Paris District Road Report for Sept. 5, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 5, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The 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 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.
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.
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 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 has been reopened to traffic as the new bridge has been completed. Watch for occasional lane closures as crews complete the punch list items.
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 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for occasional temporary one-lane closures as workers complete the remaining items on this project.
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 2077 to FM 1396. 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.
FM 100, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on blade leveling the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
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 has reopened the CR 1032 bridge. Brush clearing has begun for bridges on CR 2132. Bridge removal has begun and drill shafts and abutment work will begin soon. 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 second course and permanent striping. The contractor is working on installing bases for signs and mailboxes cleaning culverts and ditches. 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 completed bridge demolition and has been tying steel and placing drilled shafts and columns. Please be aware current construction, detour signage and 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 Lake Fork Creek bridge has been fully opened. The contractor completed mailbox turnouts and began to address county roads. The contractor has been setting 18-inch and 12-inch safety end treatments in various locations, and poured the footer and box extension on the culvert. 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 2101. Crews installed stop signs and converted the intersection of FM 2101 and FM 1564 to a four-way stop in late August. 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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Emory Man Accused Of Unlawful Disclosure Or Promotion Of Intimate Visual Material
11 Others Jailed On Felony Charges This Week
A 29-year-old Emory man accused of unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material was among 11 jailed this week on felony warrants, according to arrest and jail reports..
I-30 West Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford and Sgt. Richard Greer served Coby Clifton Wiebe with a warrant at an Interstate 30 west business address at 2:51 p.m. Thursday.
The 29-year-old Emory man was transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 3:39 p.m. Sept. 1, 2022 on the outstanding unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material charge. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 4, 2022, in Hopkins County, Sgt. Greer noted in arrest reports.
Wiebe was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Bond on the felony offense was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Arrest At Probation Office
HCSO Deputies Zack Steward and Sgt. Richard Greer, acting at the request of Investigator Shea Shaw, located Brandi Christine Potts at the Adult Probation Office and took her into custody at 9:30 a.m. Thursday on a warrant. She released to Shaw for questioning at the sheriff’s office.
Once Shaw finished speaking with Potts, the 36-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was escorted into the jail. She was booked in at 10:41 a.m. Sept. 1, 2022, on the tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair charge. The offense is alleged to have occurred on Aug. 31, 2022.
Potts, who is also known by —Brandi Christine Pullen Allen, Brandi Christin Allen Pullen and Brandi Christine Pullen — was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. Bond on the felony charge was set at $30,000.
Facilities Transfers
HCSO Deputy Steve Huffman took Samantha Suzanne Evans into custody at 2:12 p.m. Thursday at Ector County Detention Center. Huffman transported the 29-year-old Texarkana, Texas woman from the Odessa facility to Hopkins County County Law Enforcement Center.
Evans was booked into Hopkins County jail at 10:14 p.m. Sept. 1, 2022, for bond forfeiture on an April 1, 2022 possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
The Texarkana woman, who is also known by Sam Evans and Tiarra Evans, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in lieu of the new $60,000 bond set on the felony controlled substance charge.
HCSO Deputy Huffman also took Brian Alan Hays into custody at 10:50 a.m. Aug. 31, 2022, at a Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, then transported him to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center.
Hays was booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on a bench warrant for burglary of a habitation.
The the 50-year-old Emory man was held in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, without bond on the charge. Jail records also show Hays was arrested on the original charge on Dec. 9, 2021.
Garrison Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro stopped a Chevrolet Silverado at 12:12 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022, on Garrison Street at Main Street.
When the officer contacted him, the 43-year-old driver said he did not have his driver’s license on him, but provided identifying information. The Sulphur Springs man also said the truck was not his, and it should have valid insurance.
Joe Manuel Gutierrez also admitted there might also have a parole warrant for his arrest because he had not reported when he was supposed to. A records check by dispatchers confirmed an arrant warrent had been issued by Austin Parole Board. Castro had Gutierrez step out of the truck while communications operators confirmed the warrant was active. Gutierrez was taken into custody and allowed to contact another person to come to the location and take possession of his truck. When the individual arrived to drive the vehicle, Castro transported Gutierrez to Hopkins County jail.
The 43-year-old was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:24 p.m. Wednesday on the warrant for violation of parole. Gutierrez remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, held without bond on the charge.
Courtroom Arrest
HCSO Deputy Kevin Lester took Tatiana Marie Ugalde and Dennis Edward Christopher Jr. into custody at 1:58 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom on a warrant.
