UPDATE! The Lil 4’s Club is Having Their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner November 20th, not the 19th
The Lil 4’s Club is having their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and we are inviting the community kids and their families out and we are also looking for sponsors to help with this event any items will be greatly appreciated contact Letitia Conliffe 214-809-1908 for more information
1 Critically Injured In Rollover Crash
At least one person was reported to have sustained serious injuries in a rollover crash Friday night in Hopkins County, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was first contacted at 10:03 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, of a major vehicle crash on FM 1567. Hopkins County deputies and firefighters were dispatched to what was described as a major vehicle crash. A pickup was reported to have flipped over on FM 1567 east near County Road 2436, with one possible ejection.
At least one of the three people from the truck was reported to have been flown to a Dallas area trauma center in critical condition, according to HCSO reports.
The crash is being investigated and report worked up by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.
Paris District Road Report for November 7, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Nov. 7, 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. This closure is expected to last until Nov. 22, 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 St. 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 will be closed to traffic beginning on Nov. 7 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.
US 69, Grayson County: from US 82 to Spur 503. 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. 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 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.
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 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. 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.
FM 100, Fannin County: from FM 2216 to US 82. 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, and make crossover closures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: at the US 271 North overpass. Watch for road closures during overnight hours while crews perform bridge maintenance on the railroad bridge overpass. A signed detour route will direct traffic around this work site.
Loop 286, Lamar County: At Collegiate Drive intersection and the westbound FM 195 exit ramp. 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 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 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 has cured 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 presently occurring. Beams are scheduled to be set soon. 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 to clean and paint exist structure on SH 56 location. Overhead bridge repairs on I-30 east bound have continued. The plans on beginning joint repair and bridge rail repair on I-30 east bound week of the 14th. The contractor plans to begin and finish overhead bridge repairs on I-30 west bound. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
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 overlay and potholing operations. Rains County maintenance crews will be performing seal prep on FM 35 from SH 276 to Rockwall County line. Hunt County crews will be on FUA on FM 903 and IH 30. 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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At Least 3 Hopkins County Homes Destroyed By Tornado
Couple Was In Their Truck When Trees Fell On It, Trapping Them Inside, But Sustained Only Minor Injuries
At least three homes were destroyed by the tornado which swept through Hopkins County Friday night. One couple had to be cut out of their vehicle after trees fell on it at their residence, which was decimated, but were reported to have sustained minor scratches. No other injuries were reported in Hopkins County, Assistant Fire Marshal Rodney Caudle said late Saturday morning.
The tornado was reported to have touched down southwest of FM 1567 near FM 3389 in a hayfield, where a few haybales were reportedly knocked over The first residential property in Hopkins County the tornado was known to have blown across sustained tree damage.
The next house, that of David and Mary Talley, was reported to have been in the direct path of the tornado, Caudle said.
David Talley reported he and his wife got in their pickup to go get fish, unaware the tornado was headed their way. The truck was reportedly moved a bit, and a tree fell on the hood of their pickup, trapping them inside of it as their home was knocked down in pieces around them. They called 911 and fire departments responded to cut trees out of the way to get them out of the vehicle.
While they lost their home and vehicles, the couple only sustained scratches, the HCFD assistant fire marshal reported.
The tornado reportedly continued from that Talley residence northeast to County Road 1181, where a house was reportedly picked up off of it’s foundation and moved 100-150 feet, leaving part of the home standing and destroying the other half, scattering pieces of the structure and debris across a nearby field.
Another house in that area was reported to be in pretty bad shape, sustaining water and extensive tree damage. No one was reported to have sustained any major injuries as a result of the tornado/storm cell, however, Caudle reported Saturday morning.
Fire departments and the Salvation Army responded Friday night to the areas where the tornado was reported. One family in the CR 1181 are whose home was damaged received assistance from the Salvation Army with lodging for the night.
Caudle said residents in that area were out Friday and Saturday following the storm, offering to help their neighbors and emergency responders in any way possible. County officials and residents Saturday morning were out surveying damage. Trees were being moved, and clean up beginning. Those with damaged homes are sorting through their belonging as best they can, awaiting insurance personnel to arrive where applicable before any further work can be done toward recovery, officials report.
Although Sulphur Springs got very dark with the cell passing over, city officials at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, reported no injuries nor damages had been reported in the city.
Caudle Saturday morning said he was not away of any other significant tornado-related injuries or damages in Hopkins County.
