White House Announces New Student Loan Repayment Program
August 24, 2023 – The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, like other income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, calculates your monthly payment amount based on your income and family size. The SAVE Plan provides the lowest monthly payments of any IDR plan available to nearly all student borrowers.
The new plan can significantly decrease your monthly payment amount compared to all other income-driven repayment plans.
Your monthly payment amount is based on your discretionary income—the difference between your adjusted gross income (AGI) and 225% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline amount for your family size. That means you will not owe loan payments if you are a single borrower earning $32,800 or less or a family of four earning $67,500 or less (amounts are higher in Alaska and Hawaii). Borrowers earning more than these amounts will save at least $1,000 per year compared to the current income-driven repayment plans.
The plan eliminates 100% of remaining interest for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans after a scheduled payment is made. If you make your monthly payment, your loan balance won’t grow due to unpaid interest. For example: If $50 in interest accumulates each month and you have a $30 payment, the remaining $20 would not be charged.
When can I apply for the SAVE Plan?
The updated IDR application is now available and includes the option to enroll in the new SAVE Plan. If you are enrolled in the REPAYE Plan or recently applied, you will be automatically enrolled in the SAVE Plan. There is no need to reapply or request to change your plan. Learn how to check which plan you’re on.
How do I apply for the SAVE Plan?
Use the IDR application to apply for the SAVE Plan now. You can select the option for your loan servicer to place you on the lowest monthly payment plan (this will usually be SAVE).
What if I’m already on an IDR plan?
If you are already on an IDR plan, check to see if you are on the REPAYE Plan. Log in to StudentAid.gov, go to your My Aid page, scroll down, and view your loans. Each loan will list a repayment plan. If you see that you are enrolled in the REPAYE Plan, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the SAVE Plan later this summer. You can now enroll in the SAVE Plan if you’re on a different repayment plan. If you don’t have a StudentAid.gov account, create an account now.
Which loans are eligible for the SAVE Plan? Which loans are ineligible?
Eligible loans for the SAVE Plan include
- Direct Subsidized Loans,
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans,
- Direct PLUS Loans made to graduate or professional students, and
- Direct Consolidation Loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents.
Loans that must first be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan to be eligible for repayment under the SAVE Plan are
- Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans (from the FFEL Program),
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans (from the FFEL Program),
- FFEL PLUS Loans made to graduate or professional students,
- FFEL Consolidation Loans that did not repay any PLUS loans made to parents, and
- Federal Perkins Loans.
Loans that are ineligible for repayment under the SAVE Plan are
- Direct PLUS Loans made to parents,
- Direct Consolidation Loans that repaid PLUS loans made to parents,
- FFEL PLUS Loans made to parents,
- FFEL Consolidation Loans that repaid PLUS loans made to parents, and
- any loan that is currently in default.
If your loans are in default, you may qualify for the Fresh Start initiative to easily get your loans back in good standing. It’s free and takes 10 minutes or less to sign up and enroll in an affordable repayment plan, such as the SAVE Plan, with payments as low as $0 a month.
For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid Website.
The S.O.C.K. Program is back!
August 22, 2023 – The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the kick-off of S.O.C.K. Support Our Campuses and Kids! This opportunity was created for businesses to partner with schools, with the belief that the more our community is involved and invested in our schools, the more successful our schools and children will be.
Please contact Communications Coordinator, Amber Grimes, at 903-885-2153 x 1129 or email [email protected] for more information about this program or click the link below to register.
Time is Running Out to Register for Fall Classes at Paris Junior College
ENROLLING
August 22, 2023 – Jazz Santos Rodriguez, left, and Taylor Price, both of Sulphur Springs, are completing paperwork for enrollment at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center — with the help of secretary Dana Smock. Registration for Fall 2023 classes at Paris Junior College is under way. Fall Classes start Monday, August 28th, 2023.
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.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is Hiring
August 22, 2023 – Full time and part time positions are available at the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office as local Sheriff Lewis Tatum has added (3) new full time positions to next year’s budget, which will start October 1, 2023. In addition, salaries are increasing for all county employees including the newly needed Patrol Deputy positions which will start at $59,400 after October 1.
Other positions are also currently available including part-time transport and bailiff work. Applicants need not have TCOLE certification as both TCOLE and Non-TCOLE positions are available. New hires are also offered affordable family insurance and a “take home unit” as Tatum highlights that the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office has new equipment and a new fleet of vehicles.
Interested applicants should email: [email protected]
For a list of all benefits click on this link: Employee Handbook or visit www.hopkinscountytx.org
Impatient Driver Arrested on Main Street
August 22, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies noticed a black Dodge pickup truck traveling on Main Street this week. The driver, 49 year-old THERESA GALE GARCIA, was known to have a Failure to Appear warrant issued for her arrest.
As deputies observed Garcia, she continued to travel on Main street eventually coming to a red light. Deputies observed Garcia pull around and pass a vehicle that was lawfully stopped at that same red light. A traffic stop was performed a short distance away from that intersection. Garcia was highly agitated and refused to follow orders given by deputies. Eventually Garcia was assisted from her vehicle and to the ground with the least amount of force required. She was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. Her truck was impounded.
She is currently charged with:
1 FAILURE TO APPEAR
1 3007 RAN RED LIGHT
In June of 2023, Garcia was arrested in Sulphur Springs and charged with:
LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT
3035 OPEN CONTAINER- DRIVER
3002 UNSAFE SPEED/TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS
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.
