Another Computer Coding Camp Being Offered by Paris Junior College
PJC-Greenville Center
Public Information Services
Limited openings still available at local PJC Coding Camps
A free coding camp at Paris Junior College, made possible by the Texas Workforce Commission, still has openings available in camps slated for Greenville and Quinlan. Applications will be taken until July 16. The first camp, held in Sulphur Springs starting June 21, has been a hit.
“They are really enjoying the camp,” said PJC Computer Information Systems Instructor Cedric Crawford. “The students are extremely energetic and bring fresh ideas to the camp every day. They are programing the drones to do things I had no idea they could do. Its amazing to see how fast they picked up coding.”
The free Coding Camp is for students entering the sixth, seventh, or eighth grades, or those who have completed eighth grade in the 2020-21 school year. To enroll a student in one of those camps, applications must be received by the PJC Continuing Education Department by Friday, July 16.
Camps which still have openings are at the PJC-Greenville Center, July 19-23 and Quinlan ISD, August 2-6. Each camp will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students may be dropped off at 7:45 a.m. and picked up by 4:45 p.m. Transportation assistance is available upon request.
Enrollment is limited and priority is given to foster youth, students with disabilities, students from low income families, and students from populations underserved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). To apply, a parent or guardian and the student must complete the application form and a parent or guardian must complete the Permission, Medical & Media Release Form. The forms are at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/Coding-Camp-App.pdf. Both must be returned by the updated deadline of July 16, 2021.Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance; parents or guardians will be notified if their child has been selected. For questions or additional information, please contact 903-782-0447. The application may be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 903-782-0443, or dropped off at the PJC Continuing Education Department in Paris or at the PJC-Greenville Center or PJC-Sulphur Springs Center.
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.
Lady Cats Volleyball Making Great Strides As Edge Draws to Close
As July approaches, the Edge for volleyball is set to conclude their four-week run next Thursday, July 8.
So as the summer strength and conditioning program draws to a close next week, Bailey Dorner, head Lady Cats volleyball coach, met up with KSST on Tuesday, June 29 at Sulphur Springs Middle school after the Edge’s first session to talk all things volleyball present and future.
“It’s been great, girls have been showing up, they’ve been working out [and] they’ve been working hard,” Coach Dorner said about the first three weeks of Edge. “They’ve been getting after it in the weight room, on the track, in the gym… [they’ve been] just getting better.”
The Lady Cats head volleyball coach said her athletes have been doing great.
As goes with any team, departures are to be expected. Whether athletes transfer, move, graduate or otherwise, holes will have to be filled.
Notable departures for Coach Dorner’s squad were the graduation of key seniors; Nylah Lindley signed on to play softball at Tuskegee University in Alabama, Bre’Asia Ivery, Caroline Hurley, and Braylea Brewer all graduated, but arguably the biggest hole to fill is the departure of Sadie Washburn, who signed on to play volleyball at Dallas Baptist University last November.
With so many starters and role players now gone, sometimes there can be growing pains for incoming seniors adjusting to a leadership position. That has not been the case for Coach Dorner’s Lady Cats.
At times coaches may have to ask more of their students to step up and be leaders of a team, but Coach Dorner said of her incoming upperclassmen that it has been something of a natural progression.
Coach Dorner said that having so many wonderful role models in years past has showed incoming juniors and seniors what the expectation is, and the Lady Cats volleyball coach said she believed these students have rose to the occasion and are working hard to be the best they can be.
With the Edge ending next Thursday, Coach Bailey Dorner and her squad are already looking ahead to August when things really start ramping up for the team.
According to the Lady Cats volleyball coach, her team will hit the ground running in the first days of August, starting with two-a-days practices, then will shift to tryouts and start scrimmage play shortly thereafter.
Coach Dorner said that once tryouts start and the squad is at their full strength, athletes will see familiar faces who they know are tried-and-true who have been around for a while, like the incoming senior class.
Speaking on the incoming upperclassmen, Coach Dorner said they are “A great group of kids who have always worked hard since they’ve been here.”
The Lady Cats head volleyball coach said she is excited to see some new faces at tryouts that can bring some new energy to the team and, hopefully, surprise some people.
For now Coach Dorner and her team will continue working hard on improvement until the Edge concludes for volleyball next Thursday, July 8.
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.
2 Sulphur Springs Men Arrested For DWI On SH 154 South In Last 3 Days
Two Sulphur Springs men have been arrested on misdemeanor DWI charges in the last 3 days on State Highway 154 south in Hopkins County, including one man reported to have been driving drunk at the time of a two-vehicle crash which resulted in injuries, according to arrest reports.
