‘Christmas Market On Main’ Was a Success for Shoppers, Vendors and Merchants Too!
The ‘Christmas Market on Main’ shopping event held in downtown Sulphur Springs on Saturday December 5, 2020 brought Christmas cheer and plenty of variety for shoppers. The event was sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance, and organized by DBA member Marlene DeYong, owner of Marlene’s Sass n Class Boutique located at 212 Main Street. More than 24 vendors set up their shops on the brick street, and these booths were bordered on both sides by the eateries and shops of our local merchants. So, the stage was set with ample opportunity provided for ‘gift hunting’ and exploration of our downtown district.
Every vendor offered something different, with most items handcrafted, handpainted or repurposed. According to Marlene, “I got a lot of good feedback, with people saying they appreciate a Christmas market provided here at home. You could tell that some of the groups we saw strolling the market were family, having come together to enjoy the day. Some of the vendors did really well, and were sold out by 1pm”.
“Many of our Main Street merchants offered refreshments and in-store specials, and I think that boosted their business as well on Saturday. Almost every single one of the merchants donated a gift card or product to our gift basket. The winner of the gift basket valued at $450 said she decided last minute to attend and purchase a ticket. And more good news is that the proceeds of ticket sales is going to the non profit Li’l 4’s Kids Club for the children who go there. It was well worth the effort. Sales in my own shop were up too! Yes, we did see most of the shoppers wearing face masks and social distancing. Someone actually said to me that they enjoyed the sweet atmosphere in Sulphur Springs. That says a lot coming from a random visitor to our town! So, thank you to the City of Sulphur Springs for allowing us to hold Christmas Market on Main 2020 in spite of the pandemic. The weather was perfect and business brisk for our annual outdoor shopping event.”
Hicks: A Year in Review – Diabetes Education
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
A Year in Review – Diabetes Education
Each year, starting in December, our Extension staff provides impact summaries of our major programs. My passion is helping others learn how to manage diabetes through a series called, “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes.” According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, approximately 10% of the adult population in Hopkins County have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Unlike other chronic diseases, individuals with type 2 diabetes can manage their disease by following a healthful eating pattern, regular physical activity, and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose, rather than medication dependency alone.
Other contributing factors to chronic disease include physical inactivity and obesity. 35% of Hopkins County residents reportedly are physical inactive and 31% have BMI over 30. Both of these figures are higher that the state and U.S.
The Hopkins County Family & Community Health Committee and Master Wellness Volunteers identified diabetes education as a continuing need in Hopkins County. Chronic disease management was addressed in the following ways:
- Spring 2020 “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” 5-lesson series
- National Diabetes Awareness Month promotion
- Mass media contributions
- Walk Through Texas History (a physical activity walking program)
- Walk Across Texas
Prior to COVID, two face-to-face sessions of Do Well, Be Well were held. Eight individuals registered for the series. Following COVID closures, other sessions were held via Teams. Copies of all power points, handouts, recipes, and supplementary materials were printed and packaged for mailing or pick-up. 100% (8 of 8) indicated learning the connection between carbohydrates and blood glucose. 75% (6 of 8) reported gaining confidence in managing diabetes and reported increased confidence in achieving 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. 5 of 8 (63%) reported improved overall health (3 remained the same at “good” or “very good.” The total economic impact for those completing the course was valued at $218,643. National Diabetes Awareness Month included newspaper columns and social media posts. An exhibit in the Extension Office reached 25 people.
“Walk Through Texas History,” “Walk & Talk,” and “Walk Across Texas” were also implemented in 2020. Four teams participated in a new walking program, “Walk Through Texas History”, and achieved 1,185 miles during the 4-week series, featuring historic stops along a virtual historic Texas trail. Weekly recipes and e-mail follow-up were sent to all participants. In addition, 16 individuals participated in “Walk & Talk,” an 8-week nutrition and physical activity series. The 833-mile goal was far surpassed as participants logged 2,366 miles. Fruit & vegetable consumption increased, and participants reported making a conscious effort to achieve 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
“Walk Across Texas,” similar to Walk & Talk, included six individuals, who will complete the 8-week program in mid-December. As of this writing, participants have achieve 557 miles. The focus is on attaining daily regular physical activity and increasing the associated health benefits. Thanks to Pat Connally, Hopkins County Master Wellness Volunteer, for heading up this group!
