Heritage Transload Facility Ready For Northeast Texas Connector Traffic
November 1, 2023 – The Heritage Transload Facility is up and running in Sulphur Springs Texas. The work of many individuals, groups and entities has paid off. Currently around two trains arrive each week.
This project has been in the works for several years now.
Simply put, this facility provides both an origin and destination for rail freight moving across the nation.
The Northeast Texas Connector
The Northeast Texas Connector, as it is now known as, is still a Class 1 railway. That means that the maximum speed trains are allowed to reach is 10 mph. A plan to enhance and repair the aging railway is in place. Phase 1 could cost upwards of 20 million dollars. The bulk of those funds would come from grants.
How Does It All Work?
Want to ship a load of alfalfa to your operation here in Northeast Texas? How about 10 rolls of cold rolled steel to build trailers? Need 10 rails cars of polyurethane pellets to make bags with? Want to ship oak lumber from your sawmill to a customer in Florida? The possibilities are endless.
A look at the math shows that if your final end point is with 100 miles of this facility, Heritage Transload can save you money v.s. moving that same freight using existing methods. Currently there are no plans to handle Hazardous Material Transportation at this site.
Mike Salek, Director of the facility, hopes to remove thousands of semi loads of freight from US highways within two years. Each railcar has roughly the same capacity as four semi truck/trailers.
He and his staff provide complete solutions for rail freight movement. As an example, “The rail cars arrive, we pull a forklift up, move the product to your truck, and you are on your way. ” They handle all the details, and let the customer get back to work. Certified scales are always available to help keep loads in compliance with TxDOT requirements.
For more information contact:
Amanda Fernandez
Manager Customer Service
903-348-5890
afernandez@TheFreedomRailGroup
Rangers World Series Game Five is Tonight
November 1, 2023 – The Texas Rangers will face the Diamondbacks tonight in the fifth game of the 2023 World Series. The Rangers lead the DiamondBacks 3-1. If the Rangers win tonight, they win the World Series.
First pitch is 7:03PM. This is an away game for the Rangers.
KSST Will continue to broadcast all post-season Texas Ranger Games unless they conflict with Sulphur Springs ISD Wildcat Games.
KSST 1230 AM is proud to broadcast Texas Ranger Baseball to fans across North East Texas. Fans who wish to purchase tickets may do so here.
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $15.7 Million in Grants to Volunteer Fire Departments
October 31, 2023 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service awarded 260 rural volunteer fire departments with more than $15.7 million in assistance grants last week through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Grant Program.
“Our agency is very thankful to state leadership for allowing us the opportunity to assist volunteer fire departments in Texas,” said Jason Keiningham, Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building Department Head. “Without question, volunteer fire departments in Texas are among the best in the nation, and they make a huge difference in the lives of people on their worst days.”
The funds from these grants will reimburse rural volunteer fire departments for equipment purchased such as fire trucks, training aids, slip-ons and chassis and various fire and rescue equipment. This includes the purchase of 70 fire trucks.
“We have a shared mission to protect life and property, and therefore, it is our wish for our first responders to be equipped and well-trained to handle a wide array of emergencies,” said Keiningham.
The rural volunteer fire department grants are applied for and distributed through Texas A&M Forest Service’s recently released FireConnect tool, providing both Texas A&M Forest Service and rural volunteer fire departments with a streamlined grant process portal.
Created in 2002, the Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program provides funding to rural volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training. The assistance program is a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature.
Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is currently funded to award $21 million to rural volunteer fire departments this year. Since its inception, the program has allocated more than $336 million to rural volunteer fire departments.
Volunteer fire departments interested in applying for future grants can explore grant processes and opportunities here: FireConnect.
###
Aspen Institute Names Paris Junior College as a Top 150 U.S. Community Colleges
October 31, 2023 – The Aspen Institute Names Paris Junior College as a Top 150 U.S.
Community Colleges Eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize
WASHINGTON D.C., October 31, 2023 – Today, the Aspen Institute named Paris Junior College as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.
“I am thrilled that Paris Junior College has been selected to apply for the Aspen Prize.,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “We have done much work over the last decade to improve student outcomes. Being selected to apply for the Aspen Prize is testimony to the outstanding work that has been done by college faculty and staff and the culture of student success that has permeated all we do.”
