Object Falls From Sky and Lands in Quinlan Texas
March 6, 2025 – Residents of Quinlan, Texas, were startled Tuesday night when an unidentified object fell from the sky. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has since claimed responsibility, identifying it as part of an Air and Marine Operations (AMO) Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS). The system is a large, balloon-like surveillance tool used to monitor air and marine traffic, primarily along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a massive object descending before it landed in a rural area near Quinlan. Some speculated it was debris from space or even a UFO before CBP clarified its origins. Officials confirmed that the aerostat became detached from its tether and drifted before ultimately crashing.
CBP has deployed personnel to recover the equipment and investigate what caused the malfunction. While no injuries or property damage have been reported, the incident has sparked curiosity and concern among residents.
TARS aerostats are stationed in various locations to enhance border security by providing real-time surveillance. However, this rare failure has raised questions about their reliability and potential risks if they were to detach in more populated areas. Officials assure the public that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Paris Junior College President Wins State, National Awards
March 6, 2025 – Just eight months into his first year as Paris Junior College’s ninth president, Dr. Stephen M. Benson is already gaining state and national notice. He will receive two awards from Phi Theta Kappa, the national two-year college honor society. He was nominated for both awards by the PTK Beta Zeta Chapter, which has been active at PJC since 1932.
“I am truly honored to be nominated for these awards by the outstanding students of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Benson. “This organization represents the best of academic excellence, leadership, and service, and I am continually inspired by their dedication. As president of Paris Junior College, my greatest privilege is championing student success, and I share this recognition with the incredible faculty, staff, and students who make our institution thrive.”
At the Texas annual meeting of Phi Theta Kappa, Dr. Benson will be inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for New Presidents for the Texas Region of Phi Theta Kappa. Benson will receive the honor at the Texas Region’s 2025 Awards Banquet held in Houston on March 8.
On April 3, Benson will travel to Kansas City, Missouri for PTK Catalyst, the honor society’s annual international meeting. There he will receive the PTK Paragon Award for New Presidents. This award recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success and for providing high-quality learning environments both inside and outside the classroom.
“I applaud you for taking an active and direct interest in the leadership development of your Phi Theta Kappa students — they are so grateful, and it’s not just them,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President & CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. “Your nomination was strong evidence that you are a student success champion for all students. They know you are working hard to provide them more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment. They know you support their learning, and as a result, they have had a better college experience because of you.”
Christopher Withrow, PTK Beta Zeta Chapter President, wrote both successful nominations.
“Although his tenure has only spanned a few months,” Withrow wrote, “Dr. Benson has been instrumental in facilitating change on our campus, as well as for our chapter.”
Withrow cited Benson’s willingness to talk with student leaders, even during his vetting process, and address their questions and concerns.
“He presented himself as a champion whom Phi Theta Kappa could rely on,” Withrow said, “and he has fulfilled that assurance. He has been open to any and all suggestions for positive activities that PTK could be involved in to improve the community and fellowship of our institution.”
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
East Texas A&M Breaks Ground on Buffalo Wild Wings, a New Hub for Lion Fans
The 5,000+ square-foot restaurant will feature an enclosed patio and covered exterior game area.
COMMERCE, TX, March 4, 2025—East Texas A&M University is gearing up for a game-changing addition with a brand-new Buffalo Wild Wings set to open in fall 2025.
Construction is underway just south of Whitley Hall near State Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas. The restaurant will be university-owned and operated by East Texas A&M’s food services provider, Sodexo. It is poised to be the go-to spot for students and the community to enjoy good food while watching sports on the big screen.
Big flavors, big screens, big fun
What do you get when you combine incredible wings, 26 sauces, and amazing burgers with family, friends and sports? A global franchise brand of 1,200+ sports bars across 10 countries – and now our campus.
Buffalo Wild Wings is the largest sports bar franchise in the U.S. and the fastest-growing wings-to-go concept with BWW GO. Buffalo Wild Wings is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants which includes Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC.
“We are thrilled to bring a brand-new Buffalo Wild Wings to East Texas A&M University,” the company said in a statement. “With wall-to-wall TVs, a spacious enclosed patio, and a covered exterior game area, this new sports bar is the ultimate spot for Lion Athletics fans to enjoy wings, burgers, and our signature sauces while cheering on their team. We look forward to joining the community and becoming a go-to location for students, faculty, and sports fans this year.”
Archer Construction from Paris, Texas, is the contractor for the project. The building will provide more than 5,000 square feet of space and capacity for 281 people. It will also feature an enclosed patio area and a covered exterior game area equipped with TVs and cornhole boards.
