A Natural Prescription for 2024 – First Day Hikes at Cooper Lake State Park
December 19, 2023 – As I hike the Coyote Run Trail at Cooper Lake State Park, enveloped by post oak trees, my sense of well-being soars, as I am freed from daily stress. This phenomenon, a blend of nature’s beauty and physical activity, is not just a personal revelation but a scientifically supported experience. Immersion in nature, as research and age-old wisdom affirm, rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul!
On our relentless search for health, longevity, and happiness, we might have overlooked the simplest answer – NATURE. Inspired by “The Nature Fix” written by Florence Williams, numerous articles, and scientific papers, I continue to explore how nature positively impacts our health and well-being. Decreased outdoor exposure is linked to ailments such as obesity, ADHD, depression, and vitamin D deficiency. The modern trend of indoor sedentary living has been linked to these and other health issues, contributing to a worrying decline in overall health, despite continued medical advancements.
Nature, however, offers a potent potential remedy. Studies emphasize the unique benefits of nature walks over urban ones. Researchers like Dr. Art Kramer and Dr. Miyazaki highlight how these nature walks boost brain health and lower stress. Liisa Tyrvainen’s work further reveals a correlation between time spent in nature and enhanced mood and cognition. Nature is a natural antidepressant!
The power of nature isn’t limited to physical activity. Experiences of awe, from witnessing a lakeside sunset to dark sky stargazing, can bring profound joy and the feeling of connection to something greater. Texas State Parks, with their diverse and majestic landscapes, are ideal for such awe-inspiring moments.
Cooper Lake State Park caters to various fitness levels with paths like the level Cedar Creek Trail or the more undulating and demanding Coyote Run Trail; to short cement paths that run through our day use areas. We have miles and miles of low-speed park roadways (20 MPH) for those who prefer road biking, plus trails perfect for mountain bikes. Regular visits to these natural settings can significantly boost your mental and physical health. Make activities in nature a habit, creating a better future you!
Joining Cooper Lake State Park in offering these amazing benefits are other awe-inspiring Texas State Parks in our region:
– Atlanta State Park
– Bonham State Park
– Caddo Lake State Park
– Daingerfield State Park
– Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
– Cedar Hill State Park
– Ray Roberts Lake State Park
– Martin Creek Lake State Park
– Purtis Creek State Park
– Lake Tawakoni State Park
– Tyler State Park
Embark on your journey to better health, mood, and happiness with a prescription of nature on January 1st, 2024, at Cooper Lake State Park! Both park units, South Sulphur and Doctors Creek, will host guided and self-guided trail adventures. Most of our other 87 Texas State Park will also host First Day Hikes. Explore, destress, and rejuvenate in these awe-inspiring settings at a Texas State Park. Happy hiking and biking await you in 2024!
Doctors Creek Unit
Monday, January 1 – DC
First Day Self-Guided Hike and or Bicycle Ride! – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek Loops – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 2 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek South Loop – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
South Sulphur Unit
Sunday, January 1 – SS
First Day Self-Guided Hike, Horseback Ride, and or a Bicycle Ride!
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ South Sulphur Trails – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 10 a.m. @ South Sulphur Buggy Whip Equestrian trail – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
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Chamber Connection – December 19th
By Butch Burney
December 18, 2023 – Now is the time to get your nominations in for the Annual Community Awards, presented at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Nominations need to be in by Tuesday, Jan. 2.
To nominate, the committees ask that you not just list a name but go into detail about why the person or business deserves the award. This is not a voting contest, but a nomination process.
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Banquet Sponsorship
It’s also not too early to get your tables for the annual Chamber banquet. Tables for 10 are $500 and will include sponsorship recognition. This banquet is usually a sell out, so get your sponsorships and tickets early!
First Responders Banquet
The annual First Responders Appreciation Banquet, presented by One Church, is set for Thursday, Jan. 4, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
All first responders in the county are invited to attend, and the community is encouraged to help show their appreciation with gift cards and door prizes. Prizes will be given to those in attendance.