Lester escorted the 35-year-old Klondike woman to County jail, where she was booked in at 2:44 p.m. Wednesday on an order revoking bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Ugalde remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 3, 2022. Her new bond on the May 3, 2022, controlled substance charge was set at $150,000.
Wednesday was the third time the woman has been in Hopkins County jail this year. Ugalde —who jail reports show is also known by Tater-Tot, Hot-Tot and Tot-T — was first arrested May 3, 2022, on the controlled substance charge and June 12, 2022 on a possession of drug paraphernalia charge, according to jail records.
Lester also escorted Dennis Edward ‘DJ’ Christopher Jr. into the county jail, where the 22-year-old Henderson man was booked in at 3:08 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022, on an order revoking his probation on an April 26, 2022, possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge.
Christopher remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, in lieu of the new $150,000 bond set on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Ernesto Arellano Martinez turned himself in to authorities at the 8th District Court to serve a commitment in Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
HCSO Jailer Courtney Steward took Martinez into custody at 9:23 a.m. Aug. 30, 2022, and escorted him to Hopkins County jail to serve time on an Oct. 13, 2021 manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge. He remained in jail on the charge Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, according to jail reports.
Tuesday was Martinez’s second time this year to be booked into Hopkins County jail. He was jailed March 5-14, 2022, for surety off bond on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge and on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana charge.
East Shannon Road Arrest
SSPD Officers Francisco Castro and Sean Hoffman received information about a possible location for Elizabeth “Liz” Cadena, a woman sought on an outstanding warrant. The 20-year-old Sulphur Springs woman reportedly opened the door when officers knocked at an East Shannon Road address.
She was advised of the warrant for her arrest and taken into custody at 3:52 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022. Using her identifying information, a records check was conducting confirming Cadena to be the woman wanted on the active warrant. She was transported to jail, where officers learned the woman also had eight outstanding traffic warrants as well.
The 20-year-old was booked in at 4:56 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022, on the felony warrant for violation of probation on a Nov. 2, 2020 possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance, as well as five no driver’s licenses warrants, and two for speed infractions.
Cadena, who jail reports say is also known by Nega and Elisabeth Cadena, was held in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, without bond on the probation warrant.
Additional Charges
Charles Ray “Butch” Potts Jr. was jailed Aug. 30, 2022, on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge, as well as warrants for insurance fraud in the amount of $30,000 or more but less than $150,000, failure to control speed and tampering with evidence.
HCSO Investigator Dennis Findley served Potts at the jail with an additional tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair warrant at 3:45 p.m. Aug. 31, 2022, according to arrest reports.
Potts remained in the county jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, on a $100,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, a $100,00 bond on the fraud warrant and $30,000 each on the tampering with evidence warrants.
College Street Arrest
SSPD Officers Cameron Robinson and Robble Acosta received information about a wanted man. They located the 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man on College Street at and took him into custody at 10:39 p.m. Aug. 30, 2022, on the outstanding charges.
Shannon Foy Pearson was booked into Hopkins County jail at 11:14 p.m. Tuesday on a Cullman County, Alabama warrant for bond revocation on a burglary charge and a Morgan County, Alabama warrant for a dangerous drug charge.
Pearson remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, on both charges. Bond on the Morgan County charge was set at $50,000, 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.
Paris Junior College Welding Students
PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Welding Instructor John Plemons, center, gives an OK to the work of advanced welding student Ra’Ann Carter, left, and structural welding student Ethan Fort. Both students are from Lone Oak.
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.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Aggravated Perjury
A 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed Thursday afternoon on an aggravated perjury charge, after allegedly lying to a judge during a court hearing Thursday for a DWI charge, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
According to sheriff’s reports and the court docket, Ryan Keith Tucker appeared as scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in the County Court At Law during the 9 a.m. court session on Sept. 1, 2022. Judge Clay Harrison presided over the a second offense DWI charge.
The DWI charge stemmed from a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 11 east at County Road 4710, allegedly caused when Tucker struck another vehicle while trying to pass it on Valentine’s Day 2022. Tucker was reported to be walking into a pasture away from the crash when deputies detained him. He had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet. He also admitted to consuming medication and an alcoholic beverage, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Arturo Ugalde alleged in Tucker’s February arrest report.
