Instructor Kelly Payne Discusses History at Paris Junior College
HISTORY LESSON
Kelly Payne, history instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, discusses history of Texas and the United States during a recent class at the 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.
Wildcats Basketball’s Home Opener Versus Paris on Tuesday Game Day Altered to 6 P.M. Start Time
Tuesday game day match versus Paris has been slightly altered.
While Coach Brandon Shaver’s men’s basketball team were originally slated to take on Paris at home today at 4:30 P.M., it has been pushed back to 6 P.M.
Today’s match versus Paris is also Medical Personnel Appreciation night for the men’s basketball program.
The battle for Wildcats supremacy will begin at 6 P.M. with varsity only.
Sulphur Springs had a big day last Saturday when they travelled to Tyler to take on Tyler Legacy, beating the Red Raiders 72-30 in the season-opener for the Wildcats.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad fired on all cylinders in their regular-season opener as they built a 10-point lead after one 16-6. In the second quarter the Wildcats put their foot on the gas as they stormed out to a 38-11 halftime advantage.
While the Red Raiders of Tyler Legacy were able to score 19 in the second half, Sulphur Springs continued to roll and put up 34 more points en route to a dominating 72-30 win in their road-opener.
The season-opening win gave the Wildcats a 1-0 record to start their season. They will look to push their record to 2-0 if they can get the win at home versus Paris.
Tuesday’s non-district contest versus Paris at 6 P.M. will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM.
If given permission by Paris, we will also be broadcasting on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
Nov. 2, 2021 Election Canvassing: Cumby Alderman Place 4 Determined
Commissioners Canvass Hopkins County Votes In 2021 Constitutional Amendment Election
The tie between Katherine Flinn and Allie Crocker for Cumby Alderman Place 4 has been determined, and the county results for the Nov. 2, 2021 Constitutional Amendment Election had been canvassed by county officials as of Tuesday morning Nov. 16, 2021.
Cumby City Council
In Cumby, both Allie Crocker and Katherine Flinn received exactly 50 percent of the votes (22 each) cast in the Nov. 2 Election for Place 4 Alderman. That would normally trigger a runoff, however, in order to save the city the cost of a runoff election, it was determined casting of lots would be used to determine who serves in Place 4 on Cumby City Council.
Under amended election law, if a recount does not resolve a tie, the tied candidates may (1) cast lots not later than the day before the date the authority must order the second election; or (2) withdraw from the election not later than 5 p.m. of the day after the date the automatic recount is held. (Tex. Elec. Code § 2.002).
Cumby City Council called a special meeting on Nov. 14 to canvass election results and casting of lots. After votes were canvassed, casting of lots for Place 4 was conducted by candidates.
The result is that Allie Crocker will serve as Alderman in Place 4 on the City Council; all required election documents had been sent to the county election official, County Clerk Tracy Smith, by Tuesday morning, Nov. 16, 2021, Cumby Interim City Secretary Betty Jo Hardman reported early Tuesday morning.
Ryan Horne was unchallenged for Place 5 Alderman, but did receive a total of 26 votes, the most cast for any candidate in the Nov. 2, 2021 Cumby City Council Election. He received five votes during early voting and 21 on Election Day, and there were three undervotes for Place 5 as well, according to the election results reported Nov. 15 by county election officials. Undervotes, according to Smith, occur when votes cast ballots but opt not to vote for that place or proposition on their ballot, they leave it blank.
Wayne Mobley also did not draw an opponent for Place 3 on the City Council. Like the Place 4 candidates, Mobley received 22 votes, three during early voting and 19 on Election Day, with seven “undervotes,” according to the unofficial Nov. 2 election data.
Constitutional Amendments Election
County Clerk Tracy Smith Monday morning told Hopkins County Commissioners Court that the only difference between the Election results posted after all local results were in Nov. 2, 2021, and Nov. 15, 2021 was one provisional vote which came in after that date. The Commissioners Court had planned to canvass the votes during last week’s court session, but because the law required giving an additional day for certain mail ballots to come in, they were unable to do so at that time.
A total of 1,458 ballots were cast in Hopkins County for the eight proposed amendments to Texas’ Constitution. That’s roughly 5 percent of the 24,151 registered voters in Hopkins County voting in the Nov. 2, 2021, amendments election. Overall, 380 ballots were cast by Hopkins County voters during the early voting period, another 1,058 on Election Day, 19 were cast by mail and one provisional ballot was cast.
