Equipment Issues At City Wastewater Treatment Plant Partially Resolved
The blower issues that sidelined two of the three blowers at the city’s wastewater treatment plant are partially resolved, according to the city manager.
There have been some vibration issues since the blowers were installed in last August. Two of the three blowers at the wastewater treatment plant developed vibration problems and the issues became bad enough to render the units inoperable. One unit continued to operate, but signs of vibration were detected within it as well, Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell noted in his monthly report to the City Council.
Maxwell instructed Utilities Director James Jordan to locate a portable blower just in case it was need it and instructed the city attorney to file claims on contractor Gracon Construction’s surety bonds, the city manager reported.
Two of the blowers are now working. The problem in the third blower has been identified and work is in progress to correct the issue, which is in the motor diver not the blower itself, according to Maxwell.
Maxwell said while only one blower is needed for the operation, not having the specified equipment can result in fines of up to $10,000 per day if not rectified within the required time frame.
Clearing The Path For A New Senior Citizens Center
Work continued this week, clearing the path for construction of a new Senior Citizens Center, to be constructed on Oak Avenue.
In the Nov. 5, 2019 Election 77.49 percent of Sulphur Springs residents casting ballots voted to allow up to $200,000 per year in Economic Development funds collected to be used to cover costs of improvements at Pacific Park and to build a new activity center for senior citizens.
Sulphur Springs City Council at the regular February meeting approved a contract from EnviroCare Associates, Inc., for abatement of asbestos at 301 Oak Avenue, where a nursing home once was located. The property went to local taxing authorities. The other taxing entities agreed to allow their stake in the property to go to the city, so that a new activity center can be built for senior citizens. In order to build on the site, the existing structure had to be removed. Asbestos had to be abated before the building could be torn down and removed.
Asbestos work began earlier this month and has recently been completed. This week, equipment was brought to the site and the building was razed. The debris will be removed, then that portion of the property has been designated for parking. The plan is for the new building to be constructed on the other end of the property.
Man Accused Thursday Of Threatening His Mother In Jail Saturday For Violating Protective Order
A 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man ended up back in jail less than 24-hours after being released. He was accused early Saturday morning of violation bond and a protective order, issued after he allegedly threatened to bash his mother’s face in Thursday night.
The 33-year-old was jailed Thursday night, March 26, after allegedly threatening to injury his mother at her residence. Based on the fact that the man had previously been arrested for assault, police believed family violence would occur if no action was taken to protect the victim Thursday night, officers noted in arrest reports. Jail reports show the 33-year-old was booked into Hopkins County jail Aug. 4, 2019 for assault by physical contact and Feb. 22 for family violence assault.
Thus, police officers took the man into custody March 26 for family violence assault by threat. Upon arrival at the jail, the man allegedly became aggressive with jail staff and was secured into a “V” special, according to arrest reports. The 33-year-old spent the night in jail and was released Friday, March 27, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police received a complaint regarding the man after 12 a.m. Saturday, March 28. The 33-year-old was reportedly at his mother’s residence, despite a protective order issued following the March 26 incident prohibiting him from contacting or being within 1,000 feet of his mother. Upon arrival Saturday morning, police reported seeing the man at the door trying to get his mother to let him in her residence. He’d reportedly become become mad, yelling at one point, according to police reports,
Consequently, the 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, March 28, and transported back to Hopkins County jail for violation of bond and the protective order. He remained in jail late Saturday morning, March 28; bond on the charge was set at $2,5000, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hopkins County Records –March 27, 2020
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Samuel Patrick Bryant and Julie Theresa Penkava
- Thomas Allen Riehl Jr. and Amanda Lee Smith
- Robert Mitchell Alexander and Ashley-Marie Gregory
