Hicks: Youth Skills Camp Rapidly Approaching and 2021 Arts & Crafts Show
By Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent, Hopkins County
Youth Skills Camp Rapidly Approaching
It’s baaaaack! After being cancelled last year due to the pandemic, the 2021 Youth Skills Camp is coming back face-to-face. We have a great line-up of activities for the youth.
But first, a bit of explanation is due for those who are unfamiliar with Skills Camp.
For several years, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Hopkins County Community Health/Wellness Alliance offered “Kids’ Camp: Fun, Food, Fitness” for students who had completed grades 1 thru 4 (We how partner with the SSISD Summer Day Camp program). Numerous students attended until they ‘aged out.’
In order to keep the momentum going, we developed Skills Camp for students who had completed grades 5 and 6.
Skills camp is exactly that – usable, viable skills that can be used in everyday life. In 2020, we offered grab-and-go kits to complete at home.
This year, we will hold the camp face-to-face. After brainstorming with committee members and reviewing feedback from past Skills Camps, three topics were selected. The 2021 camp will offer some topics that have never been provided, and some of the sessions will be a bit more in-depth.
Here are the details:
- What: 2021 Skills Camp
- Who: Hopkins County students going in to grade 6 & 7
- When: July 19, 20, 21
- Where: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Hopkins County office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- Time: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
- Cost: no charge this year
Topics for the camp will be:
- Fun with Foods: campers will learn about food safety (cross-contamination, hand hygiene, etc.), measuring dry and liquid ingredients, how to use an oven and microwave, reading and following a recipe, and more. They will prepare a main dish side dish, salad, and dessert and will get to eat what they prepare. Master Wellness Volunteers will assist me in leading this session.
- Public Speaking/ Impromptu Speaking: campers will work in groups to participate in these activities and learn to think creatively
- Horticulture: Hopkins County Master Gardeners have some great hands-on activities to teach the youth about various topics. Great give-aways will be presented.
To sign up, please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443. Please note that participation is limited to the first 15 students.
2021 Arts & Crafts Show
These two events are in the books for October 22 and 23, 2021. Letters to previous Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show vendors will go out later in July. This should be a great year! People are getting out and doing more, and they are ready for fall!
The Arts & Crafts Show is for non-commercial exhibitors to sell hand-made items. This is one of my favorite events of the year! There are so many talented, creative artisans and they have one-of-a-kind items that make great gifts for yourself or others.
If you would like to be added to the vendor list, please contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 and we’ll send you the information.
The Arts & Crafts Show will take place in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria and north entrance on Friday, October 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no cost to enter, but bring your wallet! You won’t be able to resist the unique items for sale!
Closing Thought
There is joy in the journey when you journey with Jesus
Jill Lowry
Contact Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, P.O. Box 518, 1200-B W. Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX, 75483; 903-885-3443; or [email protected]
Police, Deputies Interrupt Theft In Progress At Local Business
Police officers and deputies interrupted a theft in progress early Wednesday morning at a local business. They arrested a man who tried to run from the authorities, but was quickly apprehended.
On July 7, 2021 at approximately 2 a.m., Sulphur Springs Police Department and Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office responded to Nor-Tex for a theft in progress. Upon arrival, Officers located the east gate open and a running side by side just inside the fence. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deployed their K9 and the suspect was located lying in the bushes on the property. The suspect fled from officers and a Taser was utilized to take the suspect into custody, according to a news release from SSPD Chief Jason Ricketson.
A U-Haul truck was located at a nearby business with ATV ramps coming out the back door. Officers located two more sets of ramps, drills, crowbar, bolt cutters, and other miscellaneous tools in the U-Haul truck.
The suspect was found to have in his possession the key to the U-Haul truck. The suspect was arrested and later identified as Moses Jerome McLaurin, 39 years of age. The investigation is ongoing, with multiple charges being filed, according to the medial release.