Of the 12 voting centers open on Nov. 2, a total of 252 votes were cast at Hopkins County Courthouse – more than any other location, with League Street Church of Christ second with 145 votes cast and Miller Grove third with 102 votes.
| Polling Location | Voter Turnout (On Nov. 2 * unless otherwise noted) |
|---|---|
| Hopkins County Courthouse | 252 |
| Como-Pickton CISD | 88 |
| Cumby Municipal Building | 77 |
| North Hopkins ISD | 79 |
| Miller Grove ISD | 102 |
| Sulphur Bluff ISD | 49 |
| Our Savior Lutheran Church | 85 |
| Saltillo ISD | 44 |
| Hopkins County Civic Center | 67 |
| Grace Family Church | 52 |
| League Street Church of Christ | 143 |
| * Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Courtroom | *380 |
| * Ballots Cast By Mail | *19 |
| *Provisional Ballots Accepted | *1 |
| Total Votes | 1,458 |
North Hopkins ISD
North Hopkins ISD held a Nov. 2 Election to determine 2 places on the school board. NHISD Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Nov. 8, during votes were canvassed in the election.
Jennifer Harrington received a total of 58 votes, giving her 28.16 percent of overall votes cast. Ellis Dicus received 57 votes, giving him 27.67 percent of ballots cast on Nov. 2, 2021. Robert McPherson received 46 votes or 22.33 percent and Michael S. James received 45 votes or 21.84 percent. A total of 94 NHISD residents also were counted as undervotes, that is the voters opted not to select their choice of up to two candidates to serve on the school board.
The election was for two at-large, full three-year term seats on the school board. Harrington and Dicus finished ahead of the two other candidates.
Symphony League Auction 2021: The Official List *Updated*
Here is the Official List of items up for grabs at the 2021 Symphony Auction. The auction will take place at the KSST Studios on November 20th, 2021. You can bid by phone [903-885-0700], and watch the audio live on YouTube. You can also listen to the live auction by tuning to KSST 1230 AM. Bidding starts at 6:00PM.
- Gift certificate for $500 off anything or up to $1,000 off on tires from Jay Hodge Chevrolet.
- Huffy Chevrolet Red kids truck donated by Jay Hodge Chevrolet
- Christmas clock from Everything Unique donated by Bill & Beverley Owens
- Christmas Hallmark movie watching blanket made by The Sewing Queens donated by Bill & Beverley Owens
- Beautiful Christmas pillows designed by The Sewing Queens / donated by: Bill & Beverley Owens
- Star Wars Lego set
- Fire Cube and Google Home Hub donated by Grocery Supply
- Bodacious BBQ Dinner donated Jay & Patty Isonhood
- BBQ Dinner for 20 donated by Andy & Mary Lou Wright Birthright Catering
- Get out of Dodge Lodge donated by Kayla and Michael Mitchell
- 25 lb box of fresh roasted and salted peanuts, donated by Big Smith’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish. Thank you to Steve & Donna Smith
- Grill donated by Guaranty Bank & Trust. Also includes a 1 hour “Grill School” from Weber Ninja.
- Consuela Bag donated by Marlene’s Sass and Class
- Rose of Sharon Designed Wreath donated by Galyean Insurance Agency
- Christmas Arrangement designed by Sharon Smith-Rose of Sharon- Donated by Carl & Linda Galligher
- CL 55 inch 5-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR QLED Roku Smart TV-55S535 2021 Model TCL Alto 8i 2.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers and Bluetooth-TS8111, 260W, 39.4 Inch , Black Asurion 3 Year Television Protection Plan with Tech Support
- Great book about the history of Sulphur Springs donated by Billie Ruth Standbridge.
- One Free Fountain Drink or Coffee per Day at Super Handy. Donated by Buck and Debbie Booker.
- Two wine glasses and a signed bottle of wine from Kiepersol with a $150.00 gift card.
- Duck hunting trip for 3 donated by Hanson Outdoors
- Red Christmas Truck Decoration designed by The Sewing Queens, donated by Bill & Beverley Owens
- LEGO Speed Champions Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Race car and 1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray / 2 Lego car set / 512 piece set. Donated by: Bill & Beverley Owens
- Snuggle up with this cozy throw blanket and plush socks by Lazy One while you enjoy a mug of warm wassail in a Scout 7 Swig insulated mug. Donated by Lou Nells.