If you have followed my column, you are aware of another diabetes education series starting in January. This is the same series that has been taught in the past, but due to COVID, all sessions will be held virtually via ZOOM. Registration is now taking place, and I encourage you to contact my office if interested in participating. The cost is only $10, which will cover the cost of materials (I will print copies of the power point, handouts, recipes, and supplementary materials and provide a 3-ring notebook). Sessions will start Wednesday, January 6 and continue each Wednesday in January, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. I am collaborating with colleagues in Fannin, Titus, and Rockwall Counties and one of our own Hopkins County residents, Sue Potts, RN, CDE, will provide the final lesson. For those who don’t feel confident in logging on, I will have equipment set up in my office and will have each session ready to go, so just give me a call – 903-885-3443. For those who wish to participate from home or place of business, a link to log onto the series will be sent weekly.
Closing Thought
Every night before bed, think of one thing for which you are grateful that you’ve never been grateful for before.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Wildcats Basketball Team Loses Heartbreaker Against Garland Naaman Forest On 3-Pointer at Buzzer
The Wildcats Basketball Team had a lead for most of its’ game with Naaman Forest in Garland Tuesday night, December 8, only to see the Rangers hit a three-point basket right at the final buzzer in a heartbreaking, 62-61 loss.
The defeat spoiled a fine effort by junior Caleb Alexander who scored 15 points. Sophomore Kordrick Turner had 13 points. Junior Justin Haire scored 10 points. Seniors Boo Wilkerson and Lamodrick Johnson added 8 points each. Parker Whisenhunt and senior Jatavian Hall had 3 points apiece. Cason Arrington had 2 points.
The Wildcats are now 5-4 for the season. Their road mark is now 3-2. The Wildcats JV took a 65-52 win over Naaman Forest prior to the varsity contest.
Friday the Wildcats’ varsity travels to Royse City for a non-district game at 7:30 p.m. Freshmen and JV games will take place before the varsity game starting at 5 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.
Weekly COVID-19 County Profile: Adults Age 40-60 Account For 40 Percent of New Cases
In this week’s COVID-19 demographics, Texas Department of State Health Services reported Hopkins County residents between the ages of 40 and 60 accounted for 40 percent of new COVID-19 cases reported between Nov. 23 and Dec. 6.
There were 32 fewer new COVID-91 cases reported during the current 2-week reporting period compared to the previous one, and 75 less than the report period ending Nov. 24. While several age categories had notable fluctuations during the dats in the Dec. 8 report period, only two age groups showed gains.
There were 34 adults ages 40-49 years of age who tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2-week report period, 9 more than the report period ending Dec. 1, but still 1 less than the report period ending Nov. 24.
Two more residents ages 70-79 received positive COVID-19 results during the period reported Dec. 8 than the 30 reported on Dec. 1, four more than in the Nov. 24 report.
There were 28 new cases among Hopkins County residents ages 60-69 years of age. That’s 13 less residents testing positive Nov. 23-Dec. 6 than the Dec. 1 reporting period and 15 less than were reported Nov. 24.
Adults ages 50-59 made up the largest group of Hopkins County residents receiving positive COVID-19 results during the last 2-week report, but there were still five less of them. The were 40 new cases among ages 50-59 reported Nov. 24, 44 Dec. 1 and 39 Dec. 8.
Twenty-one new cases were reported among Hopkins County residents ages 20-29 over the last reporting period, that’s down from the 33 new cases reported Nov. 24 and 28 new cases reported Dec. 28.
Sixteen of the 186 new cases over the last report period were in residents ages 30-39. That’s down from 37 new cases reported Nov. 24 and 21 Dec. 1 for ages 30-39 years.