The start of something big in Commerce
The new restaurant is the first piece of a larger project that will ultimately include a hotel and a new event center/arena for the university. Buffalo Wild Wings will connect to a central plaza, allowing patrons to dine and then walk a short distance to enjoy events in the new arena.
East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin expressed his enthusiasm for the new restaurant.
“This establishment is poised to become a go-to spot for students, families, Lion Athletics fans and more,” Rudin said. “We are excited to partner with Buffalo Wild Wings in this endeavor, and I can’t wait to order up my first basket of wings!”
Computer renderings of the new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant slated to open in Fall 2025. Courtesy of Design and Engineering Inc.
“William’s Window” opens Thursday at Paris Junior College
March 6, 2025 – The youth theater production, “William’s Window,” opens Thursday evening on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater at Paris Junior College. PJC’s Drama Department is offering the delightful play by Marina Stockdale that’s designed to introduce audiences to the works of William Shakespeare. Performances run from March 6 to March 9, 2025.
“We invite you to join PJC Drama for an engaging theatrical journey through some of Shakespeare’s most beloved works, brought to life by talented performers,” said PJC Drama Faculty William L. Walker. “This production promises to be both educational and entertaining for audiences of all ages.”
“William’s Window” offers a buoyant and accessible introduction to Shakespeare’s timeless tales. The story opens with a group of children at play and leads into scenes from five of Shakespeare’s classics: “Macbeth,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Henry IV Part 1,” and “The Taming of the Shrew.” Originally developed for fourth-grade students, the production demonstrates that young audiences and performers can engage with and understand Shakespeare’s language and themes.
There are five performances of the play at 7:00 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8, and at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9.
Tickets may be purchased at the box office prior to each performance. Tickets are $20 general admission, $10 for senior adults (65+), $5 for high school students, and free to those with a current PJC ID. Donate a new, unused toy and get half off general admission.
Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the toy donation discount, supporting local children in need while enjoying a cultural experience.
For more information, please contact the PJC Drama Department at [email protected].
Note: “William’s Window” is produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.
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.
Dr. Steeber Visited on This Second Cup Of Coffee to Chat About the First “STEM” Night Being Held March 6th
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber dropped by to visit on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Dr. Steeber talked about the first Annual “STEM” Night taking place at the Middle School March 6, 2025. They also discussed extra curricular activities at the Sulphur Springs High School, the UIL Film students, and so much more. Be sure to check out this exciting episode and learn some more of what the Sulphur Springs ISD has to offer to the students!
City Manager Submits Monthly Report
March 5, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday March 4, 2025, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – We did not have any workers compensation claims in February. We did have one claim for wastewater flooding in a residence.
ALABAMA STREET – Utilities are installed From Morris to Como. This project is now paused to install water and sewer mains at Thermo. After that we will return to Alabama for the Como to Jefferson segment.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – Kimley Horn had a kickoff meeting with staff and the process has begun.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – I expect 90% construction Drawings in March.
THERMO WATER – The Capital Construction Division has begun installing an 18″ water main into the site. It will replace an old 8” main. This will be the first water project of many at Thermo.
THERMO ROAD – All of the concrete road for this project is complete. All that remains is some work on the shoulders. This $4.4 million project is partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Economic
Development Administration (EDA).
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – This $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the ballfield lights to LED is on again, off again. It is currently “on pause.” We will see.
MIDFIELD APRON – This concrete pavement/drainage improvement is approximately 70% complete. All work is completed for phase 1. Demolition and subgrade stabilization is complete for phase 2. Concrete work has begun on phase 2. This project includes drainage improvements as well as repaving the midfield apron in concrete. Total project cost is $5.28 million, of which 90% is funded by a grant through TXDOT.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER – Hayter Engineering is presently designing the new chlorine contact chamber. This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) – Following is a list of projects for the 2025 SIP. Highlighted segments have been completed.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES – Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the monthly report of revenues and expenditures. Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Sold 2,251gallons of AvGas and 8,135 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,641 landings/takeoffs at the airport.
- Checked out 3,622 items from the Library.
- Repaired 444 potholes.
- Made major street repairs following 8 utility repairs.
- Treated wastewater effluent to a daily average total suspended solids reading of
1.2 mg/L. - Hauled 634 tons of sludge to the landfill.
- Repaired 11 water main ruptures.
- Replaced 18 water meters.
- Unstopped 49 sewer mains.
- Washed 81,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Repaired 4 sewer mains.
- Flushed 40 dead-end water mains.
- Pumped from Lake Sulphur Springs for a few days.
- Responded to 168 animal control calls while achieving an 85% adoption rate.
