Local Filmmaker Ashley Fordinal; Her RAAM Project Titled “From Ashes We Rise” Will Inspire and Motivate
Ashley Fordinal of RiseUp Films lives in Sulphur Springs and is about to launch a film project about the ‘world’s toughest bicycle race” and one of it’s 2021 solo contenders. The project is titled “From Ashes We Rise”, to focus on Jerry Schemmel as he makes the Race Across America epic 12-day coast-to-coast marathon during June. On Friday June 11, 2021, Ashley joined Enola Gay on the KSST Good Morning Show to talk about the project, her interest in making films and what’s involved for her and the crew in this major project she is about to embark upon.
“I was aware of the life story of Jerry Schemmel; his years as a sports broadcaster in the Denver area, how he survived the 1989 United Airways crash-landing in an Iowa field and how he rescued a baby from the wreckage, how he later teamed up with Brad Cooper to compete and win as a relay team in the 2015 Race Across America, and how Jerry will now undertake the 2021 bike challenge as a solo contestant. In my own experience, hardship and struggles can refine us and make us want to reach higher and wider. I met Jerry, we talked, and I got interested in the annual race because his personal story was inspiring to me. That’s briefly how I got interested in wanting to do this project. I wasn’t certain though, that Jerry actually wanted me to go forward with it, because I haven’t done a lot of major projects yet, but earlier this year, I got confirmation. He said ‘Yes, it’s yours’. So that’s when I really went to work on it. We actually leave for Oceanside in two days!”
After being onhand for all the pre-race formalities, Ashley and her crew plan to meet up with Schemmel during periods of the race and document his journey to the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland. Six cameras will be in use to capture a quantity of footage. But documenting the epic sporting challenge isn’t the only feature of Ashley’s mission. Her belief in rising above life’s challenges are based on her own struggles and her own breakthrough at age 26. Her belief system is similar to Schemmel’s, as he shared in a video on RiseUp Films on Facebook, “Ashley Fordinal is a director/producer who will capture footage and create a film to inspire others. We are excited about the film. Anyone can do their own ‘race’. So be inspired and motivated, and realize your dreams!”
KSST wishes Ashley the best of luck as she secures funding and moves ahead to launch her project. I appreciate this inspiring quote from Schemmel which also motivates Ashley toward her dream. “Everybody has their own plane crash, big or small. Everybody has their own RAAM, something they’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t. Do the best you can to work through your plane crash and act on your RAAM”.
Find out more about the film From Ashes, We Rise. Donate to Riseup Films here, your contributions will assure the film is completed. Learn more about the subject of the film, Jerry Schemmel, at his website available here.
PJC Announces Spring 2021 President’s and Dean’s List
Paris Junior College is pleased to announce that 175 students were named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement during the Spring 2021 semester.
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours.
Those on the dean’s list must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.”
Both lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students on the PJC President’s List by hometowns in area include:
- Brashear: Anthony Myers
- Commerce: Evan Humphries
- Como: Diana Gallegos
- Cooper: Justin Gibson, Glen Holt, Madison Oats
- Dike: Kisha Large
- Emory: Ty Nichols
- Klondike: Austin Henderson
- Pecan Gap: Jessie McGuire
- Sulphur Springs: Gregory Nottingham, Taylor Buttrill, Jewely Holladay, Kennedy Lee, Landrie McKinney, Gregory Nottingham, Alexander Rodriguez, Ethan Smith, Zachary Tiemeyer, Jaci Wyatt Yantis: Jennifer Ogle
Students on the PJC Dean’s List by their hometowns in area include:
- Alba: Brandon Riley
- Brashear: Jacquelyn Cruz, Christopher Dockweiler
- Commerce: Christian Walter
- Como: Crystal Romero, Estelfa Trujillo-Cortes
- Cumby: Jessica Mullins
- Dike: Jennifer Stanley
- Lone Oak: Godfrey Snyder
- Pickton: Alex Alonso
- Saltillo: John Beadle
- Yantis: Nathaniel Doolin
Congratulations to all of the students on the PJC President’s List and Dean’s List and all other 2021 PJC graduates.
Summer Classes Are In Session at PJC-Sulphur Springs Center
Trinity Roberts, a recent graduate from Sulphur Bluff High School and a former dual credit student at PJC, is registering for summers classes at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center.
Assisting her is testing clerk Cathey Martin.
For registration information, call campus at 903-885-1232.
For information about attending the Center, visit the campus at 1137 Loop 301 East in Sulphur Springs.
To see offered classes, go to www.parisjc.edu/schedule.
To apply to PJC, go to www.parisjc.edu/apply or email [email protected].
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.
