From the Welding School at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
SPARKS FLYING
Kyle Johnson, a member of the pipe welding class at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, has the sparks flying as he bevels a section of pipe.
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.
Four Squads in Action on Friday
March 10, 2023 is another busy day for Sulphur Springs sports.
On this week’s edition of Friday gameday, four teams are in action, with two of them playing in their second-to-last non-district games.
Starting off with soccer, both of which play in their second-to-last district games on Friday. Not only that, but both soccer teams are in Pittsburg.
Coach Adriana Brena informed KSST that the Pirates have one coach for both soccer teams. With Pittsburg bringing both their men and women’s soccer teams to Sulphur Springs Tuesday, Mar. 14, both Coach Brena’s Lady Cats and Coach Alexi Upton’s Wildcats head to Pittsburg.
The first team up on on Friday are the Lady Cats, kicking off their second-to-last district game in Pittsburg.
Sulphur Springs hopes to finish off a perfect season, already 6-0 in 15-4A and two games ahead of the competition with as many left. Most recently in district play, Coach Brena and her squad blew out Paris at home last Friday.
A huge 4-0 win solidified their two game lead over Pleasant Grove with as many left, and a win Friday at Pittsburg would clinch an outright district title for Lady Cats soccer. Doing so would be the first in program history.
While they did technically clinch the district title with Friday’s 4-0 win, a win in Pittsburg tonight clinches the outright district championship.
They kick off in Pittsburg Friday, Mar. 10 at 6:15 P.M.
Also playing in their second-to-last district game is Wildcats soccer, and just like the Lady Cats they play in Pittsburg Friday.
Coach Alexi Upton’s team won big at home over Chapel Hill Tuesday, 6-0, and that win inches the men’s soccer team closer to at least a share of the district title.
Sulphur Springs enters Friday still tied with Paris in 15-4A at 9-1. Coach Upton anticipates both schools being tied when it’s all said and done, but goal differential and points are big tiebreakers for soccer, something the Wildcats still lead with two games left.
Luckily for Sulphur Springs they play the Pirates (6-4, 4th in district) Friday and wrap up their regular season with their Senior Night game on Tuesday hosting North Lamar (3-7, 5th in district).
Paris on the other hand plays a stout defensive team in Pleasant Grove Friday, something that would benefit the Wildcats even in the event of a PK win by Paris.
Coach Upton and his squad as a result look to win big in their final two, starting with Friday in Pittsburg.
That game kicks off following the Lady Cats’ game in Pittsburg.
Also on deck Friday are baseball and softball, both of which play away from home in non-district play.
First up between the two are the Lady Cats, in New Diana for their second-to-last non-district contest prior to the start of 15-4A play.
Coach David Carrillo and his squad look to keep up their winning ways, having won two straight and 14 of their first 17 games.
Friday, in New Diana, Lady Cats softball hopes to continue rolling as they race ahead full-steam towards district play, beginning next weekend.
Sulphur Springs last played Monday, winning yet another shutout pitchers duel thanks to the efforts of Crimson Bryant. Two days before that, in Royse City, the softball team wrapped up tournament play.
The Lady Cats play in their second-to-last non-district game in New Diana Friday, Mar. 10.
That game is scheduled to tee off Friday at 6 P.M.
Wildcats baseball also wrapped up tournament play this past weekend after playing in their second tourney at Wylie East.
The squad went 2-2 over two days, winning their first two games on Friday, but falling in both of their Saturday games. Following their efforts in Wylie, the Wildcats now continue their three non-district games this weekend.
But on this Friday gameday, Coach Jerrod Hammack and his squad play in game two of a three-game series with the Gilmer Buckeyes.
Game two of the three-day series with the Buckeyes tees off Friday in Gilmer at 6:30 P.M.
Saturday concludes non-district play for Sulphur Springs when the Buckeyes return to Wildcat Park Saturday for a 12 P.M. tee-time.
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.
Upcoming Elections for Dike, TX
March 10, 2023 – Elections are coming up soon for a new Dike, TX Mayor as well as a new City Commissioner. Currently there are two candidates for the mayoral position, Dru Bell and Brett Lester. There are four candidates for the City Commissioner; Betty Waters, Pam Harder, Lucretia Argenbright Pool and Dirk Wessels.
The deadline for the registering was March 6, 2023 at 5pm. The election filing window is closed.
Early elections start April 24 and continue through May 2. Voting will be held at the Justice of the Peace Office, in Sulphur Springs, weekdays from 8am to 5pm. Saturday May 6th is the official voting day, polls will be open from 7am to 7pm.
Mark your calendar and get ready to vote.
PUCT Asks for Public Input on Texas Electric Grid Standards
March 9, 2023 – The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is asking for public input to help the Commission develop a reliability standard for the ERCOT electric grid.
Senate Bill 3, passed in 2021, requires the PUCT to develop a reliability standard and increase the reliability of the ERCOT grid through both operational and economic improvements, says the commission.
PUCT says its staff filed a memo on March 7 detailing previous work the Commission has done to develop a standard and requesting public, industry and stakeholder input on the current development project, Project No. 54584. The staff memo includes specific questions for respondents to address in their comments.
