What Drought Conditions Mean For Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
The anticipation of drought can bring many thoughts to mind from water shortages to increased wildfire risk. But what do drought conditions mean for our trees? Drought is defined by a relatively long duration with substantially below-normal precipitation, usually occurring over a large area, and Texas is no stranger to drought.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, in 2011, one of the state’s worst drought years, more than 80% of Texas experienced exceptional drought conditions. This drought killed an estimated 300 million trees, 5.6 million being urban shade trees. According to experts at Texas A&M Forest Service, tree fatalities occur during a drought because drought is a significant stress to trees.
A stress is anything that reduces the capacity of the tree to function efficiently and grow vigorously, Stresses are things that can affect growth, nutrient uptake, the ability of the tree to photosynthesize and ultimately the ability of the tree to defend itself against environmental conditions and pathogens. These include excessive heat or cold, predation from animals, and insects and diseases – a number of different things.
Drought alone may not kill your trees, though it could be the tipping domino of tree mortality and should be cause for concern.
Most trees usually die from a combination of different stresses. One of the biggest stresses we see in Texas is drought. When that happens, stresses build up and secondary pests or diseases can establish in trees. Secondary pests and diseases are those that attack a tree that is already stressed by something else, such as a drought or winter storm. Hypoxylon and most boring insects are considered secondary pests and diseases, with the exception of the emerald ash borer, which attacks both healthy and stressed ash trees.When a tree is already stressed these types of insects and diseases will increase — not only during the time of drought, but for years after a drought or other large stressor event has ended.
So, what happens to trees during a drought? Ultimately, the lack of water causes trees to photosynthesize less, or make less food, which leads to a lack of nutrients needed to survive.
Plants generate their own food through photosynthesis, and one of the key components of photosynthesis is water, Water is necessary for the chemical reactions that create sugars. It’s also necessary to help move the needed materials around in the tree and, finally, to utilize those materials. Without water, a tree cannot generate sugars and cannot utilize those sugars necessary for tree growth. When this happens, trees will start to show physical symptoms from the lack of nutrients, usually through their leaves.
The things to look for on your tree are leaves dropping or wilting, small or malformed leaves, yellowing of the leaves and browning tips of the leaves, Some species, like junipers, may totally brown out, losing all of their leaves.
Just because leaves begin to fall from your tree, does not mean the tree is dead. For small trees, you can simply use your thumb nail and scrape some of the smaller twigs – if there is still green underneath, then the tree is not dead. Within a few weeks, it may leaf back out. If you are concerned your tree is dead, contact a certified arborist for a professional opinion.
The most helpful way to reduce stress to your tree during drought conditions is to give supplemental water, though the amount and how often you water will depend on your specific tree and area. Watering is going to depend on the tree; the size, species and age of the tree as well as the soils you have in your area, If you have established trees that are well-adapted to your location, it’s very likely that they might not need supplemental water at all but is important to monitor them to look for signs of stress.
If you begin to see signs of stress in your trees and the ground under your trees is extremely dry, it’s time to begin watering. To test the dryness of the soil, you can take a long screwdriver and stick it in the ground. If the screwdriver doesn’t go easily 6 to 8 inches into the soil, it’s time to water. Start by watering the area around the canopy of the tree, not just at the base of the tree and not just around the edge of the dripline but water the entire area underneath the canopy of the tree until the point where you have water start pooling and running off the surface. A good guideline for the amount of water your tree needs is 2 to 3 gallons per 1 inch trunk diameter..
A general rule of thumb for newly planted trees during the heat of the summer is to water them up to three times per week in the absence of precipitation. Though, you want to make sure the soil is not completely saturated with water at all times.
Larger, established trees may not need much water at all but extremely high temperatures and lack of precipitation may warrant watering them every couple of weeks.
When watering your trees, adhere to any water use restrictions you may have in your area and try to maximize the water you do give.
The most important thing is to avoid watering during the heat of the day, because much more water is going to be lost in evaporation, Either early in the morning or later in the evening is the best time to water.
An easy tip for watering trees during a drought is to try and mimic what a typical summer looks like for your trees, watering every 10 days to two weeks and knowing that it’s okay to not be on a set schedule – just like normal summer rain.