Neighbors to the north were not as fortunate. Sulphur Springs sent a truck and crew and county firefighters also reportedly responded around 8 p.m. Friday to a request for mutual aid in Lamar County after the storm blew on its way to Oklahoma, but the Hopkins County crew members did not remain there for an extended period of time Friday night, officials reported.
Hopkins County EOC and Sheriff’s Office ask anyone who has damage in their area to email their location information and photos, if possible, to [email protected].
Cool Nights, Fall Leaves, Campfires And Thankfulness At Cooper Lake State Park
Submitted by Steve Killian, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas State Parks, Complex Superintendent for Cooper Lake State Park
Cooper, Texas — The best month of fall any Texan would say is November. From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, to far East Texas and out west to Big Bend country, fall has arrived in force. Leaves are changing throughout Texas and are best viewed on a Texas State Park trail. Cooper Lake State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails with portions also open to mountain bikers and equestrian riders. The essence of fall is all around this time of year at a Texas State Park. Smell the campfire in the morning as you prepare breakfast! Nothing is better than a meal with family and friends around a campfire.
November is dotted with perfect-temperature days making it a great time to have a picnic or wet a line. The month will also provide stargazers with clear, cool nights just made for viewing the heavens. During this November, a total of 11 programs focused on family fun and learning about our natural world will be presented. Our highlighted program topics for November are Skins & Skulls, Kid Fish, and S’mores and a Movie! All programs are free with a valid entrance permit.
Relatively short periods of experiencing nature directly, research has shown, can make you happier, healthier, and even smarter! Make Cooper Lake State Park or one of our other 88 State Parks your go-to for that special something we all need in our busy, stressful lives. Texas State Park Rangers are here and ready to help make your next visit memorable.
Have you ever thought about spending Thanksgiving week camping at a Texas State Park? Actually, this is a very busy time of year with most campsites full, especially cabins! This year make a Texas State Park your happy place to reflect, recreate, and be thankful with family and friends.
For more information on this or other events and programs, please visit and like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit, 903-945-5256, or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100.
Doctors Creek
- Saturday, November 5
- Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
- Sunday, November 6
- Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Calling all artists! All art supplies provided.
- Saturday, November 12
- Go Take a Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at Cedar Creek North Loop Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek North Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Saturday, November 19
- Kid’s Fishing – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Bluebonnet Day Use Area. Bring your own fishing gear, no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience needed!
- Sunday, November 20
- Becoming a Junior Ranger – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Check off activities to earn your Junior Ranger badge.
- Saturday, November 26
- Skins and Skulls – 10 a.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion – Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
South Sulphur
- Saturday, November 5
- Skins and Skulls – 2 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
- Saturday, November 12 — SS
- Go Take a Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run Trail Head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run Trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
- Sunday, November 13 — SS
- Nature Journaling – 10 a.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff pavilion parking lot – Take a moment to collect your thoughts. Learn about journaling in nature.
- Saturday, November 19
- S’mores and a Movie! Join us at the Honey Creek Amphitheater at 6 p.m. for S’mores, remember to bring your fixings for your S’mores. Then, stay for the movie starting at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 26
- Skins and Skulls – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Headquarters. Who is the fastest or the furriest? Get an inside look at some of the mammals and reptiles of the park.
Weather-Related Updates From Hopkins County Emergency Management Officials
Most of Hopkins County was reported to have weathered the tornado and early evening storm with minimal damages. Structural damages reported, thus far, have been contained to one area and no injuries reported at 7:30 p.m. Friday, according to reports from city and county emergency officials
At 5:24 p.m., Sulphur Springs emergency management officials had received confirmation of a tornado on State Highway 19 at FM 1567, traveling from southwest Hopkins County to Northeast Hopkins County. The city’s emergency sirens had already been sounded to warn people to find shelter until it passed.
Although Sulphur Springs got very dark with the cell passing over, city officials at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, reported no injuries nor damages reported in the city.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, Hopkins County officials had received reports of four houses in the area of FM 3389 that had sustained structural damage. The Salvation Army had deployed to assist those families. No one was reported to have been injured, however, authorities reported. County officials were still out assessing and checking for further damages
Hopkins County EOC and Sheriff’s Office ask anyone who has damage in their area is requested to email their location information and photos, if possible, to [email protected].
The tornado watch for Hopkins County remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for Central and North Central Texas including Hopkins, Delta, Lamar, Hunt and Rains Counties.
At least one fire truck was reported just before 8 p.m. to be headed to Lamar County to provide mutual aid, however.
