New Appraisals and How to File an Online Protest
May 14, 2024 – Most everyone in Hopkins County has received their 2024 property appraisal from the Hopkins County Appraisal District, and most everyone in Hopkins County has seen the value of their property go up. Higher valuations mean higher tax burdens, and some taxpayers will wish to file a protest to have their appraisal revisited by staff. Making an Online Protest is now available through the Hopkins County Appraisal District (HCAD) website, but doing so can be cumbersome. The deadline to file a protest in any form is May 31, 2024.
To file an Online Protest you must FIRST search for the property by either name, address, or property ID. Enter your information in the search bar at the top of the HCAD home page. Once you find the correct property continue by clicking on “View Property”. Once on the property page, click on the active link “File Notice of Protest for this Property” located on the right side of the property page. This will take you to the form to file an online protest. Answer the questions on that form including checking the appropriate box(es) in the “Reason for Protest” section. Once completed, you will be prompted to “electronically sign” the form to submit.
Although the deadline to file a protest is May 31, 2024. The Hopkins County Appraisal District staff will be working well up into October evaluating each of the protests. Some corrections to appraisals may be resolved by telephone, but in person hearings will be scheduled as well.
The Hopkins County Appraisal District is located at 109 College St. in Sulphur Springs and can be reached at (903) 885-2173.
Aggravated Robbery Suspects Sought
May 14, 2024 – At approximately 10:30 p.m. on 5-13-2024, an Aggravated Robbery was committed at Super Handy, 1401 College St. Two suspects, who appeared to be black males, entered the store wearing hoodies, masks, and gloves. One of the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store clerk. The store clerk handed over the money and suspects fled the store through the adjoining neighborhood. A K9 unit was utilized, but was unsuccessful in locating suspects.
The incident was captured on video. If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner at 903-885-6438 or you can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1000 dollars for information leading to an arrest.
Green Pond Memorial Day Services to be held May 19th
May 13, 2024 – Green Pond Memorial Day Services to be held Sunday, May 19, 2024. Services are scheduled to begin at 10:30 am. The guest speaker will be B J Tear. A covered dish lunch will be held following the services. The public is invited.
Proper Hay Storage is Crucial for Preserving Hay from Moisture by Mario Villarino
May 13, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides comprehensive guidance on protecting hay from rain to maintain its quality and nutritional value. Proper hay storage is crucial for preserving hay from moisture, as exposure to rain can lead to mold growth, nutrient loss, and decreased palatability. Here’s an in-depth look at strategies recommended by AgriLife Extension:
Covered Storage: Utilizing covered storage facilities is the most effective way to protect hay from rain. Barns, sheds, or hay storage buildings offer excellent protection from moisture. These structures should have proper ventilation to prevent condensation buildup, which can contribute to mold growth.
Tarps and Covers: When covered storage isn’t available, using tarps or plastic covers is essential. Covering hay stacks or bales with waterproof tarps or plastic sheets can shield them from rainwater. Ensure the covers extend beyond the edges of the hay to prevent water infiltration. Proper anchoring of tarps is critical to withstand wind and prevent water pooling.
Elevated Storage: Storing hay off the ground on pallets, wooden rails, or racks can help prevent moisture absorption from the soil. Elevating hay allows for better airflow underneath, reducing the risk of mold growth. Additionally, it prevents hay from sitting in pooled water during heavy rains.
Tarp Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of tarps are necessary to ensure their effectiveness in rain protection. Check for tears, holes, or damage that could compromise waterproofing. Replace or repair damaged tarps promptly to maintain hay quality.
Timely Harvesting: Harvesting hay during periods of dry weather is crucial for minimizing moisture content. Delaying harvest until after rainfall increases the risk of wet hay, which is prone to mold and nutrient loss. Monitor weather forecasts and plan hay harvesting accordingly to avoid rain.
Properly Ventilated Storage: Adequate ventilation in storage facilities is essential for reducing moisture buildup. Proper airflow helps to prevent condensation and mold growth. Ensure vents are unobstructed and consider installing fans to improve air circulation.
Hay Tarping Techniques: When covering hay with tarps, employ proper tarping techniques to maximize rain protection. Overlap tarps sufficiently to prevent water seepage between seams. Use weights or ropes to secure tarps tightly and prevent wind displacement.
Regular Monitoring: Regularly inspect stored hay for signs of moisture or mold growth. Check underneath tarps for any water accumulation or leaks. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage to the hay.
