Williams Returning To High School As Principal
Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams announced in a social media post Saturday afternoon that he will be returning to the high school as principal, pending board approval of the change.
Williams had previously served as principal at the high school. In April of 2016, he was approved to become the assistant superintendent of secondary education and state programs in June of 2016. Derek Driver began his contract as SSHS principal on July 1, 2015. In April 2022, Driver notified administrators he would be resigning his post at the end end of June to accept a position as high school principal in Celina school system, reportedly the fastest growing districts across the country.
On Saturday, May 21, 2022, a social media post with a photo of Williams and his family announced Williams will be returning to SSHS once again to serve as principal. Williams stated that he’s desperately missed the staff and students and is excited to return to SSHS.
Potter, Ricketson Top Ranked Saltillo 8th Graders
Tobin Potter and Shelbi Ricketson are recognized as the top ranked Saltillo 8th graders.
Valedictorian Tobin Potter is the son of Dr. T.K. and Karen Potter.
He said his favorite subjects in school are math and science. He received Math, Reading and Science Awards and is on the A Honor Roll.
At school, Tobin is involved in Junior FFA, and plays on the Saltillo Lions Basketball team, runs cross country, baseball and trade.
He is a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs and sings in the Haystack Youth Choir.
Tobin said his hobbies and interests include working at Hopkins County Vet Clinic, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
Eighth Grade Class of 2022 Salutatorian Shelbi Ricketson is the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Ricketson.
Her favorite subjects in school are science and athletics. She played on the junior high basketball team and ran cross country.
Among the awards and honors she has received include being the 8th Grade Top Reader and being on the A Honor Roll.
Shelbi’s hobbies and interests include playing basketball, reading, hunting, camping and spending time with family.
Tobin and Shelbi will be honored along with the rest of hte 8th grade class at a Junior High Graduation service at 7 p.m. May 26, 2022, in Garmon Gym.
Saltillo ISD released the following updated schedule for the last week of school:
- May 22
- Baccalaureate Saltillo Baptist 6 p.m.
- May 23rd
- AR trip (K-5th)
- Masonic Lunch Mount Vernon
- AR trip (JH-HS)
- May 24th
- Senior & Kindergarten Walk Through 9 a.m.
- High School Awards 7 p.m. in the gym
- May 25
- Elementary awards 9 a.m.
- Jr. High awards. following elementary awards
- Yearbook forms due without Personalization
- May 26
- Kindergarten Graduation 9:30 a.m.
- Last day of school
- Jr High Graduation 7 p.m. in the Garmon Gym
- May 27
- High School Graduation 7 p.m. in the Garmon Gym
37th Annual Como-Pickton Tractorcade Another Remarkable Occasion
Friday, May 20, 2022 was what Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden describes as “one of those remarkable days at Como-Pickton CISD.”
“Prices are on the rise everywhere… With all of the strife in the world today, one constant remains: our close knit community came together for its 37th Tractorcade! It was fun to watch the students enjoy the tractors in motion at their school, and it was just as fun to watch all those who were driving a tractor smile, laugh, wave, and just enjoy the moment,” .,” Walden reports.
The CP Band also played, and all the students abandoned classrooms to sit on the sidewalks and watch this time-honored school tradition.
“We want to thank everyone who came out and participated. We love our school, and we love each of you who work to help make it the special place it is.”
2 Men Caught Trying To Withdraw Thousands From Someone Else’s Account At Local Bank
Two Dallas area men were caught trying to withdraw thousands from someone else’s account at a local bank, according to police reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro, in a May 17 arrest reports, stated he was dispatched May 5, 2022, as a backup unit in reference to a possible suspect inside a Gilmer Street Bank attempting to take money from another person’s bank account. The suspect’s name wasn’t on the account nor did he have consent from the checking account holder to take money from the account.
SSPD Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner reported the amount taken from the account was more than $30,000 but less than $150,000. Sgt. Terry Miller and Stillwagoner took over the investigation while speaking with the defendant, later identified by a Texas driver’s license as Isaac Woods, at the scene, Castro noted in arrest reports.
SSPD officers was dispatched again to the bank at 2:07 p.m. May 17, 2022, where a man was reported to be inside the bank attempting to take money from an account that did not belong to him.
Upon arrival, officers contacted the bank employee who advised the account the man was taking money from didn’t belong to him. Bank employees were contacting the account holder.
