Saltillo FFA Student Earns Blue Ribbon in Ag Mechanics Class
Miss Dacey Neal, a Saltillo FFA Chapter student, placed third overall in Wildlife Class with the project she entered in the Glenrose Show on January 19, 2021. She took home a blue ribbon. Congratulations to Dacey and the Saltillo FFA Chapter!
Johanna Hicks: Healthy Heart in Time of COVID
By Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
HEALTHY HEART IN TIME OF COVID
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Community Health Agent
Hopkins County
P.O. Box 518
1200-B W. Houston
Sulphur Springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443
[email protected]
Keeping your heart healthy and protected is always important – even more so for those with heart conditions or other medical conditions that my weaken your heart. Cholesterol and blood pressure issues, as well as arrythmias or cardiomyopathy, are heart condition that can make contracting COVID19 more serious.
Your heart is the most essential “worker” you have. It beats more than 110,000 beats a day and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. This fist size muscle is so important, it only makes sense to keep I healthy and happy. To help support and improve your heart, try some simple changes that everyone can make.
- Variety and veggies: Eating balanced and nutritious meals daily can help you reduce sodium and sugar intake, helping to maintain or lose excess weight, manage your blood pressure, control cholesterol. The nutrient dense foods that we consume help in providing those vitamins that support our bodies. Eating a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables helps support health and our immune system.
- Watch portion sizes: One of our volunteers recently stated that people don’t understand portion sizes. Looking at some of the portions served and eaten, it is easy to see that many folks are getting too many calories due to the large portion sizes. When considering portions, remember MyPlate: visually divide the plate in half. One-half should be fruits and non-starchy vegetables, one-fourth should be protein, and the final fourth could be a grain or starchy vegetable. Add a serving of milk (1 cup milk or 1 ounce of cheese), and you will have healthy portions. Other options are to ask for a take-out box when dining out. Put half of your meal in the box before you begin eating, then eat what is left on your plate – two meals for the price of one! My husband and I typically share an entrée. We get plenty of food and avoid overeating!
- Keep moving: Staying physically active can also improve and support your heart It strengthens your heart so that it can efficiently pump blood throughout the body. A stronger heart also help to keep your blood pressure under control. Try taking a brisk walk outdoors daily or keep active around the house. Not only are you keeping physical distance, but improving circulation to help reduce stress.
- Mask, wash, and distance: Always remember to follow the CDC guidelines for COVID19. Wash your hands frequently, continue to wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others when possible, and avoid large crowds. Check out Extension’s resources at https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/coronavirus. You’ll find lots of great information!
If you would like to try new recipes throughout the week to add variety, visit www.dinnertonight.org for delicious and healthy recipes that are lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing – Harriet Braiker
Saltillo Lions Basketball Homecoming Court, Duchess
It’s Homecoming Week at Saltillo ISD, and it’s a good year for the Basketball teams. According to sponsor Johnna West, Friday night January 29, 2021 is the Homecoming game and will also be Senior night for the basketball girls. The Homecoming Coronation will be Saturday night January 30 at 6pm so that more of the Saltillo families can come to the activities. We will also welcome home the class of 2001. Go Lions!
Junior Duchess – Raegan Speir.
Jan. 25-29 Meal A Day Menu
Although the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center remains closed due to COVID-19, volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community.
The Jan. 25-29 Meal A Day Menu includes:
Monday – Oven Omelet, Sliced Ham, Blueberry Muffin and Orange Slices
Tuesday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll
Wednesday – Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, Tomatoes and Okra and Pickled Beets
Thursday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Friday – Cornflake Chicken Casserole, Pinto Beans and a Roll
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Wildcats Soccer Team Defeats Host School in Final Game to Win Terrell Tournament Saturday
It turned out to be a very good Saturday (January 23) for Wildcats Soccer Coach Alexi Upton. He woke up not knowing if his team would get into the championship game at the Terrell Tiger Winter Classic. Things broke the Wildcats way Saturday afternoon and they earned the right to play host Terrell in the Saturday evening final game. The Wildcats responded with a solid 3-0 win to earn the trophy. Omar Hernandez scored the first two Wildcats’ goals. The first was unassisted and the second was assisted by Uriel Santacruz. Alex Yanez had the third Wildcats’ goal assisted by Hernandez. Coach Upton said the Wildcats played amazingly. He said Hernandez had an amazing game. He added that every player that came in did great. Coach Upton said the Wildcats scored and celebrated. He noted he even subbed in his back up goalkeeper with about 7 minutes left to play and the keeper made a save on a penalty kick. The Wildcats won three and lost one in the tournament and their season record is now 8-4-1. The Wildcats play next against Pleasant Grove Tuesday night at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
Lady Cats Soccer Team Defeats Life Waxahachie and Wins Terrell Tournament on Saturday
Perhaps the Lady Cats Soccer Team won one for their coach Saturday (January 23) at the Terrell Winter Classic. Lady Cats Coach Javier Aguayo could not attend the tournament Friday or Saturday due to illness. First Saturday the Lady Cats won their group with a 9-3 win over Life Waxahachie. Then they were declared Champion of the Tournament when other possible opponents in the tournament final game were not able to play. In an offensive explosion against Life Waxahachie, Lady Cats sophomore Rebekah Stanley had a three goal hat trick and also assisted on three other goals. Freshman Anna Willams scored two goals and had an assist on another. Freshman Haylee Shultz also scored two goals and assisted on another. Sophomore Emily Soto and freshman Kylie Clarke also scored goals for the Lady Cats. The Lady Cats ended up with two wins and a tie in the three-day tournament. They improved their season record to 5-4-3. The Lady Cats play next on Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. against Spring Hill at Gerald Prim Stadium.
