Security Updates, Extension Office Repairs Highlight Work Session
Facility and security improvements were the the focus of Monday’s Hopkins County Commissioners Court work session.
Repairs to the Texas AgriLife Extension Office building on Houston Street are expected to require attention sooner rather than later. The county officials had hoped the project could wait until the next budget year, however, closer inspection revealed that damage is more extensive than originally intended. Thus, repairs will need to be addressed sooner than anticipated, according to the county judge.
Security at county facilities was another topic raised during the work session. With the addition of three new buildings this spring, commissioners have asked the sheriff’s office to valuate the overall security of county buildings. Technology is one area department staff was asked to evaluate for potential improvements.
The work session adjourned to allow county commissioners to meet with FEMA representatives Monday morning regarding the October 2019 disaster assistance requests.
Dinner Bell Menu For May 1st, 2019
Bill and Charlotte Zahn are the Community Partners
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Bundleless Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread
Lemon Angel Cake Bars
Pears in Strawberry Gelatin (the no added sugar dessert)
Whatever the weather we are always bright and sunny at Dinner Bell! Hope to see you. Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church).
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Ross And Shoalmire Law Program on Family Loans
Ross and Shoalmire, Elder Law Attorneys will be here on Monday, May 13th at Noon at the Sulphur Springs Senior Center.
They will be presenting a program on “Do’s and Don’ts of Family Loans”. This is an informative program for families to learn how to protect their assets, remain independent and reduce family burden.
Please come and hear what they have to teach you.
They will open the floor up to questions when they are finished speaking.
A FREE lunch will be provided by Carriage House Manor and The Cottages and At Home Healthcare, but reservations are required
Don’t miss out on this important and informative Lunch.
Lady Cats Golf Looks To Next Year
Lady Cats Golf Coach Whitney Spigener Says Regional Tournament was Learning Experience for Mariam Tran
Lady Cats Golf Coach Whitney Spigener said Monday (April 29) that last week’s Region II Class 5A Golf Tournament in Rockwall was a learning experience for Lady Cat golfer Mariam Tran. Tran shot 81 and 91 for a two-day total of 172 to finish in seventeenth place and out of the running for state. Coach Spigener said the region was pretty difficult and provided good competition for Tran. Tran’s first round 81, a bogey free round, put her just five strokes out of the lead and placed her among the elite golfers for the second day. Coach Spigener said Tran saw what it takes to be a state qualifier. Coach Spigener firmly believes Trans will qualify for state in the future. Tran shot a second day 91 and Coach Spigener said the stress might have gotten to her. Coach Spigener said Tran’s putting and short game gave her trouble. She said putting and the short game are high on Tran’s list for improvement next year.
Cumby Seniors Awarded More Than $115,000 In Scholarships
Cumby High School seniors took home more than $115,500 in scholarships, earned recognition for academic and extracurricular successes, and took time to honor special educators and adults who have made a lasting impact in their lives. Also honored during the program were high school students who made the honor roll, had perfect attendance, received class awards and earned recognition in UIL competitions.
Cumby High School Counselor Richard Kirby recognized Alyssa Hebert for being admitted to the honors program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The Honors Scholarship is considered a full ride, valued at approximately $75,000.
Kirby also recognized Akayshia Smith for being named a Bright Star Scholar by the John and Deborah Gillis Foundation. The scholarship is renewable up to four years for a total of $32,0000. Smith, who will graduate with both an associates degree from Paris Junior College as well as her high school diploma, will be able to apply the Bright Star Scholarship as she continues her education in pursuit of a master’s degree at the University of Texas at Arlington with the intent of becoming a social worker.
Dayton Wood received a Cumby Masonic Lodge Scholarship, presented by Robert and Hunter Cash. The Lodge also presented Cumby ISD Transportation and Maintenance Manager Mike Thorman with the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award for his dedication to the district.
Cumby Telephone Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 were presented by Cumby Telephone Board member Robert Spillers to Akayshia Smith, Brayden Freeman, Harley McLarry, Allyssa Hebert, Bethany Taylor and Dayton Wood.
Wood also was awarded a $500 Cumby PTO Scholarship, presented by Megan Petty.
Aresenio Ugalde Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to Mairely Camargo and Lacy Jacobs by the Ugalde family
in memory of the 2013 Cumby HS graduate who drowned at age 20 while home on leave from the Army. Arsenio Ugalde was a private first class in the U.S. Army, serving in field artillery while stationed in Washington. The award is funded annually through a Stars and Stripes 5K Color Run, which will be held on May 11 this year.