(HCSO jail photo)
When the suspect exited the bank, officers made contact with him. The man, identified as 21-year-old Abullateef Olasun Shasore of Arlington, was read his rights. Sgt. Miller arrived shortly thereafter and contacted the SSPD Criminal Investigations Division. Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner soon arrived and took over the investigation.
Stillwagoner had officers place Shasore into custody at 3:12 p.m. after being inside of the bank, investigating the incident, SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman noted in arrest reports. Isaac Clidell Woods was also taken into custody at 3:12 p.m. May 17, 2022, at the Gilmer Street bank, Castro alleged in arrest reports. Shasore and the 22-year-old Grand Prairie man were transported to Hopkins County jail, where each was booked in on a third-degree felony charge of theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.
Both Woods and Shasore were released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Methamphetamine And Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Found During Cumby Traffic Stop
Pair Tries To Discard Contraband; Meth Found In Woman’s Makeup Bag And A Man’s Wallet Also
At least five people were arrested on controlled substance charges following four different traffic stops May 17-20, 2022. A Wylie man was jailed on controlled substance charges after methamphetamine and hallucinogenic mushrooms and were found in his vehicle. A Sulphur Springs pair was reportedly caught discarding from a vehicle a sock and pouch containing contraband. Suspected methamphetamine was found in a woman’s makeup bag. A Sulphur Springs man reportedly had meth in his wallet and car, according to arrest reports.
Frisco Street Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping a Honda CRV at 853 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on Frisco Street near the train tracks in Cumby for failure to signal the required distance before making a turn at an intersection.
While talking to the driver, Steward noted the man would not make eye contact with him and covered his mouth while speaking. When Steward asked for permission to search the vehicle, the 45-year-old Wylie man refused. He did comply when requested to exit the SUV. During a pat down, Steward found a glass pipe with what appeared to be a methamphetamine residue on it in the man’s pants front shirt pocket, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
Steward advised the man he’d be conducting a probable cause search of the SUV based on the contraband found in his pocket. In a blue and red soup can, Steward reported finding two baggies containing psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms as well as a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance he believed based on his training to be meth.
The Wylie man, identified in arrest reports as Randall Morse Sharp, was taken into custody at 9:47 p.m. May 18, 2022, by Steward and Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley. The contraband was taken for further investigation and as evidence. Sharp was transported to and booked into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 12:55 a.m. Thursday, May 19.
The crystal-like substance tested positive for meth and weighed 0.015 gram and the mushrooms weighed about 5.2 grams, including packaging, Steward alleged in arrest reports. Consequently, Sharp was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the substance that tested positive as meth, and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance for having the hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Sharp remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 20, 2022. His bond was set at $30,000 per felony charge. Two Collin County controlled substance warrants were also added to his his list of charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Middle Street Traffic Stop
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward reported seeing a Hyundai Tucson in the middle of the road on Middle Street at 1:35 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, When he turned on his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights as he approached to check it out, the car began moving west on Middle Street. Steward reported seeing something go out the vehicle from the passenger’s side.
HCSO Deputy Drew Fisher approached the car head on and reported seeing the item exit the car go out of the car as well and logged it on the radio. Both occupants were instructed to exit the car, while Deputy Fisher walked back to locate the objects the deputies had seen go out of the car.
Fisher found a sock containing what appeared to be meth pipe and a zipper pouch with a small amount of marijuana and a white round container with suspected crystal methamphetamine inside of it, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
When both occupants denied knowledge of the contraband, both were taken into custody and transported to jail. Barry Lynn Kinard and Linda Ann Miears were both booked into Hopkins County jail around 3:15 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, on charges of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance for the suspected meth in the container and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair its availability. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge due to the proximity of the incident to a primary school.
The 65-year-old Sulphur Springs man and 57-year-old Sulphur Springs woman were released from Hopkins County jail later Thursday, May 19, 2022, on $10,000 in bond each: $5,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
FM 2653 North Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley reported seeing Wendy Dawn Smith, a 41-year-old Sulphur Springs woman who a records check showed does not have a valid driver’s license, driving a Toyota Highlander on FM 2653 north at the north service road at 1:14 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022. He stopped the SUV and contacted Smith.
