PJC Sets November Election for Board of Regents Places 5, 6, and 9
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents, at its regular meeting this week, set an election for Nov. 6 for Places 5, 6, and 9 on the board. Those positions are held respectively by Ginna Bowman, Curtis Fendley, and Mark Buster.
The Regents also approved contracting with the County Elections Administrator to conduct the election for the regents.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received the financial report showing PJC remains in a strong financial position, with revenues and expenses in line with budgeted amounts.
- Learned that summer enrollment is up in headcount by 10.8 percent (179 students) and 6.67 percent in contact hour generation over last year. Compared to 2016, headcount is up by 7.68 percent and contact hour generation is down 3.3 percent.
- Received a report on fall and spring retention by course and faculty member. In the fall 2017 semester, college retention was 93.6 percent and 94.78 percent in the spring 2018 semester.
- Updated on the annual licensure report filed with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- Authorized PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin to get prices for new energy efficient windows on the east side of the Student Center (facing Collegiate Dr.). Aramark is updating the kitchen and cafeteria over the next five years, and the window replacement is planned to be done in conjunction with those upgrades.
- Approved the 2018-2019 Dual Credit Agreement for area high schools.
- Approved the employment of Haley Barnett as Talent Search Advisor, effective July 2.
2018-2019 Chamber of Commerce High School Leadership Class Announced
2018-2019 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce High School Leadership Class has been named. This will be the 25th year that the Chamber of Commerce has facilitated this program for Hopkins county’s outstanding high school seniors. The students will participate in several classes throughout the school year including, the Ropes Challenge Course in Commerce, Justice, Order & Politics, Poverty, Crisis and Cultural Sensitivity, Education & Tomorrow’s Opportunities, Ethical Decision Making, and Tourism and Quality of Life. Then, to top off this year-long program, the students will take a field trip to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a day of learning, fun, food, and fellowship.
This program has proven to be so beneficial to the students, the Sulphur Springs School Board has determined that the High School Leadership Class will be considered “co-curricular”. Students will not be counted absent on days they are participating in the program. Congratulations to the following students, who have been selected to the High School Leadership Class of 2018-2019.
Kaden Argenbright Landri Bell
Johnathan Calhoun Chase Crouch
Brinklee Driver Pacen Edwards
Jaci Glenn Danielle Godbolt Bailey Haggerty
Brooke Harden Wendy Harrington Kole Johnson
Carter Lewis Maddie Millsap Carter Monk
Daniel Moreno Brennan Murray Autumn Tanton
Maddy Ray Rhett Reid Eli Sellers
Skylar Shumate Sadie Stroud
Landry Tyson
Lezley Brown, Chamber CEO says, “Each student is about to begin this journey of practical knowledge beyond the classroom, and we are asking for your help! The students do not pay tuition for this program; therefore, your sponsorship will ensure this opportunity for them. Businesses in the community are being asked to sponsor scholarships for the students. Brown says the cost per student for the program is $125. Those businesses desiring to sponsor a student should contact the Chamber for more information.
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Presents Jeremy for Adoption
Jeremy is a 2 year old Shepherd/Pyrenees mix. Jeremy is one of four gentle giant pups that are in need of a loving home. He is extremely affectionate once he gets to know you. He will expect you to return his hug as he delicately stands eye to eye with you. Jeremy will also request your lap space to be shared with him. He walks well on the leash and enjoys his outings.
Jeremy’s adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, neuter and rabies shot. Please contact Hearts of Life Animal Rescue by phone at 903-439-5019, email at [email protected], www.facebook.com/heartsoflife or find us on Petfinder.com!
