Ribbon Cutting Slated Aug. 1 At Prim Stadium For CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room
Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic Open, Offering High Risk Maternity Care in Sulphur Springs
By Jennifer Heitman, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
[email protected]
Please Join Us for a Ribbon Cutting
Please join the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute along with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs at Gerald Prim Football Stadium for a ribbon cutting of the CHRISTUS Mobile Athletic Training Room (M.A.T.R) made possible through the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation and a generous donation from Alliance Bank! The ribbon cutting will be on Monday, August 1st, at 9:15am at Gerald Prim Stadium, 1200 Connally St, Sulphur Springs. We hope to see you there! Look for an invite soon for a M.A.T.R tour and tail gate to be held before one of the SS Wildcat Football home games this August.
Maternal Fetal Medicine
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic has opened their Maternal Fetal Medicine clinic in Sulphur Springs.
OBGYN Physician Dr. Martin Fielder says: “Having high risk maternity care here in Sulphur Springs means our pregnant patients with the most risks won’t have to leave the county to receive specialist care. Leveraging our extensive experience with telemedicine, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic can now offer access to the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists in Tyler, Texas to our patients in the Sulphur Springs service area. They will utilize the latest technology 3D/4D ultrasound machine generously gifted by our Hopkins County Health Care Foundation to evaluate and care for our high risk mothers.”
High risk pregnancies include things such as those that involved a mother with a complicated disease process such as diabetes, heart condition, or who has experienced recurrent pregnancy loss. There are those that involve an unborn baby or babies with a difficult diagnosis such as congenital heart disease or a genetic condition, or those where both mother and baby are affected with complex conditions. Our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic providers will work to get those patients the care they need.
Women’s Health
We are prepared to support each woman’s healthcare needs at any stage of life. Whether you come in for a routine gynecological exam, preparing to give birth, or need treatment for a disorder, we offer many services and treatments. Our provider team includes Darryl Doughtie, MD; Martin Fielder, MD; and Certified Nurse Midwife Deb Logan. To schedule an appointment, please contact their office at 903.439.4917.
The Birthing Center
At CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Sulphur Springs, we want to be there to help celebrate one of life’s special milestones: the birth of your baby. We created the Birthing Center with your family in mind. Our friendly and experienced physicians, midwife, and nurses are ready to provide the care you need before your delivery, during your stay and after your baby is born.
- Level II NICU (32 weeks and greater) with
- Dedicated physicians and local pediatricians ready to care for your newborn
- Level II Maternal designation
Before your delivery: Free Virtual Childbirth and breastfeeding classes are held monthly. You may also schedule a tour of our Women’s Birthing Center. For more information on classes and tours, please call 903.439.4091.
During your stay: CHRISTUS has LDRP rooms for one room throughout your stay. Our goal is to make you feel the comfort of home during your labor and delivery experience with an “at home” experience. We offer different pain options for labor including Nitrous Oxide, and have new state-of-the-art Birthing Beds.
After the baby is born: We have a special meal planned just for mom, and a gift for your little bundle. We also have a Mom’s support group! Call or text Kristi Couch for more information at 903.348.4767 or find us on Facebook: Breastfeeding is Best Support-BIBS. You do not have to breastfeed to join, all moms are welcome!
Need a COVID Booster?
Net Health is offering Adult and Pediatric vaccines and boosters this week at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. You may walk in from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (July 25-29). No appointment is necessary. They will continue to provide this clinic every four weeks as listed: July 25-29, August 22 – 26, September 19 – 23, and October 17 – 21.
CHRISTUS On Demand Care
CHRISTUS Health has expanded access to health care across ministries in Texas and Louisiana with the launch of CHRISTUS On Demand Care. These virtual visits allow patients to meet with a CHRISTUS Health caregiver through live video from their smartphone, tablet or computer for their urgent care needs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday, and even holidays. This service compliments scheduled virtual visits that are already in high demand and available to new and existing patients.
