Burn Ban Lifted For Hopkins County
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom and Fire Marshal Andy Endsley issued an order Tuesday morning which officially lifted the burn ban for Hopkins County, following several days of with appreciable rain which moved the county from very high/severe fire danger range to very low fire danger range on drought and predictive indexes.
The Hopkins County burn ban was enacted by Hopkins County County Commissioners Court on July 11, 2022, as drought conditions spread across the area, worsening, resulting in rapidly spreading fires across dead grass and vegetation. Sulphur Springs received only 0.53 of an inch of rain during the entire month of July, when temperatures peaked at 106 on July 20, 2022, and the monthly average temperature was 99.9 degrees. All outdoor burning, except cooking in a covered grill was banned. Those welding in construction trades were required to file paperwork notifying county officials when and where they would be working, and have a spotter and take precautions should a spark ignite. No burning was allowed in a trash barrel even with a covered grill was allowed during the ban.
From 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, Sulphur Springs received just over 5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service and NOAA. With 30-60% chances of rain predicted every day for the next 9 days, the threat of serious fire danger is down to low, and likely to stay in the low fire danger range. The clouds and potential rain are also expected to keep temperatures below 90 degrees for the next 10 days for the first time in about 2 months.
The amount of rainfall has made travel on some low roads difficult, especially those near creeks, lakes and rivers. Some school official reported buses having difficulties Monday morning getting down some county roads to reach students due to the water on roads.
Those traveling are reminded to be caution when approaching roads with water on them, especially those near bodies of water — including roads across and around Cooper Lake State Park and the Sulphur Sulphur River.
When traveling on wet roads, motorists should adjust speed appropriately in order to avoid hydroplaning off the roadway, potentially into higher water or vegetation.
Local officers responded to calls in which vehicles were reported to have slid off of State Highway 154 south near Restlawn Cemetery in a tree at 12:33 p.m. Monday (no one was reported to have sustained major personal injuries), Interstate 30 west at mile marker 119 at 7:21 a.m. Monday, hydroplaned into a guardrail on I-30 west at mile marker 119 at 2:29 p.m. Sunday and a rollover on I-30 west at mile marker 125 at 5:05 p.m. Sunday.
County Road 2329 in Como was reported to be washed out at 9:41 a.m. Monday. A tree also was reported to have fallen on a power line on County Road 4763, knocking out the power just before 5 p.m. Sunday, and debris had to be removed from State Highway 11 east at FM 2560 at 2:08 a.m. Monday.
With the large amount of rainfall experienced across the region, the county officials issued the order around 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, officially lifting all burning restrictions for Hopkins County.
Proposed $81.5 Million Bond Would Fund New Travis Campus; Bowie, SSHS Additions
10 New Buses; Updates At Bush, SSES Also Included In Nov. 8, 2022 SSISD Bond Proposal
The $81.5 million bond election called for Nov. 8 by Sulphur Springs ISD includes some of the same proposals outlined in the $93 million bond proposal which failed on May 7, but some notable differences, according to a press release distributed by SSISD Superintendent’s Office Monday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2022.
Several projects in the prior plan, according to school administrators, are being postponed due to inflation. The district, however, would take advantage of “potential improved bond capacity” if the bond passes in November.
The $81.5 million SSISD bond election called for Nov. 8 still calls for a new campus for Travis Primary, but the notice did not specify where the new campus would be located or approximate cost. In the May 7, 2022, bond election, officials and the building improvement committee proposed updates at SSES, as well as constructing a new campus to serve elementary students on the site of what currently serves as a track at the far end of the SSES campus. The spring bond proposal allocated $35 million for the new Travis Primary Campus.
The Nov. 8 bond proposal calls for 8 additional classrooms, additional cafeteria space to accommodate campus needs, as well as improved pick-up and drop-off areas at Bowie Primary. During community meetings for the prior May 7 bond election, officials reported the campus was one of the few that has room to expand out further onto the property across or near the current playground and open field often used by community leagues for sports activities. The campus was allocated $6,000 for improvement on the May bond proposal.