The number of children ages 12-17 also was cut in half, declining from 8 new cases reported Nov. 24, to 5 Dec. 1 and 2 in the Dec. 8 report.
Six Hopkins County residents ages 80-120 years tested positive for COVID-19 during the last report period, down from the seven reported during the past 2 report periods.
Only two Hopkins County residents ages 18-19 received positive COVID results during the Dec. 8 report period. That’s down from eight during the Nov. 24 report and five Dec. 1, according to the Dec. 8 County Profile data.
The new cases among ages 4-11 was almost one-third what it was 2 weeks before. This category has continued to drop over the last 3 reporting periods, from 12 reported Nov. 24, eight Dec. 1 and down to three Dec. 8.
No children ages 0-3 years tested positive during either the Dec. 1 or Dec. 8 reporting period, but there were two during the Nov. 24 period.
This report period, just as many men as women were reported to have been diagnosed with the virus, with a 50/50 split. These have changed 1 percent in each of the last 2 reporting periods, starting on Nov. 24 with males accounting for 48 percent and females 52 percent of Hopkins County COVID-19 cases, according to the DSHS report.
Dec. 2, according to the DSHS Dec. 8 County Profile, had the second highest number of new confirmed positive molecular and positive “probable” antigen COVID cases go. The day the most new cases was reported was in mid October, according to the DSHS data.
Weekly COVID-19 County Profile
Lady Cats Basketball Team Uses Big Run In Third Quarter To Defeat New Boston On The Road
After struggling to score in the first half and trailing 17-12 at halftime, the Lady Cats Basketball Team utilized a huge third quarter to take the lead on the way to a 47-24 win at New Boston Tuesday evening, December 8.
Lady Cats Coach Brittney Tisdell said her team went on a 22-0 run during the third quarter. She said her team executed and battled their way through a tough, physical game. Coach Tisdell said the Lady Cats picked up a lot of fouls but were able to play through them.
Sophomore Kenzie Willis led the Lady Cats with 14 points. Senior Dalanee Myles had 11 points. Junior Baylie Large scored 9 points.
With the win, the Lady Cats evened their season record to 3-3. They are 2-1 now in road games.
Friday the Lady Cats open district play against Mount Pleasant at home. The varsity game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. right after a 5 p.m. JV contest, both in the Main Gym at SSHS.
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.
Dec. 8 COVID-19 Update: 5 New Cases, 84 Active Cases
Five additional Hopkins County residents had received positive molecular COVID-19 test results on Tuesday, according to Texas Department of State Health Services COVID-19 Case Counts dashboard, and Hopkins County/Sulphur Springs Emergency Management officials also provided daily free molecular testing and hospital case counts in the Dec. 8 COVID-19 update.
Dec. 8 COVID-19 Case Counts
Although the week is young yet, there have only been 5 new COVID-19 cases reported for Hopkins County since Sunday. After a two day reprieve with no new case reports, DSHS on Tuesday reported five Hopkins County residents had received positive molecular COVID-19 results, the same as on Dec. 4 That makes 86 new COVID-19 cases so far in December. Most of the new COVID positives were reported on two days, 44 new cases on Dec. 3 and 20 on Dec. 5.
The 86 new lab confirmed COVID-19 cases reported through Dec. 8 is almost as many new cases as during the month of July, when a total of 89 cases were reported, and August, when a total of 91 new cases were reported. That’s more new cases reported in Dec. 1-8 than during the first 8 days of all other months since the pandemic began in Hopkins County in March. Even in September, there were only 118 new cases reported during the entire month.
While 323 Hopkins County residents received positive molecular COVID-19 test results, only 48 of those cases were reported Oct. 1-8. There were also only 138 total new lab-confirmed molecular COVID-19 positive results returned to Hopkins County residents during November, including 31 COVID positives reported from Nov. 1-8.
There have been no COVID-19 patient recoveries reported in four days. In fact, there have only been recoveries reported on three of the first eight days in December. Two recoveries each were reported on each on Dec. 4 and 5, and 80 recoveries on Dec. 2 when the active case count dropped to 19. Similarly, recoveries were reported only three days in November, 19 on Nov. 2, 21 on Nov. 6 and 42 on Nov. 9. That’s two more recoveries reported in December than during the entire month of November.