By implementing these strategies, farmers and ranchers can effectively protect their hay from rain and preserve its quality for feeding livestock throughout the year. AgriLife Extension provides valuable resources and expertise to assist producers in implementing best practices for hay preservation. 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].
Not a Fan of School Vouchers? How About a Tax Deduction
Tax Exemption Could Be a Winning School Choice Plan for Texas
May 13, 2024
A new school choice plan by a former state education board member could be a winner when the Texas Legislature considers the hot-button topic next year.
Cynthia Dunbar is proposing the Education Emancipation Act, a tax exemption plan for school choice that she says should unite conservatives because it avoids state appropriations of funds, thus the threat of government regulations tied to such funds.
“This is the first solution that actually allows for school choice with parental rights without regulatory control and strings attached,” said Dunbar. “It’s specifically drafted for Texas… it’s ready to go,” she added.
School choice is a Texas GOP priority but proved a divisive issue within the Republican House majority during the last legislative session.
Legislation backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, which included education savings accounts, failed to pass in the House, leading Abbott to target school choice opponents during the March GOP primary.
Dunbar’s plan addresses concerns of both defenders of the current public education system who claim school choice would “defund” government schools, as well as those who fear the “strings” that could be tied to ESAs or vouchers because those funds flow through government hands.
“We don’t want the government’s money,” Dunbar said Monday.
According to Dunbar, the Education Emancipation Act would allow families to claim an exemption to their school property taxes.
“A tax exemption is not government dollars… it’s your money,” she said, adding that the distinction is “hugely important” for avoiding government intrusions into how parents choose to educate their children.
“Because if it’s not that way, if it ever makes its way into the public coffers and then is appropriated as a voucher or something else into your hands, guess what can come with it? Yes, regulatory control,” she said.
And that is why the other side in this game is rushing to try to make sure that in terms of school choice, we don’t choose a good option and coalesce and get up in front of it and make sure people know that we have a way to do this where they don’t get any regulatory control.
Dunbar’s plan also includes corporate tax exemptions to fund scholarships for students to afford to go to private school or homeschool.
“It’s not a perfect fix in the sense that if you don’t own property, you can’t get an exemption… So it doesn’t hit everyone,” she explained.
She also noted it won’t be a dollar-for-dollar fix. However, it will pull dollars out of local school districts’ coffers for students they’re not educating and help countless families who are fed up with the current government school system but need help affording other options.
“I believe education is the lynchpin issue. If you don’t go after education, you lose everything… When over 90 percent of society is being effectively indoctrinated with our own tax dollars, how do we take over any issue?” she said.
She called the current system a monopoly and said local school districts don’t want to share their control.
“How do you get rid of a monopoly?” she asked. “Competition.”
“We’re not looking to the government to fix all of our problems,” she added.
Burden encouraged delegates to this month’s Republican Party of Texas Convention to approve a resolution in support of the Education Emancipation Act.
“In the 89th session, we’re going to pass school choice. The question is, which form of school choice are we going to pass,” said Burden.
Burden and Dunbar believe Abbott and lawmakers are open to a tax exemption program.
Dunbar also intends to seek support for the Education Emancipation Act at the national level but said she hopes Texas will lead the way.
Retired General McClendon Accused of Sexual Assault of Child Arrested in Sulphur Springs
May 12, 2024 – A routine traffic stop by a Hopkins County Sheriff Deputy produced a person of interest in an ongoing investigation of Sexual Assault of a Minor. Retired Air Force Brigadier General Mike Houston McClendon was found to be named as a person of interest in a sexual assault investigation. McClendon cooperated with authorities during and after the traffic stop by driving to the local sheriff’s office and being questioned by authorities. McClendon was subsequently arrested on a warrant and booked into the Hopkins County Jail on the charge of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Young Child which is a first-degree felony charge. Bail for the highly decorated Brigadier General was set at $100,000.
The following information is from McClendon’s Air Force Biography page: General McClendon is a 1975 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He initially flew the A-7D fighter in Tactical Air Command, and subsequently was part of the initial cadre to introduce the A-10 into U.S. Air Forces in Europe. From USAFE, General McClendon attended the Air Force’s Experimental Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, Calif., and served as Air Force chief A-10 test pilot and Director of Flight Test. He also served as the Deputy Program Manager for a highly classified special program. This was followed by consecutive tours in Air Force research and development and in senior leadership jobs in the F-22 System Program Office, Air Force Materiel Command Headquarters Directorate of Operations, Air Force Research Laboratory and the former AFC2ISR Center. General McClendon is a senior pilot with more than 10,000 hours in more than 35 types of aircraft ranging from helicopters to fighters to transports. As a civilian, he is a captain for a major airline, flying internationally.
