Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Now Back in Custody
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities arrested Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Perci Newman on June 4 and Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Louis Keeton on June 6. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either arrest.
Perci Jerome Newman, 31, was taken into custody in Midlothian, Texas, by members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, including DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents. The Midlothian Police Department assisted in the multi-agency investigation.
Newman’s criminal history includes arrests for aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while intoxicated and tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. Newman had been wanted out of Dallas County since October 2023 for aggravated sexual assault of a child. More information on Newman’s capture can be found here.
Louis Ray Keeton, 40, a high-risk sex offender affiliated with the Bloods gang, was taken into custody in Beaumont, Texas, by DPS Special Agents assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center in Houston. DPS Special Agents coordinated with members of the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force in Beaumont to locate and arrest Keeton.
In 2018, Keeton was convicted of sexual assault following an incident with a 19-year-old female and sentenced to five years confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison. Keeton had been wanted out of Harris County since December 2023 for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. More information on Keeton’s arrest can be found here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. In 2024, DPS and other agencies have arrested 21 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 8 sex offenders, 9 gang members, and 2 criminal illegal immigrants.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous—regardless of how they are submitted—and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS Special Agents work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists—with photos— on the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous
History Made June 15th, 2024 As Coryn Young Crowned as the First African American Dairy Festival Queen
June 16, 2024 – The hugely successful 2024 Dairy Festival came to an awesome conclusion Saturday night, June 15, 2024, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Auditorium when, after fierce competition from nine very talented contestants, Coryn Young was crowned as the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen. Coryn Young made history as being the first African American to earn the crown. Coryn Young is the daughter of Shandis and Cory Young, and will be attending Sulphur Springs High School in the Fall as a Senior. The theme for this year’s Dairy Festival, which celebrates and acknowledges the rich heritage of the dairy industry, was “Night at the Moo-Seum.” The theme and the spirit was carried out throughout the Festival from the hot air balloons, the parade with all of it’s wonderful floats, the Jr. Dairy Show, Milking Contest, Ice Cream Freeze Off, and Carnival finally concluding with the 63rd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant!
The Dairy Festival Pageant began with the Posting of the Colors by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron SWR-TX450. A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Brad Cummings followed, and then Carolyn McKinney took to the mic to welcome everyone and to introduce the evening’s Emcee, Israel Lewis. Lewis then approached and began his excellent Master of Ceremonies duties of the night, starting with introduction of the 2024 Dairy Festival Queen Contestants. Each contestant took to the stage, which was impressively decorated as a museum to carry on the theme, “Night at the Moo-Seum,” as Israel Lewis shared some details about each young lady. Next, the 2023 Dairy Festival Queen, Caroline Prickette, daughter of John and Gena Prickette, was introduced and she took to the stage. Caroline Prickette then helped out as Israel Lewis introduced the “Moo-Seum Minis.” The young kids took the stage and strutted their stuff, waving and smiling. Caroline Prickette handed each kid a trophy, and then Lewis announced the winners of the “Moo-Seum Minis” floats. Earning Second place recognition were Ellis Chenault, son of Eric and Cecily Chenault, and Harper Adams, daughter of Neal and Courtney Adams. Their parade float won them $50 and a plaque. And, the first place winners were Payton Fatland, son of Cameron and Ashten Fatland, and Jaxson Roan, son of Cole and Jacy Roan. Their parade float won them $100 and a plaque.
Israel Lewis then introduced the Judges of the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen competition as the 2024 contestants prepared to show off their talents in the Talent Competition. The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestant Competition Judges consisted of Missy Lyda, Denita Young, Terry McGonigal, Jeff Cochran, and Ana Lemons. And standing in as Auditor was Emily Glass. Next, each Queen Contestant took to the stage to show off the best of their talents. The competition was impressive. You could tell each young woman was giving it all their best, and it showed. Each example of talent was inspiring. There was no doubt that each contestant had worked hard and prepared for this moment, giving it all of their best efforts. The examples of great talent ranged from dancing to singing, from artistic speech pieces to archery, piano playing to comedy. The judges had quite the challenge in front of them. Once the Talent Competition was concluded, the night’s activities took a break as the Pageant went into a brief intermission.