Another way you can help your trees manage drought stress is by mulching. Mulch is an easy and inexpensive option to help your trees because it conserves water, regulates soil temperatures, reduces competition from other plants and improves soil health.
In general, apply a layer of mulch no more than 2 to 3 inches deep, In reality, the entire area under the canopy could be mulched, but mulching out several feet around the base of the tree, being sure not to let the mulch touch the base of the trunk, will held.
During times of drought, be extremely cautious not to add additional stresses to your tree, making them more susceptible to secondary insects and diseases. First, do not prune your trees unless absolutely necessary.
What you’re trying to do is reduce stress to the tree, so pruning, even when you have to, is adding stress because you are wounding the tree, If you’re pruning out live branches or live leaf areas of the tree, you’re removing food and the site where the tree’s root growth hormone is developed, affecting root growth and further stressing the tree at a time when it’s already too stressed. The exception to pruning trees during drought is a completely dead branch or one that is a hazard to its surroundings. Another common mistake that can be harmful to your trees during a drought is putting out fertilizer. Just generally applying fertilizers without knowing if there is a deficiency is a really bad idea. If there is not a nutrient deficiency then it’s not going to help anything, and it can actually hurt things and make the tree worse.
During the summer heat, and especially when experiencing drought conditions, it is important to monitoring your trees for stress symptoms and adding supplemental water when necessary.
Trees provide an enormous value to us in our landscape. Keeping trees, especially near our homes, can help to reduce overall energy bills, keep us healthier and provide shade for the house. If we lose those trees, we potentially lose benefits that have taken decades to accumulate.
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]
Coming Up
- Dairy Outreach Program Area Training — October 26, 2022. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southwest Dairy Museum. $10. Register by calling 903-885.3443.
- Pesticide Private Applicator CEU — November 2, 2022. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. $30. Register by calling 903-885-3443.
City Council Addresses Oncor Rate Change Request, Sewer Main Expansion Contract
Sulphur Springs City Council this week made short order of the regular meeting agenda, addressing all items — including an Oncor rate change request, amendment to the police budget and a community facilities contract for a sewer main expansion, and heard the monthly manager’s report — in just 17 minutes.
While presenting his monthly report to the City Council during the Oct. 4 meeting, City Manager Marc Maxwell noted that City Finance Director Lesa Smith would not be presenting a monthly revenues and expenditures report. However, during the next regular meeting on Nov. 1, Smith is scheduled to give a year end tally of expenditures and revenues.
Oncor Rate Change Proposal
Maxwell also recommended the City Council pass Resolution No. 1314, which denies Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC’s requested rate change within the city.
The city is part of a consortium of cities that work together regarding the Oncor utility rates, usually through an attorney. Maxwell represents the city on the Steering Committee. The group agreed the amount was too high, so the group has been negotiating with Oncor regarding the matter. They have not reached an agreement with Oncor.
“Oncor filed a rate case. We’ve put an extension on that giving it 60-90 days. That time is coming up and we need to either approve the rate or deny them. We need to deny them, and then, this will ultimately be decided either at the Utilities Commission or by some agreed settlement,” Maxwell told the City Council.
Place 1 City Councilman Jay Julian made a motion, which Place 2 Councilman Harold Nash seconded, to approve the document denying the requested proposed rate change. The motion was unanimously approved by the City Council.
Asset Forfeiture Fund
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson asked the City Council to consider amending the department’s asset forfeiture budget by an additional $35,000. That, he noted, would be in addition to the $20,000 the City Council approved late last month as part of the 2022-2023 City of Sulphur Springs budget.
The asset forfeiture fund, consisting of csh and liquidation of forfeited property from narcotic-related enforcement, is currently very healthy, with a balance of $296,092.64 as of Oct. 4, 2022. He asked that the City Council allow the additional $35,000 to be take from the fund to increase SSPD’s budget to $55,000.
He explained that the department is looking to upgrade and trade in issued duty pistols in order to transition from Glock 22 .40-caliber to the glock G45 9mm pistol, which will have a mounted optic sight (a red dot). This would increase the accuracy of officers over traditional iron sights, should a situation arise in which an officer has to fire his or her duty weapon. Many agencies are transitioning to this configuration to increase accuracy and officer confidence. The approximate total cost of the transition will be roughly $35,000. He asked that the $35,000 be pulled from the asset forfeiture fund to allow SSPD to transition to the G45 pistol with mounted optic sights. While the money is available in the account, state law requires the governing body to accept a law enforcement department asset forfeiture budget.
