Paris Junior College Empowers Students With Move to 8-Week Classes
Paris Junior College
Public Information Services
PJC empowers students with move to 8-week classes
Building on a long-standing commitment to student success, a majority of Paris Junior College courses will transition from 16-week to eight-week terms this fall. Students registering for Fall 2022 courses will choose Fall 1 from August 29 to October 24 and Fall 2 from October 24 to December 15. Some courses, such as those with clinicals, will remain 16 weeks in length.
Addison Exum of Paris took Anatomy and Physiology I at PJC this summer and embraced the short format.
“I think it’s best to take a short class because you have things due a lot quicker,” Exum said. “Instead of drawing it out with lecture after lecture after lecture, it’s a couple of days and an exam, then a couple of days and an exam. So everything is closer together and you don’t forget. When you have a midterm coming up, it’s easier to study.”
Increasingly, non-traditional students who work full-time, are parents, or who are both, find that they can only manage two or three classes at once.
Moving to eight-week instead of 16-week classes will, the College believes, help these students improve grades and graduation rates since they will be classified as full-time. That, in turn, helps with student completion of a certificate or degree.
Dr. Jack Brown, PJC Biology Instructor, oversees the biomedical sciences articulation agreements with Texas A&M University and the University of Tyler – MD Anderson Cancer Center. He piloted Anatomy and Physiology I in the 8-week format.
“The traditional 16-week semester tends to grind after the halfway point and I know students who have had four to five exams in one week with traditional 16-week semesters,” said Brown. “That won’t happen with 8-week terms, and with fewer classes at once students can focus more on the content since they have fewer courses at one time. Many students balance jobs and family, and I think the 8-week model will help them get their classes and maintain their work and family life.”
Colleges that have converted to the 8-week model have demonstrated increased completion of degrees by their students. The rigor remains, but students can avoid burn-out that tends to boost student dropout rates around the ninth week of a 16-week semester.
History and Government Instructor Kelly Payne piloted the new model in the Spring 2022 semester. She found benefits for both faculty and staff.
“Classes move quickly, which I found to be more interesting for me to teach,” Payne said, “and it was easier to get students on the same page.”
She innovated in the classroom with mini-video lectures and using multi-media in teaching.
“Students didn’t seem to get the mid-semester lull and were able to focus better,” Payne said. “They gained confidence with online learning and using Blackboard, they didn’t have to study for as many finals, and had more flexibility with doing homework.”
She added that students who prefer face-to-face but have limited time benefit from the hybrid model through greater flexibility. That also benefits students who work or take care of family.
Rachel Jones of Hugo, Oklahoma is a freshman English major who also took a five-week summer course at PJC.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Jones said when told of the move to 8-week classes. “It’s a lot less stress and it’s great to take three classes in eight weeks, take a break and then start back with two or three. I like the five-week format; it’s quick paced, to the point, and gets it over with.”PJC Drama Instructor William Walker agrees.
“I believe the 8-week courses alleviate many of the stressors that students encounter with a full 16-week course,” Walker said. “In the 8-week courses we are refining our output to the students to focus on the actual lessons to be taught rather than on assignments. In my case we were able to focus on what theater is really all about. As a faculty member it really helps me to focus my teaching so that my students get the information that they need to be successful in my class. At the end my students told me it was refreshing to just talk about what theater is rather than have every day as a prep for an assignment.”
At Grayson College, 11 percent of the students who were part-time converted to full-time when the college switched to the eight-week model. And at Amarillo College, student success in completing courses increased by nine percentage points.
Jeovanny Avitua graduated from Paris High School and will attend PJC in the fall, pursuing a degree in Allied Health with plans to transfer to the nursing program.
“It’s more studying and other activities have been cut down,” said Avitua, “but I think it’ll pay off. Studying more helps me remember more, and I’ve learned a lot more than I would in high school.”To get started at PJC, call 903-782-0425, email [email protected], or apply online at www.parisjc.edu/apply.
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.