Thursday, Sept. 1, Hopkins County Attorney’s Office offered Tucker a plea agreement related to the Feb. 14, 2022, second offense DWI charge. During the official proceeding, Tucker swore under oath his testimony during the hearing would be the truth. The terms of the plea agreement were reviewed, including the requirement for an interlock device on his vehicle. Tucker reportedly told the judge since his driver’s license is suspended, not only does he not drive a vehicle, he doesn’t even own a vehicle, officials reported.
After signing the agreement, Tucker was allowed to leave the court. A sheriff’s deputy who had been in the courtroom when Tucker was placed under oath, had walked out of the building and was standing on the courthouse steps. While there he reported seeing Tucker get into the driver’s side of a four-door passenger car and drive away from the courthouse square. Judge Harrison was notified. A case was initiated against Tucker for perjury. A warrant was issued for Tucker’s arrest later Sept. 1.
HCSO Deputies Josh Davis and Kevin Lester located Tucker at his rural residence, took him into custody at 3:07 p.m. on two charges and transported him to jail. Tucker — who is also known to use the aliases John Moore, Shawn Tutt and Shawn Tucker — was booked into jail at 3:48 p.m. Thursday on the warrant for aggravated perjury as well as bond forfeiture on the driving while intoxicated-second offense charge.
Under Texas Penal Code Title 8, Chapter 37, Section 37.02, perjury is committed if, a person, with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement’s meaning, either “makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made and the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under oath;” ” or “makes a false unsworn declaration under Chapter 132, Civil Practice and Remedies Code.” Perjury is a Class A misdemeanor offense.
Aggravated perjury, according to Section 37.03 of the Penal Code, then is committed if the person commits perjury as defined in Section 37.02, and the false statement is made during or in connection with an official proceeding; and is material. Aggravated perjury is a third-degree felony offense.
Tucker remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, on both charges. His bond on the aggravated perjury charge was set at $20,000, according to jail records.
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.
Suspect Arrested In Connection With 2007 Murder Of Winnsboro Teen
A suspect has been arrested in connection with the 2007 murder of a Winnsboro teen, according to a Wood County Sheriff’s Office report.
WCSO Capt. Mike Chilson and Texas Ranger John Vance traveled to Dallas, where they located and took Chad Earl Carr into custody. Carr was arrested Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, on a capital murder warrant WCSO obtained for Carr’s arrest the day before, according to a statement posted just after 5 p.m. Sept. 1 by WCSO.
Carr is accused of the capital murder of 19-year-old Brittany Danielle McGlone. The 2006 Winnsboro High School graduate was found deceased at her boyfriend’s home near Lake Winnsboro on May 4, 2007. The residents at the time claimed to find McGlone’s body upon returning home.
At one point during the early investigation officials indicated they were checking into suspects, pending results of DNA evidence. N, no one was publicly known to have been named as a suspect until Carr’s arrest Thursday.
The case had been listed as a cold case, inactive with no new information despite periodic review of the case and information over the years by WCSO. Last year, the case was reopened.
“Sheriff Cole and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office have worked diligently over the last year and a half to help bring closure to the family of Brittany McGlone,” the Sept. 1, 2022, WCSO release stated.
After being arrested Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, Carr was “then magistrated and transported back to the Wood County Jail, where he was booked in for capital murder,” the WCSO release stated.
Carr remained in Wood County jail Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. His bond on the capital murder charge was set at $1 million.
Wood County jail records for the Winnsboro man show Carr has previously been booked in on at least three other occasions on charges alleging violent offenses. The Winnsboro man was jailed in Wood County from March 5, 2002 to May 17, 2002 on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge; June 2, 2007 to July 17, 2008 on an sexual assault charge; and Jan. 10, 2012 to April 20, 2012 on an aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury charge. He also previously was charged on Feb. 22, 2000 with burglary of a building, according to WCSO jail reports.
3 Local Districts Will Hold Fall 2022 School Elections, In Conjunction With Uniform Election
3 Other Rural Schools Cancelling Nov. 8 Elections
Two local school districts will have trustee candidates on Nov. 8, 2022 ballots, while other has called for a bond election. The three other rural school districts that normally hold trustees elections, however, are cancelling their fall 2022 school elections.
Schools Holding Fall 2022 Elections
North Hopkins ISD
North Hopkins ISD will be holding a trustee election for three at-large full 3-year term seats on the school board. Elected to the three seats with terms expiring in November are Sherry Smiddy, president; Charlie Vaughn; and Vicki Ferrell, secretary.
