This is KSST’s Coverage of SSHS Lady Cats Softball Versus Pleasant Grove on April 11th
Aril 13, 2025 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats Softball game versus the Pleasant Grove Hawks. The game was played at Lady Cat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas on Friday, April 11th, 2025. This was the Lady Cats last home game of the season. It was Senior Night. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin called Play by Play and provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this exciting game!
The Problems with Pruning Tomato Plants From Master Gardener David Wall
April 13, 2025 – A recent article discussed topping/pruning pepper plants to get them to produce more fruit. Well, if it works for peppers, will it work the same for tomatoes. Unfortunately, literatures says either one will work but it’s wise to learn toward pruning much less.
Let’s start with tomato types. Determinate plants grow 3-4’, produce a single crop, and stop. Basically, it makes no sense whatsoever to top or prune determinates.
Indeterminate plants grow until a frost or freeze kills them, and they will produce fruit until death occurs. So, what, where and when should indeterminate plants be topped or pruned. First, once plants reach approximately 2’ tall, two pruning actions become necessary. First, remove all branches up to 12”, with an eventual goal of no leaves below 2’. Also, If there are any flower or starting fruit at this time, remove them so that energy can be put into growth.
Further, begin pruning all sucker branches. These are branches that come out at the base of a good limb at a 45° angle, and their growth detracts from the overall production by the plant. Sucker removal now becomes a daily or at least weekly search for any new suckers. Help your tomato plant by removing them.
Topping tomato plants usually occurs only during the last 30-45 days before a frost or freeze on plants producing medium to large fruit. Some, however, like to prune the top portions once the plants get about 4’ above the cage, hoping the action will force the plant to concentrate on fruit production. It’s a good theory, but doesn’t always help. For cherry or grape tomato plants, however, just let them grow. I’ve had such plants grow all the way down the outside of the cage, and out another couple feet, producing fruit all the way.
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held April 17th
April 13, 2025 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, April 17, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Geral Davis
Gerald Davis was born in 1965 in Clarksville to Loreane Reeves and Hertis Davis. He has been doing genealogy for at least 46 years. He will be speaking to us about North East Texas slaves and the history of Texas.
Gerald says his research has taken him all over Texas (Red River, Lamar, Cass, Marion, Hopkins, Fannin, Grayson, & Harrison Counties), Oklahoma, Arkansas (Hempstead, Lafayette, Sevier, Miller, & Little River Counties), Louisiana (Caddo, Bossier, & DeSoto Parishes), Mississippi (Adam, Wilkinson, Yazoo, Issaquena, Hinds Counties), Tennessee (Montgomery, & Davidson Counties), and Kentucky (Todd, & Christian Counties). He has family dating back as early as July 1818 in Spanish Texas, coming out of Madison County, Alabama.
Gerald is a 1984 graduate of Clarksville High School. He attended Paris Jr college in 1989. In 1992 he relocated to Ft. Worth, Tx. In January of 2011 he moved back to North East Texas (Clarksville). Since 2017 he has been living in Lamar County and often fills in when needed at the Lamar County Genealogical Society library.You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Mar 17, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Paris District Road Report for Week of April 14, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties for the week starting April 14, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Move Over or Slow Down
While millions of Texans commute to work on highways every week, they pass inches away from the worksites for thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders and road maintenance crews. Unfortunately, many of them are killed in crashes every year on the job, which is why TxDOT is calling on Texas drivers to keep roadside workers safe by remembering to “Move Over or Slow Down.”
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to move over—putting a lane between them and roadside workers—or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders and TxDOT vehicles stopped with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.
Changes to the law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, and impose heftier penalties for violations, including fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Stricter penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries by failing to follow these rules now include possible jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.
Every year, law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers and other roadside workers do essential work protecting and maintaining our roads, but some are hit, injured or killed while serving our community. TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. public awareness campaign asks all drivers to respect these workers who are vital to keeping our roads clear and safe.
The Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to:
- Be on alert and pay attention when approaching roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights on.
- When possible, move out of the lane closest to these vehicles.
- Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if safely switching lanes is not possible or the road doesn’t offer multiple lanes.