Meal A Day Menu – Aug. 8-12, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of Aug. 8-12, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Baked Sliced Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Chicken Fried Chicken and Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
- Thursday – Shepherd’s Pie, Normandy Vegetables and Pickled Beets.
- Friday – Chicken and Dressing Casserole, California Blend Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce and a Roll.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Changes Proposed For City’s Enterprise Zone Program, Video Gaming Facility Policies
Sulphur Springs City Council this week approved on final reading a reinvestment zone and a rezoning request, as well as a reinsurance contract, a resolution appointing 3 to the Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board, and on first reading two ordinance amendments.
Video Gaming Facility Ordinance
Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson asked the City Council to consider approving Ordinance No. 2810, which would amend Ordinance No. 889, which has remained on the books unchanged since 1982. This would simply update the definitions and authorized locations for videogaming facilities, premises and devices within the city.
Ricketson said the city has over the 10-15 years experience a growing problem with 8-liner machines in businesses, the kind that look similar to slot machines. A number of businesses have opened them, and officials have shut them down because they were operating illegally.
During that time, the business owners have worked with lawyers to try to find ways to circumvent the law regarding gambling.
“Over the last several years, we’ve had owners of these businesses try to figure out ways to circumvent the law, try to find loopholes in the law. They have found a few loopholes. They have some lawyers and some backing on their side. That’s why when you see a lot of these, it’s still a growing problem in Texas. To me it’s still illegal, it’s gambling, but some lawyers and prosecutors see some loopholes in that,” Ricketson said.
Ricketson said the city had a videogaming ordinance, but the definitions of videogames have changed significantly since the Ordinance was enacted in 1982 and do not reflect the machines now in use. The proposal presented to the council modernizes the definitions of video gaming facilities, premises and businesses, and establishes lawful limitations for locations and advertisements of video gaming businesses within the city limits of Sulphur Springs.
Ordinance No. 2810, as proposed, defines gaming facility, gaming facility premises and video gaming device as follows:
- “Gaming Facility” – The premises of a business which is licensed to house, or offer for play, video gaming devices within this city.
- “Gaming Facility Premises” – Land, together with all buildings, improvements, equipment, and personal property located thereon which is controlled by an applicant or licensee and associated with video gaming activities authorized by this article.
- “Video Gaming Device” – Computers and other types of electronic machines or devices of any kind or character which are operated by, or upon, the payment of any form of consideration, including but not limited to paper currency, coins, legal tender, metal slugs, tokens, electronic card or checks, and which is used or capable of being used or operated for amusement and/or pleasure, including, but expressly not limited to versions of machines or devices commonly referred to as a slot machine and/or eight-liner machine which awards the player a ticket voucher as defined herein. This term expressly excludes gambling devices as defined by Texas Penal Code chapter 47, coin-operated music machines, pay toilets, pay telephones, coin-operated rides for children, and all other coin-operated machines which dispense or vend merchandise, commodities, confections or music or which award non-cash merchandise.
City staff noted that modern videogaming businesses have the ability to offer patrons the ability to gamble or for the patron to profit in various ways. They also offer numerous ways for patrons to pay, including credit card, online currency and subscriptions, many of which are required to have age restrictions or require oversight from government agencies. While the city doesn’t disallow lawful use of modern video gaming businesses, because of the above “special considerations” city officials argue the video gaming businesses should be restricted in their physical proximity to certain facilities and areas, which “warrant protective attention for citizens.”
Video gaming facilities, according to Ordinance 2810 as proposed, that meet licensing requirements would be allowed, provided they are located within a commercial zoning district and are a minimum of 1,500 feet from 10 designated locations: child care facility; church or place of worship; dwelling; hospital; building in which alcoholic beverages are sold; public facility; public park; school; existing licensed sexually-oriented businesses; or any area zoned Single Family-10 (single-family dwelling district 10,000 square feet), Single-Family 6 (Single-Family Dwelling Attached Dwelling District), Multi-Family Dwelling District or other residential zoning classification.
