Como-Pickton Junior High Receives Exxon Mobil Grant
Como-Pickton Junior High has been awarded an Exxon Mobil Grant to enrich math and science instruction in the classroom. The grant of $500 was made possible by funding from the ExxonMobil Corporation through our local McGraw Oil and Joe Bob’s Convenience Store. CPCISD extends thanks to the community for supporting CPCISD.
Austin Academic Center Hosts Commencement For Class of 2022
Austin Academic Center hosted a commencement service Monday afternoon for the Class of 2022.
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Mike Lamb welcomed the gathering of family and friends who filled the Board Room of the SSISD Administration Building May 23, 2022. Hopkins County Military Coalition presented the colors, and Danette Lovelady sang the National Anthem.
Class member Stephanie Zuniga gave an invocation, a prayer of thanks and for the class as they continue to the next phase of life. Dr. James Payne, Austin Academic Center Principal, presented the graduates. SSISD Board President Robert Cody certified each of the 15 members of the Class of 2022 met all requirements for graduation.
Sulphur Springs High School Counselor Leslie Harred called the names of the 13 members of the Class of 2022 who opted to participate in the graduation ceremony, while Dr. Payne offered congratulations as he presented each with their diploma.
The Austin Academic Center Class of 2022 includes Rylie Brooke Arrington, Victoria Desirae Brooks, Jade Elexus Fanks, Aubrey Nicole Giles, Harley Jean Gordon, Aimee Michelle Harris, Nicholas Alexander-Joseph Joy, Trayvin Lee Newmann, Lizabeth Olguin, Fernando Montes De Oca Jr., Amarie Brion Snowton, La Khysh’ya D’Aunzanae Waterhouse, Audrey Rheann Wilemon, Trevor Aiden Wooden and Stephanie Judith Zuniga.
Afterward, the students participated in the school song one last time, joining pinky fingers across the aisle.
Stephanie Zuniga then offered the benediction and Dr. Payne dismissed the Austin Academic Center Class of 2022. While the traditional hat toss that often symbolizes the conclusion of that level of schooling wasn’t as widely observed, the rush of family and friends with flowers, hugs and congratulations in these students achievement in completing high school and earning their diplomas was heartfelt.
Send Off Planned June 9 To Recognize Area Veterans On Honor Flight DFW
Four area veterans will be honored at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 9, in front of Hopkins County Courthouse with a send-off for Honor Flight DFW, which will carry them to Washington D.C. to see the veterans memorials and participate in special events designed specifically for veterans. All are encouraged to come downtown to help show appreciation and to honor these men who have served.
Four Vietnam veterans will be honored Thursday during the send off. Making the trip this year will be Air Force Veteran Phillip Gabbert, who will be accompanied by his son Ben Gabbert of Sulphur Springs; Army veteran Richard Patterson, accompanied by volunteer Troy Tutle of Sulphur Springs; and Air Force veteran Gene White, who will be accompanied by his daughter Linda Howell of Sulphur Springs. Also to be honored will be Army Veteran Troy Gilbreath, who made the trip last fall.
The veterans will depart for Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 10, 2022. Trip highlights typically will include visiting the National World War II Memorial, US Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Air Force Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Korean War Veterans Memorial, United States Navy Memorial, Tomb of the Unknowns and an Airmen of Note Concert. The veterans will return Saturday night, June 11, 2022.
The send off Thursday, June 9, 2022, will include reciting the pledges to the flags, lead by Veterans Service Officer Danny Davis and singing of the National Anthem by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings. Veteran Clayton McGaw is slated to recite “That Ragged Old Flag.” League Street Church of Christ Minister Jerry Savage will offer a prayer. Lonnie Fox will provide music for a military salute.
All are encouraged to attend the send off to honor these men for their service. Polly Swatsell will provide flags for any who wish to have one to show patriotism and support of veterans and Armed Forces personnel. Closing remarks will be offered by Judge Robert Newsom.
The Honor Flight departing on Friday, June 10, 2022, will be the 47th to depart from DFW. Judy Rawson Heaps has worked on the DFW Honor Flights board since her dad, Jean Rawson, made the first flight in May of 2009.
