PJC hosts Scholarship Donor and Recipient Celebration Banquet
DONORS AND RECIPIENTS Seated, from left, are PJC Scholarship donors Alby Gail Clarke and Judy Nutt, representing the former Business and Professional Women’s Club, and Dr. & Mrs. Michael Gentry, representing the Paris Founders Lions Club. With them, standing from left, are scholarship recipient students True Harrison from Alabama, and Daley Gowin, Mason Virgel, and Colton Wheeler, all of Sulphur Springs.
Paris Junior College brought scholarship donors and recipients together recently at a banquet in the PJC ballroom. The dinner offered an opportunity for students and donors to interact with each other.
“If it were not for you, our students would not be here tonight and many of them would not be attending college here at PJC,” Dr. Pam Anglin said as she addressed the donors at the dinner.
Dr. Anglin continued: “I want to thank our students because the best days I get to spend are when I get to sit and talk with them. When you sit down with a group of our young people, our PJC students, you realize this country is going to be in good hands.”
The PJC Memorial Foundation has over $20 million and has annually awarded five percent of the interest earned to PJC, allowing PJC to give $1 million annually. The Foundation has provided that amount in scholarships for the last four years. Dr. Anglin thanked the donors for making that possible.
“Like a lot of kids coming out of high school, we didn’t have a lot of money,” said PJC student Robert Robles of Greenville, the recipient of the Leroy Whitaker Endowed Scholarship. “We’re not dirt poor but there’s not a lot of money in the bank. It meant a lot that someone actually invested in me. Words can’t explain how that really helped me out that someone believed that I could do something good and put money to that.”
That sentiment was echoed by other students who spoke, including Sydney Chadwick, Kristen Hodges and Shawna Bryant.
Two donors took the podium to share their PJC stories. First to address the audience was Eleanor Crawford, who created an endowed scholarship in memory of her son, James “Eddie” Edward Thomas, Jr. Crawford retired after serving as human resources director of Campbell Soup for many years. After graduating from Paris High School, her son joined the Navy and served as a medical corpsman. He then pursued his dream of becoming an emergency medical technician/paramedic.
“It’s important that the donors and the recipients get to know each other,” said Crawford, “because we’re connected and always will be. And also it gives me a chance to tell you a little about my sweet Eddie and how we got to where we are today.”
Crawford said her son enrolled in the EMT program at Paris Junior College following his military service. At the time she asked him why not go to medical school to be a doctor and make a lot more money and he told her that it was not about money.
“I was never prouder of him than at that moment,” said Crawford. “He loved his work.”
She relayed how he tried to help a young man at an accident scene and came in contact with a high voltage line and lost his life.
“After his death I wanted to be sure that other young people who pursued that path had an easier time than he did. At one time he was working at an auto parts’ store during the day, going to school at night and doing his clinicals on weekends. I thought if we can make it financially easier for another student, that would a good thing and Eddie would like that.”
Next to speak was Dottie Thielman, who has been a student, librarian, and dean at PJC. She retired as Dean of Instructional Support Services in 1982, and has remained involved with the PJC Alumni Foundation for many of the years since. Theilman was named PJC Distinguished Alumna in 1996, and has endowed scholarships in the names of her parents, husband, sister, and now her son, Albert.
“This is a wonderful occasion,” Thielman said. “I enrolled in 1936 and it was known then to many as the ‘Concrete Campus’ downtown. I don’t think there was a blade of grass anywhere. I became the PJC librarian in 1941. I had 41 years of service after that and retired. So all my life has been Paris Junior College, and it has been a wonderful life and I thank you.”
For more information about the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation or to learn how you can create an endowed scholarship fund, contact Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs Director Derald Bulls at 903-782-0276 or [email protected].
Instructional Technology for SSISD Teachers and Students Continues Expansion
Instructional Technology for teachers and students has been expanding in the SSISD and will continue to impact teacher training and student learning. John Bimmerle, who works with SSMS Secondary Instructional Technology, introduced the work of the three member team during a recent Sulphur Springs School Board meeting. The introduction video is found here.