The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students, and is a central way Aspen researches highly effective student success strategies that are shared with the field. The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit student success data and narratives about strategies to achieve better and more equitable student outcomes as the next step in an intensive review process that culminates in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2025. The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 30 states, these colleges serve as few as 169 students and as many as 49,619.
“The Aspen Prize is rooted first and foremost in an assessment of whether colleges are walking the walk,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “As community colleges face enrollment variations, enroll students with pandemic-related learning loss, and graduate students into a rapidly changing labor market, it is easy to lose track of what matters most. The best community colleges are continuing to focus on advancing the core mission: making sure as many students as possible graduate with credentials that lead to fulfilling careers and reflect the development of diverse talent that communities, states, and our nation need.”
While community colleges are an essential contributor to our nation’s success, student outcomes vary substantially among institutions. Aspen measures those variances using multiple data sources and honors colleges with outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
“These 150 colleges have achieved high and improving levels of student success for all students, including those who are often failed by our institutions,” Wyner said. “We’re excited to learn over the coming months how they achieved that success so we can share the most impressive practices with others in the field.”
In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on publicly available data. Colleges must show strong, improving, and equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates. Nationwide, about 15 percent of community colleges have been invited to apply (150 of just under 1,000 public two-year colleges assessed for Prize eligibility). The full list can be accessed on the Prize homepage.
The next steps in the process include:
- April 2024: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, selected based on assessments of extensive data and strategy documents by the Prize selection panel, a group of 16 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce training, and interviews with institutional leadership teams
- June 2024: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the Prize selection panel
- Fall 2024: Site visits to each of the ten finalists, during which the Aspen Institute and partners will collect additional information, including employment and earnings data and insights about promising practices
- January 2025: Prize award decisions made by distinguished, independent Prize jury at full-day meeting
- Spring 2025: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists in Washington DC
For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit
https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.
####
The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium, the Joyce Foundation, JPMorgan, and the Kresge Foundation.
Previous winners are:
- 2023: Amarillo College (TX) and Imperial Valley College (CA)
- 2021: San Antonio College (TX)
- 2019: Indian River State College (FL) and Miami Dade College (FL)
- 2017: Lake Area Technical Institute (SD)
- 2015: Santa Fe College (FL)
- 2013: Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA)
- 2011: Valencia College (FL)
Note: Colleges that have won the Aspen Prize are not eligible to apply in subsequent years
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program supports colleges and universities in their quest to achieve a higher standard of excellence, delivering credentials that unlock life-changing careers and strengthen our economy, society, and democracy. We know it takes visionary college leaders to lead scaled, sustainable reforms, and we make it our mission to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and
research-backed tools to inspire change, shift practice, and advance the capacity of colleges to deliver excellent and equitable student outcomes. For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.
$1 Million Prize Recognizes Excellence in Equitable Outcomes for Students in and After College
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.
SSISD Wildcats Face the Anna Coyotes Friday Night
November 1, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats travel to Anna, TX Friday 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. KSST will interrupt the Texas Rangers, if needed, to broadcast this entire 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.
Chamber Connection for October 31
Chamber Connection – Oct. 31
By Butch Burney
Ray Perryman is coming back!
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Commission are happy to announce that Dr. Ray Perryman, a renowned economist, will be headlining the Economic Outlook Conference scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Perryman was a regular speaker at the conference but hasn’t appeared here in five years. It’s time for his return.
Perryman is an author, syndicated columnist, consultant, financial analyst, and economic forecaster. His syndicated daily radio commentary, “The Perryman Report,” is broadcast daily on the Texas State Networks. He also appears regularly on National Public Radio’s “Marketplace” and is frequently quoted in print, broadcast, and electronic media.
Perryman is a former professor at Baylor University and is currently Senior Research Fellow of the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas at Austin and Distinguished Professor at the International Institute for Advanced Studies. He serves on numerous corporate and civic boards and has won many prestigious awards for his achievements in academics and public service.
Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table of eight, $375 for a table for six and $250 for a table for four. Sponsorships will include corresponding recognition at the conference and leading up to the event. Individual tickets are $25 each.
For more information, contact the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or [email protected].