Under the Nov. 8 bond plan, security would be updated by reconfiguring the entrance and front office area at Sulphur Springs Elementary; the building would also get a new roof and upgrades as needed. The prior plan allocated $3 million to SSES for renovations.
On the Nov. 8, 2022 election ballot, as proposed, will be improved parking and upgrades to Barbara Bush Primary, including an improved intercom system. Previously, the district had allocated $1 million to Bush Primary for improvements.
The $81.5 million bond proposal includes upgraded security at Sulphur Springs High School, which would be achieved by creating new front office space; SSHS has also been tabbed in the Nov. 8 election for additions to fine arts spaces, a new roof, as well as painting and parking upgrades as needed. The prior May 7 bond proposal allocated $10 million in renovations at SSHS, as well as a $12 million CTE Center (to house culinary arts, auto shop, health science technology, construction trades and robotics programs) and $12.5 million for fine arts.
As proposed in the Nov. 8 election, the district would finance 10 buses over 5 years, which is half the number proposed in the spring, when costs were projected at $2 million for buses.
Also listed separately in the spring bond proposal as capital improvements across the district was $9 million for roofing and HVAC work. In the fall bond proposal which voters will determine on Nov. 8, roofing work is included in plans listed for SSES and SSHS.
Among the items proposed on the May 7 ballot that the Nov. 8 proposal does not include were $2 million in renovations at Douglass ECLC and $500,000 in renovations to Austin Academic Center/DAEP.
The bond would add 1 cent per $100 property value to SSISD taxes. That would go onto the I&S indebtedness side of the tax rate. The district on Monday, prior to calling for the Nov. 8 bond election, also approved a tax rate of $1.1651 per $100 property valuation. The tax rate is composed of two parts, the maintenance and operations tax rate or M&O tax rate, which is used for salaries and daily operations. The second part of the tax rate is the issuance and sinking or I&S which is the amount levied to pay of bonded indebtedness.
The M&O tax rate passed by the school board on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, for tax year 2022-2023 was set at $0.85460, which is actually a 1.7 cent ($0.017) per $100 property valuation decrease in the M&O tax rate, in accordance with the state set formula. The I&S tax rate adopted Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, was $0.3105 per $100 property valuation. Should the Nov. 8 $81.5 million bond proposal pass, that 1 cent would be added to the I&S tax, increasing it to $0.3205 per $100 valuation, which would still be a $0.007 per $100 property valuation decrease in the overall tax rate, Superintendent Michael Lamb explained Monday, when presenting the scaled back bond proposal to the school board for consideration.
Lady Cats Volleyball Continues Busy Two Weeks, Playing Four or More Contests
Sulphur Springs fans for the second straight week have plenty of opportunities to see her varsity volleyball team, as Coach Bailey Dorner’s squad plays in their final tournament of the fall season, along with a non-district match on the road Tuesday.
The conclusion of this week could see volleyball wrapping up their busiest time of the year, where they play a dozen games over the course of 10 days.
Last week saw Sulphur Springs playing seven games in five days.
Coach Dorner’s team picked up some impressive wins on Thursday to begin the Wills Point tournament, sweeping both Mesquite (25-13, 25-19) and Brook Hill (25-17, 25-18).
Sulphur Springs ended Thursday though with a hard-fought loss to Sanger, which saw the Lady Cats fall in set one 25-19 before tying the match up after a tight 25-23 victory in set two. Sanger would go on to win set three though and thus the match, ending a 2-1 first day for volleyball in the Wills point tournament.
Friday had Coach Dorner’s team traveling again, this time to Commerce, for a non-district game sandwiched between their second tournament. Sulphur Springs came back to win in five sets, 3-2.
The Lady Cats quickly found themselves trailing in Commerce down two sets. The Lady Tigers won both by only a two-point margin, 25-23 and 27-25.
