April is National Safe Digging Month
April 4, 2024 – Every year in April, National Safe Digging Month is an opportunity to remind homeowners, contractors, and any professional excavator to keep communities safe by calling 811 before any digging project.
Did you know that the most common cause of outside natural gas leaks is digging or construction that disturbs natural gas pipelines? Pipelines carry natural gas around the clock to more than 76 million homes and businesses in the United States, yet we seldom notice these energy superhighways because they are underground.
Stay Safe.
Please take a few precautionary measures when planning any digging project this spring:
Plan ahead. If work is scheduled for an upcoming weekend, make a free 811 request on Monday
or Tuesday – providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
Confirm that all lines have been marked.
Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811.
Don’t allow work to begin if the lines are not marked.
Please visit 811 beforeyoudig.com for complete information.
Sulphur Springs Area Churches to Hold Special Service April 7th
Sulphur Springs Area Churches will hold a special “Sonlight Crusade” service April 7, 2024, at the Buford Park Pavilion, 733 Connally Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas, from 9:00am to 11:00pm. There will be singing, fellowship, food, and more. The event is free. Area churches welcome everyone. For more information, call 903-243-5113.
Second Cup of Coffee with Guest Lisa Sprague Conducted March 26th
In this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Family and Community Health agent Lisa Sprague. The chat about the Quilts of Valor and 4H, amongst other topics. This interview was conducted Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Be sure to check it out!
Paris Junior College Holding Three Sports Camps, First up This Saturday
April 3, 2024 – PJC holding soccer and basketball camps
Men’s Soccer ID Camp, April 6
Paris Junior College Men’s Soccer 2024 College ID Camp is this Saturday, April 6 at Noyes Stadium. The camp is open to all boys in tenth to twelfth grade and college freshman transfers.
“If you’re looking to play soccer at the next level,” said PJC Men’s Soccer Coach Fernando Arellano, “come showcase yourself at PJC’s ID Camp.”
The schedule is registration at 8 a.m. ($75 cost – accepting cash only), technical and tactical practice is 9 a.m., lunch break 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 8 vs. 8 games 1-2:30 p.m.; 11 vs. 11 games 2:30-4:30 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., a question and answer session.
To sign up in advance, go to https://bit.ly/4cSqLjN. For more information, contact Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach Allan Rayo at [email protected] or via Instagram at @allanrayoo. Noyes Stadium is located on the west side of the PJC campus, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460.
Women’s Basketball Camps and Tryout, April 12-14, June 19-20
PJC Women’s Basketball is offering an ambitious slate of camps for all ages and skills First up will be Spring Mini-Clinics held Friday through Sunday, April 12-14, plus a tryout on April 14. All activities will be held in the Hunt Center at the Paris location, on the east side of campus.
“Come spend time getting better with us,” said PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian. “We have a session to address every part of growing your game and all ages are welcome.”
The Defense and Agility Clinic is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12, and covers explosion, reaction time, on-ball footwork, and scramble and recovery. On Saturday, April 13, the Shooting and Scoring Clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. covers creating space, attacking closeouts, ball screen reads, help-side reads, and finishing footwork; and the Point Guard Clinic from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. has game management, ball handling, decision-making, and board/huddle work. Sunday’s IQ Clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will have individual and team film breakdowns*, on-court situation walk throughs, and special situations.
Following the mini-camps, an open tryout is planned on Sunday, April 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For this event, contact Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Tee Robinson at [email protected] or 903-782-0233.
Another camp is planned for June 17-19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily in the Hunt Center, and an Elite Camp will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 20.
To have a film breakdown, film must be provided prior to clinic session. For more information or to register, contact [email protected].
Men’s Basketball Camp, June 10-13
Paris Junior College Men’s Basketball will host a boys’ basketball camp June 10-13, 2024, in the Hunt Center at the Paris campus. Boys in first through ninth grades are invited to attend.
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Monday, June 10. The camp is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and will have skill development, stations and drills, and fun contests and games, as well as awards.
Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and basketball. Lunch will be provided in the PJC Cafeteria and concessions will be available.
Camp instructors will include PJC coaching staff and high school coaches. The camp fee is $180 per camper; group and employee discounts are available. For more information, contact the PJC Basketball Office at 903-782-0395 or the PJC Athletic Office at 903-782-0218.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Chamber Connection – April 3rd
By Butch Burney
April 3, 2024 – Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event in less than a week! We, at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, are more than excited about the Total Solar Eclipse.
We believe no matter the weather – and we are firm believers that the day will NOT bring rain during our celestial event – that this will be one of the most memorable natural occurrences to ever grace our county. And, we are excited that so many of our businesses and residents have taken steps to get into the eclipse spirit and welcome our visitors with open arms.
There are many events going on this weekend, and you can find them at TotalEclipseSSTx.com.
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a free concert on Saturday, April 6, downtown, featuring The Paper Dolls, Jason Waldon and the Alibis and Dubb and the Luv Machines.
