Next Lunch & Learn by the Genealogical Society to be held February 28th
The next Lunch & Learn gathering by the Hopkins County Genealogical Society will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 12Noon to 1:00pm, at the Genealogical Library. Hopkins County Genealogical Society Librarian, Silvina Epperson, will be presenting, “Preserving Articles and Photos.” Members and nonmembers are invited to attend. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive through-meal.
Paris District Road Report for week of February 26, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Feb. 26, 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Teen Click It or Ticket
Too many parents are living their worst fear: losing a child. These parents have lost teenagers in vehicle crashes in which they weren’t wearing their seat belt. Vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers, and TxDOT’s Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is urging teens to buckle up — every seat, every ride.
Seat belts offer the best protection in a crash, but sadly seat belt use remains low among teen drivers and passengers. In 2021, 45% (144 of 318) of teens killed in vehicle crashes were not wearing seat belts.
During February, the Teen Click It or Ticket campaign will be rolled out statewide, seeking to reach Texas teens with its imperative seat belt safety message. The outreach will include TV, radio, digital advertising and social media. Additionally, an interactive element will be introduced as the campaign makes visits to several high school campuses across the state with its “Teen Click It or Ticket” mobile digital vehicle.
Teens will also learn about Texas law which requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts. Unbuckled drivers and passengers — even those in the back seat — can face fines and fees of up to $200.
TxDOT’s “Teen Click It or Ticket” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
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 work and frontage road lane closures within the project.
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.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp for Travis Street (FM 131) will be closed beginning March 4th in order for crews to complete installation of drainage structures.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
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 new frontage road lanes.
Watch for lane closures of the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage roads at the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage roads in Sherman. Traffic will remain in this configuration for five weeks while this phase of construction is performed. For this phase, the lanes for the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be shifted to the outside onto the newly constructed widening and traffic will be routed onto the new US 82 overpasses. Eastbound and westbound frontage roads of US 82 between the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions. This operation will allow for the construction of under pavement drainage structures and constructing one half the width of the permanent pavement. Drivers are advised to be aware of road crews on the highway, expect some delays, and plan their commutes in advance.
Beginning at 8:00 pm on February 26th, the eastbound frontage road will be closed to thru traffic and re-opened to current configuration by 6:00 am February 27th. The westbound frontage road will be closed to thru traffic on February 29th beginning at 8:00 pm and re-opened to the current configuration by 6:00 am on March 1st. During this these short term, temporary closures, traffic will be prohibited from making a thru movement. Motorist traveling east or west will be directed to make a right turn and follow designated detour routing. This operation will allow for the phased construction concrete placement for the permanent pavement.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. All southbound FM 1417 traffic has been moved to the permanent southbound lanes. 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 items.
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 daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. 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.
Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek. Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use County Line Church Road and West Line Road as a detour.
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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. 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 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. 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: 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.
SH 56, in Dodd City from CR 2936 to CR 3210. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to mill and pave the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Westbound US 82, from FM 100 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to mill and pave the roadway. Motorists should expect daytime lane closures through the work zone.
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.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
SH 78, from SH 56 to FM 68. 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.
SH 121, from SH 56 to the Collin County line. Watch for mobile operations as maintenance crews perform sweeping along the roadway.
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.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing tree trimming and removal.
Franklin County: Spur 423, at I-30 North Frontage Road. Watch for four-way stop condition as crews activate traffic signal for seven-day flash period.
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.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
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
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 the 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.
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: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and 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 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. Final striping, signal head placement and sign placement will begin soon. The contractor has finished placing sod at various locations. 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 begun preparing the right of way: placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work is underway. The contractor is currently working on culvert extensions and performing subgrade widening work and base work and placing geogrid at various locations. 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 with embankment and excavation work. 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 have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening, cement treatment, flex base, and geogrid of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. Contractor is currently placing flexbase and scheduling prime coat and temp seed soon. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing. 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 placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue. The Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County project has begun placing steel for bridge deck work. Flex base and asphalt will be placed soon on Shelby. 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 be performing eastbound main lane barrier shift work, placing low profile traffic barrier at FM 1903 and excavation / embankment for detour placement. Excavation work on Gilstrap will begin soon and some work zone striping will be performed east bound near FM 1570. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now open. 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.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County Maintenance will be performing work on FM 3211 and overlaying on FM 3427. Crews also addressed the railroad crossing at FM1565 and fixed drainage on Lee Street. Rains County Maintenance has been working on SH 276 repairing uneven shoulders and will perform some sweeping on US 69 at various locations. Both maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads, and fixing potholes on FM roads and state highways.
#
Financial Incentives Program Aids Forestry Climate Solution Practices
February 22, 2024 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service is awarding $8.25 million through the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative, a financial incentives program to fund non-industrial, private, small-acreage landowners. The five-year project, led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and funded by the USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, will provide financial incentives to agricultural commodities across Texas.
The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative program incentivizes farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon beyond normal practices. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the Texas Climate-Smart initiative aims to maximize this carbon capture potential while simultaneously producing high-quality fiber for the timber industry.