Stay tuned to KSST Radio 1230 AM for live weather updates for Hopkins County. Or, click here to listen to KSST’s anytime and anywhere Internet is available.
Ending the Streak of Daily Deaths on Texas Highways
OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: ENDING THE STREAK OF DAILY DEATHS ON TEXAS HIGHWAYS
By Laura Ryan
Texas Transportation Commissioner
Imagine the headlines if the population of Harlingen, Pflugerville, or North Richland Hills were wiped out by a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado, or by a terrorist attack. Or that 18 airplanes crashed in Texas, with no survivors, every year for the last 22 years. We would all be shocked and horrified at such an incomprehensible loss of life. And yet since Nov. 7, 2000—the last deathless day on Texas roadways—we have lost close to the population of those cities and those airplane crashes to traffic fatalities—more than 79,000 people.
An average of 3,700 mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children and loved ones have been needlessly taken from their families every year. Last year, just under 4,500 loved ones died on our roads. Half of those fatalities were caused by driving at unsafe speeds or not wearing a seatbelt. If only different decisions had been made, more than half of those who died last year would be alive today. We know from crash reports that the vast majority of traffic fatalities are caused by reckless behavior, such as driving at an unsafe speed, distracted driving, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving drunk or high. That’s why it’s so important we each take responsibility to encourage those we love—including ourselves—to be better when behind the wheel.
The good news is that we can choose to be better drivers. We can take personal responsibility when we get behind the wheel. It’s easy to think of other cars on the road as just machines getting in your way, but every one of them carries one or more people with hopes and dreams and family and friends—people with real, precious lives and someone that will miss them waiting for them at home—just like you and me.
It’s simple to take action. TxDOT takes this shared responsibility seriously. While we work to engineer our roads to be forgiving of driver error, we need your help. Don’t drink and drive. Put away the cell phone. Buckle up. Drive the speed limit or lower when conditions require it. Obey traffic laws. These simple measures can save lives. Maybe even yours.
Like many of TxDOT’s other safety and educational campaigns, #EndTheStreakTX calls on personal responsibility to prevent needless tragedy. We’re asking all Texans to help us end this streak of daily deaths by posting their pledge to do so on social media along with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
Everyone you know—your family, friends, coworkers—and all of your neighbors and fellow Texans are at risk every time we drive, especially if you choose to drive carelessly. Be responsible. Be an example to your kids. Be the driver you would want next to you, in front of you or behind you on the roadway. You have the power to help end this daily death streak on our roads. Together we can #EndTheStreakTX.
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Tornado Warning issued for the area…
The Warning Sirens are going off in Sulphur Springs…. There are various reports of a tornado on the ground… Take shelter… There is a Tornado Warning for Hopkins County until 5:15pm… Stay tuned for updates….
Tornado confirmed in the area of Highway 19 and 1567, headed North East….
5:49pm… The tornado has moved out of the Sulphur Springs area….
6:42pm… A couple of reports have come in. Four houses sustained some damage in the area of 3389. Unclear at this time how much. The Red Cross and the Salvations Army are out and about providing assistance wherever they can. 1181 in now clear…. At this time there are no reports of any injuries….
Extension Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers, Supporters At Annual Banquet
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Office recognized outstanding volunteers and supporters Thursday evening, Nov. 3, during the 2022 Extension Leadership Banquet.
Featured Speaker
While honorees and special guests enjoyed a meal of salad, baked potatoes, barbecue and peach cobbler prepared by Andy and Mary Lou Wright, Hopkins County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace BJ Teer discussed ways everyone can became gamechangers.
Teer noted several people made historic industry changes with small changes.
For instance, Ray Kroc was selling Multimixers (milkshake machines), when he bought into the McDonald brothers’ restaurant in the 1950s. He specialized in the assembly line method of preparing pre-cooked food, changing the industry.
Percy Spencer, Teer noted, discovered the power of microwave technology by accident in 1947, when a candy bar in his pocket melted as he got close to a magnetron machine he was working on. The first microwave was a 750-pound, five-foot-tall RadarRange.
Teer said gamechangers are those who are willing to be a shining light for others, but realizes they cannot do everything. He reminded that when things get darkest, light shines brightest. At the same time, it’s important to recognize that while no one can do everything, everyone can do something, even small things, which stacked together can result in great things happening. A single snowflake falling by itself, for instance, is no big deal, but an infinite number of snowflakes together can make up a snow storm, or even a blizzard, which can be a big deal.