- Dakota Griffin Graham and Rebecca Blake Carroll
- Jeffrey Dwayne Wren and Mindy Renae Pogue
Land Deed Transactions
- Everett Van Jennings and Lacie Jennings to Everett Jennings No. 4 LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Everett Jennings and Lacie Jennings to Everett Jennings No. 3 LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Everett Van Jennings and Lacie Jennings to Everett Jennings No. 2 LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Everett Van Jennings and Lacie Jennings to Everett Jennings No. 1 LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Everett V. Jennings to Lacie Jennings; tract in the Honeysuckle Estates Phase Three
- Robert Solomon Hester and Rodney R. Hester, attorney, to Sharon Gilbreath and Janet Zachary
- Kathryn McLarty Mangum to Sharon Gilbreath and Janet Zachary
- Robert A. McLarty to Sharon Gilbreath and Janet Zachary
- Paul Pogue to Michael Wammack and Karen Wammack
- Nancy Lee Plumlee, Jerry Mack Lee and Johnny R. Lee Jr. to Open Sky Land Company LLC; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
- Kailani Ammar Ahmad and Hanadi Al-Refaai to Dimitrios Dimoulakis and Julie Dimoulakis; tract in the Daniel Holbrooks survey
- Chad Swatsell and Jessica Swatsell to Stephany Mejia; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Doyle Gene Bratcher to David Jason Vaughn and Keisha Alea Vaughn
- GNC Development to GNZ Stone Leaf LLC; tract int he Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Terry Hurley to Clifton Raif Ford; tract in the Frederick Anthony survey
- William A. Thompson and Debra K. Thompson to Gary Michael Rogers; tract in the Calvin Click survey
- William A. Thompson to Gage Austin Lewendt and Debra Thompson
- William A. Thompson and Debra K. Thompson to Matthew Brian Rogers; tract in the Calvin Click survey
- Canyon Safari Ranch LLC to Nathan Derr and Sandra Derr; tract in the OW Bishop
- Billie Spencer, Lisa Renee Spencer Gammill, Kevin Ray Spencer, Delton Keltner and Linda Keltner to Nathan Derr and Sandra Derr; tract in the OW Bishop survey
- Lisa Reed independently and as independent administrator for the Patrick Reed Estate to Kason Childress and Kris Childress; tract in the U Aiguier survey
- Rosey 74 Inc. and Christopher Rosamond to David E. Wilde and Kathryn Wilde; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Michael Webb and Sandra Webb to Rebecca Jane Woods; tract in the Maria Santos Coy survey
- Watson Construction Company to Matthew Mattison and Jamie Mattison; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Sidney Beck, formerly known as Sidney Abrego to Vincente O. Abrego; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Vincente O. Abrego who is also known as Vicente O. Abrego to R4U Rentals LLC; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Larry Nottingham and Elizabeth Nottingham to Flying N. Farms LLC; tract in the Ellender Spencer survey
- J. Moreland and Marisha D. Moreland to Christopher Duran and Alyssa Duran; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Braden A. Cable to Manuel Romero and Shanna Romero; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Anthony James Roberts Jr. and Ellen Jeane Roberts to Cedar Creek Preservation LLC; tract in the Ezkiel Chester survey
- Jonathan Kennedy, independently and as agent, and , Joe Dan Kennedy to Michael N. Day and Karen A. Day; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- James Michael Thompson to Shirley Huta and Earl Hall; tract in the James Lee survey
- Rosa Lilia Pulido, Enrique Pulido and Leticia Beles formerly known as Leticia Beles Gonzalez to P&B Associates LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Sheryl Louise Rooks, Shannon Yvonne Brown independent co-executor for the Louise Petty Estate to Walter Isles Hart Jr. and Leah Jan Hart; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Loretta McKay Spa, Loretta McKay Francis, Delbert Francis, Sondra Lee Dutton and Tom Dutton to Shannon Ferguson and Garrett Ferguson; tract in the Mary Bowlin survey
- Peter G. Gremillion Jr. and Denise J. Gremillion to Doug Cannon and Kim Cannon
- Bradley Dugan to Victoria Dugan; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Victoria Dugan to AADAMS LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Marlon Stanton Sullivan Spa and Marlon Sullivan to Dennie Mitchell Shumate and Destiny Nicole Shumate; tract in the JG Procello survey
- Land Pearl Ventures LLC, Kahlil Turner and Leonore Turner to Adrian Estrada and Dora Estrada; tract in the IC Burson survey
- B. McClendon and Lacey Ross McClendon to James Drue Ballantine and Jill Foster Ballantine; tract in the WH Moses survey
- Michael Guilkey and James Guilkey to The Garden Outreach; tract in the AB Hudson survey
- Mary H. Wackerow to Robert Varner; tract in the Thomas T. Martin survey