The Instruction Technology team also includes Mackenzie Cross, Elementary, and Meredith Townsend, high school. The three work daily with teachers and provide anytime training using a Youtube channel and Cat’s Den, which contains curriculum, assessment, and technology related resources.
Students are being trained to be digital citizens at all levels. For third through fifth grade students the emphasis is on creation of original products. In fifth grace, introductions to keyboarding and Office products is included and sixth grade students are introduced to Cloud computing using Office 365 Online suite. As students advance in grade, they are shifted toward deeper tech integration.
A community OneNote notebook has been created. The OneNote notebook contains regularly updated newsletters and other timely information each month.
Como Man Arrested for Prohibited Sexual Conduct
Seven counts of Prohibited Sexual Conduct charges have been filed against David Allen Woolverton, 35. Woolverton, of Como is in Hopkins County Jail being held on a $20,000 bond for each charge. The conduct with a family member began in 2011 and has continued until the arrest.
Currently, Woolverton has been charged with one count for each year, but, according to the arrest report, the activity has numbered 50 or more times.
Sulphur Bluff Golf Takes First at Clarksville Meet
The Sulphur Bluff Golf Team took first place in a four team meet in Clarksville this week. Kaleb Brown took the top spot for the third week in a row, shooting a 72 to win the tournament. Aaron Swanson came away with 3rd place, shooting a 100.
Miller Grove News March 10, 2017
Weather has been improving and everything has started to green up. The trees are starting to put on leaves, flowers are beginning to bloom, grass is getting thick and turning a bright green color, and the vegetables in the garden are starting to perk up. The few rains we have received have done a world of good. I was even proud to get to mow the yard the other day but I know that feeling will wear off as we move into summer.
Tuesday a 14-person committee met at Miller Grove High School library to discuss options involved in becoming labeled as a District of Innovation by the Texas Education Agency. Some readers may be familiar with this from reading articles published in the News-Telegram but for those of you who have not heard about this special designation I will try to briefly explain what the program is designed to do. House Bill 1842, which was passed during the 84th Legislative Session, was aimed to help districts across the state be able to take back some of the local control that has been slowly taken away from them in the past. The local school board has to approve any changes that would be made in the district and the Commissioner of Education also has to be notified in a formal document drafted by the school of the planned changes. There are several different areas that can been modified thru the special District of Innovation designation. Our committee has decided to seek changes in only 8 areas which range from administrative processes to educational opportunities for our students. If you would like to view the plan, it will be posted on the district’s website for 30 days before having a hearing to discuss the plan and whether the proposed plan will be approved by the school board. If approved, the plan would be able to stay in place for 5 years. I served on the committee and I can say from being employed with the district for nearly 10 years and being on the school board for 3 years, the 8 areas that are being addressed for approval would greatly help our school, our faculty, and most importantly our students.
Please keep Steve Dodd and his family in your prayers. I heard that he was recently in an automobile accident and in the hospital. I’m sure many of you know his parents, Jerry and Brenda (Petty) Dodd, of the neighboring Divide community.
Miller Grove Volunteer Fire Department has announced their 3rd annual predator hunt. The hunt has been scheduled for Saturday, March 18 thru Sunday, March 19, with a 60% payout. The VFD is also raffling off a Ruger Savage .204 with a 25” barrel and walnut stock. This will be a great fundraiser for anyone who has an interest in participating. For additional information about the hunt or raffle or for more information about joining the Volunteer Fire Department you can contact Ray Sparks or Justin Block.
I would like to take a moment to brag on a few of my family members. First would be my niece, Savanna Darrow. She is in second grade at Travis Elementary in Sulphur Springs and she was recently a competitor at Storytelling in UIL. I was really proud when I received the news that she had won second place honors in the event. She was all smiles while I asked her questions about her big day.
Next on the bragging list is my cousin, Jessy Darrow. He has been playing football for the Sulphur Springs Wildcats since moving to Sulphur Springs this year from Missouri. I was very proud to hear that he had signing to play football with Navarro College in Corsicana after graduating this year. Now, receiving the honor of being selected to play college ball is pretty cool but on top of that Jessy has also been chosen to play the Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star football game in Tyler this coming summer. So, to sum it up it sounds like Jessy will be having a great year in 2017. I’m sure many of you know Jessy’s grandparents, Ronny and Kathy Darrow and Don and Claudia Jones. His great-grandmother is Gay Walls of Miller Grove as well.
