FM 64 Closure Set To Begin Aug. 22 in Delta County
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a short-term closure of FM 64 in Delta County will be necessary beginning Aug. 22 to replace an existing box culvert on this roadway.
The temporary closure of FM 64 will occur approximately 1.3 miles south of the intersection of this roadway with FM 128, officials said. During this closure, through traffic will be detoured around this site via FM 904.
Officials estimate the temporary closure of FM 64 will last about two and one-half weeks, weather permitting.
Travelers in this area are advised to watch for road crews, expect some delays and be aware that a detour will be in place. This construction and temporary road closure are subject to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, officials said.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also be prepared to follow a detour route around this area, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar County
| Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar CountyDrive safely through work zones |
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today advised travelers in Northeast Texas that a project to close four crossovers on State Loop 286 around Paris, Texas, is set to begin Aug. 22.
The contractor, D.L. Lennon, was awarded 64 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $825,000. The contractor anticipates placing barricades for this project on Aug. 17, with a target completion date of January 2023.
In cooperation with the City of Paris, the contractor will close these crossovers on Loop 286: 31st Street Northeast (Home Depot); 29th Street Northeast (Animal Hospital of Paris); State Spur 139 (Tractor Supply/Paris Ford Lincoln); and Clement Road (Paris Farm & Ranch/Kubota).
Local businesses and the City of Paris requested that TxDOT close these crossovers due to frequent accidents, officials said. This closure project is funded through TxDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program.
After the project is complete, travelers on Loop 286 will be able to turn around at Pinemill Road, Collegiate Street, FM 195/20th Street NE, and Stillhouse Road. The project will also extend the westbound left-turn lane at Collegiate Street. The contractor will also mill and apply a new hotmix pavement overlay on the westbound FM 195 exit ramp, officials said.
Officials advised motorists to watch for road crews, expect some delays and plan their commutes on Loop 286 in advance while this project is underway. This construction and any necessary temporary lane closures it creates are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Those who frequently travel on this portion of State Loop 286 are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to 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.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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3 Jailed In Hopkins County On 1 Assault Charge Each
Three men have been jailed in Hopkins County on 1 assault charge each over the past 3 days, including a man wanted by the US Marshals Service, a man accused of assault his grandfather and a man who didn’t take it well when a store employee failed to sell him alcohol.
Warrant Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Francisco Castro and Sean Hoffman were advised Wilfred James Jessop might be wanted in the Houston area, and were told the US Marshals Service was searching for him. The officers contacted the 42-year-old Dike man at 2:44 p.m. inside of a South Broadway Street business.
A records check using the man’s ID information confirmed Jessop to be wanted for by Montgomery County authorities and took him into custody on the warrant. Jessop was booked into the county jail at 3:24 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, on the outstanding assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge.
Jessop, who jail records show is also known as William James Davis, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in lieu of $23,000 bond set on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Gilmer Street Assault
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 4:28 p.m. Aug. 3, 2023, to what was reported as an assault in progress at a Gilmer Street business. Upon arrival, multiple people in the parking lot pointed to a man who appeared to be trying to walk away from the location, officers alleged in arrest reports.
According to officers, the man, and explained he was being placed into custody for further investigation of the alleged assault. Officers said the man showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, blood-shot eyes, was unsteady on his feet and officers detected an alcohol odor on him. When police tried to talk to the man about what had occurred, he was reported to be uncooperative.
The alleged victim told police she is trained to look for people who enter the store and could possibly be intoxicated. She said the man was trying to purchase alcohol, but she deemed him as intoxicated and refused to make the sale. She claimed the man then became irate, cursing and screaming at her, got in her face in a way that made her believe she was in danger. She claimed she had to push him to get him out of her face, to which he responded by slapping her in the face, striking her nose with a finger, which she said caused her pain.