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.
Saltillo Lions Basketball Team Picks Up Another District Win
The Saltillo Lions Basketball Team continues on a good roll in district play. The Lions got another lopsided win Friday (January 22) against Bloomberg. The Lions outscored Bloomberg in every quarter leading 31-7 after one period, 47-18 at the half, 67-30 after three quarters and 84-41 at the end. The Lions are now 7-0 in district play and 12-7 for the season. The Lions’ Andrew Redburn had a huge game against Bloomberg scoring 30 points. Chris Boekhorst had 13 points. Gunner Tarver scored 11 points. David Whitworth and Landon Gilbreth both scored 8 points. Caden McGill added 6 points. Coy Collins and Ridge Johnson both had 3 points. Colby McCoy had 2 points. Next the Lions play CHESS on Tuesday.
Hopkins County Continued To Have Lowest Unemployment Rate In Area In December
Hopkins County continued to have the lowest unemployment rate in the area, 1.8 percent lower than the state average and 1.6 lower than the average for the Northeast Texas workforce area, according to the Texas Labor Market Information and Texas Workforce Commission. While the unemployment rate fell from 5.8 in November 2020 to back to the 5.3 percent of October 2020, the December 2020 unemployment rate was still nearly twice the 2.8 percent posted in December 2019 (the second lowest monthly unemployment rate in the last 3 years, only 0.1 percent more than in April and May 2019).
The December 2020 unemployment rate for Hopkins County was still 3 percent lower than in April, the worst unemployment rate the last 3 years due to so many businesses having to close or significantly reduce staffing due to COVID-19.
Unemployment the first two months of 2020 was steady at 3.2 percent. In March, as the pandemic began spreading in Hopkins County, unemployment rose to 4.5 percent. After climbing to 8.4 percent in April, it fell for four straight months, dropping to 7.8 percent in May, 5.7 percent in June, 5.4 percent in July and 4.6 percent in August. Unemployment rose again in September to 5.7, fell to 4.7 in October, spiked again to 5.8 in November and 5.3 in December. Overall, the annual unemployment rate was 5.4 percent.
Around the area, Delta County was a close second to Hopkins County for lowest with an unemployment rate of 5.4 percent in December 2020, down from 6.3 percent in November 2020 but still 2.1 percent higher than in December 2019.
Next was the 6.3 percent unemployment rate experienced in December 2020, down from 6.8 percent in November 2020 but still 3.1 percent higher than in December 2019.
Bowie and Lamar County each had a December 2020 unemployment rate of 6.5 percent, a 0.8 percent decline from November 2020 for Bowie County and a 0.4 percent decline for Lamar County. The December 2020 unemployment rate is still 2.7 percent higher than Bowie County’s December 2019 unemployment rate and 3.4 percent higher than Lamar County’s December 2019 unemployment rate.
Titus County has a 7 percent unemployment rate in December 2020, still 3.1 percent higher than in December 2019, but 0.5 percent lower than in November 2019.
Red River’s unemployment rate was 7.1 percent, down from 7.5 percent, but still 2.7 percent higher than in December of 2019.
Cass County’s unemployment rate was 8.6, down from 9.4 percent in November 2020 but still 4.6 percent higher than in December 2019.
Morris County’s 13.5 percent unemployment rate was the worst in the nine-county region, down from 14.8 percent in November 2020 but still 8.1 percent higher than in December 2019
Paris District Road Report for the Week of January 25, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Jan. 25, 2021. These
schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other
unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs,
barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through
work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car
audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831;
Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder
closures and lane shifts on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM
1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch
for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building
detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar
Streets (SH 56) is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit
ramp. The northbound exit ramp for Pecan Street and Washington Street is currently closed,
and exiting traffic is requested to use the next exit ramp for North Travis Street. The southbound
exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the
Houston/Lamar Street (SH 56) exit. The southbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently
closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the North Travis Street exit. The northbound
frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is closed for crews to work on
building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75 at the South Travis Street
intersection. Traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced
speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on
widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021.
Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (643), or the
US 75 exit ramp.