Three Men Jailed For Crimes Against Children
June 10, 2021 – Over the past two days, three men have been jailed for crimes against children, according to arrest and Hopkins County jail reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Davis, Deputy Justin Wilkerson and Investigator Michael Russell, aware of an outstanding warrant for Charles Ray Rollins’ arrest, located the 42-year-old man at his Saltillo residence and took him into custody at 10:43 p.m. June 9, 2021. During an interview, Rollins confessed to Russell that he had sexual contact with a juvenile.
Rollins was released from Hopkins County jail June 10, 2021, on a $100,000 bond on the indecency with a child by sexual contact charge.
HCSO Corrections Officer Courtney Steward took Johnny Lee Speed into custody at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom. The 39-year-old Pickton man was booked into Hopkins County jail Wednesday, June 9, 2021, and remained there Friday, June 11, 2021, on an order revoking his bond on an injury to a child charge.
Speed was arrested on the injury to a child or disabled person charge on Nov. 3, 2020. He allegedly injured a 15-year-old with mental disabilities during an argument after the teen allegedly started a fire on the back part of his residence, putting him and other children in danger.
HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford arrested Darrell Glen Farris Tuesday, June 8, 2021, on an online solicitation of a minor.
HCSO received an outcry report and initiated an investigation. Farris was alleged to have initiated online contact with a minor in Hopkins County for a sex act. A warrant was issued for Farris’ arrest for online solicitation of a minor. HCSO officials contacted Hunt County Constable Wade Sheets, who located Farris, took him into custody and transported him to the Hunt-Hopkins County line. Farris was then transported to Hopkins County jail, where he allegedly admitted during an interview to the offense as well as others involving other children. The appropriate authorities have been notified in those jurisdictions, according to Weatherford.
The 60-year-old Commerce man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, June 11, 2021, in lieu of the $100,000 bond set on the third-degree felony online solicitation of a minor charge, according to 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.
Bright Star Cinemas: It’s Time To Return To The Theater
After more than a year, we returned to our local theater to enjoy “A Quiet Place, Part II” and found our experience to be as enjoyable as we expected. As one of the hardest hit business sectors during the Covid pandemic, I am happy to say that our local movie theater has weathered the storm and is ready to serve their customers. Having a recent remodel (pre-Covid) the theater offers reclining seats, and a fresh interior along with new sound and video equipment which made us realize why we go to the theater in the first place.
The staff was pleasant as we purchased our tickets inside at one end of the concession stand that offers a wide selection of new food items. The clerk helped us select our seats and we were on our way. Of course, you can select your own seats in advance on their website: brightstarcinemas.com. We found the theater itself to be very clean as well as all of the public areas. Lower matinee pricing is still being offered. The only negative was that we didn’t see enough OTHER people in the theater. Maybe it was our time or movie selection, but we would like to see more customers so that this vital business can continue.
The Movie
I won’t ruin the movie for you, but I will say that if you enjoyed the original “Quiet Place” you will enjoy the sequel. I wish I had watched the original to refresh my memory, but the sequel was just as intense as the original. Having a “theater experience” is something that I have missed during the pandemic and the sound system and video system of Bright Star Cinemas certainly makes us glad to be able to go back to the theater. This movie is showing ONLY in theaters right now (no streaming) and this a great way for you to support a local business and get back to the theater. There are currently six offerings of movies this week and you can check out the times by clicking here: MovieTimes
Wildcats Football Head Coach Greg Owens Discusses First Week of Football Edge
On Thursday, June 10, reporters from KSST met up with Wildcats Football head coach Greg Owens at the Multi-Purpose Building to discuss the first week of The Edge in football.
Coach Owens said the first week went well, saying that it was good to get back to work and to have everyone back.
The Wildcats football head coach said on Monday that he had 140 students attend the Edge from grades 7-12, but Coach Owens did note that numbers did trail off towards at the end of the week.
Coach Owens said that at one point the number dropped down to 125 and the number of attendees was lower Thursday.
The Wildcats football head coach did note that many students could be out of town on vacation, in band practice, or or something of the sort. Coach Owens did say that he was proud of the students that attended the Edge this week and their desire to get after it and get better.
Coach Owens said earlier this week on Monday that he was impressed with the way athletes brought a great attitude to the first week of Edge, and took it a step further by saying that same good attitude carried throughout this week.
The head football coach said the staff is challenging Seniors to step up and be leaders, but Coach Owens did say that the younger kids are excited to be at The Edge.
Coach Owens noted the eagerness of Edge attendees as something he’s particularly excited about, in that athletes have been great listeners, taking in everything the coaching staff throws at them, and taking it another step further by continuing to add on responsibilities and challenges to best prepare them for football season.
“They’re really working to get better,” Coach Owens said about his athletes after the first week of Edge, adding that student attendees are succeeding at “trying to do what we’re coaching them to do.”
