Halbert, Carr Named Top 8th Graders at Sulphur Bluff
Heaton Halbert and Evan Carr have been recognized as the top 8th graders at Sulphur Bluff ISD.
Halbert, son of Stephanie Halbert of Sulphur Springs and Heath Halbert of McKinney, is the 2021 valedictorian of the Sulphur Bluff 8th Grade Class.
He has attended Sulphur Bluff ISD for 10 years and will graduate to 9th grade with a 4.768 grade point average.
On being named the 8th grade valedictorian, Halbert said, “I’m proud that all my hard work paid off.” The top 8th grade’s advice for being successful is to “Pay attention, don’t goof around a lot, and ask for help when you need it.”
Halbert has been involved in basketball and enjoys playing video games. Remaining on the A Honor Roll is an honor Halbert has received.
Although Halbert is now poised to being high school, the SB 8th grade valedictorian already has plans for life after high school graduation: attending the University of Texas at Dallas to study business “because I like math.”
When asked about special people who inspire or made a different, Halbert said, “My mom made a difference in my life because she gave me life, and my dad inspires me to successful like him.”
Evan Carr is the second ranked 8th grader at SBISD He has attended SBISD for 8 years. His family includes his parents, Dustin and Abbie Carr, as well as Emma, all of Como.
When he learned he was this year’s 8th grade salutatorian, he said his first thought was “Great, now I have to give a speech.” His advice to other students who are hoping to be successful in school is to “listen to Mrs. Hogue!”
Carr’s school activities have included playing play Baseball, basketball, and track. A graduating 8th grader, he says he’s unemployed. His hobbies and special interests, however, include playing video games and making stop-motion movies.
In fact, the SBISD 8th grade salutatorian said his future plans include making it out of high school and going to college. He indicated he’d like to have a career in filmmaking because, he said, “I like making films.”
Yantis High School Class of 2021 Top 10 Announced
Yantis High School has announced the top 10 seniors in order of grade ranking, and have celebrated all Class of 2021 graduates over the last week.
Announced earlier this week were the top two honor graduates. Brooke Barrett leads the class of 2021 as the valedictorian and Sarahi Martinez as the salutatorian.
Thursday the school announced the full top 10 students. In addition to Barrett and Martinez, the top 10 includes Carlos Lopez, Macie Starrett, Samuel Schlagel, Michael Brown, Kendal Moore, Kerry Brown, Mary Terrell and Lizbeth Camacho.
All of the YHS Senior Class of 2021 will be honored Saturday, May 22, with a commencement service at 6 p.m. in the high school gym.
In addition to graduation, these 12th graders have been celebrating and celebrated all week.
On Monday the seniors participated in a PK and Senior Walk, accompanying the district’s youngest students as they walked in caps and gowns through the halls starting in the elementary foyer and ending in the high school. to celebrate their graduations. Community members and businesses also adopted seniors, who received a gift basket, bag or other container filled with items specially picked by their sponsors and delivered on Monday. The seniors then participated in a WhataGrad Breakfast.
The seniors also one day enjoyed a senior lunch provided by Yantis Federal Credit Union, which also showered them with gifts.
Seymore Bible Church and First Baptist Church of Yantis hosted a baccalaureate service Thursday and a meal for the seniors.
Council Retreat Provides Fuller Picture Of Current State Of City
The Sulphur Springs City Council retreat spanned more than 3 hours Thursday and provided the elected officials with a fuller picture of the current state of city government, according to City Manager Marc Maxwell.
The retreat is an annual event in which the council and city department representatives and officials get together and discuss potential appointments of representatives to a number of regional boards and mayor and mayor pro tem on the council. Although no action is taken, the council does suggest names to be presented at future city council meetings for approval.
The retreat also gives each department head an opportunity to discuss any issues facing their departments now or in the future. That continued to be the case at the May 20 retreat this year. Maxwell said while the issues are typically tings that have been mentioned before, the meeting gives the council and staff a good idea the direction things are going in the city, and remind everyone what all the big issues are.
The city manager said the tax increment reinvestment zone and property tax revenues were among the highlights discussed. The status on the first is that it has shown a 10 percent growth and the curve is steepening. There’s been a lot of sales tax growth downtown, an increased of approximately $60,000 in new sales tax and is still expected to grow. Property tax revenues, however, were down in the last year due to COVID-19’s impact on the market.
