and Sgt. Richard Greer responded at 1 p.m. Saturday on FM 1567 east to what was reported as a disturbance.
Upon arrival, deputies learned Mary Angela Denton had begun destroying property with a golf club, following a verbal disturbance at the location. When another person entered the room, the Bridgeport woman allegedly swung a golf club at the individual in an effort to strike the person with it. The other person, however, blocked the golf club with a mop handle and avoided being struck.
Denton, who jail reports is also known by Mary Angela Brotherton and Angie, was taken into custody at 1:48 p.m. and jailed at 3:08 p.m. July 31, 2021, on the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge.
The 51-year-old Bridgeport woman remained in Hopkins County jail Monday evening, Aug. 2, 2021. Bond on the first-degree felony charge was set at $40,000.
Saturday was the second time this year Denton has been booked into Hopkins County jail. She was also arrested Jan. 2, 2021, after deputies found a small bag suspected methamphetamine and a burned glass pipe in a small handbag during a State Highway 154 south traffic stop. She was released from Hopkins County jail the next day on a $5,000 bond on a possession of controlled substance charge.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 438-4040.
Active COVID-19 Case Count In Hopkins County On The Rise
As has been the case across the state and country, the active COVID-19 case county in Hopkins County rose significantly over the last week, but, unlike in some larger cities where hospitals are having to divert COVID-19 patients to other healthcare facilities, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs is still able to accept patients. In fact hospitals in the region continue to be at less than the 15 percent identified by the state last year as being at “high capacity.”
That increased the total number of new COVID-19 cases reported last week (July 25-31, 2021) to 44 new confirmed cases and 22 new probable cases. That’s 66 total new cases reported for Hopkins County last. The total for the entire month of July was 133 cases, 83 confirmed and 50 new probable cases. That means half of the total number of new COVID-19 cases reported in July were recorded from July 25-July 31. Until last week, the most new cases per day of any day since June 19 was six. That’s only six more confirmed COVID-19 cases than in July 2020, a month ending with 48 recoveries, and two deaths.
In fact, the last time the total case count and active case counts for Hopkins County were triple digit numbers was in February 2021, when 269 new cases were recorded (135 confirmed by molecular testing and 134 probable cases). Feb. 2021 also concluded with 160 active cases, five COVID deaths and 188 county residents recovering from COVID-19.
March was much improved with 98 total COVID 19 cases (60 confirmed and 38 probable), 132 active cases, three COVID-19 deaths and 121 recoveries. That downward trend continued in April 2021, with a total of 56 new cases (32 confirmed and 24 probable cases) and 56 new recoveries, and which concluded with 31 active COVID-19 cases. More cases were reported in May 2021 – 89 total cases, including 53 confirmed and 36 probable cases. A total of 41 active cases and four COVID-19 deaths cases were also reported in May 2021 for Hopkins County. In June, 63 confirmed cases and 27 probable cases were recorded, a total of 9 fewer than in May 2021. June 2021 concluded with 80 new COVID-19 cases (63 confirmed and 27 probable cases), 20 active cases and 80 recoveries
So far, 24 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed for Hopkins County, but there have been no reports of new probable cases either. However, there have only been 10 recoveries recovered Aug. 1-2, not enough to offset the 24 new cases, increasing the number of Hopkins County residents confirmed by molecular testing to have COVID-19 Sunday and Monday, Aug. 1-2, to 118.
Although any new case is not great news, especially with mixed reports about the impact of the delta variant which is reported to be spreading, the good news is that there have been no Hopkins County resident confirmed by death certificate to have died from COVID-19 since May, that’s 63 days in which new cases have been recorded. None, as of the Aug. 2 Texas Department of State Health Services/Health and Human Services report, had resulted in death.
Also, while the active case count increased from 93 to 118 over the three-day weekend, only one more confirmed COVID-19 patient was reported to be in the COVID-19 unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs on Monday, Aug. 2, than the 16 reported on Friday, July 30 (the same as reported on may 28). Most of the COVID-19 patients had not received any vaccine for the virus. An area on the second floor of the hospital has been designated for COVID-19 patients. That’s still less than in January when the COVID-19 unit at CMFH-SS averaged 27 patients, but reported as many as 32 patients, and December when it averages 14 patients
While many tertiary hospital in cities such as Tyler and Dallas are having to divert patients, that is not the case in Sulphur Springs, according to the hospital CEO. Considering there were no new COVID-19 cases reported on July 6 and only 1 on July 7, that still means more staff attention needed as the COVID-19 patients enter through the ER seeking treatment and are transferred to the second floor dedicated to COVID-19 patients. As a result, CMFHSS Senior Marketing Development rep Holly Rage cautions those who need to visit the emergency room to “expect longer wait times than normal.” Masking is also still required at all CHRISTUS facilities, and those visiting are required to keep their mouth and nose covered while inside CHRISTUS facilities as a safety measure. The CCHRISTUS Sulphur Springs also screens for Delta, but it can be weeks before the result comes back.
