Latest KSST News

4 Killed In 5-Vehicle Crash On State Highway 19 North Sunday

Posted by KSST Contributor on 12:11 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department | Comments Off on 4 Killed In 5-Vehicle Crash On State Highway 19 North Sunday

Nine Others Transported by Ambulance To Hospital For Injuries Sustained In Crash

December 5, 2022 – At least four people are reported to have been killed in a 5-vehicle crash, which shut down State Highway 19 north for more than 3 hours Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Nine others were transported by ambulance to the hospital for treatment of injuries, eight with what were reported as non-incapacitating injuries and one with capacitating injuries, authorities reported Monday morning.

The crash, reported at 5:44 p.m. Sunday 2 miles south of Birthright on SH 19 north, is being investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety Cpl. Arturo Ugalde.

Hopkins County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings, who prior to becoming a judge served a number of years as a sheriff’s deputy, said the fatal 5-vehicle crash was one of, if not the, worst he’s ever seen, taking the lives of four members.

According to DPS reports, preliminary investigation of the fatal crash by Arturo indicates a 2007 Toyota Avalon drive by 69-year-old Rebecca Goodson of Sulphur Springs and a 1998 Toyota Avalon driven by 60-year-old Celestino Reina of Sulphur Springs were traveling had stopped on northbound State Highway 19 north, waiting to turn left onto County Road 4764.Gerald Adams, a 60-year-old Paris man, too was traveling northbound on the shoulder of SH 19 in a 2017 Ford E Series van behind the two stopped cars.

Trooper Ugalde, in the preliminary crash report, noted Adams “failed to control the vehicle’s speed striking vehicle 3,” which was Reina’s vehicle. The 1998 Avalon then went into the southbound lane on SH 19 north, where it struck two southbound vehicles, a 2023 Cadillac Escalade driven by 47-year-old Brian Feiden of Whitehouse and a 2014 Kia Soul driven by 69-year-old Terry Williams of Sulphur Springs.

According to officials, the Kia ended up off the road in a tree line and the Cadillac stopped in the ditch facing the opposite direction of travel, according to one official.

While the impact sent Reina’s vehicle into the southbound lane, Adams’ van continued north, striking the 2007 Avalon driven by Goodson, which had been stopped ahead of Reina’s car, according to the preliminary cash report.

Pronounced dead at the crash site by Judge Cummings were were all four occupants in the 1998 Toyota Avalon: Celestino and Celia Reina, both 60-year-old Sulphur Springs residents; 22-year-old Maria Reina; and a 7-year-old Sulphur Springs boy, according to DPS reports. The youth was identified by Cummings as Dariel Rodriguez, reported to be the son of Maria Reina.

Gerald Adams, driver of the Ford van, was not injured, according to the preliminary crash report information released by Sgt. Gregg Williams, DPS Media Communications/ Safety Education for Texarkana/Mount Pleasant- North Texas Region.

Rebecca Goodson, driver of the 2007 Toyota Avalon, was reported to have sustained non-incapacitating injuries. Her passenger, 72-year-old Joyce Moore of Sulphur Springs, suffered incapacitating injuries, but was reported to be in stable condition, when both were transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, the preliminary DPS report noted.

Five occupants of the Cadillac Escalade were transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs for treatment of non-incapacitating injuries. The driver, Brian Feiden, and three passengers, 51-year-old Elizabeth Feiden of Whitehouse, 23-year-old Randal Adams of Tyler and 17-year-old Cole Fielden of Whitehouse, were all treated then released. The fourth passenger in the Cadillac, 23-year-old Gwenyth Feiden of Tyler was being treated at the hospital, according to information in the preliminary crash report.

Both occupants of the 2014 Kia Soul — the driver, 69-year-old Terry Williams of Sulphur Springs, and passenger, 53-year-old Debbie Dixson-Williams of Tyler — also were reported by DPS to have been transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs for non-incapacitating injuries.

Hopkins County emergency officials remained at the crash site until about 9:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2022.

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.