Only once have there been more recoveries reported in a single day, 81 on Oct. 29. October ended with 247 total recoveries, but had only had 36 recoveries through the 8th.
Cumulatively, 918 Hopkins County residents have received positive molecular COVID-19 results since March, including 778 residents who have recovered and 56 COVID-19 fatalities.
That leaves 84 Hopkins County residents who still had COVID-19 on Dec. 8. The active case count is edging closer to the 90 active cases the month began with. That seems especially high after the 80 recoveries on Dec. 2 reduced the active case count to 19 Hopkins County residents who still had the virus last Wednesday. The active case count hadn’t been in the teens since May 27, when the county’s cumulative totals were 27 cases and 6 recoveries. But, the 84 active cases recorded on Dec. 8 is still far lower than the 236 active case reported by HC/SSEM on Oct. 28, a day in which the cumulative case count had reached 663, with 427 recoveries. At that point, however, it should be noted that COVID-19 deaths at that time were not accounted for in the overall case counts as DSHS was not reporting that data to counties; there were 27 COVID-19 deaths from Oct. 1-28.
Testing
HC/SSEM in the Dec. 8 COVID-19 update reported 120 additional COVID-19 tests were preformed at the free testing center in Sulphur Springs on Monday. That makes 531 molecular COVID-19 tests conducted so far this month and 5.062 since the Red Cross (old Fidelity Express) building was first converted for use as a free testing site on Sept. 25.
The free state testing site has been secured through the end of December at 128-A Jefferson St. The oral swab testing is offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and shorter hours on Saturdays. Testing is available for anyone, but registration must be completed by an adult age 18 or older in advance online at www.GoGetTested.com to schedule the oral COVID swab, according to the HC/SSEM Dec. 8 COVID-19 update.
Those testing should bring the number with the QR code sent sent upon completion of registration along with a photo ID to 128-A Jefferson St. at the designated time. This is not a drive-through location. The COVID-19 test will be performed inside the building.
Testers will be asked asked if they have consumed anything by mouth in the 15-20 minutes prior to arrival. Those who have will be required to wait the requisite time before testing to better ensure a more accurate result.
The Local Health Authority nurse recommends people getting the oral molecular swab test from the free state testing site to refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, vaping, chewing gum or brushing their teeth for at least an hour prior to the test. Doing so, she reports, will make a difference in the outcome of the test.
“If you get tested at a location other than your PCP and are found to be positive, I would recommend informing your primary care provider so that they can input that test result into your chart,” said LHA Nurse Brynn Smith.
Hospital Reports
The patient count in the COVID Unit at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs continues to be 23 for the third HC/SSEM report in a row – Dec. 4, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. (Local authorities do not provide hospital and testing information on Saturday and Sunday.) Tuesday is the fourth day this month in which there were 23 patients in the COVID-19 Unit; there were also 23 on Dec. 1.
The patient count hasn’t fallen below 20 in the COVID unit in the last 13 days, or at least during the the five days a week HC/SSEM provides updates.
According to the weekly business news from CMFH-SS, there are 96 beds at the Sulphur Springs facility. HC/SSEM officials recently reported the hospital had made adjustments so that up to 35 patients can be treated as part of the COVID-19 unit at CMFH-SS. That means COVID positive patients make up more than 15 percent of total hospital capacity.
The state monitors what percent of total hospital capacity COVID-19 hospitalizations make up daily in each Trauma Service Area. If that percentage remains above the 15 percent threshold for 7 days in a row, the area is considered to have high hospitalizations. After 7 days, additional restrictions are enacted for counties in that TSA, including going back to 50 percent business occupancies and in some cases, could mean business closures until the region has 7 consecutive days in which COVID-19 hospitalizations account for less than 15 percent of the total hospital capacity.