Cocktails and Conversation
Plan now to attend our next Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, at Beauty Grace Lifestyle Shop on Connally Street. Cocktails and Conversation will be held the first Thursday of every month, from 5-6 p.m., and for November, Ana Velasco will welcome everyone to her shop on Nov. 2.
This is a casual networking event and happy hour. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
Heritage Square Car Show
The 17th Annual Heritage Car Show will go off on Saturday, Nov. 4, rain or shine, presented by the Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance. The show, which will be downtown, will have registration from 8 a.m. to noon that day or pre-registration online at sulphurspringsdba.com.
Vehicles must be model year 1993 or older to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m.
For more information call 903-439-2664 or email [email protected].
Ribbon Cuttings
Sulphur Springs Country Club will have a ribbon cutting for its new pro shop and fitness center at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Please join us for this event.
Trans Load will have a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m. at its new facility located at 250 Heritage Parkway. Please join us for this event.
The Pine RV and Cabin Resort in Mount Vernon will host a ribbon cutting at noon Friday, Nov. 3, at 4069 CR SE 4250 in Franklin County. Come out and see the facility.
Owens Insurance will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 1335 Shannon Road East, Suite A. You are welcome to join us for this event.
Report From Regularly Scheduled Monthly Meeting of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents
At the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Paris Junior College Board of Regents, the contract with the Association of Community College Trustees to conduct a presidential search was approved, as was a motion to have the board president, Curtis Fendley, prepare a contract for an interim president and discuss the position with the candidate interviewed earlier in the meeting. These actions follow the announcement by Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President, at the September board meeting that she would be leaving at year end.
In other business, the Board:
• Received a financial update from Controller Debra Craig, including an explanation of the change to state funding from HB 8. The college used to receive funding over 10 months. Now, state appropriations come three times: half in October, and a quarter in February and June. Extra steps will be taken to ensure stable cash flow throughout the year.
• After considering bids received for asbestos removal and demolition for Masters Apartments, the board accepted the bid of $448,500 from Headstrong Environmental for asbestos abatement and the bid of Lloyd Nabors of $177,500 for demolition.
• Approved the Basic Safety Plan, Continuity of Operations Plan and Active Threat Annex, as required annually. The inclusion of a train derailment annex in Sulphur Springs was the only substantive change from the previous year.
• Reviewed the proposed 2024-2025 Academic Calendar dates from Vice President of Academic Studies Rob Stanley. The calendar was approved, including a one-time closure of PJC for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
• Heard a report on Student Achievement Targets. Due to changes from the State of Texas, goals were adjusted last year. The report goes back to the fall of 2021.
• Received a report on Low Enrollment Programs from Dr. Michael Erny, Vice President of Workforce Development.
• Received an update on softball field construction and the process.
• Heard that fall 2nd 8-week term enrollment is up 3.8 percent in contact hours and 5.71 percent in head count from a year ago.
• Updated on events including the Halloween Carnival on Oct. 31, Homecoming Parade at 4 p.m. on Nov. 2, President’s Reception on Nov. 3, and Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon, Hall of Honor Induction, and men’s and women’s basketball games with the crowning of the King and Queen at halftime of the men’s game on Nov. 4.
• Accepted the employment of James Evenson, Information Technology Server/Desktop Integration Technician effective Oct. 16, Dean of Business and Industry Development Dean Eric Lewis, effective Nov. 6, and Aviation Technology Faculty/Program Coordinator, effective Oct. 16; and the resignation of Licensed Vocational Nursing Faculty Amanda Jackson effective Oct. 2.
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.
Rangers World Series Game Four is Tonight
October 31, 2023 – The Texas Rangers will face the Diamondbacks tonight in the fourth game of the 2023 World Series. The Rangers lead the DiamondBacks 2-1.
First pitch is 7:03PM. This is an away game for the Rangers.
KSST Will continue to broadcast all post-season Texas Ranger Games unless they conflict with Sulphur Springs ISD Wildcat Games.
KSST 1230 AM is proud to broadcast Texas Ranger Baseball to fans across North East Texas. Fans who wish to purchase tickets may do so here.
Freaky Friday – The Musical Coming To SSHS Theatre Department
October 31, 2023 – Wildcat Theatre is thrilled to announce that the talented students of SSHS are bringing you a fabulously fun theatrical experience with their upcoming production of Freaky Friday: The Musical!
