Five Lion Riders Qualify for 2025 College National Finals Rodeo
The retired director of Alumni Engagement at TAMUC built relationships with Lions across generations. A new endowment will continue his legacy.
COMMERCE, TX, June 5, 2025— Five East Texas A&M University Rodeo Team members will travel west to compete at the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR), scheduled for June 15-21 in Casper, Wyo.
The university’s Rodeo program aims for a fourth consecutive year with a national champion. Bryana Lehrmann, Kincaide Henry and Kaden Profili took home individual event championships at the CNFR in 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Automatic qualifiers for the CNFR are determined by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s (NIRA) regional standings, with the top two overall team scores and the top three individuals in each event earning a trip to Casper. Neither the Lion Men’s or Women’s teams finished high enough in the NIRA Southern Region standings to earn a CNFR berth, but five individuals earned automatic bids.
This year’s Lion qualifiers include Trace Harris, Jill White, Rylee George, Mayce Marek and Garrett Freeman.
Harris comfortably earned his spot in the CNFR after finishing first in the Southern Region in the Steer Wrestling event. During the regular season, he picked up event wins at Northeast Texas Community College, McNeese State University, Texas A&M University and the East Texas A&M home rodeo.
Freeman finished third in the Team Roping standings as a Header. He won the event at Northeast Texas and McNeese.
This year will mark the third CNFR appearance for Harris and the first for Freeman.
On the women’s side, White is also appearing at her first College Finals. She took the top spot in the regional Breakaway Roping standings. She has event wins at Panola College and East Texas A&M.
Appearing in her fifth CNFR is Rylee George, who took second place in the Breakaway Roping standings. She won the event at Southwest Texas College.
Rounding out the Lion qualifiers is Mayce Marek, who makes her second CNFR with the Lions and her first since 2022. She finished second in the Southern Region’s Goat Tying standings and had event wins at Texas A&M and Wharton County Junior College.
Learn more and get tickets for this year’s CNFR at their website.
Lawns – Two Main Types in Hopkins County By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
June 5, 2025 – 1. Bermuda
#1 Texas lawngrass, grows by underground rhizomes, and above ground stolons.
Needs full sun to thrive, and can be grown from seed or sod. Spreads quickly and can become invasive to flowerbeds, gardens, and walkways.
Goes dormant during periods of drought, recovering when moisture (rain) returns. Cannot tolerate shade.
2. St. Augustine
A thick, lush, deep-green carpet of grass, St.Augustine spreads by stolons (runners), and thrives in humid, coastal climates. It may survive in partial shade, but needs a minimum of 6-8 hours of full sun daily. Usually planted as sod, it can spread quickly, and when established, can crowd out weeds. St.Augustine requires more water than Bermuda in the summer.
Less frequently grown in Hopkins County is Fescue and Zoysia, and as both are cool-season grasses, they struggle during the hot months.
Sulphur Springs City Manager’s Report, June 2025
June 5, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday June 3, 2025, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – We had 2 workers compensation claims in May. One employee missed 2 steps descending stairs and broke her foot. After two weeks off she is back on light duty. Another employee injured his shoulder making entry on a SWAT call. That injury did not result in time off.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Kimley Horn is meeting with department heads tomorrow to receive input, then they will meet with the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Jointly. After that they will schedule more public meetings.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – We are waiting for Texas Parks and Wildlife to approve the construction drawings.
THERMO WATER – The Capital Construction Division installed 4,160 feet of 18’ water main in April for a total of 8,200 feet. We are replacing
old 8” main. This will be the first water project of many at Thermo.
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – This $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the ballfield lights to LED is on again, off again. It’s currently on again…mostly. SECO conducted a site audit in May. We think that is a good sign. They tell us that the approval to proceed is imminent.
MIDFIELD APRON – This project is substantially complete. We expect to open the midfield apron by June 15.
This project included drainage improvements as well as repaving the midfield apron in concrete. Total project cost is $5.28 million, of which 90% is funded by a grant through TXDOT.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER – Hayter Engineering is presently designing the new chlorine contact chamber. We have encountered an obstacle that threatens to prevent us from re-rating the plant from 5.4 MGD to 10 MGD. Our Primary clarifiers are only 8 feet deep. TCEQ now requires a minimum depth of 10 feet. They are applying the depth requirement to us if we want to rerate. Staff is working on the issue. We have applied for a variance and we are waiting for an answer. Our data shows that our clarifiers are doing a fantastic job as they are.