Fields Back in Hopkins County Jail
August 22, 2023 – SHAINA CHEYANNE FIELDS was arrested this week after she violated her parole.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies received an anonymous tip as to the location of Fields. A warrant for her arrested was confirmed.
When Deputies arrived at the Precinct 2 address, they met with the homeowner. He gave consent for them enter his home. He told Deputies that Fields was hiding in a bedroom. Fields refused to open the bedroom door and surrender. The door was breached and Fields was found hiding in a closet.
Fields, who lists herself as an unemployed resident of Sulphur Springs, was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident.
This is not the first time Fields has been in jail.
In March of 2023 Fields was arrested at a Fuller Street address for violation of parole, which she was on for possession of a controlled substance.
In 2022, Fields got creative with her identity and attempted to deceive law enforcement. She was arrested and faced several drug charges, violation of parole and failure to identify as a fugitive from justice. See that story here.
In 2021 she was arrested after a traffic stop on Helm Lane and a search revealed controlled substances. See that story here.
In 2014 Fields was sentenced to a year in prison for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. She served her term in the San Saba Prison.
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.
Joy Of Hope Holds First Press Conference
August 21, 2023 – At 11AM Monday August 21st, 2023, Joy Of Hope, Inc held a press conference at the Hopkins County Courthouse. It was an occasion to get the word out to the people of Texas. For the blind or vision impaired, it was a message of outreach and that help is coming.
The board is excited to get started. They have found a property inside Sulphur Springs city limits that appears to fit their anticipated needs. “We will need space to house people who are studying at Joy Of Hope. This will be a live in facility.” said Wheat.
Wheat, who is the vision behind Joy Of Hope, stated the closest live in facility for the blind is in Austin. He feels blind people desperately need a place to fellowship.
Wheat hopes to include people with diabetes as well.
“You can be visually impaired, without being blind. These people need to know that someone cares. They need to be able to reach out.” said Wheat.
There are state programs available to help blind people. Wheat is eager to share information on these programs, and is a phone call away. 214 803 5552
The purpose of Joy of Hope is to provide life skills and education to individuals affected by vision impairment, blindness, diabetes and others.
How To Help
Joy Of Hope is a registered 501 (c)(3) charity, and donations may be tax deductible. Right now financial donations can be made via check, delivered by US Mail. Here is the address:
Joy Of Hope, Inc
What is Next for Joy Of Hope
Board members said that a web presence will be complete this week, and that all additional information will be available there.
Anyone who thinks they might benefit from Joy Of Hope is encourage to contact Jonny Wheat. The board is still collecting information on potential needs. Any input will help shape evolving offerings.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 08-14-2023 – 08-20-2023
Arrests:
Whitson, 23 years of age, of Pittsburg, was arrested on 8-14-for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.
Martin, Jerry, 54 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 10 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Martin, Jerry, 31 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 3 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Smith, Riley, 25 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-17-2023 on 6 Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 138 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 48 citations and 51 warnings during this reporting period.
CHRISTUS Health: Summer Winding Down, But Impact of Heat on Health Will Remain
(East Texas) – Summer is over in about a month, but in Texas, one of the hottest summer seasons on record will leave its impact well into the fall, putting a renewed emphasis on taking the necessary precautions when working or playing outside.
“When outside, try and wear loose-fitting clothes, use plenty of sunscreen and most of all, stay hydrated,” said Shelby Ivey, trauma program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro. “Even when the temps eventually drop, the threat of heat-related illnesses is very real.”
Ivey added that it is important to recognize the symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Excessive sweating, dizziness, cool or clammy skin and muscle cramping are signs of heat exhaustion, while throbbing headaches, confusion, and a body temperature above 103 degrees indicate possible heat stroke.
“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are essentially the same problem but on different ends of the spectrum,” Ivey said. “At the core, the body is trying to cool itself and prevent damage. When the body cannot cool itself, it becomes a medical emergency.”
CHRISTUS EMS responded to more than 100 heat-related calls during the months of June and July. The eventual drop in temperatures will be a welcome sign but, according to Ivey, the threat of heat exhaustion and heat stroke remains very real when the humidity remains high.
“Pay attention to the humidity when the temperatures drop. High humidity levels make it more difficult for sweat to evaporate and cool your body,” Ivey said. “Just because the air temperature may be falling, the humidity levels are very important to keep an eye on.”
Ivey added that special precautions should be taken for children and older adults, as they are more
susceptible to heat-related illnesses. She also noted that certain prescription or illicit drugs can also
increase risk.
People who are overweight, chronically ill, outdoor workers and those who consume excessive alcohol should also take extra precautions.
“If you find yourself outside and you stop sweating, that is a time to be concerned,” Ivey said. “Taking frequent breaks, working during the early and late hours and hydrating properly can really help avoid any major issues.”
Truck Driver Arrested, Charged with 3rd DWI
August 21, 2023 – 50 year-old Michael Shawn House was arrested over the weekend in Hopkins County. His semi was involved in what State Troopers describe as a minor accident on I-30 near mile marker 122.
When Troopers arrived at the scene of the collision, they detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from House. House allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the crash. He failed various roadside sobriety tests. House was arrested and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
House refused to give a breath sample. A warrant was sought and granted for a blood sample to be taken. House was then transported to a local hospital and a sample was successfully obtained.
A records check showed this to be at least the third DWI charge collected by House. He was convicted once in his home state of Missouri and once in Washington.
House is charged with:
1 49.09(B) DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3RD OR MORE IAT
The red Freightliner was impounded.
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.