The JP noted the power of hope is important for game changers. Start with something simple, making the bed every morning. That’s an accomplishment daily. If you can’t take care of the little things, you won’t be able to take care of hte big things either, Teer noted, citing Naval Admiral William McRaven’s keynote address at the 2014 University of Texas graduation. Or, as Teer has been told, take care of hte pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.
Gamechangers embrace curiosity; they say yes, summon their courage, get out of their comfort one and try new things. They act. Each person is called to do something with their lives. Great things can happen when you roll in your role. He encouraged those present to summon God to help and will make His agenda their agenda.
Gamechangers also are lifelong learners, who don’t let what they do know them from recognizing there are many things they don’t know. When knocked down in life, gamechangers find the good, look for what they can learn from the experience, Teer said.
A vision to lead is another trait of a gamechanger. With no vision you will perish; gamechangers do not let fear limit them or their vision. They strive to empower the people around them, pass on blessings to others, thereby empowering others to change the world.
“If you can change yourself, you can change the game. If you change the game, you change the world,” Teer said, encouraging those present to embrace their role as leaders to use their calling and traits to empower and bless others, to change the world.
Awards
Hopkins County Family and Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks expressed appreciation to all present at the Nov. 3, banquet, noting that each has made marked difference already. She too recognized Allie Owens who has been her right hand, working with her as she offers early childhood sessions for parents of SSISD’s youngest students.
Hicks then recognized the Master Wellness Volunteers, 14 individuals who have completed 40 hours of training in areas of health, wellness, food safety, working with diverse audiences, finding reliable resources on the web, and other topics. In turn, they work with the Family & Community Health Agent and other agencies for planning, promoting, implementing, and evaluating programs.
Hopkins County Master Wellness volunteers have contributed 1,403 volunteer hours and reached more than 6,000 individuals through their efforts. Hicks commended them for doing a wonderful job serving others.
She recognized what she calls “newbies,” those who have completed the training and put in a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service. They include:
- Mary Ballard, 325.5 hours
- Toni Maddin, 82.5 hours
- Hillary Young, 61.5 hours
Family and Community Health Extension Agent Johanna Hicks and Master Wellness Volunteers Susie Faltesek, Mary Ballard, Joan Brennan, Wendy Johnson, Pat Connally and Sylvia Millsap 
Joan Brennan, Master Wellness volunteer 
Pat Connally, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Susie Faltesek, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Wendy Johnson, Master Wellness Volunteer 
Sylvia Millsap, Master Wellness Volunteer
The more experienced master volunteers who also put in their share of invaluable hours of work included:
- Marjean Allen, 66 hours
- Joan Brennan, 125.5 hours
- Pat Connally, 210.5 hours
- Susie Faltesek, 89.5 hours
- LaTarra Giles, 30 hours
- Wendy Johnson, 87 hours,
- Sylvia Millsasp, 9.5 hours
- Patsy Neal, 305.5 hours
- Kim Sellers, 3.5
- Nell Shipp, 3.5 hours
- Linda Tanton, 3 hours
Hopkins County AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mario Villarino, who oversees the 4-H program recognized Brad McCool who has attained certification to teach archery to local 4-H youth. He noted that when people asked how they make the 4-H program successful, he credits the kids who get excited and get other kids excited about 4-H projects and programs and tell their parents, who often become involved.
Villarino too recognized the the Hopkins County Master Gardeners who took a program and ran with it, overcoming challenges presented and having amazing results. Dawn Wilburn brought up the idea of teaching and education program to inmates in the jail trusty program. The Master Gardeners, who enjoy helping the community, took the idea and ran with it, offering two series for the inmates.
Hicks noted that like the agricultural and other programs, Master Gardener also helped her host a 3-day sewing workshop during spring break, her work with Ag-in-the-Classroom last month, Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest and has been putting goody bags together for Christmas Joys holiday program that Hicks and others will put on for the community on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.
For all of those things, the Extension Agents recognized Master Gardener Phyllis Kitten as the 2022 Outstanding Extension Supporter of the Year. Her name will be placed on a plaque which hangs at the Extension Office for all to see.
Carmen Rockett presented Kitten with a certificate on behalf of Rep. Slaton’s office, recognizing her and congratulating her for the honor of being Hopkins County’s 2022 Extension Supporter of the Year for her many contributions to the Hopkins County community.
Early Voting in Hopkins County to Close Early Today, November 4, 2022
Deputy Clerk, Leslie Cannon, with the County Clerk’s Office, contacted KSST to report that due to the possible threat of incoming bad weather, Early Voting in Hopkins County will close at 4:00pm today, Friday, November 4, 2022.
