PACE Program, Acceptance Of Assistance To Firefighters Grant Tabled
Hopkins County Commissioners Court on Monday tabled two items related to a proposed loan program and determined to wait until a future meeting to officially consider accepting a grant to benefit local fire departments.
PACE Program
The first person to complete the new public forum form to speak during the commissioners court meeting was Doug Taylor, regarding a request made to the court to allow for a PACE program in Hopkins County. He noted that he’d spoked with and before the Commissioners on two other occasions in a meeting and work session approximately 2 weeks ago regarding the PACE program.
Taylor said the program is a longer term financing program, authorized by the Legislature under the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Act of 2013 as set forth in Texas Local Government Code Chapter 399. This allows local governments to establish a commercial PACE Program to encourage private sector investment in energy efficiency and water conservation. The PACE Program, if approved, would be offered to property owners on a strictly voluntary basis and will not require the use of any public funds or resources.
According to information provide to Hopkins County Commissioners Court and posted on the county’s website (click here to download and view), the PACE program would enable “private sector owners of privately owned commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties with five or more dwelling units to obtain low-cost, long-term loans to pay for water conservation, energy-efficiency improvements, and renewable energy retrofits.” PACE loans could provide up to 100% financing of all project costs, with little or no up-front out-of-pocket cost to the owner.
Loans under the program would be secured through assessment on property voluntarily imposed by the owner, according to the PACE proposal. The assessments would be tied to the property and follow the title from one owner to the next if the property is sold, with the payment obligation for the remaining balance of the assessment transferred automatically to the next owner.
Savings on utility costs are expected to equal or exceed the amount of assessment, generating a positive cash flow on installation because the debt service is less than savings, according to the “Report Requirement by Texas Local Government Code Section 399.009 For Proposed Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program.”
All private sector owners of eligible properties located within the local government’s PACE region may
participate in PACE financing. “Eligible properties” include commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential properties with five or more dwelling units. Government, residential, and undeveloped property and property undergoing development at the time of the assessment are not eligible for the loan program.
Qualified improvements, per the program, include:
● High efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems
● High efficiency chillers, boilers, and furnaces
● High efficiency water heating systems
● Energy management systems and controls
● Distributed generation systems
● High efficiency lighting system upgrades
● Building enclosure and envelope improvements
● Water conservation and wastewater recovery and reuse systems
● Combustion and burner upgrades
● Heat recovery and steam traps
● Water management systems and controls (indoor and outdoor)
● High efficiency irrigation equipment.
Reduction in energy consumption as a result of the PACE program, ideally will decreased demand for power, resulting in lower emissions from power plants.
Taylor said currently 80 cities and counties across the state already utilize this program. There is no cost to the county; all fees are paid by the user.
One business planning to move into the area has been in contact with Taylor regarding a PACE loan to fund part of the cost to move the business to the area. It just must be approved for use in the county. He also noted that all financial transactions regarding the program would be handled between PACE and the borrower; the county would not have any role in that.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price asked who would be responsible for collecting taxes if a loan recipient defaults on taxes. Taylor said it taxes would be collected by the same means the county typically uses to try to collect when someone gets behind on tax payments, typically a service.
The Commissioners Court also incorporated policy regarding how and when someone may request to place an item on the Commissioners Court Agenda Monday, Sept. 26, 2022.
Taylor said of the PACE loans taken, none have defaulted, he assured Price. He also advised Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin, that the loan could span the life of the property. For instance, a traditional lender might ask for 20% interest on a 5 year loan. PACE loans are for the life of the financed property.
Anglin asked Taylor if he is familiar with digestors, something a few local dairies have expressed interest in, and if the program would fund such purchases. Taylor said he is aware of some in other states and has been contacted by someone looking at a project in Erath County for a digestor, which would capture manure runoff. Anglin said a pipeline in Precinct 2 is being put in to connect to another pipeline. Taylor said the gas from the manure, once produced, could be cleaned up and go to the pipeline and sold as renewable natural gas, which in some places gets a premium price, providing a revenue stream to help offset the cost.
Price said he’d like some clarification on some matters related to the program, including delinquent tax collections. Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker proposed tabling a resolution which would establish a PACE program in Hopkins County as well as tabling a professional services agreement with Texas PACE Authority to administer the program.
Firefighters Grant
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley Monday morning told the Commissioners Court that Hopkins County has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the FEMA Operations and Safety program. The award will help pay for costs of new mobile and portable radios for firefighters to carry in their vehicles and use on calls.