Some Tips To Help Stay Safe This Memorial Day
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Healing Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
In honor of our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, we say THANK YOU. May these heroes always be remembered for their contribution in making our nation free.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” –John 15.13
Memorial Day Safety
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season. Many will take their first dip in the lake or pool, have their first cookout, or take a long weekend road trip.
Unfortunately, Memorial Day weekend can be one of the busiest weekends for our Emergency Department. Nobody’s holiday plans include a trip to the hospital, so keep an eye out for potential safety hazards so you can have a safe and fun holiday weekend:
- Stay Hydrated and Drink Responsibly:
- While our weekend is looking to have milder temperatures, most people don’t notice how fast they can dehydrate with outdoor activities such as biking, running or swimming. It’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with your water intake.
- Drink alcohol in moderation, and do not drive a car, boat, ATV, or any other heavy machinery after ANY alcohol consumption. Make a plan for a designated driver ahead of time and stick to the plan.
- Avoid Burns from Grills and Fires:
- Make sure the grill has been thoroughly cleaned -Don’t wear any lose clothing when you’re cooking
- Never light your grill or fire with lighter fluid, and make sure your propane is turned off and coals are completely out when you’re finished -If a fire does get out of control and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, call 911 right away. Don’t try to put the fire out yourself.
- Prevent Drownings:
- Try appointing someone as lifeguard rather than assuming one of your partygoers is keeping an eye on swimmers.
- Never leave a child unattended around water.
- Make sure younger children are within an arm’s reach in the pool.
- Never drink alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.
- Have children wear life jackets at all times while boating.
- Drive Safely
- Buckle Up! Make sure you have all the appropriate car seats and that they are installed correctly. A whopping 50% of passenger vehicle fatalities are unrestrained.
- Prepare before you go: Before you hit the road, make sure your car is safe to drive.
- Drive distraction free: put your phone away until you reach your destination.
- Slow Down. Speeding is the number one factor in 25% of all traffic fatalities.
- Designate a sober driver or arrange alternate transportation if you will be consuming alcohol.
*Disclaimer: These tips are not official medical advice. In Case of Emergency, call 911.
Inpatient Hemodialysis Now Available
We are now offering inpatient hemodialysis for patients who are battling End-Stage Renal Disease while in inpatient status. This is an effort to keep patients and their families in the community by avoiding being transferred out for their hemodialysis needs. We are excited to be able to offer this service. Registered Nurses Dana Ingram and Brigitte Zeigler are leading this effort.
For questions about the CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs Inpatient Dialysis Program please contact Dana Ingram at 903-438-4409 or [email protected].
COVID Vaccine Clinics
Net Health offers Pediatric and Adult COVID vaccines at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. Net Health will provide vaccines from10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily every four weeks as listed:
- May 31 – June 3,
- June 27 – July 1,
- July 25-29,
- August 22 – 26,
- September 19 – 23, and
- October 17 – 21.
No appointment is necessary.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs, the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital a partner of Encompass Health, Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility, and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties. For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Missouri Man Accused Of Money Laundering, Theft of Firearm
A 30-year-old Poplar Bluff, Missouri man was accused early Sunday morning of money laundering and theft of a firearm, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Josh Davis reported stopping a red Hyundai for an expired registration and an equipment violation at 2:56 a.m. Sunday, May 22, 2022, on Interstate 30 west at mile marker 110. Davis reported smelling a marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle as he contacted the driver.
During the course of the traffic stop, Jaleel Devontae Gipson admitted to having marijuana and a handgun in the vehicle. During a probable cause search, Davis reported finding a trash bag with a store bag containing several bundles of US currency bounded with rubber bands. The bills ranged from $10-$100, which the deputy recognized through his law enforcement experience is commonly indicative to the sales of narcotics and other criminal activity, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
When questioned about the money, Gipson failed to advise how much money was in the sack much less how he obtained it, according to Davis. A pat down yielded additional cash in Gipson’s shorts pocket. Gipson was taken into custody at 3:30 p.m. Sunday and transported to the county jail, where a quick count of the cash revealed it to be more than $66,000, Davis noted in arrest reports. A handgun found inside the vehicle also came back as having been reported to authorities in Campbell, Missouri as stolen.