COVID also resulted in a 33 percent drop in hotel occupancy tax over the last year. Prior to that, Maxwell noted, hotel occupancy tax was on an upward trend and is expected to continue rising in the future. Conversely, the mixed beverage tax is up, and has in fact quadrupled since the revitalization and sales of the beverages downtown.
The city’s general fund and enterprise debts are declining, Maxwell noted. City officials expect “to make final payments on couple of big bonds,” in 2022, freeing up about $1 million a year which can be channeled to streets and utility work. Maxwell said city is “now on a pay-as-you-go capital improvement plan,” and not having to take out debt to finance streets and sewer project. The city has been working to pay off more debts, and that process, the city manger said, has started accelerating thanks to efforts at the city to become a little more efficient each year. That, he said is starting to pay off.
The city officials also Thursday briefly reviewed the open space and parks master plan, the city manager reported. Two recreational additions that were mentioned include the possibility of a fitness court at the renovated Pacific Park on the site of the old Grays Building as well as a beach area and pavilion at Coleman Park. The latter was part of the original plan for Coleman when it was constructed, but there wasn’t enough money for that. While the city isn’t sure if funds will allow that to come to fruition, the items were in the parks master plan, devised from input from the community, and were reviewed as items for potential future consideration, funding permitting.
In the community development department, the issue of urban sprawl, the continued expansion of construction of new subdivisions in areas that did not already have water, street and sewer utilities was again discussed, Maxwell noted. Water and streets per capita have continued to increase over numerous decades. The city is working to stop or at least reduce urban sprawl in Sulphur Springs, and the need for additional city revenue to cover the cost of for upkeep of those extra services, is offering a 380 program which offers incentives to induce contractors and developers to build on lots located on existing street. City officials have identified 900 lots in town that are undeveloped but are already along an existing street.
The 380 program or infill housing program, Maxwell said, is starting to gain momentum, with developers looking for lots with “issues” such as tax liens that can be bought cheaply, with potentially from $5,000 to $20,0000 in certain fees reimbursed by the city. Requests have been approved regularly at the monthly city council meetings since the policy was approved by the City Council.
While any existing city tax liens would have to be paid upfront, the city would reimburse the builder upon completion of a single famiy home. Demolition costs can also be included in those fees too. If say a house needs to be demolished, the build could pay the city demolition costs and city staff would demolish it for the developer, to be reimbursed on completion. This would take care of demolition and eliminate blight at the same time, Maxwell noted. Water and sewer tap fees and building permits could be reimbursed upon completion of the home.
“This program is a grand slam home run,” Maxwell said. “It also provides housing. It takes care of so many things with one action.”
Another issue voiced by city staff during the retreat was a “severe labor shortage in Hopkins County.”
“The city is not immune to that,” Maxwell said. “In my years here, this is the first time we’ve put a sign up in front of the water office: now hiring. We’ve not gotten much in the way of applications. We expect competition from other cities will intensify. It’s hard to hire cops right one. Nobody is applying in big cities either. We’ve been fortunate and are keeping an eye on it.”
Maxwell said labor statistics as of Thursday showed showed there are 1,2975 employees paid by 873 employers, with an average wage including manufacturing and all other wages, is $19.80 an hour. The average wage from 38 manufacturers in Hopkins County is $25.95 an hour. The average wage from the 6 food manufacturers, as reported Thursday, was $27 an hour. The average wage from the 10 fabricated metal production manufactures in Hopkins County is $29.35.
From those statistics, Maxwell said, rose the matter of future requests from employers for tax abatements and whether they should be considered if the request brings down or isn’t raising the average wage? That could be a discussion at a future meeting, but as with all other items that arose during the retreat, they were just discussed. No items were presented for action during the retreat.
While the waste water treatment plant was recently updated, focus now is turning to issues at the water treatment plant. The city is hoping to receive funding from the American Rescue Act that would allow some key elements at the plant to be replaced and remove any immediate worries.
The former Thermo mine property was discussed as an ideal business park, but significant investment would be required for that, Maxwell said.
“This was a really good opportunity for the Council to go over the 30,000 foot view,” Maxwell said of the annual retreat. “It’s a healthy process to go through. Each city department knows their own issues. This was good for the Council and other departments to the full view of the city.”
Must Win Game For Lady Cats Softball Team in Regional Semifinal Contest Friday at Rockwall
For the first time during the playoffs, the Lady Cats Softball Team goes into their Regional Semifinal game against Lucas Lovejoy Friday night (May 21) with their backs to the wall.