Brigadier General Mike H. McClendon is the recipient of several military honors including a Distinquished Service Medal and Legion of Merit award.
McClendon’s Air Force Biography can be viewed here: McClendon Air Force Biography Page.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris District Road Report for week of May 13, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 13, 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: Tips to avoid collisions and what to do when one occurs
Most crashes in Texas result from speeding, failure to yield, driving under the influence of alcohol, following too closely, and running red lights and stop signs.
- Avoid a collision
- Slow down and drive to conditions
- Drive friendly – yield to other drivers and be courteous
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Look both ways before you enter an intersection
- Signal every turn and lane change
- Stop at red lights and stop signs
- Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking
What to do after a crash
- First, check for injuries. If people are hurt, tend to them.
- Next, move your car out of the roadway to a safer place where you can exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle identification numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, insurance information, and driver’s license information.
- Finally, note the location of the crash and get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. If the vehicles cannot be moved, protect the scene by setting up flares or raising your hood.
When to call police
Always call the police when:
- An injury or fatality is involved
- The vehicles cannot be moved
- You suspect one of the drivers is intoxicated
- One of the drivers has no insurance
- One of the drivers leaves the scene
When to move your vehicle
If you are in a collision and no one is hurt, don’t wait for the police before moving your vehicle. If you can drive the vehicle, the law requires you to move it out of the flow of traffic.
If there is damage to the vehicle, stop and exchange information. If someone is hurt, render aid and notify law enforcement. If you hit an unattended vehicle, find the driver or write your name and address on a note explaining what happened. You must also include the owner’s name and address if the vehicle you are driving doesn’t belong to you.
Auto insurance
Texas law requires drivers to have basic liability coverage. If you don’t have auto insurance, you can be fined up to $350, or more if you’ve been ticketed before for no insurance. Be ready to show your insurance card if an officer asks you for it and inform your insurance company of a collision right away.
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 closed shoulders and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
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.
Below is the list of scheduled temporary overnight closures of US 82 mainlanes as well as US 75 frontage roads for the ongoing bridge replacement work at the US 75 and US 82 frontage roads intersection. With there being several activities requiring temporary closures for the safety of the traveling public, the following list details the planned dates as follows:
May 15 – beginning at 7 p.m., the mainlanes for westbound and eastbound US 82 will be closed to thru traffic and re-opened to current configuration by 6 a.m. May 16. Westbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the westbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75). Eastbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the eastbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75).
May 16 – beginning at 7 p.m., the mainlanes for westbound and eastbound US 82 will be closed to thru traffic and re-opened to current configuration by 6 a.m. May 17. Westbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the westbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75). Eastbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the eastbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75).
May 17 – beginning at 7 p.m., the mainlanes for westbound and eastbound US 82 will be closed to thru traffic and re-opened to current configuration by 6 a.m. May 18. Westbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the westbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75). Eastbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the eastbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75).
During these temporary closures, message boards and signs will be installed to aid traffic navigating the area. This operation will allow for the preparation and placement of the bridge deck forms.
May 22 – beginning at 7 p.m., the mainlanes for westbound and eastbound US 82 will be closed to thru traffic and re-opened to current configuration by 6 a.m. May 23. Westbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the westbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75). Eastbound US 82 mainlane traffic will be detoured to the eastbound US 82 frontage road at Exit 642 (US 75).
During these temporary closures, message boards and signs will be installed to aid traffic navigating the area. This operation will allow for the placement of the concrete bridge deck.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. 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. Watch for daytime lane closures on eastbound US 82 between Frisco Road and FM 1417 as workers install a center median concrete barrier.
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 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. 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 902, from FM 901 to US 75. 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 120, from Center Avenue to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. 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.
Fannin County: 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. During the project there will be road closures at the Cottonwood Creek bridge and the Sandy Creek bridge 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.
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.
Recreational Road 3, from FM 273 to CR 2610. 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.
FM 151, at CR 4440. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform ditch cleanout operations. 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 drainage work 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.
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.