During his investigation, Foley reported the woman gave permission for him to search the vehicle. Found in the woman’s makeup bag was a crystal-like white substance suspected to be methamphetamine, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Smith was taken into custody at 1:25 a.m. May 19, 2022, and transported to jail. The substance, seized as evidence, weighed just under 0.5 gram, including packaging and field-tested positive for meth. Consequently, Smith was booked into the county jail at 3:35 a.m. Thursday on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Smith remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 20, 2022, in lieu of $30,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Thursday was the second time this year that Smith has been booked into Hopkins County jail on a controlled substance charge. She was also jailed on May 17, 2022, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge as well as a warrant for not taking care of a backing without safety ticket. She was released from jail later that day on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, Hopkins County jail records state.
Jefferson Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported stopping a Chrysler 200 at 11:59 a.m. May 17, 2022, for a traffic violation on Jefferson Street at Russell Drive.
While talking with the man, who Castro recognized from previous contacts with the man, Castro noted Danny Joe Woodard to be nervous. Castro reported having the man step out of the car and asked him why. The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly denied being nervous, telling the officer he had nothing to be nervous about.
When asked if he had anything illegal on him or in the car. He claimed there wasn’t for either. When Woodard refused the officer’s request to search the car, Castro called for SSPD Officer Cleve Williams to bring his canine. They arrived a short time later. The police dog gave a positive alert for contraband during a sniff around the vehicle, giving the officers probable cause to search the car, Castro noted in arrest reports.
Two plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be meth were located, one in the vehicle and the other in Woodard’s wallet, Castro alleged in arrest reports. Woodard was taken into custody at 12:47 p.m. May 17, 2022, and transported to jail. The baggies of substance weighed less than 1 gram.
Woodard was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:39 p.m. May 17, 2022, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail May 18, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
SSISD Trustees Amend Code Of Conduct Regarding DAEP Placement For Seniors
Seniors’ Placement In DAEP Concludes On the Last Instructional Day Of School, Which Would Allow Participation In Graduation
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees during a special noon meeting Friday unanimously agreed to an amendment of the district Student Code of Conduct regarding DAEP placement for seniors.
The trustees called the meeting to order, then entered into an executive session to discuss the proposed change submitted by administrators. At 12:30 p.m. the school board reconvened in regular session to consider acting on the proposed change to the 2021-2022 Code of Conduct.
Superintendent Michael Lamb noted that change amends the policy regarding “a senior’s DAEP placement, which would normally carry through graduation. Now, it will be over the last day of school, which will allow for graduation.”
The policy regarding restrictions during placement stated:
For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation, the placement in the program shall continue through graduation, and the student shall not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities.
– SSISD 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct – Restrictions During Placement Policy
Robert Cody made a motion, which Kerry Wright seconded, to amend the policy as recommended.
The Student Code of Conduct regarding restrictions during DAEP placement now states:
For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation, the last day of placement in the program shall be the last instructional day, and the student shall be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities unless otherwise specified in the DAEP placement order.
– SSISD 2021-2022 Amended Student Code of Conduct – Restrictions During Placement Policy
The board unanimously approved the amendment as recommended.
The district was asked earlier in the month to consider revising the policy to allow a senior, who has not been in trouble before to but has completed all other graduation requirements, to participate in the graduation ceremony along with his classmates. The student’s family, staff and community members during the May 9 school board meeting said while they did not dispute the student being disciplined for his actions, including not being permitted to participate in any school sponsored or school-related extracurricular or cocurricular activities, including senior activities. They did however, urge the school board to consider allowing the student to “walk at graduation” to receive the diploma he has earned, to celebrate the 13 years he, his family and the community have put into his education and getting him to this milestone.
The change in policy should allow that student, or any student who meets the criteria, to participate in graduation, celebrating the achievement, while still being held accountable for his actions during the last month of school, but not extending the disciplinary action beyond the last day of school.
Unemployment In Hopkins County Declines To Pre-COVID Rate In April
Franklin and Hopkins Counties continued to have the lowest unemployment rates in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area. In fact, unemployment in Hopkins County declined in April 2022 to the pre-COVID low of 2.8%, down from a seasonally adjusted rate of 3% in March 2022 and a 3.1% rate unadjusted for seasonal employment, according to the data published May 20, 2022 on Texas Labor Market Information website, for Texas Workforce Commission Labor Market and Career division.