Officers reported the woman did have a red mark right arm that looked to have been caused by a fingers from a slap and her nose was slightly cut and red. The woman’s makeup was also reported to have been smeared where the man made contact with her nose. Photos of the injuries were taken. Statements were also taken from multiple people who reported seeing hte assault.
The 57-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 4:39 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, and booked into the county jail at 5:44 p.m. Wednesday, on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Bond on the assault charge was set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
Spence Street Assault
Sulphur Springs police officers responded at 1:09 p.m. Thursday on West Spence Street to what was reported as a disturbance possibly involving an 18-year-old and a machete.
Upon investigation, officers determined the teen committed a simple assault against his grandfather, who lives at the Spence Street address which the teen also shares. Believing further family violence would occur if the teen remained at the address, police took the man into custody at 1:24 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022.
The 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:56 p.m. Thursday on a Class C misdemeanor family violence assault charge. He was released from the county jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, on the 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.
TWC: Cumby ISD Among 9 Districts To Benefit From $685,000 Awarded To Collegiate Edu-Nation For Robotics
Cumby ISD has been designated one of nine rural school districts to benefit from a portion of the $685,000 awarded by Texas Workforce Commission to Collegiate Edu-Nation for Youth Robotics programs, TWC announced Friday morning, Aug. 5, 2022.
Youth Robotics Programs will launch this month following the award of $2.1 million by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), allowing thousands of Texas high school students to participate in various events. The Youth Robotics Initiative encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by expanding participation in robotics programs. This program removes barriers to participation for students with disabilities through partnerships and collaboration, and teams primarily from schools in underserved urban and rural communities.
“TWC anticipates at least 2.1 million STEM positions in Texas by 2028. Hands-on experience is an essential component to developing STEM job seekers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC youth programs are devoted to cultivating young Texans into well-prepared industry professionals ready to join the Texas workforce.”
This year, four applicants received awards: FIRST in Texas, REC Foundation, Urban STEM, and Collegiate Edu-Nation.
Collegiate Edu-nation (CEN) received $685,000 to partner with nine rural independent school districts (ISD) to establish and support current robotics programs. The nine school districts include Hamlin CISD, Hico ISD, Floydada ISD, Sunray CISD, Spurger ISD, Cumby ISD, Venus ISD, Throckmorton CISD, and Iraan-Sheffield ISD, all in rural Texas areas. The dedicated competition offered through CEN will be designed to include all students including students with disabilities.
FIRST in Texas received $700,000 to serve 5,700 high school students in more than 400 Youth Robotic teams. FIRST in Texas provides dedicated programs for 500 students with disabilities in partnership with Unified Robotics, Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), and national affiliate, FIRST, and the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which has established Competitive Robotics as a fully recognized official UIL Academic program.
“STEM occupations are constantly growing and evolving, just like our Texas youth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This opportunity helps young minds develop their skillset, creates pathways towards success in STEM fields, and enhances their professional portfolio – all while having fun in the process.”
REC Foundation was awarded $699,665 to provide STEM education to approximately 2,550 students grades 9 to 12 in Texas while providing them a unique opportunity to participate in programs and competitions using the VEX Robotics platform. The REC Foundation will partner with TSD and SOTX to increase STEM education opportunities to students with disabilities, and with TSD host their first signature high school level competition for all deaf and hard-of-hearing teams. This project will also support existing teams through the Texas UIL State Championship.
Urban STEM (USTEM) was granted $120,506 to provide approximately 2,974 students to participate in youth robotics educational programs, and to support their hosted robotics events, Urban STEM Robotics League (USRL). Their latest competition includes new events such as Aerial Robots, Waterbotics, and Robofest which incorporate drones, and underwater robots.
“We are committed to generating enrichment spaces for STEM fields and expanding the talent pipeline for our Texas employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC programs like this Texas Youth Robotics Initiative assist with creating our future workforce, while promoting inclusivity.”
Teams that advance to the State Championship for each program will have the opportunity to advance to the World Championship arena. Robotics competitions bring together the excitement of sports, science, and technology.
