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.
Sulphur Springs is Just One of the Multiple Locations Paris Junior College Offers Classes
FALL CLASSES
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center freshman student Edwin Enriquez of Sulphur Springs discusses classes with campus office manager Dana Smock. To get registration information for attending classes at the campus, call 903-885-1232 or go to the campus office located at Loop 301 East.
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.
Dinner Bell Menu For November 1, 2023
Diversified Storage Systems, Tim and Michelle Dollison, is a return Community Partner for the Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry. The Dollison family has supported this ministry with four occasions yearly for many years. Their continued support pleases the Dinner Bell greatly. They are true FRIENDS of Dinner Bell!!!
Members of Christus Hospital E M S will be present to help with food packaging and distribution.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. lon Wednesday.
MENU
Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs with a band of our in house made Chili (Susan McCary’s recipe from south Texas)
Baked Beans
Individual Bags Potato Chips
Honeybun Cake
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC AND FLU ARE IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Rangers World Series Game Three is Tonight
October 30, 2023 – The Texas Rangers will face the Diamondbacks tonight in the third game of the 2023 World Series. The Rangers and DiamondBack are currently tied at one win each.
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 Youth Robotics Alliance Tournament Coming to Sulphur Springs
October 30, 2023 – Sulphur Springs Middle School will be hosting the Texas Youth Robotics Alliance (TYRA) Kickoff Tournament at SSMS on Saturday, December 2nd.
This tournament is using Peggy Reimers from TCEA’s ruleset, Hi, Bye, Pizza Pie!
In this ruleset, teams of robotics students will form random alliances with other teams to run qualifying matches that score points based on manipulating objects autonomously and with driver control to complete specific objectives. After they run 3 matches each, the top scoring teams are allowed to pick an ally to compete in a bracket, knock-out style tournament against each other, until we get a championship alliance! We run 2 divisions, Intermediate and Advanced.
Mr. Moreno’s Intro to STEM students at SSMS have been working hard to get their robots ready for this tournament, and we have teams from Clarksville, Mount Pleasant, Eustace, and Red Lick as well, with more registering all the time!
If you are interested in volunteering to help with this tournament, please fill out this form before Friday, November 10th. It should only take you a few minutes, and will guarantee you an awesome, free TYRA volunteer shirt in your size, and a free catered lunch on the day of the tournament.
Blue Santa Donations Start November 1, 2023
October 30, 2023 – It’s that time of the year! Sheriff Lewis Tatum and staff are getting those Blue Santa Barrels ready. With your help we can make this year’s Christmas a little brighter for children in Hopkins County.
Barrels will be put out by November 1st and picked up by December 1st.
To see if your family qualifies, contact CANHelp in Sulphur Springs. Applications can only be made in person this year.
City National Bank Team Takes Super Stew Honors
October 30, 2023 – The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival endured through steady rain and mud on Saturday, Oct. 28, to crown winners in four cooking categories at Buford Park. The rain, which started before dawn and continued through the entire morning, didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the cooks, who provided chicken and beef stew for several thousand people who waded through the mud to participate in the festival. “A big thank you goes out to our stew cooks, who met the challenge of cooking over an open fire in a steady rain, and helped keep the tradition of the stew festival going,” said Butch Burney, president of the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce. “And another thank you to the residents who came out to the park prepared to have a good time and to get their fill of stew in the rainy weather.”
The 54th stew contest, presented by title sponsor Alliance Bank, had more than 140 cooks turn in samples to be judged despite the challenging conditions. With Signature Solar providing free tickets for children 12 and under, no one went home hungry. On Friday night, City National Bank provided the activities, which included the appetizer contest and concert by Dubb and the Luv Machines.
Below are the stew contest winners:
First Place Super Stew Chicken winner was the team of #11 Linda Blount and Brandon Brewer sponsored by City National Bank. Their prize money of $500 was provided by Republic Services, and their winning quart of Super Stew Chicken was purchased for $900 by Interstate Body Shop.
Second place Super Stew Chicken was won by #25 Kimberly Kirkland and DAnne Chaney, sponsored by I3 Verticals. Their prize money of $250 was sponsored by The Sulphur Springs News-Telegram, and the quart was purchased for $500 by Hampton Inn.
Third place Super Stew Chicken was won by #9 Don Sapaugh and James Van Winkle, sponsored by City National Bank. Their prize money of $100 was sponsored by Farm Country, and their stew was purchased for $300 by Jay Hodge Chevrolet.
Honorable Mention Super Stew Chicken was #59 Khrista Brown and Gary Friddle, sponsored by Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op.
First Place Super Stew Beef winner was the team of #482 Steve Littlefield and Dwayne Sears, sponsored by Ben E. Keith. Their prize money of $500 was provided by Brian Toliver Ford Lincoln, and the quart of Super Stew Beef was purchased for $900 by Clayton Homes.