The evening’s pageantries then continued with special entertainment. 2023 Queen Caroline Prickette showed off her great talent by performing a song for the audience. Caroline also had a chat with the night’s emcee Israel Lewis where she discussed her future plans. Next, the 2024 Dairy Fest Queen Contestants were escorted on stage by their fathers. One by one they walked on stage dressed in beautiful gowns for the Evening Gown Competition. Each contestant stepped up to the mic and shared a personal thought, or philosophy. A brief expression of advise and their opinion of what Hopkins County and it’s spirit means to them.. Each of the young women took a spot on stage and waited patiently. As the judges then tallied up their scores Judge Brad Cummings and his son took to the stage and performed a lively number entertaining the audience and the 2024 Queen Contestants. Once the two were finished Israel Lewis checked with Emily Glass to see if the Judges were ready to reveal the night’s winners, but they were not. So, Brad Cummings performed a couple more numbers.
The moment everyone had been waiting for all evening had finally arrived. The revealing of the winners. First, Ticket Sales Awards were rewarded. Second Place in Ticket Sales went to Zoe Reed, Daughter of Coby and Chelsey Reed, and Jennifer Smith Reed. Zoe sold $1,440.00 in tickets. First Place in Ticket Sales went to Alaina Johnson, Daughter of Matt and Karla Johnson. Alaina sold $1,510.00 worth of tickets. Each of these contestants were rewarded cash prizes. The next Award presented was the Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award. The 2024 Contestant to win this Award was Coryn Young, Daughter of Shandis and Cory Young. Coryn won a plaque for this Award. Next, the winner of the 2024 Talent Award was announced. Coryn Young’s dance routine to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” earned her this Award, which rewarded her a $500.00 Scholarship. The announcement of the winners of the top four Awards came next. The Third Runner Up for Queen was Awarded to Aspen Mayhew, Daughter of Jeremy and Nicole Mayhew. The Award rewarded Aspen a $500 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Second Runner Up honor went to Alaina Johnson, Daughter of Matt and Karla Johnson. Alaina won a $750 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Award for First Runner Up to the Queen went to Contestant Sedona McCollom, Daughter of Amy Chandler. Sedona won a $1,000 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. Everyone was on the edge of their seat as Israel Lewis began to announce that the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen was… Coryn Young! … Coryn was rewarded a $1,250.00 Scholarship, and a Silver Tray. This huge win brought the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival to a climatic close. The entire Festival was one for the History books.
Save the Date! The 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is currently scheduled to take place June 13th, 2025 through June 21st, 2025. A video presentation of the 63rd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant, “Night at the Moo-Seum” will be available to see on Cable Channel 18, and KSST’s YouTube Channel, within the next few days. Be sure to check it out once it goes live!
Paris District Road Report for Week of June 17, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 17, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Click It or Ticket
“Click It or Ticket” is a TxDOT campaign urging Texans to buckle up. Currently 90.38 percent of Texans buckle up. However, in 2022, the number of people who died while not wearing a seat belt increased by 2.5 percent over 2021, with 1,258 unbuckled drivers and passengers killed on Texas roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates since its inception 21 years ago, “Click It or Ticket” has saved 7,399 lives, prevented more than 129,000 serious injuries and saved Texas more than $28.5 billion in related economic costs.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45 percent for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60 percent. Your seat belt is designed to keep you from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield—or even onto the road. An airbag can be a big lifesaver. But without a seat belt, it can be ineffective and even dangerous. In a crash, a seat belt ensures you’re not thrown into a fast-opening airbag—a force that could injure or kill you. You may think your airbag is going to protect you, but it’s designed to work with seat belts, not to replace them.