The City Council at the Aug. 2, 2022, regular meeting approved on first reading Ordinance 2810, amending the city’s video gaming ordinance. The policy must be read and approved a second time by the City Council at an upcoming meeting before it can become official.
Texas Enterprise Zone Program Ordinance
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Executive Director Roger Feagley asked the City Council to consider approving Ordinance No. 2808, which would amend Ordinance No. 2395, which the city adopted in 2003 related to the City’s participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. The amendment would expand the list of local incentives offered and nominate Ashoka Steel Mills LLC to the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism, through the economic development bank as an enterprise project.
“It’s the ordinance that established the reinvestment zone policy. You have one that’s now 20 years old. They have new guidelines and new rules. Basically, what we are doing is we are updating what we had from years past to make it applicable today,” Feagley said, noting that a consultant and two others who are putting the Ashoka project together.
Basically, the Texas Enterprise Fund Program is designed to allow companies to recoup the 6.25% sales tax they pay, but does not affect eh 2% sales tax the community collects. Thus, Feagley said, the policy would allow Ashoka to recoup the state’s portion of the sales tax, but not the city’s portion of sales tax collected in regard to the project.
City Manager Marc Maxwell noted the program was used when Lowe’s set up a store in Sulphur Springs several years back, but will be updated as required with the new rules and guidelines.
The proposed ordinance states that Ashoka meets the criteria for the designation:
- Ashoka would engage in active conduct of a trade or business at a qualified business site, with at least 35 percent of the business’ new fulltime employees will be residents of an enterprise zone, economically disadvantaged, veterans or meet other qualifying employment criteria;
- The enterprise project would contribute significantly toward the achievement of City plans for development and revitalization of the area; and
- A high level of cooperation between public, private and neighborhood entities would continue.
Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins made a motion, which Sellers seconded, to approve on first reading as proposed Ordinance No. 2808. The motion receive unanimous approval from the council. A public hearing will be conducted and the proposed ordinance will be presented again for Council consideration during a special called City Council meeting at noon, Tuesday, Aug. 23, for second and, if granted, final approval so it can be submitted by the Sept. 1 deadline. It is recommended it be submitted tot he state a few days prior to Sept. 1 to ensure it arrives on time.
Even approval, however, does not guaranty the business set up an operation in Sulphur Springs. The city is one of two cities in the competing for the project; Tulsa, Oklahoma is the other, Feagley noted.
D6 Reinvestment Zone
A reinvestment zone was approved on second and final reading for D6 which will allow the business to apply to the hospital district for a tax incentive for an upcoming expansion of the Sulphur Springs operations, which will in the near future include the corporate headquarters, which are moving from Portland, Oregon to Texas. The zone is located in Lot 1 of Pinnacle Business Park in Sulphur Springs.
Approving Ordinance No. 2806 granting the reinvestment zone in no way commits the city or any other taxing entity to approving any tax incentives within the area; it simply creates a zone so that taxing entities that require a reinvestment zone for such purposes may consider a tax incentive such as a tax abatement or economic development agreement for the business located within the reinvestment zone.
Arbala Road Rezoning Request
The request by Andrea and Malachi Sandoval to rezone 0.93-acre of a larger tract located at 1659 Arbala Road from single family to light commercial was approved. This paves the way for a new coffee shop type business to be constructed at the corner of Wildcat Way and Arbala Road. The zoning change made on second reading and final approval of Ordinance No. 2807 on Aug. 2 is consistent with the intended plan for that area, according to city staff.
Employee Health Insurance Program
Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Lesa Smith noted that the City had gone out for proposals for the employee health insurance program, as is done annually and receive bids. Bidders were Blue Cross, American Fidelity and Highmark (HM) Life.
The city continues a partially self-funded program of health insurance for its employees. For at least the past 10 years, the city has requested proposals for reinsurance coverage only. The city will keep Blue Cross as the claims administrator, using the Blue Choice Network.