Sulphur Springs, rallying from down 2-0, won two straight sets in impressive fashion (25-17, 25-18) to set up a winner-takes-all fifth set, one which the Lady Cats also won 15-10 to complete the comeback win.
Saturday, returning to the Wills Point tournament, Coach Dorner’s volleyball team was playing in the championship bracket.
The Lady Cats fell in two straight contests, first to Ranchview after falling in sets one and three, then getting swept by Rains to end their time in Wills Point.
Sulphur Springs went 2-3 over the two day tournament, their second of three on the fall season. Including their win over Commerce and a home loss to Greenville, a 3-4 week brings volleyball’s season record to 9-5.
The final tournament for Coach Dorner’s squad in Edgewood is played Thursday and Saturday, Aug. 25 & 27.
Before that though, the Lady Cats look to snap their two-game losing streak Tuesday when they travel to Quinlan to take on Ford HS.
That game begins Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 6 P.M.
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.
Sulphur Springs ISD Trustees Call For $81.5 Million Bond Election
Maintenance Portion Of Tax Rate Is 1.7 Cents Lower; Bond Would Increase Debt Service Part Of Tax Rate 1 Cent
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees Monday morning called for an $81.5 million bond election to be held on Nov. 8, approved budget amendments, a tax rate that is 1.7 cents lower on the maintenance, for the upcoming tax year as well as a balanced budget.
The school board first approved a total tax rate of $1.1651 per $100 property valuation, that includes a maintenance and operations (M&O) rate of $0.85460 and an issuance and sinking rate (I&S or the amount raised to cover district indebtedness also called debt service portion of the tax rate) of $0.3105. The M&O rate is set by the state the state, and is 1.7-cent lower for the 2022-2023 tax year than the 2021-2022 tax year, but the I&S tax rate is not impacted by the state compression.
If approved, the bond would pay for facilities improvements and be paid back over 30 years using the 1 cent per $100 property valuation collected on the debt service potion of the tax rate. Overall, that’d still be a decrease in the overall tax rate of 0.7 of a cent.
“We’ve had different conversations since our last bond to get to this place where we’ve trimmed it down. As you realize inflation has taken its toll. when you look at some things and the prices go up, but we’ve trimmed some things out. As far as the bond goes, there’s just buildings we fell like we have to have to move forward,” SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb said. “We feel like we’ve listened and heard from our community based on what we tried in May, and this one I feel like is much more palatable.”
Lamb said some of the needs still exist, but they were removed from the $93 million bond proposal which included construction of a new elementary campus as well as CTE at the classroom and improvements throughout the district. The first bond proposal was voted down by district residents 54.47% (1,191 votes) to 44.51% (956 votes) on May 7, 2022.
“We are just trying to bite as much of this apple as we can at a time and get down the road, this being 81.5 million dollars; its supposed to have a 1 cent tax impact,” Lamb said.
So essentially, while the overall tax rate decreased $0.017, if the new proposed $81.5 million bond is approved by voters during the Nov. 8, 2022, election, it would increase the I&S tax by $0.01 to $0.3205. That’d still be a reduction of $0.007 in the overall tax rate, Lamb noted, when presenting the $81.5 million proposal to the school board for consideration.
Travis and other elementary campuses would all receive upgrades with the bond money. The front of Sulphur Springs Elementary would undergo safety improvements and front entrance of Sulphur Springs High School security improvements, Lamb said.
All of the matters proposed were approved by unanimous approval of the six board members present at the Monday morning meeting; John Prickette was not in attendance.
The district was expected to post a release later in the day Monday with additional information regarding the bond proposal.
Meal A Day Menu – Aug. 22-26, 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 Aug. 22-26, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Beef Spaghetti, English Peas and Garlic Toast.
- Tuesday – Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast On a Bed of Rice, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Chicken Fried Steak Fingers, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Beans.
- Thursday – Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Broccoli and a Roll.
- Friday – Cheese Burgers, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Baked Beans and Chips.
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.