After a game one loss to the Lady Peopards Wednesday, the Lady Cats must win Friday night or their season is over.
Game two is Friday at 7 P.M. in Rockwall.
If the Lady Cats force a third game, it will be Saturday at noon in Rockwall.
The Lady Cats enter the Friday night game with a record of 28-4.
The Lady Leopards are now 30-10-1 after their 7-0 game one win. To win, the Lady Cats must hit, pitch and play defense well.
The Lady Cats and Lovejoy series winner will play Hallsville in the Regional Final.
Friday’s game will be simulcast on KSST, 1230 AM, on on KRVA-FM, 107.1, starting at 7 p.m. live from Rockwall.
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.
Nylah Lindley Signs Letter of Intent to Play Softball at Tuskegee in Alabama
Lady Cats multiple sport letterman Nylah Lindley signed a letter of intent Thursday morning (May 20) to attend college and play softball at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Lindley played several years in volleyball, basketball and softball at SSHS. She is the daughter of Nadia Wright and Cleveland Lindley.
Lindley said she wanted to go to Tuskegee and got to watch one of their softball games online. She said Lady Cats Head Softball Coach David Carrillo sent video of her to the Tuskegee Coach. She said he liked what he saw, especially her base running ability.
Nylah got a chance to visit the Alabama campus and she said they had a nice campus filled with friendly people. She said it felt like home away from home. Lindley also has power and has hit several home runs this season.
She said she might be called upon to catch as a freshman. Nylah said she is okay with that noting she did some catching as a junior and freshman as a Lady Cat. She said she might move to the outfield later in college and she said she prefers that. She noted she has been called upon to play in the infield this season.
Lindley said she plans to major in nursing. She received praise from three varsity coaches Thursday morning. Lady Cats Volleyball Head Coach and Softball Assistant Bailey Dorner said Nylah is a competitor even if the game is just tic tac toe or Uno. Coach Dorner said she just wants to beat you. She called Nylah a nice kid who will be missed.
Lady Cats Basketball Coach Brittney Tisdell said Lindley is the most competitive player she has had in her program. She adds she wants to win and always gives you 100%.
Lady Cats Head Softball Coach David Carrillo called Lindley a fierce competitor. He said she was the type of person who always gives to others first before to herself. Coach Carrillo added she would be missed.
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.
27 Seniors Ranked In Top 10 Percent Of SSHS Class Of 2021 Recognized At Honors Breakfast
Sulphur Springs High School honored the 27 highest ranking seniors Thursday morning with special breakfast prepared and organized exclusively by SSHS students.
The Honors Breakfast is a long-standing tradition at SSHS, for students and their parents, as well as one teacher or education the honoree has selected to honor. Two of the 27 SSHS Senior Class of 2021 Honor Graduates were unable to attend the Honors Breakfast, but were still recognized by the administrators, along with the other 25 students ranked in the top 10 percent of the class.
The program kicked off with a SSHS Principal Derek Driver serving as master of ceremonies, followed by a welcome and recognition of special guests by Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams, and introduction of the school board by President Robert Cody.
Cody encouraged the students to continue as they’d begun, with purpose and dedication, and wished the Honor Graduates the best of luck in their future. He said it was with that determination and dedication that they’d attain ranking in the top 10 percent of their class of approximately 270 students. Cody said he knew that they and their generation will have a positive impact on the future, because they are already doing that. The guest educator then presented the graduate with their honor stole.
Counselor Carol Cowley told the seniors that being at the event celebrating them and their accomplishments was special, even though she’d attended many in her career.
“You’ve accomplished a lot thus far, but you’re not done yet. You must continue on. You make us proud,” Cowley said.
In addition to her congratulations to the seniors, Counselor Leslie Harred too offered thanks to their parents. She acknowledged that one of the hardest parts of being a parents is knowing when to push your child, when to stand back, when to let them fall and when to let them fly. Now, Harred said, is the time for the seniors to fly.
Harred reminded the Honor Graduates to think and dream big, to remember to always show up and be present, to do for others, focus on what’s important, and to remember the ‘why’ – their purpose as they move forward into the next stage of their lives.
“We are so incredibly proud of you. I’d put you against anyone,” Williams told the graduates. “You are awesome and have so much potential.”
He reminded them that they are currently filled with excitement and hope for the future, to life will in the future bring some struggles. That is natural, but he told them, it will be OK. The sun will shine tomorrow on a new day for them, and things will turn around. One way to see the bright side is to do things for others.