Since 2000, the unemployment rate in Hopkins County has fallen below 3% in only six months and only below 2.8% twice, both in 2019, just before COVID shutdowns resulted in unemployment of everyone except “essential workers” for a couple of months in 2020.
The annual average unemployment rate in Hopkins County in 2019 was 3.1%, with the 3.6% of January the highest unemployment rate in 2019 and the record low of 2.7% recorded in April and May 2019. Hopkins County’s unemployment rate was 2.9% in September and November of 2019, and 2.8% in October and December 2019.
Unemployment rates in Hopkins County began rising in January 2020 to 3.1% (the same as in March 2022), then up to 4.3% in March and a pandemic high of 7.8% in April 2020 – which was still less than the 22year-record high of 8.4 percent recorded in June of 2011.
Just one year ago, the unemployment rate in April was 4.8% (4.4% seasonally adjusted). So that’s a 2% decline in the number of people unsuccessful in seeking work over the last 12 months, (April 2021-April 2022) and a dip from 5.6% in February 2021. These reductions in unemployment rate have come even as the civilian labor force has grown over the past 12 months. In April 2021, 783 of the 17,781 labor pool in Hopkins County were unemployed. In March 2022, a total of 556 of the 18,258 labor pool in Hopkins County was unemployed. Last month, the labor pool dipped, down to 18,040, but the number of unemployed also dipped to 513.
Franklin County had an even lower unemployment rate than Hopkins County, dipping from the seasonally adjusted 3% in March 2022, when 156 of the 5,280 member civilian labor force (CLF) was unemployed, to 2.6% in April 2022, with 136 of the CLF of 5,190 unemployed. The April 2022 unemployment rate for Franklin County was 1.9% less than the April 2021 rate, when 242 of the 5,326 CLF were unemployed.
Delta County and Titus County were the only other counties in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development area, which spans west from Texarkana in Bowie County to Hopkins County and north to the Oklahoma-Texas state line, whose unemployment rate was below both the state average of 3.7% and the WDA rate of 3.9%.
Delta County’s unemployment rate for April 2022 was 3.3%, with 82 of the 2,465 CLF unemployed. That’s down slightly from 3.6% unemployment, with 89 of the 2,501 CLF unemployed in March 2022, and 1.3% less than in April 2021, when 114 of the 2,458 member CLF were unemployed.
Titus County’s unemployment rate dipped a tad from 3.7%, with 512 of 13,879 CLF without jobs in March 2022, to 3.6% with 488 of the 13,463 CLF unemployed in April 2022. Both are down from the 5.2% unemployment rate posted in April 2021, when 708 of 13,514 CLF were unemployed.
The Northeast Texas workforce Development Area unemployment average for April 2022 was 3.9%, with 4,873 out of 124,335 unemployed. That’s down from 4.1% in March 2022 and 5.7% in April 2021. Across the state, unemployment dipped from 5.9% in April 2021 to 3.9% in March 2022 and 3.7% last month.
Across the 9-county NETWDA, Red River County was the only county in which unemployment did not decline from March to April of 2022. The unemployment rate in Red River county remained 4.5% over the past 2 months, which were both down from 5.9% in April 2021. The Red River County CLF rose from 5,349 in April 2021 to 5,449 in March 2022, then down to 5,350 in April 2022. The number of people unemployed, however, has continued to decline over the past 12 months, from 316 in April 2021 to 243 in March 2022 and 241 in April 2022.
Lamar County’s unemployment rate dipped from 5.4% in April 2021, when 1,346 of the 24,817 CLF were unemployed, to 3.8% in April 2022, when 915 of the 23,931 CLF were unemployed. Last month’s unemployment rate is also 0.2% lower than in March 2022, when 990 of the 24,724 CLF were still unemployed.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from 4.3%, with 1,714 of 39,587 CLF unemployed in March 2022, to 4.2% in April 2022 when 1,649 of the 39,24 C:F were employed; both were down from the 5.9% unemployment rate posted one year ago, when 2,299 of the 39,038 CLF were unemployed.
Cass County’s unemployment rate dipped from 6.9% with 858 of 12,494 CLF unemployed in April 2021 to 4.6% in March 2022, when 576 of the 12,489 CLF were unemployed. Last month, the unemployment rate in Cass County dipped to 4.4% with 543 of the 12,257 work force unemployed.