“The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations,” according to the Assistance to Firefighters Grants page on the FEMA website. “Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. As of September 23, 2022, FEMA has made 1839 awards totaling $322.8 million.”
Endsley noted that in some previous years, these regional grants could be secured by applying on behalf of law enforcement and fire departments. Since 2015, this particular grant is only available to benefit fire departments, and having a regional focus is encouraged.
Hopkins County Fire Department partnered with Sulphur Springs, Mount Vernon, Delta County and Franklin County fire departments, including the volunteer fire departments within each of those counties in requesting funding. Each department will be responsible for their portion of the matching grant funding.
“This was originally going to be $1.1 million grant, but with the federal government’s financial crisis they reduced that down $651,099.98. We’ll have a 10% match for that and we’ll meet this Thursday with all the entities involved in this,” Endsley said. “The grant writer tried somewhat to even out the number of mobile radios, which are the radios that go inside of the apparatus, and then the portable radios, the handheld radios.
Endsley said he does not have an exact about that the county’s portion of that 10% will be as that’s still being worked out, plus the $500 per agency fee owed to the grant writer. County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook sought clarification that the $500 fee would be charged per VFD. Endsley affirmed that was correct, and the rate was still actually less than most for grant writing.
“Fire Marshal Endsley, looking at the numbers before us, the actual grant amount is $591,909, and we’d have to pay 10% of that, not the $651,000,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley said.
The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants page, however, shows the Fiscal Year 2021 grant awarded Sept. 16, 2022, to Hopkins County to be for $591,909.
Endsley asked Aulsbrook if she knew about that. Aulsbrook said she forwarded to Endsley the information she’d received for the amount awarded.
Endsley said the government kept increasing the amount, which had been quoted to him by his contract. Bartley said one amount was what was budgeted, so he wanted to be sure for the record to get the amount correct. Endsley said the matter could wait until meeting on a date after the Thursday meeting with the entities to be sure on the amount.
“If you can give me a few days, I can give you exact numbers on what our percentages are and all that,” Endsley said.
Aulsbrook noted that award does have a deadline by which the county must accept it, around Oct. 15, and asked if the award notification letter included the date.
“Our next meeting will be the 10th of October, will that be too late to accept?” County Judge Robert Newsom asked.
Aulsbrook said if necessary, if they learn the deadline to accept is sooner, then a special meeting can be called to formally accept the grant in court.
The judge asked if they could have all of the necessary information together if a special meeting is called for this coming Friday. Endsley apologized for being ill prepared to present the matter, but they’d just recently been notified, so all the particularly haven’t been ironed out yet.
Bartley made a motion, which Barker seconded, tabling the matter until a special court meeting at 9 a.m. Sept. 30. The Commissioners Court unanimously agreed, tabling the grant, at least until this coming Friday’s meeting.
A Welding Student From Campbell in the Paris Junior College Welding Shop
STRUCTURAL WELDING
Welding student Charles Duffey of Campbell, right, looks on as PJC-Sulphur Springs Center welding instructor John Plemons inspects his “fillet welds” project, or joining two pieces together.
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.
Lady Cat XC Wins 2nd Annual Wildcat Invitational
Lady Cat cross country won their first competition of the season, at home on Saturday in a course around the SSISD Athletic Complex.
Three runners placed second through fourth. Sophomore Edith Martinez lead the way at second, coming in at 13:08.40.
Freshman Jolea Moore continues to run well for the Lady Cats, finishing third at home Saturday and crossing the line at 13:22.9.
Haylee Schultz got fourth for Sulphur Springs and came in four seconds after Moore. Placing second through fourth, the aforementioned runners accumulated just six points, setting up Lady Cat XC well for a first place finish.
The lone senior runner on the women’s side, Laney Hurst, placed 13th and had a time of 13:41.6. Abbey Williams came in seven seconds after Hurst and finished 14th.
With just three seconds separating each, runners six through nine for Lady Cat XC all finished 18-21:
- 18. Dylan McKinney, 14:28.3
- 20. Jaicee Jasmer, 14:31.5
- 21. McKenzie Buckland 14:34.9
Sulphur Springs finished their home invitational with 27 points, by far their lowest of the season and more than enough to win the 2nd Annual Wildcat Invitational.
The men did not win the invitational, but did finish fifth at home Saturday. Mateo Perez led the way for the Wildcats at 19:31.7, finishing 18th for Sulphur Springs.
