Senate Bill 1 Could Limit A & M University-Commerce Ability to Recruit and Retain Faculty
By Scott Cason
COMMERCE, TX—The $8.8 million budget reduction proposed under the latest version of Senate Bill 1 (S.B.1.) in the Texas State Legislature has the potential to halt planned enrollment growth and diminish the ability of Texas A&M University-Commerce to continue to deliver a high-quality, affordable and accessible education.
The greatest impact of the proposed budget reduction under S.B.1. will be on the university’s ability to recruit and retain faculty. A&M-Commerce President, Ray Keck, who is scheduled to testify before the Senate Finance Committee this week stated, “These cuts would have a devastating effect on our mandate to grow. If they remain as projected, we may have to look at capping enrollment since we will lose a large number of faculty lines.” A projected loss of more than 50 faculty positions will affect ongoing efforts to serve current students, increase the time it will take to complete a degree, and raise cost of attendance and associated student debt. In addition, implementation of S.B.1. is expected to impact the university’s ability to support minority mentorship programs, meet regional workforce demands, and deliver on plans to expand program offerings in critical fields including nursing and engineering.
S.B.1. is also expected to adversely affect plans to expand competency-based education statewide. The Institute for Competency-Based Education is one program expected to be most impacted by the proposed budget reduction. A&M-Commerce’s competency-based program, the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate (TAB), provides an affordable pathway for students with little or no former college experience: the first accredited program of its kind in Texas. In the fall of 2016, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board presented A&M-Commerce with the Star Award, recognizing the “exceptional contributions” of the program towards reducing the future cost of higher education. Under S.B.1., the program stands to lose nearly $1.5 million in funding. An additional anticipated $1 million reduction in funding will impact the university’s Dual Credit program and is expected to affect nearly 582 students who count on the program to reduce the future cost of attending college after high school. A&M-Commerce also delivers accessible educational experiences through a range of high-quality online program offerings. The anticipated budget reduction resulting from S.B.1. is expected to adversely impact online program support and new program development, which could affect approximately 4,000 online students.
Seventeen New Members Inducted into SSHS National Technical Honor Society
Monday evening 17 new members were inducted into the Gerald Kennedy Chapter of the Sulphur Springs High School National Technical Honor Society. The honor society honors those students who achieve in the field of technical studies such as health science, family consumer science, agricultural science, education and training, business and marketing. Along with the certificate of membership, students who are members may access applications to specific scholarships for further education.
Sulphur Springs Lions Club Meets and Eats
The Sulphur Springs Lions Club meets each Tuesday at the Pizza Inn in Sulphur Springs, TX. Tail Twister Don Sapaugh was in attendance. The service club recently served lunch at the Dinner Bell at the First United Methodist Church. President Candace Ashmore wants to encourage everyone to join Lions Club. She notes that it’s not just a men’s organization.
The Lions Club will be partnering with the Pilot Club for the annual Hoop Dreams event starting late January 2017. Click here for an article on Hoop Dreams 2016.
Texas Lions Camp signup is currently in full swing. The club not only helps financially support the outstanding work at Texas Lions Camp but we also scholarship local children with special needs to attend these camps. Please click HERE to find more information about Texas Lions Camp.
“We Serve”, Lions Club meets Tuesdays at Pizza Inn in Sulphur Springs.
Cumby Robotics Teams Score Again!
ZbotTeam 6834Z set a world record for winning by the widest margin in the vex robotics competition in Bonham last Saturday.
Both teams worked together to win 1st place in the tournament and 1st place in the skills competition.
Sulphur Bluff Homecoming Court
ATTEND THE HOMECOMING GAME ON FRIDAY JAN 27
SULPHUR BLUFF BEARS VS THE SALTILLO LIONS
Local Real Estate Company Among Business Relocating to the Expanding South Broadway Area
Janet Martin Realty current situated just south of the Celebration District will be moving further south sometime in February 2017. The existing building is across from what many consider to be the most anticipated opening in Sulphur Springs this year i.e. Starbucks.
Janet Martin Realty location, January 2017
Janet Martin Realty new location.
There is no doubt that traffic patterns and wait times will change once the high-end coffee shop finally opens. For better or worse, get ready to change your driving habits soon.
Starbucks location on South Broadway. Letters in the sign are now straight.
The new Dairy Queen is also making progress at it’s South Broadway location. Progress appears to have been hampered by the recent wet weather. Good news; the existing DQ on Main St will remain open for business.
The new Dairy Queen on South Broadway.
Flags at Half-Staff Wednesday to Honor Astronaut
Flags at the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial at Celebration Plaza will be lowered to half-staff Wednesday, January 25 following a proclamation by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott. The event will honor Former U.S. Navy Captain Gene Cernan who passed away on January 16, 2017. In his proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, “As an astronaut, Captain Cernan played an important role in the exploration of space and in the development of the aerospace industry in Texas. He was the last man to set foot on the moon and his final resting place will be in the Texas State Cemetery. As such, it seems fitting that flags in Texas should be flown at half-staff on the day of his interment.
Therefore, pursuant to Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code and 4 U.S.C. § 7, Texas and United States flags should be lowered statewide on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, in honor and respect of the life and public service of U.S. Navy Captain Gene Cernan. Flags should return to full-staff the following day. Individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and other political subdivisions and entities are encouraged to fly their flags at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of honor, respect and unity.”
Asphalt Scam Returns to Hopkins County Area
Every few years driveway asphalt scam artists pass through the area. Their story doesn’t change nor do the victims. Stating they have asphalt left from a previous job just down the road, they promise to apply the remaining asphalt on the senior adult victim’s driveway at a greatly reduced price. However, as the job is completed, the scammers will tell the victim that they had to use more asphalt than they thought and the charge for the work is far larger than first quoted.
When the victim refuses to pay, the scammers become, as Sheriff Lewis Tatum told KSST, “…rather difficult to deal with…” Tatum said that should anyone be approached regarding work on a driveway and the resident did not call the company, refuse the offer and call the Sheriff’s office at 903-439-4040. The Sheriff also said that if the resident could get a description of the vehicle and license plate number of the one making the offer that would also be a great help.
The most recent attempts to carry out this scam occurred along FM 71 in northern Hopkins County.
EDC Announces Groundbreaking for Armorock Polymer Concrete
Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation has announced a ground breaking for Armorock Polymer Concrete at their construction site, 207 Heritage Court in Sulphur Springs. The event is set for February 2, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
The Nevada based company will make Sulphur Springs the Texas hub for their product which will be primarily manhole covers for municipalities. Drawing from 56 years of experience, the manufacturing location will build a rigid, structural polymer concrete structure that meets the structural and corrosion needs required by the engineering community as well as the financial life cycle required by municipalities.
The product will have no cement thus making issues of damage and cracking no longer an issue. The product is corrosion resistant and weighs less enabling an easier installation.