The Biggest Flag Waving Event in Sulphur Springs: Don’t Miss Independence Concert Saturday June 30 at 8pm
During a KSST Morning Show interview, Alliance Bank President Tom Sellers invited the entire community to be present for a group celebration of our nation’s birthday on Celebration Plaza, downtown Sulphur Springs, on Saturday June 30, 2018. The music will start at 8pm and the fireworks will follow the concert at dark. Alliance Bank has been a sponsor for all 27 years of the local concert’s history, and in recent years, a host of the concert since the stage will be placed practically at the front entrance of the downtown lobby. Although there is some seating on the plaza, it’s recommended that you bring folding chairs or picnic blankets for seating. The evening will begin with a welcome from Tom Sellers and the marching in of military veterans in a Veterans Parade to a special seating area. Next, Sulphur Springs Symphony League President Sharla Campbell will introduce conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus, who along with the professional musicians onstage, make up the Northeast Texas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to the concert and during the evening, you are invited to enjoy concessions and visit the booths on the plaza, including the KSST booth where US flags will be part of a giveaway promotion. As the evening progresses toward dark, you’ll be treated to familiar classics and marches by the orchestra and special selections by the NE Texas Choral Society’s Men’s Chorus, selected to stir patriotic spirit as well as anticipation of the awesome fireworks display. Many will choose to arrive downtown early for dinner at the many eateries in downtown Sulphur Springs. If you’d like to thank someone for the concert evening and fireworks, thank underwriting sponsors Alliance Bank, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital and GSC Grocery Supply Inc. Additionally, you can listen to the concert live on KSST 1230AM and watch it in playback on Cable Channel 18 TV.
Although the concert is absolutely free to attend, donations are accepted year round by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League, whose mission is:
TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR HOPKINS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS AT PERIODIC ORCHESTRA CONCERTS SUCH AS THE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND SMALL-ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES IN SELECT VENUES IN SULPHUR SPRINGS. THE LEAGUE WAS DEVELOPED TO BRING CLASSICAL AND POP ORCHESTRAL MUSIC TO RURAL NORTHEAST TEXAS WHERE SUCH LIVE PERFORMANCES WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE. FURTHER, THE LEAGUE SEEKS TO EDUCATE YOUNGER RESIDENTS IN DEVELOPING THEIR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING THEIR SOCIAL SKILLS BY ENCOURAGING MUSIC INSTRUCTION, FUNDING MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS, PROVIDING STRINGED INSTRUMENTS TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND PRESENTING LIVE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES AT CHILDREN’S CONCERTS.
Conductor Dr. Douglas Bakenhus
Chamber Connection June 28, 2018
Just so you know, it’s just never ever too early to talk about the Hopkins County Stew Contest! The date of this year’s Stew Contest will be Saturday, October 27th. Go ahead and start planning your teams, because we are going to have a great contest this year!!! Additional information will be sent out to teams and sponsors in early August, but I wanted you to “Save the Date”! I can taste that stew already!
Ceremony for Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
There will be a ceremony for the Recorded Texas Historic Landmark that was received for the Ashcroft house, located at 333 College Street in Sulphur Springs on Saturday, June 30th at 11:00 a.m.. The ceremony will be on the front lawn and refreshments served on the porch after the ceremony. This is a great accomplishment and is only the second RTHL awarded in our county. John Sellers will be giving additional history on the house and its plot of land.
27th Anniversary of the Independence Day Celebration on Celebration Plaza
Mark your calendars for a stunning and memorable night of a free concert and fireworks presented by the Sulphur Springs Symphony League on Saturday, June 30th, on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. with fireworks to immediately follow. It is an event that should not be missed. Bring your families, your lawn chairs, or your picnic blankets and enjoy the sights and sounds of Independence Day in Hopkins County.
Historical Society hosting Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Hopkins County Historical Society is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the new events building at Heritage Park on Monday, July 2nd at 3 p.m. Heritage Park is located at 416 North Jackson Street in Sulphur Springs. Once completed, the new building will boast restrooms, event space, and ample kitchen and storage space. Please make plans to join us at Heritage Park for this exciting day!
AgriLife hosts Community Health Talks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is hosting a round-table discussion series on issues affecting health in our community. Session 1 is called Animal and Human Health and will be held on July 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office located at 1200 W. Houston in Sulphur Springs. Dr. Leah Larsen, DVM, will speak on rabies and diseases affecting pets and humans. Danielle Altenbaumer, Dept. of State Health Services, will speak on clearing up the human vaccination confusion. Register by calling 903-885-3443 by June 29th. Session 2 is called Food and Food Safety. It will be held on July 13th at 6:30 p.m.at the Hopkins County Extension Office located at 1200 W. Houston in Sulphur Springs. Brad Fain, of Zoetis Animal Health, will speak on food security including temperature danger zone, safe food handling.