Wildcat Basketball Goes 2-2 in Mansfield ISD Tourney

Posted by Ross LaBenske on 11:26 am in App, Headlines, News, School News, Sports, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Wildcat Basketball Goes 2-2 in Mansfield ISD Tourney

Coach Brandon Shaver’s team takes Tuesday off in preparation for their second tournament appearance of the 2022-23 season.

Wildcat basketball this weekend heads to Houston for the Stafford Invitational. That tourney runs Thurs-Sat. Dec. 8-10.

Last weekend Sulphur Springs headed to the DFW metroplex for Mansfield ISD’s Spring Creek Barbecue Classic, going 2-2 against stiff competition.

Men’s basketball on Thursday fell in their opener to #12 Frisco Liberty (5A) 57-55 in thrilling fashion. A furious comeback fell short to put the Wildcats in the consolation bracket. They did however recover by dispatching Justin 53-41 to end day one going 1-1.

Friday was more or less the same, as the Wildcats fell in their opener Friday to host Mansfield in another tight game 61-55 to give Coach Shaver’s team one last game in the tourney. Sulphur Springs lastly won their final game against Cedar Ridge 48-44 to wrap up the Spring Creek Barbecue Classic for men’s basketball.

Going 1-1 on two straight days brings the Wildcats’ season record to 8-2, having picked up both of their two losses in Mansfield over the weekend.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 is one of few byes for the Wildcats this season, licking their wounds in preparation for another tough tournament.

Next up for Coach Shaver and his squad they head to Houston for the Stafford Invitational.

That tournament runs Thurs-Sat. Dec. 8-10.

Men’s basketball plays two games on Thursday, Dec. 8:

• vs. Delaney — 11:30 A.M.
• vs. El Campo — 5:30 P.M.

Once those games conclude Thursday, the Friday schedule for Wildcat basketball will be posted shortly thereafter.

KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Consider Motherland Okra In 2023

Posted by KSST Contributor on 6:04 pm in Headlines, Lifestyle, News | Comments Off on Consider Motherland Okra In 2023

By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener

One of the more fun crops to raise is okra. Historically, in our area, Clemson spineless has been the variety to grow or purchase. Its main limitation has been it needs to be picked at a maximum of 4 inches in length. Recent years have seen new varieties such as Jambalaya that produces more pods per stalk. Burgundy that remains edible out to 8 inches, and a Louisiana variety that’s good out to 16 inches.

Well, there’s a variety I’m going to sample in 2023 called the motherland okra. It’s an heirloom variety that supposedly came out of Nigeria in the 1700-1800s and doesn’t look like any okra you’ve ever seen. It’s a very reliable and productive staple there.

My Clemson and burgundy plants in good soil reached heights of 10 feet this year. Fortunately, the plants easily tolerate being bent over to reach the pods in their upper portions. That’s good, because motherland okra plants can reach 15 feet. On top of that, the leaves are edible and grow to elephant ear size! In Africa, the leaves are traditionally made into soup.

For those concerned about trying a new variety, when Clemson seed packs contain hundreds of seeds, relax. Motherland seed packets come with 10 seeds. The quantity will probably rise, and the cost come down ($6 per packet) as its popularity grown in future years. Seeds are hard to find, and Baker Creek Seeds seems to be the only current source.

The okra pod is gigantic compared to Clemson pods. Though limited to the same size 4-inch as many other okra species, the pods are several times the diameter. It’s like taking 4-5 Clemson pods and putting them all in a new single pod. Google motherland okra to see.

Planting conditions are similar to other varieties.

Used for its healing properties and actually prescribed by Doctors in Africa for women who are bearing children to slow the rate of blood loss and induce labor in some cases. The leaf Okra Soup is called Ngumbo/Ngombo in Native Nigeria, or just Gumbo for us who live in America.

Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Dec. 5-9, 2022

Posted by KSST Contributor on 1:09 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Senior Citizen News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Dec. 5-9, 2022

Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of Dec. 5-9, 2022 includes:

• MONDAY, Dec. 5 — Beef Stroganoff, Mixed Vegetables and Garlic Toast
• TUESDAY, Dec. 6 — Sweet & Sour Chicken Over Rice, Egg Rolls and Mixed Vegetables
• WEDNESDAY, Dec. 7 — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
• THURSDAY, Dec. 8 — Ham & Potato Casserole, Broccoli and Pickled Beets
• FRIDAY, Dec. 9 — Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Pinto Beans and a Roll

The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.