Lamar County’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.4% in April 2021, when 1,346 of hte 24,817 CLF were unemployed, to 4% in March 2022 when 990 of 24,724 CLF were unemployed. Last month, the unemployment rate in Lamar County was 3.8%, with 915 of 23,931 still unemployed.
Rounding out the NETWDA with the highest unemployment rate of 7% in April 2022 was Morris County; at that time 306 of 4,390 CLF were unemployed. That’s down from 7.4% in March 2022, when 337 of 4,546 CLF were unemployed. The April 2022 unemployment rate in Morris County was 3.8% less than in April 2021, when 494 of the 4,580 CLF were unemployed.
Sulphur Springs FFA Chapter Recognizes Members’ Achievements
The Sulphur Springs High School FFA Chapter recently recognized members’ achievements and honors throughout the 2021-2022 school year at the 84th Annual Parent and Member Awards Banquet.
The students kicked off the meeting with Chapter President Cash Vititow serving as toastmaster for the occasion. Sentinel Wayne Hinton giving the invocation, then serving lines opened for the buffet meal catered by Big Smith’s BBQ. Greenhand members presented the American, Texas and FFA flags, with chapter officers opening the ceremonies. Secretary Coen Bell welcomed everyone and Treasurer Caroline Coker introduced special guests.
Scholarships, Special Awards
Advisor Mattye Schmidt announced Jasmin Cordova as the recipient of a $500 Bobby McDonald Memorial Scholarship, a huge supporter of FFA and the agriculture community, especially those in Hopkins County. Cordova was unable to attend the meeting due to a work conflict.
Cash Vititow and Beau Bankston were awarded $1,000 Sterling Beckham Scholarships. Sterling and Eva Beckham spent his life in service to Texas youth in agriculture. His years of tenure at SSHS and in agricultural education allowed Sterling and wife Eva to influence the lives of many of today’s agricultural leaders. After Beckham’s death, his friends, students and former colleagues created a program that would continue the Beckhams’ contributions to agriculture education by establishing a scholarship in their names.
The Billy Conner Commemorative Award is presented to a student who goes above and beyond to help others, who has a great work ethic and exhibits a willingness to serve. The individual can be counted on to show up early and leave after everyone else and is always eager to help.
“Tonight’s award goes to a very deserving young lady. She is always willing to help and goes above and beyond with everything that she does. She is not afraid of hard work and most of the time volunteers to do things that other kids do not want to do. I have watched her give it all and still be upset when she feels like she could do better. She truly takes pride in everything that she does and wants to be the best that she can be. She is even a certified science cookie baker here in the ag room. She is Olivia Palacios,” SSHS teacher Lindsey Arthur said.
FFA Chapter Advisor Lindsey Arthur awarded $500 floral design scholarships to Amanda Hernandez and Ariana Arizmendez. Funding for the scholarships came from monthly floral arrangements sold throughout the school year and arrangements made for banquets and special events.
The National FFA program has five levels of active membership: Discovery, Greenhand, Chapter FFA degree, State FFA and American FFA degrees. Pins were awarded at the banquet for Greenhand and SSFFA Chapter members.
Greenhand pins went to Aspen Mayhew, Jordan VanWinkle, Gabby Tubb, Valerie Flecker, Sharon Obrego, Lane Curant, Cade Dennis, Presley Brown, Cash Gamblin, Tristan Eley and Trenton Aulsbrook.
Recognized as Chapter farmers were Coen Bell, H .Ball, Caroline Coker, Olivia Palacias, Rylie Carroll, Catherine Starzyk, Cohen Moss, Michelle Allen, Cecilly Bravo, Olivia Gabriel, Haden Herford, Janis Rivera, Braddox Rawson.
Receiving the Outstanding Greenhand award, given in memory of Randy Schaeffer and Ken Pogue, was Tristan Eley. The award was established in 1980 and is given based on the Greenhand’s project program, leadership teams, judging teams, livestock shows, meeting attendance and other criteria.
The 2021-2022 SSFFA Chapter officers recognized Principal Derek Driver by officially designating him as an Honorary Member of the chapter.
“Mr. Driver has been a supporter of our program from the day he arrived. Over the years, anytime we have run into an obstacle, he has always been there to help us overcome it. He is all about building relationships with students and helping them succeed. Mr. Driver has a huge heart and a great passion for our students. From making sure everything is running smoothly on campus so we can travel to our many events and contests to helping us secure everything we might need for those trips, Mr. Driver has always been there to lend a helping hand,” SSFFA Secretary Coen Bell said.
