Paris Junior College Students Must Apply to Graduate by April 1
March 28, 2025 –PJC students must apply to graduate by April 1
New this year – tickets
Paris Junior College students who want to graduate this year must fill out an online graduation application by April 1. The form ensures the student’s record correctly shows they are graduated, whether or not they wish to participate in the Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9.
New this spring are tickets for friends and families of graduates. Each graduate will receive six tickets when they pick up their cap and gown. Guests without tickets will not be allowed to enter but will be able to view the ceremony via livestream.
There will again be two commencement ceremonies on May 9. Students receiving a Certificate of Completion or Associate of Applied Science will graduate at the 3:00 p.m. Workforce Education ceremony. Those receiving an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Arts in Teaching will graduate at the 7:00 p.m. Academic Education ceremony.
The location is also new this year. Both ceremonies will be held at the Paris High School Gymnasium, located south of the PJC campus at 2255 S. Collegiate Drive in Paris.
Graduation caps and gowns are available for free to those who apply by the April 1 deadline. Cap and gown pick-ups are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 15 at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center, April 16 at the PJC-Greenville Center, and April 17 at the Paris campus in the Administration Building, Room 149.
For instructions on accessing the online graduation application and more information, please go to www.parisjc.edu/graduation.
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.
East Texas A&M University Breaks Ground on New Event Center
March 28, 2025 – The new arena will serve as a central hub for student life and community engagement in Northeast Texas.
COMMERCE, TX, March 27, 2025—
East Texas A&M University broke ground on its highly anticipated Event Center on Thursday, March 27—a game-changer for athletics, entertainment, and community connections in Northeast Texas. The university celebrated the groundbreaking with a special ceremony at the site, welcoming community members and distinguished guests.
“In developing this event center—the premier event center in Northeast Texas—we know this can be a catalyst for growth, not just within our university community, but this region, the city of Commerce, Hunt County and beyond,” said East Texas A&M Athletics Director Jim Curry.
A Multi-Purpose Venue for Northeast Texas
Located on the south side of campus along State Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas, the modern, multi-use Event Center will primarily serve as the home for East Texas A&M’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Beyond athletics, the $70 million venue will host major university and community events, including graduations, concerts, conventions and special gatherings. Designed to anchor a future campus event district, the Event Center will serve as a central hub for student life and community engagement in Northeast Texas.
A Closer Look at the Event Center
The Event Center was designed by architecture firm Gensler and will be built by Hoar Construction. The 65,000 square-foot arena will feature:
- Approximately 2,500 stadium seats
- Two multipurpose press rooms
- Two suites
- Four team locker rooms
- Eight coaches’ offices
- Loge box (semi-private seating) for around 40 guests
- Training room
- Video scoreboards
- Technology and infrastructure for concerts and other events
Ana Kurzan, senior designer at Gensler, described the Event Center as “a brilliant beacon celebrating campus victories, graduations and regional pride.” She added that the building’s modern design is inspired by “the elegance of a lion in motion, as well as its strength and stoicism.”
The area surrounding the Event Center will include a plaza, an outdoor entertainment space with a stage, a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant and more than 800 new parking spaces.
The master development plan—which will be fully developed later—adds additional retail and entertainment space, including an auxiliary gym, restaurant spaces, and a hotel—all designed to create a high-energy, student-friendly environment.
Virtual image of the Event Center’s interior. Compliments of Gensler.
Driving Growth and Engagement
The new Event Center is a transformative investment in East Texas A&M’s future, designed to:
- Strengthen East Texas A&M’s presence as a leading destination for athletics, entertainment and student engagement
- Enhance campus visibility and brand recognition, attracting more students and visitors
- Serve as a vibrant gathering place for students and the community
- Boost student recruitment and retention, enhancing the overall campus experience
- Create new partnerships and opportunities for local businesses and organizations
Molly Jacobsen, assistant city manager for Commerce, said the Event Center will bring transformative opportunities to the region.
“We look forward to this Event Center providing much needed jobs in the area, enhancing our community and the quality of life, boosting the local economy, promoting the growth of other local business, and spurring innovation in the development of new business,” she said.