Nash made a motion, which Place 7 Councilman John Sellers seconded, to amend the SSPD asset forfeiture budget by $35,000 to $55,000 to allow for the conversion to the Glock G45 pistols as duty weapons. The council unanimously approved the motion granting the increased budget.
Sewer Extension Contract
Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski recommended approving the proposed community facilities contract from Town Branch Living LLC. Niewiadomski explained that Don Roundtree with Town Branch Living LLC proposes extending approximately 1050 feet of 6-inch sewer main and manholes from Reservoir Street to Craig Street to promote development of currently vacant land in that area.
“Bulkley Properties LLC is the primary property that the sewer main will be crossing so that they can develop their project at Tate and Craig Street. The cost of this will be paid for by the developer,” Niewiadomski said.
Water is currently available along Reservoir, Booker, Craig and Tate streets. In the past, sewer availability for properties in that area has been a stumbling block for development.
Properties in the area that could benefit from the sewer main extension are zoned multifamily, which could allow anything from single family residential development to apartments.
A Community Facilities Contract requires submittal and approval of engineering plans for sewer improvements, including easements. The city engineer has reviewed the plans and deemed the size of the proposed sewer main adequate for that type of development.
A bond or irrevocable letter of credit for the cost of the public improvements is needed, along with an inspection fee of 1.75% of those costs. Those have been submitted and approved by the city engineer
This would bring sewer from Reservoir up to Craig Street. City Council approval is required for the sewer project to be accepted as a public main.
Niewiadomski recommended the contract be approved. Place 5 City Councilman Gary Spraggins made the formal motion, which Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar seconded, approving the community facilities contract with Town Branch Living LLC to extend the sewer main, at the cost to the developer.
Other Business
Sulphur Springs Mayor Doug Moore noted that there were no items resulting from the 30 minute executive session which preceded the regular 7 p.m. council meeting on Oct. 4. The agenda called for deliberations with Ashoka Street regarding economic development and consultation with an attorney, but no action was required.
After verifying that no one had signed up to speak during public forum, the meeting was adjourned Tuesday night.
5 Booked Into Hopkins County Jail On Controlled Substance Charges
Five individuals were booked into Hopkins County jail on controlled substance charges over the past week. Among them was a teen who set off a vape sensor in a school restroom and a pedestrian who complained he was being followed by someone in a vehicle, but was found to have drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance concealed in his body.
Pedestrian Complaint
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Elijah Fite responded at 1:52 p.m. Tuesday in Brashear, where a man told dispatchers he was being followed by a vehicle while walking.
Fite reportedly contacted the man at a FM 2653 church. He noted the 43-year-old Cumby man to be visibly shaking, reportedly in fear of the vehicle returning. He asked for the man’s ID and whether he had any weapons. Leland Randolph Nelson Jr. handed the deputy his driver’s license as well as two small knives.
The deputy relayed the information to dispatchers and requested a records check, then returned to ask the man to empty his other pockets. He complied, removing a small straw with suspected meth residue inside of it. Fite took Nelson into custody for possession of drug paraphernalia at 2:56 p.m. Oct. 4, 2022, according to arrest reports.
While being booked into HCSO jail, staff reported finding a small glass vial containing a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine wedged in the defendant’s posterior body cavity. The vial weighed 4.07 grams, including contents, Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Nelson was booked into Hopkins County at 4:29 p.m. on possession of a misdemeanor amount of drug paraphernalia as well as possession of more than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Because the man was at a church, about 115 meters from the playground which is accessible to the public, when arrested, a drug-free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge.
The 43-year-old Cumby man remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. Bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
Vape Sensor
Sulphur Springs ISD Police Officer TC Abron was called to the office at the high school after a vape sensor was triggered in the ladies’ restroom in the 200 hall at school Tuesday, according to arrest reports.
A 17-year-old said to have been responsible had been taken to the office by an administrator. The Alasialeigh Renee Delgado allegedly admitted to having a vape pen containing THC in her possession, Abron noted in arrest reports.