- Beautiful large Christmas Wreath- donated by Clay Johnson- Designed by Sharon Smith
- Beautiful lighted Music Box- Donated by Sharon Smith – Rose of Sharon
- Nativity Lighted Music Box- Donated by Sharon Smith- Rose of Sharon
- Table Arrangement donated by Kelly Grimes- designed by Rose of Sharon
- Photo donated by Susan Payne
- Christmas Candle and Candle Ring donated by Susan Payne & Kim Rivers
- 12 cloth napkins and napkin rings donated by Susan Payne & Kim Rivers
- Nora Fleming stoneware 13 x 13 platter with 8 seasonal minis donation by Ricky & Maleta Reynolds
- Nora Fleming stoneware bread tray with 8 seasonal minis donation by Ricky & Maleta Reynolds
- The Oaks Bed & Breakfast catered meal for 25 donated by Allison Libby-Thesing and The Oaks Bed & Breakfast
- Fishing Trip- Donated by Jeff and Anita Sanderson
- Quilt donated by Tonya Norris
- Quilt made by Carla Duncan- donated by Bradley Edge
- 1 night stay at Clarion Pointe in suite
- Courthouse Picture-donated by Charles & Sharon Helm
- Custom Jewelry donated by Susan Lennon
- Burst Electric Toothbrush donated by Dr. Melissa Edge Emory Dental
- Hopkins County Chamber Christmas ornament donated by Bradley Edge RE/MAX
Shoe Sensation Sulphur Springs Grand Opening
Shoe Sensation Sulphur Springs is set for their Grand Opening Friday November 19th, 2021. KSST will be doing a live remote from their Mocking Bird Ln location on Saturday from 10AM to 1PM.
Store Manager George says they are soft open right now, and will continue to serve customers through the Grand Opening this weekend. There are discounts available during the Grand Opening, and KSST has a limited number of coupons good for a 20% savings on any one item. You can pick them up at the station, or at the new Shoe Sensation store.
George says they will be open till 9pm on Saturday, and 1pm till 6pm on Sunday. “Right now people are really looking for the Hey Dude shoes.” said George. He and the 12 member team have already had to restock some of the Hey Dude offerings. George thinks they will be very popular for Christmas gifts.
‘Superintendent In Training’ Hired At Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas — For those who love baseball, the farm system analogy probably best describes Texas State Parks’ philosophy for our newest position. Cooper Lake State Park was assigned a new position, Park Operations Trainee, a fancy term for a “Superintendent in Training,” hence the farm system reference for which Callie Shell was drafted.
She will learn her position from the best group of professional park rangers in the league, in my opinion. Her contract lasts for up to three years and by the time her minor league stint is completed, Ranger Shell will be able to play many positions, including that of Park Superintendent within one of our 80-plus Texas State Parks.
Callie Shell is from Franklin, Texas, and recently graduated from Texas A&M University-College Station in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and minors in Psychology and Tourism Management.
This past summer, she completed an internship at Cooper Lake State Park. Callie learned about the Texas State Park system overall, along with the different opportunities our Agency has to offer. She was hired after a long and competitive process and returned to Cooper Lake State Park this month.
Ranger Shell has a passion for the outdoors that comes, in a large part, from her childhood spent adventuring across the U.S. with her dad, camping in sometimes very remote and wild locations. She considers herself very lucky to be able to continue to pursue her passion working in the outdoors and within Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
In her off time, Callie enjoys reading and relaxing with her cats, and you might even find her painting a scenic mountain landscape from a past adventure.
Stop by and see Ranger Shell this weekend on your leaf peeping adventure!
For more information concerning the park, please visit and like our Facebook page, or contact us at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur at 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100.
– Submitted by Steve Killian, Complex Superintendent, Cooper Lake State Park
Claire Bybee Signs Letter of Intent with Kansas State University
Lady Cats senior track star Claire Bybee signed a letter of intent Monday, Nov. 15 to run track at the next level at Kansas State University.
Bybee is the daughter of Tony and Denise Bybee.
The senior said she met the coaching staff of the Wildcats earlier this year when the senior made her visit to the Little Apple.
The senior said she had a chance to talk with them in her visit late this summer. The senior said it just felt like home.
Bybee said she loved the top-notch facilities that KSU offers.
The campus is just over an eight hour drive from Sulphur Springs.
The senior said she is excited at the opportunity to lead the team and make the field as a freshman. Bybee said she intends to get points for the team and would love to qualify for nationals her first year as a KSU Wildcat.
The senior said getting a track offer to compete at the next level is a dream come true. Bybee plans to major in kinesiology.
Bybee’s track coach Ross Hicks said she has put in the work and is an exemplary student on and off the track.
The cross country and track and field coach joked that he had nothing to do with Bybee’s success with the pole vault.
He said that he was merely a supporter in her endeavor to make state in the event, but added that the senior almost qualified for regionals in the 300M hurdles.
Coach Hicks said while the team was disappointed Bybee could not compete in the COVID-shortened year of 2020, they knew she would step up and compete her junior year, which she did in spades.