Lady Cats Volleyball Hosts Season-Opening Scrimmages For Friday Gameday
Friday, Aug. 5 brings the first Friday gameday of the season.
Lady Cats volleyball hosts a scrimmage tournament at all three levels; varsity, junior varsity and freshmen. Both varsity and junior varsity play at the SSHS Main Gym on Friday, Aug. 5.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s varsity squad plays three scrimmages on this Friday gameday.
The first contest on the day for Sulphur Springs has the Lady Cats playing Community at 4:50 P.M.
After taking a break, Coach Dorner’s team plays again at 6:30 P.M. taking on one of their new district rivals in Pleasant Grove.
The third and final scrimmage for Lady Cats volleyball begins at 8 P.M. which has Sulphur Springs taking on Coach Dorner’s alma mater in Mount Vernon.
The full schedule for the varsity tournament is as follows:
- 4:00 — Pleasant Grove vs. Community
- 4:50 — Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 5:40 — PG vs Community
- 6:30 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 7:20 — Mount Vernon vs Community
- 8:00 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
JV also plays three scrimmages. The schedule for the JV tournament in the SSHS auxiliary gym:
- 4:00 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 4:50 —Mount Vernon vs PG
- 5:40 —Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 6:30 — PG vs Community
- 7:20 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
- 8:00 —Mount Vernon vs Community
The freshmen play in the second and third games held at the SSMS Main Gym; at 4:50 P.M. against PG and immediately following that game at 5:40 P.M. against Mount Vernon.
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.
FDA Approves First Targeted Therapy For HER2-Low Breast Cancer
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki), an IV infusion for the treatment of patients with unresectable (unable to be removed) or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) HER2-low breast cancer. This is the first approved therapy targeted to patients with the HER2-low breast cancer subtype, which is a newly defined subset of HER2-negative breast cancer.
It is estimated that 287,850 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 in the U.S. Approximately 80-85% of those new cases were previously considered to be HER2-negative subtype (including hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancer), which means the tumors do not overexpress, or make too many copies of the HER2 protein. Of that proportion of breast cancer diagnoses, about 60% of patients previously classified as having HER2-negative subtype can now be considered as HER2-low. Prior to today’s approval, HER2-low patients received endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.
“Today’s approval highlights the FDA’s commitment to be at the forefront of scientific advances, making targeted cancer treatment options available for more patients,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Having therapies that are specially tailored to each patient’s cancer subtype is a priority to ensure access to safe and innovative treatments.”
As part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot program, President Biden tapped federal agencies to develop ways to reduce the rate of cancer deaths and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families through advancements in cancer research and technology, and development of new programs. Enhertu’s approval further illustrates how the FDA’s efforts align with the Cancer Moonshot goals of targeting the right treatments to the right patients, speeding progress against the most deadly and rare cancers, and learning from the experience of all patients.
HER2 receptors, which are proteins made by the HER2 gene, are important in determining a patient’s treatment. HER2-negative includes hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancers. HER2-low is a new classification of the HER2 subtype. It describes a new subtype of breast cancer that has some HER2 proteins on the cell surface, but not enough to be classified as HER2-positive.
Patients with HER2-low breast cancer are eligible for Enhertu if they have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, or their cancer returned during, or within 6 months of completing, adjuvant chemotherapy.
This approval is based on DESTINY-Breast04, a randomized, multicenter, open label clinical trial that enrolled 557 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer. The trial included two cohorts: 494 hormone receptor positive (HR+) patients and 63 hormone receptor negative (HR-) patients. Of these patients, 373 randomly received Enhertu by intravenous infusion every three weeks and 184 randomly received physician’s choice of chemotherapy (eribulin, capecitabine, gemcitabine, nab paclitaxel or paclitaxel). The results showed improvement in both progression-free survival and overall survival in people with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer.