Gipson was booked into Hopkins County jail at 11:28 p.m. May 22, 2022, for money laundering in an amount equal to or more than $30,000 but less than $150,000 and theft of a firearm. The 30-year-old Missouri man remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 23, 2022. His bond was set at $20,000 on the money laundering charge and $10,000 on the theft of firearm charge, according to jail reports.
Sulphur Springs Man Arrested On Aggravated Assault Charge
A 49-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on an aggravated assault charge Sunday night, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Chris Rosamond reported contacting the man at his Calvert Street residence in reference to a complaint that the man pointed a handgun at another man and threatened to kill him if the other man came around his daughter again. The incident allegedly occurred around 9:30 p.m. May 22, 2022, at or near Pacific Park, Rosamond noted in arrest reports.
Rosamond said Washington Emanuel Wilkins, after being informed of his rights, agreed to answer police questions. Wilkins allegedly confirmed the complaint, and produced a CO2 handgun which he admitted to using during the incident. The officer, believing the weapon capable of causing serious injury or death, took Wilkins into custody for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony offense, according to arrest reports. A records check showed he also had four outstanding traffic warrants.
He was booked into custody on the second-degree felony assault charge, as well the traffic tickets. He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday, May 23, 2022. Bond on the assault charge was set at $30,000, according to jail reports. Fees owed on the traffic charges totaled $1,604.90, acording to arrest 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.
Personnel Policy Changes Regarding How Work Hours Are Reported, 3 Other Matters Approve
Commissioners Court Approve Agreement With TxDOT For Timber Creek Road Bridge Replacement
Hopkins County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Texas Department of Transportation for replacement Timber Creek Road bridge, and personnel policy changes giving elected officials options regarding how county employees’ time is reported, amount given for out-of-town travel, inclement weather pay and date certain holidays are observed.
Bridge Agreement
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price noted that the advanced funding agreement with TxDOT will allow the county to apply $14,000 worth of culvert replacement work recently completed toward the matching portion of funding the county is required to provide for the narrow Timber Creek Road bridge in Pleasant Grove community to be replaced. The county is responsible for $41,000 of the cost, so that leaves about $27,000 the county will still have to meet. The rest of the cost to replace the bridge will be covered by the state.
Personnel Policy Changes
County officials also approved after discussion a personnel policy which would require county employees to use the designated electronic time clock to clock in and out of work during to reflect the work day or, if the elected official for the department chooses, their employees may complete a time sheet, which the employee would sign. Time sheets would not be brought or sent to the auditor’s office; the elected official would enter them into the system, which would the auditor’s office receive eletronically.
“Basically this addresses that the employees are to clock in and out on UKG system. If they are not clocking in and out, we are going to need a signed time sheet from them, because those are governmental documents and, if they’re not clocking in and out, they’re providing their hours to their elected official, the elected official is putting their time in, then the employee may not know what time is going in,” Aulsbrook said.
County Clerk Tracy Smith noted that the time clock doesn’t give a minute to minute time, but more in 5 minute increments. For instance, if one of the employees in her office arrive a few minutes early and see someone already waiting at the door for service, she will usually go ahead and help that individual instead of keeping them waiting. So instead of 7:57 a.m., the clock might show 7:55 a.m. The same would apply if someone came in later in the afternoon and it took until a few minutes after the end of the business day to complete the service they sought.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker asked if the county could get with the contact for the system to adjust the time to minutes. Aulsbrook said county officials could contact them regarding that issue.
Aulsbrook said the information on the time clock would be sent automatically to the auditor’s office so no paper copies are required. Having the information available in the system would make it easier when it comes time to account for hours for grant purposes. Recently, that’d be amounts of funding the county would receive in COVID funding for certain employees or time spent on COVID related purposes. When the employee clock in or out, it is considered their written signature for time worked. In instances where time sheets are used, there needs to be documentation of those hours signed by the employee in order to get funding.
Judge Robert Newsom pointed out that due to the varied nature of the fire department and sheriff’s office employees, the policy was drafted leaving it up to the elected official for each department how their employees should record their time, clocking in or out.
Chief Deputy Tanner Crump noted that due to the varied nature of the sheriff’s office employee, it would be beneficial to have a policy that allows the elected official to choose whether the employee uses electronic or paper to log hours. The department has patrol deputies who work shift work, clerical staff, investigations who work even different schedules than patrol officers, as well as others.