SH 154 South Wreck
A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper responded late Saturday night to what was reported as a two-vehicle crash with injuries on State Highway. Dispatchers advised the trooper two prior calls had come in about the pickup. The truck was reported to have been stopped in the roadway.
Upon arrival in the area, the trooper reported seeing a white passenger car with major front end damage on one side facing west on the southbound shoulder of SH 154 south. A white Ford pickup with damage to the driver’ side tire and left side panel facing south in the northbound lane of SH 154 south was located just south of the white passenger car.
Deputies who had arrived on scene were advised by a witness that the driver of the Ford pickup had thrown beer bottles into the ditch. Three broken Corona beer bottles, believed to be the bottles the witness reported seeing tossed, were located in the ditch.
On contact with the F150 driver, the highway patrol trooper reported detecting an alcohol odor emitting from the 47-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s breath. He also was alleged to have red, bloodshot, glassy eyes and swayed back and forth at the crash site. With a Sulphur Springs Police Officer translating, the man agreed to perform field sobriety tests. He performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for DWI. He then tested 0.154 and 0.158 on breath tests, almost twice the legal 0.08 limit for blood alcohol content on such tests, the DPS trooper alleged on arrest reports.
The 47-year-old man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:36 a.m. June 27, 2021, on a DWI charge. He was released from jail later Sunday, June 27, 2021, on a $2,000 bond on the Class A misdemeanor drunk driving charge, according to jail reports.
SH 154 South Traffic Stop
A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputy reported stopping a 38-year-old Sulphur Springs man for driving a Nissan Altima at 88 miles per hour on State Highway 154 south by Restlawn Cemetery.
The deputy alleged seeing an open can of Chilada beer in the console when he contacted the driver. When asked, the man admitted he had been drinking the beverage. The man reportedly showed six of six clues of intoxication on horizontal gaze nystagmus tests, then exhibited all 8 possible clues on a walk and turn test and all four possible clues on a one-legged stand test before telling the deputy he could no longer complete the test, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
The 38-year-old was arrested for DWI just before 7 p.m. The deputy reported finding a loaded 9 mmm firearm in the driver’s side door pocket while inventorying the car for impound, resulting in an additional charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon. The Sulphur Springs man was transported to jail, were he allegedly tested 0.191 and 0.199 on breath tests.
He was booked in jail at 8:28 p.m. Monday, June 28, 2021, on both misdemeanor charges. The 38-year-old man was released from the county jail June 29, on $2,000 bond each on the two misdemeanor charges.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
TWC Debuts ‘Start My VR’ Online Self-Referral for Vocational Rehabilitation Services
AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is introducing “Start My VR” an online self-referral portal for prospective vocational rehabilitation customers, providing a convenient way for individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment to inquire about Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services and/or be connected to a VR staff member.
“Start My VR offers individuals with disabilities a way to connect with VR Services at their convenience and take their first step toward achieving their employment goals,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC remains focused on helping every Texas job seeker connect to their next career opportunity.”
Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services supports individuals with physical or mental disabilities in achieving their employment goals. VR Services are designed to help an individual live independently and address employment barriers related to a disability, and support eligible individuals as they prepare for, obtain, retain or advance in employment.
“Vocational Rehabilitation Services are staffed by teams of rehabilitation professionals, whose priority is to provide services and support to individuals with disabilities to ensure that they may fully participate in the labor market and live independent lives,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “VR Services can often be a life-changing journey, which can begin with ‘Start My VR.’”
VR Services are personalized to an individual’s needs and can include assessments and diagnostics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and cognitive therapies, among other services. VR Services, a core partner of the Texas Workforce System, may also include career-focused education, training, and apprenticeships, job development, paid work experience, among other employment supports.
“Texas employers that make disability inclusiveness a priority in their workplace have demonstrated increased employee retention, employee satisfaction, and innovation – all of which contribute to a competitive business advantage,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Through ‘Start My VR’ we want to reach more individuals with disabilities to ensure they are aware of how VR services can benefit them, and support our goal to ensure that Texas employers benefit from the many talented individuals with disabilities who can join the workforce.”
In addition to receiving inquiries about VR Services, the Start My VR system also can receive inquiries for the Older Individuals who are Blind program, or VR-OIB.
VR-OIB services are designed to assist individuals age 55 and older adjust to the disability of blindness or visual impairment based on their specific needs. These services may include counseling and evaluations about vision loss, information and referral to community resources, assistive technology, diabetes education, or independent living skills training, which may include training in orientation and mobility and daily living skills.