At Least 20 Arrested In Hopkins County On Felony Warrants

Posted by KSST Contributor on 6:50 am in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News, Sheriff's Department, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on At Least 20 Arrested In Hopkins County On Felony Warrants

At least 20 people were arrested in Hopkins County on felony warrants over the last 2 weeks, beginning Nov. 21 and ending Dec. 3, 2022, according to local law enforcement reports.

• A traffic stop by Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro at 12:15 p.m. Dec. 3, 2022, on East Loop 301 at Shiloh Road resulted in the passenger being arrested on two warrants, discovered during a records check. After releasing the car, which belonged to him, and some personal property from his pockets to a family member, David Christopher Cross was taken into custody and transported to the county jail. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in at 1:02 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, on two Hopkins County warrants for failure to register a change of address as required as part of sex offender duties. Bond was recommended to be set at $30,000 per charge, Castro alleged in arrest reports.
• Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Brennan Murray and Chris Baumann were made aware a wanted woman was in the station lobby. They contacted Kenssy Liliana Perdomo-Vega at 7:24 p.m. Dec. 3, 2022, with warrant in hand and placed her into custody. on the The deputies too were made aware the woman had removed an ankle monitor she was required to have on. The 22-year-old Natchez, Mississippi woman was booked into the county jail at 8:03 p.m. Dec. 3, 2022, on a new violation of bond condition-removal of electronic tracking device charge unauthorized use of a vehicle charge in addition to the unauthorized use of vehicle warrant, according to arrest reports.
• Luis Antonio Herrera, 52, of Sulphur Springs at 8:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2022, at a South Locus Street residence by Sulphur Springs Police Officer Thad Cook on an assault causing bodily injury to a family member by impeding breathing. He was detained for riding a bicycle with no white light on front and on the wrong side of the road. A records check showed the Wood County warrant. Bond was recommended at $100,000, according to jail reports.
• SSPD Lt. Mark Estes and Sgt. Brandon Mayes located Charla Nicole Tillery on Magnolia Street and took her into custody at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2022, on a burglary of a habitation warrant. Her bond was recommended to be set at $35,000.
• Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Phillip Ryan and Frank Tiemann took Sarah Marie Cordy into custody at 5:15 a.m. Dec. 1, 2022, at Adair County jail in Columbia, Kentucky, and transported her to Hopkins County jail. The 39-year-old woman was booked in at 12:02 p.m. for bond forfeiture on a March 29, 2021, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge. Her bond was preset at $20,000 cash only.
• HCSO Deputy Michael Chang took Vincent Raymond Davis into custody at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 1, 2022, at the Adult Probation Office on five warrants, one each for no driver’s license-third offense, driving while license invalid and possession of drug paraphernalia; and two open container warrants. Fees owed on the misdemeanor charges totaled $2,149.70; bond on the felony sex offender charge was recommended to be set at $100,000, according to arrest reports. Jailer Courtney Steward then served the 55-year-old Sulphur Springs man at the jail at 4:38 p.m. Dec. 1 with a warrant for failure to comply with sex offender annual registration for life requirement. Bond was recommended to be set at $100,000 on the felony sex offender charge, according to arrest reports.
• Michael Anthony Williams was arrested in Hunt County and upon completion of his jail terms was transferred to Hopkins County jail. Deputy Chang escorted the 53-year-old Commerce man into the county jail at 7:33 a.m. Dec. 1, 2022, on one warrant for violation of probation, one for bond revocation, two for driving while license invalid and one for failure to pay financial responsibility fine. He was denied bond on the first two charges. Fees owed on the three misdemeanor charges totaled $1,709.50, according to arrest reports.
• Deputy P. Ryan took Blake Edward Radke into custody on Nov. 29, 2022, at Buster Cole state jail in Bonham and transported him to Hopkins County jail, where the 43-year-old was booked in on a warrant for violation of probation on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge
• Lacy Renee Steele turned herself in at 6:44 p.m. Nov. 28, 2022, at Hopkins County Sheriff’s office on two warrants. Deputy Josh Davis escorted her into the jail, where the 30-year-old woman was booked in on a warrant for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with a previous conviction and another for manufacture or delivery of 1 gram ore more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. Her bond was recommended to be set at $7,500 per charge, Davis noted in arrest reports.
• Judy Frances Brown was taken into custody by SSPD Officers Thad Cook and Dustin Green at 8:21 p.m. Nov. 24, 2022, at her Anglin Street address on an injury of a child, elderly or disabled person warrant. Bond for the 26-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was recommended to be set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
• HCSO Deputies Terry Thompson and P. Ryan took 35-year-old Phillip Lynn Wilson of Dallas, 35-year-old Pedro Esquivel-Carrizalles of Grand Prairie and 34-year-old Phillip Michael Garrett of Dallas into custody at 9 a.m. Nov. 23, 2022, at Dallas County jail and transported to Hopkins County jail. The Wilson was booked in at 11:15 a.m. on a warrant for violation of probation on a third or more offense DWI charge; his bond was recommended at $50,000. Esquivel-Carrizalles was booked into Hopkins County jail at 12:26 p.m. Nov. 23, for bond revocation on a felony unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge; bond on the felony offense was set at $75,000. Garrett was booked in at 12:11 p.m. Nov. 23, 2022, on an unauthorized use of a firearm by a felon, evading arrest or detention with a moto vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon warrants; his bond was recommended at $50,000 per charge, according to arrest reports.
• Corrections Officer Courtney Steward at 3:10 p.m. Nov. 22, 2022, served 24-year-old Eddie Lamar Ringo Jr. of Pine Bluff and 31-year-old Justin Jerome Tyler of Sulphur Springs at the jail with warrants. Ringo was charged on an unauthorized use of a motor vehicle warrant; his bond was recommended at $10,000. Tyler was booked in on an aggravated sexual assault of a child charge; his bond was recommended at $250,000, according to arrest reports.
• Deputies Tiemann and Ryan took custody of 19-year-old Christopher Kirby Keel of Little Rock, Arkansas at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 22, 2022, at Paluski County Jail in Little Rock, Arkansas. They transported Keel to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 6:35 p.m. Nov. 22, on a warrant for an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle offense alleged to have occurred on June 21, 2022. His bond was recommended to be set at $250,000, according to arrest reports.
• Justinian Marquette Smith was taken into custody at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 22, 2022, at Poinsett County Jail in Harrisburg, Arkansas by deputies Tiemann and Ryan. The 32-year-old Marion, Arkansas man was transported to Hopkins County jail and booked in at 6:34 p.m. Nov. 22, on a warrant for a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance offense alleged to have occurred on Nov. 2, 2020. His bond also was recommended to be set at $250,000, deputies noted in arrest reports.
• Zacarriea Lashay Stubbs was taken into custody at 10:06 a.m. Nov. 22, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom on a warrant. Jailer Steward escorted the 19-year-old Dallas woman to the county jail, where she was booked in for bond revocation on a tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge. Stubbs’ bond was recommended to be set at $150,000. The offense is alleged to have occurred on June 18, 2022.
• Jailer Courtney Steward was made aware of a warrant for inmate Kearon Elija Mosley’s arrest. The 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man was served with the assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing or circulation warrant at the county jail at 9:11 a.m. Nov. 22, 2022. The offense is alleged, in arrest reports, to have occurred on Sept. 3, 2022.
• HCSO Deputies Joe Hooten and Phillip Ryan took 21-year-old Taylor Bret Adams into custody at 10 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022, at Hutchins State Jail. Adams was transported and booked into Hopkins County at 11:54 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022, on an aggravated robbery charge. The offense, deputies noted in arrest reports, is alleged to have occurred Dec. 3, 2021. Bond was recommended to be set at $100,000, according to reports.

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.

