1 Arrested, 1 At Large Following Pursuit And Search In Sulphur Springs Tuesday Night
Sulphur Springs ISD Campuses Reportedly In Lock-Down Mode Wednesday As Precaution
One Pine Bluff, Arkansas man was arrested and another man remained at large Wednesday morning, Sept. 21, 2022, following first a vehicle pursuit, then a foot chase and manhunt Tuesday night in Sulphur Springs.
Because one suspect from the chase remained at large, Sulphur Springs ISD notified parents and staff Wednesday morning that district campuses were in lock-down mode as a precaution.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were made aware Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, a Dodge Challenger with a license plate thought to have been stolen from a Kia SUV was traveling on I-30 east headed toward Sulphur Springs. The white car was also determined to have been stolen as well, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
A traffic stop was initiated on the 2022 model Dodge Challenger on Jefferson Street at 10:05 p.m. Tuesday, HCSO Deputy Joshua Davis noted in arrest reports. The driver allegedly fled from law enforcement in the vehicle, continuing to attempt to evade officials. The car stopped in the back yard of a College Street residence, where Davis reported seeing two black males exit the crashed car and flee on foot.
Davis chased the passenger, calling out for the man to stop. The deputy reported catching up to Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. at 10:18 p.m. Tuesday; the 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man had reportedly run into “a thick wooded area on College Street at Ramsey. When asked for the driver’s information, Ringo allegedly told the deputy he had never met the driver before, and claimed the driver had picked him up at a gas station in Arkansas.
Ringo was transported to HCSO jail, where he was interviewed by the arresting deputy about the incident. The Arkansas man reportedly initially told police he did not know the man who had been driving the Challenger, and had never met him before. When the deputy told him he believed Ringo to be lying, the 24-year-old allegedly claimed he had only seen the man around but did not know his name.
The Pine Bluff man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 4:14 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, on a misdemeanor evading arrest or detention charge and a third-degree felony hindering apprehension of a felon, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Meanwhile, additional officers from around the city converged in the area of the stolen car as well as last known direction the driver was observed running toward. The suspect Tuesday night was reported to have been last seen wearing a red shirt and green pants. He was reported to have lost his shower slides and at least one sock while fleeing authorities. He was reported to have last been seen heading south, then southwest into a nearby thicket to the west, near where the passenger was taken into custody on College at Ramsey street.
A perimeter was established in the area, with officer methodically searching within the area. Officials’ efforts, including that of a trained police canine, were reportedly hampered by the thick copse of trees in the area. Around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, a thermal imager was being utilized in the area to try to detect the suspect’s heat signature in the dark, wooded area.
Authorities around 11:40 p.m. responded to what were thought to be the sound of gunshots southwest in the area where the pair had run. At midnight authorities were still searching the area, including south on College Street, back to Putman and Ardis Streets. Deputies checked out a report of someone with a flashlight on Beckham Street headed toward Maxwell Street. Officers, at one point, were contacted about someone knocking or banging on a wall and window in the Caldwell Street area, then dispatchers reported receiving more than one call reporting windows and doors being hit or knocked on in the area of Ardis and WA Streets, just off MLK, east of Oak Avenue. One witness reported seeing a man in a red hoodie around 11 p.m. Tuesday at an Gilmer Street car lot.
Officials were still searching for the man after midnight. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, a car thought to possibly be a new car taken from a dealership or car lot, remained at large late Wednesday morning.
Sulphur Springs ISD sent alerts to students’ parents and guardians and notified staff via Blackboard system that the district would be in lock-down mode as a precaution due to the suspect remaining at large.
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.
Scholarships For EMS Education And Training Available From DSHS
The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing Emergency Medical Service scholarships to help interested Texans complete education and training to begin careers in the EMS field. The Texas Legislature provided $21 million to fund the scholarships for students using approved EMS education programs and licensed EMS providers, with special attention given to rural and other underserved areas of Texas.
Full-time, part-time and volunteer opportunities abound in Texas as the demand for EMS professionals increases across the state. Texas currently lacks sufficient EMS personnel working in ambulances, especially in rural areas. These parts of the state face other challenges as EMS personnel are often older, with an average age of 50, and age can have an effect in these physically demanding positions. Other challenges to rural EMS coverage include a lack of available candidates, difficult work conditions and geographic obstacles.
