What’s all the Buzz? by Hopkins County Master Gardener Phyllis Kitten
By Phyllis Kitten, Hopkins County Master Gardener
Mason bees, Osmia spp., are a group of native bees that are excellent pollinators. They are called Mason bees because they use clay/mud to make partitions and seal the entrance to their nest. Within the insect world, bees are some of the greatest pollinators.
One quarter of the food we eat is pollinated by the honeybee species, but there are approximately 4,000 bee species in North America. Four thousand species! The Mason bee is a solitary bee.
What is a solitary bee? Just 10% of all bee species are considered “social” bees. They form hives – with a queen, drones, workers, etc. – and include honeybee and bumblebee species. The remaining 90% of bee species – the solitary bee – nests and works alone. Every Mason bee female is a queen. Her daily life is spent seeking pollen and caring for the eggs which will emerge to become the next generation. Mason bees are a bit smaller than honey bees and are usually black with a metallic colored (blue, green, etc.) abdomen.
Mason bees “nest” in holes, but “nest” is a misnomer as nursery is a more suitable term. Mason bees collect pollen and nectar and mix it to form bee bread. Bee bread is placed into a suitable hole, an egg is laid on it, then the section is sealed off with clay/mud. The Mason bee continues the process until the hole/tube is filled with egg chambers and the tube is sealed off with more clay/mud. Eggs within nursery tubes hatch within a week and emerged-larvae eat the pollen/nectar mixture (bee bread) for 4-6 weeks as they continue to grow and molt into the next instar.
After the larval stage, they molt into pupae and remain in that stage for another 4-6 weeks. Female eggs are laid further in the tube structure while males are in the outer sections of the tubes. Mason bees only live 6-8 weeks in the spring, females can fill up 4-6 tubes and lay up to 36 eggs. Solitary bees are less aggressive than social bees.
When you consider that the primary job of many social bees is to protect the hive – the honey, the queen, and the eggs within – it’s easy to understand why they might get feisty when you get too close.
Solitary bees, on the other hand, are too busy doing all their own work to be aggressive guardians of their nests. They rarely sting, and their sting feels much more like a mosquito bite than the searing pain of a social bee sting. Those different species of bees pollinate differently too. Honeybee and bumblebee species are considered pollen gatherers. You’ve probably seen bright yellow pollen stuck to the hind legs of these bees.
Well, that’s sort of the problem. The pollen sticks to them. Some of that pollen does occasionally remain on a flower they visit, but more often than not, the pollen sticks on the bee and is taken back to the hive.
Solitary bee species, on the other hand, are considered pollen spreaders. Since they don’t live in social hives, they require less pollen as a food source. Their bodies aren’t designed to hold pollen like the bodies of social bees. Most of the pollen gathered on the body of the solitary bee quickly falls off – and on to each of the subsequent flowers that bee visits.
In other words, solitary bees are doing much more of the pollination work than the beloved honeybees – 30 to 60 percent more, actually. You might say they are the unsung heroes in the garden. The honeybee may get all the limelight, but the solitary bee is the one to really get the job done. To learn more about the Mason bee and other solitary bee species, as well as how to make your own Mason bee nursery, go online to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.
Man Arrested Twice In One Weekend For Possession of THC Oil
A 21-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested twice in one weekend for possession of THC oil, according to arrest and jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro stopping Jamar Matthew Gooden at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 18, 2021, on Freeman Street at Como Street for committing a traffic violation in a Dodge Journey, the same vehicle he was driving when a deputy stopped him on Jefferson Street at Morris Drive just after 1 a.m. Friday for a defective license plate light.
Castro, in arrest reports, indicated he recognized the driver as a man who’d recently been arrested for a controlled substance offense. The police officer obtained permission to search the vehicle. Castro reported finding miscellaneous drug paraphernalia on Gooden when he patted the 21-year-old down. Officers also alleged finding a cartridge containing a light brown wax the officer suspected and Gooden confirmed to be THC oil – the same type of contraband a deputy alleged finding in the SUV Friday morning.
Consequently, Gooden was 10:30 p.m. Sunday, marking twice in one weekend, and booked into Hopkins County jail at 12:45 a.m. Monday, April 19, 2021, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the charge, making it a second-degree felony, because the location of the traffic stop was within 1,000 feet of a school. He remained in Hopkins County jail late Monday morning, April 19, 2021; his bond was set at $10,000 on the controlled substance charge.
Gooden was jailed Friday morning and released later Friday from the county jail on a $5,000 bond on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge as well as a $10,000 bond on the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon charge for the firearm found in the floorboard of the Dodge Journey next to the alleged THC oil cartridge Friday morning and a records check showed two prior felony convictions in Arizona on Gooden’s criminal history.
Securities Commissioner Issues Order Stopping Fraudulent Cryptocurrency Trading Program
Austin, Texas – April 19, 2021 – Securities Commissioner Travis J. Iles entered an emergency cease and desist order to stop offers of a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading program in Texas. The action names Bitles Limited and Janis Lacis, its principal, and C3 Data Services and Edward Carter, its principal. Bitles and Lacis are allegedly in London while C3 Data Services and Carter are allegedly in Princeton, Texas.