“While he does not like to take credit for much, he works behind the scenes on many things on behalf of all students at Sulphur Springs. So we feel it is important to reward his loyalty to the Sulphur Springs FFA Chapter and to show appreciation for the wisdom and support he gave us,” Bell continued.
“Your contribution as a useful citizen in our democracy serves as an example for our members to follow. As treasurer, I welcome to our organization,” Caroline Coker said.
“The FFA needs counsel and guidance from recognized leaders. It is my pleasure As secretary to add your name to our roll of honor and membership,” Bell told Driver, who was awarded a plaque of appreciation marking the occasion.
Proficiency & Chapter Awards
FFA advisor Taylor Thompson recognized those members who have achieved outstanding goals in their field, earning Proficiency and Chapter awards.
Proficiency Awards presented were as follows:
- Goat and Sheep Production Entrepreneurship- Caroline Coker
- Sheep Production Placement- Cash Gamblin
- Ag Mechanics Design & Fabrication Entrepreneurship- Cash Vititow
- Ag Mechanics Design & Fabrication Placement- Beau Bankston
- Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Entrepreneurship- Bradley Futch
- Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance Placement- Kevin Perez
- Ag Mechanics Project Design- Tate Bradford, Garret Tubb, Alex Flecker, Jackson Maynard, Braddox Rawson, Jonathan Pichardo, Trenton McKinney, Jake Henderson, Clayton Boykin.
- Swine Production Entrepreneurship- Braddox Rawson
- Swine Production Placement- Hanna Simmons
- Beef Production Entrepreneurship- Cash Vititow
- Beef Production Placement- Catherine Starzyk
- Dairy Production Entrepreneurship- Tripp Smith
- Dairy Production Placement- Wayne Hinton
- Forage Production Placement- Wayne Hinton
- Veterinary Science Paid Placement- Jaden Vititow
- Veterinary Science Unpaid Placement- Jasmine Cordova
- Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship- Giselle Montes De Oca
- Poultry Production Placement- Catherine Starzyk
- Poultry Production Entrepreneurship- Brent Horton
Chapter awards presented to SSHS FFA members at the May 10, 2022 parent and member banquet included:
- Star Greenhand award Jordan VanWinkle
- Star Chapter Farmer- Rylie Carroll
- FFA Member of the Year- Wayne Hinton
- Officer of the Year- Cash Vititow
At the conclusion of the awards recognition, the chapter officers then took a moment to personally thank their parents for their support. They also presented each mom with a flower.
“I would like to thank the parents again. Without you and your support we wouldn’t have anything to get these kids to go to if you weren’t there,” Advisor John Holland said, noting some truth in the comment Bell made to his dad, that FFA sometimes could more aptly stand for Father Feed Animals or Fathers Fund Animals when they’re gone. “Without you we wouldn’t be able to do any of this. Thank you for raising some good kids that we get to enjoy just for a few years, so give yourself a round of applause on that.”
Holland then announced one final award, determined following input from all of the chapter officer team. Each votes for the person they think has done the best job leading them during the school year.
“This is probably one of the hardest year for them to pick. We’ve got a great group of kids up here. This year, our Officer of the Year is Cash Vititow,” Holland said.
FFA Year In Review
FFA advisor Taylor Thompson also took a moment during the banquet to “brag” on the exceptional achievements and involvement by SSFFA Chapter members over the past year, as well as their many supporters.
Over the summer, Rylie Carroll placed 9th in state in the Junior Prepared Public Speaking.
Over the school year, 50 SSHS students competed in many stock shows and judging contests across the state. In the fall, 37 students on 10 different leadership development event teams competed including the agriculture advocacy, ag skills and Greenhand creed speaking teams which competed at Area.
The Beef Cattle Show Team competed at the Four State Fair, East Texas State Fair, Fort Worth and Houston Stock Shows. Individual members competed in San Antonio and other breed shows. Senior FFA President Cash Vititow served as president of the Texas Junior Brahman Association and is a National Brahman Director.
The Dairy Cattle Show Team consisting of Wayne Hinton, Tripp Smith, Jaden Arledge and Addy Koon won the Chapter Show Team Award at the East Texas State Fair; they also competed at the State Fair of Texas, Fort Worth and Stillwater. In addition to those shows, some traveled to Oklahoma for breed shows as well as many other jackpots and state shows. Hannah Simmons showed swine at the San Antonio Livestock Show, Caroline Coker showed sheep at the Houston and Austin Livestock Shows.
