Gilbert used code names  — “Project Fryer” and “Project Sims” – in discussing the companies on Monday during the economic development corporation’s quarterly report to the council.

• Project Fryer “came onto our radar screen in the past two weeks, and it would be about a $20 million project” that would bring manufacturing jobs to Paris, Gilbert said.
• Project Sims involves “an opportunity to write a proposal for 200 manufacturing jobs for a company … that wants to make their product in Texas and send the product into Oklahoma and Texas,” Gilbert said. “So we’re situated for that scenario. We’ve written a project proposal to them, and we’re waiting to hear back.”

PEDC executive director Steve Gilbert

s are all economic development projects in their early stages, Gilbert declined to be more specific.

Discussions are ongoing on several other interesting prospects, he told the council.

So far in 2013, he said, “we have been working on dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s with a lot of projects announced in 2012 – including tax abatement of Skinner’s $19.4 million in new capital investment scheduled from now through 2017.

(The following day, in a meeting of the Paris Economic Development Board, Gilbert said he had just talked with Skinner officials “and they thought they will move fairly quickly toward that 100-employee milestone – sooner rather than later. They’re rocking right along, and so that is a very positive thing. They may have a soft opening event in the early part of June.”)

In Gilbert’s report to the council, he said the PEDC is working with City of Paris staff for an abatement request on behalf of the proposed $150 million Paris Lakes development – a hospital, shopping center, hotel, retirement community and lighted par-3 golf course planned across from Covenant Christian Church on the southeast loop.

“We hope to come before you with that project sometime in June for your consideration,” Gilbert said.

The PEDC has pledged $250,000 toward costs of bringing City of Paris water and sewer to that project, which developer Ron Parker says will bring 800 new jobs, not including 1,000 or more construction workers.

Gilbert also talked about two projects that fell through – including a project originally labeled “Project Jewel,” which was announced last October. Triton manufacturing center was to bring $36.3 million in capital investment and 312 new jobs to Paris over a five-year period.

The investor decided to put the plant in Arizona instead, Gilbert said.

Company officials “indicated if there was an expansion that they would certainly look at Paris, but honestly, I don’t think that’s in the foreseeable future,” the PEDC executive director said.

That drew a rebuke later in the meeting from the mayor, Dr. AJ Hashmi.

“I want to say that you’re doing a good job. I’m very happy with it. But I do want to caution on a few things,” he began.

Mayor AJ Hashmi

“I think you need to be very careful when you make an announcement, and wait until such time that we have a more definitive answer as to whether we have it. Otherwise, you raise hopes and then drop them suddenly,” Hashmi said.

As for the tax abatements that are routinely brought as incentives for companies to locate in a community, the mayor noted a recent article in The Dallas Morning News concerning Congress looking into tax abatements and incentives provided to companies.

“It said that 80 percent of those companies that were provided with those incentives were closed within five years and all that money was lost,” Hashmi said.

“In our executive sessions (of the council with the PEDC), we have discussed the fact that if you are going to give tax abatements, we should have a clause in there that in case the company decides to close and move someplace else that they retroactively be obligated to pay those taxes. Please remember that when you come up with abatements,” Hashmi said.

Several council members added their appreciation for the PEDC’s work in attracting potential new companies to Paris.

Regarding Triton, Gilbert said the PEDC provided some funding for a market assessment, and Triton has agreed “to reimburse us and make us whole on all of the out-of-pocket expenses for that project.”

The PEDC proposed 2013-2014 budget includes reimbursements from Triton totaling $58,252.

Gilbert led off his quarterly report to the city council by telling of a prospect that got away.

“I got contacted early this year by a site consultant, and they had a major manufacturing project that was interested in Paris. That company wanted a 275,000-square-foot existing building, and we had only one building that maybe fit into that criteria,” Gilbert said.

“We connected with the owner of that building, and the deal didn’t work out, so we lost the project. It was a very competitive project, and that was pretty early on in the competition, but the point is that at this point the lack of available industrial buildings is a constraint for us,” Gilbert said.

That was an apparent reference to the former Paris Industries building on the northwest loop and Farm Road 79 for which We Pack Logistics last month obtained a $591,000 building permit to renovate.

city manager John Godwin

Gilbert said he has talked with city manager John Godwin about three vacant buildings – the Philips Lighting plant on Clarksville Street that closed several years ago and two dilapidated structures on the northwest loop – the dilapidated Superior Swift and Oliver Rubber buildings.

“We’re trying to start a discussion to say what our community should do about a few older dilapidated buildings. And of course, we have the industrial park, and one of the things we’re promoting to companies is that we have available land, and that we would put land into a project,” Gilbert said.

“The same goes for the airport. That is a big opportunity. There is ample land for a company that might be in the aerospace industry. So we continue to market to industrial prospects.”

Hashmi noted that for years the one building the PEDC owned in the city’s industrial park remained empty.

“It just recently got occupied, and so as much as one wants to have things ready, just because one project wanted to come and you didn’t have a building ready,to say that now we should get all buildings prepared, I don’t think that is necessarily a very feasible thing to do,” the mayor said.

Hashmi said he is all in favor of improving the available buildings.

“If there is a possibility to fix them, certainly we should try our best to do that and make them usable,” he said.

The mayor said he had looked into the Philips Lighting building for use by industrial prospects and was told that the building’s owners “have a lot of contingencies as to what would be allowed to come into that building.”

Hashmi added:

“We almost had someone for that building, and it’s kind of sad that they don’t want to pay to maintain it, but they have deed restrictions that really put us at a disadvantage.

“And so, I would request code enforcement to enforce all the codes, so that if we are not allowed to let anyone buy that building, we at least force the owner to maintain it properly on Clarksville Street so we have a halfway decent building.”

District 3 councilman John Wright asked if the environmental problems at the two dilapidated structures on the loop “aren’t covered under some code?”

Godwin said: “I don’t know if they are under the city code, but they certainly are under state codes. We’ve talked recently about both of those projects and given them to the fire department to address.”

District 5 councilman Matt Frierson said: “Another issue as simple as beautification – you drive around the loop, you’re looking at a couple of eyesores.”

Hashmi concluded the discussion by saying, “I think we have discussed that, and I really think we should enforce our building codes around those areas.”

 By CHARLES RICHARDS

eParisExtra.com

“They provided everything,” Volunteer Coordinator Marvin Wroten said. “We provided the labor.”

The labor came in the form of members of North Lamar High School’s Health Occupations Students of America club and girls from Paris Junior High School.