EMS careers offer competitive salaries and benefits, and people can begin working in as little as 15 weeks. Whether working as an emergency medical technician, advanced EMT or paramedic, the EMS field offers people the chance to help others in their communities while advancing their careers in health care.
“Every 10 seconds, a Texan needs help,” said DSHS State EMS Director Joseph Schmider. “If you want to help your neighbor, we are looking for you. And if you’re looking for an exciting career or volunteer opportunity, consider Emergency Medical Services.”
Texas Regional Advisory Councils manage EMS and trauma services, and those interested in pursuing a career in EMS should contact their RAC for information about scholarships, jobs and volunteer opportunities in their area.
Roughly 72,000 certified EMS personnel operate on over 5,000 ambulances, but many more are needed, especially in rural areas. In addition to recruiting Texans to the EMS workforce, DSHS is also taking measures to increase retention among existing personnel. A federally funded public awareness campaign designed to grow and retain the EMS workforce in Texas will launch soon on radio, television, print, online and social media.
More information about career opportunities in EMS and scholarships for education and training can be found at dshs.texas.gov/team-texas-ems.
2022 Homecoming Week In Full Swing In Sulphur Springs
The 2022 Homecoming Week is in full swing in Sulphur Springs, kicking off Monday with many Sulphur Springs ISD students and staff donning the designated attire to correspond with the fun dress up days, and the announcement of the 2022 Homecoming Nominees at SSHS.
Each campus has adopted different daily dress up themes, to allow all students and staff to display their school pride and Wildcat spirit during the 2022 Homecoming Week..
SSHS
This week’s dress up themes at Sulphur Springs High School are primarily focused around movies, movie themes or actors. Monday, students and staff were encouraged to dress as characters from High School Musical Day. Tuesday was Top Gun Day. Wednesday is Napoleon Dynamite Day and Thursday will be Adam Sandler Day. On Friday, everyone at SSHS is encouraged to wear their brightest gold Wildcat gear for Gold Out Day.
This year’s SSHS Homecoming Nominees include:
- Addisyn Wall, daughter of Jessica Hogan and Geoffrey Wall
- Tia Nash, daughter of Elvria Dial and Nate Mingo
- Jadyn Harper, daughter of Shaniqua Harper and Bam Jackson,
- Miley Fisher, daughter of Stan and Brandy Fisher
- Olivia Worth, daughter of Jessica and Chris Worth
- Ja’Yden Holly, daughter of Christopher Holly and Sonja Rush
- Jayla Abron, daughter of Talea and Brian Kelly
- Justice Jones, daughter of Chanta Givens and Anson Jones
- Martha Gonzalez, daughter of Laura and Gerardo Gonzalez
- Angeles Cruz, daughter of Celia Cruz
(View KSST’s video interviews with the Homecoming nominees on the KSST Radio 1230 YouTube Channel)
One of these young ladies will be crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen during the pre-game Homecoming festivities, which are scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Gerald Prim Stadium, just before the SSHS Wildcats take on the Liberty-Eylau Leopards in varsity play. Those unable to attend Friday’s Homecoming game can tune into KSST Radio 1230 AM (or steam the broadcast from the KSSTRadio.com website) or catch it streaming live on the KSST Radio YouTube channel.
To get students in the proper mood for Homecoming, a pep rally will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, in SSHS Gym.
Homecoming nominees will practice on the field beside the SSHS Band hall at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. Those who will be involved in the pre-game activities Friday are to arrive at the field at 6 p.m. to take some pre-game and pre-Homecoming photos.
SSHS students will also have the opportunity to attend a Homecoming Dance, planned from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in the SSHS cafeteria.
SSMS
SSMS is observing Spirit Week Sept. 19-23 with designated theme days. Monday SSMS students and staff were encouraged to wear all things patriotic to observe ‘Merica Monday. Tuesday they showed support for the home team by wearing Game Day attire. Wednesday has been dubbed Wacky Wednesday, a time to wear lots of accessories. Thursday will be Tropical Thursday, when SSMS students and staff are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts, flower leis, sunglasses and shorts. Friday is 6th graders are to wear yellow, 7th graders blue and 8th graders gold for Show Your School Pride Day.