The youth was taken into custody and transported to the county jail, where she was booked in at 1:07 p.m. Oct. 4, 2022, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. The teen spent the night in jail and was released Wednesday morning, Oct. 5, 2022, on a $3,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Warrant Service
When Sulphur Springs Police Officers Victor Reyna and Francisco Castro arrived at 3:40 p.m. Monday at Francisco Manuel Velasco’s Hodge Street residence to serve him with a warrant, Castro reported seeing the 29-year-old in the residence.
The officers entered and detained the man. While doing so, they reported seeing a bag with suspected methamphetamine in it on a couch in front of Velasco. In the Sulphur Springs man’s backpack, police reported finding a glass pipe of the kind used to smoke meth, with what appeared to be meth residue on it, as well as a bag containing a substance the man allegedly claimed could be cocaine. Velasco also had another glass pipe with meth residue on him, the police officers claimed in arrest reports.
Velasco was taken into custody at 3:48 p.m. Monday on the Hopkins County warrant for violation of probation, which he was on for an arson charge. The suspected cocaine tested negative but the other substance tested positive for meth. As a result, Velasco (who is also known by Franny Velasco and Cisco) was booked into the county jail at 5:12 p.m. Oct. 3, 2022, on the warrant as well as a new possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Abandoned Vehicle
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Josh Davis and Justin Wilkerson responded at 2:02 a.m. Oct. 4, 2022, to a complaint of a vehicle abandoned on the mile marker 142 exit ramp from I-30. Upon arrival, deputies reported there was indeed an abandoned vehicle, a red pickup with front end damage and a blown front tire he recognized as a Chevrolet Silverado he’d seen on the south I-30 service road at mile marker 136 earlier in his shift.
The occupants from the vehicle had claimed they were just waiting on a tow truck to remove the vehicle from the exit ramp, where it presented a road hazard. A female and two juveniles then walked down the ramp. Although there was a partial language barrier, the deputies ascertained two males in the truck had walked to try to get help. One deputy gave the female and juveniles a courtesy escort.
A deputy then spotted the two males from the truck walking near I-30 on County Line Road, and advised the female and juveniles had already gotten a ride with the other deputy, then offered to give them a ride to the same location, but needed to determine whether they had weapons or anything illegal before he could transport them anywhere. Lucio Ibarra Valadez began pulling items out of his pocket, then handed the deputy his wallet. The deputy reported finding a baggy containing suspected methamphetamine in Valadez’s wallet. The substance, which weighed 1.2 grams, field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Thus, the deputy took the 28-year-old Franklin, Tennessee man into custody at 3:22 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, and transported him to jail instead of the location where the others had been taken.
Valadez was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:36 a.m. Oct. 4 and remained there Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Obstructed Traffic
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond and Zack Davis stopped to check on Donald Wayne Dowling at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, whose Volvo tractor was reported to be obstructing traffic; the rig was parked facing oncoming traffic in the left turn lane on Wildcat Way.
While speaking with the man, the officer reported signs of of narcotic intoxication by the 66-year-old truck driver and asked him to exit the truck. A records check using the Jarrell, Texas man’s information showed prior narcotics convictions. So, the officer asked for permission to search the truck. When he refused, a K-9 was requested and the officer had Dowling wait in front of his patrol vehicle. After a while, police noticed he was sweating heavily despite the coolness of the night. Police then noticed a bag containing large crystal-like shards suspected to be methamphetamine on the ground at the front bumper of the police vehicle, where Dowling had been standing. The bag hadn’t been there previously, Rosamond reported in arrest reports.
Dowling was placed into custody and the police dog arrived to conduct a sniff search around the vehicle. The dog gave a positive alert on the vehicle, so the officers searched the interior of the cab. They did not find any contraband in the truck. The Jarrell man was arrested and taken to jail, where he was booked in at 10:42 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Dowling (who is jail reports show is also known by Don, Donnie, Wayne and Jim) remained in Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in lieu of $35,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO currently is unable to post on the jail’s public site new images, due to issues switching to a different computer system. Thus, only photos of individuals who were arrested and whose photos were posted prior to the start of the system conversion process. No photos were available Wednesday for Donald Wayne Dowling, Lucio Ibarra Valadez, Alasialeigh Renee Delgado and Leland Randolph Nelson Jr.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
Hopkins County United Way 2022-2023 Campaign Off To Great Start
The Hopkins County United Way 2022-2023 campaign is off to a great start, with most donation packets delivered and $11,503.89 of the $150,000 goal raised over the past week, Hopkins County United Way campaign chair and officers reported during the first campaign workers report meeting Tuesday.