“We are excited for the opportunity to help Texas forest landowners achieve their carbon-focused forestry goals while improving the overall health and vigor of their trees through this financial incentives program,” said Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Staff Forester.
Landowners interested in conducting science-based, carbon-focused forest management practices may apply for funds for one of five categories available through the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative for forestry practices including stand establishment, forest fertilization, herbicide application, prescribed burning and forest thinning.
“Purposeful, prudent and proactive forest management is essential to maintaining the environmental sustainability of our forests while also securing landowners’ generational investments in their forests,” said Moore. “This program is expanding the accessibility of climate-smart practices to many Texans – especially those that are at an “economy of scale” disadvantage in traditional markets.”
For more information on the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative application process, frequently asked questions, newsletter signup and more, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/climatesmart.aspx.
For more information on grants provided by Texas A&M Forest Service and partners, visit https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/fundingconnector/.
###
A&M-Commerce Staff Member Receives Emmy Award for Musical Compositions
February 22, 2024 – COMMERCE, TX—A staff member at Texas A&M University-Commerce was honored with an Emmy Award from the Rocky Mountain Southwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Taylor Mefford, who works as manager of videography in the Office of Marketing and Communications at A&M-Commerce, received the award as part of the production team for “Unresolved,” a true-crime mini-documentary detailing the murder of Adrienne Salinas, a 2013 case that remains unsolved. Mefford composed the original musical score for the series, which aired on KPHO-TV in Phoenix, Arizona
The announcement came at the 46th Annual Rocky Mountain Emmys award ceremony in late 2023.
Mefford, who graduated from A&M-Commerce in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television, spends most of his time behind a camera. However, he picked up music composition as a hobby during his teenage years.
While working for KPHO’s parent company, Meredith Corporation, in 2020, he decided to throw his hat in the ring to compose for the station’s new documentary series.
“I have mixed feelings about the true crime genre, so I wasn’t sure at first if I wanted to compose for this project,” Mefford said. “But the series was very grounded and wanted to present the facts of what happened.”
Mefford originally supplied a nine-track demo for consideration and was brought on to the project almost immediately. While the series was originally scheduled to air in November 2021, it was delayed until June 2022 due to developments in the case through the court system. The program aired after Mefford left KPHO to join the staff at A&M-Commerce.
In total, he composed more than three hours of original music for use across the series’ six episodes, some of which remained unused. Mefford explained that the project pushed him outside of his comfort zone.
“Since composition is mostly just a hobby for me, this series was a step up,” Mefford said. “I’ve taken quite a break from making my own music, but I’ll get back to it.”
The series is available to stream for free at the KPHO website.
Severe Weather Education Class Scheduled for Tuesday, February 27th, 2024
February 22, 2024 – The 2024 spring severe weather season is not too far away, and the National Weather Service and local public safety officials want you to be ready. The National Weather Service (NWS) Office located in Fort Worth will be conducting a free Severe Weather Education class in Hopkins County on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Sulphur Springs City Hall. Officially known as the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training Class, the program will be held in partnership with the City of Sulphur Springs. There is no cost to attend this class, no pre-registration is required, and you do not have to be a resident of Hopkins County to attend.
This class is for established storm spotters and/or anyone who is interested in learning more about severe weather threats in North and Central Texas and how to be prepared. The class will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms. The program will also explore thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms. Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety and how you can report severe weather information to the NWS Fort Worth Office and local public safety officials.
The Hopkins County Severe Weather Education class is part of NWS Fort Worth’s annual severe weather preparedness campaign and is one of several severe weather training programs the NWS Fort Worth Office will conduct around the region between January and March 2024. Other classes across the region can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnmap. The National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather-related services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas. For more information, visit the NWS Fort Worth Office website at https://weather.gov/fortworth, find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth or on Twitter: @NWSFortWorth.
Chamber Connection – February 21st
By Butch Burney
February 22, 2024 – Need glasses for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse? Want a T-shirt and sticker? We know where you can get them.
We have eclipse merchandise at the Chamber of Commerce, including T-shirts, stickers and glasses. With tens of thousands of visitors targeting Hopkins County for April 8, don’t wait until the last minute.
The Chamber has an eclipse website, TotalEclipseSSTx.com, in which you can upload information about events, attractions, lodging, retail shops and restaurants. That will be the information clearinghouse for what is happening in Hopkins County on April 8 and the weekend leading up to that day.
We will be hosting a free concert on Saturday, April 6, downtown, featuring The Paper Dolls, Jason Waldon and the Alibis and Dubb and the Luv Machines. Plus, there will be vendors’ market at The Venue at 219 that weekend.
Check out the website, upload information and get prepared!
Chamber Golf Tournament
For all the linksters out there, the Chamber’s annual golf tournament, which is historically the first Friday in April, has been moved to the first Friday in May due to the eclipse traffic. We will post registration information the middle of next week.
The tournament is limited to 43 teams – 18 in the morning and 25 in the afternoon.
