$4.5 Billion School Funding Bill Advances From Texas House
April 27, 2023- Texas House gave preliminary approval to a school finance Bill that would increase the amount of state money that schools get per student, start adjusting it for inflation and introduce a major change to how funding is calculated each year.
House Bill 100, authored by Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian, would increase the basic allotment, this being the minimum money that schools may get per student. Currently the amount that schools get per child is $6,160, with the new Bill, authored by King, would increase this amount to $6,250 in 2024 and when the state would also consider raising the allotment further due to increasing inflation increase by at least $50 by 2025 to make $6,300.
The Bill will be voted on one more before heading off to Senate.
Texas House and Senate have approved separate proposals that would give school districts billions in a attempt to lower property taxes from homes and businesses. The Senate passed a bill that would give teachers one-time bonuses of either $2,000 or $6,000, depending on their school district’s size. The House passed a $1.6 billion school security bill in response to the Uvalde shooting last year and half a billion dollars for improvement to teacher preparations.
The Bill would raise the portion of the state dollars that districts are required to use to pay for teachers raises from 30% to 50%. the rest may be used for other school expenses such as maintaining school buildings and buy necessary school supplies.
The Texas American Federation of Teachers has stated that the House Bill 100 would at best put a extra $80 in the paychecks of teachers. The teacher union also stated that they calculated that the allotment would need to increase to $7,671 per student to account for inflation.
In Texas, if a student misses school, their district’s attendance average goes down — and so does the amount of money it receives. And in a post-COVID-19 world in which parents are quicker to keep their children home if they’re feeling ill, some districts’ finances have become more volatile than ever.
Under house Bill 100, most schools funding will be determined by the attendance of the students, using the average attendance of the students to calculate the amount to be given to the school, but the state would swap that metric for enrollment when counting how many children are bilingual, poor or enrolled in special education programs. By using average enrollment, districts would get money based on how many kids they’re expected to educate each year, not how many show up for class.
In texas there are roughly 5.5 million K-12 students, however only about 92% regularly attended school last year, schools would’ve received millions in state dollars for the remaining students if funding were based on enrollment.
Currently, a teacher with 10 years of experience has to be paid at least $54,540. Under HB 100, that teacher would need to be paid at least $55,000 if they don’t have a teaching certificate and $60,000 if they do.
100 S’more Years and So Much More at Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, TX—The “Land of the Oaks and Lake” is waiting for you this month. What better place to soak in the experience of a natural Texas than Cooper Lake State Park! You witness the circle of life on a hike through the forest spotting our newest resident, a white-tailed deer fawn. Hear the lonesome wail of a pack of coyotes and the evening chorus of green tree frogs as you enjoy a hearty meal around a flickering campfire. You look up just in time to see the thin band of the “Milky Way” with the flash of a meteor enveloped by the park’s dark skies. Just then you realize why it was so important to set aside all your to-do list items for this family camping adventure! Research has shown that spending time in nature helps us with improved mood, cognitive ability, and even has physical health benefits.
Our highlighted event for this month is “100 S’more Years” scheduled for May 13 th across both park units. Come celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks around a campfire creating your most perfect s’more! We will provide the necessary s’more supplies. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients too. Across both park units, as summertime approaches, 10 additional recreational and educational programs will be presented that are focused on family fun and learning about our natural world.
By the Memorial Day weekend, the waters of Jim Chapman Lake will be beckoning swimmers (maybe even sooner). Why not experience an amazing staycation at the park swimming, relaxing and enjoying our white sandy beaches. Just add palm trees and you will think you’re in Florida!
Fish from the bank, off our pier, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are commonly caught at both park units. May is a great time to fish at Cooper Lake State Park! Fishing licenses are not required if you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at any Texas State Park. Other popular activities are hiking our trails, resting under a giant post oak tree, or camping at one of our tree- canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate, and recharge your soul!
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under are always free! Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily after obtaining a free Bluebonnet Pass. Seniors get yours today! The Texas State Park Annual Pass can be purchased for $70 which is good for 12 months from the month of purchase and allows unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle. All programs are free with a valid entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department page or like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek 903-395-3100).
Doctors Creek
Saturday, May 6 – Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Water is life – paint your own water-themed work of art. It would make a great Mother’s Day gift!
Saturday, May 13 – 100 S’more Years – Meet at 2 p.m. at Bluebonnet Day Use Area What better way to celebrate the past 100 years of Texas State Parks and to look forward to 100 more years than enjoying s’mores with family or friends? Join us as we learn the skills for building a campfire and developing a bed of coals fit for that perfect & more. *We’ll have a limited supply of marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and roasting sticks.
Saturday, May 20 — Guided Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, the pocket prairie, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Friday, May 26 – Moongazing – Meet at the Lone Pine Boat Launching parking lot at 8 p.m. We’ll have the telescopes out to view the moon. Bring a lawn chair, bug spray, and dress for the weather.