The reinsurance proposals are a result of the types and amounts of claims the city has each year. Last year, medical claims were over $463,000 and prescriptions were over $394,000, bringing the total amount of claims to over $857,000. This year, medical claims are up but prescription claims are down from last year, but still high. Overall, medical claims are estimated at $916,000 and prescription claims were estimated at $305,000, for a total of $1.22 million. Budget claims were just over $1.05 million for Fiscal Year 2022 after a budget amendment in June. That’s with 3 months of FY 2022 to go and nearly a full months of the health insurance plan year (which ends Aug. 31, 2022).
Although HM Life had the lowest total fixed cost at $362,731, city staff recommended awarding the contract to Blue Cross, who’s bid was second with $380,142, for reasons other than that bottom line, including the contract term. Under Blue Cross’ claims contract, any claims that may have billed incorrectly will come back to the city; without a claims contact, the city would be on the hook for that, Smith explained. Under HM Life’s claims contract, the business would only cover anything incurred 12 months back, so there’d be more risk going with HM Life even at an $18,000 savings.
Reimbursement times was another factor considered in the recommendation. The city requested proposals for a specific stop loss attachment point of $80,000, the same as this year. Stop loss attachment point means that for each covered participant the city would pay up to that amount of Internal Services fund for the year. Anything over $80,000 comes back to the city for covering individuals claims. Since Blue Cross is a plan administrators, there would be an automatic reimbursement on anything over the $80,000 mark, while HM Life could take a 1-2 months or longer to get through their review process.
The City Council agreed to award the reinsurance contract to Blue Cross Blue Shield, as recommended by city staff.
Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board
The City Council too passed Resolution No. 1308 appointing three members from among the council to serve as on the Board of Directors of City of Sulphur Springs Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone #1, with two to serve as directors and one to serve as chair of the board, and to provide an effective date.
City Manager Marc Maxwell explained that a TIFRZ in the city is managed and controlled by the City Council based on recommendations of the Board of Directors for that Zone. The downtown TIFRZ #1 consists of the three City Council members they appointed, one of whom chairs the Board, as well as one director from Hopkins County Hospital District and one from Hopkins County. Directors serve a 2-year term and the board chair serves 1-year in that position.
The TIFRZ #1 has not been active since the summer of 2017, and appoints from that board have long expired. Resolution No. 1308 appoints the three city members to the board to get the annual board meetings back on track. Board members are to expect to meet in the next 1-2 months, then again annually in January, with additional meetings scheduled only as needed.
The City Council selected John Sellers and Gary Spraggins to serve as directors, and Oscar Aguilar to serve as chairman of the board, effective immediately.
Paris District Road Report for Aug. 8, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 8, 2022. 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 and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
FM 131 (North Travis Street) at US 75 intersection will be closed to through traffic beginning Aug. 12, in order to demolish the existing southbound US 75 bridge over FM 131. The closure is expected to last through the weekend and FM 131 will be reopened to traffic by Monday morning. During this closure, westbound traffic on FM 131 is asked to use the northbound US 75 frontage road to the Taylor Street bridge as a detour. Eastbound traffic is asked to use the southbound US 75 frontage road to Washington Street as a detour.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
FM 2729, Grayson County: from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform spot base repairs to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from Festival Park Street to the Pottsboro High School driveway. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from US 377 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill and then pave the roadway with a thin hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
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 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 Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 697, Grayson County: from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 898, Grayson County: from SH 11 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 151, Grayson County: from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. 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 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 87 to FM 1752. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on spot milling and blade leveling the roadway to remove rough spots. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through 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.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews rehabilitate the roadway.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County – The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Preparation of the right-of-way is complete and drill shafts and columns have been poured. Deck and abutment work is ongoing. The contractor will be placing rock rip rap and preparing 8-inch rework base for compaction, and putting down final hot mix at approaches. Brush clearing has begun for bridges on CR 2132. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has been finishing cement treated base, slushing and installing base driveways.The contractor plans prime coat the last mile soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has been forming box culvert extensions and pouring culverts and footers. Driveway safety end treatments were also installed. The contractor is scheduled to begin hot mix on the bridge approach, county roads and mailbox turnouts. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed concrete paving at the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extensions on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding, and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has completed the project and is working on punch-list items. Please be aware of work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base patching operations on FM 2194. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 36. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from
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Window Tint Violation Results In Controlled Substance Arrest
2 Others Jailed on Controlled Substance-Related Warrants
Three men was jailed on controlled substance charges. A window tint violation resulted in one arrest, and the two others were booked in on warrants.
