English Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Campus
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center English Instructor Kenneth Haley discusses an assignment with student Laci Steward of Cumby. For information about education opportunities at the Center, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Over $8,100 In Donations Contributed During Second Week Of 2021-22 HCUW Campaign
More than $8,100 in donations were contributed to Hopkins County United Way during the second week of the 2021-22 campaign, bringing the overall total raised so far to $32,768.
This year’s goal is to raise $150,000 to benefit the 18 agencies the funding is allocated to help.
Mike Horne picked up a donation from Century 21 First Group. Hope Smith also dropped off at his office donations from Hopkins County Veterinary Clinic and Hope Smith Interior Design.
Carolyn McKinney had collected all except one of the packets she handed out. Tuesday morning, McKinney received a donation from Hopkins County Abstract, and noted “We appreciate their support so much.”
Charlotte Henderson reported she has packets out. While she had no donations yet to turn in, she anticipates going back to collect donation packets; in the mean time, she brought her pompons and cow bell to cheer the each donation which helps HCUW get closer to the goal.
Hillary Young turned in three packets this week containing donations from Keith Bland, M&W Feed and Outdoor Power Products. She still has two packets still out, but anticipates following up on them over the next week.
Dinh Tran turned in a donation from Diversified Storage Solutions, and has a couple of others he plans to stop by to collect soon.
Bill Owens picked up a donation from the new barbecue business in Sulphur Springs, Dickey’s Barbecue pit. He also noted that Jay Hodge Chevrolet is once again hosting a giveback this month: donate a bag of Halloween candy and receive $500 toward the cost of a new vehicle. The candy will be donated toward a local organization and jay Hodge will donate $100 to Hopkins County United Way. The deal is good through Oct. 30, 2021. Click here to see a video clip announcing the giveback. Owens said so far the business has had a good month, and contributed a “down payment” donation of $2,500 from Jay Hodge Chevy.
Beverley Owens brought in packets for Mike Jumper, who as of Tuesday had only one donation packet still to be collected. Dr. Daniel Siriphongs, Town & Country Cleaners, Backstory Brewery, Discount Wheeler and Tire, Cody Drug, Wilks Classic Car Wash, Dr. William Longino, Rick’s Oil Depot, Freedom Realty and Bell Concrete each generously either gave the goal requested or more.
Lynda Hager too reported a donation from Pilgrim Bank.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning reported packets collected by John Berning and Tim Glenn included donations from Southwest Dairy Museum; All World Travel; Smith, McDowell & Ginn; and Kiwanis Club. She reported on two special donations as well.
“We have a donation from United Way of Central New Mexico. What that probably means is that there’s somebody associated with Hopkins County that works for a company that sends their contributions through that particular United Way,” Berning said, noting HCUW also received “a donation from Ian Ashcroft, who has been a contributor and great supporter of our local United Way for years.”
“Yes, he’s one of a founding board member,” Henderson added.
HCUW Campaign Chair Kristy Moseley received donations from Chad’s Media and Marlene’s Sass & Class.
Berning too offered special thanks to HCUW campaign volunteers such as McKinney who are returning to once again donate their time to United Way and new volunteers such as Young and Tran, for joining the group to help work this year’s campaign. Young and Tran also are on the HCUW Board of Directors this year, and Tran also serves on the Budget & Allocations Committee.
Moseley reported that the $8,129.15 collected during the second week of the 2021-22 HCUW campaign, added to donations collected the first week of the campaign, amount to $32,768.15 of the $150,000 goal collected so far.
“Thank you all for working so hard. We’ll just continue taking packets and pick up packets. We are looking forward to another great week next Tuesday,” Moseley said.
Those who wish may make donations or learn more about Hopkins County United Way and the 2021-22 campaign via the organization’s website, https://hcuw.org, and Facebook page.
The next workers campaign meeting will be conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, at Texas AgriLife Extension Office. Campaign report meetings will be held at 9 a.m. each Tuesday in October, as well as Wednesday, Nov. 3 and Tuesday, Nov. 9, if needed to reach the $150,000 goal to help all 18 agencies allocated funding. Campaign workers who are able are encouraged to attend each week’s meeting, even if they don’t have additional funds to contribute, to cheer on the new donations which get HCUW that much closer to the goal each week.