Based on the beloved novel and hit Disney films, Freaky Friday tells the extraordinary story of a mother (sophomore Emma Boatman) and daughter (senior Talley Brown) who magically switch bodies for a day. Get ready for a day of hilarious and heartfelt adventures as they navigate each other’s lives, learning valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
Seniors Caroline Prickette, Addison Bradley, Kaela Gardner, and Oliver Falter; juniors Aiden Woodard and Audrey Tanton; Sophomores Nathan Bilyeu and Conner Curtis; Freshmen Lizi Green, Lindsey Hayes, Bella Gilbreath, Piper Lilley, Sunni Vanderburg, Natalie Harris, and Sarah Mireles; a few of our finest faculty members, and 8th grader Emery Brown round out the main cast. Stage manager Aspen Mayhew leads crew members Cara Feagin, RJ Petry, Alaya Mims, Alister Ferguson, and Haley Hopkins as they help bring this musical to life.
Opening night is Thursday, November 9th at 7pm at the SSISD auditorium, with additional performances Saturday, November 11th at 7pm, and Sunday, November 12th at 2:30pm. Tickets are available at bit.ly/wildcattheatre or from any Freaky Friday compnay member –only $10. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $15.
This show is recommended for ages 13 and up; however, Wildcat Theatre will also be producing a show for the younger kids this semester—bring them to see Charlotte’s Web on Friday, December 15th at 7pm.
Paris Junior College Homecoming News
Paris Junior College has three days of activities planned for the 2023 Homecoming Celebrations, November 2-4, 2023. One highlight of the weekend will be the awarding of the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and four alumni will be inducted into the PJC Hall of Honor for their outstanding achievements.
Receiving the 2023 PJC Distinguished Alumni Award are Richard “Stubby” Clapp and Joshua Northam, both Class of 1995. Slated to be inducted into the Hall of Honor are Richard “Dick” Boots, Chonda Hicks, Dr. Quitman Dillard and Becky Semple.
Northam has had a stellar legal career, with many family law recognitions and in 2020 named a “Law Dragon Leading 500” in family law. Clapp left his native Canada to join the Dragons baseball team and has had a notable career in professional baseball. Currently he is first base coach for Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals team.
Baseball also drew Boots to PJC, when he received a scholarship to play. His municipal career brought him back to Paris and notable accomplishments as Director of Facilities include planning and construction of Farmers Market, Cox Field Airport Terminal, Oak Paris, and more.
Paris native Semple worked in Austin, returned to Paris, and eventually took a life-changing role as Tourism Director for the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce, where she has welcomed thousands to the City in the past 18 years.
Another former Dragon athlete, Dillard came to PJC to play basketball where he earned numerous awards and went on to a career in education administration. He currently is associate principal in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He was named the 2004 Chicago Westside Branch NAACP Educator of the Year.
Hicks first worked in the medical field, then returned to college to become an educator. She currently teaches fourth grade at Thomas Justiss Elementary School in Paris and was recently recognized at the Texas Teacher of the Year celebration as Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
PJC’s Office of Student Life kicks off festivities on Thursday, November 2, with the annual Homecoming Parade. Starting at 4 p.m. at the Hunt Center on the PJC campus, the parade proceeds up Clarksville Street to 12th S.E. and north to Lamar Avenue where the floats and decorated vehicles will circle the Plaza and return down Clarksville Street to the Campus. After the parade, students, faculty, family, and friends will celebrate in the Hunt Center with a pep rally.
Friday, November 3, Dr. Pam Anglin will host alumni, guests and friends at the annual President’s Reception in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
The weekend is highlighted with the Distinguished Alumni Award Luncheon, Saturday, November 4 at Love Civic Center which will begin at 12 p.m. Cost for the luncheon is $30.
The Hall of Honor ceremony, also on Saturday, begins at 2:30 p.m. in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom and the public is welcome to attend the free event. Refreshments will follow.
Homecoming basketball games kick off in the Hunt Center at 4 p.m. as the women play University of North Texas – Dallas and the men play Tribulation Prep. The crowning of the 2023 Homecoming Queen and King will take place at halftime of the men’s game.
Reservations for the luncheon may be made by calling Baleigh McCoin, Director, Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs, at (903) 782-0276 or email [email protected] to request a form. Deadline for registration is noon on Wednesday, November 1.
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.