According to the order, Bitles and Lacis are directing potential investors to deposit principal in one of eight different “savings plans.” They claim proprietary algorithmic trading software referred to as the Cryp-Spider AI Algo-Trading System that trades the principal across different cryptocurrency exchanges. The artificial intelligence’s cryptocurrency trading purportedly generates daily returns between 0.3% and 6.0% of principal, and Bitles and Lacis are promising to pay other profits derived from speculation on the relative value of cryptocurrencies and the US Dollar.
In addition, Bitles and Lacis are issuing and promoting the sale of BTL Tokens. According to the order, they have been referring to BTL Tokens as “internal tokens” and describe BTL Tokens as utility coins – a term that typically refers to tokens used to purchase goods or services from an issuer. In this case, however, the order accuses Bitles and Lacis of claiming the BTL Tokens will appreciate in value – as much as 10 to 60% per month – and that holders of the BTL Tokens will realize profits of at least 30% per month.
“The price and market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has sharply increased over the previous year,” said Joe Rotunda, TSSB Enforcement Director. “Unfortunately, promoters of illegal crypto-get-rich-quick schemes are taking advantage of these changes to the market – leveraging widespread interest to peddle fraudulent products. Texans interested in purchasing securities tied to cryptocurrencies should be aware of considerable risks and deal only with issuers lawfully operating in Texas.”
The order also alleges Bitles and Lacis are recruiting sales agents to recruit Texas investors. Their recruitment allegedly requires attendance of a seven-day training program – and after the conclusion of this program, sales agents purportedly expect to receive at least $10,000 per month through commissions, bonuses, awards and prizes including a Rolex Watch, luxury yacht and a villa in Dubai.
According to the order, however, the parties are not registered to offer securities in Texas and they are recruiting sales agents who are not registered to offer securities in Texas. Likewise, the investments in the cryptocurrency trading program are not registered or permitted for sale in Texas.
The order also alleges the offering is a fraud. The parties are accused of concealing critical information, such as the identity and qualifications of traders and key personnel, information relating to the Cryp-Spider AI and financial information relating to business operations.
“Many legitimate high-tech businesses are embracing digital assets and blockchain technology. The excitement surrounding these assets and technologies has also stoked bad actors seeking to prey upon unsuspecting investors” said Commissioner Iles. “Our goal is to promote legitimate capital formation and innovation by protecting the public from fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Today’s order stops such a fraudulent offering and protects Texas investors from financial harm.”
Graduating High School Seniors Offered PJC Summer Class Scholarship
A scholarship covering tuition to one Summer I or Summer II class for graduating high school students in the Paris Junior College service area. That includes Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, and Red River counties.
“To take advantage of the scholarship, all a student need do is fill out the online application and enter ‘summer scholarship’ unless they plan to continue at PJC in the fall semester,” said Sheila Reece, Vice President for Student Access and Success, “If they plan to continue, they should enter ‘summer and fall scholarship’ and we will use the same application for the free summer class and the fall semester.
The Vice President for Student Access and Success said “It only takes ten minutes and is well worth the time.”
Once students are registered, more financial aid may be available for emergency aid grants. Students may also be able to check out laptops to assist with online classes. Those planning to attend another school in the fall may still take advantage of the summer class. Find more information and the online scholarship application at www.parisjc.edu/scholarships.
“This is a free class that can be taken care of this summer and transferred to university,” said Reece. For more questions about the free tuition for a Summer I or II class, contact Reece at [email protected] or Registrar Amie Cato at [email protected].
For information about enrollment and scholarship opportunities at the PJC Center, call 903-885-1232.
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.
Voters To Consider 2 Propositions On May 1 Cumby ISD Bond Election Ballot
Early voting begins this week in the Cumby ISD bond election. Voters are asked to consider two bond propositions, one for facilities improvements and construction of a new high school, and a second, contingent on the first, for athletic facilities.
Voters within Cumby ISD may cast their choice either for or against both Proposition A and Proposition B from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, April 19-23 and April 26-27, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Cumby ISD Administration Building, 301 Donelton Street, Cumby, Texas 75433.
Applications for ballots by mail for the May 1 Cumby ISD bond election via post or electronic submission must be received no later than 5 p.m. on April 20, 2021, mail to: Cindy Mannon, Early Voting Clerk at Cumby ISD Administration Building, 301 Donelton Street, Cumby, Texas 75433; or emailed to [email protected].