Built specifically for a consumer’s health care needs in mind, CHRISTUS On Demand Care providers can treat anything from allergies to rashes to even the flu, all from the comfort of a location and a time that’s convenient for the user. The virtual visit allows someone to be placed in a queue and to be seen by the first available CHRISTUS board-certified provider. If further testing like blood work or consultations is necessary, CHRISTUS On Demand Care can also help facilitate referrals and provide other helpful instructions.
There is no additional cost associated with a CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit. Nearly all major medical insurances cover these visits. Depending on the insurance plan, one might have a co-pay, but just like seeing a provider in a traditional office setting. Medicare and Medicaid also currently cover virtual visits like CHRISTUS On Demand.
To schedule CHRISTUS On Demand Care visit christushealth.org/virtual-medicine or go to your MyCHRISTUS account (formerly known as “MyChart”) and click on virtual visit or On Demand Care. Look for the launch of our MyCHRISTUS app, coming soon!
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
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report — July 18-24, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week of July 18-24, 2022, included:
Arrests
- David Jeffus, 22 years of age, of Frankston was arrested on July 19, 2022, for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
- Payne, Shannon, 47 years of age, of Mt. Pleasant was arrested on July 20, 2022, for failure to identify, duty on striking a fixture or highway landscape valued at $200 and evading Arrest.
- Cole Weems, 45 years of age, of Winnsboro was arrested on July 22, 2022, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 112 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 15 citations and 29 warnings during this reporting period.
Building Resiliency in Historic Cemeteries
Texas Historical Commission invites all with an interest to participate in the sixth and final webinar in the Cemetery Disaster Training series— Building Resiliency in Historic Cemeteries. This series trains stewards of historic cemeteries to better prepare for and respond to disasters.
A resilient historic cemetery has the capacity to adapt to changing conditions and to prepare for, withstand, and rapidly recover from disruptions—including those brought on by natural disasters.
The upcoming webinar will focus on the key components for building a resilient cemetery. Learn how to set attainable goals in the areas of preservation maintenance, safety, community involvement, and funding support to ensure historic cemeteries can endure whatever challenges they might face.
This webinar will be held on Zoom, Thursday, August 4, at noon. Participation is free, but you must sign-up to receive the Zoom link. Click here to REGISTER.
This project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Service’s Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund to address the consequences of Hurricane Harvey on historic properties in Texas.
Cemetery Disaster Training Resources
The first five webinars in the Cemetery Disaster Training series addressed fundamental actions cemetery stewards can take prior to disaster striking, as well as steps to take immediately after an event. Click here to view previously recorded webinars.
This project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Service’s Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund to address the consequences of Hurricane Harvey on historic properties in Texas.
Drought Will Always Be Part of Risk With Forage Production, Livestock and Production Systems
Strategies To Help Mitigate Effects Of Drought Events
By Dr. Mario A. Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hopkins County, [email protected]
Knowing how to cope with unexpected reality is always hard. This is what by definition is a stressful situation. We all know it: is hot and is dry out there! According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, even when the production system is irrigated, drought will always be part of the risk associated with forage production, and by extension, livestock production.
One immediate, and dramatic, strategy that can mitigate the negative effects of future drought events is to adjust the stocking rate of the cow herd to 75% of what could be maintained based on long-term precipitation and forage production records. This stocking rate should be based on several years’ observations of the quantity of forage produced under typical management strategies.
There are many ways to arrive at this figure, but working backwards from full stocking is the easiest strategy. Also, do not forget how cow size has changed over the years. If your ranch ran 100 cows 25 years ago, and the average cow size was 900 to 1,000 pounds, and your current average cow size is 1,250 to 1,300 pounds, then you are going to have to cut more than 25 cows to arrive at a 75% stocking rate. When stocked at 75%, livestock producers will usually not be overstocked during most drought years. This prevents having to purchase feed in an attempt to “feed your way out of a drought.” The 75% stocking rate will also reduce the need to sell cows at a time when many others are being sold.
During years of good forage production, stocker calves may be used as flex grazers to utilize excess forage. Calves may come from the producer’s own herd or may be purchased or grazed on a gain or per head per day basis. Excess forage in good years may also be harvested and sold as hay, or sold to local hay producers wishing to harvest more acres.