There are 22 TSAs in Texas, each identified by a letter. Daily hospitalization and hospital capacity numbers are reported by hospitals through eight Hospital Preparedness Program providers that coordinate health care system preparedness and response activities in Texas, according to DSHS.
Hopkins County and CMFH-SS are within TSA-F, which includes most of Northeast Texas. As of 5:55 p.m. Dec. 8, the DSHS reported COVID-19 Hospitalizations out of Total Hospital Capacity for TSA-F had increased for the second day in a row and was nearing the 15 percent high hospitalization threshold.
The 140 lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals in Trauma Service Area F accounted for 12.66 percent of total hospital capacity on Dec. 6, the 152 COVID patients accounted for 14.1 percent on Dec. 7 and 147 patients accounted for 14.65 percent on Dec. 8.
There were 64 ventilator available in TSA-F on Dec. 8, one more than on Monday and three more than on Dec. 4 and 5.
On Tuesday, there were 395 available hospital beds available, three less than on Monday, but 43 more than on Dec. 4, 31 more than on Dec. 5 and eight more than on Dec. 6 in TSA-F.
Only three ICU beds were available at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8 in TSA-F, one less than on Dec. 7, half as many as on Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, and five less than on Dec. 5.
On Dec. 8, 386 hospitalizations were reported in TSA-F, three less than on Dec. 7, 36 less than on Dec. 4 and 37 less than on Dec. 5.
TSA-F had six fewer staffed hospital beds on Tuesday than the 1,078 reported on Dec. 7, four less than on Dec. 5, three less than on Dec. 4 but 57 more than on Dec. 6.
Overall, there were 981 total staffed inpatient beds in hospitals in TSA-F on Dec. 8, six less than on Dec.7, 34 less than on Dec. 6, and three and four less than on Dec. 4 and five.
HHS Reports
Texas Health and Human Services reported one employee at Sulphur Springs Christian Preschool was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 7. That’s the only active COVID-19 case reported for the licensed child care centers, school-age programs, and before- or after-school programs listed for Hopkins County on Dec. 7.
There were no active COIVD-19 cases reported at any assisted living faculties in Sulphur Springs as of Nov. 24, the most recent data available from HHS on Dec. 8.
There was only one change in the COVID-19 case counts at the four nursing facilities in Sulphur Springs in the Dec. 7 and 8 reports; one Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab had tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 24, the most recent data available in the Dec. 8 HHS report.
There was one active employee case each reported for Carriage House Manor, Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab and SSNR, and five active employee cases at Rock Creek Health and Rehab on Nov. 24, according to the Dec. 8 HHS nursing facility report.
Only two nursing facilities were reported to have active resident cases on Nov. 24, six at Carriage House Manor and one at Sulphur Springs Health and Rehab.
3 Jailed On Unrelated Controlled Substance Charges
December 8, 2020 – Three people were jailed on unrelated controlled substance charges over the past 2 days, according to arrest reports.
Main Street Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping 48-year-old Earnest Miller Johnson of Sulphur Springs at 10:16 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, on Main Street at Davis Street for failure to stop. The Dodge 1500 he was driving rolled past a designated stopping point. Steward alleged seeing the man making what he considered to be furtive movements as he approached the truck.
Johnson reportedly agreed to let officers search the vehicle. Steward allegedly found a bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in the vehicle. He allegedly admitted the substance belonged to him and was arrested at 10:38 p.m. on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
He was released from Hopkins County jail Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, on a $5,000 bond, according to jail reports.
State Highway 19 South Traffic Stop
A 39-year-old Sulphur Springs woman caught deputies’ attention around 12:40 a.m. Monday by driving a Chevrolet C3500 pickup south on the shoulder of State Highway 19. Upon seeing the officer, she reportedly opened the truck door and waved her hands to garner his attention. She told the officer she was possibly running out of fuel, but would attempt to continue south in order to make it to Rains County, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Chaney noted in arrest reports.