- Reduce speed to 5 mph on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law was first passed in 2003 and applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles. The Texas Legislature has since extended the law’s protections to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
Be Safe. Drive Smart. is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. Construction on this project is expected to begin on May 5, 2025. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) will be reduced to one lane to allow for construction of the new intersection. An all-way stop will be in place at the southbound US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to control traffic. Westbound SH 91 traffic is reduced to one lane and will be required to stop at the southbound US 75 intersection.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
Beginning on April 23rd around 9:00 pm, the northbound main lanes just south of FM 691 will be closed. Northbound traffic will be required to exit at FM 691 (Exit 65) and take the frontage road to Eastbound Katy Memorial Expressway. Drivers wishing to continue Northbound on US 75 will follow the detour which directs traffic to the U-turn at Spur 503 to head westbound on the Katy Memorial Expressway frontage road, which will guide them back toward US 75. They will then re-enter US 75 at the next available entrance ramp. The closure is necessary to remove an overhead sign bridge. Police will be monitoring traffic at both the northbound and southbound frontage road intersections with FM 691. All lanes are expected to be reopened to traffic by 5:00 am on April 24th.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
Southbound US 75 near Washington Street will be reduced to one lane on Friday night, April 25th starting at 7:00 pm in order to perform bridge repairs. The lane closures are expected to last thru Sunday afternoon, April 27th. Traffic is advised to expect delays on southbound US 75 during this weekend period and is encouraged to seek alternate routes.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
SH 289, in Dorchester at the FM 902 intersection. This project will widen SH 289 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at this intersection. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SH 289 main lanes as well as on FM 902. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 1417, from FM 691 to FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 91, from Martin Luther King Street to the Oklahoma State Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, from SH 289 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, from US 82 to the Denton County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417, from SH 11 to US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs at the Post Oak Creek bridge. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 1553 at Freeman Creek. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has an onsite detour in place to allow for replacement of the bridge. Traffic is asked to approach the detour shift slowly and drive an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews replace the bridge structure.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, from FM 64 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for mobile lane closures as maintenance crews perform a sweeping operation to remove loose material from the roadway. Motorists should expect delays from the mobile operation in the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road widening operations. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: IH 30, from SH 154 to Hunt County Line. Watch for crews performing concrete pavement repair during nighttime operation. Expect slower moving traffic at night.
Hopkins County: IH 30 at Bill Bradford. Watch for crews performing repairs to concrete bridge rail. Expect slower moving traffic.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE . Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch work. Contractor prepared for hotmix (various locations) and removed traffic barrier at bridge. Hotmix was laid on shoulders, intersections and driveways. Concrete footings poured and culverts were prepped. Next week will be more excavation an embankment worl along with striping operations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor is currently finishing 2nd seal coat on the first mile and has begun temporary striping. New guard rail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Back fill and slope completed near bridge structure. Fog seal work on the 1st mile has been completed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is grading riprap, forming inlets and cleaning and patching cross culverts The contractor will also be addressing sidewalk near the DGNO RR crossing and placing asphalt for PH 1B traffic switch. Traffic switch has been completed and milling of existing roadway is underway on FM 35. Please slow down and be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, From SH 34 to FM 118. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has completed the 2nd section of reclaiming and placing a second lift of flex base down station. Prime coat, construction on culverts and grading of ditches will be scheduled for next week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has been working on placing embankment for wire walls at FM 1903 and FM 1570 and poured the cap abutment at FM 1570. and poured the back wall at FM 1570. The contractor will be setting panels under nightly lane closures. Steel tying is ongoing on the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36. The contractor will be moving barrier during nighttime lane closures and milling shoulders and adding temp paving. Contractor has ongoing box culvert work near FM 1565 plans to restore the frontage road pavement during this time. Grading work on the eastbound main lanes and westbound frontage roads will be ongoing. Temporary walls are being installed and dirt work with detours are ongoing throughout the project. Contractor will be pumping water and drying material throughout project.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt and Rains County maintenance sections will be working on mailboxes, potholes and signage. Crews will begin overlay work on SH 66 from Caddo Mills to Greenville. Overlay work will also be ongoing on US 69 from Celest to Greenville in various locations. Overlay work began on FM 272 from SH 69 to FM 816. Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county.