Arrest reports show suspected cocaine was found in a GMC C5500 truck associated with the man. While being booked into jail, officers learned he’d provided incorrect information when asked to identify himself. He is also known by Kamaron Dentrell Lewis and Moses Jayrome McLaurin, according to arrest reports. Jail reports also so he’s known to have used the alias Tammy Renee Newby as well.
McLaurin has been charged with theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000, possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, evading arrest or detention, failure to identify as a fugitive by intentionally giving false information, as well as warrants for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, receiving stolen goods, and out of Mississippi a Department of Corrections parole violation and larceny warrant, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department would like to thank the Hopkins Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in apprehending the suspect, Ricketson stated in the press release.
Chamber Connection – July 7
By Butch Burney
Time is getting short to sign up for the 3rd Annual Chamber Showcase. The Showcase is set for Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Tables are available for $60 each and vendors are asked to bring a $25 gift or gift card to be given away at random drawings. This is a fantastic networking event and a way for you, as a business owner or representative, to get your name and services out to the public. Only Chamber members can reserve booths for display (the public is invited to attend free of charge), so contact us at the Chamber to find out how your affordable annual membership not only allows you to rent a booth at the Showcase but gives you advantages and opportunities all year long. Come by or call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515 for more information. A registration link is on our website, HopkinsChamber.org.
Adult Leadership
The Adult Leadership program is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 Adult Leadership class. Registration is on our website, HopkinsChamber.org or I can email you the documents if you contact me at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515.
Adult Leadership takes you through all of the services of the city and county in an in-depth program that will enrich your life, both occupationally and individually.
If you applied last year, please re-apply this year.
Lunch and Learn
State Sen. Bob Hall and State Rep. Bryan Slaton will be in town for a Lunch and Learn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15. Registration forms are on our website, so sign up to learn how laws passed (and not passed) by the Texas Legislature will affect your business. Lunch will be provided at the Sulphur Springs Country Club. Tickets are $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. Thanks for Atmos Energy and Oncor for sponsoring this important luncheon.
Journey Road Golf Tournament
Journey Road Ministries, a foster care ministry, is hosting its inaugural golf tournament at the Sulphur Springs Country Club on Monday, July 19. The four-person scramble will tee off at 8 a.m. To register, go to their website, JourneyRoadMinistries.com.
Mammography Screening
Hunt Regional Healthcare’s Tubby Adkisson Memorial Mobile Mammography Coach will be at the Spring Village Shopping Center on Tuesday, July 22. All insurance is accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. To schedule a mammogram, call 903-408-5010.
Jet Ski Race
A professional Jet Ski race event is coming to Sulphur Springs July 24-25 at Coleman Lake (Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Admission is free to the public and features food venders, local business booths, jet ski performance, and action-packed racing.
Jettribe is the title sponsor of the final round of the Texas WaterX Championship watercraft race series, sanctioned by the IJSBA, in Sulphur Springs. Winners of the Sulphur Springs Championship will be crowned Texas State Champions.
Details for vendors, hotel information, and racer registration can be found on the website www.jettribe.com/events/.
Youth Skills Camp
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering its Youth Skills Camp face-to-face this year. It is set for 9 a.m. to noon July 19-21 at the Extension office, with participation limited to the first 15 young people who register by calling 903-885-3443. The camp is free this year.
Sessions include: Fun with Foods, Public and Impromptu Speaking, and a horticulture class led by Hopkins County Master Gardeners.
Business Highlight
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for July 7, Outdoor Power Products. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
Ribbon Cuttings
- Outlaw Milling and Woodworking will host a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., at noon on Tuesday, July 13. Please come welcome them to the business community.
- On Wednesday, July 14, Joe’s Exxon will have a ribbon cutting at noon at the convenience store located at 1234 South Broadway St.
KRVA Summer Fun Giveaway – Part 3
The coolest way to beat the summer heat is to visit the Ladonia Rodeo!
KRVA is giving away tickets to the Ladonia Rodeo happening this Friday July 9th and Saturday July 10th!
