PJC Tuition Remains Below State Average
Paris Junior College continues to be below the state average on tuition and fees, the PJC Board of Regents were informed at their meeting this week.
“This time of year I share with you an update on tuition and fees from the state,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin, as part of her report to the regents. In comparison with the state average of community colleges, PJC is lower on in-district, out-of-district, and non-resident tuition and fees.
In other good news, a good audit report on PJC and the PJC Memorial Foundation was presented by Andy Reich of McClanahan Holmes. Reich reported that there was a clean opinion on the federal and state funding audits as well.
“You have a clean opinion on your financial statements,” said Reich. “So another good year; I don’t know how many years that is in a row, but quite a few.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the monthly financial report showing PJC remains in a strong cash position.
• Adopted the Investment Policy – CAK (Local) with a minor change necessitated by legislative action.
• Renewed approval of the Authorized Brokers/Dealers for Investments. The list provides entities with which PJC may invest funds.
• Approved the Texas Association of School Board’s Local Policy Update to the governing policies of the college.
• Adopted a City of Paris easement for a new water line along Clarksville Street.
• Accepted the employment of Educational Talent Search Advisor Jessica Newman and the retirement of Computer Programmer Elaine Anderson.
Winnsboro Police Department Report January 15-21, 2018
Winnsboro Police Department arrested five, investigated one minor accident, responded to 140 calls for service, issued 33 citations and wrote 37 warnings during the report period January 15-21, 2018.
Robert Matthews, 33, of Winnsboro, was arrested January 15th on a Franklin County warrant.
Geraldine Wickoff, 52, of Winnsboro, was arrested on January 19th for Driving While License Invalid with no Insurance.
Franklin Rhame, 24, of Arlington, was arrested on January 20th for Evading Arrest/Detention with a Motor Vehicle.
Enrique Escalante, 35, of Winnsboro. was arrested on January 20th on a Hopkins County warrant.
Michael Light, 41, of Winnsboro, was arrested January 20th on a Wood County warrant.
A minor two vehicle accident January 20th in the 100 block of S. Walnut resulted in no injuries.
School Board Special Session Features Travis Primary School; Extends Superintendent’s Contract
Students from Travis Primary School led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags Monday night in both English and Spanish to open the Sulphur Springs School Board special session. The students also participated in a presentation that highlighted the Dual Language Enrichment program at the school.
The students work in bilingual groups or pairs in three classes at Travis. Writing and reading are emphasized as the students work during the day and in a minimum 30-minute a day self-directed program. They have three different teachers during the day who each focus on two subjects. Also other activities at Travis Primary School , first and second grade students, were noted. There are 245 students at Travis Primary School this year.
Also during the meeting, the school board received praise from Superintendent Michael Lamb. He expressed the district’s appreciation for the diligence and integrity of each member of the board. January is “Board Appreciation Month” in Texas.
Mike Horn was appointed to continue to serve on the Hopkins County Appraisal District on behalf of the school district. The district will apply to the Texas Education Agency for waivers for staff development minutes as the district begins planning the calendar for next school year.
The Board approved to extend the contract for Superintendent Michael Lamb for an additional year.
PERSONNEL
Resignation
Stormy Edge Behavior Intervention Aide Middle School
Jinger Postlehwait SpEd Aide Middle School
Retirement
Michael Hoybook Technology Specialist Administration
New personnel
Emily Nickerson SpEd Aide High School
“On Golden Pond” Presents Unique Challenge for Director Triston Pullen
If you remember the 1981 movie “On Golden Pond” you will recall the impact that the small cast of seasoned actors portraying “modern themes” had in the story. It so happens now that those same issues are part and parcel of life in most modern families, including aging, dementia and death. Ernest Thompson’s “On Golden Pond” will be staged in Sulphur Springs SSISD Auditorium and will combine the best in local dramatic talent with poignant themes that will endear the characters to everyone who attends.
Triston Pullen of Studio 1621 Production Company is directing the play, and he cast the six characters based on his past experience with the actors. As an outstanding graduate of SSISD Drama Department, he had Dawn Doyle Jones as his teacher and mentor during high school. He recently graduated with a degree in Acting and Technical Theater from Santa Fe University of Art and Design and returned home to Hopkins County before tackling graduate studies. He wanted to direct a play for the community and “On Golden Pond” came as a suggestion from Ms. Doyle Jones. The cast includes Dr. Chuck Jones as Norman Thayer and Dawn Doyle Jones as his wife Ethel, Sarah Dicus as the couple’s daughter and Bill Owens as her fiancee, Zack Walker as the teenage son and Shawn Deterding as the mailman.
This play is a departure for him because his directing choices frequently run to dark drama and artistic creativity. Thus, the more traditional story structure presented an interesting challenge. Even more challenging has been playing “director” to his former teacher. Triston says that Dawn is the one who nurtured his fledgling interest in the stage and helped him select that as a profession. And although she is like a second mom to him, he recognizes the powerful skill she possesses as an actor and is using that opportunity to further hone his directing abilities.