A special part of the annual awards program is the presenting of Golden Apples. Seniors are given the opportunity to recognize school personnel who have impacted their lives positively over the years. Some students gave heartfelt, emotional speeches, others funny accounts, and some simply recognized those teachers, coaches and numerous other school personnel who have left an indelible print on their lives. The time of thanks was marked with hugs, a few tears and laughs.
Recognition did not end there, however. As Beta Club President Akayshia Smith recognized the new Beta Club members, presenting each in attendance with certificates.
In an effort to streamline the program and make it more personal for each group this year, the junior high and high school awards presentations were separated. Students were able to eat a spaghetti supper while being honored.
Students were called in alphabetical order and presented with all class and extra awards at one time, instead of announcing the recipients by award group type.
Several students were recognized for being on the A or AB Honor Roll, having perfect attendance. Outstanding student and high point award were also presented, including for dual credit courses. Academic UIL awards too were awarded to students who earned medals.
Wildcats Baseball Playoff Picture
Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack Discusses Big Team Turnaround That Led to Playoffs
On KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning (April 27) Coaches Show, Wildcats Baseball Coach Jerrod Hammack explained how his team went from rock bottom to a playoff spot winning their last five district games. Coach Hammack said he and his coaches did their best to stay positive during the hard times. He also credited the players and their attitude. Coach Hammack told the team no one could tell if they were 0-10 or 10-0 watching them practice because he said the players worked hard and stayed positive. Coach Hammack also shook things up. He moved catcher Kaden Argenbright to shortstop. Jace Burchfield moved to catcher and has done a good job of throwing out baserunners. Jase Thompson moved to left field and has made several sterling catches. Jaxon Chaney recovered from some early arm problems that kept him from pitching to return to the mound with solid performances. Coach Hammack also decided to place players in the hitting lineup based on on base percentages. That moved Austin Dodd to the fifth spot where he has flourished. His first game hitting fifth, Dodd went five for five. Coach Hammack said Dodd’s confidence level is soaring. He said the Wildcats may be the best number four team in the state. However they would appear to have their hands full with a familiar foe, Hallsville, the district 16-5A champion. The teams meet in a best two out of three bi-district playoff series at Mike Carter Field in Tyler. They play Wednesday at 7 p.m., Friday at 5:30 p.m. and if necessary Saturday at 1 p.m.
Lady Cats Softball Playoff Update
Lady Cats Softball Coach David Carrillo Discusses Bi-District Sweep of Whitehouse on Saturday Morning Coaches Show
The second game in the Whitehouse and Lady Cats’ softball bi-district series was very different than the first. On Thursday (April 25), the Lady Cats won by the ten run rule, 14-4 in Whitehouse. In front of the home folks Friday at Lady Cat Park, the Lady Cats managed a 6-3 win. Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo felt like his team was a little complacent in game two and lacked some intensity. There were also what he called hiccups on defense. Coach Carrillo also gave credit to Whitehouse saying they played a lot better and really came out to play on Friday. His bottom line was that the Lady Cats did enough to win Friday but did not play as well as they could. The Lady Cats now face Midlothian in an Area round series this week. All games are at Royse City on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., Thursday at 5 p.m. and on Saturday at noon. Coach Carrillo said the team needs to bring its’ A game against Midlothian.
Pre-K, Kindergarten Round Up Continues Tuesday At North Hopkins Elementary
North Hopkins Elementary Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten Round Up kicked off Monday, and will continue from 9 a.m. To noon Tuesday, April 30, in the elementary office for new-to-the-district students.
Early registration does not assure your child a spot in prekindergarten.
“In order to ensure the safety of the children and the quality of their education we will only be able to accept a certain number,” Kodi Wright stated in a letter to parents posted on the school website.
In order for children to be eligible to apply for enrollment in kindergarten, the child must be 4 years old on or before Sept.1, and must be potty-trained before the first day of school.
The student must also either qualify for the free or reduced breakfast and lunch program, which is based on state-established household income ranges; be unable to speak and comprehend the English language; be homeless; be the child of an active duty member of the armed forces or reserved component of the armed forces; have been in the conservatorship (foster care) of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing; or require special services such as special education or speech.Any 4-year-old who does not meet the pre-k requirements will be placed on a waiting list.
To enroll in kindergarten, the applicant child must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1.
Parents will be asked to bring with them to the elementary office in order to apply for enrollment for pre-k or kindergarten classes the copies of the applicant child’s birth certificate, Social Security Card and most current Immunization Record; the driver’s license of the person’ enrolling the child; and proof of district residence, such as a utility bill or tax statement with the family name and address printed on it.
Town hall meeting on the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus
TOWN HALL SESSION
Students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center had the opportunity Monday to participate in a town hall meeting — an event for students on campus to hear from PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin, pictured above, and for the students to ask questions and discuss specific topics of interest relating to their education experience at PJC.