This partnering effort between LCHRC and Atwoods directly benefits the Meals on Wheels program and its mission to end senior hunger in Lamar County and the surrounding area.

Workers spent most of Saturday clearing out the overgrown lot that is the final resting place for dozens of people, including Sheriff Scott Cass‘ great-great-grandmother.

“It’s kind of a forgotten cemetery,” Cass said. “I don’t think a lot of people knew this cemetery was in here.”

Even some living nearby on Pride Circle weren’t aware there was a cemetery tucked away in this corner of Johnson Woods.

“What was sad was people dumping out here – dumping limbs, dumping leaves from their yards,” Cass said. “That’s what’s aggravating.”

Pride Cemetery is a 1.3-acre plot of land. According to records, 39 people were buried there between 1843 and 1902.

“I didn’t even know there was a cemetery here, and I used to be a police officer in the 1970s,” said District 6 Councilwoman Cleonne Drake, whose district includes Johnson Woods. “We walked around, and I was astonished. If it was my ancestors, I would want a nice area for them.”

Cass approached Drake about the cemetery. Drake talked to City Manager John Godwin, and a committee was formed with the sheriff, District 2 Councilwoman Sue Lancaster, Fire Chief Larry Wright, city Finance Director Gene Anderson, county Adult Probation Community Service Director Jimmy Don Nicholson, and J. B. and Doris Bankhead.

They decided to have a community cleanup. Work started at 8:30 a.m. with around 50 probationers and other volunteers and wrapped up mid-afternoon. Many came after finishing at the United Way’s Day of Caring house-painting event downtown. Jackie and Lisa Good of Good Tree Service donated their time and equipment.

Wright said it was a very successful day, progressing further than expected.

“We’ve gotten about three-fourths of it done. We ran out of time and volunteers,” he said. “We cleaned up the front and decided we’d make it another day. It looks a lot better than it did when we started.”

In the process of cleaning, workers found the remains of several headstones buried in the undergrowth.

“There are a lot of people buried here who don’t need to be forgotten,” Cass said. “It shouldn’t be a place where people dump their tree limbs and their leaves and their grass clippings.”

Even his great-great-grandmother’s grave site went missing for some time. Doris Bankhead, Cass’ aunt, said her son Brad found the headstone one day while he was playing in the lot. She took the grave marker home to save it from further damage. The marker has now been returned to the cemetery.

“We have waited years for this,” she said. “I can’t believe it.”

Brad Bankhead went on to do a fair amount of work in the 1990s to rediscover the cemetery’s details. A sign was erected in 1973 to identify the lot as a cemetery, Doris Bankhead said, but it went missing within two weeks.

Once the cleanup is finished, the committee hopes to have a fence erected around the cemetery. A contractor has already stepped forward willing to donate labor to construct the fence.

“We’re going to string-line the property boundaries for fence posts,” Wright said. “I’ve got to visit with the city and see if we can wrangle some money for a fence.”

Even after that, there will be a lot of work to do. Drake is working with the Lamar County Genealogical Society to have Pride designated a historic Texas cemetery. Most of the markers are missing, those that remain are broken. Some have been found in flowerbeds, and Drake said a few of the missing headstones may have been located for sale in Canton.

Drake, a teacher at Paris Junior High School, said she would like to see the school’s shop classes make crosses to mark graves with once the plots are identified.

Who takes care of things after that is still up in the air.

“The main thrust of this whole thing was get it cleaned up and make it presentable,” Wright said. “Once the cleanup’s done, we’re going to have to find someone to maintain it, either some Eagle Scouts or an association. At this point, we don’t know. At least we’ve got some time to talk about it and think about it.”

This award is valid for one year and will be added to the district’s listing on the Texas Transparency website.

The Comptroller’s Leadership Circle program was launched in 2009 to rec­ognize local governments across Texas that are striving to meet a high standard for financial transparency online. They spotlight local governments that: open their books to the public; provide clear, consistent pictures of spending; and share information in a user-friendly format that lets taxpayers easily drill down for more information.

Paris ISD’s budget and financial information can be viewed by clicking HERE. This will direct you to the Paris ISD Business and Finance webpage.

In addition to the Silver Leadership Circle Award, Paris ISD earned a rating of Superior Achievement on the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST).

Shannon Calloway, TIJT instructor, introduced Megan Thorne as keynote speaker. Thorne, originally from Texarkana, Texas, is a 2004 graduate of PJC’s jewelry program who has had a phenomenal career. Founding her own company in 2007, Megan Thorne Fine Jewels in Fort Worth, Texas, she is both owner and designer.

“It was nine years exactly since I was sitting in these seats when I graduated from PJC in 2004,” Thorne said. “You are getting such a fantastic foundation of understanding for how jewelry is made.”

She explained how many kinds of jobs are open to those getting the different certificates. Whether working at a small or chain jewelry store, large retailer or repair companies, independent design companies, gem sales, wholesale or retail sales, there are a lot of opportunities. CAD companies and laser welding specialty companies need workers. Companies need knowledgeable sales people at shows and technology representatives to visit stores. Watchmaking skills are in high demand at factories.

“It’s an exciting time to be entering the jewelry industry and with so many possibilities for careers you have the opportunity to excel in whatever area that appeals to you, so find out what you love and specialize in just that,” Thorne said. “When you love what you do, when you find joy in challenges and when you really pursue knowledge you’ll become the type of jeweler who will always be able to find a team and a home and a livelihood. With so much uncertainty in the marketplace, having a real skill to work from is a fantastic safety net.”

The Stuller Awards for Excellence given by Stuller, Inc., of Lafayette, La., provides company credits to aid graduates in obtaining needed supplies. Stuller, Inc. is a company supplying tools, findings, and materials needed in the industry. The $500 Platinum Award went to Haley E. Hughes of Quitman. The $300 Gold Award was given to Steven L. Duncan of Houston. The $200 Silver Award was presented to Kerby Daniel Dewbre of Morton. Jesse Melissa Berry of White Wright was awarded the $100 Bronze Award.

Gemology graduates include Shirley Kanton of Greenville; Crystal Spencer of Lubbock; Jessica Whitney Walla of Bedford; Cynthia D. Hill of Hooker, Okla.; and Hannah R. Beaman of Brayton, Iowa.

Jessica Suzanne West of Cooper and Steven L. Duncan of Houston completed the Jewelry Technology program.

Receiving Bench Technician certificates are Cole Mark Love of Talpa and Maria Nelsen of Clearwater, Fla.