- Responded to 24 accidents, wrote 513 traffic citations, recorded 28 offences, made
50 arrests in the Patrol Division. - Made 3 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 177 fire rescue calls including 1 structure fire, 1 vehicle fire and 9
grass fires. - Conducted 44 fire inspections.
- Performed preventative maintenance on 76 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 50 building inspections, 18 electrical inspections, 6 plumbing
- inspections, and 3 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 15 building permits and 35 trade permits.
- Rented the Grays building 18 times.
- Changed banners downtown.
- Began prepping athletic fields for spring youth leagues.
Foundation’s Promise Fulfilled for Local Healthcare
March 5, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has fulfilled its
commitment of providing $260,000 toward the $780,000 upgrade of the MRI machine at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Local physicians report clearer scans, resulting in quicker and more accurate test results. Radiology reports a 43% reduction in scan time, which has almost doubled the number of patients that can be scanned in a day.
One of the first patients to use the upgraded MRI machine shared how pleased she was with the experience in comparison to the machine before: “I was more comfortable because there were no annoying straps, and it went by much faster than before”.
Funds for the upgrades were made possible by proceeds of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Annual Gala. This year’s chairs were Linda and Joe Bob, Julie and Brad, and Teffany and Corey Burgin. Their vision and dedication helped make the evening successful, resulting in proceeds of almost $264,000. Save the date to participate in the next Gala January 31, 2026.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation board of directors, CMF-SS Director of Radiology, and 19th Annual Gala Chairs stand in front of the newly upgraded MRI machine in CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. $260,000 from the annual Foundation Gala helped fund upgrades to the MRI.
Pictured from left to right: CMF-SS Director of Radiology Chasity Collins; CMF-SS President/CEO Paul Harvey; Treasurer Sally Toliver; Board Chair Pam Black; Board Members Kenny Rogers and Heather Johnson, Chair Elect Steve Rutherford, Board Members Mickey McKenzie and Brad Johnson; and 19th Annual Gala Chairs Julie, Brad, Linda, and Joe Bob Burgin.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board Chair Pam Black (second from left) hands a $260,000 check to CMF-SS President/CEO Paul Harvey (second from right), while Foundation Board Member and major donor Charles Helm (left) stands beside her. To the right of Paul Harvey is Chasity Collins (right), director of radiology for CMF-SS. The newly upgraded MRI machine is visible in the background.
It’s Not Your Imagination, Assaults on Teachers Are On The Rise
March 5, 2025 – Assaults on teachers in Texas have surged by 18% over the past two school years, with more than 3,500 staff members injured by students, highlighting growing concerns about safety in schools. The increase in violent incidents has placed immense pressure on educators, administrators, and lawmakers to address the underlying causes and implement effective preventative measures.
Educators report facing physical attacks ranging from pushing and hitting to more severe assaults, leading to injuries that, in some cases, require medical attention or time off work. The rise in violence has been attributed to various factors, including student behavioral issues, a lack of disciplinary enforcement, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and social skills.
Many teachers have voiced frustration over insufficient support, with some reconsidering their careers due to safety concerns. School districts across Texas are now exploring solutions such as enhanced security measures, improved mental health resources, and stricter disciplinary policies.
State lawmakers and education officials are under increasing pressure to act, with discussions about potential legislative responses and funding for school safety initiatives. As the issue escalates, the safety of teachers and staff remains a critical concern in ensuring a stable and effective learning environment for students.
Neiman Marcus says ‘No Thanks’ to Efforts Attempting to Save It’s Dallas Location
March 5, 2025 – Neiman Marcus has dismissed efforts to preserve its flagship store in Downtown Dallas as “highly unproductive,” signaling the luxury retailer’s firm stance on its future business strategy. The iconic store, located at 1618 Main Street, has been a staple in the city’s retail landscape for over a century, but the company is reevaluating its real estate footprint amid changing shopping habits and economic conditions.
Local officials and preservationists have expressed concern over the potential closure or relocation of the store, citing its historical and economic significance to the downtown area. However, Neiman Marcus maintains that external efforts to influence its decisions are not constructive and could hinder its ability to make sound business choices.
The retailer has faced financial challenges in recent years, including a bankruptcy filing in 2020, prompting a shift in focus toward e-commerce and high-performing locations. While the company has not confirmed any definitive plans for the downtown store, its response suggests that it is prioritizing operational efficiency over legacy commitments.
As discussions continue, the fate of Neiman Marcus’ flagship store remains uncertain, but the company’s latest remarks indicate that outside pressure is unlikely to sway its ultimate decision.
Thousands Without Power Across Hopkins County
March 3, 2025 – An early morning wind storm raced across Hopkins County Tuesday. Thousands are without power as of 10 am.
KSST suffered some minor equipment damage. We are working to reach normal operation.
