Paris District Road Report for February 21, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district from Feb. 21, 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 near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center 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 Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
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 North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit 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 perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and 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 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 San Miguel intersection with FM 1417 has been permanently closed as part of the ongoing widening project for FM 1417. Traffic wishing to use San Miguel Street will need to access this roadway from Lamberth Street.
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. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the Park Avenue and Quail Run Road intersections. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to install traffic signals at these intersections.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. 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 4 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 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
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 and Wednesday during the nighttime.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County begins Feb. 23. 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.
SH 56, Grayson County, from SH 289 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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 981, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 78. During the week of Feb. 28 crews plan to close the roadway during the day to replace a failed drainage pipe across the roadway. Message boards will be placed on site in advance to notify travelers of the expected day of the culvert replacement.
FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 409 to FM 273. During the week of Feb. 28 crews plan to replace a culvert pipe under FM 2029. Daytime lane closures will be in place while crews work to replace the pipe one lane at a time.
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.
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 as 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.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 West around the North Loop to US 271 South interchange. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform full depth concrete repairs during overnight hours.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 44N to FM 44S. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews construct safety lighting.
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 is near 50 percent complete. 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, Rains County: From US 380 to FM 1560. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun preparing the right-of-way. The contractor has started grading existing ditches at cross structures for rock filter dams and silt fence installation at various locations. Operations for temporary shoring will begin soon.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has been doing the finish work on the cement treated flex base, driveways and backfilling from Lake Fork Creek to the north for one mile. The contractor will perform the ride test and lay prime coat this week. The contractor began excavating, grading and installing rip-rap at the Lake Fork Creek bridge, and has formed and poured the back wall and wings on abutment No. 1. The contractor began setting SETs on the north end of the project. Drill shaft installation has been completed and beams will be set soon. 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 has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. The contractor has performed a traffic switch for northbound and southbound traffic on Spur 264 to complete the concrete pavement on the east half of Spur 264. The contractor continues grading flex base on SH 276 from east of the bridge approach to the proposed CRCP section, fine grade embankment work on the west end of the project, and prep work for geo-grid and flex base. 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 finished compacting mile six and placed prime coat up to SH 34 this week. Temporary striping was placed on the prime coat section ending at SH-34. The contractor also began scarifying the pavement using a road grader at the beginning of FM 1566, at its intersection with FM 272.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 1570 from I-30 to SH 66, and on FM 118 from SH 224 to FM 512. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. 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 the I-30 south frontage road from CR 3102 to FM 1737. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, 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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Sulphur Springs Man Accused Of Preventing A Female From Breathing During Fight
February 18, 2022 – A 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man was jailed early Friday morning on a felony assault charge following a fight in which he is accused of preventing a female from breathing, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Bobby Osornio and Colt Patterson were dispatched at 11:25 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, to a County Road 4711 residence, to a disturbance in which a female was alleged to be the victim of domestic violence; the male resident was alleged to have put his hands on her.
Upon arrival, the deputies spoke with the alleged victim and the suspect, identified in arrest reports as 42-year-old Christopher Howard Alves. During their investigation, deputies ascertained the pair argued about the female possibly cheating on Alves.
Alves allegedly responded to her attempt to take a phone away from him by pushing her “into the bedroom/closet door and put his hands on her neck.” She reportedly pushed him off. The male allegedly responded by pushing the female onto the bed and placing his forearm around her throat and chest area, causing her to stop breathing to the point of almost passing out. The female reportedly recovered and retrieved her phone to call 911. The woman did have red marks on her chest and neck area.
The 42-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly admitted to fighting the woman over the phone and putting his elbow on her chest while she was on the bed. He was taken into custody and transported to jail. Photos were taken of the marks he allegedly caused on the female to go with the report.
Alves was booked into Hopkins County jail in the early morning hours before daybreak Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, on a felony charge of assault of a family or household member that impeded breathing. A 24-hour hold and emergency protective order were requested. The hold was apparently not granted, however, as Alves had already been released from the county jail on the felony charge Friday night, Feb. 18, 2022; his bond was set at $15,000.
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.
95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber Of Commerce Membership Banquet Awards
More than a dozen awards were presented Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, during the 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet to those who’ve made a big difference in Hopkins County over the past year and some businesses that have continued to provide exceptional service and a positive impact on the community.