The ag mechanics team traveled to Houston with a 24-foot lowboy trailer built by Tate Bradford, Garret Tubb and Jackson Maynard and a four-bale hay dolly trailer built by Alex Flecker, Clayton Boykin and Braddox Rawson. They also showed a welding trailer built by Jonathan Pichardo, Trenton McKinney and Jake Henderson.
This spring, SSHS FFA Chapter had 50 students compete on 13 different CDE contests. Four of those teams advanced to state. The applied ag engineering team won the Area contest and advanced to state; Cash Vititow placed first overall and Tate Bradford second.
The Dairy Cattle Judging Team also won the Area contest, advancing them to state; Tripp Smith finished as the second highest scoring individual, Wayne Hinton fifth, Cash Gamblin seventh, and Tristan Eley placing 18th.
The ag mechanics team placed second at Area, advancing them to state. Beau Bankston was the fourth highest ranked individual, Clayton Boykin and Garret Tubb 8th, and Alex Flecker 13th overall.
The forage team consisting of Catherine Starzyk, Chase Mitchell, Tristan Eley and Jordan VanWinkle.
Seven students competed in the first annual sustainable agriculture contest at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Catherine Starzyk was the high overall individual and the team overall placed third.
A total of 52 SSFFA and Junior FFA members sold their livestock at the NETLA Junior Livestock Show, bringing home a collective $175,000 from the February show. Thompson offered thanks to the community who supported chapter youth and the show, and a round of applause was offered for them.
Early Voting Ends Friday In Democratic, Republican Party Primary Runoffs Elections
Friday will be the last day to cast an early ballot in person in the Democratic and Republican Party Primary Runoffs, with Election Day following on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.
Hopkins County residents may still vote early by personal appearance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, May 16-20, in the Hopkins County Justice of the Peace 2 Courtroom, 128G Jefferson Street, Sulphur Springs in either the Democratic or Republican Primary Runoff.
As of Wednesday, May 18, 2022, a total of 70 had voted in the Democratic Party Primary Runoff in Hopkins County. Twenty county residents had voted in-person and the remaining 50 by mail. that’s only 0.29% of the total number of registered voters in Hopkins County determining which Democratic candidates will make it on the ballot in November in four state races, according to the data submitted by county election officials to Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
More Republicans have cast ballots in the primary runoff to determine the candidate in three state races. A total of 274 ballots had been cast as of Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in Hopkins County in the Republican Party Runoff, 210 in person and 64 by mail. That’s still only 1.12% of the total number of registered voters in Hopkins county casting ballots in primary runoffs as of the close of the polling location May 18, according to the data reported to the Secretary of State.
Election Day Voting
On Election Day, voting in the primary runoffs has been consolidated to six voting centers. Voters may cast ballots in either the Republican or Democratic runoffs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at any of the following six voting locations:
- Lutheran Church (Front Foyer), 1000 Texas Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- H.W. Grays Building (Meeting Room), 411 Beckham Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Courthouse, (1st Floor Courtroom), 114 Church Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Grace Family Church (Fellowship Hall), 2201 Loop 101 East Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- Hopkins County Civic Center (West Hall), 1200 Houston Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482;
- League Street Church of Christ (Front Foyer), 1100 South League Street Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Tuesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. is also the deadline for a mail ballot to be received, if the carrier envelope is not postmarked, or Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 5 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day (unless overseas or military voter deadlines apply.)
Democratic Runoff
Democrats will be asked to vote for their choice in four different state races.
- On the Democratic ballot for Lieutenant Governor are Mike Collier and Michelle Beckley.
- Democrats too will decide between Rochelle Mercedes Garza or Joe Jaworski as their candidate for Attorney Genera.
- Seeking the Democratic nomination for the office of Comptroller of Public Accounts are Janet T. Dudding and Angel Luis Vega.
- Democrats Jay Kleberg and Sandragrace Martinez are vying for the Democratic nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
Republican Runoff
Republicans will be asked to vote for their choice in three different state races.
- Vying for the Republican Party nomination for Attorney General are Ken Paxton and George P. Bush.
- Republicans Dawn Buckingham and Tim Westley are in a runoff for the party nomination for Commissioner of the General Land Office.
