96th PJC Graduation Celebrates Students, Teaching Excellence
Paris Junior College celebrated the 96th spring Commencement with a modified in-person ceremony that included a Teaching Excellence Award. More than 250 students, including current graduates as well as those who had virtual ceremonies in 2020, participated in the graduation at Noyes Stadium on May 7, 2021.
“This has not been easy year for anyone,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “It has been a year where we have navigated our way through an environment we have not known in our lifetimes. We have worked together to make sure our campus was safe for employees and students. We have seen our students struggle through adversity to complete college classes. We have struggled at times with the situations we have faced. We have persevered.
“We celebrate the completion of another school year and the students who have been resilient and finished certificates or associate degrees during a pandemic. They are crossing the finish line after overcoming every obstacle that got in their way this past year. Thank you to all PJC faculty and staff for the work you have done to help these graduates cross that finish line.”
PJC Watchmaking Instructor Stan McMahan was announced as the 2021 Teaching Excellence Award. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium, a medallion and a plaque.
According to his nomination letter, McMahan exhibits extraordinary passion for students, faculty, staff, and PJC. He inspires students as well as faculty members due to his upbeat personality and love of teaching. Despite wearing a face mask, those he meets can always tell that McMahan is smiling.
“He is constantly reading and researching new ways of improving his teaching style, engaging the students, and making the program the best possible,” said nominators. “He is willing to adapt to any changes necessary for the good of PJC; reaches out to any student that may need assistance with coursework or personal matters to ensure student retention is maintained; grades fairly and consistently with all students; and is always concerned with the welfare of everyone around him, not only students but faculty and staff as well.”
“We have been blessed in many ways tonight,” said Dr. Anglin as she closed the ceremony. “We have been able to have an in-person graduation ceremony. We have finished the year and kept people safe on campus. We can look forward to a new fall semester without the magnitude of challenges we faced this year.
To the faculty and staff, thank you again for making this year the best we could make it under the circumstances.”
Graduate photos are on the PJC Facebook page here.
A pdf of the graduation program may be downloaded here.
The event was also livestreamed and may be viewed on the PJC YouTube channel here.
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.
Chamber Connection – May 19
By Butch Burney
God Bless America! That was the theme for Saturday, starting with the veterans’ appreciation and barbecue cookoff at the VFW and ending with the Freedom Ball at the Civic Center.
The Freedom Ball was highlighted by an inspirational speech by US Army Col. Joel Newsom and the recognition of veterans and those currently serving. And, I can confirm the rumor that Jason Tully was seen on the dance floor.
The barbecue cook-off drew a good crowd, who were served by 25 different barbecue cooking teams. One of the attractions for kids was the Northeast Texas Gellyball demonstration. Made me wish I was a kid again.
Chamber Showcase
The Third Annual Chamber Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Booths are available for $60 each and vendors are asked to being a $25 gift or gift card to be given away at random drawings.
This is a fantastic networking event and a way for you, as a business owner or representative, to get your name and services out to the public.
Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display (the public is invited to attend free of charge), so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long.
Come by or call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515 for more information.
A registration link will be on our website soon, hopkinschamber.org.
Ribbon Cuttings
Brookshire’s Food Store in Sulphur Springs is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its updated store, located at 809 Gilmer St., at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 19.
There will be a small ceremony inside the store and conclude with a ribbon cutting outside. Brookshire’s Community Kitchen will be there to serve free breakfast, and their 13-foot Big Grocery Cart will be on display. Please join us for this celebration.
Mammography Mobile Coach
The Hunt Regional Tubby Adkisson Mobile Mammography Coach will be at the Spring Village Shopping Center on May 20. To schedule individual screening mammograms, call 903-408-5010. Appointments and pre-registration are requested.
Lunch and Learn
State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, Sept. 15. More details will be coming soon, but mark that on your calendar for a comprehensive update on the business issues that the State Legislature has tackled this year.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for May 10, Cattlemen’s Veterinary Services. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cutting
First American Title (Money Law Firm) hosted a ribbon cutting for their office at 1335 South Broadway St., Suite 40, on Thursday. A large crowd enjoyed barbecue and door prizes.