Donations have been made by private citizens, governmental entities, businesses and civic organizations to help the 18 local non-profits that have been allocated funding from this year’s campaign. Among this week’s contributors were Professional Land Title, Outdoor Power, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Judy and Chuck Jones, and the City of Sulphur Springs.
There have even been a few business people who told HCUW officers they have not been contacted yet and wanted to make sure their business is not overlooked for pledges and campaigns.
So far, the total is only about $2,500 behind last year’s tally at the first campaign workers report meeting. Last year, the total included three notable donations, those of FEC Charitable Foundation, the City of Sulphur Springs and UPS. This year, HCUW has yet to receive a UPS donation. Minus that amount, the Oct. 4, 2022 total is very close to the amount that’d been donated to HCUW as of the first workers report meeting of 2021.
“That’s amazing. We are off to a really good start,” said HCUW 2022-23 President Kristy Moseley.
Donations are typically made by either a set amount or a set pledge per paycheck to be paid through payroll deductions over the next year, which are then sent on by the contributors’ employer. Not all businesses that participate in HCUW offer payroll deductions. Some businesses match their employees’ contributions and some offer incentives, such as a prime parking spot, being allowed to wear jeans, and drawings for cash or gift cards procured by the business for the occasion.
Those not affiliated with or who choose not to make a contribution through their place employment may do so individually, and even given in honor or memory of others. Individual contributions may be mailed to Hopkins County United Way Campaign Headquarters, PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may also be made through HCUW’s Facebook page and website, via paypal. Simply click the shop on website link on Facebook or Make A Donation button at https://hcuw.org/.
Campaign workers are encouraged to attend the weekly HCUW report meeting to turn in any contributions they’ve collected thus far, and join in the fun. A drawing is held at each meeting, with the workers whose names are selected to choose a prize from among the donated items. Occasionally, HCUW members and officers bring edible treats for any who care to partake. Those who attended this week’s meeting also received a “100 Grand” to enjoy. And, some even bring pom poms to cheer each donation that is turned in, as every donation, no matter how big or small, counts in the overall total.
The weekly meetings provide fellowship of like-minded individuals working together to help as many residents as possible through the agencies that are supported by HCUW. This year, 18 agencies have each been designated a portion of the $150,000 campaign goal, which will reach all age groups and sections of the population offering services that vary from helping meet basic needs, to offering counseling, support and enrichment activities.
Campaign volunteers who are unable to attend the weekly meetings may send them with another campaign worker, drop them off at Landers Creek on Main Street, or contact HCUW Campaign Chair Emily Glass or Executive Secretary Susan Berning at 903-243-4066 to arrange to have them picked up. Requests to have a HCUW campaign official speak at a business or organization, may also be directed to Glass or Berning.
Hopkins County United Way is a leadership and support organization for local nonprofit organizations based in Hopkins County, Texas. All funding decisions are made with the input of local leaders and community stakeholders.
HCUW is part of United Way Worldwide, found in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories around the world. United Way is focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health.
United Way engages people and organizations in innovative solutions to help transform every community around the world into a strong one, with jobs that pay a livable wage, good schools and a healthy environment.
Additional information about Hopkins County United Way, including to view videos from campaign workers and about the recipient organizations, can be found on groups Facebook page and website, by contacting any volunteer campaign worker, Glass or Berning.
Be sure to watch as the HCUW thermometer (located on Gilmer Street by Sulphur Springs Fire Station at Gilmer, Bill Bradford and Tennessee Road) rises as the campaign heats up, reflecting the donations collected each week of the campaign.