Immediately after, however, the car died and stopped at the intersection of State Highway 19 south at County Road 1165. Chaney stopped to provide assistance, offering to give her a courtesy ride to a gas station if she needed one. She accepted. He told her he would need to see her identification and check her purse in order to transport her in a patrol vehicle. Melissa Ann Kerby reportedly handed over her ID and purse, but appeared to the deputy to be apprehensive about letting her search the bag’s contents. She allegedly admitted she was apprehensive because she believed there was marijuana in the purse.
A search of the purse revealed a small amount of green, leafy substance Chaney believed was indeed marijuana. He then advised he would be conducting a probable cause of the vehicle. Kerby walked to the vehicle, took the keys out and, it appeared to the deputy, she was tried to make it look like she was having trouble unlocking it. Chaney instructed her to step aside and move the leg she had against the door. She did and Chaney noted the door was unlocked. She was placed into handcuffed due to her behavior.
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Elijah Fite arrived to assist. The deputies found a container with a crystal-like substance they believed to be methamphetamine, a loaded revolver and multiple items of drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, Chaney alleged in arrest reports. She was taken into custody at 1:02 a.m. Dec. 7 for possession of a controlled substance and transported to jail; the vehicle was impounded.
Upon arrival at Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center, before entering the jail, Kerby allegedly admitted to having additional contraband in her bra. She removed the three bags containing more suspected methamphetamine and handed it to Chaney. The substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 2.8 grams, including packaging.
Consequently, the woman was booked into jail just before 4 a.m. Monday for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon. She was released from Hopkins County jail later Monday on a $10,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
State Highway 11 East Traffic Stop
Deputies stopped a 50-year-old Sulphur Springs red Ford Ranger at 10:21 p.m. Dec. 6 on State Highway 11 east, west of FM 2560, for a traffic violation. Upon contact, officers noted the driver exhibited signs of bruxism. HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged the 50-year-old man’s hands were trembling when he handed his license to him. Davis noted David Alan Deaton also spoke rapidly and wouldn’t make eye contact with the him.
Davis said he knew the man to have a history of illegal narcotics usage. Based on that and his observations, Davis said he obtained permission to search the truck. Two empty syringes and two bags containing a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine were found in the console, deputies alleged in arrest reports. Deputy Elijah Fite was credited with assisting on the traffic stop.
Deaton was jailed for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. The 50-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail Monday, Dec. 7, on a $10,000 bond, 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.
Some Success For Lady Cats and Wildcats Golfers at Rockwall Tournament Monday
Lady Cat Mariam Tran won a golf tournament Monday and the Wildcats Golf Team just missed out for third place as a team. The tournament was at Rockwall Golf and Athletic club, site for the regional tournament this spring.
Tran shot a 79, one stroke better than the second place finisher. The rest of the Lady Cats had a tough day. Mykaylie Meador shot a 109. Lady Cats Coach Whitney Spigener said Meador’s score was considerably better than what she shot last season on the course. She said Meador really struggled on two holes in particular that increased her score. Makayla Pullen shot 147 and Autumn Allen shot 156. Coach Spigener said Allen has only been playing golf a couple of months. The Lady Cats shot 491 as a team and Coach Spigener said it was not the team’s best score.
The Wildcats finished in fourth place among ten teams and just two strokes out of third place. Senior Kip Childress led the team with an 81, good enough for fourth place in the tournament. Senior Rylan Brewer shot an 89. Senior Grant Mohesky shot 93. Sophomore Caleb Kesting had a 104. Junior Luke Dietze shot a 107. Wildcats Golf Coach Jeremy DeLorge said three of his golfers showed a lot of improvement from the last time they played at the Rockwall course. He said Brewer had a ten stroke improvement, Kesting came in seven strokes better and Mohesky was better by four strokes. Coach DeLorge said his team battled all day but just could not get over the hump.
Both coaches said the weather was beautiful. Coach Spigener said the course was in great condition. The Wildcats and Lady Cats are now finished with their three fall semester tournaments. They will resume play in February for the regular spring season.
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.
Wildcats Play at Garland Naaman Forest and Lady Cats at New Boston on Basketball Game Day Tuesday
On the game day Tuesday (December 8), both the Wildcats and Lady Cats Basketball Teams are on the road.