Last but not least is my uncle, Johnny Darrow, spoke and sang two songs at Brashear Baptist Church last Sunday. He has been doing some speaking at churches over the past year or so and was finally able to arrange to come to our church at Brashear.
Happy Birthday to Johnny Ferguson, Jordan Lennon, & Lindsey (Watson) Cipoletta on Mar. 12; Jana (Adams) Ray on Mar. 13; Peggy (Burns) Rohrer & Bradley Darrow on Mar. 14; Samantha Petty on Mar. 16; and Ginger McCreight, Derek McCreight, Fran Sparks, Jenny (Weatherly) Arledge & Joe Weatherly on Mar. 18.
Happy 39th Wedding Anniversary to my parents, Brett and Lynda Darrow, on Mar. 18.
As you travel the highways and byways don’t forget that all roads lead back home and back to Miller Grove. Please send me any newsworthy information. My email address is [email protected].
Tira News March 10, 2017
by Jan Vaughn
We want to express our sympathy to the family of Floyd Payton. He passed away Sunday and his funeral was held at the Tira Methodist Church on Wednesday, under the direction of Murray-Orwosky funeral home. Floyd and Martha have been very active in the church and community. Floyd was the president of the Tira Cemetery Association for many years, as well as Mayor of Tira up until about a year ago. Please remember the family in prayer.
We want to thank everyone who helped out with the meal for the family at the Community Center.
Jerry Vessel, husband of June (Chapman) Vessel passed away recently. A memorial service is planned for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18th, at the Tira Cemetery. We want to express our sympathy to the family and lift them up in prayer.
On Friday, March 3rd, Joyce Dodd, Tonja Jones, Alyssa, Gavin, and Ethan Shelton went to Healdton, Oklahoma to see Maegan Shelton graduate from Wilson Training Academy along with 42 other cadets. Each cadet received their certification to be correctional officers for the Oklahoma Correctional Prison System.
Congratulations are in order for Kim Beck. She was named “Ambassador of the Year” at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Banquet recently.
The Tira City Council met at the Community Center on Tuesday evening and discussed several items of business. One topic of discussion was the Tira Food Pantry, which is being constructed, with the help of the North Hopkins FFA students, as an effort to meet immediate needs of hungry individuals or families. Community members may contribute items for the pantry, which will be available to be picked up at no charge by those in need.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Wildcats Are 1-1 in Grayson County Classic
Runs were plentiful as the Wildcats’ baseball team split their first two games in the Grayson County Classic Thursday. The Wildcats outscored Sanger, 13-9 and then came out on the short end of a 17-5 loss to Cedar Hill. Both games were played in Sherman.
In the opener, Sanger opened the game with 5 runs on 6 hits. The Wildcats managed one first inning run as Triston McCormick singled in Kaden Argenbright who had singled. Wildcats pitcher Ryan Humphries kept Sanger off the board in the second and third innings and the Wildcats took the lead 8-5 with a 4 run second inning and a 3 run third. In the second Kyle Dodd got on on an error and Jamal Hobson-Cox and Gavin Millsap both singled. Mason Buck drove home a run with a sacrifice fly. Argenbright plated 2 runs with a triple and Humphries drove home a run with a single. The Wildcats took the lead in the third with a walk by Michael Arnold, a fielder’s choice by Easton Silman, then Hobson-Cox got on by an error and Millsap had an RBI ground out. Sanger rallied with 2 more runs in the top of the fourth to make it 8-7. The Wildcats extended the lead with 3 more runs in the bottom of the fourth to make it 11-7. Argenbright and Humphries singled, McCormick got on on an error that scored a run, Arnold singled, Silman hit an RBI double, Dodd walked and Hobson-Cox drove a run in with a sacrifice fly. The Wildcats added a run in the bottom of the fifth to lead 12-7. Buck walked and scored on a Humphries ground ball. Sanger wasn’t through, scoring 2 runs in the top of the sixth to narrow the lead to 12-9. The Wildcats added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Arnold singled, stole second and later scored on a wild pitch. Time ran out in the inning giving the Wildcats the 13-9 win. The Wildcats had 12 hits. Humphries got the pitching win.