Surrender At HCSO
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Silas Whaley responded at the sheriff’s office at 2:27 a.m. Aug. 3, 2022, where a man was reportedly attempting to turn himself in on a warrant.
Upon arrival, Whaley took Edward Isaac Ruschenbberg into custody early Wednesday morning on the warrant. The 43-year-old Sulphur Springs was was escorted into the jail by Whaley, then booked in at 2:51 a.m. on the outstanding possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone, according to police reports.
Eddie Ruscheberg was released from Hopkins County jail later Aug. 3, 2022, after securing the $10,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.
Arrested In District Court
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Lester took Tommy Lee Page into custody at 10:40 a.m. Aug. 3, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom for bond forfeiture on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and on a possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge.
The 57-year-old Lancaster man was originally arrested on both controlled substance charges on May 8, 2022, after a traffic stop yielded 3 pill bottles, two of which contained 80.56 grams of suspected hydrocodone and one with 6.79 grams of suspected crack cocaine, deputies alleged in Page’s May 2022 arrest reports. After 2 days in Hopkins County jail, Page was released on $50,000 in bonds — $35,000 bond on the Penalty Group 1 charge and a $15,000 bond on the Penalty Group 3 charge.
Page remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in lieu of the new bonds set on both controlled substance charges. His new bonds Friday totaled $100,000 — $70,000 on the PG 1 charge and $30,000 on the PG 3 charge, according to jail records.
SH 11 East Arrest
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Gerardo Rodriguez reported stopping a Dodge Ram 1500 for a window tint violation Wednesday afternoon on State Highway 11.
The driver agreed to allow authorities to search the truck. A Glock handgun and a powdery substance Rodriguez recognized based on his training and experience as an officer to be cocaine. Filiberto “Filly” Castillo Jr. was taken into custody at 1:13 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, and transported to jail.
The powdery white substance weighed 1.4 gram when weighed at the jail, result in the 31-year-old Garland man being booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:22 p.m. Wednesday on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Castillo, who jail reports show is also known by the alias Luis Manuel Castillo, was released from the county jail Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge and a $5,000 on the weapon charge.
FM 64 Closure Set To Begin Aug. 22 in Delta County
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a short-term closure of FM 64 in Delta County will be necessary beginning Aug. 22 to replace an existing box culvert on this roadway.
The temporary closure of FM 64 will occur approximately 1.3 miles south of the intersection of this roadway with FM 128, officials said. During this closure, through traffic will be detoured around this site via FM 904.
Officials estimate the temporary closure of FM 64 will last about two and one-half weeks, weather permitting.
Travelers in this area are advised to watch for road crews, expect some delays and be aware that a detour will be in place. This construction and temporary road closure are subject to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, officials said.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also be prepared to follow a detour route around this area, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar County
| Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar CountyDrive safely through work zones |
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today advised travelers in Northeast Texas that a project to close four crossovers on State Loop 286 around Paris, Texas, is set to begin Aug. 22.
The contractor, D.L. Lennon, was awarded 64 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $825,000. The contractor anticipates placing barricades for this project on Aug. 17, with a target completion date of January 2023.
In cooperation with the City of Paris, the contractor will close these crossovers on Loop 286: 31st Street Northeast (Home Depot); 29th Street Northeast (Animal Hospital of Paris); State Spur 139 (Tractor Supply/Paris Ford Lincoln); and Clement Road (Paris Farm & Ranch/Kubota).