Computer Aided Jewelry Design graduates include Brandon Darryl Jones of Paris; Ryan Kathleen Harmon of Dallas; Kerby Daniel Dewbre of Morton; Miranda Marie Wiedenfeld of Nederland; Jesse Marie Berry of White Wright; Hannah E. Pickett of Wylie; Ricardo Ruiz of Duncanville; Angelica L. Guevara of Laredo; Raul Flores, Jr. of San Antonio; and Jorge Cunha of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Casting certificates were presented to Brandon Darryl Jones of Paris; Haley E. Hughes of Quitman; Jessica Suzanne West of Cooper; Ryan Kathleen Harmon of Dallas; Ricardo Ruiz of Duncanville; Crystal Spencer of Lubbock; Jessica Whitney Walla of Bedford; and Josephine Lynn Pavlica of Winterset, Iowa.

The overall winner in the Student Association Design Contest was Steven L. Duncan. Duncan also won first place in Finished Pieces. Hannah Beaman won the Beading contest. First place in Rendering went to Jessica Walla. The Wax Carving winner was Melissa Walden. Cynthia Hill won first place in Lapidary Arts. First place winner in Art Metals was Ryan Harmon. Hannah Pickett won first in in the CAD Finished Piece category. The CAD/CAM winner was Raul Flores, Jr. First place in the Steam Punk category was Ryan Pagoria. Ryan Klimas won first place in the newly added Restoration category.

Following ceremonies the graduates joined family and friends for a reception.

Jeff Joe Dunken, Jr

Aaron Scott Greer, 21, Possession of Marijuana <=2oz Drug Free Zone

Johnny Eugene Ray, Jr., 22, Aggravated Sexual Assault Child – 2 Counts, Violation of Parole

Misty Yuvonne Tucker, 43, Disorderly Conduct (Vulgar Language)

Blackeyes

Edwards

Police arrested two Paris men Saturday morning on capital murder charges in connection with a homicide early Friday in west Paris.

Adrianandious Lajuan Blackeyes, 21, of Paris, and Tyriekus Drashon Edwards, 18, of Paris, were arrested without incident at residences in Paris, police chief Bob Hundley said.

The body of Roland Dekeith Williams, 28, of 1421 W. Cherry and formerly of 951 Van Zandt St., was found about 4:30 a.m. Friday near the intersection of West Austin Street and Southwest 19^th Street after police received a report of gunshots in the vicinity.

Williams had been shot several times.

More arrests are possible, the chief indicated.

“Investigators are still working on identification of others who were involved in what appears to have been an attempted robbery,” Hundley said.

The 5-foot-4, 138-pound Blackeyes and the 5-10, 225-pound Edwards remained in the city jail awaiting arraignment, the police chief said.

Both Blackeyes and Edwards have recent arrests:

• Blackeyes was confined in the Lamar County Jail from March 15 to April 22 in connection with a January charge of theft of property (over $50, less than $500) and criminal trespass. He spent five days in county jail in November for driving without a license, and was in jail for two months in early 2011 on charges of 1) engaging in organized criminal activity, 2) burglary of a vehicle, 3) unlawful carrying a weapon, and 4) theft of a firearm.
• Edwards was in the Lamar County Jail from March 15 to April 10 for a January charge of possession of marijuana (less than two ounces). He was in jail from June 7, 2012 to July 5, 2012, in connection with May 2012 charges of criminal mischief (more than $50, less than $500) and possession of marijuana (less than two ounces).

The Paris Community Theatre is presenting Celebrating Springtime in Sound featuring the Paris Community Choir this Sunday, May 19^th at 3pm.  This fun concert will entertain the entire family and is being held at the First United Methodist Church, 322 Lamar Avenue.  The Paris Community Choir was formed three years ago and is under the direction of Pat Fowzer.

The repertoire includes a lively concert opener by Benjamin Britten called “Jubilate Deo” which features Thomas Belew, organist/choral director at Central Presbyterian, on the organ.

Ms. Fowzer explains the program:

Poor Man Lazrus” by famed spiritual composer Jester Hairston has been around for some time, but we are enjoying playing with the dynamic changes and crisp consonants.

Another of our challenges has involved singing a different language.  “Erev Shel Shoshanim” is based on an old Israeli folksong, and the choir will sing in Hebrew.

“Days of Elijah” was suggested by one of our choir members, and we have truly enjoyed singing this brisk tempo contemporary Christian song.

Every concert just has to have some fun or humor injected into it, and “Lambscapes” definitely fits the bill. I first heard the Turtle Creek Chorale perform this number, and I think our audience will love it.  It is a delightful group of short selections that use the theme of ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’ in every conceivable music history time period ranging from Gregorian chant to a setting by Schubert with the theme sung in German.

My favorite composer is John Rutter, and I try to always include one of his compositions in the concert.  This year’s selection, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, is a fascinating departure from Rutter’s typical style.

Finally as a tribute to the Paris Community Theatre which supports the Community Choir so wonderfully, we always sing something from a Broadway musical.  This year we will perform a medley from the wildly popular musical, “Les Miserables.”

Linda Flanary is the accompanist for the third year, and Sydney Young, Attorney at Law, as well as owner of Young Title Company is the corporate sponsor for this spring’s concert.

Tickets are only $6 and may be purchased at the door or reserved in advance through the PCT Box Office by calling 903-784-0259 or emailing pct@1starnet.com.

From one mommy to another,

Jenny Wilson

Jenny Wilson is a mother of three. She teaches a Mommy & Me class at Central Presbyterian Day School, is a member of the Paris ISD school board and serves on the board of Paris Community Theatre and Children’s Advocacy Center. She also is on the PCT Children/Teen Theatre Advisory Committee, the Aiken Parent Association Board, the PJH Parent Association and is a Sunday school teacher at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.  She also is a certified yoga instructor and owner of Everyday Yoga.

        Paris ISD

All incoming 7^th, 9^th, and 11^th grade students who would like to participate in Athletics for the 2013-2014 school year MUST have a new sports physical on file. Paris ISD physical form must be signed by parent prior to the physical.

8:00 a.m. – Boys Free Physical Clinic

9:30 a.m. – Girls Free Physical Clinic

      Paris High School

8:00 p.m. – midnight – Junior-Senior Prom – The PHS Class of 2014 presents the ”The Great Prom” in the Commons Area for junior, seniors, and approved guests.