In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than eight years must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than four feet nine inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access Eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
Watch for lane closures on eastbound and westbound Spur 503 while crews build temporary detour pavement sections.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform base repairs, milling, and a pavement overlay.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform the final punch list work on this project to overlay the roadways within the Park. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from SH 11 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning June 24 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at the Sandy Creek bridge will be closed to thru traffic beginning June 17 as the contractor replaces the existing bridge. Message boards will be placed in advance of the road closures to alert local traffic of the upcoming closure. During the detour traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of June 24, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform tree trimming operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor is working on placing HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes; this operation will continue for the next several days. Contractor has placed temporary striping. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35 The contractor was placing and repairing pavement due to potholes and base failures on FM 2642. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing seal coat.
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Learn What the Plant of the Month is for June 2024 on This Episode of A Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. The two discuss “the plant of the month,” and some other interesting topics. You really should check it out. Enjoy!
Hope and John Mark Discuss New Titles at the Library on this Second Cup of Coffee
When Sulphur Springs Public Library Director Hope Cain sat down with John Mark last on A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, the two discussed new books at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. They also talked about some upcoming titles. Give it a view and see what’s new at your Sulphur Springs Public Library.
Dinner Bell for June 19th, 2024
The Lions Club was organized in Sulphur Springs in 1937. Since early 2000 it has sponsored the FAMOUS CHRISTMAS PARADE of LIGHTS, the seventeenth one on December 1, 2023. It is part of an international service club known for fighting blindness. Locally the club provides vision screening and corrective glasses (if needed) for those students financially unable to cover those costs.
The Lions Club has been a Community Partner a number of years. One year it was a Partner and returned at a later date to facilitate the preparation of the boxes given to those in need of a meal.
Other services from the club include making beds for Beds of Hope for those in the foster care program; helping Can Help with the Back to School Fair; participating in the Texas Ramp Project; and sending Special Needs students to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas.
The Dinner Bell ministry is honored the Lions Club of Sulphur Springs helps feed those who need a meal in addition to its other worthy endeavors.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken Thighs in a Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce over Rice
Bacon Infused Green Beans
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Ooey Gooey Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Saharan Dust Making Yearly Visit to Texas Next Week
June 14, 2024 – Computer models suggests that a light plume of Saharan dust may begin to arrive over portions of deep South Texas and the lower coastal bend of Texas next week.
The dust cloud is officially called the Saharan Air Layer. It forms in the late spring or early summer every year due to storms in Africa’s Sahel region bordering the Sahara Desert. And then, it drifts across the Atlantic Ocean into the western hemisphere.
Estimates range from 60 – 200 million tons of Saharan dust being swept into the upper atmosphere each year. The vast majority of that sand falls into the ocean between continents and never reaches land.
The sand particles are rich in iron, and may help reflect heat and radiation back into space. This could reduce ocean water heating, and potentially reduce the severity of frequency of cyclones.
Because Saharan dust includes a type of sand not found in our area, it can trigger your immune system to react with symptoms typical of springtime allergies.
The benefit to this yearly visitors arrival: the dust helps create beautiful sunsets.
The sun’s white light is composed of all the colors of the rainbow. Our skies are normally blue because the gases that make up the atmosphere naturally scatter blue hues (shorter wavelengths) as opposed to the yellow-orange-red hues (longer wavelengths). Sunsets and sunrises take on more yellow and reddish hues because the low-angle sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere before it reaches your eyes. A heavy load of dust in the atmosphere can enhance this effect, leading to longer-lasting, duskier colors that cause vivid sunsets and sunrises.
Managing Pond Weeds by Mario Villarino
June 13, 2024 – Managing pond weeds effectively is crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, especially in agricultural contexts like those overseen by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Effective pond weed management involves a combination of preventive, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods.
Preventive Measures: The first step in pond weed management is prevention. This includes minimizing nutrient runoff into the pond, as excessive nutrients can promote weed growth. Maintaining a buffer zone of native vegetation around the pond can help absorb nutrients before they enter the water. Regular monitoring of the pond is essential to detect and address weed problems early.