Commissioners Court Approves OGM Lease, Election Equipment Upgrades, Printer Donation
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved a 1.2-acre oil, gas and mineral lease; funding for election equipment upgrades, a donation, printer donation, copier lease agreement, services agreement during a special court session.
OGM Lease
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley reported only one bidder was present on the square the week before when oil, gas and mineral rights to a 1.2-acre parcel of land were auctioned off from the courthouse steps. The starting bid was $250 and the inground rights for the three-year lease were sold for $450 to Pinkston Energy Co., LLC.
When asked by Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker if that will disrupt the cemetery, Bartley said leasing it will most definitely not.
The revenue raised from the lease will go into the general fund, and if oil is found, the county would get more funding from it, according to County Judge Robert Newsom.
The rest of the Commissioners Court agreed to move forward with the lease to Pinkston Energy.
Election Equipment Updates
The Commissioners Court approved a budget amendment, accepting the $313,370.82 in grant funding awarded to the County Clerk’s Office for audible grant funding. The funding will be moved from a grant revenue line into an elections equipment line within the clerk’s budget to pay for required conversion of voting equipment to meet mandated requirements for audible voting equipment. The funding will pay for the conversion, leaving on a few things like training and software maintenance that the county will be responsible for.
“So, basically, you will still vote electronically, but a piece of paper will come out and the voter will take that piece of paper and put it into a slot for it to be counted. So, we have a double count now,” Newsom said. “I didn’t realize it was going to cost $300,000, but the state paid for it.”
“Yes, if you got in on the first part of grant money, you got 100%. We got in on it,” County Clerk Tracy Smith said.
Printer Donation
The Commissioners Court also agreed to donate a printer to Heritage Outreach Ministries.
The printer in question was taken out of the County Treasurer’s Office because it would not meet the constant demands of the office, County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook said.
“It’s just constantly jamming and messing up. He prints 300-400 pages a day so it wouldn’t work for his office. We reached out to Kaybro and they said it was pretty much too old for repairs. That we should dispose of it,” Aulsbrook said. “It’s being disposed of. He’s got a new printer.”
In the mean time, Aulsbrook noted, Heritage Outreach Ministries reached out to the county officials to see if they might have a printer available that they could have or use. Since it was being disposed of, and legally, the county is allowed to donate it to charity, Treasurer Danny Davis recommended it go to Heritage Outreach Ministries. Officials at the charitable organization are aware of the problems experienced with the machine and indicated they have the money to get it fixed. It should be OK for their intended use, which would be notably less than in the treasurer’s office.
LED Light Conversion
A loan to be paid back in the money saved from converting the jail, Civic Center and Adult Probation Office to LED lighting. A study has already been conducted for the project, Tom Glosup told the commissioners and judge at the special 11 a.m. Commissioners Court meeting held Aug. 15, 2022.
After evaluating the three facilities, E3 Business Development Manger Jason Brinkley said he anticipates the county will save $130,000 over the 15-year period of the loan with one plan option, another would see inhouse replacement of 25-50% of the 42 existing wall vacancy sensors in the jail that have already gone out at a cheaper rate than hiring someone else to replace them as part of the project.
Glosup said the loan would be paid back over 11.5 years at a 2% rate, meeting the requirements that the project outlast the 15-year loan/project. The project would cost about $306,000, paid over 11.5 years, with the utility saving in that 11.5 years predicted to be $130,000, not counting the 3.5 remaining years of the 15-year project, which should provide additional saving to the county.
“It’s a great program. It’s one of those programs that seemed too good to be true, so we did research, and it’s exactly as they describe it. There shouldn’t be any hitches in the get-along and y’all should see a reduction in electric bills,” said Beth Wisenbaker, local grants coordinator.
Wisenbaker pointed out that the saving should actually by the end of the project period result in even more saving than projected, because it’s figured on today’s utility costs. Most likely in the future, those rates will be higher, resulting in a bigger savings.