Right behind him came Candelario Monsivais as the sophomore crossed the line at 19:35.4.
Three runners for Wildcat XC placed 28-30:
- Juan Santacruz, 19:56.7
- Gabe Mayo, 19:57.2
- Ivan Gonzalez, 20:03.9
The final two runners for Sulphur Springs, sophomores Andrew Resendiz and Jaydon Conner, finished 42nd and 46th, respectively.
With 110 points, Wildcat XC came in fifth at their home on Saturday.
The fifth place finish is the highest on the season for a young cross country squad.
After hosting their own meet, both cross country teams hit the road the next two weeks prior to the 15-4A District championship.
The first of two invitationals has Ross Hicks and his squads in Arlington at Lynn Creek Park on Thursday, Sept. 29. Thursday’s course is the same one both cross country teams would run if they make the Regional championship just under a month away.
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.
Volleyball Beats Paris in Five, Hits The Road Again Tuesday
Sulphur Springs begins a long crusade through the first half of district play.
Four of the first five games of district play are all played on the road for Lady Cat volleyball.
Even with that, there is no doubt they will gladly take four of the last five at home to round out the regular season.
The first of two straight road games, in Paris, had an overall young Sulphur Springs squad taking on a formidable foe in the Lady Cats.
On the road to begin district play, Coach Bailey Dorner and her squad won in five Saturday.
Tight victories alternated between each school; Sulphur Springs won 25-21 before Paris swung momentum back in their favor, winning 26-24 in set two before the Lady Cats won 25-20 in set three to lead 2-1.
Paris, a scrappy team who fights on each and every play, cruised by Sulphur Springs in set four to set up a winner-take-all fifth set.
The Lady Cats then flipped the script as they won 15-7 (3-2) to win their district opener in Paris.
The five set win gives Sulphur Springs a 1-0 start to their district season, now 15-12 overall. The Saturday victory in Paris is also the third straight for Lady Cat volleyball, matching a season high they have met twice this fall.
Coach Bailey Dorner and her team Tuesday once again hit the road Tuesday when they take on Liberty Eylau.
The Lady Leopards host Sulphur Springs Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 5:30 P.M.
Note: Friday, Sept. 30, when Lady Cat volleyball hosts North Lamar, is the lone game in the first half of district play in which Lady Cat volleyball plays at home.
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.
Wildcat Football Heads into District Play 4-1
Wildcat football used a big opening half to win 24-6 over Liberty Eylau.
The defense allowed one score on the opening drive of the game, but thwarted any chance of comeback as Sulphur Springs forced a three-and-out, four punts, and stopped L.E. three times on fourth down.
Three touchdowns and a field goal proved more than enough to win on Homecoming.
After giving up the game-opening touchdown drive to the Leopards, Coach Brandon Faircloth’s resilient squad fired right back, driving down the field and scoring on a rushing touchdown from CJ Williams.
The wide receiver had himself a big night. Along with his rushing score, Williams received the ball on a trick play and fired to a wide open Jaxon Haire for a Wildcat touchdown.
Another field goal swelled the lead to 10 for Sulphur Springs, but the Wildcats displayed how explosive they can be on the following drive as Matt Mitchell took a pass 31 yards downfield. Williams came up big again when he took a beautiful pass from QB Brady Driver 39-yards to the house to give Sulphur Springs a huge 24-6 lead heading into the locker room.
Coming out of the half Liberty Eylau fought tooth-and-nail to get back into the game, but could not convert on third down as they punted twice and turned it over on downs twice more. The Wildcats did force their only turnover in the game in the fourth as Bo Loggins intercepted a pass intended for a Leopard WR.
Sulphur Springs chewed up clock all along the way thanks to another 100-yd game from RB Malachi Roland. Halfway through the season, in five games, the running back has four 100-yd performances, including two straight.
The 24-6 win over L.E. on Homecoming gives Sulphur Springs a 4-1 record. Friday’s win is also the second straight for Wildcat football.
Coach Faircloth and his squad take Friday, Sept. 30 off in their one bye of the season, prior to starting district play at home versus Community (3-2) the following Friday.
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.
Paris District Road Report for September 26, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 26, 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.
SH 56 at the SH 289 intersection in Southmayd. The intersection of SH 56 with the SH 289 exit ramps has been converted to an all-way stop. Motorists approaching this intersection are asked to approach the intersection cautiously and be prepared to stop.