The Edge for football runs Monday through Thursday, 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. for students entering 10th through 12th, and 10 A.M. until noon for the younger students, representing the age group from students entering 7th through 9th grades.
The Edge runs until July 15.
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.
2021 Dairy Classic Show Plus an Open Dairy Show June 12
Although there will be no full-blown Hopkins County Dairy Festival in 2021, the traditional Dairy Classic cattle show usually held in June is set for Saturday June 12, 2021 in the Civic Center arena and barns. In addition to the traditional Dairy Classic Show, which is open to youth exhibitors in 4H and FFA clubs, there will also be an Open Dairy Show for any dairy cattle exhibitor who wishes to enter. Amy Bowen, Supt. of NETLA for Dairy, will head up the show.
According to Amy, both the classic and open entries will be shown in alphabetical order according to breed. Animals should be in place by 8:30am, and the show will begin at 10:00am. Spectators are admitted free and are encouraged to enjoy this unique feature of Hopkins County life.
The traditional Hopkins County Dairy Festival is expected to return in June 2022.
Meal-a-Day Needs Fill-In Drivers for Summer!
 from Karon Weatherman – It is Summer Time and my Meal A Day Volunteers go on Vacations to Visit Family. I am looking for some Back Up Drivers and Cooks for the Summer. You would only have to drive ever once in a while and Cook when we need you. If I have back up drivers and cooks then my regular volunteers will not have to drive or cook twice in one week.If you think that delivering meals would be just jumping in and out of a car on a hot or cold day….now is your chance to find out that it is not. Delivering Meal A Day food to shut ins is so much more fun and rewarding than you could ever imagine. Senior Citizens just light up when you go to their door. You might be the only person that they see all day. They will touch you with their smiles of appreciation. You are there to make a difference in their lives, but they end up touching yours more. It will give you a warm fuzzy feeling to know that you have made their day and that you have let them remain independent and in their homes a little longer. If you would like to volunteer for Meal A Day we are looking for drivers and Cooks for Monday – Friday. Please open your hearts and help us help others. Contact Karon Weatherman at (903) 885-1661 or (903) 243-3255. Karon Weatherman Program and Marketing Director Senior Citizen’s Center150 Martin Luther King Blvd Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482 (903) 885-1661 |
PJC Dragons Soccer Holding Two Tryouts Saturday, June 12
Paris Junior College women’s and men’s soccer will hold tryouts at Noyes Stadium in Paris on June 12.
The women’s tryout will be at 10:30 A.M. and the men’s tryout will be at 1:30 P.M.
“Any players interested in playing soccer at the junior college level are welcome to attend,” said PJC soccer coach Natalie Stahmann.
“We are looking for class of 2021 graduating athletes or older.”
The tryout will evaluate prospective players individually and in group situations.
Participants need to show up at least 15 minutes prior to the tryout to sign a waiver and provide a current, updated copy of their annual physical.
Noyes Stadium is located near the center of the PJC campus at 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460.
For more information contact Coach Stahmann at [email protected].
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.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags Of Marijuana, Jar Of THC Wax Found During I-30 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies reported finding half a dozen vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana and a jar of THC wax during an Interstate 30 traffic stop early Thursday morning.
HCSO Deputy Aaron Chaney reported stopping a Toyota Camry with a defective driver’s side tail light at 12:45 a.m. June 10, 2021, at mile marker 122 on Interstate 30 east.
Upon contact with the two occupants, Chaney reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the car. When asked if they had previously smoked weed, they denied smoking it but surrendered a glass jar containing several burnt cigarillos containing suspected marijuana.
Chaney had both occupants step out of the car while he conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. The deputy reported finding a cigarillo wrapper with a small amount of suspected marijuana. HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis arrived to assist in the continued search of the car. Chaney reported removing from the car a white backpack containing six vacuum-sealed plastic bags containing suspected marijuana. A small glass jar containing THC wax was also located during the search.
Both occupants were detained. Candice Rae Blade allegedly claimed all of the contraband in the car and was arrested at 1:09 a.m. Thursday. The male who had been traveling with the 24-year-old Little Rock, Arkansas man was released with the vehicle. Blade, however was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:27 a.m. Thursday, June 10, 2021. Once processed, the six vacuum-sealed bags of suspected marijuana were determined to weight approximately 6.53 pounds, including packaging, and the THC wax weighed 31.3 grams, including the glass container.
Consequently, Blade was charged with possession of 5 pounds or more but less than 50 pounds of marijuana and possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, the deputies alleged in arrest reports. Blade remained in Hopkins County jail late Thursday morning, June 10, 2021, on the felony marijuana and controlled substance charges.
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.