To be eligible to win, you need to do 3 things:
1. Like the KRVA Facebook homepage
2. Like the Ladonia Rodeo Post
3. Comment “Friday” or “Saturday” to let us know what night you’d prefer
That’s it! You’ll automatically be entered to win!
Winners will be announced on Friday at 7:30am on the Savannah in the Morning Show on KRVA 107.1 FM. Winners can pick up their tickets from 8am-4pm on Friday at the KRVA/KSST Station in Sulphur Springs.
Summertime is Cooper Lake State Park Fun Time!
Press Release: Summertime is Cooper Lake State Park Time!
Midsummer fun can be found at Cooper Lake State Park! Sun, sand, the water, educational programs and so much more awaits you at the park. Speaking of
sand, the park has added white sand to both our swimming beaches. This soft white
sand will take you away to a more tropical setting. Perfect for building sandcastles or
planting your beach umbrella for a day of swimming and relaxing fun.
During July and early August, we are presenting 23 educational programs about the
animals and plants found in Northeast Texas. Our exciting programs range from a
restorative hike through the forest to stargazing astronomy programs under some of the darkest skies in this part of Texas. Some of our featured programming includes a program on “Bats” and one of our all-time favorites – “Arts in the Park.”
Bring each fun and learning-packed Saturday to a fitting conclusion with your family and friends by relaxing at a picnic table watching your food cook on one of our many day-use picnic grills. If you are lucky enough to be camping, relaxing around a campfire is unbeatable! The flickering light of a campfire will transcend your spirit and rejoin you to feelings shared by past generations. There is no better place to share a story or eat a meal with family and friends!
Free fishing at Cooper Lake State Park! Fish from the bank, off our piers, fishing wall,
or try your luck along the shoreline. Note – Boaters and kayakers must have a valid
Texas fishing license. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctor’s Creek
floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing
success. In addition, fish feeders are located at the Wall and Sunset Cove at South
Sulphur and at Bluebonnet at Doctors Creek. Fish attractors and fish feed are being
utilized to draw more catchable fish within reach for our park visitors – and it’s working! White bass, crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are commonly caught at both park units during July.
Other popular activities are hiking our trails or just resting under a giant Post Oak tree or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate, and recharge!
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70 which is good for over 12 months. Buy your pass and let your Texas adventure begin! Note: All programs are free with a valid entrance permit.
For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100)
Activities : Doctor’s Creek Unit (Northside of Cooper Lake – Delta County)
Animal Tracks Hike – July 3 at 8:30 AM – Pelican Point Day Use Area
A guided hike to find animal tracks and learn who they belong to!
Skins and Skulls – July 10 at 10 AM – Doctor’s Creek Headquarters
Get an “inside” look at some of Cooper Lake’s animals.
Arts in the Parks – July 10 at 2 PM – Pelican Point Day Use Area
Pretty fly for a butterfly! Learn about the many types that live at Cooper Lake and make your own!
Photography Hike – July 17 at 8:30 AM – Pelican Point Day Use Area
Snap some shots during a quick morning hike and learn some photography tips and tricks!
Astronomy – July 30 at 8:30 PM – Pelican Point Swimming Area
The stars at night are BIG and BRIGHT at Cooper Lake!
Animals of Cooper Lake – July 31 at 10 AM – Pelican Point Day Use Area
Animals everywhere! Learn about the animals that call Cooper Lake home and what you can do to protect them.
Activities: South Sulphur Unit (Southside of Cooper Lake – Hopkins County)
Nature’s Night Shift – July 2 at 8 PM – Honey Creek Amphitheater
Learn about the park’s creatures that do their work at night.
White Tailed Deer – July 3 at 10 AM – Honey Creek Amphitheater
Oh Deer! Come learn about one of Cooper Lake’s most popular animals.
Nature Journaling – July 3 at 2 PM – Honey Creek Amphitheater
Start your own nature journal as you explore the park!