Currently, across Region F Trauma Service Region, in which CMFHSS is located, there were 495 total hospitalizations, and 1,183 staffed hospital bed, with 117 of those patients lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, including the 17 at the Sulphur Springs hospital. Thus, COVID-19 patients accounted for only 9.89 percent of the hospital capacity on Aug. 1. It rose to 11.9 percent on July 29, which is still below the 15 percent the state last year identified as “high capacity.”
A total of 10,005 residents with Hopkins County zip codes had been fully vaccinated, and 11,672 have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Sunday. CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs as of Friday had administered approximately 9,200 COVID Vaccines (the combination of all three brands), as well as 1,233 inpatient infusions of
Remdesivir to patients in the hospital. We have also administered around 75 outpatient infusions of the MABs (Bamlanivimab/Regeneron combo). In total, we have treated 507 inpatients with COVID, 498 ER patients, and 85 observation patients, since January 1, 2020, according to Ragan.
The hospital continues to offer all three COVID-19 vaccines from 9 to 11 a.m. Fridays in the main lobby through Aug. 27. No appointment is required. Just be within the correct age range, show up at the designated time (or with an adult who can give consent if a minor).
CMFHSS also allows tele-visitation for COVID-19 patients receiving aerosol treatments. COVID-19 patients who are not receiving aerosol treatments may have on essential support person at a time, with each designated with a visible wrist band, during visiting hours.
| COVID-19 VACCINES BY ZIPCODE | Vaccine Doses Administered | People Receiving At Least One Dose | People Fully Vaccinated |
|---|---|---|---|
| SULPHUR SPRINGS-75482 | 15028 | 8456 | 7227 |
| SULPHUR SPRINGS – 5483 | 395 | 215 | 195 |
| CUMBY – 75433 | 1538 | 855 | 753 |
| BRASHEAR- 75420 | 694 | 389 | 337 |
| DIKE – 75437 | 620 | 356 | 288 |
| SALTILLO – 75478 | 470 | 261 | 226 |
| COMO – 75431 | 1048 | 594 | 503 |
| PICKTON – 75471 | 728 | 419 | 367 |
| SULPHUR BLUFF – 75481 | 228 | 127 | 109 |
| Hopkins County Totals | 20749 | 11672 | 10005 |
The Sulphur Springs Community Players Will Hold Auditions for ‘Charley’s Aunt’ on August 8-10th
CHARLEY’S AUNT
By Brandon Thomas
Directed by Lloyd Turney
Performances: November 5-7, 12-14, 2021
Community Players, Inc. will hold auditions by appointment for ‘Charley’s Aunt’ at Baked and Brewed, 224 Main St. Sulphur Springs, Texas. Auditions will be on August 8, 9, 10, starting at 6:30pm. Appointments for audition times can be made through SignUpGenius (click here), calling (903) 885-0107 or e-mailing us at [email protected].
According to Director Turney,”we will begin practices the last week of August. The practice schedule will be based on actor conflicts so we can accommodate everyone.” Performances for ‘CHARLEY’S AUNT’ are Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm), November 5-7, 12-14, 2021. For more information, please call 903-885-0107 or visit our website, www.communityplayersinc.com.
We are auditioning for the following roles:
Colonel Sir Francis Chesney (Male-50’s) Jack Chesney (Male-20s)
Kitty Verdun (Female- 20’s) Charles Wykeham (Male- 20’s)
Amy Spettigue (Female- 20’s) Ela Delahay (Female- 20’s)
Donna Lucia (Female-50-60’s) Lord Fancourt Babberley (Male-20’s)
Stephen Spettigue (Male-50-60’s) Brassett (Male or Female-40-50’s)
Remember, these are character ages. If you look the part, come and audition! Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Bring your current headshot and resume. If you don’t have a headshot and/or resume, don’t let that stop you! Come and audition!“
Bid For New Senior Citizens Center, Grant Application On Aug. 3 City Council Agenda
Budget Workshop For 2021-22 Budget To Precede Regular Tuesday Meeting
Sulphur Springs City Council will hold two meetings Tuesday, a workshop and a regular monthly meeting. The elected officials are slated to discuss and consider acting on a bid for a pre-engineered metal building to become a new senior citizens center during the regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 3., as well as a number of other items, including a reinsurance contract, chemical bids for the city water and waste water treatment plants, and authorizing the city manager to prepare and submit a grant application for funding to convert lighting at three city facilities to LED lighting.