The second game was defined by a whopping first inning that saw Cedar Hill score 13 runs on 6 hits and 3 Wildcat errors. The Longhorns led off the game with a home run and later had a grand slam homer. The Wildcats reduced the deficit to 13-2 with a pair of runs in the second. Arnold walked and Silman, Dawson Draper and Hobson-Cox all singled. Draper’s hit drove in a run. Buck had a fielder’s choice RBI. Cedar Hill responded with 4 third inning runs to go up 17-2. The Wildcats added 3 runs in the bottom of the third to make it a 17-5 game. Humprhies tripled and McCormick hat a two-run homer. Later Draper doubled and scored on a Hobson-Cox single. Neither team scored in the final 2 innings before time ran out and Cedar Hill won 17-5. The Wildcats managed 8 hits. Kamren Harrison got the pitching loss. The Wildcats are now 4-5-1 for the season. They will play Celina at 10 a.m. Friday in Sherman in the tournament.
Soil pH By Mario Villarino
As temperatures start warming up, ranchers and farmers start planning crops and crop cycles for the summer season. A very important part of the planning process should include soil testing to determine current soil conditions before planting. According to Dr. Redmon, Texas A&M AgriLife Soil Scientist, various environmental, climatic, and cultural factors can affect formation of acid soils. The most common factors are: Parent material: Soils formed from acidic rocks have a lower pH than those formed from basic or alkaline parent material. Leaching: Rainfall/irrigation leaches basic elements such as calcium, magnesium and sodium from the soil profile, leaving the acidic elements hydrogen, aluminum and manganese. Cultural: Various management practices can affect the formation of acid soils, including: Soil erosion can cause the loss of basic elements thus increasing soil acidity. Removal of harvested crops depletes basic elements from the soil. Nitrogen fertilization can lead to the formation of acid soils when ammonium is converted to nitrate by soil microbes releasing hydrogen ions. Anhydrous ammonia, urea, and ammonium nitrate each produce about one-third as much acidity as ammonium sulfate. Soil pH is a measure of hydrogen ion activity in the soil solution. However, a buffer-pH test should be used to more accurately predict the limestone needed to raise soil pH to a desired level. The soil pH scale extends from 0 to 14; thus soil pH in the range of 6.6 to 7.3 is rated neutral. Soils are considered slightly acid between pH 6.5 – 6.1, moderately acid between 6.0 – 5.5, strongly acid between 5.5 – 5.1, very strongly acid between 5.0 – 4.5, and extremely acid below pH 4.4. Soils with pH values above 7.4 are rated as alkaline. Although a decrease in soil pH from 6.0 to 5.0 does not appear significant, there is a 10-fold increase in soil acidity for every whole unit change in soil pH.Proper detection of soil pH can be achieved using a soil test. The most important benefit of liming acid soils is a reduction of the potentially toxic elements hydrogen, aluminum and manganese. Hydrogen ions only become toxic to plants in extremely acid soils (pH<4.0) and at very low calcium levels. As pH drops below 5.5, the concentration of soluble aluminum increases and becomes toxic to plant root growth when it exceeds 1.0 part per million (ppm). Below pH 5.2, the concentration of manganese can become toxic. Optimum nutrient uptake by most crops occurs at a soil pH near 7.0. The availability of fertilizer nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium generally is reduced as soil pH decreases. Phosphorus is particularly sensitive to pH and can become a limiting nutrient in strongly acid soils. Thus, reduced fertilizer use efficiency and crop performance occurs when
soil acidity is not controlled. Soil pH also affects the types, concentrations and activities of soil microorganisms. As pH drops below 5.5, the population of soil microbes changes and is reduced due to aluminum and manganese toxicity and lower nutrient availability. Naturally occurring soils in Hopkins County can have a pH below 5.0. An effective method to correct acid soil pH is using agricultural lime. Agricultural lime is a product of limestone quarries. All limestones are not the same and may react more or less efficiently based on the particle size and neutralizing value of the limestone material. Smaller particles have more surface area, react more rapidly to change soil pH, and thus have a higher efficiency rating (ER). Particles larger than 0.080 inches in diameter (about the size of #9 shotgun shot) do not react with the soil to effectively change pH. As particle size decreases, the rate of reaction increases and reaches 100% for particles less than 1/1,000 inch in diameter. The ability of a limestone to neutralize soil acidity also depends upon its calcium carbonate equivalence (CCE) or neutralizing value, which is expressed as a percentage. Pure calcium carbonate is the standard and has a CCE of 100%. All other liming materials are compared with this standard. Dolomitic limestones