Splish Splash Water Bash
The Hopkins County Fall Festival is throwing a Splish Splash Water Bash on Saturday, July 21st from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Celebration Plaza in Sulphur Springs. Kids seven and under are free, and children eight years of age and older are $5. Kids under five must be accompanied by an adult. Ice cold soda and water will be on sale. Make plans to go and have a great time!
Reilly Springs Jamboree
Monty Tipps and Main Street will serve up traditional country music in a 2-hour show on Saturday, July 21st at 6 p.m. Admission to the monthly (3rd Saturday night) Jamboree is $10 person. A special concert will be held on Saturday, August 18th at 6 p.m. featuring the world-famous Blackwood Quartet. Tickets will be $15 general admission or $25 for the Meet-and-Greet with reserved seating for the Blackwood Quartet’s “Gospel Side of Elvis” Concert, a part of their 85th Year Anniversary Tour. For tickets and information, contact Enola Gay Mathews at (903) 438-3568.
Sulphur Springs Public Library presents their Summer Reading Program for June and July
The Sulphur Springs Library is hosting a summer reading program called Fun with Mary Poppins Reading Program 2018. Story time will be each Tuesday at 10 a.m. in June and July (except for July 10 and 17). Watch for special guest appearances along with fun, stories and great prizes. Minecraft is back every Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. beginning June 1 and ending July 27. Thursday, June 21st at 6 p.m. is a special Mary Poppins Story time event, and Friday, June 22nd at 3 p.m., don’t miss the Bubble Show with Brett Roberts. Then, Thursday, June 28th, at 11 a.m. the library will welcome Will Parker with a very musical story time. The library is happy to answer any questions, please call (903) 885-4926, or you can visit www.sslibrary.org.
Ribbon Cuttings:
AFLAC hosted ribbon cutting celebration
Leann Oliver and Sheila Askins with AFLAC hosted a ribbon cutting celebration at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 20th at noon. The Chamber is located at 300 Connally Street in Sulphur Springs. Leann and Sheila explained many of the benefits of AFLAC with Chamber members. If you have questions, give us a call and we’ll put you in touch.
A Farewell to Coach Jeff Chapman
The chance of be a girls’ athletic coordinator was an opportunity former Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman could not pass up as he decided to head to Paris from Sulphur Springs recently.
During an interview Wednesday (June 27) morning, Coach Chapman said the girls athletic coordinator opportunity was exciting. He will also be the Paris Head Girls Basketball Coach. He said he had thought about the coordinator’s job before and he had hoped to be able to do it somewhere. Coach Chapman said he did not search for the job. Paris officials came to him. He said to went to the job interview with the intention of saying no and staying at Sulphur Springs. The coordinator position was the deciding factor.
With that added responsibility, Coach Chapman will not be teaching. He will also be able to coordinate athletics in middle school as well as high school. Coach Chapman said his wife played some softball in Paris and had friends over there. Paris is also closer to his wife’s mother who lives near Grant, Oklahoma.
Coach Chapman said Sulphur Springs has been good to him. He said nothing happened to upset him and he added he had no major issues here. Coach Chapman said he was proud of what he was able to build here and he said he would miss current members of the Lady Cats’ basketball team. Coach Chapman will literally and figuratively leave some big shoes to fill. He arrived on the scene after a 2009-2010 season which saw the Lady Cats go 4-22 with a 3-9 district record. Coach Chapman’s first team compiled his only losing record here, 16-17, but the team made the playoffs and won a bi-district game against a Hallsville team that had defeated the Lady Cats at home, 77-30, the season before. The Lady Cats then had seven winning seasons making the playoffs every year and getting more than 20 wins in six of the seven seasons. The past three seasons the Lady Cats won 26 games and captured or shared the district championship each year. The 2013-2014 team, which went 25-6 won three playoff games and went to the regional quarterfinal game. That matched the best any Lady Cats’ basketball team has ever done.