Forages should never be grazed “to the roots” under any circumstance; removal of most or all green leaves deprives the plant of the ability to convert sunlight into carbohydrates (energy) vital to plant growth. Decreased carbohydrate production results in decreased root production, thus reducing the plant’s ability to obtain necessary water and nutrients from the soil. The relationship between leaves and roots is critical at all times, but especially during drought. Besides allowing the plant to carry out optimum photosynthetic activity, adequate green leaf residue also reduces soil moisture evaporation and allows for better infiltration of precipitation that is received. Pastures where there is little or no forage residue have low infiltration rates of precipitation and much of the moisture received will run off. For bermudagrass, a target residue height should probably be no less than 4 inches, other species will be different depending on their growth habit. Some of the tall grasses should not be grazed shorter than 8inches to 10 inches.
If you do not make your own hay, drought management hay should be purchase in non-drought years and properly stored. Properly stored hay will retain its nutritive value for years. Buying hay in drought years is a losing proposition. Typically, the price of hay is high and often you are forced to buy what you can get, and it can be low in nutritive value. To stretch limited hay supplies, use corn or other plant by-products as substitutes for hay. Forage, however, should generally comprise 50% of the diet. One pound of corn will replace about 2.25 pounds of hay or use 450 pounds of corn to substitute for a 1,000-pound round bale of hay. Be aware, however, that attempting to “feed your way out of a drought” can be very expensive. Don’t be afraid to sell the cattle!
Fertilizer is never inexpensive, and all fertilizer nutrients have increased in cost dramatically. Thus, the first inclination of livestock producers is to not fertilizer during drought. This is seldom a wise strategy. Maintaining the proper soil nutrient status helps forages tolerate and survive drought. While nitrogen is generally the most limiting factor to plant production behind moisture, phosphorus and potassium are critical for root development, water use relations, and overall plant vigor. Thus, a well-balanced fertility program can help plants survive drought better than plants that are nutrient stressed and recover more rapidly after the drought has ended.
If fertilizer has already been applied, but there has been no significant precipitation, the fertilizer is still in the upper soil profile. With the exception of urea as a nitrogen source, which is subject to volatilization loss as ammonia gas to the atmosphere under certain conditions, the fertilizer investment in the pasture program will not have been wasted. When precipitation does occur, the plant will re-initiate growth and plant uptake of the fertilizer nutrients will take place. If fertilizer has not been applied, the tendency of many producers is to take a “wait and see” attitude regarding a break in the prevailing dry weather pattern. This strategy reduces financial risk but may result in missing the first good precipitation event.
Pay attention to weather forecasts and if it appears that the pattern may change and offer a higher potential for precipitation, make every attempt to get the fertilizer in the field before that first rain. The following key points should be remembered regarding preparation for the next, and inevitable, drought event. Realize that drought will always be part of the risk associated with forage and livestock production; no one is immune. For commercial livestock producers, attempting to feed their way out of a drought is usually not economically viable and careful consideration should be given as to whether or not this strategy should be attempted. The cow herd should be stocked for 75% of what the forage resource can produce based on long- term records. Well-fertilized forages tolerate drought and recover from drought better than poorly fertilized forages. It is generally better to have fertilizer in the field waiting on a precipitation event, than to withhold fertilizer until “times get better.” Do not be afraid to sell cows. Cull deeply before the drought becomes too severe. Drink plenty of liquids and remember to take “breaks” inside under air conditioning often. Take care of yourself.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Schedule For Upcoming TeleTown Hall Meeting, Town Hall Tour For Congressman Fallon Announced
An upcoming Town Hall Tour and TeleTown Hall Meeting schedule has been announced for Congressman Pat Fallon.
The District 4 Congressman invites district residents to participate in any of these in-person or phone conferences to ask questions and receive an update from Fallon on recent developments, actions and work taken and proposed which will impact those residing in District 4.
“We would love to have you join us for one or all of our Town Hall events in this year’s Town Hall Tour!” Fallon stated in a release
TeleTown Hall
The TeleTown Hall, which allows interested individuals to dial in the designated telephone number to hear and participate in the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. July 27, 2022. Dial 1-833-636-1753 to connect to the Teletown Hall event. For additional details, go online to Fallon. House.gov.