Proposition A
Proposition A asks voters to consider approving:
“THE ISSUANCE OF $7,340,000 OF BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ACQUISITION, RENOVATION, AND EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPMENT OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL, NEW CLASSROOMS AND LAB FACILITIES, RENOVATIONS TO EXISTING FACILITIES, AND SECURITY UPGRADES; AND THE LEVYING OF A TAX SUFFICIENT, WITHOUT LIMIT AS TO RATE OR AMOUNT, TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS EXECUTED OR AUTHORIZED IN ANTICIPATION OF, IN RELATION TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE BONDS; THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
| Principal amount of bonds to be authorized | Estimated interest for bonds to be authorized | Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the bonds to be authorized | Principal of District’s existing outstanding debt | Remaining interest on District’s existing outstanding debt | Combined principal and interest to timely pay District’s outstanding debt |
| $7,340,000 | $3,426,886.67 | $10,766,886.67 | $1,323,000 | $282,163 | $1,605,163 |
The $7,341,000 bond proposed in Proposition A would include $660,800 in improvements at the Elementary School, including the addition of a secure entry, a new secure playground, address concerns with drainage, add sidewalks and canopies, enlarge and renovate the cafeteria. Another $224,000 is designated to convert the current junior high/high school facility into an intermediate campus, including interior renovations and eating space. Most of the bond funding would go toward construction of a new high school building. The $5,280,800 in addition to classrooms would also include labs and career and technical education (CTE) facilities, driveways and parking. A new metal ag shop to better meet the growing needs of students would also be constructed at a budgeted cost of $1,097,600. Another $78,400 would go toward additional renovations.
Proposition B
Proposition B, which is contingent on Proposition A passing, and asks voters to consider approving an additional $600,000 in bond funding, to construct a track
Proposition B reads as follows:
“THE ISSUANCE OF $600,000 OF BONDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, AND IMPROVEMENT OF ATHLETIC FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TRACK; AND THE LEVYING
OF A TAX SUFFICIENT, WITHOUT LIMIT AS TO RATE OR AMOUNT, TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS AND TO PAY THE COSTS OF ANY CREDIT AGREEMENTS EXECUTED OR AUTHORIZED IN ANTICIPATION OF, IN RELATION TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE BONDS; THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS UNDER THIS PROPOSITION “B” SHALL BE CONTINGENT UPON THE APPROVAL AND PASSING OF PROPOSITION “A”; THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.”
| Principal amount of bonds to be authorized | Estimated interest for bonds to be authorized | Estimated combined principal and interest required to pay on time and in full the bonds to be authorized | Principal of District’s existing outstanding debt | Remaining interest on District’s existing outstanding debt | Combined principal and interest to timely pay District’s outstanding debt |
| $600,000 | $270,010 | $870,010 | $1,323,000 | $282,163 | $1,605,163 |
How This Will Impact Taxes
If passed, the bond proposals will raise taxes to either $1.45 if only Proposition A is approved by voters or $1.47, if both proposals are approved.
In other words, a that costs $100,000, would increase the CISD tax to $19.38 monthly or $232.50 annually with the $1.45 tax rate; or $20.63 monthly or $247.50 annually with the $1.47. Cumby ISD’s current tax rate is $1.14. Therefore, taxes would increase either 31 cents or 33 cents depending on the projects chosen. The amount of the proposed bond program will be between $7,341,000 and $7,941,000.
Cumby ISD property taxes for citizens age 65 or older will not be affected by the bond election as long as a homestead and over 65 exemption application have been filed with the local appraisal district.
According to State law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older cannot be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65 – regardless of changes in tax rate or property value – unless significant improvements are made to the home.
What Happens If The Bonds Do Not Pass?
Cumby ISD will continue to take care of student and program needs with the current facilities. Preventative maintenance plans are in place to help extend the life of Cumby ISD buildings and facilities. The district will also continue efforts to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff. Projects will be prioritized for these things and completed when possible based on funds. As the district grows, if no classrooms are available, more portables will be considered. Currently, the Elementary is over capacity, with students in portables, and High School enrollment is increasing annually, but does have room left for some growth. As student enrollment continues to increase by 25 students this year and 7-11 students each year over the past two years, Cumby ISD will begin the process of purchasing and replacing some portable buildings if the bond proposal does not pass. Also, some classes will have an increase in student to teacher ratio, and could go from 18:1 to 24 or more:1.
For More Information
Visit the Cumby ISD website (cumbyisd.net), or call the Administration Office at (903) 994-4800, for specific voting information and details.
Stay turned to KSST Radio 1230 AM and KRVA 107.1 FM radio, which can be heard on air, streamed on KSSTRadio.com or the Simply Sulphur Springs app; and posted to the KSST Youtube channel this week. Cumby ISD Superintendent Shelly Slaughter and School Board Vice President Marsha Krotky are scheduled to talk with KSST about the Cumby ISD bond election and projects it would fund.
Candidate Profiles: Yantis ISD Board Of Trustees
Early voting by personal appearance in the May 1, 2021, Yantis Independent School District school board election will begin Monday, April 19. Voters will be asked to choose up to three of the four candidates for full-term seats on Yantis ISD Board of Trustees
Early voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 19-20, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21-27, at Wood County Annex, 200 West Bermuda St. in Quitman. Voting in the Yantis ISD school board election on Election Day, May 1, will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the front lobby of Imogene Glenn Elementary, 105 West Oak in Yantis.
Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on Tuesday April 20, 2021, by Wood County Elections Administrator Laura Wise; mail ballot requests to Wise at PO Box 970, Quitman, Texas 75783.
To help voters learn a little more about the people seeking office, each school board candidate was asked to provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on the school board. Those responses are shared in ballot order below:
Trustee Candidates
- Name and office sought: Carrie Hurley, Trustee on Y.I.S.D school board
- Family information: 3 daughters; Kinley Hurley a junior at Y.I.S.D, Presley Hurley 8th grader at Y.I.S.D, Claudia Hurley 3 ½ attends Lake Fork Wee School
- Occupation, brief job description: Owner of Thee Treehouse of Yantis, Works at Hidden Lakes Hunting Resort, and Full time student at PJC Radiology Technologist program
- Education, training, special skills, experience: Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Sciences, Public Educator for 4 years, 2003 Teacher of the Year at A.E. Butler, Owner/Teacher at Thee Treehouse private tutoring in Yantis for the past 9 years.
- Why are you seeking this office? I would love the opportunity to work with our community and Y.I.S.D. as we look to provide programs that can benefit our students in finding their talents and gaining the skills and confidence necessary for a positive and productive career path.
- What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them? I believe there are many benefits of vocational education in high school. I would like to see our students offered more Vocational training programs ranging anywhere from Healthcare and Electronics Technology to Carpentry and Plumbing. Incorporating more of these programs will ensure all types of intelligences are equally valued at our campus. I am sure funding for these programs would be one of our largest challenges. I believe by working with local businesses in seeking out scholarships as well as applying for federal and state funding to aid in the implementation of these programs will be a big first step in a positive direction of accomplishing this task.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am deeply invested, as 2 of my daughters are already students at Yantis I.S.D. I believe Y.I.S.D. is looking for innovative ways to continue to help our students, and I would love the opportunity to be a part of that team. My experience in the public and private sectors of education have helped me develop unique problem solving strategies as well as effective implementation techniques that would be a valuable asset to our board.
- Name and office sought: Ashly Vivion – Yantis ISD School Board Trustee
- Family information: Married for 16 years, 2 boys – Seth, Senior and Justice, 7th Grade
- Occupation, brief job description: Accounting/Office Clerk for a utility corp. for 12 years
- Education, training, special skills, experience: Yantis Little Dribblers Board – 8 years (7 years as President)
- Why are you seeking this office? To help Yantis ISD continue on the current path of improvement for the students and staff.
- What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them? I would like to try to help bridge the gap between school and community and help the school district continue with the improvements that are currently being made.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I want each child within the school district to have the opportunity for the best education possible. I would love to be a voice not only for the kids but also the community.
- Name and office sought: Stacey Batchelor – YISD Trustee
- Family information: I am have been married for 16 years to Paul Batchelor. We have 4 kids between the 2 of us. Our 2 youngest are still attending Yantis ISD.
- Occupation, brief job description: I work at At Home Healthcare in Sulphur Springs as an Adult Care Therapy Coordinator. Our team coordinates all adult care therapy for the companies 10 branches across Texas.
- Education, training, special skills, experience: I am a Yantis ISD alumni. I served for 2 yrs on the Yantis Baseball association board, 5 yrs on the Yantis Little Dribblers board and 2 yrs on the Yantis PTO board.
- Why are you seeking this office? My goal is to uphold, serve and promote educational opportunities for all the students in our district.
- What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them? The students of YISD are my top priority, so my interest is the success and achievements of our students with fair and open-minded deliberation.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I am honest, loyal and value fairness for everyone. I have a strong dedication and will work tirelessly to tackle any job with the best of my abilities. I have lived in Yantis for 35 years. I love this community and will strive to do my best for our district. I appreciate your votes.
- Name and office sought: Tyra Gilbreath Kenemore, candidate for election on the Yantis ISD Trustees.
- Family information: Married to Tommy Kenemore, and have two sons, Keith and Traityn, who both attend Yantis ISD; father Keith Gilbreath was on the Yantis ISD Board of Trustees for 18 years.
- Occupation, brief job description: A Deputy Clerk at the Hopkins County Clerk’s Office
- Education, training, special skills, experience: I have lived in Yantis all my life and attended Yantis ISD my entire school years. Then, graduated from Northeast Texas Community College with an Associate Degree in Farm & Ranch Management; attended Kilgore Police Academy, receiving peace officer certification and served as class president.; member of the Hopkins County Rodeo Board for 8 years.
- Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking re-election because I want to continue helping make Yantis ISD the best it can be.
- What do you feel are the top areas of concern, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan to address them? I feel it is important for the District to provide the best education possible. Academics, as well as extra curricular activities, make a well rounded education.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I will work with the rest of the board and the superintendent to ensure the students get a well rounded education. I ask for your vote in the upcoming Yantis ISD Board of Trustees Election.