Como Woman Jailed On Three Red River County Warrants
A 26-year-old Como woman was jailed on three Red River County warrants Monday evening.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Scott Davis received information that Amy Nicole Slade had active warrants out of Red River County, including one for a controlled substance charge. Slade was located at her residence, and once the felony warrant was confirmed, she was taken into custody on the charge.
Slade, who is also noted in jail reports to be known by Mugzy and Boo, remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday night, May 18, 2021, on the Red River County possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, displaying an expired license plate and no driver’s license warrants.
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.
Man Accused Of Assaulting His Girlfriend
A 34-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of assaulting his girlfriend Monday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 8:50 p.m. May 17, 2021, to a disturbance at a County Road 4759 residence. A verbal altercation between Robert Cordale Finnie and his girlfriend reportedly escalated, with Finnie assaulting her by “headbutting her” in the head and pushing her to the ground. This caused visible injuries, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Aaron Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
Finnie had reportedly left the residence prior to deputies’ arrival, but was located pulling into a driveway not too far away on FM 2285. Finnie was taken into custody at 9:35 p.m. Monday for assaulting his girlfriend. A records check showed the 34-year-old Sulphur Springs man to have a previous family violence assault conviction, enhancing to a felony offense the assault charge he was booked into jail on late Monday night.
Finnie remained in Hopkins County jail Tuesday night, May 18, 2021, in lieu of the $25,000 bond set on the third-degree felony assault of a family or household member with a previous conviction charge.
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.
Cumby High School Seniors Receive More Than $130,750 In Scholarships
6 Seniors Have Earned Receive Associates Degrees, 5 Educational Aide and 2 OSHA Certifications; And 2 Are Enlisting In The Navy
The Cumby High School seniors have had a productive years. Collectively, the CHS Class of 2021 has earned six associate degrees, five educational aide and two OSHA certifications, and amassed over $130,750 in scholarships. Two class members are also enlisting in the Navy. These seniors were recognized during the annual awards program Monday night, along with this year’s honor graduates and CHS students receiving academic honors.
Recognized as the CHS Senior Class of 2021 valedictorian was Lucero Osornio; she graduates with a 4.18 GPA. Rylee Jo Krotky was named salutatorian and graduates with a 4.17 GPA. Brooke Petty also completed the graduates honored for ranking in the top 10 percent of their class.
Osornio, Krotky, Petty, Jacob Groves, Rachael Dotson and Grayson Whitehead received their associate’s degree prior to high school graduation. Cumby ISD honored them during the May 17 awards program for completing the 60 ours of college credit. Each graduated Friday with their associate’s degree from PJC earlier this week.
Seven students will graduate in a few weeks with an industry-based certification. Brooke Petty, Jordan Cheney, Bailey Bloyed, Zoey Strickland and Jaci Woodall will graduate in three weeks with an at any school in Texas as educational aides. Lauren Carson and Haden Ramirez earned the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) 30 Hour training certificate.
Cumby High School seniors enlisting in the US Navy are Grayson Whitehead and Caleb Duvall.
More than a dozen members of the Cumby High School Senior Class if 2021 received scholarships to continue their education and/or training.
Receiving an Academic Honors Scholarship from Savannah College of Art and Design was Skyler McJohnston.
Jacelyn Thornton was awarded a $48,000 Baylor University Academic Scholarship.
Awarded University of North Texas Academic Excellence Scholarships in the amount of $20,000 was Brooke Petty and in the amount of $16,000 was Jacob Groves, who also received a $500 Athletic Booster Club Scholarship.
Rylee Krotky received the second $500 Athletic Booster Club Scholarship; she and Lucero Osornio received each received a $16,000 Presidential Scholarship from Texas A&M University-Commerce too.
Texas A&M University-Commerce also awarded Blue and Gold Scholarships in the amount of $4,000 to Jaci Wood and $8,000 to Rachael Dotson.