Elevating Lion Athletics
As East Texas A&M continues its journey in NCAA Division I athletics, the Event Center will help bridge the campus infrastructure gap, providing top-tier resources to attract high-caliber student-athletes and enhance their academic and athletic experiences. By offering DI-level facilities, East Texas A&M aims to elevate its profile, drawing greater attention from fans, media and prospective athletes while strengthening its reputation as a competitive force in collegiate sports.
Basketball player Jordyn Newsome, president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, said the new Event Center will reflect the university’s pride as they take on DI competition in the Southland Conference.
“This will be a place we represent East Texas A&M with strength, determination and heart,” she said. “This Event Center will open new doors of opportunity for Lion Athletics, and I cannot wait to see it.”
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Several special guests attended Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony, including:
- Chris Grant, Commissioner, Southland Conference
- Thomas Samuel, Deputy Commissioner, Southland Conference
- Don Montgomery, The Texas A&M University System
- Elizabeth Cockerham (Senator John Cornyn)
- Matt Hernandez (Representative Brent Money)
- Natalie Steinsholt (Representative Keith Self)
- Steven Harrison, Commissioner, Hunt County
- Bobby Stovall, Judge, Hunt County
- Molly Jacobson, Assistant City Manager, Commerce
- Dr. Keith McFarland, President Emeritus
Other VIP guests included representatives from Commerce EDC, Commerce Chamber of Commerce, Greenville Chamber of Commerce, Commerce ISD and Campbell ISD. Several VIP vendors attended from The Sports Facilities Companies, Hoar Construction, GSR-Andrade and Gensler.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant said he became a “believer” in East Texas A&M after visiting and seeing the alignment among the campus, the community and the administration.
“I became a believer and believe in East Texas [A&M] and everything we can accomplish just by the growth of becoming Division I,” he said. He added that the groundbreaking for the new facility is “a statement that East Texas belongs in Division I, and East Texas is a leader in the Southland Conference.”
Chris Grant, Commissioner, Southland Conference, addresses the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony. | East Texas A&M Marketing and Communications
In his remarks, Jim Curry thanked The Texas A&M University System for their support, assistance and guidance and their “great belief in the growth trajectory of this university…” He also recognized East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin for “his leadership, his inspiration, the bold vision he’s got for this university…”
Looking Ahead
With a master plan for future growth, the Event Center will bring together education, athletics and entertainment to become a premier destination for Northeast Texas.
“This facility will be a place where people can gather, collaborate, perform, engage, and celebrate all of the things that contribute to making a city really feel more like a community,” Jacobsen said. “Today, we celebrate this vision as it becomes a reality.”
“It’s yet another great day to be a Lion,” Rudin said. “This Event Center will be such an important part of our history.”
Virtual image of the Event Center’s exterior. Compliments of Gensler.
8th Annual Jake Wilson Memorial Bass Tournament to be Held April 12th
March 28, 2025 – We are having our annual Jake Wilson Memorial Bass Tournament on April 12th, 2025.
The Minnow Bucket will be the host Marina. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Diane Wilson 972-567-5215.
Governor Abbott Announces Texas State Securities Board Investigation Into East Plano Islamic Center
March 28, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas State Securities Board launched an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and affiliated entities for potential failures to comply with applicable state and federal securities requirements, including protections against fraud.
EPIC City is a planned Muslim-centered residential development spanning 402 acres near Josephine, Texas, in Collin and Hunt counties. Initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), the project aims to include over 1,000 residential units, a mosque, a K–12 faith-based school, a community college, and commercial facilities. EPIC offers investment opportunities through Community Capital Partners (CCP). Prospective investors can purchase shares at $80,000 each, securing a lot within the community.
“The group behind the proposed East Plano Islamic Center compound may be misleading investors,” said Governor Abbott. “Defrauding Texans will not be tolerated. The Texas State Securities Board is conducting a thorough investigation to ensure Texans are protected from financial harm that is alleged to have been caused by EPIC. This is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal activities by EPIC. All entities in Texas must follow state law, not Sharia law.”
This week, Governor Abbott announced that the Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering EPIC to immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations. On Monday, the Governor also announced that a dozen state agencies are investigating potential illegal activities conducted by EPIC and its affiliated entities.
Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center Nurse Aide Class Starts April 7
March 27, 2025 – The Continuing Education Department at the Paris Junior College – Sulphur Springs Center is offering a nurse aide class from April 7 to May 28. The class and clinical will be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday.