Coach Chapman had an overall record of 179-77 in his eight seasons in Sulphur Springs.
Four Sulphur Springs Women Focus on Welding at PJC-Sulphur Springs Campus
June 27, 2018 – WOMEN WELDERS: The summer welding class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center includes four young women from Sulphur Springs. While welding isn’t a traditional occupation for women, interest is growing and “these students are doing great,” according to Instructor John Plemons. They are, from left with Plemons looking on; KeaAron Cash, Nicky Cline, Emily Kuiper, and Hailey McKinney. All but Kuiper are in structural welding. Kuiper is in advanced welding. According to the American Welding Society, only about 5.8 percent of working welders are females. These students said they love it and are in it to stay.
Hopkins County Grand Jury Hands Up 44 Indictments June 26, 2018
Forty-four indictments were handed up by a Hopkins County Grand Jury Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Those included in the indictments and already arrested are:
COWART, JUSTIN DEAN
Justin Dean Cowart indicted for Criminal Solicitation Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Attempted Traffic Child Engage Conduct/Sexual. Hopkins County Criminal Investigators and deputies arrested Justin Dean Cowart, 31, of Yantis, for Attempted Human Trafficking and Criminal Solicitation Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. The arrest at a local discount box store came following a law enforcement response to the guardian of a child. The guardian had met Cowart on line and had been communicating with him. Cowart became interested in the child of the guardian. Ultimately, Cowart stated online that he wanted to purchase sex acts with the minor. That is when the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office was called. An officer assumed the role of the guardian in the online conversations which brought about the meeting with Cowart in Sulphur Springs at the site of the arrest.
Neal Douglas Lenzi indicted for Injury Child/Elderly/Disabled with Intent Bodily Injury.
Marco Antonio Ordun
Marco Antonio Orduna indicted for Continuous Violence against the Family. A Sulphur Springs Police officer was dispatched to a fight in progress in the 100 block of Nicholson Street. Marco Antonio Orduna, 21, was found to be the aggressor in the fight. Orduna has previous convictions for assault family violence this year. Orduna was arrested at the scene and the victim did wish to file an emergency protective order. Visible injuries were found on the victim, Orduna’s ex-girlfriend.
Barbara Jean Moore
Barbara Jean Moore indicted for Forgery Government/National Instrument/Money/Security. Sulphur Springs Police were called to a local fast food establishment when a customer in the drive-thru attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill. The local officer made contact with the individuals in the car in the drive-thru. Barbara Jean Moore, 32, of Terrell told the officer that she had attempted to pass the counterfeit bill.
Brandy Jamaal Gaines
Brandy Jamaal Gaines indicted for Evading Arrest Detection with Vehicle/WTRCF With Previous Conviction or SBI. When the Sulphur Springs Police officer attempted to make a traffic stop at Craig and Booker Streets , Brandy Jamaal Gaines, 35, of Sulphur Springs slowed to come to a stop before fleeing the officer’s pursuit. Gaines did come to a stop at Coleman Park and exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The officer gave chase and apprehended Gaines.
Brianna Mykel Ivery indicted for Evading Arrest Detection with Vehicle.
Wes Gerald
Wes Gerald indicted for Evading Arrest Detection with Vehicle.
Christopher Shane Freeman indicted for Evading Arrest Detection with Vehicle.
Alberta Jean Duffey indicted for Theft Property less than $2500 two or more with Previous Conviction.
Tammy Jo Woodard indicted for Theft Property less than $2500 two or more with Previous Conviction.
Zachary Meyette indicted for Theft of Firearm.
Jeffery Lynn Phelps indicted for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More.
Juan Cruz Perez indicted for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More.