Candidate Profiles: Como-Pickton CISD Board Of Trustees
Early voting by personal appearance begins Monday morning, for the May 1 school and municipal elections. Voters within Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District will be asked to vote for up to three of the five candidates vying for a full term seat on the school board; seats are at large, so they will go to the three candidates receiving the most votes in this election. Also on the ballot is one unopposed candidate for a two-year unexpired term on the school board.
Ballots in the CPCISD Board of Trustees Election may be cast early in person from 8 a.m. to 4 pm. April 19-27 and Como-Pickton Administration Office. Voting hours will be extended to 8 p.m. April 19 and April 26. Election Day voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 1, 2021, at CPCISD, in Room 114 in front of the building, 13017 State Highway 11 east in Como.
Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, by the Early Voting Clerk, Danetta Carpenter, PO Box 18, Como, TX 75431.
To help voters learn a little more about the people seeking office, each school board candidate was asked to provide information about themselves and their candidacy, including their reasons for seeking a seat on the school board. Those responses are shared here, in ballot order.
Candidates For 3 Full Term Seats
- Name and position seeking: Cole Boseman, Trustee
- Family Information: My wife Elyssa Boseman and I have been married since 2012 and have two sons, Brantley (4) and Beau (3 months). My wife Elyssa has worked for Cypress Basin Hospice for 12 years and our son Brantley is currently attending pre-k at Como-Pickton.
- Occupation, brief job description: Team Leader at Clayton Homes Sulphur Springs. I oversee employees and daily operations within the Wall Build department. I have been with the company since 2014.
- Education, training or special skills: 2009 Como-Pickton graduate. I attended TJC and transferred to NTCC prior to pursuing a full time career with Clayton Homes.
- Why are you seeking this office? The Como-Pickton school board has always been composed of the very finest people in our community. With a child now enrolled in Como-Pickton, I hope to be able to serve alongside these individuals to continue making our school the very best for our children. I believe I will be able to contribute an honest and fresh perspective concerning the safety and education for all.
- Experience/qualifications: Although I have not yet served on the school board, I have lived in this community my whole life. Between being involved in sports and extracurriculars during my time at CP to going on to coach Little Dribblers and hosting Senior Nights at FUMC Pickton, I find great fulfillment in playing an active role in my community. I have always been able to connect well with people and work collaboratively with my peers to find the best possible outcomes.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concerns(s)? The safety of our children and their ability to be seen and heard is always going to be my top priority. To achieve this, I believe it is important to routinely evaluate current practices to ensure we are providing our students with a healthy learning environment.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I will always be honest and unapologetic in advocating for our youth. These are our kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers, sisters, and friends. These are the young people that will shape future generations and we owe it to them to set them up for success.
- Name and position seeking: Jessica Pegues, trustee
- Family Information: Married with 6 children and 1 grandson. Four of our children attend CP.
- Occupation, brief job description: Junior High Math teacher at Winnsboro ISD, with 10 years as 7th and 8th Math teacher at CP.
- Education, training or special skills: Undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University, Commerce; member of the Math and Science collaborative multiple years through Region 8; active member and pianist at 2 of the area Churches; current board member at CP.
- Why are you seeking this office? I have always been a firm believer there should be as many backgrounds as possible on a school board. One of those backgrounds is one of a teacher. I strive to bring to the table a teacher’s point of view, and insight. When reports of student progress are being given, changes are being made within the district, or instruction is focus, I hope to be able to ask the right questions due to my background. Instruction and academics are of the utmost importance to me. We must strive to find that common “happy ground” between that and all other activities.
- Experience/qualifications: Completed 1 full term as CP school board member. Teacher for 16 years, 10 at CP.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address each? The most significant areas of interest are of course academics, but our CTE department is rapidly growing and definitely something to be proud of at CP. We have wonderful staff and an ever-growing number of students participating. I would love to see their resources grow! One of the main challenges, of course is how to “catch students up,” so to speak, after the long break and absence of instruction for most of the 2nd semester last year. Teachers have worked hard, but there still has to be gaps. I would like to be involved in a plan to close those gaps by helping teachers and students.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I just want to do what is best for our students and staff. I want honesty and integrity.
- Name and position seeking: Clif Carpenter, Trustee – 4 year term
- Family Information: Wife – Jill Carpenter, Son – Sean Carpenter 7th grade at Como-Pickton, Daughter – Alex Carpenter 3rd grade at Como-Pickton
- Occupation, brief job description: Vistra Corporation which is the parent company for better known companies such as energy retailer TXU and energy producer Luminant. I work in the Technology Services department performing application management and development for a software package which allows the company to plan and track work, procure materials and services, receive and issue materials from our warehouses, and pay invoices and related taxes.
