Lady Cats Defeat Mt Vernon; Ready for Tyler Tourney
Lady Cats Volleyball Coach Justin Maness said his team played perhaps their cleanest game of the year as they defeated Mt. Vernon, 3-0 in Wildcats Gym Tuesday night. The score was 25-15, 25-16 and 25-21. Coach Maness said his team was clicking adding they ran their plays well and passed well.
In kills, Kaylee Jefferson led the way with 12, Mieke VanBenthem and Autumn Tanton added 6 each and Sheretta Hill had 5. Tori Moore provided 24 assists. Jefferson also led the team with 17 digs. Anden Hammack and Imani Taylor had 5 digs each. VanBenthem had 2 solo blocks and 4 block assists. Others with block assists were Hill with three and Tanton and Abbi Baier with 2 each.
The Lady Cats are now 13-5. They have won eleven of their last twelve matches.
The Lady Cats will play in a Tyler tournament Thursday and Saturday and at Mineola Friday evening.
PJC Board of Regents Proposes Lower Tax Rates, Adopts Budget
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents, at their regular meeting this week, voted to approve a proposed property tax rate of .1773, a reduction from the previous year’s rate of .1875. The proposed rate will be presented for formal adoption at the September meeting.
The board also voted to revise PJC’s district service plan upon receiving updated property tax valuation rolls from the five counties served by PJC, thus lowering the proposed tax rate from ten cents to eight and a half cents per $100 of appraised value.
That means for a property valued at $100,000 the annual rate would be $85 or $7 a month. For a property valued at $50,000, the annual rate would be $42.50, or $3.54 a month.
By separate votes, the Board approved orders for elections on Nov. 8, 2016 to annex the college district’s statutory service area in Delta, Hunt, Lamar, Red River, Hopkins, and Fannin counties.
The proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 of $36,767,264 was approved. The $1 million increase over last year’s budget is largely in Pell grant funding because the federal government is expected to bring back Summer Pell. This is pass-through funding. There is also a one-time increase in state funding of $175,000 for the new system-wide computer management software.
In other business, the Regents:
- Received the monthly financial statements from Comptroller Keitha Carlton showing PJC continues to be in a good position and is preparing for the year-end audit.
- Approved a policy requiring a property deposit fee of zero. Procedures to collect damages for destruction of property continue to work well.
- Accepted the Certified Tax Rolls of $1,672,223,786 for property taxable by Paris Junior College, as presented by the Lamar County Chief Appraiser.
- Approved the promotion of Clay Cox from assistant to head Baseball Coach and Kinesiology Instructor; the hiring of Judith Baxley as Associate Degree Nursing Instructor, Brad Bolton as Emergency Medical Services Instructor, James Dawson as part-time Athletic Director, April Lane Hartman as Softball Coach and Kinesiology Instructor, Dr. Michael Holderer as Music Instructor, Ryan Jarrell as Computer Information Systems Instructor, Melanie Miles as Cosmetology Instructor, Richard Miller as Physics Instructor, Dr. Pamela Millsap as Vice President of Student Learning (effective Sept. 26), Necah Posey as Cosmetology Instructor, and Jeri Thornton-Dulaney as PJC-Sulphur Springs Director.
Also the resignations of Physics Instructor Jonathan Belew, Baseball Coach/Athletic Director Deron Clark, Upward Bound Advisor Amber Musgrove, Educational Opportunity Center Advisor Dereck Owens, and PJC-Sulphur Springs Director Dr. Phil Williams.
Lady Cats Host Tigers; Game to Be Broadcast on KSST
The Lady Cats’ volleyball team returns to the home court Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. as they play Mt. Vernon. It’s the Lady Cats first appearance at home since their season openers on August 9. Two weeks ago they defeated Sherman, 3-0 and then lost a hard fought match with North Lamar, 3-2. Since then the Lady Cats have been on a pretty good roll. They won the consolation championship in a Garland tournament winning four matches while losing three. Then the Lady Cats defeated Kilgore and John Tyler in Tyler. Last weekend they finished second in a Wills Point tournament winning five matches and losing only in the tournament championship game. The Lady Cats come into Tuesday night’s game with Mt. Vernon with a 12-5 record. We’ll bring your Tuesday evening’s Lady Cats’ volleyball game with Mt. Vernon starting at around 6 p.m. on KSST radio. We’ll videotape the match for replay later on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Chamber of Commerce Photography Contest Entries Due August 31
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a digital photo contest. Photos must have been taken in Hopkins County. Deadline for submission of digital photos is August 31, 2016.
