Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspect in Double Murder
November 6, 2023 – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office released a statement as they are looking for a suspect in a Double Murder in Gilmer over the weekend.
Statement from Upshur County Sheriff’s Office:
On November 4, 2023 at approximately 11:42 pm. Upshur County Deputies, along with Gilmer Police Officers and Texas State Troopers responded to a report of a shooting at a home in the 2800 block of U.S. Highway 271 South, near Bluebird Road. Upon arrival Deputies found two persons deceased, victims of apparent gunfire. They are identified as Mandy Ray, 35 years of age, of Gilmer. Witness statements at the scene provided information that has led to the issuing of a capital murder arrest warrant for Alvin Charles McKnight, 41 years of age, of Gilmer, in connection with the case. McKnight is a black male, 6ft 5in tall, weighing approximately 280 pounds. He is described as having braided hair with blond highlights and is physically muscular in build. McKnight is reported to have several relatives and friends in the Upshur County and Gladewater area. Anyone seeing this person is asked to not confront this individual, but to contact their local law enforcement agency. Suspect McKnight and victim Dermetrica Waters had lived together until recently, and this case is considered an incident of domestic violence. Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter pronounced the victims dead at the scene and ordered autopsies for both victims.
November 7th, 2023 Election Day Polling Locations
November 6, 2023 – Early voting is over with 2,683 voters taking advantage of the convenient option to early vote. That number is a little over ten percent of the 24,456 registered voters in Hopkins County. Polling locations will be open from 7am until 7pm on Tuesday November 7th for registered voters to cast their vote for 14 Texas Constitutional Amendments as well as election of Texas State Representative for District 2, which encompasses Hopkins, Hunt, and Van Zandt counties.
Also on the ballot for voters in the Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District is a $29,580,000 bond that would fund a new gymnasium and a Career Technical Education facility.
Below is a list of the polling places in Hopkins County for the November 7, 2023 election:
Come Experience the Best of Fall at Cooper Lake State Park
November 4, 2023 – Warm Campfires and Cool Colors – Come Experience the Best of Fall at Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, TX— As the autumn leaves turn to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, Cooper Lake State Park is welcoming visitors to experience the best of fall. The crisp, cool nights coupled with warm, sunny days have set the stage for what many consider the best time to camp in Texas. These ideal conditions foster the park’s most vivid display of fall colors, particularly notable in the last wave of color as the oaks peak in late November and early December. With the camping season in full swing, the park offers an escape from the stresses of life with crackling campfires, perfect hiking weather, and exceptional fall fishing.
“November is one of the most beautiful times here at Cooper Lake State Park,” says Park Superintendent Steve Killian. “With the fall colors peaking over the next month and the weather creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities, we’re excited to offer visitors an opportunity to experience a wide variety of outdoor adventures. Cooper Lake State Park is truly one of the best places to camp in Texas during the fall,” Killian adds. “Whether you’re cozying up by a campfire, hiking our scenic trails, or witnessing the brilliance of a meteor shower amid twinkling stars, there’s something magical about fall here at the Park!”
For the younger visitors, three playgrounds dot the landscape, offering spaces for play amid the splendors of the season. Moreover, Cooper Lake State Park is not just a place for physical outdoor activity but also for learning and growth, offering diverse educational programming throughout the park. This month the park offers a collection of educational and recreation programs. Highlighted programs are “Kids Fishing”, “Stargazing”, “Art in the Park”, “Hiking with a Ranger”, “The Leonid Meteor Shower”, and so much more!
Guests are encouraged to plan their visits for the best camping spots, exciting trail adventures, and peaceful kayak excursions. For more information on Cooper Lake State Park and to make reservations, please call our reservation center or go online and book directly for both day-use and camping reservations.
For almost 30 years, Cooper Lake State Park is a favorite for those who appreciate the outdoors. Set in the picturesque northeast Texas and spanning over 3,000 acres of park lands featuring a 19,300-acre lake, the park offers year-round recreational activities, wildlife viewing, and facilities for guests of all ages. Cooper Lake State Park is just one of 88 Texas State Parks open and ready to host your next outdoor adventure. Let’s get out there and experience a natural Texas! Happy 100 -Year Anniversary to Texas State Parks!
For more information on this or other events and programs, please visit and like our Facebook pages Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903-945-5256), and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903 395-3100) and visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/.