Voters in November 2019 agreed to allow $200,000 a year for 20 years in EDC sales and use tax funding to be used by the city’s parks department for qualified 4B projects, to pay back $3 million in bonds issued for construction and maintenance at Pacific Park and construction of Senior Citizens Center facilities. The new Grays Building is open, so the focus has turned to park renovations, to be paid for with grant funding, and to construction of a new senior citizens activity building.
Construction drawings for the new senior center were prepared by REES Associates. Tandem Consulting was hired to oversee the construction just like at the Grays Building. In July, City Manager Marc Maxwell advised the city had gone out for bids, but received only a single bid for the engineered metal frame for the building. The City Council is slated to consider the matter again Tuesday evening, Aug. 3, 2021.
The City Council will also be asked to consider requests for 380 agreements, also referred to as infill housing agreements, to construct single family housing structures at three locations: 115/119 Nicholson Street, 116 Middle Street and 112 Randolph Street at the August regular meeting.
Tate Price has asked to replat a Woodside Lane lot for future development of the property into 7 duplex lots. The request was first approved by the City of Sulphur Springs Planning & Zoning Commission on July 19, then forwarded to the Sulphur Springs Zoning Board of Adjustments and appeals, where it also received approval Tuesday evening. The matter is now recommended by the ZBA to the City Council.
Exceptions are needed for lot dimension for new duplexes as well as a reduced setback on a new proposed roadway for the 1.93-acre plat, just east of 1680 Woodside Lane and directly west of Woodbridge Square.
The property is currently zoned multifamily, but the proposed plan calls for development of the property into seven duplexes, which if approved would be two-family rather than apartment units. The engineered plans were reviewed and deemed satisfactory by the city engineer, the city community development director told the ZBA last month. A community facilities contract will be required for sewer, water and street improvements.
City staff did recommended approving the Woodside Lane plat request and proposed variances, with the city manger authorized to execute the community facilities contract, and drainage to be privately maintained by the property owners that abut the drainage easement areas.
Paulino Reyes has submitted a request that Lot 3R-3 of 125 Weaver Drive be rezoned from heavy industrial to multifamily. Reyes’ request to rezone the 1.89-acre property was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 19 at the recommendation of city staff. The City Council will be asked Tuesday evening to consider approving the request as well.
Proposed are two resolutions authorizing the city manager or designee to approve a negotiated settlement between Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corporation, Mid-Texas Division, regarding the Atmos’ 2021 rate review mechanism filing and several other items related to that matter; and to prepare and submit an application for a Local Government Lighting Conversion LED grant through Texas Comptroller’s Office to benefit both city fire stations and the utility distribution office.
The regular meeting of Sulphur Springs City council meeting is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, at the Municipal Building (City Hall). That will be the second meeting the City Council holds Tuesday, however. The elected officials are slated to participate in a workshop starting at 6 p.m. to discuss a proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-22.
Stegient Wins Bronze Medal At ATA Martial Arts World Tournament Of Champs
Karisma Stegient of Sulphur Springs won the world bronze medal at the ATA Martial Arts World Tournament of Champions, held July 28-30 in Phoenix, Arizona
After COVID ended her season looking outside of the top 10, Stegient won the right to enter the championship level tournament with her combat sparring victory at District Championships last month. Her victory in the 2nd-3rd Degree Black Belts Age 13-14 category is her first world medal. She joins her older sister Harleigh, who won bronze in 2018, in winning a medal in this category.
Seeded 9th, she won her first match 9-7, Karisma faced the top seeded 13-14 year-old in the world in the quarterfinals, prevailing 10-4. In the semi-finals, Ms. Stegient lost 10-6. In the battle for the bronze, Ms. Stegient was tied with the #3 seed 7-7 as the time expired. As the match entered sudden victory, Karisma scored the deciding point to take the bronze.
Earlier in the Tournament of Champions, Mr. Daron Bilyeu finished in 4th place in the Men’s 40-49 black belts Creative and Extreme Weapons Competition. Mr. Bilyeu finished just one point out of the medals in both events. This matches his best finish in the world tournament.
Competition continued over the weekend with the World Expo tournament, which traditionally begins the new competition season. Sulphur Springs ATA had five students representing Hopkins County in the competition.
For more information on Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts, please visit www.sulphurspringsata.com or call 903-243-8767.