“You have a special responsivity as leaders,” Williams said, reminding them to take pride in their nation. “Seek wise counsel. Be careful who you choose as friends and listen to. Be thankful. Don’t let others drag you down. Be thankful.”
Williams asked the seniors to follow the commandment to love one another, all their neighbors. They’ll have brighter days that way he noted, adding that each is unique and very valuable to God. While striving high, he told the students to remember to have fun, smile and find reasons to laugh, to be intentional about it every day. He concluded by reading a poem, “The Goodnight Kiss.” He encouraged them to be thankful for each other and the relationship they have. He then closed by telling the students how proud and excited SSISD and their families are for them.
Cowley and Harred introduced each of the 27 honorees and told the rest of the attendees about their activities in school, their college and career aspirations. The pair also introduced each student’s chosen teacher, who was asked to stand with them at the front of the room as they were recognized, and explained why each Honor Grad selected that educator to honor.
This year’s Honor Graduates include:
- Lizbeth Alvarez plans to attend Texas A&M University to major in early childhood education with a goal of teaching. Alvarez chose to honor Mrs. Sasha Posey, who she described as one of the most thoughtful teachers she’s ever had. Posey worked closely with her improving her English skills to the point she attained an almost perfect score on her STAAR test.
- Cameron Beard plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he will major in business administration with a goal of pursuing a career in business. Beard was one of two students who chose to honor Senor Mangon, who he said showed him how to appreciate the importance of hard work so that he can achieve anything he wants in life.
- Paige Daniel also plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will major in business administration. She was one of two students who honored Coach Chris Valdovinos. She noted that Coach V always pushed and encouraged her to be the best she can be, and is always honest when she seeks his counsel for advice.
- Elly Eddins plans to attend Texas Tech University, where she will major in business. She plans to work in the family business. She would also like to get a teaching certificate to teach as well. She honored Mrs. Misty Abron, who made an impact in sixth and seventh grades. Mrs. Abron, she noted, taught her the skills to learn and gave her the confidence she needed to be successful.
- Emma Eddins also plans to attend Texas Tech University, where she will major in business. She selected Lindsay Holt, her sixth grade English teacher to honor. Mrs. Holt, she said simply, was her all-time favorite teacher; she found a love for reading in Holt’s class.
- Padraig Flanary plans to attend the University of Texas-Dallas where he will major in computer science and political science. He would like to serve in the Air Force in the area of cyber security. He selected Mrs. Madison Millsap, who not only coached him in UIL in 11 and 12th grades, but also helped him to grow as an individual.
- Crystal Flores plans to attend Southern Methodist University, where she will major in biology and pre-health. She honored her 11th and 12th grade teacher Desiree Pharis, who she noted was not only a teacher, but a mother figure and friend she could laugh with and confide in. Pharis often lifted Flores’ mood with positive energy every time she walked in the theater teacher’s room. She inspired her to smile at every instance, no matter how good it is or isn’t, and to keep going, because we all have strength to be the light.
- Matthew Harper, this year’s valedictorian, plans to attend Trinity University. He has yet to determine what his career path will take, but noted the importance of finding joy in learning. He honored Gail Herman, who he has worked with for the past three years, whose guidance has allowed him to grow exponentially as a student.
- Annie Horton plans to attend Tyler Junior College, where she will major in biology, with a goal of becoming a dental hygienist. She honored grade teacher, Ms. Cris Hughes, who “was a mother and a teacher all in one.”
- Caroline Hurley plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will major in allied health. She plans to become a nurse anesthetist. She honored Renee Maeker, who has been her teacher for the past three years. Mrs. Maeker, she notes, is not only an amazing teacher, but has grown her love for Spanish and served as a great role model.
- Kaden Kirkland plans to attend the University of Texas, where he will major in computer science. He plans to pursue a degree in computer science after attaining his bachelor’s degree at The University of Texas. He honored Matt Wilder, who he not only enjoyed having as a teacher but who allowed him to become confident in pursing a career in computer science.
- Katelyn Kistler plans to attend Texas A&M University, where she will major in sports management. She would like to one day work for a professional sports team. She selected Megan Tingle to honor. Mrs. Tingle, she noted, is not only a great teacher, but one who invested in her as a student and an individual.