Doctors Creek
Saturday, November 4 — DC
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Calling all artist! All art supplies provided. Help us celebrate Native American Heritage month through art.
Monday, November 6 – Thursday, November 30
Self-guided Leonid Meteor Shower – Peak Friday, November 17 – 18.
Enjoy our dark skies with the bonus of the Leonid meteor shower peaking late Friday, November 17 through daylight Saturday, November 18. Stop by headquarters for a self-guided information page.
Saturday, November 11 – DC
Guided Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at Cedar Creek North Loop Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek North Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Friday, November 17 — DC
Stargazing – 6:30 p.m. Meet at Lone Pine Boat Launch parking lot at the far northwest corner. How many constellations can you name? Heard any good star stories lately? Come be amazed at our parks dark skies and view the Milky Way. Bring a chair and dress for the weather.
Saturday, November 18 — DC
Kid’s Fishing – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow.
No experience needed!
Sunday, November 26 — DC
Self-guided Nature Journaling – 10 a.m. Pick up a booklet at Headquarters – Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Enjoy journaling in nature.
South Sulphur
Saturday, November 4 – SS
Art in the Park – 1 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion – Calling all artist! All art supplies provided. Help us celebrate Native American Heritage month through art.
Monday, November 6 – Thursday, November 30
Self-guided Leonid Meteor Shower – Peak Friday, November 17 – 18.
Enjoy our dark skies with the bonus of the Leonid meteor shower peaking late night Friday, November 17 through daylight Saturday, November 18. Stop by headquarters for a self-guided information page.
Saturday, November 11 — SS
Guided Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Saturday, November 18 – SS
Kid’s Fishing – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Fishing Wall by the Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
Saturday, November 18 – SS
Leonid Meteor Shower – 8 p.m. Gulls Bluff Boat Launch parking lot at the far northeast corner. Join us for a viewing of the night sky featuring the Leonid meteor shower. Learn about the showers radiant, its history, and the debris left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle.
Sunday, November 26 — SS
Self-guided Nature Journaling – 10 a.m. Pick up a booklet at Headquarters – Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Enjoy journaling in nature.
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Paris District Road Report for Week of November 6, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Nov. 6, 2023. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
The intersection of North Travis Street with US 75 is closed to allow for the construction of the new northbound US 75 overpass at North Travis Street. While the intersection is closed, traffic on west- and eastbound North Travis Street will be able to turn right only onto the frontage road and detour to the next available intersection. State Highway 91, Taylor Street, Washington Street and the U-turns at Washington Street will remain open during this temporary closure.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers replace guardrails, backfill the pavement, and seed the project. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, the bridge location will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is ongoing.
Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm. Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Basin Springs Road and Brooks Lane as a detour.
US 75 full depth concrete repair. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
SH 34, from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, from FM 2077 in Dodd City to SH 34 in Honey Grove. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
Spur 423, at I-30 N Frontage Road. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews install traffic signal.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews begin road widening operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to FM SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County: SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun milling for overlay operations to begin this week. The contractor has placed hot mix for turn lanes and intersections, curb work and sod placement will begin soon. This project is a traffic calming project and pedestrian improvements on SH 11. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has begun preparing the right of way and placing some driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. This contractor is performing detour work and backfilling edges. The contractor has begun demolition of median on the north end of I-30 intersection.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. The contractor is on mile six of this eight-mile project and will be hauling in flexbase material to begin processing and should start prime coat operations soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue Bridge: Greenville. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signage. The contractor has begun demolition of existing structure and will begin work on abutments. Contractor is waiting on beam fabrication, once complete beams will be placed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound main lane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing in the area. The contractor plans to place more barrier and perform main lane widening work soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Rains County: FM 2946, from FM 515 to FM 279. Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor is performing base repair work and widening work. Seal coat work and ditch work will be ongoing in this area. Please, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains Counties will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout both counties.
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Dinner Bell Menu For November 8, 2023
Water Oak School is the Community Partner for this meal. Dinner Bell appreciates the owners, staff and students for their continued support of this feeding ministry.
Hopkins County Abstract, Kristen Monk and staff will assist in loading the food boxes and helping distribute them under the porte cochere (covered driveway) to those who come for meals. We are thankful for their assistance!!!