Sunday, May 19, 20130

        Paris Junior High School

2:30 p.m. – National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, with student practice at 1:30 p.m. – Weger Auditorium

Monday, May 20, 2013

        Paris High School

7:00 p.m. – Athletic Awards Program – Weger Auditorium at PJH

      Paris Junior High School

2:30 p.m. – PJH Theater Class – Final performance – Weger Auditorium

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. – SLAM – ELAR, Math, Science, and/or Social Studies

        Crockett Intermediate School

Book Fair – Buy One Get One

        Aikin Elementary

Debbie Diller Workshop for Kindergarten Teachers

3:00 p.m. – Choir Practice

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – I Station Reading Lab

Tuesday, May 21,2 013

      Paris ISD

6:30 p.m. – Paris ISD Secondary Choirs Spring Concert – Choirs from PJH, and Crockett perform a free public concert at Weger Auditorium at PJH

7:10 p.m. – Paris ISD Secondary Choirs Spring Concert – PHS Choir performs a free public concert at Weger Auditorium at PJH

      Paris High School

7:10 p.m. – PHS Choir performs a free public concert at Weger Auditorium at PJH

        Paris Junior High School

Current 7^th grade cheerleaders pictures – 7^th period

6:30 p.m. – Spring Choir Concert – Weger Auditorium

        Crockett Intermediate School

Book Fair – Buy One Get One

Science Benchmark Test – 6^th Grade

6:30 p.m. – 6^th Grade Choir Spring Concert – Weger Auditorium at PJH

        Aikin Elementary

Jan-K Field Trip – Classes of Harris and Sulsar

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. – Aikin Gifted and Talented Program – Global Service Club Meeting

        Lamar County Head Start

8:30 a.m. – North East Texas Children’s Museum Field Trip – Classes of Morton, Raper, Williams, Brown, Rian, and Carter

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

        Paris High School

UIL State Academic Meet

2:00 p.m. – Arbor Day Celebration – Past, present, and future celebration of the Crepe Myrtle Queens

        Paris Junior High School

8^th Grade Field Trip to Ranger’s Game

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. – SLAM – ELAR, Math, Science, and/or Social Studies

        Crockett Intermediate School

Book Fair – Buy One Get One

8:30 a.m. – 5^th Grade Awards Ceremony – Gymnasium

9:30 a.m. – 6^th Grade Awards Ceremony – Gymnasium

        Aikin Elementary

Jan-Kay Field Trip – Classes of Stevens and Wickes

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – I Station Reading Lab – Last Day

        Justiss Elementary

4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Family Reading Night – Library

        Lamar County Head Start

8:30 a.m. – North East Texas Children’s Museum Field Trip – Classes of Black, Killingsworth, Armstrong, Briggle, Barker, and Aaron Parker

Thursday, May 23, 2013

        Paris High School

6:45 p.m. – Chorale Dessert Theater guests should arrive at the PHS Cafeteria by 6:45 p.m. in order to be seated in time for opening song. Advance ticket required.

        Paris Junior High School

10:00 a.m. – 7^th Grade End of Year Awards Assemblies – Weger Auditorium

1:15 p.m. – 8^th Grade End of Year Awards Assemblies – Weger Auditorium

5:00 p.m. – PJH Art Show – Cafeteria

        Crockett Intermediate School

Book Fair – Buy One Get One

5^th Grade Balance Literacy Training – Federal Programs building

Final FLIP party – given by parents

        Aikin Elementary

End of AR Points for Awards Assemblies

9:00 a.m. – Mobile Dairy – 3^rd Grade

10:00 a.m. – Mobile Dairy – 4^th Grade

9:00 a.m. – Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start visit Aikin Elementary

        Justiss Elementary

Jan-Kay Field Trip – Classes of Stewart, Allen, and Harrell

        Givens Early Childhood Center

9:00 a.m. – Givens students tour Aikin Elementary

        Lamar County Head Start

9:00 a.m. – Head Start students tour Aikin Elementary

Friday, May 24, 2013

        Paris ISD

Weather Day/Student Holiday

ESL Adult Registration – Givens Early Childhood Center – ESL Room

        Paris High School

Choir Field Trip

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Saturday School (held on Friday, due to 4-day weekend)

Monday, May 27, 2013

        Paris ISD

Memorial Day Holiday

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

      Paris High School

11:35 a.m. – Semester Exams (Grade 12) during periods 4, 5, 6, and 7 (Seniors who are exempt from all exams may leave after period 3.)

7:00 p.m. – Band Spring Concert – PHS Band Department wraps up the school year with a free concert at Weger Auditorium at PJH

        Paris Junior High School

6:00 p.m. – Spring Band Concert – Weger Auditorium

        Crockett Intermediate School

5:30 p.m. – Band Concert – Weger Auditorium at PJH

        Lamar County Head Start

Noon – Parent Appreciation Luncheon

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

      Paris High School

8:35 a.m. – Semester Exams (Grade 12) during periods 1, 2, and 3 (Seniors who are exempt from all exams should report to school for period 4.)

      Paris Junior High School

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. – SLAM – ELAR, Math, Science, and/or Social Studies

        Justiss Elementary

9:00 a.m. – Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start to visit Justiss Elementary

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Girl Scout Meeting

        Givens Early Childhood Center

9:00 a.m. – Givens students tour Justiss Elementary

        Lamar County Head Start

9:00 a.m. – Head Start students tour Justiss Elementary

Thursday, May 30, 2013

      Paris High School

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Graduation Rehearsal – Mandatory rehearsal at Wildcat Stadium for students in the Class of 2012-2013 who will be participating in PHS Commencement on May 31. Class reception to follow.

        Justiss Elementary

Kindergarten Picnic

9:00 a.m. – Socrates Poetry Reading Program

Friday, May 31, 2013

        Paris ISD

8:00 p.m. – Class of 2013 Commencement at Wildcat Stadium (Wildcat Gym in case of inclement weather)

      Paris High School

Graduating Senior Flex Week – Students in Class of 2012-2013 who have completed their graduation requirements are exempt from attending classes

8:00 p.m. – Class of 2013 Commencement at Wildcat Stadium (Wildcat Gym in case of inclement weather)

        Paris Junior High School

Library Books Due

        Aikin Elementary

All Library Books Due

4^th Grade Party at the Pavilion – Love Civic Center

3^rd Grade Socrates Play

        Justiss Elementary

Box Tops Ribbon Race Ends

2^nd Grade Picnic

7:30 a.m. – School Store

9:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Truck Day – 3^rd and 4^th Grades

        Lamar County Head Start

Noon – Policy Council Meeting

Saturday, June 1, 2013

        Paris High School

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Saturday School (held on Friday, due to 4-day weekend)

        Paris Junior High School

Choir Field Trip – Splash Kingdom

Monday, June 3, 2013

      Paris High School

Graduating Senior Flex Week – Students in Class of 2012-2013 who have completed their graduation requirements are exempt from attending classes

        Aikin Elementary

3:00 p.m. – Choir Practice

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

      Paris High School

Graduating Senior Flex Week – Students in Class of 2012-2013 who have completed their graduation requirements are exempt from attending classes

2:30 p.m. – Semester Exams – Students take their period 7 semester exam (Note:  School will be on pep rally schedule today until 2:25 p.m.)