Pursuit Of Stolen Vehicle Spans 2 Counties Concludes With Collision
Pursuit of a stolen vehicle spanned two counties before concluded Tuesday morning with a collision in Commerce, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were notified at 4:44 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, that a stolen vehicle was believed to be traveling west on Interstate 30. Deputies reported spotting and getting behind a silver Toyota Corolla they believed to be the stolen car in question at mile marker 127 on I-30, and attempted to stop the driver. Instead of pulling over, however, the driver accelerated and continued west on I-30 to exit 116 in Brashear.
Deputies pursued the car as it turned north onto FM 2653. The car continued north until it reached State Highway 11, then turned west. The car continued west on SH 11 west into Hunt County, where it swerved into oncoming traffic, disregarded traffic lights and, at one point traveled into oncoming traffic on a one-way road. During the pursuit, the car lost a rear tire and, upon turning onto SH 11, lost control of the vehicle, causing the officer leading the pursuit to crash into the car, disabling both the car and deputy’s patrol vehicle, ending the chase on State Highway 24 at SH 11 in Commerce.
The driver, identified in arrest reports as 38-year-old Joshua Lamar Rigsby Sr. of Wylie, was taken into custody at 5:25 a.m. Oct. 4, 2022. Records checks confirmed the car had been reported as stolen and Rigsby was wanted by Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas authorities on seven warrants, according to arrest reports.
Rigsby was transported to the county jail, where he was discovered to have concealed a baggy containing a small amount of marijuana and another bag with five tabs which field-tested positive as MDMA and weighed 1.1 grams, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The Wylie man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday on four Hopkins County felony charges — unauthorized use of a vehicle, evading arrest or detention in a vehicle, criminal mischief resulting in $2,500 worth or more but less than $30,000 worth of damages and possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance — as well Texarkana, Texas warrants for engaging in organized criminal activity, unauthorized use of a vehicle and burglary of a building; and Texarkana, Arkansas warrants for a commercial burglary, breaking and entering, theft of property valued at less than $5,000 and first-degree criminal mischief.
Jail records show Rigsby is also known to use the names Christopher Jones, Hog Lil, Josh Lil, Boy Texas, Jason White and Richard Demon Williams. The 38-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail on all 11 charges late Wednesday morning, Oct. 5, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Josh Davis, Colt Patterson and Justin Wilkerson,and Sgt. Scott Davis were all credited with participating in the pursuit and arrest.
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.
Volleyball Hits the Road Again Friday To End First Half of District Play
Sulphur Springs is powering their way through the first half of district play, as it wraps up for Lady Cat volleyball Friday.
This week has Coach Bailey Dorner’s team hitting the road twice, first on Tuesday at Pleasant Grove followed by Friday at Pittsburg.
Tuesday Sulphur Springs made the trip to Texarkana to take on undefeated Pleasant Grove. Just like last Friday’s home game, the Lady Cats lost in three straight tight sets.
The Lady Hawks took care of business in the first set Tuesday, as they bested Sulphur Springs 25-15. From there though, both teams traded blows and had to battle for set wins.
Unfortunately for Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad, PG won the next two by no more than six points: 25-21 and 25-19.
Tuesday’s loss in Texarkana makes it two straight for Lady Cat volleyball, now sitting at 16-14 (2-2 district).
Sulphur Springs once again hits the road Friday, taking on Pittsburg.
That game begins Friday, Oct. 7 in Pittsburg at 4:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Food Safety Year-Round
By Johanna Hicks, Extension Agent for Family and Community Health, [email protected]
During the fall and winter holidays, I often provide information on keeping food safe to prevent foodborne illness. However, food safety is a good practice all year. Festive parties, gatherings, family dinners, and celebrations are popular in November and December, which can bring holiday cheer, especially with delicious food around the table. However, the fun can end soon any time of the year if the foods you eat make you and others sick.
A foodborne illness is an infection or uncomfortable irritation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by food or beverages that contain harmful bacteria, parasites, or chemicals. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and chills. Symptoms can start within hours of eating contaminated food or drink, or even hours or days later.
When dishes are left unattended for more time than recommended, harmful bacteria can begin to grow. Practicing four basic food safety rules can help prevent foodborne illness and keep you, your family, or your guests feeling festive.