Town Hall Tour
The Town Hall Tour will include six stops over the course of 10 days in August, including a stop on the first day of the tour in Hopkins County. The tour also includes stops at Paris Junior College and Grayson College, as well as Emory, Fate and Bonham.
The tour schedule is as follows:
August 8
- Rains Town Hall at 12 noon, Rains County Courthouse Annex, 220 West Quitman St., Emory, TX 75440;
- Hopkins Town Hall at 6 p.m. at Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
August 10
- Lamar Town Hall at 6 p.m. at Paris Junior College, 2400 Clarksville St., Paris, TX 75460
August 11
- Rockwall Town Hall at 6 p.m. at Fate City Hall, 1900 CD Boren Pkwy, Fate, TX 75087.
August 15
- Grayson Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. at Grayson College, 6101 Grayson Dr., Denison, TX 75020.
- Fannin Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. Fannin County Courthouse, 101 E Sam Rayburn Dr., Bonham, TX 75418.
Not able to attend any of these events but have a question for or something Fallon’s office can help you with. He encourages anyone in District 4, “do not hesitate to contact any of our offices.”
For more information, go online to Fallon.House.gov
Information From a Truck Driving School at the Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center
TRUCK DRIVERS
This classroom full of future truck drivers receives instruction from their teacher, Bob Ashbreck, right. The three students seated immediately in front of Ashbreck are, from left, Abather Shnewer, Alexandra Pille, and Aiden Schafft.
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.
What About Mycorrhizae?
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Quite often we hear about the benefits of mycorrhizae, but seldom do we get a good understanding of what they are, how they help, and how they do it. Basically mycorrhizae support nearly all vegetable plants, the exception being members of the brassica family (Cabbage, lettuce, etc.).
of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension)
Mycorrhizae are fungi, but more than that, beneficial fungi. These fungi attach themselves to the root system of your vegetables (this also included trees). They create threads by chaining together, and though microscopic, can extend for large distances – anywhere from twice to as much as several times the distance as roots would normally extend, thus greatly increasing the food possibilities for the plant.
Your vegetables generate food (sugars) through photosynthesis, which is sent to the roots for storage and future food for the plant. Anywhere from 50% to over 70% of this stored food is made available to mycorrhizae which, in turn, provide nutrients gathered from the soil to the roots. The result is a symbiotic relationship in which both gain from the relationship.
BY FAR the best way to feed your plants is to feed the soil (mycorrhizae) and let the soil feed the plants. Using synthetic fertilizers shortcuts the process and feeds the plant directly. The result is weakened/degraded soil and loss of major portions of the synthetic fertilizer due to leaching down into the water table where they can begin their journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Using organic fertilizers directly feeds mycorrhizae who then feed the plant. Further, organic fertilizers degrade slowly enough so that mycorrhizae can gavther all the nutrients, leaving nothing for that long trip to the Gulf!
Every time you till or break up the soil, you kill gazillions of mycorrhizae which then take considerable time to rebuild, thus degrading their ability to feed the plant.
Meal A Day Menu – July 25-29, 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 July 25-29, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Rope Sausage, Pinto Beans, Corn Bread, Slice Of Onion and Tomato.
- Tuesday – Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast On A Bed of Rice, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Beef Lasagna, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks.
- Thursday – BBQ Chicken Thighs, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Friday – Cheeseburgers, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles, Baked Beans and Potato Chips.
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.
Paris District Road Report for July 25, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 25, 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.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 is closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around this intersection.
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. 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 closure of the Taylor Street intersection with FM 1417 that was scheduled for this week has been postponed until a later time. Advance notice will be provided once a new date has been determined.
FM 2729, Grayson County: from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform spot base repairs to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from Festival Park Street to the Pottsboro High School driveway. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps.
FM 84, Grayson County: from US 75 to Harbor Road. 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.
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.
Business US 377D, Grayson County: in Tioga from US 377 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 996, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from FM 1417 to FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat to the roadway. 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 is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
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.
US 69, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to blade level hotmix on 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.
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 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, and perform bridge maintenance.
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.