Saturday, May 27 – Fishing with the Ranger: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear, or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, May 28 — Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Get an inside look at some of the mammals, and reptiles of the park.
South Sulphur
Saturday, May 6 – Art in the Park – 2 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Day Use Area – Water is life – paint a water themed work of art.
Saturday, May 13 — 100 S’more Years – 8 p.m. Meet at the Honey Creek Amphitheater. What better way to celebrate the past 100 years of Texas State Parks and look forward to 100 more years than enjoying s’mores with family or friends Join us as we learn to build a perfect s’more and hear some campfire stories at 8 p.m. at the Honey Creek Amphitheater or in case of rain we’ll move to the Gulls Bluff Pavilion if it rains. *We’ll have a limited supply of marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and roasting sticks.
Saturday, May 20 — Guided Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at the Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail Head. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on the Little Blue Stem trail getting a first-hand look at the shoreline inhabitants, varied insects, and the flora of the park.
Friday, May 26 — Becoming a Junior Ranger – 4 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Do you have what it takes to become a Jr. Ranger? Check your skills and complete the tasks.
Saturday, May 27 – Fishing with the Ranger: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall in the Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear or we have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed.
Sunday, May 28 — Skins and Skulls – Who is the fastest or the furriest? 2 p.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area – Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
Suspect Arrested; Charged With Continuous Sexual Assault
April 27, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office received a report of sexual assault. The assaults allegedly occurred at some point in the past. The caller alleged that Kyle Michael Case sexually assaulted her many times when she was between the ages of 11 and 14 years old.
Case, now age 34, was located by deputies at his Dike, TX residence and asked to come to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office for an interview. Case complied.
At the interview, Case was notified that he was not under arrest, and reminded that he was voluntarily giving information to deputies. Case admitted to ‘various consensual sex acts’ performed on the then underage victim. He went on to rationalize the events as ‘not rape or anything like that’. He stated that he feels he did nothing wrong. His bond was set at $100,000. Case was arrested on site and is currently charged with:
1 SEX ABUSE OF CHILD CONTINUOUS: VICTIM UNDER 14.
Case also had an outstanding warrant for DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID.
This is not the first time Case has been in Hopkins County Jail. In 2014 he was arrested and charged with arson after he set an SSISD School bus ablaze. See that story here.
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.
Upcoming Graduation Exercises at Paris Junior College
CAP AND GOWN
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center graduate student Laci Steward of Cumby receives her cap and gown from Norma Wright, coordinator of student records and recruiting, in preparation for graduation exercises. PJC graduation will be held Friday, May 12 at 7 p.m. on the Paris campus.
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.
Track & Field sending five individuals, relay team to Regional meet Friday
Sulphur Springs had a big outing at the end of last week in Paris at their Area competition on Thursday, Apr. 20. Five individuals plus a relay team move on to the Regional meet held at Texas A&M Commerce on Friday, Apr. 28.
“It was a solid day,” Coach Ross Hicks said on his team’s outing at the Area competition.
Sulphur Springs tried their best to beat the rain and weather at the end of last week, but a lightning delay pushed back the start time in Paris.
The rain made little difference as
Edith Martinez moves on to Regionals in the 3200 M run, after finishing third at Area.
Coach Hicks said Martinez ran with the two fastest girls in the event, both from Canton, and the three runners left the rest of the field in the dust. The Lady Cat crossed the line at 12:42, just 10 seconds off from Martinez’s personal best.
The 1600 M event saw the Lady Cat compete, but her season ends at Area as Martinez finished sixth in Paris. In the mile running event, Martinez came shy of putting up a PR in the 1600. Coach Hicks said for Martinez to qualify for Regionals, in just the first year the Lady Cat has competed in track & field, is a huge accomplishment.
Pole vault proved to be yet again a wildly successful event for Sulphur Springs.
Amerson Boles fought hard against the top eight pole vaulters in the area, coming up short of a Regional qualifying bid.
Jaicee Jasmer moves on in pole vault, as the Lady Cat emerged victorious in the event in Paris. Her winning mark of 12′ is even more impressive considering the two aforementioned athletes did so in to the head wind that caused vaulters some issues at the Area meet. Jasmer also competed in the 200 M dash, placing sixth.
The lone relay team to move on to Regionals from both track & field teams is the 4×200 squad of Jasmer, Rowan Faircloth, Trinity Jefferson, and Codee Roland. The relay team came up big in the event, getting third and improving upon their efforts from the District 15-4A meet.
Coach Hicks said one of his assistants in Emily Faircloth has done a great job of working with the team all year, who has steadily improved with each outing throughout the spring season.
All five Lady Cats moving on to the 4A Region II meet are sophomores.
“That’s really encouraging for our girl’s track program moving forward,” Coach Hicks said. “They’ve all fully bought in, they love the sport, they love to compete. It makes it really easy for me as their coach to enjoy it and coach them and have a good time with it.”