Skins and Skulls – July 4, 2-4 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use
Get an “inside” look at some of Cooper Lake’s animals.
Astronomy – July 9 at 8:30 PM – Honey Creek Day Use Area
The stars at night are BIG and BRIGHT at Cooper Lake!
Parasites – July 10 at 10 AM – Honey Creek Amphitheater
Learn about biting insects and how to avoid them!
Arts in the Parks – July 11, 2-4 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use. Get crafty with a fun activity for all ages.
Bats! – July 16 at 8 PM – Honey Creek Amphitheater. Swoop in on a night all about bats! Learn about the species of Cooper Lake and what they do.Beavers! – July 17 at 10 AM – Honey Creek Amphitheater. Gnaw on some info about nature’s builders.
Dutch Oven Cooking – July 17 at 11 AM – Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Get a taste of history and learn to cook with a Dutch Oven!Predator vs. Prey – July 18, 2-4 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use. It’s “eat or be eaten” for some animals at Cooper Lake. Learn how some have adapted to survive.
Movie Night – July 23 at 8:30 PM – Honey Creek Amphitheater. Educational programming on screen? Sign me up! Sit back and enjoy an onscreen presentation.
Honey Creek Hike – July 24 at 8:30 AM – Honey Creek Amphitheater
Take a guided hike and learn about the trees of Cooper Lake.
Skins and Skulls – July 25, 2-4 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use
Get an “inside” look at some of Cooper Lake’s animals.
Land of the Oaks – July 31 at 8:30 AM – Coyote Run Trail
Let it Grow! Learn about the many kinds of oak trees that grow at Cooper Lake.
Arts in the Parks – July 31 at 2 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use. Get crafty with a fun activity for all ages.
Animals of Cooper Lake – August 1 at 2 PM – Heron Harbor Day Use
Learn about the animals of Cooper Lake and what you can do to protect them.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Business News July 6, 2021
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, July 6, 2021 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Community Toiletry Drive
In partnership with CAN Help, and to support schools within Hopkins County, we invite you to drop off NEW toiletry items any of the drop sites including Alliance Bank Main Branch, or CAN Help between the dates of June 28 and July 11.
Items may include toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, soap, combs/brushes, deodorant, lotion, sanitary napkins.
For more information, please contact Helena Martinez at: [email protected].
Safe Summer Measures
The July heat is here! With temperatures frequenting the triple digits this month, be aware that heat-related injuries are a real threat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration, which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.
Common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma. Symptoms that do not go away in a reasonable amount of time by going to a cool place, drinking water, or loosening clothing can indicate the onset of serious medical issues like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
With the rise in temperatures, it is best practice to be prepared and seek medical help immediately when required. Summertime is fun – but the heat-related illness is nothing to joke about!
Please help us preserve our masks for clinical use, and BRING YOUR OWN MASK
We are asking that all visitors to the hospital bring their own mask, and continue to wear a mask while present inside the hospital at this time. Thank you for your continued support of the safety of our patients and associates.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable
- Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- COVID Unit limited to 1 visitor age 16 and over
- ER and ICU limited to 2 visitors
- ALL hospital visitors are required to wear a mask. Visitors should bring their own mask; homemade cloth masks are acceptable.
Effective March 17, 2021
We will no longer restrict the number of visitors per patient, however, we strongly encourage to limit visitors to ONE essential support person and for all other visitors – continue utilizing virtual communication through mobile devices to monitor your loved ones in our care.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are needing volunteers to help in various different roles throughout our hospital. We are asking, if you are willing to give your time, so that together we can bring a smile to someone in our hospital! For more information, contact Meredith Caddell at 903.438.4678.
We love our patients, and it shows!
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs strives to make sure every patient and their family feel like they are important and receiving the highest quality of care. This success is reflected in our Patient Experience Scores.
Every patient will receive a survey following their encounter in our hospital or clinics. Please take the time to let us know how we are doing, and how we might better serve you. We appreciate your feedback!