County Road 1032 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County – The contractor has set barricades and advanced warning signs. Preparation of the right-of-way is complete and the bridge has been removed. Drill shafts and columns have been poured. Abutment work is complete. 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 begun reworking existing base material and subgrade widening. The contractor plans to begin placing geo-grid operations followed by the second lift of flex base. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor continued concrete culvert structures, forming, and pouring the wing-walls. The contractor completed the first course of seal coat through the majority of the project. The project’s channel excavation is nearly complete and grading for the riprap is complete at the Lake Fork Creek bridge. The contractor may begin hot-mix operations for mailbox turnouts and bridge approaches in early August. 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 the concrete paving on the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extension 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 overlay on the south I-30 frontage road due to pavement pulling up. 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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Resolutions, Land Lease, Software, Approved by Hopkins County Commissioners Court.
Hopkins County Commissioner Court resolved to submit a hazard mitigation assistance grant application and to support state funding to match competitive federal rail programs. Approval was also given for a county property to be leased, a new software program for the county tax assessor/collector’s office, printer/copier contracts, a holiday calendar and a couple of budget amendments during Friday’s regular Commissioner Court meeting.
Land Lease
Hopkins County Commissioners Court agreed to delegate to Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley the selling/leasing of a county property from the courthouse steps since he is an experienced auctioneer by trade.
The 1.2 acres is located in Precinct 4. The county the property around Rushing Cemetery and can lease it out for oil and gas purposes. Bartley is to auction the oil and gas lease to the highest bidder, after the requisite notices have been posted, on the courthouse steps.
Financial Matters
County Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook recommended a budget amendment moving the $5346.32 raised by selling old equipment at auction to the Precinct 3 equipment fund, $36956.25 into the Precinct 4 repair budget, and $3,424.40 sold at an earlier date into the Precinct 3 equipment line.
Contracts with Datamax for printer/copiers for the Justice of the Peace Offices and district Clerk’s Office were also approved by the Commissioners Court.
New software
Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell asked the court to consider approving a contract with Spindlemedia for her office. She noted the proposed system is one county officials discussed during a past work session.
Spindlemedia deals only with tax collections and their software provides more support and more options for tax payers. With so many preferring not to come into the office, this will give taxpayers an option that doesn’t require doing so.
Spindlemedia is a Flower Mound company that specializes in cloud-based tax collection software, custom-crafted for Texas. The company website boasts about its “complete software suite” designed to “automate virtually every task in the office.” Among the products offered are a tax suite designed to make “even the most complex collection processes” seamless, general ledger with “total accounting package,” special inventory tax processing as well as beer, wine and liquor permit and renewal processing.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley said the current company being used does not deal solely in taxes, which has lead to a few hiccups.
“I think it would benefit everybody to make the move,” Bartley said, when making a motion to go with the proposed contract with Spindlemedia.
The company plans to begin doing some work behind the scenes this summer and early fall but won’t bill the county until the start of the new budget year on Oct. 1, 2022.
Resolutions
The Commissioners Court approved a resolution “in support of state funding to match competitive federal rail programs. The court hopes submitting this to State Legislator will influence them to consider allocating additional funds to short line railroads, especially NETEX (Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District) which spans through many counties and is in need of a lot of money to fund a lot of needed repairs to the rail.
The railroad is “of vital importance to Hopkins County and other counties, but could certainly be an even better resource for freight delivery, according to Bartley, who served on the NETEX board a few years ago. Currently, due to the condition of the rail, trains are only able to run at a maximum of 10 miles per hour.. Many large businesses depend on it, especially Farmers Coop and another local business that makes plastics. Improving the rail would allow cars to travel it at faster speeds, up to Class 2, which would get product to and from businesses faster and more reliably.
A resolution too was approved designating the county judge to represent the county in all matters in connection with submission of a Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grand application for DR-4486. In it the county agrees to provide 10% in local matching funds to secure and complete a FEMA mitigation grant.
Other Business
The Commissioners Court approved a holiday calendar for 2022-2023 with the same holidays to be observed, including Juneteenth, which was added for 2021-2022.
Two requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct electric distribution facilities across a county road in Precinct 1 and another in Precinct 3 were approved as well.