- Lige Leavens plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he plans to major in philosophy. In the future, he would like to become a college professor. The teacher he selected to honor was Clay Hansford, who he indicated helped him grow as a person.
- Kendall Little, the class salutatorian, plans to attend East Texas Baptist University, where he will major in Christian ministry, then pursue ministry full time after graduating. He honored Gerald Grafton, who he said has been a big part of his life over the past four years as a teacher and UIL coach.
- Corde Mayo plans to attend Texas A&M University, where he will major in biomedical sciences. He plans to attend the Texas A&M School of Medicine to further his education to become a pediatric or trauma surgeon. He honored Mylissa Bailey, who he said has been his school mom and watched over him during his four years of high school.
- David Moreno plans to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce where he will major in history. He honored Coach Upton who he said helped him grow as an athlete and as a person. Upton supported his decisions and respected him as an athlete, student and person.
- Aiken Owens plans to attend East Texas Baptist University, where he will major in business administration. He would like to enter the real estate field and build custom homes. He too honored Mylissa Bailey, noting simply that she is his “favorite teacher of all time.”
- Madelyn Posey plans to attend Baylor University, where she will major in marketing. She plans to pursue a marketing degree in sports strategy and sales. She would like to work with a Dallas-based professional sports team. She too honored Megan Tingle, noted her support over the past two years, Tingle’s investment in her and taking the time to get to know.
- Makayla Pullen also plans to attend Baylor University to major in pre-med and psychology. She plans to attain a doctorate from Baylor, double majoring in psychology and child development along the way, with a goal of becoming an adolescent psychologist. She honored Lynn Smith, whose impact as a BPA advisor over the past three years has been influential.
- Trinity Sherman plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she will major in business. Her future plans include not only to be successful but to also be happy. She honored Jeff Garza, who has been her band instructor since sixth grade. She noted they’ve shared many laughs and he’s always been there for her.
- Galilea Sosa also plans to attend UT-Austin. She plans to major in finance and accounting with a goal of becoming a certified public accountant. She honored Senor Mangon, her sixth grade math teachers. He is battling serious health issues and was unable to attend the ceremony, so Josh Williams stood in for him. However, she wrote a letter that was delivered to him, explaining why she honored him at the breakfast. Atop the reasons she honors Mangon, she noted, are the facts that he always gave her a reason to be excited for math and always had a positive attitude.
- Daniel Soto plan to attend Texas A&M University, where he will major in finance, the pursue a master’s degree in business administration. He hopes to become an investment banker. Soto honored Kathy Wright, who he said proved to him that he could overcome any adversity, which resulted in him challenging himself academically.
- Maci Swafford plants to attend TAMUC, where she will major in nursing. She hopes to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, specializing in orthopedics. She honored Whitney Spigener, who she said has always been that one teacher she could go to for advice in academics and life in general.
- Mariam Tran plans to attend SMU, where she will major in engineering. She plans to become an attorney and practice patent law. She too honored Whitney Spigener. She said Mrs. Spigener was essential to her academic and athletic performance. She considers herself fortunate to have had the amazing coach all four years of high school.
- Sadie Washburn plans to attend Dallas Baptist University, where she will major in biology. She hopes to one day become a pediatric physician’s assistant. She too honored Coach Chris Valdovinos. She noted that Coach V has had a huge influence on her and is a great teacher.
- Zoe Westlund plans to attend TAMUC, where she will major in business administration. She hopes to become an author after pursuing a college degree. She honored Rachel Finney, who she had during her freshman and sophomore years. She said Miss Finney has supported her and been a friend to her throughout high school.
- Janine Yamaguchi plans to attend TAMUC, where she will study dental hygiene, with a goal of one day becoming a dental hygienist. She honored Haylee Glenn, who was her teacher all three years of middle school. Mrs. Glenn, she said, was her go to person who she talk to about anything. She taught her some too, as science is one one of her best subjects; having a great teacher like Glenn only made it better.
All of the SSHS Graduating Class of 2021 will be honored during commencement exercises at 8 p.m. Friday, May 28, 2021, at Gerald Prim Stadium. Those who can’t make the graduation can tune into KSST for the live broadcast.
Time Running Out to Register for Summer I Classes at PJC
Graduating high school students in the Paris Junior College service area need to register now if they wish to take advantage of a scholarship giving free tuition to a Summer I class.
The PJC service area includes Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red River counties and the Honey Grove and Fannindel school districts.
