Republican Primary Ballot Propositions
February 20, 2024 – Republicans will have 13 ballot propostions to consider during the upcoming March 5th primary election. These ballot propostions are NOT legally binding, but just a way to gauge the consensus of Texas Republicans during this election on a range of topics. The following is a list of the 13 propositions that Republicans can answer on the ballot to give their opinion on topics ranging from taxes, border security, immigration and school vouchers. Early voting is now open by public appearance at 128G Jefferson St., in Sulphur Springs. Election day is Tuesday, March 5th.
2024 Ballot Propositions:
1.) Texas should eliminate all property taxes without increasing Texans’ overall tax burden
Yes
No
2.) Texas should create a Border Protection Unit, and deploy additional state law enforcement and military forces, to seal the border, to use physical force to prevent illegal entry and trafficking, and to deport illegal aliens to Mexico or to their nations of origin.
Yes
No
3.) The Texas Legislature should require the use of E-Verify by all employers in Texas to protect jobs for legal workers by preventing the hiring of illegal aliens.
Yes
No
4.) The Texas Legislature should end all subsidies and public services, including in-state college tuition and enrollment in public schools, for illegal aliens.
Yes
No
5.) Texas urges the United States Congress not to grant any form of amnesty or a pathway to legalization for illegal aliens.
Yes
No
6.) The Texas Legislature should prohibit the deployment of the Texas National Guard to a foreign conflict unless Congress first formally declares war.
Yes
No
7.) The Texas Legislature should establish authority within the Texas State Comptroller’s office to administer access to gold and silver through the Texas Bullion Depository for use as legal tender.
Yes
No
8.) The State of Texas should ensure that Texans are free to give or to withhold consent for any vaccine without coercion.
Yes
No
9.) The Republican Party of Texas should restrict voting in the Republican Primary to only registered Republicans.
Yes
No
10.) The Texas Constitution should be amended to restore authority to the Texas Attorney General to prosecute election crimes.
Yes
No
11.) Texas parents and guardians should have the right to select schools, whether public or private, for their children, and the funding should follow the student.
Yes
No
12.) The Texas Constitution should be amended to require proof of citizenship before any individual can be registered to vote.
Yes
No
13.) Texas should ban the sale of Texas land to citizens, governments, and entities from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Yes
No
Big Changes Going on at CANHelp in Sulphur Springs
February 20, 2024 – If you are like me, you stop by CANHelp in Sulphur Springs at least once a week. It’s part of my routine. I find treasures, and I help people in Hopkins County at the same time. Win-Win.
You have probably noticed some big changes to the CANHelp building this month.
A new building has been added to improve the donation process. It provides the benefit of a drive though, and protects donations from the elements. It will also give CANHelp a better chance to prevent dumping of un-sellable items, and prevent theft of donations.
CANHelp has also added large signs around the donation area, giving details on what items are not accepted.
Dumping of soiled mattresses and other unsellable furniture has been a problem for CANHelp. Disposal of these items takes resources that should be used to help people in the community. Every change has been thoroughly thought out, and each is intended to help the Hopkins County population by making CANHelp more efficient.
What started out as a resource guide of available services in 2000 within Hopkins County, Hopkins County Community Action Network as we were originally known, has transformed into CANHelp — a non-profit organization, based in faith, whose mission is to provide assistance to individuals in the communities of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. CANHelp offers programs and training to those who want to become financially self-sufficient, various food and health items, and other basic needs to those experiencing crises, as well as information and referral services to those who call 2-1-1 Texas. CANHelp also houses a 10,000 square foot thrift store run by dedicated staff and volunteers. Every service CANHelp provides upholds our core values of people, faith, integrity, excellence, and partnerships. CANHelp and our staff are dedicated to their clients and the community. We strive to change lives in our communities and to help guide people toward self-sufficiency.