- Sarah Stogner and Wayne Christian are the two Republican candidates for Railroad Commissioner.
Who Is Eligible To Vote?
Only Hopkins County voters registered to vote on April 25 are eligible to cast a ballot at a county polling location. Voters may cast ballots in only one of these elections, and will be declaring themselves as either a Democrat or Republican by voting in that election.
Texas Secretary of State John Scott reminds voters that under Texas law, voters who cast a ballot in either party’s primary election may vote again, but must vote in the same party’s primary runoff election. Voters who did not cast a ballot in the March 1st Primary Elections may vote in either party’s Primary Runoff Election.
“The candidates you will be voting on have made it to the final round of their parties’ primary elections, and this is your chance to decide who you want to compete for those public offices in November. Make sure to do your research on the candidates, make an informed decision, and prepare to make your voice heard in the runoff elections by visiting VoteTexas.gov!” Secretary Scott said in a news release.
The winner of each election will then face the top candidate from the other parties on the Uniform Election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022.
Voter ID Requirements
When voters arrive at the polling place, each will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification, which 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)
For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo ID can 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 a registered voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID, that individual 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 voter registration certificate.
97th Paris Junior College Spring Graduation Highlights Student, Faculty Excellence
Photo cutline 1: PJC sophomore Beau Brewer received the 2022 Distinguished Service Award from PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin and Vice-President Sheila Reese.
Paris Junior College celebrated its 97th Spring Commencement with the announcement of the Distinguished Service Award and Teaching Excellence Award. Nearly 475 students applied to graduate and some 250 of those indicated they would participate in the graduation ceremony held at Noyes Stadium on May 13, 2022.
PJC Student Government Association President Rachel Roebuck gave the opening invocation, and music student Amanda Dean performed the song, “Raise Me Up.”
“Tonight, we want to celebrate a great year and a great group of students,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President in her opening comments. “Allow me to introduce the class of 2022. There are 472 individuals graduating from PJC with certificates and degrees. Forty-one percent are male, 89 percent are female. Our graduates range in age from 18 to 66 years. These 472 graduates represent 37 different Texas counties, 16 different states, and the foreign countries of Germany and Mexico.”
This year over 109 students graduated from PJC a couple of weeks before graduating from their high schools including Celeste, Cumby, Greenville, Miller Grove, North Hopkins, North Lamar, Pioneer Tech, Prairiland, Quinlan Ford, Royse City, and two from home schools.
Beau Brewer was named the 2022 Distinguished Service Award winner. He is a 2020 graduate of McKinney Boyd High School in McKinney. A returning member of the Dragons Baseball Team and of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society, he was named 2021 All Region Outfielder and named to the President’s Honor List for academic excellence three times.Brewer donates his time volunteering at the local Food Pantry, Red River Valley Boys and Girls Club, and the Paris Animal Shelter. He was a 2021 Paris Junior College Homecoming nominee and crowned 2022 Mr. PJC.
This past week, Brewer was named All Conference First Team Third Base and Region XIV All-Region First Team Infield. Following graduation from PJC, he plans to further his academic and athletic career at Western Kentucky University. Other outstanding PJC students nominated for the Distinguished Service Award included Jayda Carter, Sean Curtis, Rachel Roebuck and Brendan Concannon.
D’Lynn Bueno, who teaches history at PJC, received the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award, which includes a $1,000 honorarium, a medallion and a plaque. The nomination letter for the Teaching Excellence Award outlined three aspects to her excellence: congenial attitude, pedagogical diversity and commitment to the success of both their own students and the student body at large. She is a teacher of teachers; utilizes developments in the best practices of higher education to maximize student learning and success. She is also encouraging, compassionate, student-friendly student-centered, and operates on the leading edge of classroom innovation.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Anglin asked the graduates to move their tassels to the left. She thanked them for choosing Paris Junior College.
“Each of you have proven that you have a goal and you have a dream,” said Anglin. “This has been one step in your journey; one milestone along the way. And we hope we laid the foundation that serves you well as you continue on with your education or go into the workforce.”
Photo cutline 2: D’Lynn Bueno, who teaches History at PJC, received the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award from Dr. Pamela Anglin, PJC President.
Photo cutline 3: A crowd of 250 students chose to participate in the 2022 Spring Commencement Ceremony at Paris Junior College.
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.