“So that’s basically $8,700 yearly in savings at today’s rates?” Barker asked and was assured that is correct.
This is the same type of conversion recently performed at the Courthouse Annex, Courthouse and AgriLife Extension Building, thanks to a $75,000 grant, which required a 20% match from the county, according to Glosup.
The court approved to the services agreement with E3 Entegral Solutions, Inc., for the LED lighting conversion for the three county buildings via the loan savings program.
The priority for the grant/loan program is Aug. 31, with a second round of funding opening up in late fall or December.. The process is expected to take about 90, including 60 before the county will find out if the application is approved, then maybe another 30 days to get all of the lights and materials needed for the conversion.
Public Forum
During public forum, Steve Payton with Daisy Daze RV Park LLC said he was in attendance because he has 15 acres he’s looking to develop for RVs, etc. When he began planning the project, he said he was under the impression that there were no restrictions, then notices that the court has included on recent work session agendas discuss on short term rental communities, RV parks and tiny homes.
He was invited to stay for the work session and discussion regarding the new requirements, and potentially provide input into the topic, ideas and answer related questions they may have regarding the topic.
Michele Barnes also spoke during public forum at the Aug. 15, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting. She commended Commissioner Barker for standing up and questioning items on the agenda. She said it’s the first time she’s seen a commissioner do that. She said she was impressed by it, just as she was impressed when he took his oath of office his comments. While he had nothing prepared, he noted he was looking forward to serving the people first.
Other Items
The court approved as proposed an updated contract with DataMax for lease of a printer/copier for the 8th Judicial District Court, Hopkins County Administration and Hopkins County Clerk’s Offices.
The Commissioners Court went into executive session to discuss personnel items related to the sheriff’s office. The county auditor, human resources director, court and chief deputy participated in the closed meeting, which was slated to include discussion but no action.
After reconvening, the Court then adjourned to a work session.
Upcoming Meetings
Hopkins County Commissioners Court is slated to meet next at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22. Topics on the regular court agenda include holding a public hearing for, then considering establishment of a reinvestment zone for, by and between the county and Pine Forest Hybrid, LLC, as well as an expansion of the solar project.
The Department of Motor Vehicle optional fees for calendar year 2023, acknowledge a constable for completing 20 hours of training in civil process, public hearings on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 and the proposed tax rate, then adopt a tax rate, receive reports from county offices and put on record the advance funding agreement with the State of Texas to replace off-system bridges on Timber Creek at the tributary of Horse Pen Creek.
A work session is slated to immediately follow the regular court session on Aug. 22. Fire department operations, revenues and expenditures and proposed improvements and repairs, Sulphur Springs Public Library and a budget work session all slated to be discussed during the work session.
Candidate Filing For Local Nov. 8, 2022, Elections Ends Monday
Candidate filing for local elections to be held this fall ends Monday afternoon, Aug. 22, 2022.
Filings include those for local political subdivisions such as city and school boards, as well as declaration of write-in candidacy for general, state and county offices. Aug. 22, 2022, is also the last day to order general elections and any special elections on a measure, according to Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
Currently, several rural school districts and at least one city council election are planned for November. However, in regular local elections being held in conjunction with the Uniform Election, the local government may cancel the election if only as many candidates sign up as there are places on each governing body. The names of candidates for special, state and county elections will still appear on the ballot in accordance with party selections determined in the spring.
The City of Cumby notes the deadline to file an application to be on the ballot in November is Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. Places on the ballot are for Alderman Places 1 and 2, and Mayor. Doug Simmerman has been serving as mayor, Amber Hardy as Place 1 Alderman and Katherine Flinn as Place 2 Alderman.
Each is for a 2-year term. Candidate applications are available and should be returned to the City Secretary by 5 p.m. Monday to get their names on the Nov. 8 Cumby City Council Election ballot.
Cumby ISD has three board of trustees seats up for election on Nov. 8. The seats are held by Jason Hudson, Jody Jarvis and Tony Aguilar.