For more information on how to help sponsor the appreciation banquet, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Merry Christmas
To everyone throughout Hopkins County, we hope that your Christmas and holidays are a time spent with family and friends, a time to refresh and a time to renew your energy and spirit. We are blessed to live, work and raise our families in a community that supports one another. God bless you and yours this season. – The Chamber staff: Butch, Jaci and Kelli
The Next Hopkins County Candidate Meet and Greet will be held January 9, 2024
December 18, 2023 – The next Hopkins County Candidate Meet and Greet will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The event will begin at 6:00pm and will be at the ROC located at 115 Putman St in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Those who plan to attend are asked to please send questions you want the candidates to answer to [email protected] beforehand. Beth Wisenbaker will be the only person who knows who sent in the questions. They look forward to hearing some awesome questions being answered.
Sulphur Springs Holiday Trash Pickup
December 18, 2023 – There will not be any trash pickup Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. Trash will also not run on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2024. All trash pickup will run a day behind for these two weeks. This message respectfully submitted by Natalie Burling, City Secretary, Texas Registered Municipal Clerk.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 12-11-2023 – 12-17-2023
Arrests:
Riffle, Sara 40 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12-14-2023 for Assault by Contact Family/Household Member/Dating Relationship
Pyron, Stephen 32 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 12-17-2023 for a Warrant out of Wood Count.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 22 citations and 47 warnings during this reporting period.
Quaker Oats Recalls Granola Products, Over 40 Items Included
December 18, 2023 – The Quaker Oats Company announced the recall of specific granola bars and granola cereals listed below because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
The products listed below are sold throughout the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and Saipan. Consumers should check their pantries for any of the products listed below and dispose of them. Additionally, consumers with any product noted below can contact Quaker Consumer Relations (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Mon.-Fri.) at 1-800-492-9322 or visit www.quakergranolarecall.com for additional information or product reimbursement.
To date, Quaker has received no confirmed reports of illness related to the products covered by this recall. Quaker has informed the FDA of our actions.
This recall ONLY APPLIES to the specific products below. NO OTHER Quaker products are impacted.
RECALLED PRODUCTS:
| Product Description | Size | UPC | Best Before |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRANOLA BARS | |||
| Quaker Big Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip | 5ct 7.4 oz | 30000314074 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 1ct 1.48 oz 10ct 14.8 oz | 30000004081 (Bar) 30000315651 (Caddy) 30000315658 (case) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Big Chewy Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip | 5ct 7.4 oz | 30000316856 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 1ct 1.48 oz 10ct 14.8 oz | 30000004098 (Bar) 30000315668 (Caddy) 30000315665 (case) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Big Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 36ct 53.3 oz | 30000567609 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars and Dipps Variety Pack | 14ct 13 oz | 30000576533 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 58ct 58.6 oz | 30000562468 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311820 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000450178 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 30ct 25.2 oz | 30000573402 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 36ct 30.2 oz | 30000566237 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000563045 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 1ct 0.84 oz 440ct 369.6 oz | 03077504 (Bar) 30000562581 (Tote) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000576519 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip Holiday Minis | 28ct 13.8 oz | 3000057787 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip Halloween Minis | 28ct 13.8 oz | 30000312575 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 40ct 19.6 oz | 30000571231 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip Spring Minis | 28ct 13.8 oz | 30000569504 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chip Valentine Minis | 28ct 13.8 oz | 30000311639 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Dark Chocolate Chunk | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311868 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Chocolate Chunk | 1ct 1.41 oz | 30000003442 (Bar) 30000565879 (Tote) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Less Sugar Chocolate Chip | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311752 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000571682 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000565506 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Less Sugar Cookies & Cream | 1ct 1.38 oz | 30000003435 (Bar) 30000565862 (Tote) | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date |