- James Drue Ballantine and Jill Foster Vallantine to Mireya Vaughan and Javier Aguayo; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Robert Varner to Rulo LLC; tract in the Thomas T. Martin survey
- SPNR Equities Corp. to Christian Lewis and Morgan Lewis; tract in the J. Barbo survey
- Diana Lynn Williamson, James Porter Albough II and Tawana Albough to Jeffrey Brumley also known as Jeffery Brumley; tract in the Ira Stephenson survey
- Donald E. Jones executor for the Buford Jones Estate to David Jones; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
- Jackie Dodd to Juan Castanon and Magali Castanon; tract in the Levi Landers survey
- Whitney Knecht to David M. Owens and Emma Owens; tract in the Spring Creek Addition
- James Ray Groves to Everett Jennings; tract in the East Side Addition
- David M. Owens and Emma Owens to S&R Construction; tract in the Spring Creek Phase II
- Chris Kultgen and Kacie Potts-Kultgen to Matthew Lynn Snyder and Joan Elizabeth Snyder; tract in the Isaac Ramsey survey
- Jerry Mack Busby and Deborah Kaye Busby, who is also known as as Debbie Busby and Deborah Busby, to Andy Ngo; tract in the WM Stacy survey
- Jose Luis Villegas and Sylvia A. Garcia to Loren Lance Horner; tract in the John Clark survey
- Glenda Ann Zumwault to David Edwin Horn; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jerry Frazier, Donna Worley, Chelsey Ribeiro, Deanna Wiedenbeck and Dillon Stubblefield to Juan Gomez and Jose Luise Gomez; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Beth Bingham to Aaron Daniel Judd; tract in the Larkin Coffee survey
- Teresa Weatherford trustee for White Family Trust to Jaime Mejia; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Paul Ray Burkett and Melva Chester Burkett to Justin Burkett and Amanda Burkett; tract in the Andrew S. Young survey
- Patsy Ellen Collins Neal also known as Patsy E. Neal to Hopkins County Precinct 3; tract in the O Barb survey
- George Raymond Weatherford to Brashear Baptist Church; tract in the John Clark survey
- Gene Dixon Jr. to Shandis Godbolt; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Tom F. Washington Jr. to Juan Daniel Rojo Pedroza, Jennifer Rojo Pedroza and Juan Alvarez Pedroza; tract in the James Gahagan survey
- Pense Ranch Properties LLC, Irvin Pense and Shirley Pense to Oscar E. Lopez and Ana K. Lopez; tract in the Anthony Sharp survey
- LB Jordan, Larry Ben Jordan, Garry Robert Jordan and Donna Jordan Nelson to XR4 Innovations LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Joe Dan Kennedy to Ivan Diosdado; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
Paris District Road Report for the Week of March 30, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of March 30, 2020. 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co.
Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US
75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue.
Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road and the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building
the new southbound US 75 exit ramp for FM 691. During this phase, westbound Spur 503 to southbound US 75 traffic must use the frontage road through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on ramp after FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place
underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin
at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the daytime.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
Greer Road, Grayson County: just south of FM 901 at Brushy Creek. Greer Road is closed at Brushy Creek in order to remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on Greer Road will need to use an alternate route, such as Sandusky Road, during construction.
Park Road 20, Grayson County: within Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: between FM 902 and the Denton County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the
eastbound side during this period.
County Road 3810, Fannin County: at Loring Creek. County Road 3810 is closed at Loring Creek while crews remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 3810 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is closed at Indian Creek while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4920 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is tentatively scheduled to be closed on April 6 in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
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.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews replace an existing drainage structure; temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. An overnight lane closure just west of FM 1508 in order to upgrade rail will be in place. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence at other locations throughout project
limits.
US 82, Red River County: from Lamar County Line to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co.
Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treating fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last
box culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Please be careful when traveling in the area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently forming up and pouring sidewalks. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out
for workers.
Hunt County maintenance crews are working on repairing pot holes throughout Hunt County.
Additionally crews are working on SH224 and US380 doing sealcoat preparation operations.
Please be careful when driving in areas where our work vehicles are present.
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AG: Local Governments Must Allow The Sale Of Firearms
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today issued a legal opinion following a request from Representative Dustin Burrows regarding the sales of firearms in Texas municipalities and counties. The opinion concludes that municipal and county authorities may not use emergency powers to regulate or restrict the sale of firearms.
“State law provides several emergency powers to local governments to control movement within their region during a disaster, which serves our communities well during public health events like the one we’re fighting now. However, local regulation of the sale, possession, and ownership of firearms is specifically prohibited under Texas law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Under our laws, every Texan retains their right to purchase and possess firearms.”
Under the Texas Local Government code, municipal governments possess the limited authority to regulate the use of firearms during a disaster; however, that authority does not extend to the regulation of transfer, possession, ownership or sale of firearms.
Read a copy of the opinion.
For information on the spread or treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
Hopkins County COVID-19 Update: Only 1 Positive Case
After 12 days, Hopkins County still has only 1 known positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS reported Friday afternoon.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Team received notification of the positive COVID-19 case Tuesday morning, March 24. While others have been tested, either by DSHS or a private lab, HCEMT has received no other confirmation from healthcare provider or DSHS of any additional positive COVID-19 cases in the county.
Based on information gleaned from the majority of healthcare partners in Hopkins County, HCHD/EMS estimates 53 potential cases met testing requirements set by Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and were sent off for definitive testing to a private lab or DSHS lab. That’s up from 31 potential cases HCHD/EMS reported had been identified as meeting criteria and sent for testing as of March 21.
Throughout the state, a total of 1,731 positive cases of COVID-10 had been reported as of 8 p.m. March 26. Overall, 23,666 tests have been sent off 2,886 to public labs and 20,780 to private labs in Texas, DSHS reported at noon Friday, March 27.
Overall, 105 of Texas’ 254 counties had reported confirmation of at least one positive case of COVID-19 as of 8 p.m. March 26. Dallas County at noon March 27 at that time had 367 positive COVID-19 cases, the most of any county in Texas, according to the DSHS COVIC-19 Case Counts report. Next were Harris County 302 cases, Travis 137, Bexar 113 and Tarrant 100 cases.
Texas has reported 23 COVID-19 deaths as well: five in Bexar County; seven in Dallas County; two in Harris County; and one each in Bell, Collin, Comal, Denton, Matagorda, Midland, Oldham, Smith and Tarrant counties.
With number continuing to rise, HCEMT, local, state and national heath and other officials stress the importance of social distancing, proper hand washing, avoiding large groups and none over 10, and notifying a physician by phone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 so they can make appropriate recommendations for care and treatment.
PJC Regents Extend Spring Semester To May 14 Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Room And Board Rates For Fall 2020, Spring 2021 Approved
The Paris Junior College Board of Regents approved an extension of the spring semester to May 14, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a special meeting held Thursday, March 26.
“We are having to do that because we extended Spring Break for our students one week,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.
The regents met a week earlier than planned in order to approve a resolution delegating authority to the PJC President to operate the college during alternate operations due to COVID-19.
As part of her report to the Regents, Dr. Anglin explained that employees came in during the Spring Break extension to shift to working remotely and putting everything online so classes could continue on Monday, March 23.
“We have a lot our workforce classes can do, lecture-wise,” said Dr. Anglin, explaining that for those classes with hands-on labs such as welding, mechatronics, electrician, etc., that the students would be brought back when it’s safe for them to finish their labs.
PJC has also added wifi hot spots in Paris, Greenville and Sulphur Springs. Students have been notified of the specific locations and provided passwords. They can drive up and do work online from their vehicle.
A skeleton crew is manning all the locations to keep things up and running, especially information technology. Campus police are working their regular shifts and students services are available to students by phone and email.