The median age of trial participants was 57 years old, ranging from 28 to 81 years of age. Among the 557 patients, 24% were age 65 or older. Females comprised 99.6% of the trial population. Trial participants’ race was reported as 48% White, 40% Asian, 2% Black or African American, and 3.8% Hispanic/Latino.
The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving Enhertu in DESTINY-Breast04 are nausea, fatigue, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain and diarrhea. The prescribing information includes a boxed warning to advise health care professionals of the risk of interstitial lung disease and embryo-fetal toxicity. Enhertu is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Enhertu received priority review and breakthrough therapy designations for this indication. The FDA granted the approval of Enhertu to Daiichi Sankyo four months ahead of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) deadline.
This review was conducted under Project Orbis, an initiative of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence. Project Orbis provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology drugs among international partners. For this review, FDA collaborated with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, Health Canada, and Switzerland’s Swissmedic. The application reviews may be ongoing at the other regulatory agencies.
Related Information
Motorcycle Chase Turns To Foot Pursuit; Passenger Apprehended, Driver Still Sought
August 5, 2022 – A motorcycle chase from Sulphur Springs Springs turned into a foot pursuit in a wooded area just off FM 69 south, then concluded with one of the two riders of the stolen bike being taken into custody on three felony charges. A manhunt was launched for the second suspect, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson reported the incident began around 7:18 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, when he attempted to stop an eastbound silver and blue motorcycle that didn’t have a license plate. He observed a male driving and a female passenger on the Honda CBR.
The driver, instead of yielding and pulling onto the shoulder of Interstate 30 near mile marker 125 in Sulphur springs as indicated by the red and blue emergency lights on the deputy’s patrol unit, the biker began making what Patterson described in arrest reports as “evasive maneuvers through traffic” in what he the deputy believed to be an attempt to evade law enforcement. Patterson said when he activated his siren, the motorcycle accelerated, reaching speed in excess of 130 miles per hour, as it continued eastward on I-30.
Patterson reported pursuing the bike on I-30 to mile marker 131, then south onto FM 69. The motorcycle chase ended at the intersection of FM 69 and County Road 2314, where the bike stopped. The male and female on the Honda dismounted and began running south into the wooded area to elude capture.
The female bike passenger, identified in arrest reports as 33-year-old Victoria Nicole Ramsey of Duncanville was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The male bike driver eluded officers, and a manhunt was launched by several agencies.
During the evidence collection process Ramsey claimed a pink cigarette case containing what were identified as about six credit/debit cards which did not belong to her. The motorcycle was also determined to have been stolen, which another agency verified. Ramsey was transported to Hopkins County jail Thursday night, and booked during the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2022, on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
The motorcycle driver at 9 p.m. Aug. 4 was thought by local authorities to have left the area. Despite a search by HCSO, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and Texas Department of Criminal Justice search canines Thursday evening and night, the man had yet to be found. He has been identified as 34-year-old Phillip Michael Garrett, however.
Suspect Garrett is described as a white heavy set male last seen wearing a blue shirt, tan pants or shorts. Authorities released the photos below, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact HCSO at 903-438-4040.
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.
Staying Cool Thanks To Saputo
Numerous senior citizens will be staying cool or at least cooler this summer thanks to the generous donation of community partners. Saputo employees dropped off the 30 box fans at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center Aug. 4, 2022, to benefit senior citizens in Hopkins County who need fans to help them stay cool during these extremely hot summer days.
Any senior citizen who needs a fan to stay cool, may drop by the Senior Citizens Center (150 MLK Dr.) to pick one up. There’s no charge to the senior adult, as all fans have been donated by community partners likes the Saputo Employees.
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club also each year in the spring partners with the Senior Center to host a fan drive, donating and accepting donations of new box and stand fans go to senior citizens without working air conditions who have need of fans. This year, seniors had already begun calling the SCC in April asking for fans.
Without these donations some senior citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes and unable to afford or to get out and purchase a new fan, would have no other means of cooling themselves during the hot, humid summer days. Fan donations to help senior adults are always welcome at the Senior Citizens Center during the warmer months of the year.