Mechanical Control: Mechanical methods involve physically removing the weeds. This can be done manually or with equipment like rakes, cutters, or weed harvesters. While effective for small infestations, mechanical control can be labor-intensive and may not be feasible for large ponds.
Biological Control: Introducing biological controls such as herbivorous fish (e.g., grass carp) can be an effective way to manage certain types of pond weeds. Grass carp feed on many types of submerged vegetation and can significantly reduce weed biomass. However, it is important to consult local regulations and ensure that the introduced species are appropriate for the specific pond environment.
Chemical Control: Herbicides are another option for managing pond weeds. It is critical to use herbicides that are specifically labeled for aquatic use to avoid harming non-target species and causing environmental damage. Applying herbicides requires careful consideration of the type of weed, the extent of the infestation, and the timing of application. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider consulting with a professional.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides resources and expertise to help pond owners develop integrated weed management plans tailored to their specific needs. By combining different management strategies, pond owners can maintain healthy, productive ponds and minimize the negative impacts of invasive and excessive aquatic vegetation. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are key components of a successful pond weed management program. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Wednesday at Meal-A-Day
June 12, 2024 – Meal-A-Day volunteers work to package up lunches on Wednesday morning. This cheerie and positive bunch is looking forward to moving their crew to the new Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Activity Center on 301 Oak Ave.
MAD is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help provide senior citizens with a $2 delivered lunch each weekday, call Director Amanda Dietlin at 903 885 1661.
Adaptive Community Theatre Presents Footloose
A.C.T. (Adaptive Community Theater) through Community Players, Inc is a theater program for youth and adults with a variety of developmental, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. In this program, participants are given opportunities to shine through performing in a stage production, which will include drama, music, and dance. Our theater believes that the future of the performing arts should be accessible to all.
Click here to register fot the production.
Not only can involvement in the arts strongly impact multiple areas of their life, but it can also have an impact on our community. We strive to enrich the lives of our actors with disabilities by encouraging their creative talents when performing, singing, and dancing.
Our production staff and “buddies” will support our actors in specific areas, such as learning lines, learning stage cues, prompting during performances, facilitating small group activities, and other support as specified on an individual basis.
Our program is open to ages 16 and up. This program is intended to provide inclusion in an activity that sparks creativity, self-confidence, social interaction, and positive self-esteem. Join our warm, inclusive group of actors, singers, and dancers. They will be surrounded by friends, family, and caring professional directors, actors, and other theater members.
In this two-week program, they will work with a team of theater teachers and student aides, following a musical theater format. They will learn through vocal warm-ups, songs, dance, interpretive movements, and theatrical games. And then we will bring it all together at performances that are open to family, friends, and the community. Our purpose is to develop communication, artistic, and leadership skills, and lasting professional and personal friendships.
July 15th – 19th, 22th – 25 9am-12pm
Shows: July 26th & 27th @ 7pm, July 28th @ 2pm
ABOUT FOOTLOOSE
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What he isn’t prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the control over the town’s youth that he cannot command in his own home. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges is of a father longing for the son he lost and of a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard charts and has sold over 17 million copies!) and augmented with dynamic new songs for the stage musical, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
COMMUNITY PLAYERS, INC.
Community Players, Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-run, donor-sustained organization.
Our volunteer and donor support has given Community Players Inc. the opportunity to provide entertainment to Sulphur Springs and the surrounding areas for 40+ years!
In addition to our primary mission of furthering the Arts, we strive to provide opportunities to aspiring actors and actresses, as well as persons interested in the “behind the scenes” workings of theatre.
We also bring opportunity and fun to the children of Sulphur Springs and the surrounding area by offering a Children’s Workshop during the summer season. This has been a very successful endeavor that allows our children the chance to see what happens throughout the production of a play from start to finish, as well as give them the opportunity to perform or control the backstage elements of a performance.