| 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311875 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Less Sugar Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311769 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Less Sugar Variety | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311943 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000450109 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000564998 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| 60ct 50.4 oz | 30000575185 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Oatmeal Raisin | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311806 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000568798 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 1ct 0.84 oz 440ct 369.6 oz | 03076709 (Bar) 30000577011 (Tote) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311844 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000567265 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000565513 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 1ct 0.84oz 440ct 369.6 oz | 03077601 (Bar) 30000562598 (Tote) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars S’mores | 1ct 0.84oz | 03076806 (Bar) | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311813 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000573174 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000568804 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 8ct 6.7 oz | 30000311882 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| 14ct 11.8 oz | 30000575284 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 18ct 15.1 oz | 30000451304 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 30ct 25.2 oz | 30000573419 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 36ct 30.2 oz | 30000566244 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 48ct 40.3 oz | 30000317709 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000562093 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000565520 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 58ct 48.7 oz | 30000577257 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| 60ct 50.4 oz | 30000577349 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Dipps Chocolate Chip | 6ct 6.5 oz | 30000312698 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| 14ct 15.3 oz | 30000450529 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| 24ct 26.2 oz | 30000576809 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| 30ct 32.7 oz | 30000569061 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| 34ct 37.1 oz | 30000311653 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Dipps Peanut Butter | 6ct 6.3 oz | 30000312711 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| 14ct 14.7 oz | 30000311332 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Dipps Variety Pack | 14ct 15 oz | 30000567272 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| 48ct 51.6 oz | 30000574836 | Best Before of Oct- 01-24 and any earlier date | |
| Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps Birthday Blast | 12ct 8.9 oz | 30000572733 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Chewy Mini Dipps Summer Night S’mores | 12ct 8.9 oz | 30000572757 | Best Before of Aug- 02-24 and any earlier date |
| GRANOLA CEREAL | |||
| Quaker Puffed Granola Apple Cinnamon Cereal | 17 oz | 30000575758 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Puffed Granola Blueberry Vanilla Cereal | 17 oz | 30000575765 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds Cereal | 2PK 48.2 oz | 30000573488 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey & Almonds Cereal | 24.1 oz | 30000572429 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal | 24.1 oz | 30000572436 | Best Before of Jun- 03-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal | 2PK 48.2 oz | 30000577721 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey, Raisins & Almonds Cereal | 69 oz | 30000436073 | Best Before of Sep- 01-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker Protein Granola Oats, Chocolate, & Almonds Flavor | 18 oz | 30000571627 | Best Before of Jan- 09-24 and any earlier date |
| 2PK 36 oz | 30000577783 | Best Before of Jan- 09-24 and any earlier date | |
| GRANOLA BARS INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING SNACK BOXES | |||
| Quaker Chocolatey Favorites Snack Mix | 20ct Box 378 oz | 30000577325 | Jun-03-24 and any earlier date |
| Quaker On The Go Snack Mix | 20ct Box 344 oz | 30000577318 | Jun-03-24 and any earlier date |
| Frito-Lay Snacks Variety Pack With Quaker Chewy | 20ct 17.42 oz (493.8g) | 28400715607 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Frito-Lay Chips and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 36.94 oz | 28400697965 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Crunchy & Chewy Snacks, Frito-Lay Chips, Cookies, Nuts and Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 36.205 oz | 28400714259 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Lunch Box Mix, Frito-Lay Chips, Cookies and Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 40.62 oz | 28400713375 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Frito-Lay Popped & Baked Chips with Cookies, Nuts and Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 35.58 oz | 28400714273 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Frito-Lay Snack Time Favorites with Baked, Smartfood, SunChips and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 33.94 oz | 28400698009 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Tasty Snacks, Frito-Lay Chips, Nuts, Cookies and Quaker Chewy Bars Variety Pack | 40ct 41.56 oz | 28400713368 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
| Ultimate Flavor Snack Care Package, Variety Assortment of Chips, Cookies, Crackers, & More | 40ct 50.89 oz | 28400734868 | Best Before March 12 2024 and any earlier date |
Frankincense and Myrrh for Christmas From Master Gardener David Wall
December 17, 2023 – We all know the story of the Magi bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to Joseph, Mary and Jesus, but there was always the question of what was it, and why was it so important to warrant giving to the Christ child. Further, why has it been traded as an object of value for thousands of years.
Frankincense is tree sap or resin that comes from multiple trees in the Boswellia genus. Trees are tapped, not unlike Maple trees. Sap oozes out and hardens over a several day period into a gum resin. Trees are tapped twice a year for up three months at a time. Tapping can continue for six years before stopping for a few years.