For additional information, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 weekdays until about 3 p.m.
Information From the Welding Shop at the Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Center
ALUMINUM WELDING
David Gonzalez of Winnsboro, an advanced welding student at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding shop, demonstrates his A/C high frequency aluminum tig welding ability for Welding Instructor John Plemons.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Team Tennis Falls 12-7 in Two Straight Contests Tuesday
Team Tennis played in two matches Tuesday, bet fell in both contests 12-7 on August 2.
Coach Tony Martinez’s squad first took on Sherman, but the loss to Tyler Tuesday afternoon was the first time for the tennis coach.
The team tennis coach missed three of his players Tuesday for various reasons, but expects to have them back ready to go for next Tuesday’s contest. In spite of missing three players Tuesday, Wildcats tennis fought to the bitter end.
“We didn’t even know what the scores were until the end… I just knew we were competing and looking good throughout the whole day,” Coach Martinez said.
Sherman and Tyler garnered high praise from the Wildcat coach for running a tight ship.
“[Both coaches] run a superb program,” Tony Martinez said. The team tennis coach said losing to either one of these programs is nothing to hang your head down on.
Next week is another big week for team tennis though, as they compete in three contests in three straight days.
A busy week for the varsity squad begins Tuesday as the Wildcats travel to Tyler to take on Bullard. Team tennis struggled last year against Bullard, scrapping to win a few matches.
Coach Martinez is hoping his squad fares better this time around. He believes his team should be fine over their Tuesday and Wednesday contests.
Wednesday has Sulphur Springs on the road again, heading north of DFW to Denison for a match at 8 A.M.
Their final contest in three straight days, Thursday, Aug. 11 has the Wildcats returning home to host Greenville. Coach Martinez says it is unwise to underestimate the Lions and what they can bring.
Greenville introduced a new coach recently who graduated from the high school, one that Coach Martinez is familiar with. He says his hiring is great for the Lions but still looks forward to a tight match between the rival schools.
The last contest for team tennis prior to the school year starting Wednesday, Aug. 17.
Sulphur Springs heads on the road one last time for almost a month as they take on now former district rival Pine Tree on Monday, Aug. 15.
The tennis program has been busy prior to their season-opening contests Tuesday.
The first week of June, Coach Martinez and Co. hosted the youth tennis camp and saw record numbers. On top of holding a yearly off-season work-our program, now known as Summer Strength & Speed (previously called “The Edge”), each sport hosts a youth camp for students ranging anywhere from kindergarten through the eighth grade.
In his ninth season at Sulphur Springs, his youth camp started with 20 kids each year. Steadily increasing since then, last summer saw 50 kids participate in the youth camp. Shattering the record once again, the camp held the first week of June saw 87 kids attend the youth camp.
“We had that camp, and that set the tone for the rest of the summer for our practices. Having the kids, and then telling them ‘this is our expectations for Tuesday and Thursday night,” Coach Martinez said.
He said the practices benefitted the incoming freshmen the most, as the expectation was set early and carried into the fall season.
Even though the coaches practiced twice a week at night, the students took the initiative and practiced on their own at the courts for a good portion of the summer. The team still found time away from the court in spite of a busy summer honing their skills.
What made him excited, though, was seeing his students participate in tournaments of their own throughout July.
Coach Martinez named seven players, all of whom had attended one, or more camps in the summer. The tennis coach said all of his sophomores attended camps.
“This is what excites me, that our kids are taking the initiative to go out and get better… you can’t get happier as a coach from watching your kids wanting to learn more and more,” Coach Martinez said.
Another exciting prospect is Sulphur Springs moving down to 4A, and the team tennis coach hopes his team can compete for not only a district championship, but a ticket to Regionals as well.
For now though, Coach Tony Martinez and his squad prepare for a big week, one that has the varsity team playing in three contests in as many days.
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.