This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) – Following is a list of projects for the 2025 SIP. Highlighted segments have been completed. The contractor is waiting for the school year to end before finishing the list.
| 2025 Street | Improvement | Program |
| Street | From/To | Length |
| Hodge | Davis to Fisher and Texas to Brinker | 925 |
| South Davis | Lee to Industrial | 1047 |
| Debbie/Kayla/Price | Camp thru Cul de sac | 961 |
| Foscue | Jefferson to Weaver | 808 |
| Middle | Church to Mulberry | 918 |
| Turtle Creek | Main to end | 702 |
| Village | Linda to End | 301 |
| Ponder | Connally to Van Sickle | 702 |
| Sunset | Houston to RR | 1193 |
| Sprite | End to End | 1109 |
| Stacy/Beckton/C P Alley | Fuller to College | 1244 |
| Tate | Texas to Brinker | 570 |
| Michel | College to Gena | 850 |
| McGrede | Sprite to Lemon | 1660 |
| Lilly/Bird Cir. | MLK to Cul de sac | 570 |
| Ponder | Van Sickle to Houston | 449 |
| Levi/Cottonwood | End to End | 988 |
| Ingram | Texas to Locust | 359 |
| Locust | Tate to Bellview | 449 |
| Asphalt/Concrete repairs | Various | 1000 |
| Coleman Parking | Expansion | 250 x 190 |
| Camp | Texas to Brinker | 550 |
| Kimberly | End to end | 675 |
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the monthly report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
• Repaired the AC units at City Hall.
• Reprogrammed locks at the Police Department, the business office, and the old senior citizens building.
• Hauled 774 tons of sludge to the landfill.
• Treated wastewater to a daily average total suspended solids reading of 2.4 mg/L. • Cleaned and painted the old senior citizens building.
• Repaired 9 water main breaks.
• Replaced 8 water meters.
• Unstopped 17 sewer mains.
• Repaired 8 sewer mains.
• Washed 81,000 feet of sewer mains.
• Removed 1 raw water pump from the Cooper Lake Pump Station and sent it in to be rebuilt.
• Planted flowers downtown.
• Changed out banners for Dairy Festival.
• Cleaned the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial fountain.
• Hosted 168 local youth ball games.
• Hosted 3 Tournaments.
• Made several repairs to Kids Kingdom.
• Responded to 206 fire/rescue calls including 3 structure fires and 4 grass fires. • Performed preventative maintenance on 76 fire hydrants.
• Performed 35 fire inspections.
• Conducted 64 building inspections, 22 electrical inspections, 16 plumbing inspections, and 3 mechanical inspections.
• Issued 21 building permits and 37 trade permits.
• Responded to 192 animal control calls while achieving a 74% adoption rate. • Responded to 32 accidents, wrote 567 citations, recorded 43 offences and made 51 arrests in the Patrol Division.
• Repaired 154 potholes.
• Repaired a Storm Drain Box on Gilmer.
• Cleaned out storm drain catch basins 4 times.
• Replaced 4 stop signs.
• Made 10 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
• Sold 3,747 gallons of AvGas and 8,316 Gallons of JetA fuel.
• Accommodated 2180 takeoffs/landings at the airport. • Checked out 4,025 items from the Library plus 991 eBooks.
Weekly Senior Center Activities with Meal A Day Menu for the Week of June 9th
June 5, 2025 – Check out what the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center has in store for the community this week, this month, and upcoming months! This post also includes the Meal A Day Menu for June 9th, 2025 through June 13th, 2025.
Double Honor: Paris Junior College Sweeps Region XIV Player of the Year Awards
June 4, 2025 – Paris, Texas – For the first time in school history, both the Region XIV Baseball and Softball Players of the Year hail from Paris Junior College, showcasing the exceptional talent and hard work of Dragon Athletics.
Sophomore Gabriela Sosa (San Antonio, TX) earned Region XIV Softball Player of the Year, while sophomore Dylan Schlotterback (Lakeway, TX) was named Region XIV Baseball Player of the Year.