- Clean: Keep it clean! Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Wash surfaces such as countertops, cutting boards, dishes, and utensils with hot, soapy water after preparing food items. Rinse fruits and vegetables under cool running water and use a produce brush to remove surface dirt, especially on bumpy produce. Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. Rinsing these foods can make it more likely for bacteria to spread around sinks and countertops.
- Separate: Prevent cross contamination! Keep raw food away from cooked foods. It is recommended that eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, and their juices be kept away from foods that won’t be cooked. Use this rule while shopping in the store, when storing food in your refrigerator and while preparing your favorite meals. Consider using different colored cutting boards for foods that will be cooked (meats, poultry, etc.) and for those that will not (such as produce). Do not serve cooked eat or other food that is ready to eat on an unwashed plate that has held any raw food.
- Cook: Cook to kill harmful germs! Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. Foods should never be kept in the danger zone of 40-140ᵒF. When cooking meat, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Boil sauces and gravies when reheating to kill any bacteria. For baking, do not eat uncooked cookie dough which may contain raw eggs.
- Chill: Keep it chill! Your refrigerator should be at or below 40ᵒF, and your freezer should be 0ᵒF or below. Defrost Thanksgiving turkeys or hams in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Never leave food outside on the countertop to defrost. Once food is thawed in cold water or in the microwave, it should be cooked immediately. Allow proper thawing time. A large turkey can take 3 to 5 days to thaw completely in the refrigerator. Leftovers should be reheated to 165ᵒF and used within 3 days. And remember, “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Following these safety rules can help make your mealtimes delicious and memorable. If transporting a dish, keep it cold in a travel cooler or transport warm dishes in an insulated container. Keep foods out of the temperature danger zone. That will keep your family in the temperature safety zone!
Closing Thought
Attitude is everything – pick a good one.
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family & Community Health Agent at the Hopkins County office: P.O. Box 518, 1200-B West Houston, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected].
Chamber Connection – Oct. 5: Tickets For Hopkins County Stew Festival On Sale Now
By Butch Burney, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of commerce, [email protected]
It’s just a little over two weeks before the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, sponsored by Alliance Bank, and stew tickets and merchandise are on sale!
This year, tickets are $8 each or four tickets for $28. You can purchase them at Alliance Bank locations, City National Bank locations, Texas Heritage National Bank and Pilgrim Bank, or at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. You can also purchase them online at HopkinsChamber.org.
Quart tickets are $15 this year. They can only be purchased at the Chamber office or the day of the stew, which is Saturday, Oct. 22.
If you want to wear your new T-shirt or carry your stew mug or tumbler with you to the stew festival, now is the time to gear up. You can get stew merchandise at the Chamber office now!
Be sure to come out to Buford Park on Friday, Oct. 21, for the free concert by Dubb and the Love Machines, which will start immediately after the Wildcats’ home game against Paris.
Volunteer Opportunity
If a person or group would like to volunteer to work in one of the service tents at the Stew Festival, please contact me at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515. Volunteers can help from 9 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival is ready to go from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, downtown. There will be wine samples from some of the best Texas wineries, local vendors and musical artists including Jeb Brooks Band and Twisted Whisky.
Tickets are available for $10 online at MainStreetUncorked2022.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Help A Child Benefit
The 15th Annual Help-A-Child Benefit, which raises money for children’s charities, is Saturday, oct. 15 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Benefitting from the proceeds will be Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, local foster families, and local Masonic lodges scholarship funds.
Events include the IRA Black FFA shop project show and auction, a cookoff for chili, brisket and pinto beans, a cattle show, and an ag team competition build-off. There will also be carriage rides and photos.
One of the main fundraisers is the drawing for a Polaris 500 and custom built trailer. Contact Clay Bartley at 903-438-3930 for tickets.
Free Mammography Clinic
Due to demand, additional appointments were added to the Free Mammography Clinic hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation in partnership with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. A few openings are still available. If you are an uninsured woman over 40 years of age that lives in Hopkins County, you are eligible for a free mammogram through this program.
The staff of the Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center, a part of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, will be welcoming women to the clinic on two Saturdays, October 15 and 29.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a good time to schedule an annual mammogram. If you are eligible for a free mammogram, call 903-438-4325 to schedule an appointment.