Receiving a Masonic Lodge Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was Kaci Hockett. The Lodge also presented two Mirabeau B. Lamar awards, one for this year and one for last year since COVID-19 closures prevented members from presenting the honors in spring 2020.
Cumby High School seniors awarded $250 PTO Scholarships Monday evening included Kati Farris, Charlie Butler and Laci Steward.
Among the 12th graders recognized for being on the AB Honor Roll were Lauren Carson, Rachael Dotson, Caleb Duvall, Tre Hines, Kaci Hockett, Skyler McJohnston, Brooke Petty and Grayson Whitehead.
Steward, Osornio and Krotky were also each recognized for being on the A Honor Roll all year.
Laci Steward also went home with awards for highest average in senior English during the fall semester and in career prep while Zoey Strickland received the highest points awarded in senior English during the spring semester. Recognized with the dual credit English IV award was Lucero Osornio. The practicum in education award went to Jaci Wood and the instructional practices award went to Jordan Cheney. Kati Farris received an art award and Jakob Moles an economics award.
Seniors weren’t the only Cumby High School students recognized during Monday’s awards program. Students who participated in Beta Club activities, including a national competitor, were recognized, as were UIL achievements as well.
Freshmen recognized for being on the A Honor Roll included Lilly Campbell, Kendall Dobson, April STailey, Kate Taylor and Mallory Wheat. Sophomores making the all A Honor Roll included Erin Morgan, Shelby Saragosa and Tatum White. Juniors recognized for being on the all A Honor Roll included Analyse Drake and Logan Krodle,
Ninth grades recognized for being on the AB Honor Roll included Aiden Jarvis, Lane McCraw and Caleb Morgan. Receiving AB Honor Roll recognition at the 10th grade level were Madison Carson, DJ Cota, Kelcie Fite, Neely Hammond, Ryen Hockett, Ashlyn Hudson, Clay Krotky, Kate Massey, Maryann Monse and Armando Osornio. Eleventh graders recognized for being on the AB Honor Roll included Jimena Enriquez, Savannah Kurn, Logan Miller, Kathryn Sells and Collin Welch.
Recognized for Perfect Attendance were sophomore Kate Massey, a virtual student, and junior Emily McJohnston.
Caleb Morgan received the 9th grade Algebra 1 Excellence Award while Kate Taylor was the district UIL science winner; she also received awards for BIM 1, biology and English I Honors. Additional 9th graders receiving awards included: Lilly Campbell 9th grade Algebra 1 Growth Award; Jailyn Dixon world geography; Kendall Dobson BIM 1; Alyssa Gathright art; Lane McCraw English I; and April Stailey Spanish I, Biology and English I Honors.
Sophomores recognized with awards included: Madison Carson Spanish II, Human Growth & Development and 2nd Semester Chemistry; Jackson Evans pre-calculus and first semester chemistry; Kelcie Fite, BIM 2; Neely Hammond principles of education, human growth and development and first semester chemistry; Ashlyn Hudson, Honors English II; Erin Morgan, first semester chemistry; Armando Osornio second semester chemistry; Shelby Saragosa art, Algebra II, second semester chemistry and highest GPA in world history; Matthew Skaggs art; Areli Torres 10th grade Algebra 1 Growth Award.
Finally, CHS juniors receiving additional awards included: Annalyse Drake art, Jimena Enriquez human growth and development, art and junior English most impressive improvement; Clayton Jensen art; Logan Krodle physics and dual language English III; Savannah Kurn instructional practices; Dakota Morgan Money Matters top investor; Collin Welch highest GPA in US history; and Matthew Wheat, highest average in fall and spring semester junior English, and Money Matters.
Travel Tuesday: I Have Over One Million Hotel Points; Now What?