“Classes offered in the Summer I and II semesters will transfer to four-year universities,” said Sheila Reece, PJC Vice President of Student Access and Success.
Reece said “Many of our health occupations programs have prerequisites and required academic classes that can be taken over the summer as well.”
The Summer I semester begins Tuesday, June 1 and PJC will be closed on May 31 for the Memorial Day holiday, so students need to register by Friday, May 28.
Call 903-782-0425 to register for classes and go to www.parisjc.edu/scholarships to fill out the online scholarship application.
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.
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.
May is Older Americans Month, by Kelly Hamill
By RSVP Coordinator Kelly Hamill
For almost 60 years, our nation has recognized the invaluable contribution senior adults make to the health of our communities by celebrating Older Americans Month in May. It began in 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as a time to celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults, and it officially became Older Americans Month in 1980.
This year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the important role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities.
It is said that in tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. When I reflect on the past year and how our community has faced the challenge of the pandemic, it has never been more evident that older adults are a key source of our community’s strength.
With a lifetime of experiences, successes, failures, joys, and difficulties, they bring resilience and strength to every new challenge, even one as big as a pandemic. When communities tap into this, they become stronger too.
As Coordinator of the Red River Valley RSVP, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how our older citizens have stepped up to the challenge of the pandemic and how they continue to work to overcome some of its most devastating effects. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on working families, many found themselves in situations they had never faced before, being unable to put food on the table or being unable to pay rent or utilities.
Senior adult volunteers at the Downtown Food Pantry, and many other food pantries in Lamar County, kept the food distribution service in operation to meet the increased need for food assistance, and programs such as Weekend Meals made sure homebound seniors continued to receive meals. Other programs such as Co-Ministry, that operate completely on the strength of volunteers, continued throughout the pandemic to meet urgent needs of fellow Lamar County residents and to help them get back on their feet again.
One of the most heartbreaking effects of the pandemic has been the social isolation and loneliness among our elderly who had to forego many of their public activities to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19. Research shows that the physical, mental, and emotional health of older adults is negatively impacted when they lose a sense of belonging and social connection.
However, many of our RSVP volunteers who were “sidelined” during the worst months of the pandemic and were not able to serve at their usual volunteer sites made the most of their time in isolation by sewing face masks to give away, and by making frequent wellness calls to other homebound elderly neighbors and friends. By continuing to serve others in this way, both the volunteers and those they reached out to benefitted from the connection they made.
Many RSVP volunteers also assisted with the Paris-Lamar County Health District’s COVID-19 vaccine call center, helping individuals get on the waiting list for the vaccine and calling thousands of others to schedule their appointments. Several retired volunteers with medical backgrounds helped administer vaccines, and many more helped the clinic coordinators to provide a well-organized experience at the weekly clinic.
Senior adults in Lamar County are some of the most productive, active, and influential people you will ever know. Their response to the pandemic has been humbling and inspiring to me. For that reason, Older Americans Month is the perfect time to celebrate these individuals and the amazing ability they have to leverage their wisdom, lifetime of skills, and experience to keep Lamar County a “Community of Strength.”
If you are over the age of 55 and interested in learning more about the many opportunities available as an RSVP volunteer, please call 903-782-0441.
RSVP is sponsored by Paris Junior College and locally funded by Lamar County United Way.
An Old Phone Scam Making the Rounds Again
A phone scam that has been around for several years is making the rounds again in Hopkins County. The heart of the scam is the tried and true “Purchase a gift card, and tell me the numbers” bit. These individuals typically have thick accents and use strangely suspicious ‘American Names’.
How it works
You may receive a robo call, telling you a story about winning a mayor prize, in my case it was a very famous publishing house sweepstakes. My particular prize package was 7.5 million and a red Mercedes sedan. You are then given confirmation codes and then instructed to call another number to speak with a manager. The number I was given had a Las Vegas area code (775) 572 2226, and I was told to ask for ‘Mark Diamond’.
Once called, more story will be given including a choice to have a “public or private” prize delivery. Either way, you will be instructed to go to a local retailer to get a ‘verification form’ aka ‘One Vanilla Visa Gift Card’. The IRS required fee for receiving the prize ($7.5 million and a new Mercedes) is $499… conveniently just under the maximum amount one can put on most gift cards. The card will need to be given to the delivery team when they arrive to give you the prize. Of course there is no delivery team or TV crew. The thief just wants the numbers from the card, so they can take the money.. and probably drive away with it in their own Mercedes.