Below are the rules for the contest and releases for art and models.
Chamber of Commerce Photo Contest Rules
Term:
The Chamber of Commerce’s first Annual Photography Contest begins August 1, 2016, and ends August 31, 2016, at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST). By submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to the rules of the contest. Children may submit entries.
Who may enter:
Anyone who resides in Hopkins County is eligible to enter. There is no age limit.
What to enter:
The following seven contest categories are drawn from subjects of special interest to the Chamber of Commerce:
- Natural World:Animals, plants and landscapes; geological or climatological features; and scientific processes and endeavors relating to Hopkins County.
- Travel:Locales, peoples or activities in Hopkins County that convey a sense of place.
- People:Individuals from all walks of life. May include activities specific to Hopkins County.
- The Hopkins County Experience:Events, objects or activities connecting those who live in Hopkins County to their history or their cultural heritage; photographs that tell us what it means to live in Hopkins County and provide a sense of what it is like to live in this county.
- Altered Images:Photographs manipulated for artistic purposes by applying digital and/or traditional special effects (i.e., colorizing, toning, collage, photo composites, HDR, etc.).
- Mobile:The Chamber will award recognition to the best photograph submitted in any of the other categories that was taken with a mobile device (phone or tablet).
- Children: Children ages 0-18 may enter in this division in any of the above categories.
To be eligible for any category, a photograph must have been shot by the entrant since January 1, 2014.
Cropped photos are eligible in all categories. We do not accept digitally or otherwise enhanced or altered photos, except for those entered in the Altered Images category. Minor adjustments, including spotting, dodging and burning, sharpening, contrast and slight color adjustment or the digital equivalents, are acceptable for all categories. If the judges determine that a photographer has altered his or her photo, they reserve the right to move the photo to Altered Images or to disqualify it.
For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the subject or, in the case of a minor, the subject’s parent or guardian and provide it to the Chamber upon request.
*If you have a signed model release, please retain it in your personal files. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to submit the release at that time.
Similarly, entrants whose photos depict other people’s work (such as sculptures, statues, paintings, and other copyrightable works) may be need to obtain a release from the rights holder and provide it to the Chamber upon request. When photographing the work of others, it must be as an object in its environment and not a full-frame close-up of another person’s creation.
Photographs that have won other major photo contests, either online or in print, as determined by the Chamber, are not eligible for submission. If a photograph wins another major photo contest post submission, it is not eligible for a prize, but may still be recognized as an Editor’s Pick or Photo of the Day. We define winning as having won a grand prize or 1st, 2nd or 3rd place overall. Photos that violate or infringe upon another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright, are not eligible.
Photos that contain sexually explicit, nude, obscene, violent or other objectionable or inappropriate content, as determined by the Chamber in its sole discretion, are ineligible for all categories of this contest.
How to enter:
Please email submitted photographs and requested information. You may submit no more than fifteen (15) photographs per category for a contest total of ninety (90) submissions. In order to be displayed in our online gallery without being stretched or distorted, photographs must be submitted in .jpeg, .jpg or .gif format, edited for web, at least 2,000 pixels wide and no larger than 10 MB. You must complete a separate form for each photo submitted.
We do not accept photographs submitted through the mail and do not accept more than one contestant per e-mail address. High-quality scans of non-digital photographs are acceptable. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible.
You retain your rights to your photograph; however, by entering the contest, you grant the Chamber of Commerce (and those authorized by the Chamber) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any Chamber of Commerce purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of the magazine and its website, exhibition, and commercial products, including but not limited to Chamber of Commerce publications. Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. The Chamber of Commerce will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.
Entry deadline:
The contest begins on August 1, 2016. All entries must be received by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on August 31, 2016. Entries will be submitted to [email protected]
Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, quality, originality, responsiveness to the prompt, representation of Hopkins County, and overall impact.