Middle School also will hold a Homecoming Dance from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in the SSMS Gym. Students planning to attend should plan to purchase tickets for $10 each during their lunch period all week at school; tickets will not be available for purchase Saturday at the door. The established attire is casual dress; a cut shirt, jeans or skirt for instance. Dance clothing must adhere to the SSMS dress code.
SSES, Primary, Douglass ECLC Campuses
Sulphur Springs Elementary, Douglass ECLC and the four primary campuses are observing spirit week with dress up days all week as well.
Monday they were encouraged to wear patriotic attire for ‘Merica Monday. Tuesday students donned Hawaiian shirts, flower leis, sunglasses and shorts for Tropical Tuesday. Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday, a day those on the campuses serving elementary aged students are encouraged to wear lots of accessories. Thursday will be I ‘Mustache’ You to Have School Spirit Day; all are encouraged to wear a mustache to illustrate this theme. Friday students are to wear their favorite sports team jersey or attire, or favorite Wildcat Gear for Game Day.
The PTO at these campuses will provide opportunities to help students get in the Wildcat Spirit. At least one campus is offering Spirit Shop before classes, allowing students to purchase Wildcat gear such as blue footballs, blue and gold pompoms, bracelets and gold hand clackers to show their wildcat spirit. At SSES, the PTO is hosting Homecoming Fun Friday, offering face painting, Wildcat decals, Smencils, Wildcat beads and more for $1-2 each during students’ recess time.
Homecoming Parade
Also planned this week will be the SSISD Homecoming Parade, a tradition revived by Dial Study Club and presented by Triple Crown Roofing.
Sponsorships from local businesses also make the event parade possible. Any proceeds will go back to the community, according to Glass.
Those planning to participate in or watch the parade will want to note the designated parade route, which will depart from Connally Street at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 2022, from Buford City Park, and proceed down Connally Street along the parade route until the first conveyance reaches North Davis Street. Then, in order to avoid further congesting downtown, the parade will turn onto North Davis Street, continuing to Houston Street. The Homecoming Parade procession will then turn onto Houston Street and head back to Gerald Prim Stadium parking lot.
According to Dial Study Club spokesperson, the parade will include 35 floats, composed by SSISD student organizations and teams from all grade levels who will throw candy and greet parade bystanders throughout the parade route.
Glass said there is always room for more participants and sponsors; direct questions to Emily Glass at 903-243-6222. Those participating in the parade may begin lining up at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.
Volleyball Extends Win Streak to Two Ahead of Saturday’s District Opener
Coach Bailey Dorner and her team are confident headed into their district opener.
Coming off two straight sweeps, Lady Cat volleyball now looks forward to their district opener Saturday.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 had Sulphur Springs cruising by their opponent Pioneer Tech & Arts Academy three sets to none.
The Lady Cats won convincingly in the first and third sets. In those two sets, Sulphur Springs screamed by the Lady Panthers, 50-12.
The only set in which PTAA challenged the Lady Cats came in the second set, one which saw Sulphur Springs still win at arms’ length, 25-18.
Tuesday’s win in the Main Gym is significant because it not only is the second straight win, but also the second straight sweep for Lady Cat volleyball.
“I think it just got our confidence up,” Coach Bailey Dorner said of her team’s sweep-streak. The head volleyball coach said Sulphur Springs has played a tough non-district schedule, one which saw the Lady Cats opening the season in Mount Pleasant, two home contests versus Texas High and Melissa, and several more challenging road games to boot.
Even with a gauntlet of a non-district schedule, Sulphur Springs fought until the final whistle in each contest.
“We were playing good and things just weren’t going our way,” Coach Dorner said. “[These two wins], playing well and practicing well… confidence has gotten up. And when you feel good, you play good,” the volleyball coach said following Tuesday’s home win.
Next though, the real test begins Saturday when Sulphur Springs hits the road to begin district play.