To find out more about Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services, visit https://twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/vocational-rehabilitation-services
To find out how your business can benefit from hiring individuals with disabilities or to obtain information on employee accommodation, contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Business Relations Coordinator visit https://www.twc.texas.gov/businesses/vocational-rehabilitation-business-relations
Sulphur Springs Hotel Receives Best of Choice, Ring Of Honor Awards From Choice Hotels International
“Best of Choice” and “Ring of Honor” Awards
Sulphur Springs, Texas – June 29, 2021) – The Clarion Pointe hotel of Sulphur Springs, Texas has been recognized with prestigious “Best of Choice” and “Ring of Honor” awards from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), franchisor of the Clarion Pointe brand.
The “Best of Choice” designation is awarded to the top hotels within the company’s domestic and international portfolio. The Ring of Honor Award designation goes only to the top 1% of hotels within the brand, representing a tremendous accomplishment.
The hotel’s staff has demonstrated an exceptional focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to superior service. Award criteria are evaluated by Choice Hotels through its official property ranking reports.
“As a leading hotel franchisor, we count on our owners to make sure each guest that stays at each and every one of our hotels feels welcome, wanted and respected,” said Tim Tobin, vice president, franchisee onboarding and learning, Choice Hotels. “Award-winning hotels like the Clarion Pointe Sulphur Springs have demonstrated their commitment to delivering on this brand promise and more, and we are proud to honor their accomplishments as an example for others to follow.”
One hotel was selected from each Choice brand in the domestic (and international portfolio where available) for a Best of Choice award for their commitment to superior guest service and operational excellence. The properties rank among the top in Choice Hotels’ system for achieving high performance scores and exceptional guest ratings. The Ring of Honor recognizes the hotels within each Choice brand that rank the highest in guest satisfaction as determined by outstanding likelihood to recommend scores from guests.
The Sulphur Springs hotel is one of 18 to receive the 2021 Best of Choice award, and among 10 Clarion Pointe hotels to receive the Ring of Honor Award, according to a news releases from Choice Hotels International, Inc.
Clarion Pointe Sulphur Springs is owned and operated by Helm Hotels Group, a family-owned company with over 35 years of experience in Texas.
“We could not win these types of awards without our extremely dedicated and talented team working at the hotel,” said Charles Helm, Helm Hotels Group Owner and Sulphur Springs resident. “We are thrilled with how much guests love our hotel, which offers a premium local experience, top-notch customer service, and wide-array of amenities that make for a great and memorable stay.”
Clarion Pointe Sulphur Springs participates in the Choice Privileges loyalty rewards program, rated a top loyalty program by both USA Today‘s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards and by U.S. News & World Report. Membership is free and offers fast rewards and exclusive member rates when booking directly at choicehotels.com.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report For June 21-27, 2021
The media report provided by Winnsboro Police Department for the week of June 21-27, 2021, included the following activity:
Arrests
- Kortney Nelson, 29 years old, of Mineola, Texas as arrested June 21, 2021, for driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Dylan Nicholas, 18 years old, of Leesburg, Texas, was arrested June 24, 2021, for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
- Joseph Bearden, 56 years old, of Winnsboro, Texas, was arrested June 25, 2021, for driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
- Steven Krietmeyer, 46 years old, of Winnsboro, Texas was arrested June 26, 2021, for driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 156 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 62 citations and 64 warnings during this reporting period.
Retirement Reception For KSST Sports Director Don Julian
About 60 people visited the KSST studios Monday, June 28, to help celebrate Don Julian for more than 40 years in broadcasting and to wish him well in retirement.
Julian expressed appreciation for all of the community members who attended the retirement party.
Among the many well wishers were local business people, elected and appointed city and county officials, the district director for a state representative, a few coaches, organization and community leaders, other news professionals, past and present KSST staff, and fans who have all had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Julian over the past 15 years. Many recalled fun things they remembered about Julian, favorite occasions and memories, and their favorite Don Julian catch phrases.
Julian notified KSST Owner Chad Young earlier this month that this spring was his last as a sports broadcaster, that he would soon be retiring. In addition to Young, Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers and Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom also spoke, citing Julian’s kindness, professionalism, and many contributions while covering news and sports for KSST and Channel 18.
The Edge For Wildcats Football Halfway Through Six Week Run
Wildcats Head Football Coach Greg Owens began the fourth week of The Edge for football Monday morning, June 28 at the Multi-Purpose Building.
With football edge lasting six weeks, the Wildcats are officially halfway through the summer strength and conditioning program.
Last week Coach Owens, head football coach of Sulphur Springs, said a high number of athletes were missing from the camp, but that changed Monday as many of his players either returned to the Edge or started coming this week.
The Wildcats football coach said that the number of attendees were still down a bit this week, but then shifted to praising the work ethic of those who have attended the summer strength and conditioning up to this point.
Coach Owens said he is pleased with the way kids are working, adding that his student athletes are getting better. The Wildcats head coach said that the team is in their second of three phases when it comes to weightlifting, which has also been going well.