Rains maintenance section will be working on potholes. Work near FM 1565 and SH 276 to address bridge settlement is underway Seal coat prep work will begin on FM 513 south of IH 30 Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Paris Junior College LVN to RN Program Taking Applications
April 11, 2025 – The Paris Junior College LVN to RN nursing program is taking applications now through May 30, 2025, for the 2025-2026 class of students wishing to become registered nurses. The program often has a waiting list with high demand for nurses and strong community support.
“To be in the RN program you must have your license as either a licensed vocational nurse or licensed practical nurse,” said PJC Nursing Director Dwana Hollidai. “Many of our students are younger, but we have students who have been out in the community working as an LVN for many years who come back. We have a variety of backgrounds, ages, experience levels, and work locations, both men and women, and all ages as students.”
The first step to get started is to apply to PJC, be accepted, and receive a PJC email login and password. At that point, students can access the online LVN to RN Transition Nursing Program application.
“Students have to be very dedicated because it is a four-day-a-week program,” said Hollidai. “Some of our students still work to support their family and that’s very time intensive and academically harder. They need to have good study habits, and good time management skills.”
The LVN-to-RN program prepares nurses for entry-level positions integrating knowledge and skills to provide care to patients in a variety of health care settings. The program may be completed in 12 months (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters).
Resources are available to help students succeed.
“Each student is assigned a faculty mentor so if they’re struggling with an exam, they can meet with them and talk about what went wrong,” said Hollidai. “Good family support is very important, especially for those with small kids because students are only allowed to miss a certain number of days.”
The programs enjoy strong community support.
“Our students receive scholarships from the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge and the Paris Masonic Lodge,” Hollidai said. “There is a Lamar County health care scholarship and the general Memorial Foundation scholarship available to help all of our nursing students.”
Job prospects are bright because of high demand for trained nurses everywhere, retirement of the current nursing population, and a growing elderly population creating a rising need.
Program application requires documentation and a background check. That process should be started as soon as possible by calling the Health Occupations office at 903-782-0734. For more information on the program, email [email protected].
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Paris Junior College Presents 10th Annual Pyro PlayFest Starting April 23
April 11, 2025 – The Paris Junior College Drama Department is presenting the 10th Annual Pyro PlayFest, made up of new, never-before performed short plays fitting this year’s theme: “Where There is a Will, There is a Way!” Two nights will also feature a special fundraiser where the audience gets to interrupt an actor and make them eat spicy chicken. Limited seating is on stage to put the audience into the play, so reservations are required.
“This is a festival of fresh, innovative storytelling that sets the stage ablaze with new voices and groundbreaking theater,” said PlayFest Director and Drama faculty William L. Walker. “This highly anticipated event celebrates the power of creativity and showcases a collection of brand-new short plays written by playwrights from around the world. Directed and performed by a talented ensemble of student and community artists, the festival promises an unforgettable theatrical experience filled with thought-provoking dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and bold, risk-taking storytelling.”
Two slates of plays will alternate on April 23-26 at 7:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on April 26-27, 2025, on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater.
Slate A has a run time of just under two hours and will be performed at 7:00 p.m. on April 23 and 25 and 2:00 p.m. on April 26. It includes: “Evening Student,” by Tim Wood; “A Little White X,” by Lisa Martin; “Abbott & Othello,” by Will Walker; “Over You,” by Mike Risinger; “Curs’d Be Macbeth,” by Jordan White; “Is That You, Kilgore Trout?” by Derek Dacus; “Tickle That Dragon,” by Amanda Blouin; and “Enter Three Murderers,” by Mike Risinger.
Slate B runs about an hour and forty minutes and will be performed at 7:00 p.m. on April 24 and 26 and 2:00 p.m. on April 27. It includes: “The Squatch of Avon,” by Ryan Smith; “Puppets Dallying,” by Brenna Mills; “Much Ado About Northingness,” by Hannah England; “Lab Coats,” by Lisa Martin; “Heroes in the Pages,” by Addi Brown; “Teddy Knows Too Much,” by Tim Wood; “A Dog (And His Two Gentlemen),” by Will Walker; and “Exit, Pursued by a Bear,” also by Walker.