According to school officials, only three individuals had filed candidacy for the three at-large seats, two incumbents and one newcomer as of Friday. Candidate filing will continue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday in the Central Administration Building.
Miller Grove ISD has three at-large vacancies on the school board in November. As of last reporting from school personnel the district had not had more than three applications turned in.
Filing will continue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, in the superintendent’s office, 7819 FM 275 South. Applications for a place on the MGISD Board of Trustees election ballot may be downloaded from the school website, mgisd.net, by clicking the ELECTIONS link on the main page, then click Application for place on a ballot in a general election.
North Hopkins ISD has three 3-year places open and 1 unexpired term open. Currently, Charlie Vaughn, Sherry Clair, and Vicki Ferrell hold the 3 year term positions, and Robert McPherson holds the unexpired term position. Earlier in the week, Superintendent Brian Lowe reported following had filed for candidacy: Charlie Vaughn, Sherry Clair, Robert McPherson, and Michael James.
Anyone interested in filing for candidacy in the Nov. 8, 2022, NHISD Board of Trustees Elections may see Shannon Pennington in the Administration building, Monday starting at 8 a.m. to obtain a candidate application. Filing will close at 5 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2022.
Saltillo ISD’s trustees election is a little different. Candidates file for specific places on the school board. The district has four places up for election, Place 2 that is currently held by Ryan Garmon, Place 4 held by Barry Brewer, Place 6 which is open, and Place 7 held by Chip Tully. The deadline to file candidacy for any of the four four-year places on the school board is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022.
Candidate applications are available at Saltillo ISD Administration Office, upon request by email by calling 903-537-2386. The application, forms, and instructions are also available online from the Secretary of State and State Ethics Commission websites.
Sulphur Bluff ISD is accepting applications for three full four-year term seats on the Nov. 8 trustees ballot. The filing deadline for a general election is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. The deadline to file a declaration of write-in candidacy is 5 p.m. on the 74th day before election day.
Candidates may pick up an election packet or request one to be emailed to them from the SBISD Administration Office, 1027 CR 3550 Sulphur Bluff, calling (903) 945-2460.The application, forms, and instructions are also available online from the Secretary of State and State Ethics Commission websites. Ballots can be mailed to PO Box 30, Sulphur Bluff, TX 75481 or emailed/faxed to [email protected] 903-945-3440.
Paris District Road Report for Aug. 22, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 22, 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 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 new warning signs and stop sign, 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. 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 lanes 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 Taylor Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic in order to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. The closure is expected to last for three weeks. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Taylor Street is asked to use either Lamberth or Washington Streets as a detour route.
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.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
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 then 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 Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377C, Grayson County: in Collinsville from US 377 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377D, Grayson County: in Tioga from US 377 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 996, Grayson County: In Pottsboro from FM 120 to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. 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.
SH 11, Fannin County: from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers pave the roadway with a thin hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
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.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 1752 to the Grayson County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on spot milling and blade leveling the roadway to remove rough spots. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: from Loop 205 to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on spot milling and blade leveling the roadway to remove rough spots. 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 rehabilitate 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, and make crossover closures.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures and complete road closure, with signed detour route, 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.