contain both calcium and magnesium carbonates. If a soil test indicates low magnesium, dolomitic limestone can be used to correct both the nutrient deficiency and pH. Limestone can be applied at any time, however, several factors should be considered when planning an application. Soil moisture is critical to the reaction of limestone, thus rainfall patterns in the area should be used as a guide. Soils should be sufficiently firm to support heavy equipment and minimize compaction. If subsoil pH is low, a long period will be required for the limestone to effect a change in the soil pH with depth. In addition, coarse limestone reacts more slowly and, as with all limestones, is most effective when incorporated into the soil. When a more rapid and longer lasting pH adjustment is needed, the use of finely ground, high ECCE limestone is advisable. Dry bulk limestone is typically applied using fertilizer spreader trucks. A moisture content of 7 to 9% in fine limestone is needed to minimize dust and achieve a uniform spreading pattern.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Agrilife Update By Johanna Hicks
Parenting Connections Offered Through Extension
I recently received a call from a young man asking about parenting classes. I have the perfect solution! “Parenting Connections” is a series developed by Dr. Stephen Green, Child Development Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
I am offering the series on two consecutive Thursday evenings this month, and the workshop is open to parents, caregivers, and grandparents. Both sessions will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office – Hopkins County, 1200-B W. Houston Street, 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 topics will be “Child Growth and Development” and “Parent-Child Communication.” We’ll discuss ages and stages of development and have a hands-on activity to reinforce the topics.
Thursday, March 30 topics will be “Positive Discipline” and “Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem.” We’ll explore parenting styles and discuss the most effective type.
At the conclusion of each session, I will provide certificates to all attendees. This is a fun, stress-free program, and I encourage you to call and reserve a seat!
Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes
If you or someone you know has diabetes, this is the course for you! We are making it easy for you to attend by providing two time options – 1:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. Pharmacists, fitness experts, and others will be on hand to assist in teaching the sessions. Below is a list of dates and topics:
– Tuesday, April 4: “Getting Started: How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose”
– Thursday, April 6: “Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbs? Let’s Find Out!”
– Tuesday, April 11: “Beyond Diet: Improving your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity”
– Thursday, April 13: “Improving Your Blood Glucose Control with Medication”
– Tuesday, April 18: “Celebration! Having Your Snack and Eating it, too, While Avoiding Complications”
All sessions will take place at the Extension Office. A small one-time fee of $25, payable at the first session, covers all materials, refreshments, door prizes, and supplementary materials. Participants are encouraged to attend all five sessions, if possible. Please call 903-885-3443 to sign up. Leave your name, address, and phone number so we can mail a registration form to bring to the first session.
4-H Members Excel in Presentations
Hopkins County 4-H’ers recently participated in County 4-H Contests. Food Show participants were: Ethan George, Jorja Bessonett, Jacob George, and Aleigh Bessonett and qualified for District Contests to be held later this month. Fashion Show participants were: Ethan George, Zia Miller, Elida Miller, Jorja Bessonett, Jacob George, and Aleigh Bessonett.
Public speaking participants were: Diego Childs and Elida Miller. Educational Presentation participants were: Christian Ebel, Zia Miller, Valerie Flecker, Judah VanRijn, Blaine Allen, Kennadi Erwin, Ethan George, Honesty Bridges, Savannah Allen, Eric Bridges, Braden Lennon, Maddie Holt, Trinity Sickles, and Cade Goldsmith. Share-the-Fun participants were: Christian Ebel and Kiara Stowater.
Congratulations to each of you!
Closing Thought
When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look. You mean the world to someone!
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