Hopkins County Records — Dec. 3, 2022

Posted by KSST Contributor on 4:41 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Hopkins County Records, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Hopkins County Records — Dec. 3, 2022

Land Deed Transactions

• Angelica Lopez and Francisco Lopez to Denise Lopez; tract in the Shelby Tunnage survey
• Amber Deanne Jones to Sandra Faye Dorsey; tract in the Santos Coy survey
• Linda Hay to R&L Investments LLC, Series County Road 1131; tract in the D. Anding survey
• Lou Beth Hendrix to Clay Stuart Hendrix; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
• Mary Beth Morrison Barcus and Cynthia Kay Morrison, independent co-executors for the Margaret Morrison Estate, to Wayne Cooper; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
• Juana Jennings and Van Jennings to Anya R. Howell and Mark D. Howell; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
• Delores Elain Buckalew, administrator for the Thomas Wayne Kilgore Estate, to Kenneth Wayne Kilgore; tract in the A Caro survey
• Brian Coleman, Shawn Massey and Caney Creek Investments Group LLC to CMH Homes Inc; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey
• David Owens and Emma Owens to Claudia Arellano and Rodolfo Arellano; tract in the John S. Bowen survey
• Teresa Lynn Weatherford known as Teresa Lynn White, successor trustee for the White Family Trust, to Teresa Lynn Weatherford; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
• James Evans and Jimmy Carroll Evans to Misty Nicole Evans Cline; tract in the Simon Derrick survey
• Billy Neal Helms Jr., Billy Neal Helms Sr., Kimberly J. Helms, Wanda L. Helms, Kenneth Mark Jock, Lisa G. Jock, Rodney G. White and Wendy L. White to Five Counties Ranch LLC; tract in the EC Chapman survey
• Gerald Devin King and Kimberly Michelle McGovern, individually and as independent executor for the William Gerald King Estate, to Ray Edward Worsham; tract in the Mitchell Smith survey
• Kathy Barajas to Victor Manuel Rodriguez; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
• Victor Manuel Rodriguez to Kathy Perez Barajas; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey

Applications for Marriage Licenses

• Parker Lee Mahan and Kaitlyn Fran Harness
• Tucson Socorro Clayton and Carissa Snow McGaha
• Joshua Beau Radney and Tonya Louise Carrell
• Wesley Joe Loggins and Janice Kay Wasilowski

Sulphur Springs Lit Up With Holiday Cheer For Annual Christmas Parade, Visits With Santa, Tree Lighting

Posted by KSST Contributor on 2:49 pm in App, Community Events, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, School News, Senior Citizen News, Sheriff's Department, Sulphur Springs News, Sulphur Springs Police Department | Comments Off on Sulphur Springs Lit Up With Holiday Cheer For Annual Christmas Parade, Visits With Santa, Tree Lighting

Sulphur Springs lit up with holiday cheer Friday night for the annual Christmas Parade and Christmas on the square.

Light poles along Connally and Main Street wrapped in red and white lights shone bright while trees along those streets also were dressed with shiny balls in holiday colors, all guiding people toward Celebration Plaza. The crown jewel of the city, the downtown square boasts the city’s official Christmas Tree, which was lit, signaling the official start of the Christmas season and growing anticipation for the Lions Club’s annual Lighted Christmas Parade. Families were invited by the Chamber of Commerce to stop by to let the kids visit with Santa before he headed to the park to take his place in the bucket of Sulphur Springs Fire Department’s tower truck.

And, the day began downtown with the return of the CASA Cookie Walk, to raise funds to benefit children removed from their homes due to allegations of abuse or neglect. The cookie walk offered at least three lines of tables loaded with cookies prepared and donated by community members, school and civic groups and businesses. Any and all were welcomed to stop by, grab a container and select as many edible Christmas cookies as they wanted for a donation of $5 a pound or more. Volunteers at the Cookie Walk said people were incredibly generous and seemed to enjoy selecting cookies. Only part of a table of cookies remained at 11:30 a.m. Friday, and contributors continued to arrive through the noon close of the event to help empty even more of the trays and donate funds to the organization..