The Wildcats play in Garland at Naaman Forest High School. The schedule calls for a freshman game at 4:30 p.m., then a JV contest at 5:45 p.m. with the Wildcats’ varsity taking on Naaman Forest at 7 p.m. The Wildcats’ varsity has won four games in a row and their season record is 5-3. The Wildcats’ varsity is 3-1 in road games this season.
The Lady Cats play at New Boston. There will be a JV contest at 5 p.m. with the varsity contest at 6 p.m. The Lady Cats’ varsity is 2-3 for the season and they are 1-1 in road contests. This game is the last non-district contest before district play starts on Friday. District foe Mount Pleasant comes to town to face the Lady Cats on Friday.
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.
Cattle Supplement Feeding: Tips for Hopkins County Ranchers by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Cattle supplement feeding: tips for Hopkins County ranchers
Supplements must be chosen to meet particular nutrient deficiencies. Body condition is a key factor in the choice of supplements. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, thin cows are relatively more deficient in dietary energy than in protein. In contrast, fleshier cows may need extra protein, if they need anything. To minimize supplementation, use forage supplies logically. In general, hay (excluding supplemental alfalfa, etc.) should not be limit-fed with standing forage. Limit-feeding of hay encourages cows to reduce grazing and fails to use pastures while quality is reasonably good. For example, assume available forage for grazing or feed ing includes some tame pasture (such as coastal-bermudagrass), some native range, and some hay. As winter approaches, the tame pasture should be used first, native range next, and hay last. That way each forage is utilized most efficiently, and there is a better chance some hay will be left in late winter to early spring when high quality green growth begins but is limited in amount. It is difficult to make general recommendations about supplementation of protein and energy. Usually, dry mature cows in medium or higher body condition on typical dormant warm-season pasture or low quality hay often need only 1 pound to 2 pound s a day of a high protein feed. (On extremely low quality forage, such as tall-grass prairie in winter, 3 pound s to 4 pound s of high protein feed may be needed.) A thin, dry, mature cow may require 2 pound s to 4 pound s daily, but of a medium -protein, high-energy supplement. After calving, all of these amounts essentially should be doubled. Daily feeding usually is not necessary when using high-protein supplements such as cottonseed meal cubes. Instead, depending on the amounts, weekly required totals can be divided and fed every other day, twice a week, or even once a week. In fact, nondaily feeding of these supplements often is more efficient. However, combination protein-energy supplements, especially breeder /range cubes and meal-grain mixes, that are required in larger daily amounts, generally should be fed daily for best forage utilization, highest animal performance, and greatest efficiency.Self-fed, controlled consumption can be accomplished with some feeds, especially oilseed meals and meal-grain mixes, by including an intake limiter such as salt. Cattle then will consume salt in maximum amounts of approximately 0.1 percent of body weight, or about 1 pound of salt consumption daily by a 1,000 -pound cow. So, to obtain supplement consumption of 3 pound s daily in a 1,000 – pound cow, a mix of 1 pound salt to 3 pound s supplement should be provided. When using salt to limit consumption, plenty of high quality water must be available. Also, cows consume more of a salt-limited supplement when it is located close to a water supply. Perhaps the most common supplement is a high quality 20 percent CP breeder /range cube (high or all-natural protein and low crude fiber ), or the equivalent. Such a supplement often is a compromise for the common situation of low quality forage and low to medium body condition. But this must be fed in adequate amounts, typically 3 to 6 pound a day, to be effective. In fact, with the exception of managing weight loss in fleshy cows, there are few situations where feeding smaller amounts of such cubes is applicable. If a producer is unwilling or unable to assume the cost of required amounts of these cubes (or the equivalent), then a lower amount of a higher protein feed should be fed. But realize, however, that body condition, reproduction, productivity, and profit are likely to decline if nutrient requirements are not met.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please call the Hopkins County Extension Office in Hopkins County by calling 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Hopkins County Extension
Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas
75482 903-885-3443