Candidates vying for the three full term seats on NHISD’s school board are Brian Lewis, Charlie Vaughn, Sherry Clair, and Michael James.
Robert McPherson was the lone candidate filing for the unexpired term, thus, an election is not be needed for the unexpired term seat, according to NHISD Superintendent Brian Lowe. McPherson was appointed to the NHISD Board of Trustees in December to temporarily fill a position that would normally expire in 2023.
A special school board meeting was called Aug. 29, for trustees to call for the Nov. 8 election for the full-term school board seats. Voters will be asked to cast ballots for up to their three top choices for school trustees during the voting periods for the Nov. 8 election.
Saltillo ISD
At the close of filing on Aug. 22, 2022, Saltillo ISD had two places on the school board that were unopposed and two that were opposed, making a Nov. 8 election necessary.
Incumbent Ryan Garmon was unopposed for Place 2 and incumbent Barry Brewer was unopposed for Place 4. Place 6, currently open, drew two candidates, Mason Littrell and Josh Redar. Place 7 also drew two candidates: Phillip Alcorn is challenging incumbent Jason Tully for his seat on the school board. All four seats are for 4 full terms on the school board.
Sulphur Springs ISD
While Sulphur Springs ISD holds trustees each May, so the district will not have candidates on the Nov. 8 election ballot. SSISD trustees during a special board meeting held Aug. 12, 2022, did, however, call for a bond election.
District voters will be asked during the Nov. 8 voting period to cast ballots either for or against the $81.5 million bond proposal for facilities improvements and a new Travis Primary campus. This will be the second bond election the district has called this year; the first bond proposal was defeated in May.
Cancelled Trustees Elections
Miller Grove ISD
In Miller Grove, Brandon Darrow, Bret Garrett and Ray Sparks will fill the three full four-year term seats on the school board this November as all three were unopposed in their bids for election to the school board.
Trustees called for the fall 2022 trustees election to be canceled during the Aug. 31, 2022 MGISD board meeting. Darrow serves as president, Sparks as vice president and Garrett as secretary of the school board.
Sulphur Bluff ISD
At Sulphur Bluff ISD, three incumbents filed for re-election for three open spots. Returning board members are Brian Dorner, David Caldwell and Zach Collett.
SBISD will be cancelling the election for November, and the three trustees will be administered the oath for another full term on the school board, the superintendent reported.
Cumby ISD
Cumby ISD will not be required to hold a trustees election. The district had only three file for three full three-year terms seats on the school board, two incumbents and a newcomer. Serving most recently in those seats were Jason Hudson, Jody Jarvis and Tony Aguilar.
The board during an Aug. 25 meeting voted to cancel the Nov. 8 election, awarding the three seats to the three candidates who filed.
no regular fall elections
Como-Pickton CISD
Como-Pickton CISD, like Sulphur Springs ISD, will also not be holding an election this fall. CP CISD holds school board elections in May of numbered years only.
The next CPCISD board election will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023. The first day to file an application for the four-year seats will be January 18, 2023 – the deadline to file will be February 17, 2023
Yantis ISD
Yantis ISD also holds trustees elections in conjunction with the uniform election date in May each year, for three-year seats on the school board. Thus, Yantis ISD will not be holding a trustees election this fall. Two regular full term board seats will be up in May 2023, three in May 2024 and two in May 2025. Candidate filing for the 2023 YISD trustees election will begin in January.
Secretary of State Announces New Training Program To Become Certified As Poll Watchers
AUSTIN — Today, Texas Secretary of State John Scott announced a new poll watcher training program that allows interested Texans to become certified as poll watchers for the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election. Under Texas law, individuals seeking to become poll watchers must obtain a Certificate of Completion from the Texas Secretary of State’s office through this training program – as well as a Certificate of Appointment from a candidate, political party or specific-purpose political action committee – in order to be accepted as a poll watcher at a particular polling location, meeting place for an early voting ballot board or signature verification committee, or central counting station where voted ballots are tabulated.
The new poll watcher training program enhances the previous program by including a quiz after each poll watcher lesson to ensure that each person completing the training fully understands the material and the relevant Texas Election Code provisions relating to the appointment, duties, and permissible conduct of poll watchers. The training program requires each prospective poll watcher to answer 100% of quiz questions correctly before moving on to the next lesson. Certificates of Completion obtained September 1, 2022, or later will expire on December 31, 2022.