CANHelp
A&M-Commerce Elevating Music Education with New School of Music Designation
February 19, 2024 – COMMERCE, TX—The Texas A&M University-Commerce Department of Music is elevating its status to become the School of Music, effective September 1, 2024.
Approval to change the department’s designation was granted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in January 2024.
While the music department was first accredited in 1969, A&M-Commerce has offered music courses dating back more than 100 years. In that time, the university has mentored countless music educators and performers across an array of disciplines. With more than 250 total students, the department helps musicians to hone their craft as vocalists, percussionists, pianists, or with brass or woodwind instruments. Additionally, a Guitar Performance program is slated to be offered beginning in Fall 2024.
Dr. Eric Branscome, head of the Department of Music, explained that the School of Music designation is something that has been highly sought after for several years.
“The idea to become a school of music was first presented over a decade ago,” said Branscome, who assumed his role in 2021.
Branscome notes that the latest proposal to become a School of Music began in the last year, going through a slew of approvals at the university level before being submitted to THECB in August 2023. The new designation gives A&M-Commerce a leg up when it comes to recruiting students.
“Holding a designation of a School of Music denotes a higher level of distinction and signifies that we have cultivated a long tradition of excellence in music education,” Branscome said. “While we welcome our performance-minded music students, our strength has always been about teaching and mentoring future music educators, and this new designation is a testament to that.”
Further expected benefits include attracting additional world-class faculty to the university’s music program and increasing the department’s endowed donor base.
The redesignation announcement was first shared with A&M-Commerce music students and alumni during the annual Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio, Texas, in February, as A&M-Commerce hosted a meet and greet for current students and alumni attending the convention.
Branscome says he hopes that music education at A&M-Commerce continues to evolve long after becoming a School of Music.
“We don’t intend for this longstanding goal of ours to be an endpoint, but the starting point of something even greater at A&M-Commerce,” Branscome said. “We have to keep evolving, expanding our curriculum and more to maintain relevance.”
He adds that an inaugural concert to celebrate the official redesignation as the A&M-Commerce School of Music is in the works for Fall 2024, with details to come later this year.
Learn more about Music at A&M-Commerce.
Early Voting Starts Tomorrow For March 5th Primary
February 19, 2024 – Registered voters in Hopkins County can early vote by personal appearance starting on Tuesday February 20, 2024 for the March 5th Primary. Early Voting is being held at 128G Jefferson Street, in Justice of the Peace #2 Courtroom. Hours will be 8am to 5pm. Early voting for this primary ends March 1, 2024.
At this time a sample ballot has not been provided by the Hopkins County Clerk.
Ticket Giveaway: St. James Fish Fry #2
February 2024 – Friday night Fish Fry is back! You can win 2 tickets to the event hosted by the Knights of Columbus at 297 Texas St here in Sulphur Springs, TX. The FREE tickets are for the February 23, 2024 event only.
Dine in or carry out starting a 5:00pm. Beer battered cod available, a short wait may be required.
Menu includes USA catfish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies, beans, fried okra, tea, coffee, desserts and more. Prices start at $12. All you care to eat is $20.
Rules and Information:
The passes must NOT be resold!
Unclaimed passes will be dispersed by KSST.
Employees of KSST/KRVA can’t win.
Winner’s names and picture will be posted on Facebook.
To enter to win, comment on this post in Facebook. Winners will be contacted via Facebook Messenger.
Results of the School Bond Poll
February 19, 2024 – KSST published a poll last week and encouraged residents to voice their opinions on the May 4, 2024 SSISD School Bond election. Click here to find out more about the Bond Election from the official site.
It seems that within this poll:
- Almost all respondents are qualified to vote, have completely read the ‘Bond Fact Sheet’
- Most feel there is a valid need to upgrade existing buildings
- Almost and even split on the idea that SSISD buildings are similar to the buildings they received their education in.
- Most feel that education quality is linked to the passing of the bond.
- Most will be voting for the bond.