Coach Dorner and the Lady Cats take on Paris. The volleyball coach expects a tough, hard-fought battle Saturday in Paris.
The two schools played each other at the beginning of the season, when Sulphur Springs hosted their annual volleyball tournament. Coach Dorner’s team beat the visiting Lady Cats two sets to one in the tournament.
Now though, Sulphur Springs heads to Paris for both schools’ district openers. That game begins in Paris on Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Chamber Connection – Sept. 21, 2022
By Butch Burney, President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, [email protected]
Tickets for this year’s 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, sponsored by Alliance Bank, will go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Chamber of Commerce office, local banks and online!
This year, tickets are $8 each or four tickets for $28. You can purchase them at Alliance Bank locations, City National Bank locations, Texas Heritage Bank and Pilgrim Bank, or at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. You can also purchase them online at HopkinsChamber.org.
Quart tickets are $15 this year. They can only be purchased at the Chamber office or the day of the stew, which is Saturday, Oct. 22.
Stew Cook Registration
Past cooks have until Friday, Sept. 23, to register for Stew Festival and retain their site from last year.
If you have cooked stew in the past or want to for the first time, now is the time to register for Stew Fest, presented by Alliance Bank. Friday night activities, hosted by Bob Evans Foods, will be going on the night before at Buford Park.
To register for a cook site, go online to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks, email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515. The cost to enter is $100 per stew pot, with $150 coming from the sponsor to pay for ingredients.
Volunteer Opportunity
If a person or group would like to volunteer to work in one of the service tents at the Stew Festival, please contact me at [email protected] or by calling 903-885-6515. Volunteers can help from 9 a.m. to about 12:15 p.m.
Homecoming Parade
The Dial Study Club is bringing back the Sulphur Springs High School Homecoming Parade at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. The parade, sponsored by Triple Crown Roofing, will begin at Buford Park, go east down Connally Street, turn north on Davis Street and then west on Houston Street to end at the park. It will not go around the square.
Ribeye Roundup
If you’re looking for a great steak, you don’t want to miss the Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 1, on the downtown plaza.
The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook teams, educational trade show, free Bobby Irwin concert and more.
You can also get a blue Ribeye Roundup T-shirt for just $14 at the Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St. Come by to pick one up!
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival is ready to go from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, downtown. There will be wine samples from some of the best Texas wineries, local vendors and musical artists including Jeb Brooks Band and Twisted Whisky.
Tickets are available for $10 online at MainStreetUncorked2022.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Quilt Show
The 21st Annual Quilt Show, presented by the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, is set for Sept. 23-24 at First Baptist Church’s The ROC. Admission is $5 per person (under 12 are free). It will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Lisa Erlandson, AQS certified appraiser of Quilted Textiles and historian, will be the special speaker. There will be more than 100 quilts along with door prizes and vendors. For more information, go to SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
Ribbon Cutting
The Reserve at Sulphur Springs, an apartment complex on League Street, hosted a ribbon cutting at noon, Wednesday, Sept. 14. Please welcome them to the community.
CHRISTUS Business News: NetHealth Offering Bivalent COVID Vaccines At Final Week Of Clinics
New Orthopedic Surgeon, Providers at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs Now Accepting New Patients
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
Sulphur Springs, Texas, September 19, 2022 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
Bivalent COVID Vaccines Available This Week
NetHealth will have both the Moderna and Pfizer Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters available this week in addition to regular Adult and Pediatric vaccines and boosters. This week (September 19-23) will be our last COVID vaccine clinic this year provided by NetHealth.
The vaccine clinic is located at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; no appointment is necessary.
Homecoming Parade- September 22, 2022
We are excited to have our CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Mobile Athletic Training Room be a part of the DIAL Study Club- Sulphur Springs Wildcat Homecoming Parade!
CHRISTUS values our partnership with SSISD and keeping our athletes healthy.
We hope to see you all at the parade.
Primary Care
Do you have a Primary Care Provider? Turn over a new leaf this Fall season by getting established with one of our Primary Care Providers at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Primary Care in Sulphur Springs. At CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, our distinguished providers are dedicated to efficiently meeting the healthcare needs of the patients we serve with compassionate, quality care.