        Crockett Intermediate School

5:30 p.m. – 5^th Grade Fine Arts Night

        Aikin Elementary

8:15 a.m. – 1^st Grade Awards Assemblies

9:30 a.m. – 4^th Grade Awards Assemblies

11:30 a.m. – APA Retreat – Aikin MP Room

        Justiss Elementary

4^th Grade End of Year Party

Kindergarten Moving  Up Ceremony

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

      Paris High School

Graduating Senior Flex Week – Students in Class of 2012-2013 who have completed their graduation requirements are exempt from attending classes

8:35 a.m. – Semester Exams – Students take their semester exams in periods 1, 2, 3

12:35 p.m. – Early Dismissal

1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Saturday School

        Paris Junior High School

Semester Exams – Periods 1, 2, 3, & 4

12:30 p.m. – Early Dismissal

        Aikin Elementary

8:15 a.m. – 3^rd Grade Awards Assemblies

9:30 a.m. – 2^nd Grade Awards Assemblies

1:30 p.m. – Kindergarten Moving on Up Assembly – Classes of Sulsar and Harris

2:00 p.m. – Kindergarten Moving on Up Assembly – Classes of Bogan and Yerby

        Justiss Elementary

9:00 a.m. – 1^st and 2^nd Grade End of Year Awards Assemblies

1:00 p.m. – 3^rd and 4^th Grade End of Year Awards Assemblies

        Givens Early Childhood Center

9:15 a.m. – Moving Up Celebrations – Classes of Gall, Brazeal, Vick, and Gallegos

10:30 a.m. – Moving Up Celebrations – Classes of Smith, Dingman, Miller, and Tindel

        Lamar County Head Start

10:00 a.m. – Head Start Graduation

Thursday, June 6, 2013

        Paris ISD

Sixth Six Weeks Ends

      Paris High School

Graduating Senior Flex Week – Students in Class of 2012-2013 who have completed their graduation requirements are exempt from attending classes

8:35 a.m. – Semester Exams – Students take their semester exams in periods 1, 2, 3

12:35 p.m. – Early Dismissal

        Paris Junior High School

Semester Exams – Periods 5, 6, 7,  & 8

12:30 p.m. – Early Dismissal

        Aikin Elementary

Early Dismissal

Class Party Celebrations

9:00 a.m. – Kindergarten Moving on Up Assembly – Classes of Riggs and Ross

9:45 a.m. – Kindergarten Moving on Up Assembly – Classes of Binko and Watson

10:30 a.m. – Kindergarten Moving on Up Assembly – Classes of Wickes and Stevens

        Justiss Elementary

11:35 p.m. – Early Dismissal

        Givens Early Childhood Center

11:30 a.m. – Early Dismissal

        Lamar County Head Start

9:00 a.m. – End of the Year Celebration

11:30 a.m. – Early Dismissal

Friday, June 7, 2013

        Paris ISD

Sixth Six Weeks Ends

Teacher Workday

TNSA Appreciation Award winners

Paris Junior College’s Heath Occupations Department held pinning ceremonies and handed out awards to sixty-four students receiving certificates in vocational nursing May 9 in the Hunt Center.

The Hopkins-Nicholas Award for outstanding performance in both classroom and clinical training went to Kimberly Baldwin of Greenville and Misty Pyron of Sulphur Springs. Pyron also received the award for highest grade point average. Matt Cox of Brookston and Kathy Stacey of Greenville were each given the Metamorphosis Award for exhibiting the most growth through the entire vocational program. Two students, Caryn Garnett of Caddo Mills and Amie Thomas of Campbell received the Texas Nursing Students Association appreciation award for outstanding participation.

Perfect attendance awards went to Julia Acosta of Pickton; Karen Boyd of Sulphur Springs; Sandra Cashion of Detroit; Sydney Cunningham of Paris; Kala Jackson of Sulphur Springs; Amanda Janes and Liz Nichols of Paris; Staci Osornio of Sulphur Springs; Misty Pyron of Sulphur Springs; Ashley Reppond and Lance Reppond of Como; Mark Self of Paris; Paul Soccio of Greenville; and Pat Zeigler of Lone Oak.

Clinical achievement awards went to Billie Broge, Briana Brooks, and Christal Thomas of Greenville; Jennifer Dunn of Quinlan; Tara Gross of Cooper; Megan House of Paris; Leslie McMahan of Caddo Mills; Karli Scott of Wylie; and Amie Thomas of Campbell.

Graduate vocational nurses and their hometowns are:

Paris: Bart Benefield, Alejandra Chavez, Sydney Cunningham, Raven Gomez, Megan House, Amanda Janes, Salena LeJeune, Liz Nichols, Mark Self, Isabel Torres, Lacy White
Blossom: Molly Pylant
Bogata: Sam Austin, Greg Sherrill
Brookston: Matt Cox
Caddo Mills: Caryn Garnett, Leslie McMahan
Campbell: Amie Thomas, Jennifer Whitlock
Commerce: Emily Murdock, Cynthia Vaughan
Como: Tiffany Eversole, Ashley Reppond, Lance Reppond
Cooper: Tara Gross
Cumby: Sarah Hall, Juliet Norsworthy
Deport: Kim Combs
Detroit: Sandra Cashion
Greenville: Kim Baldwin, Edna Belcher, Billie Broge, Briana Brooks, Britny Cleveland, Jennifer Dunn, Jennifer Ludford, Paul Soccio, Kathy Stacey, Christal Thomas
Honey Grove: Amy Gaither
Lone Oak: Pat Zeigler
Pickton: Julia Acosta
Quinlan: Stevie Aaron, Laura Duke
Quitman: Julia Syozitaro
Reno: Brittany Enox, Justin Enox, Amber Rhone
Roxton: Marlena Murphy
Sulphur Springs: Karen Boyd, Cassondra Donald, Kathy Froneberger, Jennifer Gleason, Wes Harrington, Carol Hill, Kala Jackson, Amy Morris, Staci Osornio, Misty Pyron, Amy Ridner, Jennifer Stinnett, Tyler Usher
Sumner: Lynnsie Lane
Wylie: Karli Scott

LVN Perfect Attendance Award winners

LVN Clinical Excellence Award winners

LVN Award winners

Detectives and personnel from the Paris Police Department survey the crime scene of an early morning homicide and attempted robbery on Friday close to intersection of Southwest 19th Street and West Austin Street. (Photo by Josh Allen – eParis Extra!)