Donations may also be mailed from individual contributors to HCUW Campaign Headquarters, at PO Box 735, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Donations may be made in cash or by check, or online via PayPal or debit/credit card by clicking the Shop Now button on the Hopkins County United Way Facebook page
To have Moseley stop by a business to speak at the workplace, Questions may be directed to Berning by phone call or text to 903-243-4066.
Team Tennis Bi-District, Lady Cats Volleyball On Road For Tuesday Game Day
As fall starts to creep over East Texas the first two weeks of October, so too falls the playoffs for certain teams.
Tuesday, Oct. 11 proves to be a pivotal game day for two teams here in Sulphur Springs; team tennis will be playing in the Bi-District round of playoffs versus Whitehouse and Lady Cats volleyball will be on the road taking on Marshall.
Wildcats team tennis should be all too ready to get back on the courts as their final regular season contest which was to be held last Monday versus Marshall was forfeited by the Mavericks due to illness, giving Coach Tony Martinez’s program a 1-0 forfeit win over Marshall.
Now, team tennis is ready to start playoff action when they travel to Longview to take on Whitehouse at LeTourneau University.
Those matches are set to begin at 8:30 A.M. this morning but if there is rain in Longview this morning the match will be moved to Texarkana at Texas High at 2 P.M.
Moving over to volleyball, the Lady Cats volleyball team will be back on the road to complete their two-game road stand, this time against Marshall.
Sulphur Springs lost another five-set heartbreaker last Friday in Texarkana against Texas High.
The loss dropped the Lady Cats volleyball team’s season record to 19-13 overall (5-3 district).
After Friday, Oct. 5’s loss in Texarkana, Coach Bailey Dorner’s program fell to fourth place, but they can make up lost ground by beating the Lady Mavs on Tuesday in Marshall.
The Lady Mavs come into tonight’s contest a half-game ahead at 5-2 in District 15-5A, but a win for Sulphur Springs later today would put them a half-game ahead of Marshall for third place in the standings, but a win over the Lady Mavs would give the season-sweep to the Lady Cats which could prove to be pivotal in the final playoff positioning.
Coach Dorner and her program will look to get back into the win column and move to third place if they can best the Lady Mavs in Marshall.
That showdown is set to begin at 6 P.M. with the varsity squads but will be preceded by JV and freshmen teams.
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.
Learn About the Innovative Dual Language Education Program at Travis Primary Oct.13 at 5:30pm
Dr. Gomez of the Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Consultants will be in Sulphur Springs on Wednesday October 13, for an informational session on the Dual Language Education program offered through SSISD.
The Dual Language Education informational meeting will be held at Travis Primary Campus at 5:30 p.m. They will be sharing information about the program and bilingual education in general. English and Spanish-speaking parents and interested persons are invited.
The Gomez and Gomez Dual Language Enrichment Model was first developed in Texas by Dr. Richard Gomez, Jr. and Dr. Leo Gomez in 1995 and has since been implemented in over 700 schools across the country including SSISD.
Mainstreet Uncorked: Wine and Music Festival- Winners and More!
Last Saturday, October 9th, was the annual Mainstreet Uncorked: Wine and Music Festival. Wine Vendors from all over Texas had set up to offer samples and tastings of their different types of wines. There was every type of wine you could imagine-dry, sweet, red, white, fruity, heavy…if you wanted to try it, a vendor had it!
There was even a judging to determine the best of the best wine vendors that closed at 6pm.
The Wine-winners were:
- Phinesse Farms from Sulphur Springs, TX
- Texas South Wind Vineyard from Refugio, TX
- Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard from Pittsburg, TX
With 150 pre-registered attendees, and an estimated 500 day-of attendees, Mainstreet Uncorked was a huge success! People sampled wines and shopped at the local booths. Vendors had cute jewelry, trendy clothes, honey, and even some wood-working!
The music acts were also hits. Matthew Fiock, Lincoln Goodman, and Twisted Whisky had the crowds dancing in their seats and singing along. One couple running a jewelry booth, got so into the music they started slow-dancing in the street!