Here are the optional (and anonymous) comments provided by respondents. We have not edited them, nor excluded anyone’s feedback. The question on the poll was “If you would like to provide a reason for your voting choice, please use the area below.”
- i WILL VOTE FOR THE BOND BECAUSE I HAVE A GRANDAUGHTER IN SSISD. SSISD HAS A LOT OF ISSUES FROM THE TOP DOWN. THEIR HAS BEEN MISAPPOPRIATIONS OF FUNDS, NOT ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS. PREVIOUS BOARD HAS NOT BEEN FORTHCOMING ABOUT FINANCIAL ISSUES WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
- We have built school buildings periodically, and test scores continue to go down. It appears to me that every time we get a new superintendent, he or she wants to build and/or abandon existing buildings. Maybe they feel that having their name on a cornerstone will make them immortal.
- Please add the option for a 4 day school week.
- Please quit starting Christmas break so late!!!
- Our kids deserve it!
- Because I’m not stupid. OUR CHILDREN NEED THIS!
- I am 100% for the voting YES for this bond! Our students of this community deserve a safe and modern place to learn. It’s time Sulphur Springs puts their focus our the education on our children!
- I care about the future of this town and this is a step in the right direction!!
- I teach at SSISD. Our facilities inhibit the potential out r students have for success. We desperately need upgrades, our students deserve the best.
- Cost of maintenance, continuous loss of instruction time when students are displaced due to facility issues, safety/security issues, etc.
- It’s time to increase safety and security. It’s time for the little kids to have continuity of environment during the elementary school years that provides increased learning capacity and decreases the setbacks that come with switching schools so frequently. It’s time our kids aren’t exposed to mold and vermin and having to go outside the building to get to a bathroom. This new bond proposal really gets our babies where they need to be with facilities equipped for today’s technology.
- THE PEOPLE ARE ALREADY TAXED TOO MUCH. JUST STOP, WE CAN NOT AFFORD ANY MORE!
- its never enough money, you never plan for the future and spend every dime every year
- Although i am for the bond i may still change my mind. Id like more information on locations of the schools, if we will still have a community track, etc. Theres several questions community members have that are unanswered.
- Too many students in a single elementary school. We should have more schools in a growing community – not less. –
- Our kids matter!
- Reading, watching, and hearing of the deterioration of the schools in ss has me more than convinced this bond is not a want but a NEED. VOTE YES!!!!
- There are many needs in SSISD. I feel if we can pass this bond, PreK-5 could bet set, then we could focus on minor needs at Ssms and major needs at high school, then our district would be in great shape!
- Wasteful to tear down existing structures. Concern with so many students at a single elementary school. Dual language program concerns – does not feel like a good community if you have a program within a school. Also – going from five schools to three – what do we do with the two extra principals, counselors, officers, music teachers, PE teachers, etc? I want more staff to educate my children – not less. I have voted yes to all bond proposals so far, but I think this proposal will decrease the quality of our children’s education. More schools for our young children – not less please.
- More efficiency in school operations and safety
- The buildings are very old. They can’t keep up with the technology and safety demands that are required, now. Also, we are wasting millions of dollars to bandage the old building, when those funds would better be spent on increasing the quality of our students education and increasing the pay of our district employees.
- The sulphur springs area needs drastic improvements to its infrastructure especially the school. Students tend to value education if they have a more welcoming environment. If Sulphur Springs does not improve its schools it the future of Sulphur springs will look dead and so will developments. Sulphur Springs has voted the same way for years and is not having enough growth this is particularly bad because there is no increase in population, quality of life, education, and the town has been run by the same people who are extremely traditional and don’t want any change.
- Instead of tearing down and building new facilities and increasing taxes,maybe have a better maintenance program in place to up keep the schools. Many schools in the surrounding areas are older and they aren’t asking for new buildings. If there isn’t a better maintenance program, then what’s do guarantee that in 20 years there won’t be another bond proposal asking for more money and increase taxes to the new buildings. I think there is a lack of maintenance and oversight for upkeep.