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
New Paris Junior College Soccer Coach Hails from Sulphur Springs; Soccer Team Tryouts Slated for July 17
Fernando Arellano, a native of Sulphur Springs, started July 1 as the new Women’s and Men’s Soccer Coach at Paris Junior college. New tryouts are already scheduled at Noyes Stadium for Saturday, July 17.
“We are pleased to have Coach Arellano at PJC and look forward to this fall and future seasons with his leadership guiding the program,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
The new coach has already scheduled soccer team tryouts on Saturday, July 17. The women’s tryout is at 12 p.m. and the men’s tryout is at 2 p.m. at Noyes Stadium on the Paris campus at 2400 Clarksville Street.
“It feels great to be back home, to give back to the East Texas community and athletes, said Arellano, “and provide opportunities for the athletes to grow as individuals and in the professional soccer world. East Texas has a great amount of talent that I am sure we can help expose at PJC. We can help these athletes become successful in life with the help of soccer. I’m excited to start this journey and share my experience and knowledge with the teams.”
Arellano comes to PJC from Southwest Virginia Community College, a Division I school in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Prior to joining Southwest, Arellano was the Assistant Men’s Soccer coach at Alderson Broaddus University in Philippi, W.V., a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II program in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). Arellano helped the AB soccer program improve to a 7-11-1 record and helped guide them to the playoffs. He also assisted two soccer players who were named to the 2019 G-MAC All-Conference Team.
Arellano began his coaching career as Assistant Boys’ soccer coach at Sulphur Springs High School, a volunteer coach for Murray State College and Richland College in 2017 and 2018 (NJCAA National Champions 2017/2018), and a club coach for the Dallas Kicks Soccer Club.
He played with National Premier Soccer League team Tyler FC during their first season in 2017 as a defensive leader. Arellano also played at the NCAA Division 1 level at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, contributing to UTRGV’s first season back to the NCAA since 1997 and defeating #24 ranked in the country UNLV in 2015.
Arellano acted as captain at Richland College where he led them into the NJCAA National Final in 2014, losing the National final game 2-1. Arellano was Awarded All-American for the 2014 NJCAA season.
Prior to his career, Arellano traveled to Mexico to pursue his soccer career where he developed his knowledge, tactics, and philosophy from playing with Queretaro F.C. in the Liga MX (the Mexican football league system’s top professional football division).
Arellano is a native of Sulphur Springs, Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology of Exercise in Science from the University of the Southwest and his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration at Arkansas State University. He currently holds a United States Soccer Federation “D” Coaching License (improving a coach’s ability to positively influence players and teams).For more information about the soccer teams and tryouts, contact Arellano at [email protected] or 903-782-0398.
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.
Paris Junior College has High Student Retention Rate
Paris Junior College’s annual course retention rate remains strong, according to an annual update provided to the Board of Regents at their monthly meeting Monday, June 28.
The report for the fall and spring 2020 semesters shows that, despite a pandemic, the institutional retention rate was 94 percent.
“This report shows how many students remained in the course and didn’t drop,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the monthly finance report from Controller Cody Helm showing that revenue continues to be above expenditures. Though not finalized, initial review shows that PJC has lost about $2.7 million in revenues since the pandemic began.
• Heard a report on Summer term enrollment showing contact hours are up 2.53 percent, though head count is down 8.97 percent. One factor changing the head count is an adjustment to the vocational nursing program, where students are in one longer term instead of two shorter terms.
• Learned the U.S. Department of Labor has granted a certificate for an apprenticeship program to train industrial maintenance technicians in Greenville, a process delayed for more than a year due to the pandemic. The program is funded through the Texas Workforce Commission, and only reporting details need to be finalized.
• Accepted the employment of Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach and Kinesiology Instructor Fernando Arellano, Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Christy Armes, Economics Instructor Benjamin Burden, Chemistry Instructor Lisa Shelton, and Student Success Coach Savannah Wood, and the resignations of SBDC Business Recovery Advisor Tiffany Franzoni, PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Assistant Director Iris Gutierrez, and Student Success Coach and Financial Aid Advisor Angela Martinez.