During the pandemic, those of us that collect points and miles continued to do so and at a greater rate since we weren’t redeeming those same points for flights and hotel rooms. As the pandemic seems to be ending, and more opportunities to travel become available every day, I reviewed my balances for all points and miles accounts and discovered I have over one million hotel points across the three major chains. At first that sounds like a huge amount, but not all points are created equal, and these three chains have different redemption rates which undoubtably will go up as there are a LOT of unused points out there in other traveler’s accounts.
My Points Breakdown And The Perceived Value Of Each Program
Hilton Points: 500,000
Marriott Points: 400,000
Hyatt Points: 120,000
First of all, everyone values their own points in different programs a little differently, and some folks like one brand over another, so they tend to collect one brand over another. I like keeping a minimum balance of a certain amount in each of these three programs and it varies by program. I usually like to keep enough points in both Marriott and Hilton programs for longer stays since each of those programs offers a “5th night free” when using points as payment. That amount for Marriott would be around 300,000 points and for Hilton approximately 400,000 points. As most Hyatt hotels range from 15-30,000 points, my minimum for that program is around 70,000 points as there are not as many hotel properties in their program as Marriott and Hilton. Hyatt also does not offer a “5th night free” when paying with points. Overall, Hilton points are perceived to be valued at 6/10ths of a cent, and Marriott points at 8/10ths of a cent. Hyatt points have the highest perceived value commonly being valued at 1.7 cents each or higher. Those values won’t mean anything if you are not able to get the redemption rate you want at the property you prefer. As travel opens back up, the demand for rooms will certainly go up,
The Best Use Of The Points I Have For Marriott
The current amount of points I have on hand could offer fanstastic redemptions at some unbelievable properties such as a JW Marriott hotel on it’s own island off the coast of Venice, Italy. The JW Marriott Venice Resort runs about 70,000 points each night and with that Free 5th night, that could mean a wonderful 5 night stay for a total of 280,000 points. The room rate normally runs over $600 per night so that would make the redemption rate close to 1.1 cents per point, well over it’s perceived value.
Closer to home, Marriott has opened a new hotel near Fort Worth Stockyards. The Hotel Drover is currently only 30,000 points per night to offset the almost $300 room rate. Another great redemption! This point level also qualifies for the Marriott “Free Night Awards” that come with new credit card sign-up offer from Chase.
My Best Use Of Points For Hilton
Collecting Hilton points continues to be my favorite hotel loyalty program, but requires keeping more points on hand to maximize the benefits. I also like to keep these points on hand in case of emergencies for last minute hotel bookings when we find our travel plans change unexpectedly (cancelled flights, etc). Last minute hotel rooms can be very expensive at airports but Hilton always has a property nearby that has moderate point redemption prices.
For big point redemptions, Hilton offers the “5th Night Free” as well, and you are able to leverage your points for longer stays. Hilton redemption rates tend to be more “dynamic” meaning variable and you should check different dates for the same hotel to see if the hotel offers cheaper rates at different times. Sometimes the difference can be tremendous amount of points when a “standard room reward” is not available and the next level is a “premium room reward”. The upcharge between the two rewards could be 50,000 points or more. A close getaway that makes for a good redemption of Hilton points is The Statler Dallas located in downtown Dallas. This vintage hotel was reborn in 2018 but keeps true to it’s mid century heritage in it’s design. I was able to find room redemption rates as low as 56,000 points for a standard room reward. This is also a great redemption for the Amex Hilton Sign-Up bonus. New users of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can receive 130,000 points by spending $2,000 in the first three months on any purchases. Holding this card will also get you free breakfast at most Hilton properties as well as it will elevate your Hilton Honors account to Gold status.
If I was going to spend most of my points for one big redemption, I would probably choose The Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego for five nights. The standard room redemption rate is 95,000 points to offset the minimum $400 nightly room rate that sometimes swells to over $600 per night. Using the “5th Night Free” would total 380,000 points and could provide a redemption rate of 8/10ths of a cent.