“These two student-athletes have not only led their teams on the field but have represented PJC with pride, integrity, and excellence,” said PJC President Dr. Stephen Benson. “To have both Players of the Year from our college is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks to the strength of our programs, coaches, and student-athletes.”
Gabriela Sosa – A Season for the Record Books
Sosa led the Lady Dragons to a 50–9 season, a Region XIV Championship, and a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in Yuma, Arizona. She leads the nation in home runs (40), RBIs (115), total bases (214), and slugging percentage (1.209), and recently became the NJCAA all time home run leader. Sosa was also named NJCAA First Team All-American, NFCA Catcher of the Year, and NFCA First Team All-American.
Dylan Schlotterback – Dominant at the Plate
Schlotterback powered the Dragons’ baseball season with elite performances on the infield and at the plate, earning him Region XIV North Player of the Year and Region XIV Player of the Year honors. He finished the year batting .389 while collecting 32 extra base hits, 81 RBI’s and 28 stolen bases. He anchored a group of eight All-Conference and five All-Region PJC baseball selections.
“These athletes set the standard for what it means to be a Dragon — fierce competitors, great teammates, and outstanding students,” said Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Clay Cox. “We’re incredibly proud of Dylan and Gabby for their leadership and their achievements. They’ve made history this year.”
With both teams making deep postseason runs and national headlines, the 2025 season stands out as one of the most successful years in Paris Junior College Athletics history. For more information, visit pjcathletics.com.
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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.
Paris Junior College Softball Caps Historic Season with All-American Honors and National Recognition
June 4, 2025 – Paris, Texas — The Paris Junior College (PJC) Lady Dragons Softball team wrapped up a season for the history books with a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament and a cascade of national accolades, including five NFCA All-American selections and multiple honors for star catcher Gabriela Sosa.
This powerhouse squad not only claimed the Region XIV Championship and set program records but also made its mark on the national stage.
All-American Honors:
NJCAA First Team All-American
- Gabriela Sosa – Catcher
NFCA All-Americans
First Team:
- Gabriela Sosa – Catcher
- Sofia Hollingsworth – Second Base
- Jessica Battiste – Third Base
Second Team:
- Christi McGuire – Outfield
- Hadison Fults – Utility/Pitcher
NFCA Catcher of the Year:
- Gabriela Sosa
Season Highlights:
- National Tournament Appearance: Advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament, showcasing PJC’s talent on the national level.
- Record-Breaking Wins: Finished the season 50–11 — the most wins in program history.
- Offensive Dominance: Led the nation with 106 home runs and ranked 4th in the country with 497 RBIs.
- Academic Excellence: Posted a 3.95 team GPA, the highest ever for PJC Softball.
- Historic Individual Season: Gabriela Sosa became the NJCAA all-time home run leader (41), was named Region XIV and Conference Player of the Year, crowned PJC Homecoming Queen, and earned both NJCAA and NFCA First Team All-American honors — along with the title of NFCA Catcher of the Year.
- Well-Rounded Recognition: 21 players were honored as NFCA Scholar-Athletes.
- Staff Recognition: Coaching staff named NFCA Midwest Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.
“These young women have put in the work day in and day out, and it’s an incredible feeling to see that dedication recognized at the highest levels,” said Head Coach Shelby Shelton. “Making it to the national tournament, setting program records, and producing five All-Americans — it’s a season we’ll never forget.”
For more on the Lady Dragons’ historic season, visit pjcathletics.com.
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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.
Dinner Bell for June 11, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: SSCC Ladies Golf
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Ladies that golf, eat and socialize together at the Sulphur Springs Country Club are in the Ladies Golf Association.
Sulphur Springs Country Club’s Ladies Golf Association (LGA) is proud to sponsor the Dinner Bell. This sponsorship is one of sev eral organizations they support throughout the year.
The LGA is a group of women who play every Wednesday at Sulphur Springs Country Club, and they enjoy golf almost as much as the fellowship the game brings. If you are interested in joining, please contact Jami Birdsong at (903) 272-2239.
We greatly appreciate their sponsorship to the Dinner Bell Ministry.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Salad Time Again with our famous summer dishes!