Second place Super Stew Beef award was won by #123 Brent Williams and
Mariam Williams, sponsored by: Bulkley and Associates. Their prize money of $250 was sponsored by The Sulphur Springs News-Telegram, and the second-place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $500 by Oncor Electric Delivery.
Third place Super Stew Beef was won by #468 Garrett Glass and Laura Glass, sponsored by Guaranty Bank. Their prize money of $100 was sponsored by Jiffy Signs, and their third-place Super Stew Beef was purchased for $300 by Texas Heritage National Bank.
Honorable Mention Super Stew Beef was #477 Kelley Perry and Kaley Williams, sponsored by EMC Hauling.
First place chicken stew winner was the team of #211 Kristen Richmond and Charlie Usry, sponsored by Discount Wheel and Tire. Their prize money of $300 was provided by Farmers Electric Cooperative, and their first-place chicken stew was purchased for $600 by GDC Industrial.
Second place chicken stew winner was the team of # 4 Shane Green and Jessica Green, sponsored by Little Caesars. Their prize money of $150 was provided by Nottingham’s SS Dodge, and their second-place chicken stew was purchased for $450 by Let-R-Rip.
Third place chicken winner was the team of #30 Luke Kerby and Seth Roberts, sponsored by Cross Country Communications. Their prize money of $100 was provided by Bear Littleton State Farm, and their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by Farm Country.
Honorable Mention Chicken Stew was # 215 Michael Williams and Tim Berger, sponsored by Grocery Supply.
First place beef stew winner was the team of #202 Gary Simmons and Aaron Davis, sponsored by Bob Evans Foods. Their $300 prize money was provided by Nottingham’s SS Dodge, and their first-place stew was purchased for $600 by Heath Hyde, Attorney at Law.
Second place beef stew was the team of # 478 David Slaughter and Josh Hill, sponsored by Slaughter’s Barbecue. Their $150 prize money was provided by Nottingham’s SS Dodge, and their second-place stew was purchased for $450 by Farm Country.
Third place beef stew was the team of # 61 Debbie Horton and Benji Brown, sponsored by Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op. Their $100 prize money was provided by Farm Country, and their third-place stew was purchased for $250 by G3 Mercantile.
Honorable Mention Beef Stew was #122 Bill Owens and Beverley Owens, sponsored by Jay Hodge Chevrolet.
Best New Stew Cook was site # 490 Rachel Mejia and Candace Evans, sponsored by The Groom Room. Their $100 prize was sponsored by Bright Star Baking.
First place in the Tailgate Appetizer Contest was site # 204 Gary Simmons and Aaron Davis, sponsored by Bob Evans Foods. Their $200 prize was provided by AK Gillis and Sons.
Tailgate Appetizer Contest second place was site # 103 Josh Key and Scotty Nguyen, sponsored by Community Bible Fellowship. Their $100 prize was provided by Bear Littleton State Farm Insurance.
Tailgate Appetizer Contest third place was site # 126 Drew Smith and Trey Clark, sponsored by Safety Control. Their $50 prize was provided by Northeast Texas Choral Society.
Campsite and costume winner was site #95 Cydney Williams and Cami Lane, sponsored by CWL Underground. Their $200 prize was provided by Super Handy Convenience Stores.
The John Chester Award for Super Campsite winner was site #210 Juan and Ashley Ortiz, sponsored by The Rustic O. Their $250 prize was provided by Robinson Benat Construction Co.
We would also like to thank the following sponsors who provided products for the contest:
Alliance Bank – Title Sponsor
City National Bank – Friday night Sponsor
Signature Solar – Kids Eat Free
One Church – Fun Zone Sponsor
Red River Credit Union – Stew Market Sponsor
Credit Union of Texas – Judges Room Sponsor
Our service tents were generously provided by Summit Dental, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, Coldwell Banker Watson Company, and Bob Evans Foods.
Our other sponsors that we couldn’t live without are Saputo, Southwest Dairy Museum, Sulphur Springs Country Club, Cross Country Communications, Nunez Roofing, Latsons.com, Signatech Solar, Chili’s, Stonecreek Solutions, Diversified Storage Solutions, Professional Land Title Co., Berger Horticultural Products, Northeast Texas Janitorial Supply, Legacy Ag Credit, Hope Family Fellowship, Travel Time RV, Central Baptist Church, Deep Routes Coffee, Chick-fil-A, Jeff Post, Hopkins County EMS, and CJ’s Custom Transportation Services.
Finally, thank you to all of our volunteers! They are Blue Blazes, HOSA, Hopkins County High School Leadership Class, Sulphur Bluff Beta Club, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Ambassadors.
Mark your calendars for next year, the fourth Saturday of October, 26, 2024.