To schedule an appointment, call 903.885.3181 today.
New Orthopedic Surgeon Accepting New Patients
We are excited to welcome to our CHRISTUS family, Dr. Christian Douthit.
Dr. Douthit graduated from medical school and did an internship in General Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He performed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Science Center before completing a Fellowship in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at the Hand Center of San Antonio.
Dr. Douthit cares for patients of all ages and is particularly interested in hand-to-shoulder problems, peripheral nerve surgery, orthopedic trauma, and sports injuries. Dr. Douthit will be joining Dr. Meltsakos, and PA, Chris Lutz, at our CHRISTUS Orthopedic clinic, located at 103 Medical Circle, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 903.885.6688.
Free Student Athlete Injury Clinic Continues
CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Sulphur Springs continues to offer a FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes. The clinic is open every Saturday from 9am to 11am, through November 12. Student athletes from 7th grade to college age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury.
The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine Program or Orthopedic services, please call 903.885.6688.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long- term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Sept. 12-18, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Sept. 12-18, 2022, included:
Arrests
- Makalyn Batchelor, 23 years of age, of Midland, was arrested on Sept. 14, 2022, for Possession of Dangerous Drug and Possession of a Less than 1 Gram of a Penalty Group 1 Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone.
- Michael Wilson, 46 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Sept. 16, 2022, for Driving While Intoxicated- 2nd Offense.
- Ryan Bonner, 26 years of age, of Seabrook, Texas, was arrested on Sept. 17, 2022, for Possession of Dangerous Drug.
- Mitchell Collins, 34 years of age, of Mount Enterprise, was arrested on Sept. 17, 2022, for Driving While License Invalid with Previous Convictions/Suspensions.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 26 citations and 32 warnings during this reporting period.
Constitution Week Observed In Hopkins County
This week marks the anniversary of the framing of the United States Constitution of the United States by the Constitutional Convention.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, along with the Commissioners Court and Daughters of the American Revolution, took time recently to encourage all citizens of the USA to reaffirm the ideals of the framers of the document had in 1787 by “vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to use through this guardian of our liberties.”
Newsom at the most recent meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court read a proclamation designating Sept. 17-23, 2022 as Constitution Week in the county.
“The Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government in a Republic dedicated to rule by law,” Newsom read from the proclamation. “It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it.”
Newsom also noted that Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States designating Sept. 17 through Sept. 23, as Constitution Week.
After reading the proclamation, Newsom and the Commissioners Court presented the framed document to the members of the Captain David Phillips Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who were on hand for the occasion.
According to the National DAR, the aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to:
- Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
- Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
- Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.
The Rotunda inside the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, is home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. These founding documents, along with the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, the Public Vaults, and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, featuring Records of Rights, are open for visitors from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily (EST).
DAR set up a display in the Hopkins County Genealogical Society last week so those who wish to may view a copy of the USA Constitution and related materials. The research library is located inside Sulphur Springs Public Library, 611 North Davis St.
In addition to regular meetings, the Captain David Philips Chapter of DAR participates in many community and regional events. From honoring our veterans with the laying of wreaths on memorial day, to presenting scholarships to area youth, the local DAR members are dedicated to the national society objectives of promoting patriotism, historic preservation and education.
The original Constitution of the USA Constitution of the United States is displayed in its encasement in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
A Proclamation on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day,
and Constitution Week, 2022
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022•PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
America is founded on the most powerful idea in history — that we are all created equal. That idea sparked our revolution, ignited a wave of change across the world, and beats in the hearts of Americans today. It is central to our Constitution, and citizenship embodies a true faith and allegiance to give it full meaning in our everyday lives. On this Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and during this Constitution Week, we recommit to protecting and defending the very idea of America.
When our Founding Fathers came together nearly 250 years ago, they set in motion an experiment that changed the world. They disagreed and debated but ultimately came together to forge a new system of self-government — a system balanced between a strong Federal Government and the States, held together by co-equal branches and a separation of powers. America would not be a land of kings or dictators; it would be a Nation of laws — a Nation of order, not chaos; of peace, not violence. Here in America, the people rule through the ballot, and their will prevails.