The Blue Santa Toy Drive also continued Friday, through the parade, to add to their growing collection of toys and others contributed funds so that more toys can be purchased to ensure all kids have gifts on Christmas morning. Some vendors set up under tents on the square Friday afternoon to offer items for visitors.

Not even a day of light drizzle could dampen the festivities as families, groups, couples and friends began gathering along the parade route Friday night. People bundled the little ones into hooded jackets, walking and pushing strollers and began heading toward downtown, Connally, Church and Houston Streets to claim favorite and optimum vantage points so they could be sure not to miss any of the parade procession. As the area behind the barricades began filling, neighbors greeted one another, friends called out to share the atmosphere and merriment of the season. In the spirit of Christmas, all were courteous, some enjoying meeting and greeting new friends, watching out for one another, especially children excited.

Among the participants in the Lighted Christmas Parade, sponsored once again by Carriage House Manor, were school groups, including Sulphur Springs and Como-Pickton bands and cheerleaders, Water Oak school group, churches, the always fun Rocker-ettes, financial institutions, clubs and civic groups, Blue Santa, Santa Claus, sheriff’s and police department personnel, sanitation groups, wrecker services, a big rig, local pageant royalty such as Ms. Hopkins County Senior and the Dairy Festival Queen, a martial arts group, fire trucks and departments and other businesses.

The procession featured the Sulphur Springs “Lion,” a haybale with a lion face and twigs from shrubbery as his mane; many floats, cars atop which local pageant winners sat waving, children singing Christmas music and calling out Christmas greetings, award winning bands performing as they marched, cheerleaders and high stepping dance lines calling out Christmas wishes, Jeeps, truck pulling trailers decorated and participants in costume to reflect their group’s theme. Blue Santa’s helpers walked alongside and behind the program parade conveyance while Blue Santa and the Cowboy Grinch walked ahead waving, calling greetings and accepting donations of unwrapped, new toys to benefit Hopkins County children ages 1-14 in financially disadvantaged families. Blue Santa also before the parade moved their tent to the courthouse to offer brisket sandwiches and take donations of toys and money to buy toys for those children.

Overall, the Christmas Parade provided approximately 40 minutes of holiday cheer for all to enjoy. Children clapped in glee pure joy at the wonder of lights. The only mildly startling moments were when emergency personnel and big rigs sounded horns and sirens on their vehicles.

The holiday celebrations continue this weekend in Sulphur Springs with the Christmas Market Saturday, the Northeast Texas Choral Society’s 25th anniversary Christmas concert entitled Silver Bells Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, and Christmas in the Park Saturday evening. And, if that’s not enough local merchants are stocked up with items that’d make great Christmas gifts as well. Local bands and choirs will be performing at Christmas in the Park and local venues over the next 2 weeks of school before classes let out for Christmas break. And these are only some of the holiday activities available in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County during the Christmas season.

Paris District Road Report for December 5, 2022

Posted by Matt Janson on 12:30 pm in App, Headlines, News, Travel | Comments Off on Paris District Road Report for December 5, 2022

Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 5, 2022. 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.

US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). 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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The southbound lanes for SH 91 are closed at the US 75 underpass for crews to complete construction on the new southbound US 75 overpass as well as complete storm drainage work. Motorists traveling southbound on SH 91 will be detoured along the northbound US 75 frontage road to Taylor Street where they will make a left on Taylor Street and another left on the southbound frontage road. The roadway is expected to reopen to traffic on Dec. 23, weather permitting.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop condition. Traffic on the frontage roads is asked to pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs, and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route. Mainlane traffic has been switched to the new concrete section between Lamberth Street and SH 56. The Lamberth Street intersection on the west side of FM 1417 is currently closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Lamberth Street is asked to use Taylor Street and Little Lane as a detour route. The Lamberth Street closure is expected to last three weeks.
Roland Road at the South Branch of Big Mineral Creek is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches. During the closure, traffic is requested to use either US 377 or County Line Road as a detour.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Randy Street to Walnut Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: 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.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: 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, Grayson County: from SH 289 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, Fannin County: 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 flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.

SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall as well as the approaches to the bridge.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 100, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. 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.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.

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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, make crossover closures, and place bonded concrete surfacing.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to 0.25 Miles North of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk.
FM 411, FM 1159, FM 1699, FM 2283, US 82 and US 37, Red River County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.

FM 1499, FM 906, FM 2820, FM 79, FM 1510, US 271 North, and FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.

Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.

CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 bridge. The contractor has removed the existing CR 2132 bridge. The proposed drill shafts, abutments and west bridge deck have been constructed. The bridge deck curing is in progress and the contractor is awaiting to start the roadway flex base. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed barricades and warning signs along with the detour route. The contractor has poured the abutments and caps. Grading and placing stone rip rap is underway. Beams have been set and the contractor has begun pouring the bridge deck. Please be aware of this construction, detour route and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor worked on laying profile tracks and RPMs and placing the final SETs on the driveway culverts. The contractor performed hand work on the SH 19 intersection. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on final punch-list items. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor is working on the west and east tie-ins and the widening of SH 34. The contractor is finishing up drainage and inlet placement for the project. The contractor is working on SH 276 and SH 34 concrete paving to complete the tie-ins. Work has begun on the project sidewalks and signals. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 38 & I-30 Bridges: The contractor plans on working on the I-30 east bound on top joint repairs. On Nov. 29 the contractor completed the east abutment and will be completing the westbound side. The contractor also has two right lanes and shoulder repairs done and plan to tie them in next week. The contractor came to FM 38 and installed the 42-inch flexible delineators on the mow strip and completed several punch list items.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor will continue signal work at SH 66 at FM 1570 and SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor will be partially removing islands and extending box culvert at SH 34 and FM 1570.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both Hunt and Rains County crews will be addressing potholes at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.

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Start Making Your Own Outdoor Memories At Cooper Lake State Park

Posted by KSST Contributor on 8:38 pm in Community Events, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Start Making Your Own Outdoor Memories At Cooper Lake State Park

By Steve Killian, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas State Parks, Cooper Lake State Park Complex Superintendent

Cooper, Texas — December at Texas State Parks is special! Imagine a cold night huddled around a roaring campfire roasting marshmallows and listening to tales of Christmas past as lonesome wails of coyotes sing in the distance. You look up just in time to see a shooting star framed in the protected dark skies at the park. The fire warms your face as you sip a hot chocolate. You see the reflections of the flickering fire in your friend’s and family’s eyes. You immerse yourself in this magical moment being grateful. This could be you! Camping and December are not usually thought of together but here at Cooper Lake State Park, they should be! The park has a variety of overnight camping accommodations from cabins nestled on the banks of the lake, cottages, RV campsites, and tent sites too. Start making your own outdoor memories at a Texas State Park!

“Christmas in the Park” is our highlighted event for the month. This traditional celebration will be held at the Doctors Creek Unit on Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th f from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly. Festive campers will decorate their campsites for all our visitors to see and enjoy. Camping is free for all holiday decorators! We may have a couple of campsites available due to late cancellations. If you are interested in joining in the holiday FUN, please contact Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100. We are waiving all entrance fees and camping fees for this “give back” event; for entrance into the park, we are asking each visitor to donate a nonperishable food item. All donated food items will be given to the nonprofit Delta Hope House for distribution within Delta County.

To kick off a healthy and happy 2023, both Cooper Lake State Park Units will host a First Day Hike on January 1st, 2023! Are you ready for an adventurous hike winding through a post oak forest? Park Rangers will guide you along the trail, stopping often to tell stories about our park and the natural world. This is a Must to get 2023 started off right! Your health and wellness journey begins with your first step. Keep it going throughout 2023 hiking and walking in the outdoors. The South Sulphur Unit First Day Hike will begin at 10 a.m. Please meet the Park Ranger at the Coyote Run Trailhead. The Doctors Creek Hike will start at 2 p.m. Please meet the Park Ranger at the Pelican Point Day Use Area near the playground.

Normal Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited Park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70 which is good for over 12 months. All programs are free with paid entrance fees. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit at 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek Unit at 903 395-3100.