The Best Use Of Hyatt Points
Hyatt points have a much higher perceived value as it takes less points for room redemptions as it does in the other programs. I like to keep Hyatt points on hand for overnight stays at DFW before early flights, as rooms at Hyatt Regency DFW start at only 8,000 points. The Grand Hyatt in the International Terminal (Terminal D) is consistently 20,000 points per night. Utilizing points for either of these hotels saves at least $175 in room charges and provides a convienent location for early flights. On the other end of the spectrum, you can offset a $700 room rate in New York at the Park Hyatt with only 30,000 Hyatt points. Although Hyatt doesn’t offer a fifth night free, a four night trip to NYC would be a great use of 120,000 points with a redemption rate of well over 2 cents per point. You can get enough bonus points for a one night stay in New York (or more than enough for three nights at DFW) by applying for a Chase Hyatt credit card and spending $2,000 in the first three months. To find out out more click here: Chase Hyatt Credit Card.
Final Thoughts
As I review all of my points and miles, I believe that over the rest of the year it will begin to be tougher to find lower redemption rates for all hotel rooms. The best way to combat this is to reserve rooms well in advance at the current redemption rates. Currently, all of the major hotel chains have generous cancellation policies so that you can book a room now using points at the prevailing rates and cancel later if your plans don’t materialize. As things begin to open up, demand for rooms will certainly rise and a million hotel points may be worth less than they were before.
Wildcats 7 on 7 Football Team Takes on Lindale and Gilmer Here Tuesday Evening
The Wildcats 7 on 7 Football Team will face some quality opponents at home Tuesday evening (May 18) as Lindale and Gilmer come to town.
Games are scheduled to get underway at 5:30 p.m. If the weather cooperates, competition will be at Gerald Prim Stadium.
If rain is a problem, the games will move to the Multiple Purpose Building. Each school will have two teams.
Both Lindale and Gilmer played very deep into the playoffs this past season.
Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young said about 60 Wildcats should get a chance to play. The Wildcats feature quarterbacks Matthew Mitchell and Brady Driver.
Returning receivers for the Wildcats include Weston Fields, Carson Fenton, leading receiver C.J. Williams, Cable Glenn and Matthew Sherman.
Coach Young also mentioned Reed Williams, Colt Silman and Colby Albritton. He said each game Tuesday will last 30 minutes with no half time adding there would only be 5 minutes between games.
The Wildcats #1 and #2 teams will play Lindale and Gilmer once. After scores, teams can choose to go for 2 points. An interception is worth 3 points.
Coach Young said everything should be wrapped up by around 7 p.m.
This is the second competition session for the high school Wildcats. Several weeks ago in early May, the Wildcats got a win over Commerce and took a loss against Paris on a score on the last play of the game.
The competition Tuesday will help prepare the Wildcats for a State Qualifier Tournament early Saturday at Grapevine. The Wildcats will take on Princeton, Frisco Wakeland and Grapevine.
Coach Young said 7 on 7 for Middle School 8th grade and 7th grade teams ended with a competition Saturday at Grand Saline. He said the 8th grade Wildcats went 1-2.
There were two 7th grade teams and one won the consolation bracket while another placed 4th. Coach Young said 7 on 7 for 6th graders took place earlier this year.
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.
Johnson, Wade Top 2021 Sulphur Bluff Honor Graduates
Shane Johnson and Jada Wade have been announced as the top 2021 Sulphur Bluff honor graduates.
Valedictorian Shane Johnson, son of Micah and Melissa Johnson of Nelta, will graduate from Sulphur Bluff High School this Friday with a 3.989 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. He has received all of his formative education at Sulphur Bluff ISD, beginning in prekindergarten.
Upon being named the highest ranking student in his senior class, Johnson said he is “happy that my studying and reading paid off.”
His advice to other students who are also striving to be successful in school is to “study to better yourself, so that you can help other people.”
In addition to maintaining a high GPA, Johnson has also been active in various extracurricular activities.
He played basketball, baseball, track, golf, and cross country during his years at SBISD. His involvement in extracurriculars has also included participation in the school’s FFA chapter and BETA club, and he competed in academic UIL as well.
Johnson’s hobbies and interests also include playing sports with his friends, working out, reading and playing video games.