“The kids that are here,” Coach Owens said, are “getting in shape, they’re responding, [and] things are going well with them.”
While it was difficult to pick out a single position group that has performed well throughout the first three weeks of Edge, Coach Owens for the second time in three weeks applauded the incoming ninth grade class.
“Those guys have had great numbers,” Coach Owens said about the incoming high schoolers, taking it a few steps further by praising the incoming ninth grade attendees for their excellent work ethic.
Coach Owens also mentioned the incoming seventh and eighth graders for also providing an excellent number of athletes who not only wish to better themselves, but the entire team as a unit.
“They continue to work,” the Wildcats head football coach said, adding that him and his staff “keep seeing progress with all those guys.”
Progress is key to the Edge, as Coach Owens as pointed out. As the number of weeks until scrimmages and games begin to continues to dwindles down, the Wildcats head coach and his staff will continue to build on the strong foundation that the Edge has created over the last three weeks.
“Everything is just a progression,” Coach Owens said, “everything [including] percentages, go up.”
The coach then broke down the weightlifting schedule of the Edge, as the first phase was eccentric, which Coach Owens described as negative, followed by isometric weights lasting two weeks, which are a pause phase, and finally the last phase of three is a concentric phase, which Coach Owens described as an explosive phase.
The concentric phase will take the Wildcats right in to their season, the Wildcats head football coach said.
Coach Owens said that the team will continue the concentric phase until the team has an open day, which will be utilized for another isometric or “pause” phase.
The coach said he continues to build on the Edge’s progress by increasing the percentages of maximum weights for an individual, which will help student athletes mentally prep themselves for a long season that will not be won or lost in one game.
For now, the Edge will continue to build on their strong foundation that the summer strength and conditioning program has created.
The Edge for football runs Monday through Thursday at the Multi Purpose Building, from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. for students entering ninth through twelfth grade, and 10 A.M. until noon for students entering the seventh through ninth grades.
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.
Man Accused Of Committing County Road 4791 Home Burglary
A 20-year-old rural Sulphur Springs resident is accused of committing a County Road 4791 home burglary early Saturday morning.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 5:11 a.m. June 26, 2021, to a complaint that a male was trying to get into a CR 4791 residence. Upon arrival, Deputy Jason Lavender contacted the suspect, identified as Marco Antonio Sandoval.
Sandoval allegedly broke a bedroom window on the east side of the house, then entered the home. Upon entry, he engaged in a confrontation with the residents. Sandoval admitted to entering the house in an attempt to get money from the residents.
The deputies observed the key to Sandoval’s vehicle on the floor inside the bedroom next to the window he reportedly used to enter the home. The bed sheets in that room also had blood on them. In fact, deputies observed blood spots dotting the floor through the house to the back bedroom. The floor and additional sheets in the back bedroom, where Sandoval allegedly engaged in a confrontation with the residence.
Sandoval was taken into custody at 6:28 a.m. and jailed at 7:25 a.m. June 26, 2021, on a burglary of a habitation charge. He was released from Hopkins County jail later June 26, 2021, on a $35,000 bond on the County Road 4791 home burglary 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.
Seagoville Woman Caught On I-30 In Stolen U-Haul Van That Reeked Of Marijuana
A 46-year-old Seagoville woman was caught Saturday driving a stolen U-Haul van that reeked of marijuana, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender received the broadcast Saturday afternoon from Hunt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy that a stolen U-Haul box van with Arizona license plate was being driven east on Interstate 30 toward Hopkins County. Lavender reported spotting what he believed to be the U-Haul van around, puled in behind it around mile marker 122 at the western edge of Sulphur Springs and confirmed with dispatchers that it was indeed the correct license plate. He then initiated a traffic stop at the 131 mile marker.
Lavender, assisted by HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans contacted the driver, identified as Simetrius Dawn Kelly. She was placed into handcuffs and detained. During the investigation, they learned Kelly’s wife had also been traveling along that stretch of I-30 just ahead of her in a Ford F150 pickup. Evans headed east and was able to locate the black truck.
A strong marijuana odor emitted from both the U-Haul and pickup so the vehicles were transported to the sheriff’s office for further investigation. Both vehicles were searched. Kelly claimed a large dropper-style vial containing suspected THC oil found in the pickup. Additional items of contraband were also allegedly located in the truck.
As a result, Kelly was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle, the stolen U-Haul van, and for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, the suspected THC.
Kelly – who is also known as Simetrius Dawn Browngary, Simetrius Dawn Brown, Simetrius Dawn Gary and Simetrius Dawn Garystokes – was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, June 27, 2021, on a $20,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $5,000 on the stolen vehicle 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.