- Education, training or special skills: Como-Pickton Class of ‘98; Bachelor of Business Administration from Baylor University, Major in Management, Major in Real Estate
- Why are you seeking this office? To support the students, staff and Como-Pickton school as a whole and to provide a service for the community
- Experience/qualifications: In my current role at Vistra, I am a part of the primary support function for day to day issues and requests for some 5000+ business customers. Some issues that arise require immediate action and resolution while other requests require extensive planning and project development. Some experiences and skills I have gained over the years that have allowed me to be successful include: Department Management, Project Management, Planning and Scheduling Heavy Maintenance, Budget Planning and tracking, and Conflict Resolution with Risk Analysis.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concerns(s): I do not believe there are any areas of interest, needs, or challenges that are more or less significant than the other unless there is an imminent danger situation. My plan to address any present issue will be through effective communication with other members of the board and through action which has the school and community’s best interests at heart.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I would like to point out that these positions are in essence volunteer positions, so myself with the others on the ballot and current members have made a conscious decision to dedicate our time to make Como-Pickton the best that it can be. This election is the first step in making your voice heard in the school and community, the next is actively talking with those elected. I want to serve you, and I want to serve Como-Pickton.
- Name and position seeking: Shiloh Childress, position Re-election of Full Term position
- Family Information: Wife Adrian Childress, Physician Assistant, son Cade 13 7th grader at CPCISD, and daughter Madison 9 4th grader at CPCISD
- Occupation, brief job description: Sales Manager for AVCO Roofing
- How many years have you lived in the district? 11 years
- Education, training or special skills: Associate’s of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology
- Why are you seeking this office? To serve my community and school. My children go to school at Como-Pickton. I want them and all the other students to have a great educational experience.
- Experience/qualifications: Current member of the Board and Instructor at Northeast Texas Community College Dental Hygiene Program for 3 years.
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address the concerns(s): I am here to support our children. I believe the interest of a board trustee is to provide a supporting role and help seek the best interest of the students, the administration, and the district. I want to see a continued growth of a community that is supportive of our students, school, and administration. When we raley behind them all it creates a positive atmosphere for our district. Through this positive atmosphere we give our entire district a better opportunity to reach higher achievements in all areas. This is my goal to do my part in helping grow this positivity and pride in our school.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? My Adrian and I moved back to Pickton 11 years ago. Adrian is a graduate of CPCISD. This is the area we always called home and wanted to raise our kids. We wanted to give them the small town/small school experience. I believe by giving my kids and all others the small school experience we give them a better learning opportunity. A better learning opportunity for everyone is my main focus.
- Name and position seeking: Stephanie Cotton, School Board Trustee
- Family Information: We have been residents of CPCISD since 2018 and currently reside in Como, TX. Michael Cotton and I have been married for 12 years. Michael has a degree in commercial refrigeration and technology. He is currently a Sulphur Springs Youth Football & Cheer (SSYFC) board member. His passion is coaching football/baseball for Sam and other grades as well. Our son, Sam Cotton, is in 7th grade and is active in CP’s sports program and other extra-curricular sports programs. Our daughter, Ashleigh, is 23 and a graduate of Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a degree in Environmental Science. She works for a municipality in D/FW. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends and going on hunting and fishing trips. We are looking forward to our family vacation to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons this summer.
- Occupation, brief job description: I spent the first part of my 25 year career as a Project Manager overseeing many new and restorative commercial construction projects all across Texas and the US. I presently work for a CRE company, JLL, Inc. based out of Chicago, Illinois as a Facility Conditions Manager in a consulting role. My team provides clients with technical insight and information for their real estate decisions and transactions that saves them money and reduces their business risks.
My Texas Real Estate Salesperson license has been active for 8 years and I hold my brokerage with Century 21 First Group in Sulphur Springs, Texas. I really enjoy helping people sell and buy properties.
- Education, training or special skills: Graduate Grapevine High School, Grapevine, Texas; Alumni University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas – Bachelors of Business Administration with emphasis in Real Estate and Project Management; Texas Real Estate Commission License #0636029
- Why are you seeking this office? I have grown to be passionate for and care about every child in this district, not just our own. In such a short time in district, we have gained the trust of parents to mentor their children whether it’s in our home or sports settings. I desire to see each child succeed, no matter what or where they come from. Whether it’s getting a student to and from practice or purchasing equipment for a particular sport; whatever it takes to ensure their success! I learned from my days as a foster mother, that all kids when given the right tools, love and support, they can be successful.
Success of a school district is only as strong as its School Board, Superintendent, Faculty, Students and Community as a whole. Our schools and our children are our common denominator in the Como- Pickton communities as we don’t have many restaurants or town squares, etc. to bind us together like adjacent districts. I want to see more community involvement.
My strengths in the areas of integrity, transparency, fiduciary responsibility, “a doer”, servant leadership, effective communicator and listener will prove me to be a robust and diverse contributing member to enhance the existing School Board.