The cast, which doubles as crew, includes Carlton Bell, Addison “Addi” Brown, Derek Dacus, Emma Davis, Hannah England, Kai Fornof, Collin Henson, Dalen Hobbs, Daisy Howe, TK McGee, Lisa Martin, Maegan Martinez, Brenna Mills, Mike Risinger, Daniel Sebastian, Ryan Smith, Sarah Stemen, Ollivia Stiles, Celia Stogner, Emilee Stowell, Libby Stowell, Teryn Wallace, Will Walker, and Jordan White. A special guest will play Ms. DNA in “Lab Coats,” and Winston the Wonder Corgi will play Crab in “A Dog (And His Two Gentlemen).”
The heat will also be cranked up for PJC Drama’s Pyro Nights, a scholarship fundraising event exclusively at the 7:00 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday.
“On these two nights only,” said Walker, “audience members who have purchased special Pyro Tickets have the power to ring a bell during specific performances. When the bell rings, the actors onstage must eat a piece of fiery spicy chicken and continue performing through the heat — no matter what. Will they power through, or will the drama get even more intense? There’s only one way to find out!”
Each Pyro Ticket purchase directly supports Drama scholarships and helps to fuel the future of theater.
“We hope you’ll turn up the spice while supporting student artists and ensuring the continuation of bold, innovative performances for years to come,” said Walker. “When creativity sparks, anything is possible.”
Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 senior adults (65+) and high school students, and free for all PJC students, staff, and faculty. For additional ticket information and reservations, please email [email protected].
“We want to let our audience know in advance that the Pyro PlayFest features original works that may include adult language and situations similar to what you might encounter on primetime television,” Walker said. “While the content is engaging and thought-provoking, the festival is not designed for young children. We encourage parents and guardians to use discretion when considering attendance.”
PJC Drama is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and providing a platform for emerging playwrights, performers, and directors. Through innovative productions and unique storytelling experiences, PJC Drama continues to engage, inspire, and entertain audiences year after year.
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.
Downtown Spring Market Looking Forward to Great Weather
April 11, 2025 – The annual Downtown Business Alliance Spring Market is looking forward to fantastic weather this Saturday, April 12 as the many vendors are ready to show off their goods during the one-day event. KSST Weather forecasts sunny skies with high temperatures in the upper 70’s with less than 5% chaince of rain. Main Street between Celebration Plaza and Davis Street will be closed to vehicular traffic as well as a portion of Gilmer Street up to Tomlinson St as vendors set up their booths to offer clothing, crafts, decor, food and gifts. The retailers along Main Street will have specials as well. The event has free admission and will be open from 9am until 4pm, Saturday only.
Texas Budget Poised to Pass with $1 Billion Funding Cap for School Vouchers
April 10, 2025 – The Texas Legislature is poised to pass a $337 billion two-year budget that includes a landmark $1 billion allocation for a school voucher program, marking a significant shift in the state’s education funding landscape.
Under the provisions of Senate Bill 2 and its House counterpart, House Bill 3, the state will establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that provide families with public funds to support private or alternative educational choices. The Senate’s version offers a flat $10,000 per student, while the House plan ties the voucher amount to 85% of the average state and local per-student funding, estimated to be around $10,330 in the first year.
The program prioritizes students with disabilities and those from low-income families, with caps on participation to manage costs. However, critics express concerns about diverting public funds from traditional public schools, potential lack of oversight, and the risk of increased educational inequality.
Notably, the House budget passed without any amendments to block voucher funding, a departure from previous sessions where such measures were used to gauge support for school choice initiatives.
As the budget advances, the inclusion of $1 billion for school vouchers underscores the Legislature’s commitment to expanding educational options, while also highlighting the ongoing debate over the best use of public education funds in Texas.
Trash Talk
April 10, 2025 – By Julien Devereux – AUSTIN — If you’ve driven on Texas roads you may have seen soda bottles, shredded rubber from old tires, or maybe even something large like a mattress or washing machine.
It’s all litter and TxDOT works to clear it from the roadway.
Don’t mess with Texas means don’t litter. But even though the famous TxDOT campaign has helped reduce the amount of litter and debris on Texas roads since it launched in 1985, litter is still an issue.