A 28-year-old Paris man was shot and killed around 4:30 a.m. Frisday in west Paris.

Police chief Bob Hundley said police officers responding to a report of gunshots arrived to find the body of Roland Dekeith Williams off the 1800 block of West Austin Street, near southwest 19^th Street.

Williams’ address was listed as 1421 W. Cherry. According to state driver’s license records, Williams previously lived at 951 Van Zandt St.

Several witnesses came forward with information involving the incident.

“Officers have learned that three suspects wearing some type of facial covering had entered a residence which faces 19th Southwest, in an apparent robbery attempt,” Hundley said.

According to police, the location where his body was found was originally identified incorrectly as the 1800 block of W. Kaufman. The location was actually a block farther to the south — off the 1800 block of W. Austin.

“The body has been taken to the metroplex area for examination as to cause of death,” stated Hundley. “Investigation is continuing and there is no other information available at this time.  If there is update in the case, information will be released Saturday morning.”

Check back with the Extra! on Saturday for updates on the case.

Have you heard this one before? A young high school girl is found murdered in a logging community in the Pacific Northwest, and an eccentric FBI agent is sent in to uncover the mystery of the murder and while involving himself with the town’s odd inhabitants. There are two things that would call this premise familiar: David Lynch’s 1990 serial drama Twin Peaks and Suehiro Hidetaka (also known as SWERY)’s 2010 video game Deadly Premonition.

Deadly Premonition, developed by Access Games, stars FBI special agent Francis York Morgan, a strange man with a penchant for smoking and coffee. His peculiar investigative methods involve receiving psychic advice from his coffee and conversing with his imaginary friend Zach. He is not your average video game character. That same sentiment can be applied to most of Deadly Premonition’s bizarre cast. Despite finding superficial root in Twin Peaks, the writing in Deadly Premonition is exceptionally unique and is what makes Deadly Premonition stand out as a diamond in the rough. The praise certainly isn’t a result of the game’s actual gameplay.

Deadly Premonition has built up quite a reputation. The game holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Critically Polarizing Survival Horror game.” Upon its initial release in North America on the Xbox 360, it garnered review scores from a low 2 out of 10, to a perfect 10 out of 10. Some critics were too put off by the game’s dated graphics and, at times, frustrating gameplay and controls. Others found extreme value in the game’s writing, with its crazy characters and intriguing plot. Such disparate reviews cultivated a cult following for the game, similar to those of the B-movies that Agent York spouts to Zach about during his long drives in-game. Unfortunately, Playstation 3 gamers were left out in the cold when it came to experiencing the madness that was Deadly Premonition. Desperate gamers could import the Japanese PS3 release, but that was hardly a convenient option, especially for those that could not read Japanese.

Fast forward to 2013. Thanks to the publishing efforts of Rising Star Games, the game is now available for the Playstation 3 as an exclusive “Director’s Cut.” American and European Playstation 3 owners can now visit the fictional town of Greenvale in a “remastered” Deadly Premonition. The Director’s Cut aims to provide improved visuals, a modernized control scheme, and brand new content not found in the original Xbox 360 release. But does this version actually meet these goals? Is this the “definitive version” of Deadly Premonition?

Graphics and Audio

The game certainly looks better in most aspects. The town of Greenvale is much more colorful than it used to be. The original game had an almost persistent muddy purple and green filter, which gave the town an oppressive atmosphere (which seems more appropriate for certain moments of the game). The environments in the Director’s Cut are much more vibrant. Greenvale looks like a more pleasant place.

Many models and textures have been overhauled to provide a greater level of detail. As an example, the trees are so detailed compared to the original release that they often get in the way of the camera when they didn’t before.

Speaking of the camera, the field of view is much larger in the Director’s Cut. The camera is pulled further back from the player character, showing much more of the game’s environment.

Despite the graphical improvements over the original release, the game still falls in the lowest end of graphical fidelity for a high definition game. The game still looks like it fell out of the Playstation 2 era. Environments, while big and open, still feel flat and empty. Tomb Raider or Bioshock Infinite this is not. Despite that, the character models of the main characters are actually quite good, and their facial expressions during key moments of the story are very effective. However, coupled with often stilted, canned animations outside of cutscenes, it’s rather inconsistent.

Unfortunately, while the game does look better than its original counterpart, it clearly does not run better. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The Director’s Cut contains performance issues that the original Xbox 360 release did not. On average, the Director’s Cut runs at a much lower framerate than the original. This means that movement is slower, choppier, and the controls are less responsive. This likely comes as a result of the more detailed graphics and the larger field of view due to the pulled back camera. It doesn’t help that the game’s engine, the framework on which the game was built, seems to be poorly optimized for the Playstation 3, which is a shame considering its exclusivity to that platform.

The audio is better in some ways, lesser in others. The incredibly catchy tunes from the original game remain intact, and for the most part, better mixed. In the old version, the music would sometimes drown out the character’s voices, often to comical effect. This seems to have been fixed in the Director’s Cut, which is greatly appreciated. However, some cutscenes have an odd “echo” effect applied to the voices. It’s virtually unnoticeable to newcomers of the game, but it’s still an odd stand out from the original. At other times, the audio will stutter for a split second, and then continue just fine. These issues were present in the original Japanese PS3 version, so it seems to stem from issues with the game’s engine.

Gameplay

Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut still maintains the open world gameplay of the original. The town of Greenvale is open to explore at your leisure. You’ll probably spend most of your time doing the main story missions, but if you find yourself straying from the beaten path, you’ll open yourself to greater rewards. The many townsfolk of Greenvale will have errands and side quests for you to accomplish, providing essential items and weapons in return. However, the greatest reward of doing these optional missions is the writing. Each character has a unique story to tell, and many of them end up heavily related to the main narrative.  It’s a shame that these stories are optional, as most players will probably forgo these quests, missing out on some vital backstory or item that would greatly improve the main gameplay experience.

A major complaint against the original game was the convoluted map system. Greenvale is a big town, but the in-game map only zooms out so far. This makes navigation a problem. There is no in-game GPS system to tell you how to get to your mission objective. Instead, a simple waypoint is placed on your screen and you’re encouraged to just head in that general direction until you’re there. Using the map only further complicates things because its orientation changes depending on which direction you’re facing. North is not always at the top of the map. Sometimes it’ll be on the left side, sometimes on the right or bottom. It is peculiar that this issue was not fixed in the Director’s Cut. Then again, Deadly Premonition is a peculiar game.