It is free! Music will start at 1 p.m. and last until 9 or 10 that night. Come out, bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the music while you dine at our restaurants and shop our stores.
Need glasses for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse? Want a T-shirt and sticker? We know where you can get them.
We have eclipse merchandise at the Chamber of Commerce, including T-shirts, stickers and glasses. With tens of thousands of visitors targeting Hopkins County for April 8, don’t wait until the last minute.
The Chamber has an eclipse website, TotalEclipseSSTx.com, in which you can upload information about events, attractions, lodging, retail shops and restaurants. That will be the information clearinghouse for what is happening in Hopkins County on April 8 and the weekend leading up to that day.
Check out the website, upload information and get prepared!
Chamber Golf Tournament
Registration is now open for the 35th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, which is set for Friday, May 3. Teams can register online at the Chamber website: HopkinsChamber.org, or we can email you the registration form.
All of the afternoon spots are taken, but there are still slots available in the morning flight. The cost for a team of six is $750, which includes three carts and six lunches.
Coffee and Conversation
Hopkins County Abstract will host the next networking event, Coffee and Conversation, from 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at their office on Oak Avenue.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is open to everyone in the community.
It’s a great chance to network and meet others in a casual setting.
55+ Health Fair
The ROC at First Baptist Church will be the host for the 55+ Health Fair on Wednesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Included in the fair will be therapy, blood sugar check, pre-need funeral plans, medical equipment, home health information and more.
For more information, call Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255.
Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit
The Hopkins County Infinity 4-H Club is coordinating a Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit with age divisions separated in 7-under, 8-12, 13-18 and 19 and over.
Entries will be accepted through Aprilf 12, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
The maximum entry size is 16×20 inches. Dsiplay dates will be April 15-19 in the Extension Office classroom.
All Hopkins County resident are eligible to submit art. Science and art teachers are encouraged to promote this opportunity with students.
For more information, contact Lisa Sprague at 903-885-3443 or Johanna Hicks at 903-243-0425.
Plant Sale
The Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene will have a Plant sale April 4-6 at the church located at 1300 South League St.
Dutch Oven Cooking Class
The John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Class is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20, at Heritage Park. Cost is $20 per person. For a reservation, call Rick Wilson at 903-335-2752.
Manly Bingo Sponsorships and tickets are available for the first Manly Bingo, a fundraiser for the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, set for Thursday, April 18, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Email [email protected] for more information.
Growing Vegetables In 5 Gallon Buckets From Master Gardener David Wall
April 3, 2024 – Whether lack of garden room, sick of a large garden, unable to bend over to pick fruit, or just want a few peppers, tomatoes or cucumbers, consider growing the plants in 5-gallon buckets. They’re low maintenance (easy watering and fertilizing), higher above ground, and virtually weed free.
The depth and circumference can support the roots for any pepper plant. A stake, trellis or cage is still necessary, but you probably already have those items.
Peppers don’t do well in cool soil, but the above ground bucket warms quickly in the sun, meaning you can get started sooner. If an unexpected cold front is due, simply move the bucket into the garage!
OK, some preparatory work is needed. First, make sure the bucket contains no contaminants. Then, drill 5-6 ½” holes in the bottom and two in the lower inch of the side in case the bottom holes get plugged. If the bucket is plastic, don’t use much pressure, or you’ll crack it. Get 3-4 small bricks or other suitable material for the bucket to sit on. Drainage often becomes a problem when the buck sits directly on the ground.
Some like to add wood chips or pea gravel in the bucket first to help drainage. With bricks mentioned above, I’ve never had a drainage problem. Now fill the bucket to within 1” from the top with quality growing medium. Do NOT tamp it down! The are numerous products available, but since I grow in pure compost, I just use that.
Buckets require regular watering more often than usual, and fertilizing is mandatory unless you’re using pure compost. Bucket color is your choice, no dark colors are recommended, as their heat absorption can cause soil overheating during mid-late summer.
At end of season, the soil is depleted. Get rid of it.
Trash Collection Scheduled Early for Eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024
April 2, 2024 – City of Sulphur Springs staff urge those residents that are normally scheduled for trash collection on Mondays to have their trash to the curb by 5:00 am this coming Monday morning as trash crews will be running early that day in advance of the eclipse that afternoon. Other trash collection companies in the county may be running early as well to avoid getting tied up in any extra traffic that may be on the roadways as the total eclipse time approaches. All should be back to normal on Tuesday, April 9th as trash crews resume normal operations and pick-up times.
Cooper Lake State Park – April 2024 Events
April 2, 2024 – Cooper, Tx – The total eclipse is just over the horizon and will be here on April 8th . Cooper Lake State Park is completely sold out of day passes and campsites. If you can’t make it out to Cooper Lake State Park for the eclipse, don’t worry. There will be many more wonderful programs going on throughout the month of April. Our events this month are meant to celebrate the natural beauty and wonder found at Cooper Lake State Park.