Justi
Justin Blaine Sicard
Justin Blaine Sicard indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than4-grams but less than 200-grams and for indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams in a Drug Free Zone. Special Crimes Unit initiated a traffic stop in the 300 block of Oak Avenue and the driver of the 2004 Saab was visibly nervous. A pat down of the driver located a zipper pouch containing 9.8-grams of suspected methamphetamine.Justin Blaine Sicard, 28, of Winnsboro, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams and for a warrant for driving the wrong way on a one-way roadway. Sicard confessed to the possession and to selling meth. A second charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams has been added for Justin Blaine Sicard, 28, of Winnsboro. Sicard is in Hopkins County Jail for the first charge of selling methamphetamine. He was called to book in where the second charge was added.
Vivian Vanessa Auceda indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 400-grams.
Jerrica Danielle Papenfuse
Jerrica Danielle Papenfuse indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams. When the driver of a 2009 Dodge Journey, with an obscured license plate, ignored an official traffic control device on I-30 Westbound at the 131 mile-marker, a Hopkins County Deputy made a traffic stop and in plain view on the passenger floorboard was a syringe containing a brown liquid suspected to be Heroin. The male passenger, Elias Moreno (picture not available), informed the officer that there was cocaine, heroin, and Fentayl in the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed multiple plastic bags of the three controlled substances. Also located in the vehicle was a green duffel bag concealed in the spare tire compartment. In the duffel bag were four large bundles wrapped in silver foil tape and vacuum sealed The four bundles contained cash totaling approximately $180,247. K-9 O’Malley, along with Hopkins County Deputy handler performed a free air sniff on the currency. The K-9 provided a positive alert for illegal narcotics present on the currency. Arrested were the driver, Jerrica Danielle Papenfuse, 29, of Toledo, Ohio, and EliasMoreno.
Elias Moreno indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 4-grams but less than 200-grams.
Jamie Audrey Butler indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Desiree Skye Butler indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Joe Manuel Gutierrez indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Jayme Lee Westbrook indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Rhonda Renee Whittle
Rhonda Renee Whittle indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams. A defective headlamp on a 1999 Chevy Trailblazer led to a Hopkins County Deputy initiated traffic stop at Jefferson Street and Loop 301. The driver of the vehicle, Rhonda Renee Whittle, 51, of Sulphur Springs, appeared to be extremely nervous regarding questions asked during the interview. She did not have a driver’s license and a check of her name and birthday noted that she was not eligible for a license due to license being suspended. Consent to search the Trailblazer led to the discovery of several marijuana joints inside her purse and ashtray. As she was being transported to Hopkins County Jail, admitted to having additional drugs on her person and at the jail showed a green baggie containing a crystal like substance that proved to be methamphetamine weighing approximately 1.29-grams.
Malodie Kay Pettigrew
Malodie Kay Pettigrew indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram. Malodie Kay Pettigrew, 29, of Greenville was arrested on three Hopkins County warrants when she was stopped by a Hopkins County deputy at Highway 11W and FM 3134. However, when placed in the patrol unit, she admitted to several pills on her person. That wasn’t all. At Hopkins County Jail, she was found to have not only several different variety of pills but also a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Ruthie Darlene Gipson indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Preston Redmond
Preston Redmond indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group more than 1-gram but less than 4-grams.
Travis Allen Shipley indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 more than or equal to 4-grams but less than 400-grams.
Cydnie Pauline Finned indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2 more than or equal to 4-grams but less than 400-grams.
Jackson Blaze Gilbreath indicted for Manufacture Delivery of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Wanda Denise McDaniels indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram in a Drug Free Zone IAT.
Darrin Ray Fairchild indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Brian Alan Argenbright indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Andrea Lynn Chapman indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 less than 1-gram.
Hunter Alexander Collins indicted for Possession of Marijuana more than 4oz but less than 5lbs.
texas flag courthouse
Meal A Day Gets Food and Funds Donation from Oncor
L. to R. Larry Willis, Karon Weatherman, Meal A Day Cooks: Mary Morris, Jim Turner, Debbie Wisniewski, Tina Phillips and Joyce Burchfield
Larry Willis , Oncor Area Manager, Representing Oncor Distribution, Measurement and Transmission Employees in Sulphur Springs and Joyce Burchfield of Oncor made a donation of Canned Goods and $340.00 to the Meal A Day Program on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