Knowledge is power. This information may keep a family member from losing precious resources. Please share it with anyone you feel might be susceptible to these criminals. Click here for more information on scams from Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General.
CHRISTUS Facilities Offer COVID Vaccines, Wound Care, Women’s Health Services
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News, May 20, 2021
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs, Texas – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
National EMS Week 2021
Since 1983, Hopkins County Hospital District has operated the Emergency Medical Service for Hopkins County. The award-winning EMS crew works 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, 365-days a year, and currently provides ambulance coverage to Hopkins, Delta, Franklin, and Rains counties. Hopkins County EMS have been recognized with the Lifeline Gold Plus recognition by the American Heart Association for four consecutive years, whose program mission is, “designed to showcase Emergency Medical Service organizations across the nation for excellent STEMI care,” according to the AHA website. [A STEMI is the term cardiologists use to describe a classic heart attack.] EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of the medicine’s “front line”.
THANK YOU, Emergency Medical Service providers!
COVID Vaccine Clinic
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic at the Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (208 Fuller Street) on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. The shots will be the single-dose, Johnson & Johnson vaccine. No appointment required.
Contact Holly Ragan at 903-439-4033 to find out about future vaccine schedules.
Hospital Visitation
We continue to ensure a safe and compassionate process for families and essential support persons to visit patients, while preventing person-to-person transmission of infectious diseases in our acute care settings. All visitors will continue to be screened to make certain they do not fit a COVID-19 profile, based on CDC guidelines. To safely regulate access to patient care areas within our hospital, visitor-screening stations are placed at the entrance of our facilities.
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 pass screening before entry
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 7 A.M. to 2 P.M., Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- All visitors are screened at the door, including a temperature taken
- All associates are screened at each shift, including a temperature taken
- Visiting hours are 7am to 9pm
- COVID Unit limited to (1) visitor (age 16 and over)
- ER and ICU limited to (2) visitors
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Effective March 17, 2021: We will no longer restrict the number of visitors per patient, however, we strongly encourage to limit visitors to ONE (1) essential support person and for all other visitors – continue utilizing virtual communication through mobile devices to monitor your loved ones in our care.
Clinic Services
Women’s Health
We are prepared to support each woman’s healthcare needs at any stage of life. Whether you come in for a routine gynecological exam, preparing to give birth, or need treatment for a disorder, we offer an outstanding breadth of services and treatments. Our provider team includes Darryl Doughtie, MD; Martin Fielder, MD; and Certified Nurse Midwife Deb Logan. To schedule an appointment, please contact their office at 903-439-4917. Planning to deliver your baby at our hospital? We want to help you prepare every step of the way. Every month our hospital offers FREE virtual classes for new and expectant moms: The Childbirth class taught by Certified Nurse Midwife Deb Logan is the first Monday of every month from 6-8 P.M. The Breastfeeding class taught by Lactation Consultant Kristi Couch, RN, is the first Tuesday of every month from 6-8 P.M. For more information, please call 903-439-4091. Look for our booth at the local event hosted at Hill Chiropractic on May 7!
Wound Care
The Comprehensive Wound Healing Center at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs is growing and expanding our services to our patients’ right here in Northeast Texas. Dr. Scott McDearmont, a general surgeon with 25 years’ experience, is seeing patients five days a week for wound healing evaluations in Sulphur Springs. His years of experience in surgery are a valuable asset in treating wounds that are difficult to heal.
“My philosophy of care has always been patient centered. The patient and their family are the most important voices in our medical decision making process. The highest quality and safest care possible is our goal and our promise to our patients,” said McDearmont.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment, HBOT, is a modality that gives several types of wounds a better chance to heal when other more traditional modalities are not successful. Plans are in the works to expand our ability to provide this limb saving treatment to even more patients. In addition, several skin substitute products are available to our patients to help difficult wounds heal. Diabetic wounds, vascular wounds, traumatic wounds, burns or any other chronic non-healing wound can benefit from the specialized care provided by Dr. McDearmont right here at home in Sulphur Springs. Call 903-438-4670 to schedule an appointment.
COVID-19
Don’t Delay Care
We want to be perfectly clear – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances remains a safe place for all to receive quality care. Go to the Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if you are urgently ill. While COVID-19 is new, our processes and procedures in place for infection prevention and preventing the spread of illness are not. To learn more about COVID-19, go to ChristusTMF.org or www.cdc.gov.
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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