- Experience/qualifications: 25 years of project management experience to include multi-discipline scheduling, balancing multi-million dollar budgets, finalizing projects on or ahead of schedule, coordination with large skilled project/engineering teams. Human Relations and decision-making for business continuity; Contract and transactional management; Effective communicator and listener
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address each? Encouraging more parent involvement in board meetings or providing parents with their own meetings to promote their ideas and express their concerns. Parents have expressed they don’t feel they have a voice anymore in this district over the years. Parents are the taxpayers and should have an appropriate forum to promote their ideas and voice their concerns. We need to be able to bring people together in an organized manner and not wait for issues to be addressed on social media.
A diverse mix of decision makers in the upcoming years will be imperative to continuously improve and grow our district as the fabric of our community continues to change.
Seek and promote other individuals with diverse backgrounds to participate more actively in the School Board and various school activities. We can promote traditional values and grow our community.
I want to see our district retain key talented academic and athletic youth that have already began seeking opportunities at neighboring ISD’s. Their parents see those ISD’s have invested in consultants, more career & technology programs, athletic training and discipline programs, building new facilities, and want their child(ren) to be able to take advantage of all the latest and greatest programs. What can CPCISD and our community start doing now to offering more innovative programs?
I want to see more of our students representing our town around the state when they go to college. Our students should be encouraged to seek out college scholarships and grants at all types of colleges not just one or two local colleges. Our coaches/parents should be supporting students with pursuing college athletic scholarships. My daughter applied to many colleges and wrote papers. We toured many colleges before she accepted one. She didn’t want to settle for the local Jr. College or UTA like mom and I supported that.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? I was not born and raised in Como, Texas. I was raised in a much larger 6A district in D/FW where almost every activity imaginable was offered. I feel I came out of high school well-rounded already before going to college and work. I know that is not always possible due to funding in a 2A district to offer, but as school board members and stewards of the community, I feel we could do better. We could help students realize their dreams and aspirations by setting up more mentorship programs outside of the school with business owners, etc. to fill these gaps and ready these students for life outside of this small town. One of the best memories of Jr. High was going on the 8th grade field trip to Washington DC to enforce my education on U.S. Government. I mowed yards and babysat the whole summer before to help pay for the cost of the trip. These types of trips are attainable with some planning.
Candidate For A 2-Year Unexpired Term Seat
- Name and position seeking: D.J. CARR, Trustee for CPCISD
- Family Information: Wife: Katy Carr, 6th grade teacher at CPJH, 2 sons: 2nd grader and Pre-K at CP Elementary
- Occupation, brief job description: Self employed, cattle farm
- Education, training or special skills: Graduate of CPCISD, Bachelors of Business Management at UT Arlington
- Why are you seeking this office? Running for re-election
- Experience/qualifications: 6 yrs on the CPCISD Board
- What do you consider the most significant area(s) of interest, need or challenges in the office you are seeking, and your plan(s) to address each? The interests, needs or challenges of our district are constantly changing. Everyday the teachers, staff, and administrators are faced with something different. The year 2020 has brought some of the most challenging times that we have ever encountered. The staff and administration have done an excellent job of getting the school through this academic year and deserve a tremendous amount of credit. One aspect of a school’s success is how well a board of trustees can work together with different ideas and opinions and still make the decisions needed, that keep the students their top priority. Thankfully our current board has been able to achieve this goal and that ultimately leads to the success of our students.
- What do you feel is most important for the public to know about you and your candidacy? Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a trustee of CPCISD. I would greatly appreciate your vote in the upcoming election. I would also like to publicly thank Mr. Mark Humphrey for the many years of service on the CP board. He has made a great impact on this district and community.
Commerce Tigers Baseball Team Falls to Edgewood, 6-2
The Commerce Tigers baseball team gave up an early lead and could not recover, losing at Edgewood on Friday, Apr. 16 by a score of 6-2.
Edgewood jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Two walks committed by starting P for Commerce put the Bulldogs in prime scoring position, which they shortly thereafter capitalized on.
For the next two innings, no runs were scored by either team. Unfortunately for the Tigers, it would be Edgewood that struck next, getting two more runs in the bottom of the fourth thanks to timely hits by the Bulldogs and costly errors committed by Commerce to make it 4-0 in favor of Edgewood.
The Tigers were able to put two runs on the board in their next at-bat in the top of the fifth, to make it a two run, 4-2 deficit, but Edgewood again struck gold, getting two more runs en route to a 6-2 win over the Commerce Tigers baseball team.
Commerce committed four costly errors which allowed the Bulldogs to score or be in scoring position, whereas district foe Edgewood only committed one.
The Tigers also struggled finding contact with the ball in the loss, only getting three hits on the night. Wade Nicholson and J’den Wilson both went 0 for 4 on the night. Brody Baumann, Colby Lewis, and Jackson Gossett went 0 for 3 at the plate. The lone bright spot on the Commerce offense was Beal, who went 2 for 3 on the night with one run scored. Myles Boyd went 1 for 2 at the plate and was the other run scored.
Colby Lewis got the loss for the visiting Tigers, pitching 5 innings and allowing 7 hits. While Commerce gave up six runs in the loss, only three were earned by Lewis. The Tiger pitcher struck out five Edgewood batters and walked three Bulldogs. Beal pitched in relief of the Commerce starting pitcher, getting one strike out and walking one Edgewood batter in one inning.
