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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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.
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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/.
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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.