Sheriff Lewis Tatum pointed out that even among secretarial staff, there’s a need for varied forms of reporting. For instance, one secretary may work only 6-7 hour days while another’s schedule varies as she attends meetings he doesn’t want to attend at night in his place. She would have a tremendous amount of overtime, and the flexibility of paying mechanism would assist the department in reporting and track that.
Tatum said he investigators may get busy and not think to log in, if say they go directly from lunch to work. He said they often never know where the day or a case will take them or when.
The system, Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker said, tracks all of the employees accumulated vacation and personal time accrued and used.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley pointed out that his precinct workers use manual cards because they do not have internet out there to login and out electronically, and his guys like the paper time sheets.
Price said he is more likely to use a computer at his office at the courthouse where he has connectivity than out at the barn or work site. He said he’s happy to use paper time sheets. With the way the crews work, they may not have a 20 or 30 minute lunch break. They may sit in the truck waiting for their part of a project, and only get 15 minutes before they have to get back to it.
Aulsbrook noted they could use paper time sheets, but the elected official would need to enter that information, which is then sent to her office electronically.
Three other changes were made to the county personnel policy manual.
One personnel policy change is written documentation that part time employees would be paid if they are told to stay home instead of reporting for duty due to inclement weather or other emergency situations. There was no provision in the policy prior to this draft regarding part time employee pay in bad weather and emergency situations in which the work day is canceled.
A second personnel policy change is to the amount per day allocated for trave.
“The travel policy will change the per diem to $60 a day and $40 a day for out-of-town travel,” Aulsbrook said.
The final change to personnel policy change as noted would allow an elected official to choose if they want to take a holiday after the actual holiday. For instance, that might occurred at the tax office for voting purposes, if a holiday falls during designated or required early voting days. Employees could take the day on the date immediately following the holiday, per the new policy.
Other Action Items
The Commissioners Court also approved as part of the consent agenda minutes from five previous regular meetings, five work sessions and one special session; as well as a request from Farmers Electric Cooperative Inc., for a permit for a service order.
The court also agreed to payment of bills, revenues and expenses, payroll and financial statements presented since the last meeting.
Paris District Road Report for May 23, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 23, 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. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
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.
US 82, Grayson County: from SH 91 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot pavement repairs.
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 are working to 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 Canyon Creek intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is currently closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use Lamberth Street during this closure.
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 an eight-foot-wide minimum 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
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.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, the SH 289 bridge approximately 1.75 miles south of FM 120, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 1897, Grayson County, from US 69 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 131, Grayson County, near the Loy Lake Road intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3800.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 897 west to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
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.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
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.
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.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on Santa Fe Street and FM 816 and is nearing completion in this area. The project is wrapping up in the downtown area of Wolfe City. The contractor has been working on forming and pouring concrete on sidewalks and driveways, weather permitting. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. 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 has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor will be placing GEOGRID and will be grading out for cement placement. Installation of SET’s, concrete driveways, and driveway pipe will continue, weather permitting.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. The contractor has finished flex base hauling and placing in the last section. The contractor has begun cement treatment on the last section of the roadway project. The contractor will continue setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the south side of the project once material delays can be resolved. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor continues to place asphalt and rock for future work. 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 placed prime coat on the beginning mile. The contractor has placed temporary stripe on the first mile. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor is working on the proposed signing for the project. Seal coat for pavement surface will begin soon, weather permitting.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 2655 to SH 11 in Wolfe City. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 1903 from SH 34 to the I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing sign installations, mailbox installation, potholing, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Vargas-Booth, Emigh Announced As Top Honor Graduates At North Hopkins High School
Chyloe Vargas-Booth and Emma Emigh are the tops honor graduates in the North Hopkins High School Senior Class of 2022.
Both have attended NHISD since kindergarten and both said people have a hard time saying their names correctly. The valedictorian said few pronounce her first name correctly and the salutatorian said people typically stumble over her last name. Chyloe is pronounced Shy-Low or as if spelled Shiloh, while Emigh is pronounced Aye-Mee or as if spelled Amy.
Chyloe Vargas-Booth graduates from North Hopkins High School with a 5.32 grade point average. The NHHS 2022 valedictorian is the daughter of Cheryl Booth-Vargas.