Some of the earliest uses of camels in the middle east were to transport frankincense to distant lands. The literature gives no indication that frankincense trees grow in Israel.
Frankincense has a long history as an anointing oil, an ingredient in cosmetics, and in aromatherapy that calms, relaxes, and reduces stress. Several countries, including Greece, Egypt, Israel, and Rome used frankincense in religious ceremonies as well as an embalming liquid to honor the dead and prevent rapid decomposition while covering a dead body’s smell.
Used today by many churches at Christmas and Easter, Frankincense is a valuable asset that would have been welcomed by Joseph and Mary.
Like frankincense, myrrh is a tree extract (sap) from a small thorny tree. The resin is soft when extracted, but later becomes hard. It’s been used for thousands of years for perfume, incense, and medicine. It’s mentioned in the Old Testament as far back as early Genesis.
Myrrh was used in ancient Egypt for embalming of mummies. Ancient Grecians used it in treating wounds due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Today, you can find myrrh as an ingredient in such diverse products as toothpaste, mouthwash, liniments for bruises & sprains, salves, and toothache analgesics. It is even being studied for its possible ability to fight cancer. It can be taken internally to fight ulcers, indigestion, arthritis pain, and other internal ailments. About the only negative aspect is that it should never be used by pregnant women, as it could cause a miscarriage.
Myrrh was an ingredient used in the incense for in the First and Second Temples at Jerusalem, as well as in anointing high priests and kings, and was considered valuable enough to be traded throughout the Mediterranean area.
Today, myrrh (mixed with frankincense) is used in traditional Roman Catholic and Episcopal services as well as numerous orthodox churches.
Welders Being Certified at the Paris Junior College
Welding Certification
December 17, 2023 – Because welding is such a skilled trade that requires precision work, it is necessary to become certified as a welder before landing a great job. Requirements for welders can vary from employer to employer.
John Plemons, the instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Welding School, recently tested his summer classes and 28 students passed and received their certification and ready to go to work.
Samuel Aragon, Commerce; Jesus Arriaga,Royse City; James Barrett,Como; Landin Dugalle,Sulphur Springs; Tobias Hackney,Celeste;Trey Hollowa,-Greenville; Maiique McCarter, Sulphur Springs, Trenton McKinney; Yantis; Madison Roberts,Sulphur Springs; James Rodriquez, Commerce; Alden Schaffi, Greenville, Jonathan Pichardo, Sulphur Springs; Nicholas Niemirirowski, Como; Douglas Thomas, Quinlan; Shawn Hartkube; Campbell.
Also Bryce Akin, Greenville; Freddie Jackson, Yantis; Luis Hernandez, Winnsboro; Cole Jackson, Fate; Edgar Martinez, Mt. Vernon; Yordy Vazquez, Pickton; Shamar Whaley, Sulphur Springs, Alessaandro Alvarez, Brashear; Jason Keyes, Sulphur Springs; Andrew Price, David Ruth, Sulphur Springs; Cole Stover, Greenville; Angela Tijerina, Commerce.
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 December 20 and 27, 2023
There will be no Dinner Bell meals on December 20 and December 27 to allow the staff to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Please come on January 3, 2024 as we start our 13th year with this feeding ministry.
May the community have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and experience a joyful, blessed and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
JANUARY 3, 2024 to meet again.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
From the Dinner Bell staff:
MERRY CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WE WILL TAKE A SHORT BREAK AND RETURN ON JANUARY 3, 2024.
Brush Project Set on US 271 South in Lamar and Red River Counties
December 15, 2023
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a roadside improvement project along a portion of US 271 South in Lamar and Red River Counties is set to begin Jan. 3, 2024.
The contractor, A.L. Helmcamp Inc., was granted 92 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $2.2 million. The contractor plans to set road alert barricades Jan. 2, 2024 and begin work Jan. 3, 2024. The target completion date for this project is June 2024.
The contractor will remove trees and brush on US 271 South from FM 196 North in Lamar County to State Highway 37 in Red River County, officials said.
This contractor will be performing this work off the pavement, but travelers in this area need to remain alert for trucks entering and leaving work areas adjacent to US 271 South in the project limits, officials said.
Motorists who frequently travel in the area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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