SH 56 (Lamar St.) at the Post Oak Creek bridge will be closed to traffic beginning Sept. 26 for contractors to perform bridge repairs. The closure is scheduled to last for nine days. During this closure, traffic will be signed to detour onto Woods Street and then take Pecan Street back to the US 75 frontage road. After the initial closure, the remaining work will be completed using lane closures.
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 will be closed at the US 75 underpass beginning Sept. 27 for crews to begin construction on the new overpass. 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 St. and another left on the southbound frontage road. This closure is expected to last until Oct. 25, 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 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. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Taylor Street is asked to use either Lamberth or Washington Streets as a detour route. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 will be closed to through traffic to work on paving at the intersection beginning Oct. 3. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Randy Street to Walnut Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 69, Grayson County: from US 82 to Spur 503. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. 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 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 100 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 2077. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. 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.
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. Brush clearing and cleaning out the creek channel for rip rap work is underway. The contractor plans on working on embankment and forming the east bridge. 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 is working on cleaning up and final punch-list items. 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 will be forming and pouring abutments and caps this week. Grading for stone rip rap and building crane pads should be done shortly followed by rip rap and setting beams. Please be aware of the current construction, detour signage and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. Contractor worked on laying profile tracks and RPMs. 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. Work will begin soon on sidewalks and signals. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for 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 and spot base repair on FM 36. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 36. 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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Meal-A-Day In Desperate Need Of Volunteers To Keep The Program Operating Monday-Friday
The Meal-A-Day program is still in desperate need of weekly volunteer cooks for Wednesdays and Thursdays, program coordinators reported. Two cooks who can commit to coming each week at 7 a.m. until about 10 a.m. are needed on Wednesday and two on Thursday as well.
Volunteers who can donate time from 7 to 8:30 a.m. to help assemble and cook casseroles and vegetables, or donate time from 8:30 to 10 a.m. to package meals, cook desserts, and sanitize kitchen would also be much appreciated.
The Meal-A-Day Program currently has head cooks for both days but need two additional ‘sous’ cooks to help with mixing, stirring, chopping, and assembling the casseroles or vegetables for the day’s menu items and desserts for the next day.
Volunteers don’t have to know how to cook – just be able to follow directions. The head cooks know the recipes and can guide volunteers in the steps to help them get the menu items cooked and assembled for the day’s meals.
Many of the 150-160 senior citizens receiving daily meals desperately depend on Meal-A-Day.
Meal-A-Day depends on volunteers to provide this vital service. In a week, Meal-A-Day workers approximately 80 volunteer hours for preparing, cooking, and packaging meals and approximately 65 volunteer hours for delivering meals.
Program coordinators noted that Meal-A-Day’s volunteer base is aging. The program needs additional cooks and drivers to replace the dedicated volunteers when they have to retire from serving Meal-A-Day due to age or health, the program is continually in need of new cooks and drivers
In order to continue Meal-A-Day, additional volunteers are needed to ease the responsibility of the dedicated who have taken on extra duties to fill the gap when other volunteers are no longer able to continue donating their time to prepare and/or deliver meals for the program, program coordinators note. In fact several volunteers are at the Center 2-3 days a week to enable Meal-A-Day to continue on a Monday-Friday basis.
“We just can’t continue to ask this of our volunteers. We are just too short handed at this point,” program coordinators reported.
To volunteer, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 and ask for Cecil or Tina, or e-mail Meal-A-Day at [email protected].
“Please come be a part of Meal-A-Day! It is a rewarding experience. You meet a lot of nice volunteers who love helping our community seniors. Meal-A-Day needs 3-4 hours of 1 day out of your week to enable us to continue to bless our seniors with meals,” the coordinators urge.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
2022 SSHS Homecoming Royalty Announced
Homecoming mums, footballs, spirit items and other Wildcat gear washed the home side stands at Gerald Prim Stadium in Wildcat blue, sprinkled with gold and yellow as Sulphur Springs students, families and fans packed in to show support for the home team and see which of the 10 SSHS Homecoming nominees would receive crowns.
All of the young ladies are to be commended for their support of each other and aplomb each showed when her name was called, announcing her as a 2022 SSHS Homecoming nominee. The excitement and anticipation built as fans cheered, rang bells, and called out when their nominees’ names were called. The Blue Blazes welcomed each member of the court and her escorts as she took her place at the 50 yard line. Each nominee received a red rose and her mom received a yellow rose from cheerleaders. The band go into the spirit showing encouragement.