Since her freshman year, she has played basketball, volleyball and ran cross country, and more recently has started playing golf. She has also been involved in FCCLA, Beta and Student Council.
Emma Emigh graduates with a 5.31 GPA. She is the granddaughter and daughter of Susie Barker, Mickey Barker, Patty Williams and Danny Williams.
She has been an FCCLA Chapter officer for four years, and more recently served as state FCCLA secretary. She served as an FCCLA officer, currently serving as vice president of records. She too has been involved in Beta, Student Council and yearbook.
“Just anything you can think of me and Chyloe probably do it,” Emigh said. “It’s a very small school so there are a lot of opportunities.”
Both of NHHS’ top honor graduates plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin. Vargas-Booth plans to major in architectural engineering, and UTA is one of the top schools in the nation for that architectural engineering.
“Architectural engineering is basically the math side of architecture, which is designing buildings. Ever since I went to New York City, the buildings surprised me. They are so beautiful. And I just wanted to be a part of that,” she said. “And I love math.”
Emigh plans to major in political science on the pre-law track to become a divorce lawyer. She said for a long time, she wanted to be an English professor. A career day at school, however, had her rethinking that goal.
“A lawyer came and spoke to us, and she really piqued my interest. We’ve been in touch recently. Lots of phone calls, lots of emails exchanged. She’s really opened that door for me and really showed me what life could be like as a lawyer. That’s really what I want to do,” Emigh said.
She said focusing on divorce law seemed a natural fit.
“I am the first to admit I love gossip, love digging up dirt. Also, on the female side of things, females go through a lot these days. If their husband’s not treating them right, I want them to feel comfortable enough to come to me and we can handle the situation and get her into a happier place,” Emigh said.
Vargas-Booth has received a HAGEN Scholar, a $48,000 award to help with her studies.
The NHHS students noted that FCCLA has helped prepare her for interviews, as competitions have interviews.
Vargas-Booth’s team competed in culinary math management competed at and finished fifth in state in the FCCLA category.
Emigh said working on community service projects at the chapter level helped prepare her for her duties as a state officer, which included preparing a conference for more than 25,000 FCCLA members. The also the year before serving as a state officer was a regional FCCLA officer, and joined with other officer from across the region to plan a regional conference.
“Those leadership skills have really taken it to the next level for me, and I was also offered a full ride at UT. That’s why both of us are going, and like she said, it’s the top school in the nation for almost everything. Those leadership skills and that time management, we also had interviews for our office that we want to be put in. Those interviews have really helped us gain experience for in the future,” Emigh said.
When asked about influential people in their lives, the top seniors credited their dual credit English teacher, Janis Thomas, who they say has been a big help, reviewing their essays when requested before they sent them in with scholarship applications. She not only corrects them, but offers tips and suggestions as well.
Emigh also offered thanks to Mrs. Lisa Sprague, the FCCLA advisor, for showing her not only how to handle FCCLA but how to be a good person. Sprague has taught her many lessons.
Both Vargas-Booth and Emigh have knocked out their first two years of college English, and a semester of college algebra, are taking college biology online. In the summer, Vargas-Booth took a college history class, and Emigh is currently enrolled in the class. The NHHS students will graduate from high school with at least 30 credit hours each, just shy of an associate’s degree.
“It’s a great school, great opportunities, and it’s really helped me with the future, to go from a small school to a big city, I feel like is going to be a big jump, but the school has prepared us for it,” Vargas Booth said.
“I felt a lot of support from the school, but not only the school – the community. Sulphur Springs in particular. It’s just a great town and I love it so much. It’s not too big but it’s not too small. There’s things to do, and it’s just great people all over – couldn’t find a bad person in Sulphur Springs,” Emigh said. “But, yes, North Hopkins is a wonderful school and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Meal A Day Menu – May 23-27, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of May 23-27, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Macaroni Taco Bake, Corn & Black Bean Salad and Sliced Tomatoes.
- Tuesday – Chicken Cacciatore On a Bed of Rice, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Bread.
- Wednesday – BBQ Beef Patty, Baked Beans, Mashed Potatoes and a Roll.
- Thursday – Ham, Potato Salad, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Friday – Corny Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw.
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.