Judging will be conducted by the board members of the Chamber of Commerce. Please indicate if you are below 18 years of age and would like to be entered into the children’s division. The Chamber will select a winner for each category and a Grand Prize Winner. Winning photographs will be announced on local media and the local Chamber Connection.
The winners will be contacted and will appear on our website. Please do not contact us about the status of entries or judging.
Prizes: The winning photographs will be featured on our website, social media sites, and Chamber of Commerce correspondence and advertising.
Grand Prize: The grand prize photograph will be featured on our website and in our Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory published in January of 2017.
Entrants are solely responsible for their entries. Entrants may not submit materials that introduce any software viruses, worms or other programs designed to damage software, hardware or telecommunications equipment or are off-topic, partisan-political, contain advertising, nudity, personal attacks or expletives, or is otherwise abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, discriminatory, libelous, obscene, false, sexually explicit, or that infringes on the rights of any third party.
The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. The Chamber reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, the Chamber reserves the right to award or not award the prizes/honors in its sole discretion. The Chamber reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: inhibit the enjoyment of others; tamper with the competition; violate these rules or other applicable law or regulation; infringe on the rights of third parties; or act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Decisions of the Chamber are final and binding.
ART RELEASE
I, the undersigned, own the rights in the ___________________________ (the “Work”) that is depicted in a photograph or photographs taken by ________________________. I give _______________________ permission to use my Work in his or her entry to the Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Photo Contest. I give the Chamber of Commerce (and those authorized by the Chamber) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, nonexclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of that entry, including the depiction of my Work, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any Chamber of Commerce purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of the magazine and its website, exhibition, and commercial products, including but not limited to Chamber of Commerce publications. I understand that I shall not receive any compensation for these uses and that the Chamber is under no obligation to use the entry in any way. I waive any claim or right of action arising out of the uses authorized in this release.
Print Name:
Address:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Signature:
Date:
MODEL RELEASE
I understand that I appear in a photograph or photographs taken by _____________________________, and I give ____________________________ permission to use my name and that photographic likeness in his or her entry to the Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Photo Contest. I also hereby give the Chamber of Commerce (and those authorized by the Chamber) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of that entry (including my name and photographic likeness), in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any Chamber of Commerce purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of the magazine and its website, exhibition, and commercial products, including but not limited to Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce publications. I understand that I shall not receive any compensation for these uses and that the Chamber is under no obligation to use the entry in any way. I waive any claim or right of action arising out of the uses described in this release.
Print Name:
Address:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Signature:
Date:
If Model is under 18:
I, _______________________________, am the parent/legal guardian of the individual named above, I have read this release and approve of its terms.
Print Name:
Address:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Signature:
Date:
Defense Department Reviewing Placing Names on Wall Following Francis Ride
Monday afternoon Sulphur Springs celebrated the return of Del Francis following his bicycle ride to Washington DC. Francis, 74, rode his bicycle over 1500 miles to the capital to raise awareness for the 74 seamen who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. His desire is to have their names placed on the National Vietnam War Memorial Wall.
June 3, 1969, 3 a.m. maneuvering around an Australian Aircraft Carrier, inexperienced sailors on the con went in front of the carrier resulting in the U S ship being cut in half. The front half of the American vessel, where Francis was, rolled over and sank in three minutes. Only 25-30 of those on the front half survived. The back half of the vessel curled around the carrier. An Australian sailor jumped down onto that section of the vessel and lashed it to the carrier with ropes keeping it afloat. Those sailors climbed a rope ladder to safety.
Those who did not survive are not listed on the D C Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial because at the time of the incident, the ships were 100 miles outside the official combat zone. Both ships had just left the gun-line having given gun support to troops fighting on the mainland. The day of the accident, the ship and crew had received credit for Vietnam service. Francis said these men deserve to be honored on the wall with their brothers. He said they answered the call and our country needs to honor them for their service.