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Hamburger Steak with Brown Onion Gravy
Wild and Long Grain Rice Casserole
Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Cherry Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake
BE CAREFUL AS COVID AND THE FLU ARE IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Short Take Off Planes Arrive in Sulphur Springs
November 3, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport is ready for the Lonestar STOL competition as planes from all across the country have arrived for what should be a fantastic day of flying. Local aircraft manufacturer, American Legend Aircraft, is the sponsor of the local event which not only will bring unique and interesting aircraft into Sulphur Springs, but also will entice local spectators to come and watch the pilots compete. Admission is $20 for those 13 and over, as 12 and younger are admitted free of charge.
Competitors started arriving on Thursday, with some camping at the airport. RVs, tents, and SUVs are scattered around the tarmac of the airport, with all campsites now spoken for during the competition.
Spectators are welcome to begin arriving Saturday, November 4th at 10:00am. Helpful spectator information was provided by event organizers. “National STOL events aim to be a family friendly day out at the airport for both airplane enthusiasts and those new to general aviation! Be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly with hats, sunblock, jackets, or rain gear as necessary. Food trucks will be available, or you are welcome to bring small coolers. Camping chairs are encouraged!”
Practice sessions continue during the day on Friday, and the Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport will be open Friday and Saturday, but warn pilots not involved in the competition that the airport will be operatiing PPR or Prior Permission Required rules on Saturday. This means pilots intending to fly in on Saturday should call 903-885-4911 ONE HOUR prior to arrival.
SSISD Wildcats Face the Anna Coyotes Tonight
November 3, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats travel to Anna, TX tonight to face the Coyotes at Coyote Stadium. The SS Wildcats are 8-1 and the Coyotes are also 8-1. This is a District Game.
Click here for a map and directions to Coyote Stadium in Anna.
Game Starts at 7:30PM. You can listen live on KSST AM 1230. We will stream the game via YouTube.
Hopkins County Sheriff Solicitation Sting Yields Arrests
November 3, 2023 – Over the last two days, a joint operation has been underway in Hopkins County. Texas DPS, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation all participated in a two-day undercover online operation. These agencies brought resources, knowledge, and manpower to actively pursue individuals online, who are seeking to engage in sexual acts with children.
“We want parents to know that we are working to keep kids safe. We also want to encourage them to monitor what their children do online.”
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum
These agencies worked to proactively protect the children of Hopkins County and surrounding areas. We are committed to doing everything we can to protect those most vulnerable within our communities.
During this operation, multiple people were arrested for online solicitation of minors. These individuals arrived at locations within Hopkins County to meet children for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the minor.
Additionally, information obtained during this operation has resulted in numerous ongoing investigations. These investigations will likely result in additional arrests. I am very happy all these officers came together to create a barrier between Hopkins County Children and online predators. If not for these officers these individuals would have met with and engaged in sexual activity with children from Hopkins County.
Three individuals were arrested and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. Arrested were Jed Anthony Shadix, Jr., age 46, of Como, TX, Jason Moore, age 45, of Marshall, TX, and Narcisco Belli-Villegas, age 32, of Ft. Worth, TX.
All three men are charged with Online Solicitation of a Minor/Sexual Conduct. Bonds have not been set.
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.
TAMUC Venture College Partners with Global Silicon Valley
TAMUC Venture College Partners with Global Silicon Valley for Entrepreneurial Education
COMMERCE, TX—The Venture College, an entrepreneurship training and development program at Texas A&M University-Commerce, has recently partnered with Global Silicon Valley (GSV) to provide educational resources for aspiring student entrepreneurs.
Housed within the College of Business, Venture College is open to all A&M-Commerce students, helping them connect to a community of like-minded students, mentors and the capital needed to launch their idea or vision.
Global Silicon Valley, a venture capital firm, regularly sponsors events such as the Texas Cup, a competition where university students pitch their business ideas to a judging panel in four minutes or less.
This year, a pair of A&M-Commerce students and Venture College Fellows, Shivani and Sachi Dodamani, took home third place in the competition with their start-up “Racquet Armor,” an innovative and inclusive prosthetic solution for athletes that lowers barriers and provides opportunities to enjoy playing racquetball, pickleball, tennis, ping pong and other sports.
Venture College Coordinator Jacob Pouttu says events like these and the yearly Lion’s Innovation Showcase initiated the dialogue between A&M-Commerce and Global Silicon Valley.