When you’re not exploring Greenvale, you’ll find yourself in combat scenarios with supernatural monsters (it is a “horror” game, afterall). These shooting sections probably provide the bulk of the main game, and they don’t do the game any favors. The combat is probably the number one complaint about the original game, and the developers tried to alleviate the complaints in a number of ways.  The game now features more standard shooting controls. It’s now your standard right stick to aim, right trigger to shoot shooter controls. While this is a vast improvement upon the game’s original Resident Evil 4-style layout, the experience still leaves a lot to be desired. The aiming still feels sluggish and off, but due to the reduced difficulty of the game, it doesn’t require much skill to gun down your foes.  In the end, these combat sections simply serve as a necessary bridge between story points, and you’ll want to get through them just to get to next crazy scene. The game also eschews the tank controls of the original, making it easier to navigate through the environments. So it’s possible to just ignore enemies altogether and run right past them.

There’s also a sleep and hunger mechanic in the game, but it barely plays a role in the long run. The game employs multiple “useless” mechanics like that, but it adds to its uniqueness and unusual nature. York can grow a beard or shave at various points, but his beard has no relevance to the narrative or gameplay. The same goes for the tendency of York’s clothes to become dirty. Once his clothes become dirty, flies will begin to encircle him. The dirtier you become, the more flies you accumulate. The flies will continue to follow York, even in cutscenes to a comedic effect. Yet, other than the small dock in agent salary, this mechanic serves no purpose other than to be just weird. It fits right in with everything else in Deadly Premonition, all things considered.

Story

This is what makes the game. This is why you turn a blind eye to the numerous faults in gameplay. It’s the story: the murder mystery in Greenvale. Who killed Anna Graham? Was it Diane, the promiscuous owner of the art gallery? Or was it Nick, the unsociable but brilliant chef of the diner? Maybe it was both. They do meet suspiciously at the bar every night, according to Nick’s wife, Olivia. Harry, the eccentric wheelchair-bound billionaire that insists on wearing a gas mask everywhere he goes, his rhyming assistant Michael always in tow, seem awfully suspicious as well. And what exactly is in crazy Sigourney’s pot?

You’ll meet all sorts of interesting characters in Deadly Premonition and delve into their rich backstory while discovering unsettling relationships between them. Even when the game isn’t feeding story to you through its cutscenes, you can still choose to follow characters through their daily routines, observing their interactions with other townsfolk, or even peeping into their houses to spy on them. Again, it’s Twin Peaks in interactive form. While seeming like a Twin Peaks rip-off at first, Deadly Premonition quickly strays into a vastly different direction in the most unexpected ways. This stems from the fact that this is a story set in a traditional America setting written by Japanese game designer SWERY. The cultural dissonance there results in one of the most bizarre, yet unbelievably engrossing stories in a video game. And SWERY did his research. You’ll find photographs of his American expeditions once you beat the game. (Though the reason why the turkey sandwich in the game is purple is still a mystery.)

If you reach the end of this game, you will likely end up caring about these characters, invested in their plight. You will want to see York’s case to the end, you will want to know what’s up with his invisible friend Zach, and you will want to know what’s next in store for this dynamic duo. The Director’s Cut adds in various never-before-seen story events interspersed throughout the game that expand upon the lore of Deadly Premonition, and even hints at a potential sequel.

Conclusion

For fans of the original Deadly Premonition, the Director’s Cut is a definite must-play. The changes to the game make for a different experience, if not better. Newcomers should be a bit more cautious. Despite the various improvements, the game still retains the gameplay quirkiness of the original. It’s definitely not a game for everybody. But if you’re willing to forgive the tedious combat and the dated graphics, you will find one of the richest narrative experiences that a video game can provide.

I give Deadly Premonition: The Director’s Cut a score of 3 out of 5. 

— Alfredo Dizon, eParis Extra!

Alfredo, born and raised in Paris, is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas with degrees in English and Japanese. He immerses himself in various facets of “geek culture.” From technology to video games, Alfredo seeks to explore and expose these growing industries to a greater audience.

Paris locals Chris Mead (front, left) and Tyler Merriman (back, right) are recording their debut album with Austin-based band The Antiques, and they are asking for your help.

Antiques bassist Sven Sorhus, guitarist Alex Woodbury, and singer Tyler Merriman met at the Texas State University music school in San Marcos. They formed the band in the summer of 2010 with drummer Zach Samuel.

They released their debut EP ‘Fire, Fire’ in the winter of 2012.  Soon after, Zach left the band, leaving the remaining members to write songs and search for a new drummer.

After playing shows with a few stand-ins, Tyler reached out to Chris Mead, who was soon to finish his degree in Music Education at A&M Commerce.

“Chris and I stayed in close contact while we were in college, always hoping for the opportunity to play together again,” stated lead singer and guitarist, Tyler Merriman.

Fans of the Paris music scene may remember Chris and Tyler’s band Artless from their high school days.

Chris accepted the invitation to join the band and moved down to Austin last summer to live with the rest of the guys. Since then they have been out cutting their teeth on weekly shows and writing a lot at home.

“Having Chris so close has resulted in overflowing creativity.” Merriman continued.  ”We constantly jam and develop our songs and we’re closely tuned in to each other.”

“We’re taking the Kickstarter route to help fund the album because we want it to be a quality production. Recording and mixing sessions in a professional studio are costly. Then there’s mastering, artwork, CD manufacturing, and distribution. I think it’s amazing that the internet allows us to collaborate directly with our fans and friends to create our music. Instead of being taken by a record label, we can retain our artistic integrity with the help of the people who want to hear it!”

Tyler and Chris have fond memories of getting their musical start in Paris.

“Our friends and fans were always there for us in Paris. They made us feel like, ‘Hey, maybe we could actually do this for a living’,” stated drummer, Chris Mead, about his hometown.

“Chris and I were fortunate to grow up in Paris with a sense of community. The whole town has always supported what we do as musicians, and we need them now more than ever,” Merriman stated in closing.  ”We know this record will be a big step up for us and will give us a bigger name. We have a lot to prove with our first full-length, and we’re hungry for it.”

The Paris locals, who are now making their stand in Austin, could use our help here in Paris more than ever.  Let’s give it to them.  Visit their ‘Kickstarter’ page and see if what you can do to lend a hand.  The band is offering a lot of really cool incentives for your consideration.  Click here to help!

Visit the Antiques’s website and check out their music by clicking here.