The track coach said Bybee was a great competitor and an even better student.
Coach Cipoletta made another visit to the Sulphur Springs after last week’s Haire signing, and said he will miss the senior and all the work she put in day-in and day-out.
The former Wildcats basketball coach said Bybee is a special athlete who Sulphur Springs will miss come graduation 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.
Bryan Man Jailed On Criminal Activity, Controlled Substance Charges
A Bryan, Texas man was jailed on engaging in criminal activity and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance charges Friday night, according to arrest reports.
(April 25, 2021 Brazos County Jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis said while assisting another deputy on a traffic stop in a South Broadway Street business parking lot just before 10 p.m. Nov. 12, 2021, he noticed a man throw down a cigarette onto the parking lot from a Chevrolet SUV. Davis ordered the man to step out of the SUV to talk to him.
Davis reported as the 27-year-old Bryan, Texas man did so, he displayed several nervous indicators. So, he asked the man if there was anything illegal in the vehicle he was operating. The man, identified in arrest reports as Arturo Pina, admitted to having contraband in the console and was detained while the officer searched the vehicle.
Davis reported finding an object wrapped in electrical tape, which turned out to be a baggy of crystal-like substance the officer identified based on his law enforcement experience as methamphetamine. The deputy also noted in arrest reports he found two meth pipes. Pina allegedly admitted to being on the way to Paris, Texas to delivery the illegal substance. Pina was taken to jail, where the baggy was unwrapped and determined to actually be 2 baggies within the tape, the substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed approximately 115 grams, Davis wrote in arrest reports.
A review of Pina’s criminal reportedly showed the 27-year-old Bryan man to have a prior criminal history elsewhere, including being entering into a state database for affiliation with a criminal street gang, Davis noted in arrest reports. Pina was accused of conspiring to deliver a controlled substance as a criminal street gang member; he was booked into Hopkins County jail just after midnight Nov. 13, 2021, on a delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Pina, who is also known as Arturo Davila Pina Jr., remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in lieu of $150,000 in bond, $75,000 on each of the two felony charge, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
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.
Dike Community Tradition Revived Over Weekend
A Dike community tradition was revived over the weekend. The Dike Fall Festival hosted at the Community Center Nov. 13 was a big hit with residents of not only Dike, but Sulphur Bluff and Mahoney communities as well.
The Dike community held Fall Festival events regularly about 40 ago, an occasion community members could look forward to, and if reports to KSST are anything to go by, this year was no exception.
Residents were so excited to once again be able to have this autumnal tradition, event planners said they were asked if they’d consider hosting a monthly event for the community to enjoy and where they could fellowship.
All items were donated for the Fall Festival, so the event was offered at no charge to any who wanted to attend. The annual event was hosted from 11 to 4 p.m. Saturday, but some attendees reportedly enjoyed visiting so much that some lingered at the venue after the festival had officially closed down talking.
Event planners report having a huge turn out of residents of all ages, from babies to great-grandparents, and as is tradition, there were several big pots of stew and deer chili, with cornbread, plus what seemed to be enough sweets to fill a bakery, huge success.
While no details have been worked out, event planners say with the huge success of and excitement at the Fall Festival on Nov. 13 they fully intend to plan more events for the whole Dike community to enjoy.
Wildcats Basketball Rolls Past Tyler Legacy in Season Opener
Sulphur Springs had a big day last Saturday when they travelled to Tyler to take on Tyler Legacy, beating the Red Raiders 72-30 in the season-opener for the Wildcats.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad fired on all cylinders in their regular-season opener as they built a 10-point lead after one 16-6.
The second quarter was more of the same as the Wildcats stormed out to a 38-11 halftime advantage.
While the Red Raiders of Tyler Legacy were able to score 19 in the second half, Sulphur Springs continued to roll and put up 34 more points en route to a dominating 72-30 win in their road-opener.
The season-opening win gives the Wildcats a 1-0 record to start their season.
Next up, Sulphur Springs will be in the SSHS Main Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 16 when they host the Paris Wildcats.
Tuesday’s match versus Paris is also Medical Personnel Appreciation night for the men’s basketball program.
The battle for Wildcats supremacy will begin at 6 P.M. with varsity only. The match was originally scheduled to begin at an earlier slot of 4:30 P.M., but due to playoff football for the visiting Wildcats the game was pushed to 6 P.M.
Tuesday’s non-district contest versus Paris will be broadcasted on to KSST 1230 AM. If given permission by Paris, we will also be broadcasting on to KSST Radio’s YouTube channel.
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.