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Angeles Cruz, Queen Miley Fisher and Princess Addisyn Wall 
Addisyn Wall being crowned Homecoming Princess 
Addisyn Wall receives roses 
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Addisyn Wall 
Angeles Cruz announced as 2022 Homecoming Princess 
Angeles Cruz crowned SSHS Homecoming Princess 
2022 SSHS Homecoming Princess Angeles Cruz 
Miley Fisher announced SSHS 2022 Homecoming Queen 
Miley Fisher and family are excited at queen announcement 
Hug of congratulations for the new Homecoming Queen 
SSHS Principal Josh Williams presents roses to Miley Fisher 
Miley Fisher is crowned 2022 SSHS Homecoming Queen 
SSHS Homecoming Queen Miley Fisher 
Homecoming Queen and Princesses
The Homecoming festivities culminated with the announcements of the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Royalty. Addisyn Wall and Angeles Cruz each received a spray of flowers before being crowned the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Princesses. The large spray of roses and crown went to Miley Fisher, the 2022 SSHS Homecoming Queen.
2022 SSHS Homecoming pre-game preparation 
Sulphur Springs High School blue Blaze Drill Team 
SSHS Cheerleaders 
Addisyn Wall 
Tia Nash 
Jadyn Harper 
Miley Fisher 
Olivia Worth 
Olivia Worth 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Cheerleaders 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Jayla Abron 
Justice Jones 
Justice Jones 
Martha Gonzalez 
Angels Cruz 
2022 Homecoming Nominee Jaden Harper 
Cheerleaders await nominees, to whom they presented flowers 
Ja’Yden Holly 
Queen Miley Fisher 
Filled with Cheer Spirit 
Queen Miley Fsher 
Princess Angeles Cruz 
Princess Addisyn Wall 
Tia Nash 
Martha Gonzalez 
Justice Jones
TxDOT: Drivers, Pedestrians, Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws and Stay Focused
TxDOT: Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists must follow traffic laws and stay focused Pedestrians and bicyclists account for 1 in 5 traffic deaths |
Sept. 23, 2022
AUSTIN – It’s a simple and undisputed fact: Following traffic laws and staying focused can prevent unthinkable tragedy on the road. Yet, in Texas, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities continue to rise.
In 2021 in Texas, 841 people died in pedestrian-related traffic crashes, an increase of 15% from 2020. Crashes involving bicyclists claimed the lives of 92 people. These 933 deaths account for 20% of the 4,490 fatalities on Texas roadways last year.
“Year after year, we’re seeing fatalities from traffic crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists climb,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each of us has a shared responsibility to help reverse this trend. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on foot or riding a bicycle, we’re asking all Texans to be safe and smart, and that starts with obeying traffic laws.”
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges all Texans to know and follow the laws for safe driving, walking and biking. Those life-saving laws include the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which went into effect in 2021. Named after a Texas mom who was struck and killed in a crosswalk while walking her six-year-old son to school, the law requires that drivers stop and yield the right of way to people in crosswalks. Motorists who fail to stop and yield and cause serious injury to someone in a crosswalk can face criminal penalties.
Texas law states if you’re driving:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Pass bikes at a safe distance and give bicyclists room to ride.