Francis says there has been movement due to his effort. For the first time in 47 years the Department of Defense is reviewing the incident and placing the names on the wall. Francis also met with the memorial fund to discuss the logistics of getting the names on the wall. They told Francis that it is just a matter of time before the names are placed on the wall. The wall is running out of space but by using the initials for the first two names of each individual it is possible to get their names on the wall.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child
Hopkins County Deputies found him standing in the doorway of his apartment on Jackson Street. There they served an indictment warrant for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child on William Lonnie Wallis, 57, of Sulphur Springs.
The offense occurred in February of this year according to Sulphur Springs Detective Sgt. David Gilmore. Wallis is charged with having committed the aggravated sexual assault of a 3 year old child. Gilmore investigated the case and turned the case over to the District Attorney’s office in May. The DA’s office took the case to the June 16th Grand Jury, which issued a sealed indictment against Wallis.
Wallis is in Hopkins County Jail being held on a $50,000 bond.
Another Rain Out for Wildcat Team Tennis
Wildcats Tennis Coach Tony Martinez had plans for his team tennis squad to have seven matches under their belts before district play gets underway on September 6. A scheduling mix up and lots of August rain have ruined those plans. The latest rain out occurred Monday. The Wildcats had a scheduled afternoon match at Wills Point. It was washed out and will not be rescheduled. An August 9 morning match at Whitehouse was not played due to a scheduling error. August 16 matches in Tyler against Jacksonville and John Tyler were canceled. The Wildcats did win a August 9 afternoon match at Mt. Pleasant and then lost at home on August 11 by one point to Sherman. The Wildcats have a 1-1 season record.
The Wildcats may be able to salvage a third pre-district match. The Wildcats are scheduled to play at Terrell Thursday at 4 p.m. The match was originally scheduled last Thursday at 4 p.m. but it was postponed due to rain.
Wildcat Coordinators Review Scrimmage Look Ahead to Hosting Sherman Friday Night
After a scrimmage against Liberty-Eylau Friday, which saw the Wildcats score four times against the highly rated Class 4A team, and with the Wildcats’ season opener coming up Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Gerald Prim Stadium against Sherman, Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young says he is pleased where his offense is right now. He adds obviously there are still a lot of things to improve on. Coach Young says it was good to see the offense scrimmage a quality opponent like L-E. He says they are as fast and physical as anyone the Wildcats may see. Coach Young says when the team scored points last Friday, they had to execute and do things right. When they didn’t, they ended up punting. He says some 20 to 25 players can end up helping out on offense. Coach Young says quarterback Ryan Humphries made a couple of good plays out of the pocket. Receiver Simeon Taylor caught the ball well with three TD grabs and another catch that set up a score. Coach Young says he was pleased with the running backs, Jaylon Hawkins, Lawrence Worth, who scored a touchdown, Searn Rodgers and Cason Goodson. He says he also found some depth in the offensive line for the five starters. Coach Young says the strength of the Sherman defense is their big defensive line. It should be quite a battle up front since Coach Young says the Wildcats may be bigger than at any time he’s been here. The middle three go 315 pounds, 280 pounds and 320 pounds with tackles adding 240 pounds and 230 pounds.
Regarding the defense, Wildcats Defensive Coordinator Triston Abron was not real pleased with his team’s scrimmage against Liberty-Eylau Friday at Prim Stadium. He said some of his younger players were wide-eyed at the beginning and their mistakes led to Leopard touchdowns. Coach Abron was more pleased with the play of his veteran players. He was told that of the seven L-E touchdowns, only two came against his veteran defense. Coach Abron said one positive so far is that all of the Wildcats’ defensive scheme has been introduced to the players. He also called the Leopards an unbelievably athletic team. Concerning the Sherman offense the Wildcats defense will face Friday night, Coach Abron said he’s not real sure what to expect. The Bearcats have a new head coach, J.D. Martinez, a former offensive coordinator at Flower Mound Marcus. He’s brought along a new offensive coordinator and a whole new staff. The Wildcats did scout the Sherman scrimmage at Kennedale last Friday and they have a video of it. Coach Abron said Sherman has a large running back, a three-year starter at quarterback and receivers who do a good job of catching the ball. Coach Abron said he was impressed with the Bearcats’ quarterback and his poise as he faced a relentless Kennedale pass rush. He said the quarterback also threw the ball very well. Coach Abron said Sherman would present a challenge for the Wildcats’ defense.