Public comments can be filed through the PUCT’s online Interchange Filing System or by submitting a paper copy to Central Records, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326.
Instructions for making a public filing with the PUCT are available here.
All comments should reference Project No. 54584 and each set of comments should include a standalone executive summary as the last page, says the commission. This executive summary should be clearly labeled with the submitting entity’s name and should list each recommendation made in the comments.
Little Elm Chooses Michael Lamb as Lone Finalist For Superintendent Position
March 10, 2023 – A press release on Little Elm ISD website confirms Lamb will leave SSISD for Little Elm ISD.
At the special board meeting of the Little Elm ISD Board of Trustees on March 9, Little Elm ISD named Michael Lamb as the Lone Finalist in its search for the District’s next superintendent. With that announcement, the Board will now observe the state-required 21 day waiting period before officially approving Mr. Lamb.
Mr. Lamb currently holds the position of Superintendent for Sulphur Springs Independent School District. While leading Sulphur Springs ISD for the last 11 years, the district received a Superior on TEA FIRST Rating, developed strategic plans, and oversaw multiple construction projects. He has 27 years of experience in education as a Superintendent at Sulphur Springs ISD, Executive Director of Secondary Education at Forney ISD, Principal at Huntsville ISD, Assistant Principal at McKinney ISD, Coaching and Teaching Math experience from Lindale ISD and Wills Point ISD. Mr. Lamb received his Bachelor of Science in Math and his Masters of Education in Administration from Texas A&M Commerce.
Some of Lamb’s achievements and awards include:
- TASA Executive Committee Representative Region 8 (2021 – Present)
- Thompson Executive Leadership Institute Superintendent Academy Member (2019-2020)
- Chairman of Regions 8 Executive RAC (2020 -2022)
- ESC 8 Regional Superintendent of the Year (2018)
- Hunt/Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference Superintendent of the Year (2013)
- Forney ISD Administrator of the Year (2009-2010)
In January, the Little Elm ISD Board of Trustees selected Arrow Educational Services, Inc. to assist in the superintendent search process. That process included input and feedback from parents, employees, and community members through surveys and meetings. From that feedback, a profile was developed that led to the identification of potential candidates.
The District received 60 applications from inside and outside the state. Little Elm ISD Board President Jason Olson said that the board focused on the candidates who were from Texas or had previously worked in the state because of their familiarity with the Texas education system. “Then, the board reviewed everyone’s files and decided to interview seven applicants from seven different districts.” said Olson. “We are elated at the opportunity of having Mr. Lamb lead our district. He is a proven and experienced academic leader and we are excited to bring him on board to help us achieve our vision of becoming THE Destination District,” said Olson.
SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb Leaves To Take New Job in Little Elm
March 9, 2023 – Teachers and staff members of SSISD were notified via a group email Thursday evening of SSISD current superintendent Michael Lamb’s confirmation of accepting the top post of the Little Elm ISD. No firm timeline was given of Lamb’s transition or any indication of who might serve in Lamb’s place while the search for a new superintendent begins. KSST News was notified from an employee of SSISD and as of yet, no formal statement has been made by SSISD Board of Trustees.
Michael Lamb has served SSISD in the top spot for almost 11 years and indicated in his email he will now leave for what he describes as a “good opportunity.” He also expressed sadness to leave saying, “Sulphur Springs ISD is a very special place, always has been and always will be.”
Little Elm ISD has recently been through similar challenges as SSISD with bond elections. Little Elm ISD held one bond election which failed in May 2022 for almost $400 million, they then sent the measure to voters again in November 2022 after trimming over $100 million from the bond package, gaining 65% approval from voters to pass the final $298 million bond.
Late Night Altercation Lands Two In Jail
March 9, 2023 – Darla Hickle Baldridge, aged 50 years-old, took exception to her husband talking to another woman at his workplace. She confronted him at his residence near Gafford Chapel, and proceeded to assault him.
After attacked, the man attempted to remove himself from the situation by leaving his residence in his pickup. His effort was hindered by 33 year-old Brandon Caleb Baldridge, the victim’s step-son. Baldrige rammed the man’s pickup and caused significant damage to the front of the vehicle. The stepfather was eventually able to depart and headed east towards the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office in Sulphur Springs. Darla followed behind.
While en route, the man contacted law enforcement. Deputies stopped both vehicles on Houston Street. Deputies documented the man’s visible injuries and damage done to his vehicle. He was issued a Family Violence Packet. Darla admitted to law enforcement that she attacked him. The victim reported Baldridge may have consumed a few alcoholic beverages prior to the confrontation. Darla was arrested, and was identified at the primary aggressor in the altercation. The Honda Accord she was in was impounded.
Brandon Caleb Baldridge was arrested at the scene of the assault and charged with AGG ASSAULT DATE/FAMILY/HOUSE W/WEAPON.
Darla Hickle Baldridge was arrested on Houston Street in Sulphur Springs and charged with ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBER.
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.