Local businesses and the City of Paris requested that TxDOT close these crossovers due to frequent accidents, officials said. This closure project is funded through TxDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program.
After the project is complete, travelers on Loop 286 will be able to turn around at Pinemill Road, Collegiate Street, FM 195/20th Street NE, and Stillhouse Road. The project will also extend the westbound left-turn lane at Collegiate Street. The contractor will also mill and apply a new hotmix pavement overlay on the westbound FM 195 exit ramp, officials said.
Officials advised motorists to watch for road crews, expect some delays and plan their commutes on Loop 286 in advance while this project is underway. This construction and any necessary temporary lane closures it creates are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Those who frequently travel on this portion of State Loop 286 are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to 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.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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3 Jailed In Hopkins County On 1 Assault Charge Each
Three men have been jailed in Hopkins County on 1 assault charge each over the past 3 days, including a man wanted by the US Marshals Service, a man accused of assault his grandfather and a man who didn’t take it well when a store employee failed to sell him alcohol.
Warrant Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Francisco Castro and Sean Hoffman were advised Wilfred James Jessop might be wanted in the Houston area, and were told the US Marshals Service was searching for him. The officers contacted the 42-year-old Dike man at 2:44 p.m. inside of a South Broadway Street business.
A records check using the man’s ID information confirmed Jessop to be wanted for by Montgomery County authorities and took him into custody on the warrant. Jessop was booked into the county jail at 3:24 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, on the outstanding assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge.
Jessop, who jail records show is also known as William James Davis, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in lieu of $23,000 bond set on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Gilmer Street Assault
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 4:28 p.m. Aug. 3, 2023, to what was reported as an assault in progress at a Gilmer Street business. Upon arrival, multiple people in the parking lot pointed to a man who appeared to be trying to walk away from the location, officers alleged in arrest reports.
According to officers, the man, and explained he was being placed into custody for further investigation of the alleged assault. Officers said the man showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, blood-shot eyes, was unsteady on his feet and officers detected an alcohol odor on him. When police tried to talk to the man about what had occurred, he was reported to be uncooperative.
The alleged victim told police she is trained to look for people who enter the store and could possibly be intoxicated. She said the man was trying to purchase alcohol, but she deemed him as intoxicated and refused to make the sale. She claimed the man then became irate, cursing and screaming at her, got in her face in a way that made her believe she was in danger. She claimed she had to push him to get him out of her face, to which he responded by slapping her in the face, striking her nose with a finger, which she said caused her pain.
Officers reported the woman did have a red mark right arm that looked to have been caused by a fingers from a slap and her nose was slightly cut and red. The woman’s makeup was also reported to have been smeared where the man made contact with her nose. Photos of the injuries were taken. Statements were also taken from multiple people who reported seeing hte assault.
The 57-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 4:39 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, and booked into the county jail at 5:44 p.m. Wednesday, on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Bond on the assault charge was set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
Spence Street Assault
Sulphur Springs police officers responded at 1:09 p.m. Thursday on West Spence Street to what was reported as a disturbance possibly involving an 18-year-old and a machete.
Upon investigation, officers determined the teen committed a simple assault against his grandfather, who lives at the Spence Street address which the teen also shares. Believing further family violence would occur if the teen remained at the address, police took the man into custody at 1:24 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022.
The 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:56 p.m. Thursday on a Class C misdemeanor family violence assault charge. He was released from the county jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
TWC: Cumby ISD Among 9 Districts To Benefit From $685,000 Awarded To Collegiate Edu-Nation For Robotics
Cumby ISD has been designated one of nine rural school districts to benefit from a portion of the $685,000 awarded by Texas Workforce Commission to Collegiate Edu-Nation for Youth Robotics programs, TWC announced Friday morning, Aug. 5, 2022.
Youth Robotics Programs will launch this month following the award of $2.1 million by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), allowing thousands of Texas high school students to participate in various events. The Youth Robotics Initiative encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by expanding participation in robotics programs. This program removes barriers to participation for students with disabilities through partnerships and collaboration, and teams primarily from schools in underserved urban and rural communities.