He credits has mom and dad as his biggest inspirations, for always pushing him to better himself and learn.
The SBHS 2021 valedictorian’s plans include attending Texas A&M University-Commerce, where he will begin working this fall to acquire a degree in finance
Johnson has been admitted to the TAMUC Honors College which include a scholarship to offset tuition, fees, housing, many meals, and books. Students accepted into the Honors College are required to complete at least 15 hours per semester toward a degree, living in Honors housing, a minimum of 30 hours of honors course credits before graduation, completion of an approved capstone experience (honors thesis, study abroad, internship)To be in good standing, maintaining a 3.3 CPA or higher and complete 96 hours of community service during their time at TAMUC.
Salutatorian Jada Wade, daughter of Jerry Wade of Dike and Leticia Wade of Sulphur Springs, will graduate May 21 with a 4.87 weighted grade point average. She has attended SBISD since kindergarten.
Wade said she is “beyond blessed and honored to be named the salutatorian of my graduating class. All of my hard work throughout the years has paid off!”
Her advice to others students who are striving to be successful in school is to study and not be afraid to ask questions.
‘Start early, every grade is important. Take every opportunity you get, get involved. Have your reason for everything you do. Stay dedicated to your goals, dream big and no matter what never give up!” Wade said.
She has been very active in campus life during her time at SBISD, participating and earning honors in a number of sports, organizations and academic competitions.
Wade has been involved in FCCLA, serving as an officer for two years and president of the organization for one year. She earned second place honors in the STAR event professional presentation at the regional FCCLA competition.
She too was active in FFA, Beta Club, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.
In academic UIL competitions, she was a regional qualifier in poetry for two years of her high school career at SBHS.
The 2021 salutatorian has also achieved accolades for having the highest average in multiple classes during her years at The Bluff.
Wade participated in four sports – volleyball, basketball, track and cross country – earning recognition for her efforts in three of the four sports.
In basketball, she was named Academic All-District all four years of high school, First Team All District her junior and senior years, and was named Basketball MVP. In volleyball, she received Academic All-District honors three of her four years at SBHS. She too was named Track and Field MVP.
In addition to her school activities, Wade also works at Brookshire’s in Sulphur Spring, enjoys singing, reading a good book and spending time with her family and friends.
“My dad is one of my role models. He has always encouraged me to work hard for everything I have and he has encouraged me to trust God all of the way through,” Wade noted, adding, “Every encounter I have made has helped shape me into who I am today!”
The second ranked SBHS honor graduate said she plans to attend Paris Junior College in the fall, then College of the Ozarks in the spring. She is a 2021 Bright Star Scholarship recipient.
“My future plans and career choice are to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and to become a full time nurse. I have chosen this career path because I have always had this deep-seated desire to care for and help others. I am beyond excited to start the process of earning this rewarding job of becoming a nurse,” Wade said.
Johnson and Wade will be honored along with the other members of the SBHS Senior Class of 2021 at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2021, in the new gym at the school.
Texas Ranger Ticket Giveaway #7
KSST has Texas Ranger Baseball tickets available for the Sunday May 23th, 2021 game against the Astros. 1:35 first pitch.
This years tickets will be offered in a digital format. To be a winner, you will need to download and install the Offical MLB Ball Park App for your smart device. Think of the app as a digital wallet for your tickets.
How to Win
Like KSST and this post on Facebook to enter. Winners will be chosen at random. Remember, you will need to provide a valid email address, and that email must be linked to your MLB Ballpark app.
The Process
Once you win, KSST will forward the digital ticket information to your email. Your MLB Ballpark app will accept the ticket information and store them until you need them. You will need to take your device to the ballpark to display the QR code at the gate. Get all the details at MLB.COM
Just to be clear, KSST and KRVA did not receive paper tickets, so we can not furnish paper tickets to our winners.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital To Hold Walk-In COVID Vaccine Clinic May 19
Hospital, Cody Drug, Many Local Pharmacies Now Offering Pfizer Vaccines For Ages 12 And Up
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs will hold a Walk-In Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in the front lobby (accessible from the main entrance) Wednesday for individuals who have yet to receive even one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The first dose of the vaccine will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. Those receiving the vaccine on that date must be available to return on Wednesday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon to receive the second dose, required to become fully vaccinated for the novel coronavirus 2019.