Recreational and Educational Programs Upcoming

Doctors Creek Unit

• Saturday, December 3
  • Country Christmas – Make and take home a country Christmas inspired ornament. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion at 10 a.m.
• Friday, December 9
  • Christmas in the Park – a drive through experience! Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season viewing the decorated campsites. Bring your camera and join the fun starting at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, December 10
  • Master Naturalist – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Enjoy a discussion with a Master Naturalist, topic to be announced.
• Saturday, December 10
  • Christmas in the Park – a drive through experience! Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season viewing the decorated campsites. Bring your camera and join the fun starting at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, December 11
  • Rain Deer – 10 a.m. Meet at Doctors Creek Pelican Point Day Use Area. Watercolor painting – create a winter themed inspired landscape painting.
• Saturday, December 17
  • Stargazing – Join us as we explore the night sky. We’ll have the telescopes out for viewing a planet or two, viewing starts at 6:30 p.m. at Pelican Point Swim Beach. We’ll also be on the lookout for a meteor or two from the Geminids meteor shower.
• Saturday, December 24
  • Self-guided Stargazing – Ursids Meteor Shower – pick up an informational flyer at Headquarters.
• Saturday, December 31
  • Kid’s Fishing – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Fishing Pier and Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear. No pole? No bait? No worries. We have fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
• Saturday, January 1st – DC
  • First Day Hike – Meet at 2 p.m. at Doctors Creek Pelican Point Day Use Area. Begin your 2023 health and wellness adventure!

South Sulphur Unit

• Saturday, December 3
  • Country Christmas – Make and take home a country Christmas inspired activity. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area at 2 p.m.
• Sunday, December 4
  • Mr. and Mrs. Claws – 10 a.m. at Heron Harbor Day Use Area– Learn about talons of various animals – dare to complete this matching game.
• Saturday, December 10
  • Roving with the Ranger – Starting at 1:30 p.m. Stop our ranger as she roves around the park to discuss the interpretive item(s), she’s carrying around with her.
• Saturday, December 17
  • Gems of the Universe – 2 p.m. at Heron Harbor – Learn about the Geminids Meteor Shower, where, when, and how to view them. Create your own Gem of the Universe make and take.
• Saturday, December 24
  • Self-guided Stargazing – Ursids Meteor Shower – pick up an informational flyer at Headquarters.
• Saturday, December 31
  • Kid’s Fishing – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Heron Harbor Fishing Wall.
• Saturday, January 1
  • First Day Hike – Meet at 10 a.m. at South Sulphur’s Coyote Run Trailhead. Begin your 2023 health and wellness adventure!

Snowflake Campaign Is A Flurry of Activity

Posted by KSST Contributor on 7:14 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Local Business News, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Snowflake Campaign Is A Flurry of Activity

Sulphur Springs, Texas – Mid-November marked the start of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s annual snowflake campaign which runs through the first week of January. If a snowflake tribute gift is intended as a Christmas present, it is recommended that donations be sent soon in order for the acknowledgements to be mailed to the designated contacts and received by December 25.

Friends and family members may be honored or memorialized by a donation to the HCHC Foundation. Once received, a snowflake bearing the name of the person being recognized is displayed on the windows in the lobby of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.

An acknowledgement is then sent to the designated individual(s) to make them aware of the donation and tribute.

The recommended donation for each person honored is $25 or more. Recognition of individuals makes a meaningful Christmas gift. Not only does the donation recognize individuals, but it also makes a difference in the health care offerings of Hopkins County.

Funds raised through the snowflake campaign will be used to help purchase new critical care beds for ICU, a portable X-Ray machine for the Mobile Athletic Training Unit, two new pieces of equipment for Inpatient Therapy, and to fund a new EMS interactive program to teach area students the risks of impaired driving.

To date, several snowflakes are already alighting on the windows of the hospital lobby. The Foundation is in hopes of a white-out this year!

— Submitted by Kayla Price, Executive Director, Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation

Contact Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at CHRISTUS® Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, 115 Airport Road, Sulphur Springs TX, 75482; or 903.438.4799.