Mark your calendar for next year! This is an event you don’t want to miss!
Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center Offers 3D Mammography
No Excuses – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Nothing will keep us from making your breast health a priority, whether you need a mammogram, help choosing the right physician or treatment plan, from chemotherapy to radiation to surgery. We provide safe, high-quality care in our brand new, state-of-the-art Ruth & Jack Gillis Women’s Center.
Schedule an appointment for your local 3D mammogram today by calling 903.438.4325.
Do You Need a COVID test, but are unable to get in to see your provider for testing or an appointment?
- CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs is offering an opportunity for patients to be tested for COVID-19 without having to be seen by a provider.
- Drive-thru testing is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the parking lot of 100 Medical Circle; no appointment required.
- Patients do not need to leave their vehicle. Someone will be out to get patient information and perform the COVID-19 test.
- Patients will be required to sign up for MyChart.
- Results of COVID testing will be available to patients via MyChart.
Thank you for your patience!
With a spike in COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County, please expect “longer than usual” wait times in the Emergency Department. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older) and Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older). Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
The CDC recommends a booster for fully vaccinated people who received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago, and for those 65-years of age and older, and/or immunocompromised. Right now, boosters are only recommended for patients who completed their Pfizer vaccine series and meet the current eligibility criteria. Updates on a Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shot will be provided in the near future, as the CDC determines guidelines.
Missing COVID card?
Don’t worry – We manage your medical records if you had your vaccine administered at a CHRISTUS location. You may log in to your “MyChart” account to access the record. If you don’t have a MyChart account, you can call 903.885.3181 to get that setup. You will need a working email address. Or, you may contact Health Information Management. If you need medical records, please use one of the following options:
- Please call 903.439.4045 to speak to staff members who can send your records to care providers for you or to request your medical records. You will need to complete an authorization form, complete and return, along with a copy of your identification, to our office via fax or email. The fax number is 903.439.4704.
- We are available Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- Minor-age visitors must be accompanied by an adult, be free of symptoms and able to comply with masking and hygiene expectations throughout the visit.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only;
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person for the duration of hospital stay – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band for identification purposes;
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only;
- All other patients may have 1 essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time)
- Types of Visitors:
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care Hours of Operation
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care Hours of Operation is as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours:
- Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Closed
- Virtual Visit Hours:
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
- Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St, and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Rep. Slaton Calls For Legislation To Nullify President’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Representative Bryan Slaton of House District 2 released the following statement
regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-40, which prohibits any entity in the State from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, and adds the issue to the Special Session call.
“Governor Abbott’s order is a much needed, but temporary, relief from the tyranny of vaccine mandates that are becoming more common among employers and other entities in Texas. Regardless of the reasoning, no one should ever be forced to choose between keeping their job to feed their family, and obeying their conscience.
“The legislature must immediately pass legislation that permanently makes it illegal for any entity in the State to force COVID-19 vaccinations on anyone, including employees. We must also pass legislation that boldly stands up to and nullifies President Biden’s unconstitutional COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and any future federal mandates. I have authored two bills, HB 33 and HB 125, that will help accomplish both, and I hope that my colleagues in the House and Senate will support them.”
— Representative Bryan Slaton, House District 2
Governor Issues Another Executive Order Prohibiting Vaccine Mandates By Any Entity, Adds Issue To Special Session Agenda
October 11, 2021 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today again issued an executive order stating that no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19. Governor Abbott also sent a message to the the Chief Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate adding this issue as an item to the Third Special Session agenda. The executive order will be rescinded upon the passage of such legislation.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and our best defense against the virus, but should remain voluntary and never forced,” said Governor Abbott.
The order was filed at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, with the Secretary of State’s Office
Hopkins County Corrections Officer Arrested In Connection With Investigation Into Discrepancy In Inmate Medication Counts
A Hopkins County corrections officer has been arrested in connection with an investigation into a discrepancy in inmate medication counts at Hopkins County jail, according to jail and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported being contacted Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, by jail medical staff, who’d “noticed a discrepancy in the count of inmate medication.” Tatum said he then asked the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Rangers to begin an investigation into the missing medication.