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.
Paris Junior College Releases Certified List of Spring Graduates
Paris Junior College is pleased to release the certified roll of graduates from the spring graduation ceremony of May 7, 2021.
Texas students receiving associate degrees (by city):
Brashear: Rachael Dotson, Jocelyn Helterbrand
Commerce: Hunter Atkins
Como: Kayla Harris, Erica Lawwill
Cooper: Mitchell Green, Joseph Manners, Brayden Watkins, Amani Whitaker
Cumby: Kamryn Hall, Rylee Krotky, Lucero Osornio, Andrea Resendiz, Kobe Robertson, Sydney Spillers
Ladonia: Nikki Conner
Lake Creek: Rhalie Weathers
Point: Lacey Dejarneatt
Saltillo Cayce Parris
Sulphur Bluff: Emily Guajardo
Sulphur Springs: Adrian Banuelos, Clayton Brandenburgh, Alexandra Dixon, Joanna Duran, Samuel Earle, Leslie Garcia, Skylar Goldsmith, Carrah Griffith, Jessica Hatley, Sydnee Hawkins, Jessica Hoelscher, Jordan Holland, Cason Jones, America Luna, Cassie Martin, Amanda McGowin, Alexandria Price, Joselyne Sanchez Ambriz, Ronald Smith, Caleb Wyatt, Jaci Wyatt
Students from Texas receiving certificates (by city):
Campbell: Armando Catalan, Ellie White
Commerce: John Cross, Eliud Najera
Cooper: Hayley Kaiser, Joseph Manners
Dike: Jordan Carter
Emory: Ty Nichols
Pickton: David Palacios
Saltillo: John Beadle
Sulphur Springs: Cody Belz, Erik Heukels, Chay Jackson, Kennedy Lee, Joseph Leos, Christian Marshall, Jonathan Musa-Parramore, Gregory Nottingham, Jack Smith, Ronald Smith, Geoffrey Stewart
Sumner: Nicholas McCloud, Sydney Neuse, Sara Sexton, Derek Tye
Winnsboro: Christy Carden, Sherry West
Wolfe City: Brooke Morgan
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.
Promotions Announced For Some Como-Pickton CISD Employees
Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Greg Bower announced promotions for a few district employees. The promotions come following a few resignations which, the superintendent said, allows the district to reward hard working district staff members for their efforts.
Dr. Bower said Amy Friddle will be promoted from student services coordinator to officially become an assistant elementary principal and district programs coordinator.
History teacher and AVID Coordinator Austin Baxley has been promoted to a full-time position.
Transportation and maintenance this year were overseen by the same person, school officials opted to separate the two positions and promoted two district employees. Jeff Matthews is the new transportation director and Jason Blanchard, who has been with CPCISD for a while, has been promoted to maintenance/custodial director.
Bower said CPCISD, like many across the state, is trying to stay as competitive in their pay scales and benefits as much as possible in order to recruit the best possible teachers, coaches and staff members Unfortunately, there appears to be an across the state shortage of teachers, bus drivers and administrators. To remain competitive, the district has given a few across the board raises, particularly for bus drivers. As of the June 21 meeting, school officials had found several bus drivers to help fill two of the three openings in the transportation department.
The superintendent reported the district also qualifies to apply for up to $1.7 million in ESSER III funding. District officials are still kicking around the idea to determine the best use for that money within the terms outlined by the government for the funding. No final decisions has been made.
CPCISD is planning to install a ventilation system and fire suppressant system in the elementary cafeteria. When the new wing was constructed at the school, an area for serving of food and where students can sit to eat meals was created. The kitchen was not finished out and is not equipped for cooking. The district plans to complete the kitchen so that meals may be prepared there as well. The first step is to put a vent and fire suppression system in so that ovens can safely be utilized to cook meals for students.