- New elementary schools is the biggest need in ssisd at this time
- Our kids and school staff need this
- Our kids education is important. Our district needs the upgrades..
- 2 million not accounted for under previous board. Horrible administration, too heavy and do not support teachers, much less the support staff. Racism prevelant from board and administration. Students are treated differently because of economic-social backgrounds.
- There have been way too many issues with the current facilities. Our kids need this.
- Tell will never vote for any bond all they do is waste taxpayers money.
Trinity Harvest to Host a Praise and Worship Concert April 5, 2024
Trinity Harvest, located at 1150 Shannon Road East, Sulphur Springs, Texas, will host the next Praise and Worship Concert April 5th, 2024. The event will feature Stephen McWhirter. Tickets are $10 each.
Paris District Road Report for Week of February 19, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Feb. 19, 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: Move Over or Slow Down
While millions of Texans commute to work on highways every week, they pass inches away from the worksites for thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders and road maintenance crews. Unfortunately, many of them are killed in crashes every year on the job, which is why TxDOT is calling on Texas drivers to keep roadside workers safe by remembering to “Move Over or Slow Down.”
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to move over—putting a lane between them and roadside workers—or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders and TxDOT vehicles stopped with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.
Changes to the law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, and impose heftier penalties for violations, including fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Stricter penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries by failing to follow these rules now include possible jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.
Every year, law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers and other roadside workers do essential work protecting and maintaining our roads, but some are hit, injured or killed while serving our community. TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. public awareness campaign asks all drivers to respect these workers who are vital to keeping our roads clear and safe.
The Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to:
Be on alert and pay attention when approaching roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights on.
When possible, move out of the lane closest to these vehicles.
Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if safely switching lanes is not possible or the road doesn’t offer multiple lanes.
Reduce speed to 5 mph on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law was first passed in 2003 and applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles. The Texas Legislature has since extended the law’s protections to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
Be Safe. Drive Smart. 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. November 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.
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.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Watch for lane closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews complete the remaining work on the project. All southbound FM 1417 traffic has been moved to the permanent southbound lanes. Travelers are advised that after this traffic switch occurs, 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 121, from FM 3356 to Majors Road. 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 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 signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, in Windom from CR 2970 to CR 2996. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to mill and pave the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic 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 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek has been reopened to through traffic as construction of the new bridge is complete.
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 1553. 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.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
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.
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 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. 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. 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 completed the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. Bridge beams will soon be placed. 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. 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.
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Shoplifting Investigation Reveals Slew of Other Charges
February 17, 2024 – Sulphur Springs Police were dispatched to a local retailer on Broadway Friday afternoon as a suspect was being questioned by asset protection officers at the store. The suspect, Mitchelle Remon Williamson, was being detained for theft of $169.75 worth of merchandise as he had passed the last point of sale without paying for that merchandise. Williamson, age 40, was subsequently searched by SSPD and a firearm was found on his person. The firearm was collected from the Quitman man as evidence of a Misdeamanor Charge of Unlawful Carry of a Firearm. Williamson was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. During the book in process, a further intake search was made and a clear plastic baggie containing what was determined to be methamphetamine was found on his person, as well as 28 cards, debit cards, and ID cards that were not in the subject’s name. The subsequent search earned the shoplifter two additional charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1/1B >=1G<4G, and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information, both of which are felonies.
Suspect Charged with Murder in Another Suspected Fentanyl Death
February 16, 2024 – Tyler Bromley, 26, of Rockwall was booked into the Hopkins County Jail and is being held on $1 million bond for first degree felony murder charge stemming from a recent fentanyl overdose. Bromley is suspected of supplying the drugs laced with fentanyl that caused the death in the overdose. A new Texas law signed September 1, 2023 allows anyone who supplies fentanyl that results in a death to be charged with murder.