Cocktails and Conversation
Join us for our next Cocktails and Conversation mixer, hosted by the Haus of Sabo at their new studio located at 206 Church St. The mixer will be from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no charge.
Come and enjoy some cocktails and conversation.
Ribbon Cuttings
Pioneer Café will host a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, at their new location on Jefferson Street. Please join us for this event.
Lone Star Community Response will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Feb. 22 at the Chamber office. Everyone is welcome.
Gear Up Supplements will have a ribbon cutting at their location at 101 Bill Bradford Road at noon Friday, Feb. 23. Please join us.
Jade’s Facial and Wax will have a ribbon cutting at noon on Monday, Feb. 26, at 1217 South Broadway St., Suite 1. Please join us.
Texas Rangers Spring Training Games Start Friday
February 22, 2024 – KSST is excited to bring you Texas Ranger Baseball once again this year. Spring Training games will begin broadcasting Friday, February 23.
The Friday game will be played in Surprise Stadium in Arizona in the early afternoon. The Texas Rangers Network require affiliates like KSST to broadcast some games in delay, starting at 8PM central.
Upcoming Games:
- Friday February 23, 8PM (delayed)
- Saturday February 24, 2PM
- Sunday February 25, 2PM
- Friday March 1, 8PM (delayed)
Please remember that pre-season games can be a moving target. We will do our best to get the all the games on the air. Also remember that Sulphur Springs Wildcat and Ladycat games take broadcast priority over Texas Rangers Game broadcasts.
IRS Warns of Email Scams During Tax Season
February 22, 2024 – As the official start of tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing a crucial warning about scams that could potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of dollars.
The latest scam to be aware of involves an email that appears to be from the IRS and features the agency’s logo. This deceptive email talks about the “Third round of economic impact payments,” stating it concerns “an important matter regarding your recent tax return filing.”
The email notes “we have identified certain inconsistencies or missing information” and falsely promises a refund of $976 once the documents requested are submitted. There’s also a button labeled “complete my information”, but it is a trap that the IRS warns against clicking.
“It’s hard to imagine what someone’s going to come up with next as a scam,” Robert Marvin IRS Media Relations Specialist said.
He points out the red flags taxpayers should watch for, such as inconsistencies in the email content. For example, at the very bottom of that email with the IRS logo, there’s the presence of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s, that should be a warning sign.
Marvin emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing emails for “strange versions and spellings of IRS,” and advises being alert to “typos, misspellings, and things that don’t look normal in business correspondence.”
The IRS says there’s a one hard and fast rule to always keep in mind.
“The IRS does not initiate with taxpayers, request for information through email, through text or social media, we just don’t do business that way. When we’re requesting for information we use the US Mail,” said Marvin.
According to the IRS, thieves ramp up efforts to steal your personal information during tax season. Their goal is to file fraudulent tax returns and claim your refund. Before giving any personal information, contact the IRS directly.
Sample Ballots For March 5th Primary
February 20, 2024 – Democrats and Republicans can cast their votes to narrow down their choice of candidates to appear on an upcoming November general election during the March 5th Primary. Republicans will also get to answer some questions on immigration, border security, and property taxes, although the outcomes of those votes are not binding. You can see a copy of each of the March 5th Primary ballots by clicking on the links below:
It’s Time to Vote, AGAIN in Hopkins County
February 20, 2024 – Early voting for the March 5th primary is underway in Hopkins County, not only for local offices, but for state-wide and presidential as well. Registered Republicans will have the larger ballot as they will consider 22 offices and 13 non-binding ballot propostions. On the Democratic side, 13 offices will be considered with zero ballot propostions. Many of the Republican elections will decide who will hold that office in the future as there are no Democratic challegers for the future general election.
State House Representative District 2 primary is being held this election cycle as that seat was just filled for it’s unexpired term which ends a the end of this year. Jill Dutton will be on the ballot as incumbent and again being challenged by Brent Money on the Republican Primary Ballot. Kristen Washington is running unopposed for the same seat on the Democratic Primary Ballot.
Local Offices on Republican Primary Ballot that do not have a Democratic challenger are as follows:
8th Judicial District Judge
Eddie Northcutt
62nd Judicial District Judge
Will Biard
District Attorney, 8th Judicial District
Will Ramsay
County Attorney
Dustanna Hyde Rabe
Sheriff
Johnny Paul “JP” Moseley
Lewis Tatum
County Tax Assessor-Collector
Chasity Campbell
County Commissioner, Precinct 1 (on ballot for voters residing in Precinct 1)
Welsey Miller
Steven Big Smith
Mickey Barker
County Commissioner, Precinct 3 (on ballot for voters residing in Precinct 3)
Travis Thompson
Lance Knotts
William (Bill) Holden
Constable, Precinct 1 (on ballot for voters residing in Precincts 1 & 2)
Dennis L. Findley
Chris Hill
Constable, Precinct 2 (on ballot for voers residing in Precincts 3 & 4)
John Brian Beadle
County Chair
Donnie W. Wisenbaker