Women’s Powerlifting Sending Three Lady Cats to State
Coach Casey Jeter and Lady Cats powerlifting had themselves a great day at the Regional meet.
Three athletes from Sulphur Springs move on to the state 4A powerlifting meet.
Starting in the lowest category of 105, Haylee Schultz won her weight group, squatting 275, benching 165 and deadlifting 315 Saturday.
The middle and latter stats are Regional records for the 105 weight class. Schultz with her record-setting efforts send the Lady Cat to the state powerlifting meet.
Machelle Allen was the second and final Lady Cat to win her weight group at the Regional meet, squatting 300, benching 255 and deadlifting 270 for a gold medal Saturday, Mar. 4.
Allen also moves on to the state meet.
Reese Offutt, also in 259+, lifted 825 total pounds for a third place finish and bronze medal.
In 114, Laney Hurst picked up a bronze medal totaling 700 pounds lifted. The third place finish for the senior sends Hurst to the state meet as well, the third and final athlete to do so. The senior squatted 275, benched 135, and deadlifted 290 Saturday.
In 148’s, Max Bailey just missed out on medaling bronze, coming in 4th squatting 300 benching 170 and deadlifting 290 for a 760 pound total weights lifted.
Kolbe McCoy came in 5th in 181, lifting 58- pounds Saturday.
Four athletes finished top-10 at the Regional meet:
- Amy Hurtado (132) — 7th
- Alex Monsivais (132) — 9th
- Emily Soto (148) — 10th
- Brooklynn Person (165) — 8th
Isabelle Thesing and Madison Jeter both finished 11th in their respective weight groups.
Sulphur Springs placed third as a team on Saturday, sending three lifters to the state meet.
Their state meet runs Wednesday through Saturday, Mar. 15-18, 2023.
On the men’s side, Sulphur Springs last competed at Sabine, coming up fifth.
Isaac Riley was the first Wildcat to win his weight group. Riley (132) had a 865-pound total.
Aiden Riley finished behind the aforementioned Wildcat in second.
In the 148 weight class, two Sulphur Springs athletes finished top-5:
- 3. Abraham Banuelos
- 4. Levi Barnes
Both Wildcats got 950-pound totals Thursday.
Zach Clark (181) picked up a bronze medal at Sabine’s meet. The athlete squatted 430, benched 240 and deadlifted 455, finishing third.
Sulphur Springs compiled 20 points in Sabine, coming up fifth in their final competition prior to their Regional meet.
It gets underway for the men this Saturday, Mar. 11 at 8 A.M.
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.
Sulphur Springs City Council March 7 Meeting
March 9, 2023- Sulphur Springs City Council met last Tuesday to discuss several items within their agenda. The members of the City Council called for the month of March to become Texas history month, to honor the great Texas heritage that we all share.
Ordinance 2827, a rezoning request by Scott Hemby was proposed to the court Tuesday. The rezoning property located at Azalea Lane and Hillcrest, identified as Lots 1, 2, Pt 10 Blk: 215-5, Addn: Highland Hills. The lots consisted of approximately 1.51 acres to be rezoned from Professional Business to Light Commercial. The members of the council required a super majority vote to approve the ordinance. A super Majority is where the Members of the council must have a 80 Percent approval vote to approve the item. The ordinance was denied on first reading due to the lack of a super majority vote.
Ordinance 2828, a zoning request by Oak National Development located on State Highway 11 W. to be zoned single family in response to a proposed annexation request for parcels R23108 and R29261. The land consists of approximately 281.664 acres. The rezoning would allow the construction of single family homes within the property. The City Council members voted and approved the Ordinance on the first reading.
City Council members voted to cancel the upcoming election for new members of the council. Tyler Law and John Sellers remain unopposed for the next ballot leading to the cancellation of the election and granting the two positions on the council. The city Council approved the motion to cancel the election and grant the two candidates positions on the council. Tyler Law will be replacing council member Doug Moore for seat 6 on the council, and John Sellers will be granted seat 7 on the council.
City Council members voted on and approved the purchase of a new Christmas tree for celebration plaza. This new tree in question will stand two feet taller than the last tree, making the height of the tree a grand 30 feet tall.
City Council members discussed Plat Case PL#230201 a request by J&K Wagoner Group to Plat 107 Ardis Street. The Council voted unanimously to approve Plat Case PL#230201.
City Council members discussed Plat Case PL#230202 a request by First National Bank of East Texas to plat two lots consisting of approximately 6.3 acres of land at the NE corner of Wildcat Way and S.H. 19. The members of the council voted upon the item and unanimously voted to approve the plat case.
Meal-A-Day Menu And Senior Citizen Center Calendar March 13-17, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of March 13-17, 2023 includes:
Monday, March 13- Stuffed Zucchini Boats, Potato’s and Broccoli
Tuesday, March 14- Cheese Tortellini in Creamy Tomato Sauce, Carrot Salad and Garlic Toast
Wednesday, March 15- Oven Baked Frito Pie, Coleslaw and Corn
Thursday, March 16- Cheese Pizza, Broccoli and Cuties (2)
Friday, March 17- Cheese Burger, Baked Beans and Chips