The course prepares entry level nursing assistants to achieve a level of knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to provide basic care to residents of long-term care facilities. Topics include resident’s rights, communication, safety, observation, reporting and assisting residents in maintaining basic comfort and safety. Course emphasis is on effective interaction with members of the health care team.
Applicants must have a valid state-issued photo ID and social security card. The names on both of these items must match. Applicants will also be required to fill out a background release form upon applying to be considered for this class.
For more information or to sign up, call 903-885-1232 or 903-782-0447, 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.
Federal Programs at Paris Junior College Bring Local Success
March 27, 2025 – Paris High School senior Isaiah Hampton has racked up a lot of ink – both in print and digitally, thanks to his many impressive achievements over the last few years. What many people may not know is the help he received from two federal programs at Paris Junior College.
Hampton had been participating in PJC’s Educational Talent Search (ETS) and then applied to Upward Bound (UB) as a sophomore. Both programs are funded by the Department of Education and free to participants.
ETS identifies qualified youths in seventh through twelfth grade with potential for higher education to complete high school and go on. ETS may serve up to 778 students in twenty-six high schools and four junior high schools in Lamar, Red River, Fannin, Hunt, Delta, Hopkins, Franklin, and Titus counties.
UB offers a college-preparatory program for ninth through twelfth grades that promotes educational achievement for students from lower income families who would be the first in their household to receive a college degree. Students are accepted from the following schools: Avery, Chisum, Clarksville, Detroit, North Lamar, Paris, Prairiland, and Rivercrest. Ninety-two percent of students completing the UB program advance to a college or university.
“We want to see the students in Upward Bound use the services and resources the program has to offer to meet their higher education goals,” Barham said. “We’re super proud and excited for Isaiah and hope it makes more people excited about doing the program. We’re not gatekeepers, we want to open the eyes of students and parents to what can happen through Upward Bound.”
Last summer Hampton participated in UB’s summer program at PJC, which brings 86 students to live on campus for six weeks during the summer. There is also an academic year phase, providing a grade level appropriate college readiness curriculum, academic enrichment and group activities throughout the school year.
“It was a new experience because I was taking college classes at a college for the first time,” Hampton said. “It was delightful. Being in Upward Bound is an eye-opening experience to help students to know what college life is like, what the college course load is like and how to manage it. That is so fundamental for people who are moving on to college, it’s really your foundation before you go to college.”
It was during one of UB’s Saturday meetings that Barham told Hampton she was referring him to be invited to apply to the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, which led to his recent achievement in March when he was named as a QuestBridge National College Match out of over 25,500 initial applicants. Matched to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, he will receive a full four-year scholarship to attend with an estimated value of $410,000.
“Christi recommended me to the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, and I received an invitation to apply. It precedes the national match program,” said Hampton. “It makes you six times more likely to be accepted to the match program, and when I was accepted to the college prep program as a junior, I was ecstatic. I applied to the College Match and became a finalist. I thought, ‘what was a kid from Paris, Texas going to hope to accomplish,’ and it was surreal. Then I got the email matching me to Brown University and it was sublime joy.”
Barham assisted him through the college scholarship process. Hampton is also one of 105 recipients of a 2025 Horatio Alger National Scholarship for $25,000, an annual award recognizing exceptional students, who, in the face of critical financial need and great hardship, remain committed to pursuing higher education. He has also twice been selected to perform with the Texas All-State small school choir in San Antonio and has served as one of 12 Crimestopper Ambassadors for the state of Texas.
Hampton plans to double major in chemistry and physics with plans to pursue postgraduate/professional school after Brown University. He is the second QuestBridge National Match scholar from the PJC Upward Bound program. A Chisum High School student matched with Yale University and graduated there last May.
“The UB staff are proud of Isaiah’s accomplishments and are excited about his future,” Barham.
“I wasn’t ranked a valedictorian or salutatorian, and people say you can’t get into a good college,” said Hampton, “but here I am changing that dynamic.”
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.
Dinner Bell for April 2, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Christus Health
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
The beginning of nuns and hospitals in Texas dates back to 1866 when the Bishop of Galveston wrote a contact in France for help!