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 North Bound lanes; this operation will continue for the next several days. The contractor will then begin mill and overlay work to improve ride condition this week. 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. 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. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations and performing concrete median work and placing signal drill shafts on University Street and signal box controller pads at various locations. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final striping and signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. 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. 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 shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. 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 sugbgrade 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.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has completed placing beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek and has placed concrete railing and installed riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Final clean up. 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 contractor will shift westbound frontage roads to one-way, this will require northbound FM 1570 traffic to turn right and go east on the eastbound frontage road and follow the detour to the U-turn at Monty Stratton to continue northbound on 1570 north of I-30. The underpass at FM 1570 has been closed for TCP and work will soon begin on the new location bridge and removal of the existing bridge. 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: Work has begun converting the frontage roads to a one-way configuration. The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. 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 and finishing up seal coat prep work. Crews will work on FM 1532 performing rebase work and replaced a culvert on US 69. Rains County crews worked on FM 513 and addressed complaints on various roadways. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
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Two SSISD Employees Arrested for Abuse of Student
May 10, 2024 – Press Release From Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
The Sulphur Springs Independent School District Police Department, in collaboration with the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, is actively involved in an investigation. The Sulphur Springs ISD administration and Police Department were alerted to an unlawful restraint incident involving a student. Over the past two days, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Sulphur Springs ISD Police Department have been working tirelessly on this investigation, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, our schools, and our youth.
Based on the investigation, two Sulphur Springs Independent School District Employees were arrested for unlawful restraint. On May 10, 2024, Marcie Stewart and Kristy Williams were both booked into the Hopkins County Jail for unlawful restraint, a state jail felony offense. The Investigation is ongoing, and other arrests are likely. We would like to thank the educators and staff who came forward to report suspicious and concerning acts, which launched this investigation. Their actions directly impacted our ability to protect the youth in our community and schools.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who witnesses suspicious or concerning acts to report them to law enforcement. It takes the entire community to ensure Hopkins County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. For professionals, especially those working with children, we remind you that the State of Texas mandates that you report abused or neglected children. As a professional, if you fail to report such information, it is a crime.
A press release from Dr. Deana Steeber, SSISD Superintendent was also received by KSST News.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Next Meeting May 16th
May 10, 2024 – At the next Monthly meeting of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, Ken Hanushek will be the special guest. Hanushek was born in Cleveland, OH, but raised in Pittsburg, PA. He has a BA in History from Grove City College, PA, a MS in Political Science from Auburn University, AL and a MS in History from Texas A&M, Commerce, TX. Ken is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel. He was on the history faculty of Northeast Texas Community College for 16 years, on the history faculty at PJC, full time, for 7 years and still teaches part-time at PJC Sulphur Springs Tech Center. Ken is married and has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. In addition he is an accompanist for the Northeast Texas Choral Society and the organist at the Presbyterian church in Sulphur Springs, Tx.
Ken’s topic will be “The Relationship Between Sam Houston and Andrew Jackson.” Join the Hopkins County Genealogical Society for a fun and interesting presentation. If you cannot join in person, The Genealogical Society will also be offering the program via Zoom. Below is the information for joining virtually: You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: May 16, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
The meeting will be held in person on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the genealogy library at 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas, at 7:00 p.m. or it is also available via Zoom.
Attempted Theft of High Value Sports Car Results in Arrest of Two Suspects
May 10, 2024 – The investigation continues into the matter of an attempted car theft of a white Porsche from a County Road 4760 residence.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a concerned neighbor shortly before midnight Thursday. The caller reported suspicious activity occurring at the location. Upon arrival, sheriff’s deputies made contact with two individuals attempting to jump start a Porsche at the residence. Both subjects were placed into custody and read a Miranda warning. Neither suspect wanted to speak with deputies. What appeared to be brand-new bolt cutters were found in the suspect’s vehicle, and the lock that secured the front gate appeared to be recently cut to gain entry to the property. The Porsche had been removed from the garage and deputies found the vehicle with the keys in the ignition.
Deputies had been called to the residence earlier in the evening, with a report of a deceased person. As the Porsche was registered to the recently deceased, and neither suspect resided at that residence. Both subjects were placed under arrest. Shannon Nicole Struss aka ‘Nikki Nicole’ age 41, of Flower Mound, and Jeremy Malcom Record, age 53, of Lewisville were transported to the Hopkins County Jail on multiple charges including Burglary of a Habitation, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of a Criminal Instrument.
Bond for Shannon Nicole Struss aka ‘Nikki Nicole’ and Jeremy Malcom Record was set at $55,000 each.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