LEAP Youth Expo
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is sponsoring a LEAP (Learning Endorsements and Professions) Youth Expo at the Hopkins County Civic Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 28.
The expos is sponsored by Pilgrim’s Bank, RPM Staffing Professionals and the Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County EDC.
Halloween Costume Contest
Goodwill Industries is having a DIY Show Us Your Halloween Costume Contest from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31, for a chance to win a $50 gift card to any of the Northeast Texas Goodwill stores. Use items from Goodwill to make the costume, then upload a photo to their Facebook page.
University Day at TAMU-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce is partnering with Sulphur Springs for the CommUniverCity Day on Saturday, Nov. 5, when the Lions football team hosts Northwestern State.
The Lions will highlight and honor local educators, youth programs and residents. There will be on-field photos, hospitality areas, team interaction and a family fun zone.
For more information, contact Chris Tobiaz at 903-468-8756 or [email protected]u.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report — October 2022
Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell Tuesday evening, Oct. 4, 2022, presented to to the City Council in a Memorandum as well as aloud the following monthly manager’s report:
CLAIMS
We had 2 minor workers compensation claims in September. We did not have any liability claims. We did file one small property claim for theft and vandalism at our warehouse on Middle Street.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER
We have been awarded a $2.4 million grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This does not mean that we can get started on the project yet. We must first sign a contract with the TDHCA. Before TDHCA provides a contract for our signature they must finish their environmental clearance process which involves 2 different comment periods.
Last month, I reported that the second comment period would conclude September 28. It was delayed 9 days. The second comment period is ongoing, and it will conclude this Friday, October 7.
We should have a contract to sign by October 14, and we expect to go out to bid by October 21.
It is important to note that if we spend any money on the senior citizen center before the contract is signed, that money will NOT be reimbursed by the grant.
PACIFIC PARK
XLNT Construction has ordered the steel frame for the pavilion. The lead time is 4 months. I don’t expect to see any more activity at Pacific Park until February. At that time XLNT will construct the building in about 90 days.
When the pavilion is complete, we will demolish the old basketball courts and grade the interior of the park. Then we will install irrigation and sod.
COLLEGE STREET
This project is slowly progressing eastward. This contractor is very slow.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
Finance Director Lesa Smith will not present a report on revenues and expenditures this month. At the November meeting Lesa will present the year-end report of revenues and expenditures.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Texana Land and Asphalt has resumed paving the streets on our SIP list. The following streets remain to be repaved: Como, Drexel, Fisher, Ardis and Bonner. The various repairs to Commercial Services Drive will
be performed in-house.
MISCELLANEOUS
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Conducted 41 building inspections, 28 electrical inspections, 12 plumbing inspections, 1 mechanical inspection and issued 29 building permits.
- Performed survey work and utility locates on Holiday Drive and Alabama streets ahead of Capital Improvement Plan projects.
- Repaired 28 potholes.
- Repaired a sink hole in Como Street.
- Cleaned storm drain inlets.
- Removed a fallen tree from the street.
- Hauled Street Sweeper spoils to the landfill.
- Replaced 220 feet of curb and gutter on Carter Street.
- Replaced sewer and water lines on College at Ramsay.
- Began installing storm drainage between College and Jefferson. (Alas, the drainage problem on College will be fixed!)
- Responded to 239 animal control calls while achieving an 89% adoption rate.
- Made 7 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 37 accidents, issued 601 citations, recorded 33 offenses, and made 46 arrests in the patrol division.
- Completed 5,100 linear feet of sidewalk crack sealing downtown.
- Power washed the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial waterfall.
- Cleaned the water’s edge around Upper Coleman Lake.
- Checked out 3,375 items from the library plus 717 eBooks.
- Sold 3,139 gallons of AvGas and 11,146 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 821 takeoffs or landings.
- Added lights to Hopkins County Veterans Memorial.
- Repaired the a/c at the animal shelter.
- Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids (tss) reading of .21 mg/L. Our limit this time of year is 12 mg/L.
- Repaired 19 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 19 water meters.
- Unstopped 25 sewer mains.
- Treated 165 million gallons of potable water.
- Responded to 225 fire/rescue calls including 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire, and 2 grass fires.
- Performed 25 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance and testing on 78 fire hydrants.