“TWC anticipates at least 2.1 million STEM positions in Texas by 2028. Hands-on experience is an essential component to developing STEM job seekers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC youth programs are devoted to cultivating young Texans into well-prepared industry professionals ready to join the Texas workforce.”
This year, four applicants received awards: FIRST in Texas, REC Foundation, Urban STEM, and Collegiate Edu-Nation.
Collegiate Edu-nation (CEN) received $685,000 to partner with nine rural independent school districts (ISD) to establish and support current robotics programs. The nine school districts include Hamlin CISD, Hico ISD, Floydada ISD, Sunray CISD, Spurger ISD, Cumby ISD, Venus ISD, Throckmorton CISD, and Iraan-Sheffield ISD, all in rural Texas areas. The dedicated competition offered through CEN will be designed to include all students including students with disabilities.
FIRST in Texas received $700,000 to serve 5,700 high school students in more than 400 Youth Robotic teams. FIRST in Texas provides dedicated programs for 500 students with disabilities in partnership with Unified Robotics, Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), and national affiliate, FIRST, and the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which has established Competitive Robotics as a fully recognized official UIL Academic program.
“STEM occupations are constantly growing and evolving, just like our Texas youth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This opportunity helps young minds develop their skillset, creates pathways towards success in STEM fields, and enhances their professional portfolio – all while having fun in the process.”
REC Foundation was awarded $699,665 to provide STEM education to approximately 2,550 students grades 9 to 12 in Texas while providing them a unique opportunity to participate in programs and competitions using the VEX Robotics platform. The REC Foundation will partner with TSD and SOTX to increase STEM education opportunities to students with disabilities, and with TSD host their first signature high school level competition for all deaf and hard-of-hearing teams. This project will also support existing teams through the Texas UIL State Championship.
Urban STEM (USTEM) was granted $120,506 to provide approximately 2,974 students to participate in youth robotics educational programs, and to support their hosted robotics events, Urban STEM Robotics League (USRL). Their latest competition includes new events such as Aerial Robots, Waterbotics, and Robofest which incorporate drones, and underwater robots.
“We are committed to generating enrichment spaces for STEM fields and expanding the talent pipeline for our Texas employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC programs like this Texas Youth Robotics Initiative assist with creating our future workforce, while promoting inclusivity.”
Teams that advance to the State Championship for each program will have the opportunity to advance to the World Championship arena. Robotics competitions bring together the excitement of sports, science, and technology.
Lady Cats Volleyball Hosts Season-Opening Scrimmages For Friday Gameday
Friday, Aug. 5 brings the first Friday gameday of the season.
Lady Cats volleyball hosts a scrimmage tournament at all three levels; varsity, junior varsity and freshmen. Both varsity and junior varsity play at the SSHS Main Gym on Friday, Aug. 5.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s varsity squad plays three scrimmages on this Friday gameday.
The first contest on the day for Sulphur Springs has the Lady Cats playing Community at 4:50 P.M.
After taking a break, Coach Dorner’s team plays again at 6:30 P.M. taking on one of their new district rivals in Pleasant Grove.
The third and final scrimmage for Lady Cats volleyball begins at 8 P.M. which has Sulphur Springs taking on Coach Dorner’s alma mater in Mount Vernon.
The full schedule for the varsity tournament is as follows:
- 4:00 — Pleasant Grove vs. Community
- 4:50 — Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 5:40 — PG vs Community
- 6:30 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 7:20 — Mount Vernon vs Community
- 8:00 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
JV also plays three scrimmages. The schedule for the JV tournament in the SSHS auxiliary gym:
- 4:00 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 4:50 —Mount Vernon vs PG
- 5:40 —Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 6:30 — PG vs Community
- 7:20 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
- 8:00 —Mount Vernon vs Community
The freshmen play in the second and third games held at the SSMS Main Gym; at 4:50 P.M. against PG and immediately following that game at 5:40 P.M. against Mount Vernon.
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.