“On Golden Pond” will be staged on Friday February 2 at 7pm, on Saturday February 3 at 7pm and Sunday February 4 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door of SSISD Auditorium inside the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. You can purchase tickets by calling 903-335-1364, from any cast/crew member or at Janeen’s Country Cottage.
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST REWARDS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FOR CREATIVE LITTER PREVENTION EFFORTS
AUSTIN – Applications for the 2018 Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship contest are now being accepted. Eligible applicants include any Texas high school senior currently attending public, private or home school and planning to attend an accredited Texas college or university in the coming year.
Presented in partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, the Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship contest will award one $6,000 scholarship and two $2,000 scholarships in June. The scholarships recognize the achievements of high school seniors who take a leadership role in preventing litter in their schools and communities while working to build awareness for the Don’t mess with Texas initiative.
“We’re proud to offer the Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship to support higher education in Texas and recognize outstanding students who are using their creativity to beautify their communities,” said Becky Ozuna, program administrator for TxDOT’s Don’t mess with Texas campaign.
TxDOT’s Don’t mess with Texas program has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986. The program includes Adopt-a-Highway and a grassroots partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful as well as spring “Trash-Off” community outreach events, all in an effort to keep Texas roadways litter free.
To apply for the Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship, visit dontmesswithtexas.org. Applications must be received by online submission or postmarked by 5 p.m. (CST) April 20, 2018.
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Your Constitutional Rights: What You Need to Know.
By Savannah Owens
Most people don’t realize the full extent of their constitutional rights and the protection afforded by the Bill of Rights. KSST sat down with defense attorney Martin Braddy, to talk about basic constitutional rights and what you need to know. The first step is to know your basics. You can’t exercise your rights if you don’t know what they are.
“There’s law and then the reality of the law.” When facing situations we deal with social contracts as well as governmental contracts. Social contracts are the unspoken contracts within a community that allow us to work, and enjoy life peacefully. Social contracts promote accepted community ideas and how people should act during social interactions. “The bill of rights created a lot of different rights. Essentially the concept of it was pretty simple, which is that we have a social contract, with the people in our society, our group, our community. We owe each other duties, and the way that we act and react. Well, the bill of rights…essentially says…that is between people but [not the government].” The bill of rights protects the people from the government. “Free speech is a prime example of that. The social contract says there are certain acceptable ways of talking to people, certain acceptable ideas and thoughts…[which] changes over time.” The First Amendment says that the government does not get to dictate what speech is acceptable or unacceptable.
Governmental contracts include the promise for the Government to protect it’s citizens and their property. To help the people be further protected with the fourth Amendment (the search and seizure act), the Supreme Court created an exclusionary rule. The exclusionary rule prevents evidence obtained without a warrant, or an exception to the warrant requirement, from being used in court.
Braddy explained that officers ask questions in a way that asks for consent, because if you give consent they can search without a warrant. There is also, an automobile exception, which means if an officer has probable cause they can search your vehicle without a warrant. But they cannot search your car simply because you said no to consent. The Supreme Court recently held that officers cannot search a phone without a warrant.
Now when it comes to amendment eight which includes protection from unreasonable bail, people have the right to be released pending trial on reasonable bail. “Hopkins is wonderful. A Justice of the Peace goes every day even on holidays, to arrange bail.” Bail is set to be the amount of money owed to make sure you will come back to answer for your charge in court. Reasonable bonds, depend on the person, judge, and the crime. The pretrial bail system is currently being re-evaluated as it tends to benefit the upper classes and is a detriment to the lower classes. One alternative would be a criteria based bond system, which would be a check-list for people who cannot pay.
Important things to remember is that you have a right to not answer questions-especially if you are in custody. If you are in custody nothing you say can be held against you unless you understand and have been read your Miranda Rights and waive them. In Texas you must be recorded waving your rights or the officers must get it in writing. If you are being questioned by law enforcement, you have three options: You can remain silent, You can request a lawyer, or You can waive your rights and answer questions. Braddy stressed the point that the accused is the only person who can invoke their right to remain silent or speak with a lawyer. Then the law enforcement must stop questioning. However, if that person speaks to law enforcement at any time after, then they have dismissed their right to remain silent and the questioning may resume. “Even if you didn’t commit a crime, many times it is not in the client’s best interest to cooperate.” However you have a right to a lawyer to help you make that decision and should always seek legal advice.
Braddy explained that in most situations people speak and give more information than the officers initially have. Some policemen in an effort to do their job to capture the criminals, may phrase statements to entice people to confess to the crime. However, the best way to make sure you are innocent is to not commit a crime in the first place. It is important to think, to “step out of the normal routine” and spend “five minutes thinking before making a decision…Don’t be quick to say things or be afraid to think, and [question society.]”