As we have seen throughout our history, though, nothing about our democracy is guaranteed. America is an idea — one that requires constant stewardship. We have to fight for it, earn it, and renew it with each generation. That is why my Administration will do everything in our power to uphold and defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to protect the rights and freedoms that it promises us all. That means we have to be firm, resolute, and unyielding in defending the right to vote and ensuring that each vote is counted. It is a sacred right from which all others flow. But last year alone, nearly 20 States passed laws to make it harder to vote — not only to suppress the vote, but to subvert it. I have directed Federal agencies to promote voting access, and I appointed top civil rights advocates to the Department of Justice, which has doubled its voting rights staff. We need the Congress to finally pass the Freedom to Vote and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Acts to prevent voter suppression, protect election officials, ban dark money, and end partisan gerrymandering, preserving our democracy and the spirit of our Constitution.
As we reflect today on the promise of our Nation, we also join millions of Americans in reaffirming the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and welcoming our new citizens, whose courage and faith in America has brought them here from every part of the world to start new lives. My Administration will keep working to make the naturalization process faster and more efficient and to build a more fair, orderly, and humane immigration system for all. The commitment, sacrifices, and dreams of new Americans have made us strong since our Nation’s founding, and we celebrate their optimism, drive, and contributions.
We are living at an inflection point in history, engaged in a struggle between democracy and autocracy at home and abroad. We have to show the world that democracy can deliver. Today, this week, and always, it is up to us all to stand for the rule of law, to preserve the flame of democracy, and to keep the promise of America alive.
To honor the timeless principles enshrined in our Constitution, the Congress has, by joint resolution of February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. 106), designated September 17 as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” and authorized the President to issue a proclamation calling on United States officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on that day. By joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. 108), the Congress further requested that the President proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 17, 2022, as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week. On this day and during this week, we celebrate our Constitution and the rights of citizenship that together we enjoy as the people of this proud Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
National Voter Registration Day Highlights Statewide ‘VoteReady’ Voter Education Campaign
AUSTIN – On National Voter Registration Day, Texas Secretary of State John Scott held a press conference at the Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center in East Austin to highlight the office’s “VoteReady” voter education campaign. “VoteReady” is a statewide campaign to educate Texans about ID requirements for voting in Texas, as well as ID requirements for those who are eligible to vote by mail. Components of the “VoteReady” campaign include: a grassroots outreach tour, paid TV, radio, out-of-home and digital advertisements, as well as social media content and community partnerships to help spread the campaign’s educational materials in both English and Spanish.
“I want to ensure that all Texans are informed, prepared and ready to make their voices heard,” said Secretary Scott.
“Regardless of how you vote – whether it’s in person or by mail – you have to identify yourself when you vote in Texas. Today, we are working to make sure that all eligible Texas voters understand the ID requirements so they can vote successfully and easily in the upcoming November General Election.”
For more information on voter registration in Texas, watch Secretary Scott’s SOS 101 educational video on voter registration, or visit www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote
To watch the full video of the press conference, click here.
2022 ‘VoteReady’ Grassroots Tour
The ‘VoteReady’ grassroots tour began visiting Texas cities in late August 2022. It will remain on the road through the November 2022 election, making appearances and stops at community events including senior expos, county fairs, sporting events, and music and arts festivals.
The tour utilizes a mobile digital truck which shares messaging on the campaign as it rolls from city to city. The tour can be followed along on social media for a look at what part of the state it is at any given week.
While at events, the tour’s brand ambassadors interact with the public with an interactive game and informational materials designed to educate voters about the ID requirements for voting in person and by mail in Texas.
Voter ID Requirements in Texas
Under Texas law, you can present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls when voting in person. If you do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID, you may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) (PDF) at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or your voter registration certificate that you receive in the mail.
The seven forms of approved photo ID are:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
With the exception of the U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which does not expire, for voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired up to four years. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.
You can present one of supporting forms of ID if you do not not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID, including:
- copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate;
- copy of or original current utility bill;
- copy of or original bank statement;
- copy of or original government check;
- copy of or original paycheck; or
- copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).