The total eclipse on April 8 th will be a once in a generation event that Texans from across the state will be able to see. At Cooper Lake State Park, we are currently sold out of day passes and campsite reservations. The whole eclipse will last just over two and a half hours beginning at roughly 12:26pm. Totality will begin at 1:43pm, reach maximum at 1:45pm, and end at 1:47pm. Visitors at either unit can attend an eclipse preparedness activity to learn some tips and tricks for viewing the April eclipse.
Other events include Art in the Park, supplies will be provided, and nature will be your inspiration. There will also be a guided hike going down the Coyote Run Trail at South Sulphur and the Cedar Creek South Loop at Doctors Creek. There will also be Earth Day celebrations where you can come out and learn about pollinators and why they are so important. South Sulphur will also be hosting an astronomy activity. We will have telescopes out to view a planet or two. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, binoculars, or a personal telescope! Doctors Creek’s final event of April will be the returning Festival of the Fish! The festival is a celebration of the recreational sport of fishing and its impact on local communities. There will be information tables, activities like backyard bass and fishing with the ranger, and some fishing poles and tackle will be available to be lent out. It will be a great event to bring out the kids where they can catch their first fish!
The Spring season brings nature to life and there is no better place to get in touch with it than Cooper Lake State Park! The wildflowers are already starting to bloom, and songbirds will migrate through the park during the month. A walk through the trees at South Sulphur will help anyone working their way through the birding check list. Going through the trails at Doctors Creek will give you glimpse of the past native Texas prairies. Fish are biting and you can catch them at many locations like the Bluebonnet area at Doctors Creek and Heron Harbor area at South Sulphur. Don’t have a rod and reel? No worries, you can rent one for free at headquarters at both park units.
All programs are free with your entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903)395-3100).
Doctors Creek Unit
Saturday, April 6 – DC
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 10 a.m. Meet at the Pelican Point Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7 – DC
Art in the Park – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8 – DC
Total Solar Eclipse!! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.
Saturday, April 13 – DC
Go Take a Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion parking lot. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Saturday, April 20 — DC Earth Day Celebration
Pollinators – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Why are pollinators important? Do you know which foods depend on pollination? Learn the answers to these and more.
Saturday, April 27 – DC
Festival of the Fish – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lone Pine Boat Ramp Parking Lot. Fishing with the Ranger, Fishing Knots and Tackle Tips, Backyard Bass, Gyotaku Fish Painting, Native Net making, and many other fun activities.
South Sulphur Unit
Friday, April 5 – SS
Astronomy – 8 p.m. Meet at the far north end of the Gulls Bluff fishing parking lot. We’ll
have the telescopes out to view a planet or two. Dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair and
binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, April 6 – SS
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 2 p.m. Meet at the Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7 – SS
Art in the Park – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8 – SS
Total Solar Eclipse!! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.
Saturday, April 13— SS
Go Take a Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run trail head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Saturday, April 20 — SS Earth Day Celebration
Pollinators – 2 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Why are pollinators important? Do you know which foods depend on pollination? Learn the answers to these and more.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 3-25-2024 – 3-31-2024
Arrests:
CLARK,TRAVIS, 18 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 3-31-2024 for DWI
JOHNSON,JAMES, 32 years of age, of SEAGOVILLE, TX, was arrested on 3-25-2024 for THEFT OF PROPERTY, ASSAULT OF PUBLIC SERVANT
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 159 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 53 citations and 67 warnings during this reporting period.
Marigolds and Tomato Plants Together From Master Gardener David Wall
March 31, 2024 – Growing marigolds with your tomato plants is one of the best ways to keep tomatoes happy, healthy, and productive. Marigolds are considered to be one of the best companion plants for many vegetables, but especially for tomato plants. Unlike other annuals, marigolds stay with you under the lousiest of conditions, including drought, bright sunlight, and strong winds without damage while they deter many of tomato plants’ worst enemies.
While providing protection from damaging insects, they also repel animals, as deer, rabbits and squirrels that don’t care for the taste or smell. On top of this, they attract beneficial pollinator insects to your garden, including butterflies, wasps, honeybees, and bumblebees. Insects which lay eggs that produce the tomato hornworm don’t care for the marigold smell. For those few who lay eggs, paper wasps lay eggs on the hornworms which kill them before they can consume both the plant and its fruit.
Marigolds also attract ladybugs and lacewings which consume aphids and whiteflies before they damage or kill tomato, cucumber and other vegetable plants. Also, mosquitos don’t like the marigold smell!
Marigolds produce a compound that kills root-knot nematodes in the soil. For me, this is a biggie, because I’ve had root-knot nematodes kill tomato plants by mid-summer.
Marigolds grow easily from seed, but since they are so inexpensive at nurseries, why bother. Just transplant them in the ground. They grow fast and do well in most soils. There are numerous varieties, and most provide varying levels of protection. The best variety, however, are French marigolds.
A somewhat preferred method is to plant marigolds along the garden edge. In raised beds, this may not be practical. Planting them among tomato plants works just fine. Due to the needed spacing between tomato plants, there is plenty of room to put marigolds between plants.