Furthermore, make sure you know your rights. “Everyone should read and understand [their] rights.” Braddy suggested two organizations to look into if you are interested in learning more information: the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Association (TCDLA), and The Texas District and County Attorney Association (TDCAA). The main difference between the two is that the TCDLA is a privately funded organization, while the TDCAA is publically funded, but both are what Braddy would suggest to be more reputable than other sources.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in a situation, seek legal advice, to make informed decisions. Braddy compared speaking with a lawyer for legal advice as you would speak with a doctor for medical advice. “You wouldn’t diagnose yourself with diabetes and start giving yourself diabetes medication without talking to a doctor first, it’s the same with legal advice.” Many times people try to decide what they need to do without the help of someone who knows the subject.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Basketball Coaches Pleased with Team Play
Cipoletta on Wildcats Win Over Hallsville
The #7 Wildcats Basketball Coach Clark Cipoletta said the Wildcats played very well at Hallsville Friday night (January 19) in a 48-33 victory. He said Hallsville tried to slow down the game by holding the ball to limit possessions. Coach Cipoletta said the Wildcats did a good job of staying focused. He said they ran their offense well moving the ball around and finding open players. Keaston Willis led the Wildcats with 16 points. Coach Cipoletta said Willis did a good job knocking down shots. He added his teammates did a good job of finding him. Godsgift Ezedinma scored 12 points. Coach Cipoletta said GG really pounded the boards for rebounds. He said Victor Iwuakor was a force on defense. The Wildcats, now 6-0 in district play and 23-3 for the season, travel to Pine Tree Tuesday night. The Wildcats beat the Pirates, 70-50 in Wildcats Gym back on December 19. Coach Cipoletta said Pine Tree is coming into the Tuesday night game after a big home win over Texas High. He said the Pirates seem to be getting better every game. The Wildcats will be playing without senior Bryson Lynn, who suffered a concussion in Friday night’s win.
Chapman on Lady Cats’ Hallsville Win
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Jeff Chapman said his team played a good game against Hallsville Friday night in an 80-28 win at home over Hallsville. Coach Chapman was on KSST Radio and Cable Channel 18’s Saturday Morning Coaches Show. He also said his team got better Friday night. Hallsville found themselves playing back to back games due to a cold weather postponement earlier in the week. They had to play Texas High Thursday night. Coach Chapman said he did not want his team to be complacent so he distributed a sheet on team goals to each player before Friday night’s game. He also wants the players to add their personal goals. Trying to avoid up and down play, Coach Chapman also encouraged his team to play every game with enthusiasm. He also wanted great defensive play. Coach Chapman said he told his team fans want to see them play well and they are excited for the Lady Cats. He said the team must continue to get better with playoffs approaching. The Lady Cats host Pine Tree Tuesday night. The Lady Cats won at Pine Tree 59-26 back on December 19. The Lady Pirates Head Coach is Robin Herber and Coach Chapman said she knows the Lady Cats better than anybody. Being a veteran coach, Coach Chapman expects Coach Herber to look at game tapes to improve her team for Tuesday night’s game.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Lady Cats Soccer Finish Third at Falcon Showcase
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Joel Bailey had a lot of additional information to add concerning the Lady Cats’ play in the North Forney Falcon Showcase on Saturday. In the tournament, the Lady Cats won 2, lost 1 and tied 1 and finished in third place.
Saturday morning, the Lady Cats tied Garland Lakeview Centennial, 1-1. The Lady Cats scored just seconds before halftime to take a 1-0 lead. Janine Yamaguchi scored the goal on a nice assist from Taylor Robinson. The Lady Patriots got an equalizing goal in the second half. Lady Cats goalkeeper MCKenna Gammill recorded 10 saves.
In the third place game Saturday afternoon, the Lady Cats put seven goals in the net in a 7-0 win over Dallas Bryan Adams. The Lady Cats had 3 first half goals and four more in the second half. Keeley Hudgins had a three goal hat trick. Mileena Zirretta scored two goals. Gracie Boyer and Alli Stephens scored one goal apiece. Robinson had two assists. Erika Lara, Hudgins, Baylie Arrington and Boyer had one assist apiece.
The Lady Cats are now 7-2-3. They play at Lindale Tuesday night.
SSHS National Technical Honor Society to Induct 18 New Members Monday
The Geral Kennedy Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society at Sulphur Springs High School will be inducting 18 new members at a ceremony at 6 p.m. Monday (January 22) in the high school cafeteria.
The new members are Felipe Alba, Alejandro Jose Benitez, Mariana Botello, Mason Burgin, Wendy Harrington, Brianna Hernandez, Diana Herrera, Gracie Kane, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor McElfresh, Maddie Millsap, Antonio Murillo, Skylar Shumate, Blake Talmadge, Hector Tavera, Lainey Whittle, Caitlyn Williams and Zoe Wilson. 16 returning members will also be recognized. They are Kendell Blake, Spencer Brewer, Zackery Burgin, Natalie Cruz, Payton Dietze, Riley Farley, Kate Flores, Leslie Garcia, Mollie Gibbins, Gisselle Gonzalez, Danielle Hughes, Maggie McGlamery, Emily Nance, Kate Potts, Anna Sapaugh and Samantha Vargas.
In order to be selected for the National Technical Honor Society, students must be a junior or a senior, must have a 3.5 weighted grade point average and must have taken or be currently enrolled in at least three Career Technical Education courses. Local NTHS Advisor Debbie Stribling said CTE courses cover a wide range of skills including architectural construction, culinary, computers, ag sciences, health sciences and family consumer sciences.