After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, you must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) (PDF), which is made available at each polling place.
ID Requirements for Voting by Mail in Texas
To vote by mail in Texas, you must be:
- 65 years of age or older on Election Day;
- Sick or disabled;
- Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day;
- Absent from the county of registration during the Early Voting period and on Election Day;
- Civilly committed under Chapter 841 of the Texas Health and Safety Code; OR
- Confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.
You can get a formal application for a ballot by mail (ABBM) by:
- Downloading an application for a ballot by mail here (PDF);
- Requesting an application from the Texas Secretary of State’s office; or
- Requesting an application from your county’s Early Voting Clerk
To vote by mail, you must provide ONE of the following numbers on your ABBM:
- Texas Driver’s License, Texas Personal Identification Number or Election Identification Certificate Number issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (NOT your voter registration VUID number); OR
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
If you have both numbers, you are welcome to provide both in the ID section on your ABBM.
If you have not been issued a Texas Driver’s License, Texas Personal Identification Number or Texas Election Identification Certificate Number or a Social Security Number, you must indicate so by checking the appropriate box on the ABBM.
For the November 8, 2022 General Election, your ABBM must be received by your county’s Early Voting Clerk by Friday, October 28, 2022.
Once you receive your mail-in ballot, carefully review each choice in each race or proposition to be voted on, and mark your choices in accordance with the instructions on the ballot envelope.
After your mark your ballot, place your voted ballot in the envelope marked “BALLOT ENVELOPE” and seal the ballot envelope.
Next, place the ballot envelope in the carrier envelope (PDF). BEFORE SEALING THE CARRIER ENVELOPE, YOU MUST INCLUDE IN THE SPACE PROVIDED:
- The number of your Driver License, Personal ID Card or Election Identification Certificate issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); OR
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number;
If you have not been issued any of those numbers, you must check the box indicating so.
Next, seal the carrier envelope, sign the carrier envelope, and return your carrier envelope to the Early Voting Clerk either by mail, by common or contract carrier, or in person on Election Day at your county’s early voting clerk’s office.
A list of Early Voting Clerk addresses in each county can be found here.
The Early Voting Clerk must receive your marked ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, OR by 5:00 p.m. the first business day after Election Day if postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day; OR if the postmarked ballot was mailed within the United States from non-military voters and from any military voters who submitted an ABBM, or by the 5th day after Election Day if your ballot is submitted from outside the United States.
Tracking Your Ballot by Mail
Once you’ve sent your ballot by mail to your county’s Early Voting Clerk, you can check the status of your mail-in ballot through the Ballot by Mail Tracker, available on the Texas Secretary of State’s ‘My Voter Portal.’
To track your mail-in ballot, you must enter the following information:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Date of Birth
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
- Your Driver’s License or Department of Public Safety Personal ID number
- Your residential address (must appear exactly as listed on your voter registration record. To look up the address listed on your voter registration record, use the ‘Am I Registered?’ tool)
- City
- ZIP code
How to Correct a Defect on Your ABBM or Carrier Envelope
If you received a notice that your ABBM (PDF) or Carrier Envelope (PDF) was rejected because you did not provide an identification number you provided did not match one of the numbers associated with your voter registration record, you may correct the defect online through the Texas Secretary of State’s Ballot by Mail Tracker.
When you log in to the Ballot by Mail Tracker, you will be prompted to enter your personal identification number(s). Once your personal identification number is validated by the Mail Ballot Tracker, the ABBM or Carrier Envelope you previously submitted will be processed.
To utilize the Ballot by Mail Tracker, you must enter:
- Your Texas Driver’s License Number or Texas Personal Identification Number, AND
- The last four digits of your social security number; AND
- Your residence address as listed in your voter registration record
To confirm your information as listed on your voter registration record be sure to visit the ‘Am I Registered?’ tool on the Texas Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal.
If you have specific questions about your registration or the status of your Application for Ballot by Mail, you should contact your county elections office.
For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov/voting-by-mail.
A Fall Class at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
MAJOR PERSPECTIVES
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Psychology Instructor Marla Elliott tells her students about the major perspectives in psychology during an early fall semester class.
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.