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 will be opening the CR 1032 bridge project soon. Brush clearing has begun for bridges on CR 2132. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor placed the first course surface treatment, cleaned up the project, prepared for second course and installed bases for signs and mailboxes. Permanent striping has been scheduled for the end of September. 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 continues bridge demolition and has been tying steel for drilled shafts and columns. Drilled shafts will begin soon. Please be aware of workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed the north and south bridge approaches. The contractor completed the mailbox turnouts and began the address the county roads. Contractor has been setting 18-inch and 2-inch safety end treatments in various locations and poured the footer and box extension on the culvert. On State Highway 19, the contractor has also begun backfilling mailbox turnouts and dressing safety end treatments. 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 completed concrete paving at the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extensions on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has completed the project and is working on punch-list items. Please be aware of work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base patching operations on FM 2194. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 36 and FM 118. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in 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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Hopkins County Records — Aug. 19, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
The following land deed transactions were filed and posted between Aug. 1 and Aug. 5, 2022, at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office:
- Annette O. Stone to Brian Lennon and Debbie Lennon; tract in the ED Chinneth survey
- Jacob Jones to Marisa Jones; tract in the Josiah Pettyjohn survey
- Chester E. McGregor and Diane R. McGregor who is also known as Dianna McGregor, to Chester E. McGregor and Dianna McGregor; tract in the HC Campbell survey
- IWC Racing LLC DBA WWH Ranch to SD Ranch Properties LLC; tract in the Nathaniel Hamilton survey
- AE Moore Jr. to Cristin Aguilar-Yanez and Juan M. Yanez; tract in the LP Dike survey
- Marcus Sean Mitchell and Regina M. Mitchell to Beverly Stephens; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jose Angel Garcia Cadena and Faith Margaret Schwen Garcia to Ronda Ellen McCauley; tract in the Francis Hopkins survey
- Alysen Whittney Best and James Paul Best Jr. to Julie Katherine Cowart and Justin Cowart; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Danette Sears and Dwayne Sears to Angela Edwards and Keith Edwards; tract in the Martin Dowdy survey
- Carolyn Kay Smith Vaughan, who is also known by Carolyn K. Vaughn and Carolyn Smith Vaughn, to Kristi Vaughan George and Amy Vaughan Wallace; tract in the Clark survey
- Larry Dean Baxley Jr. and Sherry Jo Baxley to Kim Marie Keller; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
- Christopher Woodall and Jeffrey Woodall to Crissy Kuiper; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Crissy Kuiper and Tony Whisenhunt to Erick Hernandez; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Patricia A. Little to Kaylynn Rachelle Arrington
- James E. Rogers to Terry Wayne Maples Jr.; tract in the WP Clowers survey
- High Point Estate, James L. Masters IV who is also known as Jimmy Masters Estate, Nina Monique Masters independently and as in dependent executor, and Mike Moore to Hannah Christian Boone and Dallas Chase Fite; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Arbala Road Church of Christ Inc., Donna Hughes as substitute trustee, to Kason Childress and Kris Childress; tract in the Thomas Norris survey
- Autumn Nekole Collins and James Adam Collins to Lillian Chelse Kay Lankford, trustee for hte Lankford Living Trust; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Partners in Care Trust Company, Ancillary Administrator for the Dean Edwards Falls Estate to Naomy Velez and Omar Velez; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Dead Edward Falls Estate, Partners in Car Trust Co-Ancillary administrator, to Naomy Velez and Omar Velez; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Beverly C. Chapman Estate, Michael B. Chapman independently and as independent executor, to Dedra C. Bedlington, Matthew Bedlington, Nan Marie Ruffo and Stephen Hunter Ruff; tract in the Tobe Ford survey
- Shawn Andrew Endsley and Becky Ringler-Endsley to Karen L. Pope and Tony Wade Pope; tract in the William H. Moses survey
- John Heilman to Rick and Carla Trust; tract in the Jose Y’Barb survey
- John Heilman to Mary Dunn and Thomas Dunn; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Mary Sue Shoaff to Anita Marie Akers, Don Taylor Shoaff, John Franklin Shoaff and Jennifer Diane Soccio
- Cynthia Elaine Bucher, Beverly Ragsdale Phillips and William Mark Watts to Jacqueline A. Watts; tract in the Thomas R. Hankins survey
- SWAD Inc. to 4TF Investments LLC; tract in the RC Graves survey
- Dean Edward Falls Estate, Partners in Care Trust Co Ancillary Administrators to Naomy Velez and Omar Velez; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Ecosystems Landscape Management Inc. to Q J Exportacion Equipment LLC: tract in the John Winn survey
- Sunrise Hill LLC to Thien Minh Pham and Cam Trang Thi Tran; tract in the William B. Stout survey
- Cathy Culpepper to Jana Dodd; tract in the Santos Coy survey
4 Arrested On Assault Charges Following 3 Disturbances In 2 Days
Four people were arrested on assault charges following three unrelated disturbances reported over the course of two days in Hopkins County. Incidences included alleged dating violence, spousal abuse, and violence toward a household member, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
Squabbling Pair On CR 1197
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at 9:52 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, on County Road 1197, where a man wanted a female to leave his residence. Before they could arrive, the deputies were advised a disturbance was in progress with the man claiming the woman was trying to throw stuff at him.