“The college has purchased Zoom licenses,” said Dr. Anglin. “Faculty may have a presence during their office hours and students can see and talk to their instructor and get help from faculty who are tutoring that way. We’re all remaining flexible as we work with our students.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the financial report from Controller Keitha Carlton, showing that revenues continue to be higher than expenses. The College will not achieve its tuition revenue projection this year.
“The Legislature has asked us to look at where we’ll be at the end of the year,” said Dr. Anglin. “We’ve also been asked to track any expenditures we would not normally have because of closures due to the coronavirus.”
• Authorized continuation of local charitable giving through the United Way by opting out of the State Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign. This ensures that local donations are spent locally.
• Approved the 403(b) Plan Document Amendment and Restatement resolution.
• Approved a 3.5 percent increase in the annual Aramark contract for meal prices for the 2020-2021 academic year.
• Approved room and board rates for academic year 2020-2021 for fall and spring of $2,540 in Hatcher and Thompson Residence Halls and $2,740 in the South Campus Residence Hall. Summer residence hall rates remain unchanged.
• Approved the extension of faculty contracts for the 2020-2021 academic year; the employment of Systems and Database Administrator Tyler Alcox, effective March 16; and the resignations of Talent Search Advisor Tiffany Spangler effective March 27, and Computer Information Instructor Larry Lambert, Economics Instructor Mike McCoy, and Director of Nursing Stephanie Parker, all effective Aug. 31.
• Accepted the high bid in the sale of the PJC Recreation Center; contracts will now be prepared to complete the sale.
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.
Governor Issues Executive Order Mandating 14-Day Self-Quarantine For Some Air Travelers
Anyone flying into Texas for a visit or return home from the New York Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey or Connecticut area) or New Orleans should prepare for a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. Texas Governor Greg Abbott Thursday, March 26, issued an Executive Order mandating a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals traveling to Texas as their final destination through an airport from the Tri-State Area of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut as well as the city of New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Office of the Governor Photo)
“The State of Texas continues to act upon the recommendations of top state, federal, and local health experts as we implement a comprehensive strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said. “The New York Tri-State Area and the City of New Orleans have become major centers of this pandemic, and it is vital that we take necessary precautions to prevent additional exposure that could originate from people traveling from these areas to Texas. This Executive Order is another important measure we are taking to protect the health and safety of Texans, and we will continue to take any action necessary to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 in our state.”
This Executive Order follows guidance of Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and is to be enforced by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The order stipulates that a quarantined person shall not allow visitors into or out of the designated quarantine location, other than a physician or healthcare provider, and cannot visit any public spaces. The mandatory self-quarantine, according to the order will last 14 days or for the duration of a person’s presence in Texas, whichever is shorter.
Those entering Texas as their final destination from the designated areas are to use a form from DPS designating their quarantine location. DPS special agents, according to the governor, will conduct unannounced visits to designated quarantine locations to verify compliance. Failure to comply with the order will be considered a criminal offense punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both. Questions about the form should be directed to DPS at (800) 525-5555.
The self-quarantine order does not apply to people traveling in connection with military service, emergency response, health response or critical-infrastructure functions, as determined by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
This Executive Order will remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by the Governor.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Threatening To Bash In Mother’s Face
A disturbance complaint on Helm Lane Thursday night, March 26, resulted in a 33-year-old Sulphur Springs man’s arrest at 10:37 p.m. for assault by threat. Investigation revealed the man threatened to “bash” in his 78-year-old mother’s face, Sulphur Springs police alleged in arrest reports.
Based on the fact that the man had previously been arrested for assault, other allegations of previous offenses raised, police believed the victim’s fear that the 33-year-old would act on his threats were valid, the SSPD officers noted in arrest reports. Hopkins County jail records show the man was previously arrested on Aug. 4, 2019 on an assault by physical contact and on Feb. 22 on a Class C family violence assault charge.
Believing family violence would occur if no action was taken to protect the victim, officers reported taking the man into custody for family violence assault by threat. Upon arrival at the jail, the man allegedly became aggressive with jail staff and was secured into a special cell designed to protect him and others, according to arrest reports. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, according to arrest reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