TxDOT spends approximately $50 million every year clearing state roadways of trash.
What is litter and where does it come from?
Litter is any item that hasn’t been properly disposed of. TxDOT classifies roadside litter into two categories, “large litter” — any piece of trash that’s more than two inches long or wide—and “micro litter,” any piece of trash that’s smaller than that.
Most of the litter on Texas roads is large litter: beverage containers like water bottles and cans. Items discarded by motorists account for nearly half of all litter on the roads TxDOT maintains.
Even if something is compostable or recyclable it’s still litter if you don’t dispose of it properly. Throwing a banana peel or apple core on the side of the road is littering just as much as throwing a plastic bag or soda can. And recyclable containers, which comprise 38% of large litter on the roads, won’t be recycled unless they’re sent to a recycling center.
Everything that comes out of a vehicle, whether on purpose or not, accumulates at the side of our roads and can cause hazards for drivers, pedestrians, law enforcement and emergency workers. It can also cause harm to the environment—food thrown out of a car that lands on the side of the road can attract animals and put them in harm’s way, for instance—in addition to simply being an eyesore.
Although large litter like cans, garbage bags and even mattresses are more noticeable, one of Texas’s biggest sources of litter is “micro”: cigarette filters, which many people mistakenly believe are biodegradable, but aren’t.
Most cigarette filters are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic that takes about 15 years to decompose after being thrown to the side of the road. And that’s not even to mention the fire hazard that comes from tossing cigarettes out the window.
It might sound easy to simply not throw things out of your vehicle—and it is— but even people who don’t intend to litter sometimes do. Accidental littering happens when unsecured items fly out of vehicles, whether from the back of a truck bed or out of an open window.
It all adds up to approximately 362 million pieces of litter collecting on Texas roads every year. That’s more than 11 pieces of litter for every Texan, every year.
What can we do about it?
TxDOT road crews collect litter, and between 2013 and 2023 large litter on Texas roads decreased by 63%. But to eliminate litter in our beautiful state, we need you to join our team.
We can all do our part and not contribute to the litter problem. Carry a small bag in your car to put litter in and put it in the nearest trash can when you get to a gas station or your destination. And if you see litter or debris on the road as you’re driving, once you can safely do so you can report it online here: Report an issue.
If you drive a truck, make sure there’s nothing in the bed that could fly out and end up on the roadway. Unsecured items that become airborne can contribute to the litter problem, but they’re also a safety hazard. Plus, you can be fined up to $2,000 for littering if caught by law enforcement.
And if you want to make an even bigger impact in cleaning our roads, consider adopting a stretch of highway and keeping it clean through our Adopt-A-Highway program, or join your local Don’t mess with Texas Trash-off, held in April every year.
We’ve made great progress reducing the amount of litter on our roads, but with Texas’ growing population, the problem won’t go away without all Texans helping out.
To learn more about litter on Texas roadways and how you can help, visit the Don’t mess with Texas website.
Will Texas’s Anti Puppy Mill Bill Pass?
April 10, 2025 – In the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which began on January 14, 2025, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) has prioritized the passage of the Ethical Pet Sales Bill. This proposed legislation aims to prohibit retail pet stores from selling commercially bred puppies and kittens, a measure intended to curb the influx of animals from large-scale, out-of-state breeding facilities commonly known as puppy mills.
The bill seeks to address concerns about the health and welfare of animals sourced from such facilities, as these puppies and kittens often arrive at pet stores with health issues due to inadequate breeding practices and long-distance transportation. By banning the retail sale of these animals, the legislation aims to protect consumers from unknowingly purchasing sick pets and to promote the adoption of animals from shelters and rescue organizations.
This initiative builds upon local ordinances already enacted in 18 Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, which have implemented similar bans on the retail sale of puppies and kittens. The proposed statewide legislation seeks to create uniformity across Texas and prevent the opening of new pet stores that source animals from inhumane breeding operations.
Advocates of the bill emphasize its potential to disrupt the “puppy mill pipeline” into Texas, thereby improving animal welfare standards and safeguarding consumers from deceptive sales practices and unforeseen veterinary expenses. The THLN encourages Texans to support this legislation to ensure better protection for both animals and pet owners across the state.