If you’re walking:
- Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Use sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
If you’re riding a bike:
- Always stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- At night, make sure your bike has a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Raising awareness of these rules of the road is an important part of TxDOT’s efforts to encourage Texans to do their part to prevent pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities and injuries.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative are key components of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of May 4, 2022. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
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Hopkins County Records — Sept. 23, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
The following land deed records were filed and posted at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office:
- Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons to Donald Edwin Brewer, Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons; tract in the William B. Jordan survey
- BP America Production Company to VR4-Moria LP
- David Petty and Stephanie Lynn Petty to Jeff Dudley and Julie Dudley; tract in GC Roberts survey
- Kason Childress, Kris Childress and Lisa Childress to Craig Johnson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- David E. Black to Kaytlin Black known by Kaytlin Meadows, Mark Meadows and Nancy R. Perkins to Dusty Rhoades and Jeremy Jason Strange; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Charles Tutt III and Sarah Tutt to Karen Spalter; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Christopher Adam Lynch to James Daniel Gleason and Suzanne Marie Gleason; tract in the Jonas Vemooy survey
- Ashley Smith and Christopher Smith to Jalyn F. Vaughn and Hunter R. Vaughn; tract in the GW Downing survey
- Craig Anderson to Carol Jean Palmer
- Randall Keith Speight to Juan Martin Ortega and Maria Engracia Ortega; tract in the Johnson Wren survey
- Daniel Lee Smith and Betty Jean Smith to Logos Holdings LLC
- Jalayne Crystal Minter and Zachary Scott Minter to Jessica A. Farrias and Matthew L. Farrias; tract in the Helena Nelson survey
- Cody Elliott and Johnny Elliott to Juan Pablo Ugalde and Maria C. Ugalde; tract in the AB Koontz survey
- Consepcion Almendarez, who is the same person as Consepcion Gasca, to Jose Luis Gasca; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Lawrence R. Hall Estate also known as the Randy Hall Estate, Ruthmary Hall independently and as independent executor, to Jackson McLain Massek; tract in the Josiah Thompson survey
- Titus Holdings LLC to Tres Padres Investments LLC; tract in the AJ Butts survey
- Marisa Jones known as Marisa Kelley to Emilie Vaughn; tract in the Josiah Pettyjohn survey
- Linda Buchanan to Maria Claudia Machado; tract in the Newman McGee survey
- Mary Beth Morrison Barcus and Cynthia Kay Morrison, independent co-executors for the Mary Camp Estate and the Margaret Morrison Estate, to the Carla Frazier Family Trust and Rick Frazier Family Trust, Carla Fay Frazier and Richard Anthony Frazier co-trustees; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Juan Faunce and Traci Faunce to Inocencio Barrientez and Jean A. Barrientez; tract in the David Harris survey
- Andrew Larsen and Renee Larsen to Charles Tull III and Sarah Tull; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Ashley Patterson and Bodie Patterson to Anita Samson, James Samson, John Samson and Stefanie A. Samson; tract in the Jesse Odom survey
- Bryan J. Johnson to Parker L. Johnson and Preston M. Johnson; tract in the RP Boswell survey
- Alan J. Tiemeyer and Bonnie S. Tiemeyer to Tara Alison Jackson, Brian Scott Tiemeyer, Jeffrey Alan Tiemeyer and Joel Todd Tiemeyer; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Susan Miner and Thomas Miner to Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC to Casa Grande LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- David Oberlender, Deborah Kay Oberlender, David A. Vaughan and Timothy C. Vaughan to Kassandra Dejanira Hernandez and Ruben Hernandez Jr.; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
- Ashlei Thomas and Edwin A. Thomas to Nubia Denisse Ardis; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- The Ranches at River Ridge LLC to Channa Jayasinghe and Vasana C. Weerasinghe; tract in the Francis Hopkins survey
- Cody Williams and T. Williams to Melissa H. Forsythe; tract in the Westbrook Circle Addition
- Mary Lee Clark to Journey Properties LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Kathryn Lynn Stuart, independent executor for the Michael Larry Stuart Estate, to Clete Mackey and Laura Stuart Mackey
- Ashley Marie Painter and Tristen C. Painter to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Joe Arnold who is the same person as Joseph Kent Arnold to Daisy Daze RV Park LLC; tract in the J. Pettyjohn survey
- Raymond Higgins and Theresa J. Higgins to Cassie Grider and Nathan Grider; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Jason Tully and Samantha Tully to Juan Rivas and Melinda Rivas; tract in the Jose Zunega survey
- Cindy Neighbors to Wood Investment Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Christopher Todd Higginbotham to Carol Elaine Cowley and James Brice Cowley; tract in the M. Ballanova survey
- Robbie Horton and Stanley Horton to Robert H. Friedman; tract in the John Bryan survey
- Anthony Todd Bernhard who is also known by Anthony Todd Hughes and Kathy Ann Bernhardt who is also known by Katherine Ann Hughes, to Deryl Leewright and Nancy Leewright; tract in the Thomas Lee survey
- Kenneth Sanchez and Tonya Sanchez to Andrews Fouse, Leah Fouse and Schylar Nicole Fouse
Applications for Marriage Licenses
The following individuals applied for marriage licenses at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office during the week of Sept. 16-22, 2022.
- Mason Daniel Virgel and Jacie Renee McGraw
- Jeffery David Cook and Crystal Lynn Wilson
- Denton Deewayne Winchester and Hannah Marie Chaney
- Juan Carlos Alvarez and Maliyah Savette Diaz
- Fred Andrew Bowers and Brenda Kay Taylor
- Hayden Kenneth Burnett and Tatum Renea Murphey
- Octavio Morales Gonzalez and Dioselina Guadalupe Cervantes