- Pimento—Chicken—Ham Salads
- On a bed of lettuce
- Tomato Salad
- Toasted Bread Sticks
- Do Nothing Cake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
NCL Chosen as Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers
June 5, 2025 – The best experiences last a lifetime – and solo travel is one of them. The ability to explore, take chances, meet new people and do what you want when you want. To trade stories, and cocktails, with like-minded travelers from around the world. Or to sail with a group, on your own terms. Now when you cruise solo with Norwegian, you’ll enjoy more freedom and choice than ever. Norwegian has doubled the number of Solo Staterooms across its fleet by adding Solo Balcony and Oceanview rooms, in addition to Inside rooms and Studios. The best part? The savings! Traditional double occupancy rates do not apply. So come aboard with friends or family – or take time to meet new people, then watch the sunset from your private balcony.
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for the single cruiser. Our Studios are the perfect sized room for solo cruising and the Studio Lounge is a great way to meet other solo cruisers.
If you prefer a room with a view or with additional space to unwind, Norwegian offers Balconies, Oceanview and Inside Staterooms for solo travelers. All Solo Staterooms include exclusive access to the Studio Lounge* where you can unwind and meet other solo cruisers. And save money when you book — these rooms are priced exclusively for solo travelers!
Why Cruise Solo?
Along with stylish Studio Staterooms, sailing solo with Norwegian Cruise Line also gives you private key card access to the Studio Lounge*, that’s exclusively available to Studio guests. Here you can enjoy complimentary coffee, espresso, and snacks throughout the day, relax with a book, watch the big-screen TV, or simply hang out while having a drink with your fellow Studio cruisers.
Solo cruise deals are available on all Norwegian ships fleetwide to all destinations worldwide!
*Studio Lounges are on select ships (Prima, Viva, Encore, Escape, Bliss, Breakaway, Getaway, Epic and Pride of America). Refreshments are not available in the Studio Lounge on Pride of America.
For the best deals on your solo adventure Email Sara at: [email protected]
Updated Travel Ban In Place For Several Countries
June 5, 2025 – In a renewed push to restrict immigration and travel, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation naming several countries whose citizens will face travel bans or heightened entry restrictions to the United States. The proclamation, framed as a national security measure, targets a total of 19 nations, citing concerns over terrorism, visa overstays, and failure to comply with U.S. information-sharing standards.
The countries fully banned under the order include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens from these nations will be barred from entering the U.S. in most visa categories, including immigrant and diversity visas, though limited humanitarian exceptions may apply.
In addition to these outright bans, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face heightened restrictions. These include increased vetting, limited visa categories, or suspension of specific types of non-immigrant visas, such as student or business travel. Venezuela, for instance, has previously been targeted with tailored bans affecting government officials and their families.
“I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people,” Trump stated in the proclamation. Supporters argue that the move strengthens border security and ensures cooperation from foreign governments. Critics, however, say it disproportionately impacts families and asylum seekers from politically unstable or economically challenged nations.
The new restrictions mark a continuation and expansion of Trump-era immigration policies and are expected to draw both domestic and international scrutiny in the months ahead.
Texas Ag Commissioner Praises ‘Historic Investment’ In Texas Water Infrastructure
June 6, 2025 – On June 5, 2025, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised the Texas Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7, calling it a “historic investment” in the state’s water future. The legislation expands the Texas Water Fund, a move Miller said is critical to supporting rural communities, agriculture, and long-term infrastructure needs.
“For years, Texas farmers, ranchers, and rural towns have faced mounting challenges due to water scarcity,” Miller said in a public statement. “This legislation delivers practical, on-the-ground solutions to ensure our most precious resource—water—is protected and available for future generations.”
SB 7 and HJR 7, championed by Senator Charles Perry and Representative Cody Harris, are designed to direct funding toward water infrastructure projects across the state, particularly in rural and agricultural regions. The bills include provisions to improve water storage, delivery systems, and drought preparedness while requiring greater transparency and accountability in how funds are used.
Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of these bills to the agricultural sector, calling the legislation a “significant victory for Texas agriculture.” He noted that ensuring reliable water access is essential to keeping Texas a national leader in food production and rural economic growth.
“This ensures that our agricultural industry, small towns, and growing state have the water infrastructure necessary to thrive,” Miller said. “I will always advocate for rural Texas to secure the resources it needs to keep leading and feeding the world.”
The expanded Texas Water Fund is expected to provide billions in support for vital water projects statewide.