“Elections in Texas rely on hard-working local officials and members of the public working hand-in-hand to ensure the voting process is conducted with integrity and transparency,” Secretary Scott said.
“The new Poll Watcher Training program launched today will ensure that every individual who wishes to observe and report on the voting process in their county understands Texas election law, knows how to spot violations of the Texas Election Code, and is properly trained on how to report any irregularities they may observe. Ensuring transparency is a key aspect of maintaining election integrity, and our office encourages all Texans who want to become poll watchers to study the training material thoroughly and treat all voters, poll workers and election officials with absolute respect while observing the voting process.”
Becoming a Poll Watcher in Texas
In Texas elections, a Poll Watcher is a person appointed to observe the conduct of an election on behalf of:
- A candidate;
- A political party; or
- The proponents or opponents of a measure (specific-purpose political action committees)
Acceptance at a Polling Location
Poll watchers must receive a certificate of appointment and present that certificate to the presiding judge at the polling place. The forms for those certificates are available here:
- Certificate of Appointment of Poll Watcher by Candidate (PDF)
- Certificate of Appointment of Poll Watchers by Political Party (PDF)
- Certificate of Appointment of Poll Watcher for Propositions or Measures (PDF)
- Certificate of Appointment of Poll Watcher by Registered Voters on Behalf of Write-in Candidate (PDF)
Poll watchers must also complete the Texas Secretary of State’sprogram and present a certificate of completion to the presiding judge in order to be accepted as a poll watcher. Once you complete the training, simply print the certificate of completion and have it ready to present to the presiding judge along with your certificate of appointment.
Complete the Poll Watcher Training Program
Poll watchers are allowed to observe and report on irregularities in the conduct of any election, but may not interfere in the orderly conduct of an election. A watcher appointed under Chapter 33 of the Texas Election Code shall observe without obstructing the conduct of an election and call to the attention of an election officer any observed or suspected irregularity or violation of law in the conduct of the election.
Oath and Qualifications
Before being accepted, the poll watcher must take the following oath, administered by the presiding judge at the polling place:
“I swear (or affirm) that I will not disrupt the voting process or harass voters in the discharge of my duties.”
To become a poll watcher, you must:
- Be a registered voter of the territory (e.g., city, school district) covered by the election and of the county for November general elections for state and county officers (held on even-numbered years), primary elections, or other countywide elections;
- NOT be a candidate for public office in an election held on the day the watcher seeks to serve;
- NOT hold an elective public office;
- NOT be an employee of an election judge or clerk serving at the same polling place;
- NOT have been finally convicted of an offense in connection with conduct directly attributable to an election; AND
- NOT be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity (as determined by Tex. Gov’t Code, Secs. 573.022-573.025) to an election judge or clerk serving at that polling place. These include spouses, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. A watcher may be related to the candidate the watcher is representing.
Removal from Polling Place
A presiding judge at a polling location may not have a watcher removed from the polling place unless a violation of election law or any other provision of law relating to the conduct of an election is observed by an election judge or clerk. However, a presiding judge may remove a poll watcher for a violation of the Penal Code, regardless of whether the election judge or clerk observed the violation. Additionally, a presiding judge may call a law enforcement officer to request a poll watcher be removed if the poll watcher commits a breach of the peace or a violation of law.
Poll Watcher’s Guide
To learn more about a poll watcher’s duty and the types of illegal activities a watcher should look for, please read the Texas Secretary of State’s Poll Watcher Guide (PDF).
For more information about becoming a poll watcher or poll worker in Texas, visit www.votetexas.gov/get-involved/
Making an Historic Investment in Texas Communities
Alvin New, Commissioner, Texas Transportation Commission
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is making an historic investment in the future of our rapidly growing state. During our August Texas Transportation Commission meeting, we approved TxDOT’s 10-year transportation program that includes more than $85 billion dedicated to improving safety, addressing congestion and connectivity, and preserving roadways for Texas drivers.
Our state covers more than 266,000 square miles and 1,000 new people are added to the population in Texas every single day. According to recent Census estimates, Texas grew by more than 310,000 from July 2020 to July 2021, and we’re fast approaching a population of 30 million.
TxDOT has planned, and will continue to plan, for this growth and play a critical role in providing the needed infrastructure to help move people and products. That’s where our Unified Transportation Program, or UTP, comes in.