On the boys side, Ty Bybee moves on to Regionals in two events, just like Jasmer, as the Wildcat won an event. In the 110 M hurdles, the sophomore’s winning mark of 15.40 gave Bybee a gold medal at the Area competition.
Jackie Knutson moves on in the event as well, coming in just behind Bybee in second at 15.51. If that was not enough, the latter Wildcat moves on in pole vault after finishing fourth with an impressive effort of 12′ 6″. Bybee and Chaney both competed in the 300 M hurdles as well, but neither move on to Regionals.
Lastly Luke Caton won the discus event for Sulphur Springs, getting a big winning mark of 139′ 8″.
The road only gets more difficult for the five athletes moving on to Regionals, held Friday, Apr. 28 at nearby Texas A&M Commerce.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Como-Pickton CISD School Board Early Voting
April 26, 2023- Como-Pickton CISD School Board is holding early elections for four new members to join the board. Early voting will be held from April 24th to May 2nd at the Como-Pickton CISD Administration building located at 13017 TX Hwy 11 between the hours of 8am and 4pm on weekdays.
General Voting will be held May 6th at Como-Pickton CISD from 7am to 7pm in the art room at the front of the school. Signs will be place to help guide you to the correct area.
The Candidates for this election are: Jim Murray, D J Carr, Brittney Wright Smith, Keith Monk and Danny R Ireland. Elections will be held at large, meaning that the top four voted candidates will be seated onto the board.
PJC Spanish Classroom Help
Mayra Cummings, Spanish Instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, helps students, Kenia Herrera, left, and Emilia Lopez with some of their classroom assignments.
SSISD Board Of Trustee Early Voting
April 26, 2023- Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustee’s are holding early voting to elect two new members to the board. Early voting will be held from April 24th to May 2nd between the hours of 8am and 5pm on weekdays. Voting will be at the SSISD Administration building, located at 631 Connally Street
On Election Day, voters must vote in the precinct where registered to vote. General election will be May 6th from 7am to 7pm at 631 Connally Street.
The Candidates for this election are: Darla Reed, Adam Teer, Wes Cooper and Erv Larry. Elections will be held at large, meaning that the top two voted candidates will be seated onto the board.
Understanding Pesticide Applicator Licenses By Mario Villarino
Understanding Pesticide Applicator Licenses: Do YOU need a license? If so, which endorsement do you need?
The Texas Pesticide Law requires that you must be licensed or certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture in order to lawfully use a restricted-use pesticide, state-limited-use pesticide or regulated herbicides. The law is designed to ensure safety of humans, animals, plants, and the entire ecosystem.
License types are below:
Private Applicator — A person who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the person or the person’s employer or under the person’s general control; or on the property of another person if applied without compensation other than the trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities. An agricultural commodity is defined as a plant or animal grown for sale, lease, barter, feed or human consumption and animals raised for farm or ranch work. Private applicator licenses are valid for five years, and the applicator must obtain 15 CEUs during that time to renew.
Commercial Applicator — A person who operates a business or is employed by a business that applies restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides to the property of another person for hire or compensation. Commercial applicators must renew annually and obtain five CEUs each year.
Noncommercial Applicator — A person required to use restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides but who is not a private applicator or commercial applicator. Noncommercial applicators are generally government employees who apply restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides in the course of their employment or persons employed by businesses applying such pesticides on their own property. Noncommercial applicators must renew annually and obtain five CEUs each year.
Vector Control licensing: Effective Sept. 1, 2009, TDA assumed the duties of licensing for health-related pest control (mosquito control); TDA duties formerly conducted by the DSHS. This change occurred through HB 1530, which made these changes to Chapter 76, the Agriculture Code. Persons wishing to licenses in health-related pest control will be subject to licensing under the Ag Code and subsequent regulations in the Vector Control Category.
The Hopkins County Extension Office offers three dates for Pesticide Applicators to get their training on May 24, August 16 and November 15, 2023. Call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903 885-3443 to register. The cost of the training is $30 and teaching materials (set) is $50. For more information call 903 885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Dike Community Early Voting Is Under Way Now
April 26, 2023- Voting to make Dike, TX a Class C incorporation is holding early voting for the May 6th election. Early voting started Monday April 24 and will be continuing through May 2nd. Should the vote be passed to make Dike a city, elections for a Mayor as well as a new City Commissioner will be in effect from the same ballot
Currently there are two candidates for the mayoral position, Dru Bell and Brett Lester. Also, there are four candidates for the City Commissioner; Betty Waters, Pam Harder, Lucretia Argenbright Pool and Dirk Wessels.
Early voting will be held at the Justice of the Peace 2 Courtroom located at 128 Jefferson St, in Sulphur Springs, weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Saturday May 6th is the official voting day, polls will be open from 7am to 7pm.