During the week of February 1 through 7, the Washington Street intersection at US 75 will be
closed to through traffic in order for crews to perform pavement improvements in the left lane of
the northbound and southbound frontage roads. Traffic on Washington Street will be able to
make a right turn only onto the frontage road and will detour to the next intersection. This same
process will occur for the Houston and Lamar Street intersections in subsequent weeks. This
work is weather dependent and may be adjusted due to unfavorable weather.
Beginning at 7:30 pm on February 1, both lanes of the US 75 northbound frontage road will be
closed in order to demolish a portion of the old railroad bridge structure. The frontage road will
be reopened to traffic on February 2 at 6:30 am.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The
east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be
removed at a later time. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston
Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures
between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct a portion of the new Sand
Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Weather permitting, the week of February 1 we
will move traffic onto the new portion of the Sand Creek bridge in order to begin construction on
the other half of the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility
work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane
closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts
and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to the temporary detour
section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when
the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane
closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and
frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on
the southbound US 75 frontage road while construction crews work on completing the
remainder of the project. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691. The new
entrance ramp to southbound US 75 has been opened to traffic.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures
and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch
for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday and
Thursday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75
on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install
safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM 697, Grayson County: between FM 2729 and US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as
maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane
closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane
closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as
workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for
temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane
closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane
closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving
construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-
lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the
entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic will remain in its
current lane, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes and overlay
the future left lane. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county
roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have
a full stop before crossing over to the median. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78
has been reopened to traffic. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 has also been reopened to
traffic.
FM 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance
crews work on backfilling the edge of the roadway.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to end of maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures
as maintenance crews work on a drainage pipe repair.
FM 100, Fannin County: at the CR 2780 intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as
maintenance crews work on a drainage pipe replacement.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976;
Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane
closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic
delays as crews begin work on rehabilitation of the roadway.
SH 37, Franklin County: At Winnsboro City Limit. Watch for lane closures and short traffic
delays as crews perform work on cross drainage structure.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co.
Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while
crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 W to 0.5 mi. south of US 82 E. Watch for lane closures
while crews perform full-depth concrete repairs.
BU 82H (Bonham St./Lamar Ave.), Lamar County: from 19 th St. SW to 33 rd St. SE. Watch for
crews performing safety improvements to traffic signals.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while
crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures
while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for daytime
lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures
while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the north
side of the roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work
on the south side.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co.
Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has begun
placing project barricades and will begin preparing the right-of-way, and clearing and grubbing
the project limits.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek. Road closures began on Nov. 30 and will continue
throughout the duration of this project. The contractor is forming and tying steel for the bridge deck and bridge approaches. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for workers and
work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is
currently working on compacting flexbase and prepping material on a two-mile stretch of
roadway rehabilitation beginning at FM 272. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for
work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor will be prepping the right-of-way and placing
and extending culverts for this project. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work
zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing pothole repairs, mowing and metal beam
guard fence repairs around the county, and removing debris from I-30 early this week.
Maintenance crews will overlay various section of I-30 frontage roads and FM 36. Please be
careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from
work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing various sign installations, potholing and
debris removal. Maintenance crews will perform base repair on FM1567 from US 69 to the
Hopkins county line. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the
roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
SH 34 bridge, Hunt County: 3.5 miles south of Quinlan. TxDOT has placed a temporary
concrete traffic barrier to protect travelers from the damage caused by an 18-wheeler accident.
A project pre-construction meeting was held on Jan. 7. The bridge and road is now open to both
lanes of traffic. Please drive cautiously and safely in this area.
Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe
distance from work crews. Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of
the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
#
Lady Cats Basketball Team Gets Solid Win At Home Against Pine Tree, 60-17
Every game counts for the Lady Cats Basketball Team as they work to make the playoffs and earn the highest seed they can get. Friday night, January 22, the Lady Cats took care of business beating a team they were heavily favored to beat. The Lady Cats topped Pine Tree, 60-17 in the Main Gym at Sulphur Springs High School.
The Lady Cats started out slowly but still were up 9-3 after the first quarter. The Lady Cats took control of the game in the second quarter outscoring the Lady Pirates, 18-2 to take a 27-5 halftime lead. The Lady Cats cruised in the second half outscoring Pine Tree, 33-12.
Sophomore Kenzie Willis hit 4 three-point baskets and led the Lady Cats with 18 points. Sophomore Addisyn Wall had 4 threes in the third quarter and ended up with 12 points. Senior Dalanee Myles had 8 points. Seniors Bre’Asia Ivery and Nylah Lindley both had 7 points. Ivery hit a three-point basket. Addy Lamb and Jasmine Taylor both had a three-pointer for 3 points. Baylie Large had 2 points.
The Lady Cats are now 7-3 in district play and 13-7 for the season. They have a bye Saturday and then travel to Hallsville for a big district showdown Tuesday evening.
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.