Since our mission at TxDOT is “Connecting You With Texas,” we’re working hard to make sure every region of the state stays connected. That’s why we’re dedicating more than $12.2 billion to statewide connectivity projects to upgrade interstates and other major rural highways over the next 10 years via the 2023 UTP.
Since fiscal year 2015, we’ve completed more than 258 rural connectivity projects — an investment of $7.7 billion. And we have another 120 projects — $7 billion worth — currently under construction.
In fact, we’re planning to invest an historic level of approximately $14 billion in our rural areas over the next 10 years through our 2023 UTP. This represents a 600% increase in planned rural funding compared to planned funding from just seven years ago. It demonstrates TxDOT’s commitment to building and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system, not only in our most populous areas, but also in those rural areas that are so vital to our state’s economic success.
This UTP also puts us to work in the energy producing areas of the state. Roads in our energy sector are bearing the brunt of that industry’s economic boost to the state in wear and tear. That’s why we’re dedicating $2.5 billion to address specific roadways impacted by traffic in five energy producing regions.
With this historic investment, we’re showing our commitment to connecting every region and every Texan to the people and places that matter most.
Governor Abbott, TxDOT Announce Record $85 Billion 10-Year Transportation Plan
Aug. 30, 2022
PARIS – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), advancing a record $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The 2023 UTP reflects an unprecedented level of projected transportation funding dedicated to improving transportation safety, addressing congestion and rural connectivity, and preserving roadways for Texas drivers.
“The State of Texas is working to ensure the transportation needs of our fast-growing state are met and that the safety of Texans on the roadways is protected,” said Governor Abbott. “TxDOT’s 2023 Unified Transportation Program is a critical step toward addressing the diverse needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities. This 10-year plan to address transportation needs statewide and dedicate $85 billion to improve roadways will be a huge boon to our state’s infrastructure and booming economy. As more people move to Texas and businesses grow across the state, we are working together to make sure Texans’ transportation safety and mobility are secured and businesses can flourish for generations to come.”
“The UTP reflects a continued focus on improving transportation safety as the top priority, maintaining our current system, addressing traffic congestion, and improving statewide connectivity over the next decade,” said TxDOT Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “Additionally, we are making significant progress in addressing congestion in our busiest parts of the state through our Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which improves top chokepoints in our largest metro areas.”
“Texas’ rapid growth reinforces the importance of investing in transportation to efficiently move both people and freight across our diverse state,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “TxDOT is working hard to not only build the new roads and transportation capacity Texas needs, but to maintain the more than 80,000 miles of roads and other transportation infrastructure under our care.“
The UTP funds will coincide with an additional $32 billion over the life of the program for routine maintenance contracts and project development, such as planning, professional engineering, and right-of-way acquisition for more than 7,000 transportation projects and a total investment of $117 billion statewide.
Many projects in the UTP plan are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list and critical connectivity corridors. The projects will be funded through legislative and voter-approved initiatives that allocate portions of oil and gas taxes, sales taxes, and other money to the state highway fund. These initiatives have increased the UTP over $50 billion over the 10-year period, with $34.3 billion in projects approved in the 2014 UTP in August 2013. With rural regions of the state supporting the critical energy and agricultural industries, the approved plan includes a historic increase in funding to $14 billion for projects in rural areas.
Focusing on TxDOT’s mission of “Connecting You with Texas,” the Paris District will continue its focus on mobility and connectivity to address the rapid growth of Northeast Texas. A key effort is maintaining and preserving existing assets, including travel corridors such as I-30, US 75, US 82, US 271, and others. Another key effort is preventative maintenance and rehabilitation of the district’s extensive network of farm-to-market roads. Other efforts will focus on developing resources for alternative transportation, such as the multi-use Northeast Texas Trail that spans four counties to provide health/wellness and recreation opportunities. Partnerships with metropolitan planning organizations, government councils, municipal and county leaders, and elected officials are essential to the district’s UTP development.
More information on UTP projects statewide, including those in the Paris District, is available here.
The $8.5 billion of average annual investment programmed in the UTP over the next 10 years is expected to yield an estimated $15.5 billion per year in economic benefits, according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. These benefits are a result of increased labor income and business output, as well as the addition of 58,500 direct and indirect jobs.
The UTP is a planning document that authorizes highway projects for development and construction. Additionally, the UTP identifies public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail investments. Projects are selected by TxDOT and local transportation leaders based on effectiveness in addressing criteria such as safety, pavement condition, capacity, and rural connectivity, with opportunities for public input at both the state and local levels.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.#