“Global Silicon Valley got on our radar last spring after our showcase,” Pouttu said. “Since then, I have kept in touch with their director, Catherine Merrick, and jumped at the opportunity to develop a partnership with GSV as they are expanding to include their own entrepreneurial education programming.
Pouttu adds that the firm offers “GSV Boot Camp,” a seven-week program design to teach students how to generate start-up ideas, how to pitch those ideas, how to network and more. This aligns closely with the Venture College Fellowship program, which also educates students in these areas.
“Through this partnership, we will have access to GSV resources, and our students will have an opportunity to participate in the boot camp,” Pouttu said. “They will be able to earn an official credential from Global Silicon Valley that they can apply to their resume, adding more impact to our fellowship program.”
Another perk to this partnership is that the Venture College will now receive an annual invitation to the Texas Cup, allowing A&M-Commerce students more opportunities to see their ideas shine on a larger stage.
Pouttu said he is optimistic about the opportunities this partnership can provide.
“The partnership with GSV can give our students better access to mentoring, investors and many more networking opportunities that are extremely important to starting any business or nonprofit,” Pouttu said. “Venture College strives to help students help themselves. Global Silicon Valley perfectly aligns with this mission.”
Catherine Merrick, director of the GSV Bootcamp, expressed her hope that students can get a better chance to succeed in their business endeavors thanks to this partnership.
“We believe that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not, and the GSV bootcamp gives aspiring entrepreneurs free and open access to material that is crucial to understand while starting a business,” Merrick said. “By providing content and connections through this program, we hope that we can equip the next generation of entrepreneurs with all the tools they need to succeed!”
Venture College is open to all current A&M-Commerce students of any major. Read more about Venture College and Global Silicon Valley.
(Photo by Matt Strasen | A&M-Commerce Marketing and Communications. A Texas A&M University-Commerce student makes a presentation during the 2023 Lions Innovation Showcase at the A&M-Commerce Dallas site.)
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A&M Commerce Ranked #58 in the Nation for Social Mobility
November 2, 2023 – U.S. News & World Report Ranks A&M-Commerce #58 in the Nation for Social Mobility
COMMERCE, TX—U.S. News & World Report recently announced a few of its highly anticipated 2024 university rankings, and Texas A&M University-Commerce has placed 58th in the nation for social mobility among 434 ranked universities.
The designation reflects A&M-Commerce’s commitment to advancing the educational opportunities and outcomes of students with socioeconomic disadvantages. Notably, A&M-Commerce rose 47 spots in the national rankings from 105th in 2023 to 58th in 2024.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development defines “social mobility” as the ability of individuals to improve their socio-economic status in relation to their parents’ or guardians’ status, or throughout their lifetime.
Colleges and universities play a crucial role as engines of socio-economic change. In fact, the National Center for Education Statistics highlights a substantial difference in annual earnings between those with a bachelor’s degree ($61,600) and those with only a high school diploma ($39,700).
U.S. News & World Report determines social mobility rankings by calculating the graduation rates of economically disadvantaged students, including Pell Grant recipients (typically with family incomes under $50,000) and first-generation students. Institutions with higher proportions of students with economic disadvantages received extra rating points.
Dr. Dan Su, executive director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research at A&M-Commerce, benchmarks the university’s social mobility efforts. According to Su, A&M-Commerce’s student population includes a significant number of Pell Grant recipients and first-generation students. Specifically, 60% of first-time, full-time freshmen at A&M-Commerce were Pell Grant recipients in 2022-2023, and 67% were first-generation scholars.
Notably, the university’s Pell Grant recipients achieved higher graduation rates compared to non-Pell recipients, with 4-, 6-, and 8-year graduation rates of 34%, 50%, and 52%, respectively, as opposed to 23%, 37%, and 39% for non-Pell recipients in 2022-2023.
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin is proud of the university’s upward trajectory in social mobility, but he’s not surprised.
“We have worked hard to strategically develop programs and initiatives that empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their goals,” Rudin said. “I’m so proud that A&M-Commerce offers an accessible path to a better life for everyone.”
U.S. News & World Report conducts annual evaluations to help prospective students find their best-fit institutions with the nation’s top academic programs. Explore A&M-Commerce’s 2024 rankings at U.S. News and World Report to learn more about the university’s continued commitment to excellence.
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