Three women of the new congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Incarnate Word sailed for Galveston and established Charity Infirmary (renamed St. Mary’s Infirmary). From Galveston to San Antonio three sisters established Santa Rosa Hospital in 1869 as Cholera was ravaging that area of Texas. In 1937, 16 sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth order arrived in Tyler to establish Mother Frances Hospital. It opened early to aid the victims of the New London tragedy that occurred in nearby Rusk County.
A merger of the Catholic health care system in Houston, San Antonio and Gaveston created Christus Health on January 28, 1999. In 2016 Christus became a major presence in East Texas by merging with Trinity Mother Frances Hospital and Clinic.
In July 2016 the Hopkins County Hospital District and Christus Health formed an alliance in which Christus became the leasing entity of the hospital building, its employees and the medical services of the hospital.
Christus Health has been a partner with Dinner Bell Ministry since 2017 serving many times yearly. In 2025, Christus will join Dinner Bell Ministry 15 times to feed those who need a meal which fulfills one of its goals to improve the health and welfare of the communities it serves.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
MENU:
- Ham & Cheese Soup
- Easy Roasted Broccoli
- Garden Salad
- Homemade Rolls
- Butter Cake with Pineapple topping
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Pittsburg Man Asking for Lawyer, Lawyer, Lawyer, Ends Up in Jail, Jail, Jail
March 27, 2025 – A 28-year-old man attempted to sail through Hopkins County on Interstate 30 early Thursday morning, but caught the attention of deputies from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
It all began with a report of a reckless driver on I-30 traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed near the 127 mile marker at 1:17am. Officers quickly spotted the suspect vehicle and observed several traffic violations as authorities caught up with the 2009 black pickup. Deputies activated their lights and sirens which alerted the suspect that the peace officers wanted the pickup to pull over, but the driver increased the vehicle’s speed in an attempt to outrun the deputies. The driver finally relented, pulling over near the 136 mile marker. Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies made contact with the driver ultimately placing the driver in hand restraints and placing him in the back seat of the deputie’s vehicle.
When the suspect was asked to identify himself, the suspect would only respond with “lawyer, lawyer, lawyer” which added another misdemeanor charge of Failure to Identify. It didn’t take authorities long to identify the suspect through a records check as Blake Danile Lee Saylor and surprisingly the suspect’s driver’s license was invalid, The 28-year-old Pittsburg, Texas man was transported to the Hopkins County Jail facing several charges including the felony charge of Evading Arrest Or Detention with a Vehicle, No Driver’s License, Failure to Identify, and a Reckless Driving Charge. Blake Danile Lee Saylor remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting his bond to be set on the matter.
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.
Governor Abbott Announces Action Taken Against East Plano Islamic Center
March 27, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) compound to immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations. Earlier this week, Governor Abbott announced that a dozen state agencies are investigating potential illegal activities taking place at EPIC.
“Here in Texas, we uphold the rule of law,” said Governor Abbott. “The group behind the proposed East Plano Islamic Center compound in Collin County is knowingly breaking state law in many ways, including by operating a funeral home without a license. This is a crime, and it will not be tolerated. Texas will continue to defend our communities from any threats posed by EPIC City.”
The cease-and-desist letter has been forwarded to the local district attorney’s office for potential prosecution.
Read Texas Funeral Service Commission’s letter to the East Plano Islamic Center here.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Issues CID as Part of an Ongoing Investigation into Real Estate Development Tied to East Plano Islamic Center
March 26, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) to Community Capital Partners, LP (“CCP”) as part of an ongoing investigation into CCP’s real estate development, EPIC City. The development, which will occupy land in nearby Hunt County, is affiliated with the East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”).
A Civil Investigative Demand (CID) is a legal tool used by federal agencies like the DOJ, FTC, and CFPB to request documents, information, and testimony from individuals or entities during civil investigations, often before a lawsuit is filed.
CCP is a corporate entity that was established by EPIC. Additionally, promotional materials advertised by EPIC have explicitly stated that not only was CCP “created by EPIC,” but that EPIC is the “only beneficiary of profits” from EPIC City.
The CID aims to acquire material relevant to an investigation regarding potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws.
“Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office has an open and ongoing investigation into EPIC City, which has raised a number of concerns, and this CID will help ensure that any potential violation of state law is uncovered.”