“Upon reviewing evidence from the jail, an arrest warrant was obtained for Corrections Officer Toshia Edmonson. Investigators made contact with Edmonson at her residence and executed a previously obtained search warrant,” Tatum said.
The 40-year-old corrections officer was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony offense; diversion of controlled substance by registrants, dispensers, and certain other persons, a state jail felony; theft by public servant, a misdemeanor offense; and possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, a Class A misdemeanor offense.
According to Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 6, Subtitle C, Sec. 481.1285, a person commits diversion of a controlled substance by registrants, dispensers, and certain other persons if the person knowingly:
(1) converts to the person's own use or benefit a controlled substance to which the person has access by virtue of the person's profession or employment; or(2) diverts to the unlawful use or benefit of another person a controlled substance to which the person has access by virtue of the person's profession or employment.
The Health and Safety Code also not only classifies the offense as a felony, but stipulates “conduct that constitutes an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under any other law, the actor may be prosecuted under this section, the other law, or both.”
“I believe that we are held to a higher standard and I am thankful for our medical staff, who quickly notified us of the discrepancy. My office will always be transparent and we will not tolerate violations of law and policy by our staff,” Tatum said.
Edmonson, who is also known as Toshia Marie Lindsey, remained in Hopkins County jail at 5 p.m. Oct. 11, 2021. Her bonds totaled $60,000: $25,000 on the tampering with evidence charge, $15,000 on the diverting controlled substance charge, and $10,000 each on the theft and possession of controlled substance charges, 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.
Como Woman Accused of Leaving Two Elementary-Aged Children Home Alone While She Drank, Vaped THC in Sulphur Springs
A 39-year-old Como woman was accused Sunday morning of leaving her two elementary-aged children home alone, while she was at a Sulphur Springs address consuming alcohol and vaping THC, sheriff’s deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted at 12:19 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, when the Como woman’s 8-year-old and 6-year-old sought help at a nearby residence for their mother, who they believed had been kidnapped, according to arrest reports.
Upon responding at the Como residence of the person the youngsters gone to in search of help finding their mother, deputies learned the mother’s name is Holly Ann York and received information about the vehicle she typically travels in. Deputies then went to the residence the children share with their mother, which gave no indication of a possible kidnapping or foul play in regard to York’s disappearance, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Continued investigation revealed the names and locations of York’s known associates. Deputies checked multiple locations throughout the county, and contacted the kids’ father, who lives in Arkansas. Arrangements were made for the father to take custody of the children and Child Protective Services personnel were notified of the incident, Davis, and Deputies Justin Wilkerson, Nick Marney and Colt Patterson alleged in arrest reports.
After following several leads, deputies reported finding York’s red Ford Fusion at a West Industrial Drive residence in Sulphur Springs around 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, 2021. They located York and read her Miranda warning to her. She allegedly agreed to talk to deputies, and claimed the neighbor’s daughter was supposed to be babysitting her two elementary-aged children. Deputies told her they’d already talked to that person so they knew that wasn’t true, Davis noted in arrest reports. After talking to her further, they learned she’d been at the Sulphur Springs apartment complex since about 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, the sheriff’s officer noted in arrest reports.
The deputies arranged with York and the kids’ father for the parents to exchange essential items and documents so he could take the two elementary-aged children. She then allegedly told deputies she had lost track of time and fell asleep, after consuming alcoholic beverages and vaping THC. York was taken into custody at 2:24 a.m. Oct. 10, 2021, at the West Industrial Drive address and transported to jail.
York, who is also known by Holly Ann Allen and Holly Ann Allen-York, was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:46 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, on two counts of abandoning or endangering a child with intent to return home, one for each elementary-aged child home alone. She remained in Hopkins County jail Monday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2021. Bond on the felony charges was set at $25,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
Sunday morning wasn’t the first time York has been jailed in Hopkins County on charges involving children. The woman, known as Holly Ann Allen at the time, spent July 5-Aug. 22, 2016, in the county jail on two outstanding charges for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person. Bond on those charges was set at $20,000, according to jail reports. She was indicted the following September on two injury to a child charges after her then 1-year-old and 3-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine during an investigation by CPS and Special Crimes Unit investigators, according to arrest and court records.
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.