When deputies arrived on scene, they contacted both the man and woman. The 35-year-olds are reported to both have been living at the residence and to be in a dating relationship. The residence, deputies noted in arrest reports, was “in disarray from an apparent physical disturbance.”
After talking to each, the officers determined the Sulphur Springs man wanted the woman to leave the residence. A verbal altercation ensued, turning into a physical one in which both caused the other physical injury, deputies noted in arrest reports.
After EMS checked the couple’s injuries, then cleared, both the man and woman were taken into custody at 11:09 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, for their actions during the disturbance. Deputies photographed injuries on each and of the disarrayed domicile as well, according to arrest reports.
The pair was transported to Hopkins County jail, where the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked in around midnight on one assault causing injury to family or household member charge each, according to arrest and jail reports. Bond was set at $2,000 each on the Class A misdemeanor charge. The man was released from jail Aug. 18, 2022, and the woman on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the photos or names of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
FM 69 South Altercation
Sheriff’s deputies responded at 11:49 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, on FM 69 south to what was reported as an active disturbance between a man and his wife.
Upon arrival, deputies learned the man alleged to have been involved had left the residence but was on the back part of his property, tending to farm animals. They found the wife in front of the residence.
Deputies were told the husband and wife had argued, and the altercation became physical. The 58-year-old Como man allegedly punched his wife in one shoulder, then began pushing up on her, grabbed her face and forcefully kissed her, biting her lip as he did — without consent. He also allegedly grabbed her private area and attempted to push through her clothing. The woman reported to be in pain when questioned by deputies.
The husband admitted they had argued, when deputies contacted him behind the house, but denied the other allegations, the sheriff’s officers noted in arrest reports.
Deputies reported the wife had visible physical injuries, which seemed to corroborate the allegations of physical violence toward her. Based on their findings, the deputies concluded the husband to have been the primary aggressor during the altercation and took him into custody.
While the man was transported to Hopkins County jail and booked in at 1:41 p.m. Aug. 16, 2022, on Class A misdemeanor charges of family violence assault and indecent assault, deputies took photos documenting the woman’s injuries. She told deputies her intent to go to the emergency room to seek medical treatment after speaking with them. An emergency protective order, 24-hour hold and victim notification were requested by deputies, according to arrest reports.
The 58-year-old Como man was released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, on bonds of $2,000 per misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
Raging Roommate
Sulphur Springs Police officers responded at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2022, on Helm Lane.
One resident told officers he had driven to a South Broadway Street fast food restaurant to pick up the 19-year-old with whom he shares an apartment. The teen, police were told, had gotten fired for threatening his co-workers and trying to fight with them, police noted in arrest reports.
On his way home, the man reportedly pulled into an East Shannon Road restaurant parking. His roommate got out, then began to assault him. Afterward, the two reportedly went back to the Helm Lane apartment where they live together. At that point, the 19-year-old is alleged to have threatened his roommate and became aggressive toward him.
Due to the alleged prior assault which reported left injuries and the threats by the 19-year-old to kill the other man, the teen was taken into custody at 11:58 p.m. Aug. 16, 2022, at his Helm Lane apartment.
The young man was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in early Wednesday morning, Aug. 17, 2022, on an assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member charge. The Sulphur Springs teen remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. Bond was set at $2,000 on the Class A misdemeanor assault charge, according to jail reports.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