– Antiques Music

www.antiquesmusic.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/antiquesmusic

Kelvin Wayne Baker, 49, Failure to Display DL

Jeff Joe Dunken, 34, Failure to Appear (Non-Traffic), Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Driving w/ License Invalid

Johnny Eugene Ray, 22, Forgery Government/National Document

Colbey Hunter Rhodes, 19, Burglary of Habitation, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Failure to Display DL

Jordan Jeanise Young, 19, Public Intoxication

They served grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and chicken meals in appreciation of all staffs’ hard work.  This took place on the North and South campus locations and on both day and evening shifts.

Megan Audreay Weissenmayer

A memorial service has been scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2013 at 3:00 P.M. at North Lamar High School Gymnasium.  No formal visitation has been scheduled.

Megan Audrey Weissenmayer was born on August 2^nd, 1996 and was called home by her Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 15^th, 2013.  She is survived by her mother Denise, father Karl, sister Ariana, brother Jacob, and sister Paige along with her grandmother Betty Pratt, her aunt Brenda and uncle Jeremy Storey, cousins Kaila and Cheyenne Brewster and uncle Jim Brewster, her aunt Debbie and uncle Ryan Turner, cousins Ryan and Julie Turner, Jason and Randi Turner, and Jessica Turner, her aunt Kathy and uncle George Roberts.  Her adopted family aunt Rena and uncle Mitch Clark, cousins Lauren Patterson and James Clark, and aunt Rhonda Reed, nana Betty McDaniel, cousins Chris and Stephanie Mounce, her aunt Cindy and uncle Chad Robinson, cousins Bodee, Melodee, and Brogan Robinson, and beloved boyfriend Matt Hall and beloved best friends Cheslee Oliver and Taylor Howard as well as many other aunts, uncles, and cousins,  and the North Lamar Danceline/Band and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Karl and Audrey Weissenmayer, Paul Pratt, and grandmere Jewel Reed.

Megan was a junior at North Lamar High School.  She was an officer on Danceline and active with the band.  She was involved in soccer, a member of Beta, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Crime Stoppers. She was an active member in the Lamar Point Baptist Church youth.

She will be remembered for her smile and for her love of Christ.  Even in death Megan generously gave to other by being an organ donor.

Online condolences may be sent to the Weissenmayer family at www.fry-gibbs.com.

Mr. Russell Allen Gifford, 80, of Paris, went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, at his home on Thursday, May 16, 2013. He was a loving and devoted husband of 62 years and a wonderful, caring, and helpful father to his children and grand-children. As his eldest son stated “he was always a hero in my eyes”. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife and children, for which they are so grateful to have such a legacy from such a sweet man.

He was born on March 15, 1933, in the Shady Grove Community, a son of Vollie Allen and Nina Low Gifford. On February 20, 1951 he married Mary I. Senn in Texarkana, Arkansas. In 1950 he started his first business in New Boston and in 1955 he relocated to Paris and started Gifford’s Hardware. He was in the Jaycee’s, Lions Club, and a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alvin and Melvin Gifford, great-grandson Stoney Lee Adams and a great-great-grandson Blaine Booth.

Mr. Gifford is survived by his wife Mary I. Gifford; children Allen Gifford and wife Bobbi, Kenny Gifford and wife Debra, Vicki Adams and husband Harold, and Greg Gifford of the home; grandchildren Jeffrey Gifford, Lori Gifford, Marti Gifford Chumbley, Bryan Gifford, Kenda Gifford Fortner, Brad Gifford, Kevin Gifford, Jenna Gifford, Amy Adams Helms and Steven Adams; 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters Nina Jo Gantt and Glenna Gooding and husband Fred; sister-in-law Mary Gifford, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Betty Garton, sister-in-law Joyce McDonald, sister-in-law Pat Nelson; a host of nieces and nephews, and many, many friends; special care givers Marlynn Barnes and Shelia Icenhower; nurses Linda, Amber, and Pam from Premier Hospice Care.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 18, 2013 in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Fortenberry and Rev. Ken Cannon officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Deport with Greg Gifford in honor of his father, Steven Adams, Bryan Gifford, Brad Gifford, Jeffrey Gifford, and Kevin Gifford serving as pallbearers. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to service in the chapel. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.

Detectives and personnel from the Paris Police Department survey the crime scene of an early morning homicide and attempted robbery on Friday close to intersection of Southwest 19th Street and West Austin Street. (Photo by Josh Allen – eParis Extra!)

Someone was shot and killed around 4:30 a.m. Friday in west Paris, near the intersection of Southwest 19^th Street and West Austin Street.

Police chief Bob Hundley said police officers responding to a report of gunshots arrived to find a body in an area off of the 1800 block of West Austin, just south of the 200 block of Southwest 19^th Street.

“The victim appeared to have several gunshot wounds,” Hundley said.

“Officers have learned that three suspects wearing some type of facial covering had entered a residence which faces 19^th Southwest, in an apparent robbery attempt,” Hundley added.

At mid-morning, the name of the shooting victim had not been released, pending notification of next of kin, the police chief said.

More information will become available as the investigation continues.

An individual was found shot to death early today near Southwest 19th St. and West Kaufman Street, shown by the “X” in the map.

Hank Betke

“I was shocked,” said Hank Betke, executive director of the Red River Region Business Incubator. “This came out of the blue.”

The issue came up this week at a PEDC board meeting when its newest member, Rebecca Clifford, asked whether a 4A corporation like PEDC could legally provide money for R3bi.

State law allows counties to collect sales tax for economic development. There are two types: 4A, which is limited to funding manufacturing and industry; 4B, which can also provide funds for community development and retail endeavors.

“I think we could do it if we were a 4B corporation, but not as a 4A corporation,” Clifford said at Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’m not against small business. I believe in small business, and I realize that small businesses are the backbone of a community, and I’m not opposed to that.”

PEDC board member Bruce Carr suggested asking the Texas attorney general for an opinion on the matter, although that can take several months.

Paris EDC has provided the majority of the incubator’s funding for the last couple of years. This year’s budget includes about $95,000 for R3bi. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes about $90,000.

“We appreciate input from everyone,” Betke said. “I’d love for any board member who has questions to come and see for themselves what we’re doing here.”

Betke said he feels sure the legality issue will resolve itself.

“We’ve done a lot of good things for the community,” he said. “We’ll put our track record for successful job creation against anyone’s.”

The PEDC board has another budget workshop scheduled for 1 p.m. June 11. PEDC Director Steve Gilbert plans to research and put together a report to answer the board members’ concerns.