The hospital, like Cody Drug and most other local pharmacies that have received doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, is now offering the Pfizer vaccine to another segment of the population – younger adolescents.
The Food and Drug Administration last Monday, May 10, authorized vaccine providers to begin administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents ages 12 to 15 years. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on May 12 recommended Pfizer vaccine for that age group as well. Texas Department of State Health Services also May 12 authorized Texas providers to begin administering to youth ages 12-15, in line with the federal guidance.
“While children are less likely than adults to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and communities,” Imelda Garcia, Texas Department of State Health Services associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, stated in a May 12 letter from DSHS to vaccine providers. “DSHS believes that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic and have a direct and positive effect on schools being open for classroom learning.”
Parental consent is required for the vaccination of adolescents in this age group. Consent may be given orally or in writing; the parent or guardian does not need to be present for the adolescent to be vaccinated, unless required by the vaccine provider, according to DSHS.
Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people ages 12 to 17, and it is the same vaccine widely available across the state for use in adults. Youth and parents should contact providers in their area to ensure they are offering the Pfizer vaccine before making an appointment or attending a walk-up vaccine clinic. Tools for locating vaccine providers are available at covidvaccine.texas.gov or vacunacovid.texas.gov.
CMFH-SS CEO Paul Harvey on May 13 confirmed that the hospital will offer the vaccine for ages 12 and up at the May 19 walk-in clinic. As the event suggests, those wishing to received the vaccine need only walk in between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. May 19 to receive the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Texas had administered nearly 20.57 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 11. 9 million people (counting fully vaccinated and individuals who’ve received only one vaccine dose) as of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2021. About 52 percent of all Texas residents age 16 years and older had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 40 percent were fully vaccinated as of May 12. By Sunday, May 16, 9.4 million Texans had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
In Hopkins County, 17,352 of the doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered – 9,849 people who had received at least one dose and 8,220 people had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as of 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 16, according to DSHS’s Vaccine Data dashboard.
While COVID-19 cases have decreased significantly across the county, region and state since COVID-19 vaccines first became available in December, the virus as not been completely irradiated in either Texas or Hopkins County. New cases are still being diagnosed regularly and deaths are still occurring as a result of COVID-19. Across the state, 318 new confirmed and 175 probable COVID-19 cases, and 23 new fatalities were reported at 3:20 p.m. May 17, 2021. In Hopkins County, new COVID-19 cases are being confirmed on average no less than 5 out of every 7 days so far this month.
So far this month, Hopkins County has had a total of 43 new COVID-19 cases, which includes 27 confirmed cases and 16 probable cases. A total of 2,975 of the cumulative 3,119 Hopkins County residents who have had COVID-19 were reported to have recovered from the virus as of 3 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2021. That’s 12 more confirmed COVID-19 cases reported for Hopkins County during the first 17 days of May than from April 1-17, 2021, and 10 more cases than during the entire month of May 2020. That’s also five more probable cases reported so far this month than during the first 17 days of April.
One Hopkins County resident is reported to have died this month from COVID-19, increasing the total number of Hopkins County COVID-19 fatalities since March of 2020 to 110; the latest COVID-19 death is reported to have occurred on May 6. Two COVID-19 fatalities were reported for Hopkins County in April 2021, one each on April 1 and April 13.
That left 34 active COVID-19 cases among Hopkins County residents as of 3 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2021, which is six more active cases than were reported to DSHS on May 1, according to the DSHS Case Counts and Additional Information dashboards.
In order to prevent the COVID-19 case counts from continuing to rise and potentially result in additional deaths, especially in high risk individuals, all eligible populations are encouraged by DSHS and the CDC to get the vaccine.