The loss drops the Commerce Tigers baseball team’s season record to 5-13-1, according to their game changer page.
Next up, the Commerce Tigers baseball team will have their Grand Saline week, where they will play both district games against the Indians on Tuesday and Friday. Tuesday’s game will take place in Grand Saline, with that game set to tee off at 7 P.M.
Meal A Day Menu For April 19-23, 2021
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center has reopened, after being closed for more than a year due to COVID-19 precautions.
The Meal A Day Menu for April 19-23, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Tuesday – Sweet and Sour Chicken, On A Bed of Rice, Oriental Vegetables and an Egg Roll.
- Wednesday – Tater Tot Casserole, Corn and Pinto Beans.
- Thursday – Chicken and Noodle Casserole, Candied Carrots and Pickled Beets.
- Friday – Chili Cheese Dogs, Cole Slaw and Fritos.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
SSHS Interior Design Team Win State, Qualify For National FCCLA Contest
Three members of Christina Davis’ interior design class at Sulphur Springs High School won the state FCCLA championship. Sophomores Mykylie Meador, Kaylee Schumacher and Jillian Jumper advanced from regional competition to the state interior design contest, both contests conducted virtually due to COVID-19 this year.
“They won first place in state. One of the judges gave them a perfect score. I’m really proud of the work. It’s the first time we’ve entered the interior design competition and these ladies have done an outstanding job,” Davis said. “It’s really hard to place at state and to get first place at state is pretty impressive.
The first place finish qualifies the SSHS interior design team to compete in the national FCCLA interior design contest later this month, and will be notified in June how they were ranked.
For the interior design contest, each team is assigned a client for whom they will be tasked with designing or redesigning certain designated spaces, according to specification, including a set budget.
“We’re designing it for a family with a child,” Meador explained.
“We had to look at what their style was, what their idea was, what they wanted in their house. We looked at their floorplans and took in mind what they needed in the house. We could only move interior walls. So, we did that to the kitchen, bathroom and some closets and the living room,” Jillian Jumper said.
Schumacher explained that they worked together, bouncing ideas off each other, each putting her own ideas into each room, and truly functioning as a team to compose the best possible design they could come up with for the family.
“We all collaborated. We would share little ideas and put them all together to create a specific designs,” Schumacher said.
“We wanted a midcentury modern feel in the house because of the artwork that they gave us, so we felt the need to incorporate that into our whole design,” Jumper noted.
Jumper said because the contest was converted to a virtual competition due to COVID-19 they weren’t exactly sure what was expected, but worked hard to put together a home for the “Smith” family, complete with floorplans and illustrations.
Davis explained students were able to utilize the skill of reading and drawing to scale in their competition designs. They took an existing floorplan that was part of the project, drew it scale and made modifications for the redesign. They used a new computer program to input the information to compose a 3D rendering of the room, then added coloring, flooring, lighting, fixtures and accessories to come up with elevations for their boards.
“It takes skill to do that and these girls really took that program and ran with it. I’m very proud of their work,” Davis said. “They have a lot of great skills, just really polished and the first time to enter this competition – a great job.”
The SSHS FCCLA students then designed three trifold boards, featuring all of their ideas as well as samples, drawings and details for each room in the home, from bedrooms, to kitchen bathrooms, living room and a home office.
Designing the boards, according to Jumper, was probably the more challenging part of the project to her, as it had to provide all of the needed information, including the appropriate backgrounds, which were then glued on. Getting everything to stick and hold just right, especially finding the appropriate glue to hold tiles, was an interesting endeavor.
However, since it was their first time competing, that also meant the students did not have to speak and present at an event in front of a panel of judges asking questions. So, Jumper said, the team didn’t feel as nervous competing virtually as they might have during a live contest. While Schumacher is both excited and nervous about the upcoming national event, Jumper is more excited than nervous because the competition is virtual rather than live and in person.
Meador said she enjoyed the competition and class because she enjoys the challenge of finding ways to make things look better. Seeing a project progress is fun, she noted.
They credited and expressed appreciation to their teacher for their expanding their knowledge.
Jumper too found the competition to be fun, and recommends others interested in the field get involved and compete in FCCLA competition and take the class. She said she’s learned a lot through the process.
All three members of the first place FCCLA interior design team said one huge thing they’ve learned is essential for interior design is communication. They feel the skills learned in their interior design class, from competing and projects will lend themselves to their future as each is interested in a career in the field.
Students in the interior design class also had the opportunity to utilize their skills last fall. They planned and decorated for the annual Heart of Hope Banquet. The 2020 celebration featured a fiesta theme, so the students incorporated bright colors and elements from the Mexican culture in their design. On Armed Forces Day, their designs will again be on display during the Hopkins County Freedom Ball, and Davis said, the interior design class also will have one more big project they will be involved in before the end of the school year as well.