Chamber President Butch Burney presented the Citizen of the Year award, sponsored by Echo Publishing, to Mandy Kennedy for her many charitable endeavors, including her dedication to Heart of Hope and CASA; serving as a founder of Chicks for Charity, an women’s organization that donated more than $100,000 to nonprofits over the 8 years of it’s operation; programs that help veterans, including seeing that Sulphur Springs was the only city in Texas to host The Wall That Heals and finding services to assist Vietnam Veterans who visited it to honor those they served with and receive honor for their service.
Large Business of the Year was presented by Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Don McCann to Alliance Bank, for the bank’s continued dedication to customer service since its start in 1927, financial impact, support of all local charitable causes, especially those supporting youth and their activities, issuing the loans that helped keep many businesses afloat during COVID shutdowns and restrictions, as well as the involvement of most employees, officers and board as members who give their money and time as members of the various organizations in town, charitable projects and even getting together in small groups to adopt underprivileged children last fall. Alliance Bank Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer Tom Sellers accepted the award, thanking all Alliance Bank board, officers and employees as well as customers.
Citizen of the Year
Large Business of the Year
Chamber Treasurer Mike Horne presented the Small Business of the Year award to Bell Concrete, Inc., a Sulphur Springs company that began in 1946 with three mixer trucks and has expanded to the point the business has over 100 employees and a turnover rate of less than 5 percent.
Sheila Boyd presented the Woman of the Year Award on behalf of Beta Sigma Phi to Sharon Burney, who has volunteered with United Methodist Church children’s church and camp, CASA, Mother’s Culture Club, Dial Study Club, as well as the library. She has been caregiver to her 101-year-old mom and for 40 years has been a bright, welcoming light to all who enter Ardis Center for Dance.
Andy Wright awarded the Outstanding Agriculturalist/Family of the Year on behalf of Hopkins-Rains Farm Bureau to Roy King. He earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science and nature from East Texas State University in 1974, King worked in many agricultural and related jobs over the years before retiring, served on various committees and organizations including Northeast Texas Livestock Association, Hopkins County Dairy and Fall Festivals, and has raised dairy and beef cattle on the family farm.
Chamber Vice Chair Bethany Ferrall presented three education awards.
Professional Educator of the Year went to Sulphur Springs High School teacher Debbie Stribling, whose work goes far beyond the family and consumer sciences and education classes she has taught for more than 40 years. She also is an advisor and/or sponsor for numerous school organizations, including Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE pronounced Taffy), FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and National Technical Honor Society.
The Auxiliary Educator of the Year went to North Hopkins ISD Nurse Carolyn Neal, not only for all of her work during the pandemic, including tracking cases and exposures and providing notification but her dedication and the many other tasks she takes on.
Paraprofessional Educator of the Year was awarded to North Hopkins ISD Secretary Sharlene Brice. She has dedicated more than 40 years at the school where she graduated. She takes care of so many things at hte school, often addressing and handling situations before most know about them.
Judge Robert Newsom presented the Community Pride Award on behalf of the 1994 Adult Leadership Class to the Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade. Newsom note that the Lions Club is an active organization with 22 members who make charitable donations, award scholarships and send eligible kids to Lions Camp. The club also helps usher in the holidays with the Lighted Christmas Christmas Parade, which brings people from out of town to Sulphur Springs to join local residents lining the parade route to see the lighted entries in December, and usually make an evening of it, with local shopping and a meal. John Campbell accepted the award on behalf of the Lions Club.
Chamber President Butch Burney presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Carolyn McKinney, who after retiring recently has devoted even more of her time to community projects and service, not only helping organize but set up, work and stay to help clean up after huge community events such as the annual Stew Contest – and that’s just her involvement with the Chamber.
Lara Colby presented Marlene DeYong with the Growth and Renewal Award given by Sulphur Springs Downtown Business Alliance. Colby noted that if there’s something going on downtown, DeYong has been involved in it.
Charlotte Baxter and Beverley Owens presented Caregiver of the Year Awards to two individuals for their dedication to their spouses: Marilyn Smith to the husband she worked alongside in the dairy and beef business and raising beef cattle until retiring and more recently has used a wheelchair; and Don Camper, who has tirelessly cared for is wife, taking over all household duties for the past 4 years.
In addition to each receiving awards, Congressman Pat Fallon also presented each with a certificate of recognition as well. Fallon too presented Butch Burney with recognition for his work as well at hte conclusion of the evening.
Community Pride Award
Growth & Renewal Award
Community members packed Hopkins County Civic Center Exhibit/Banquet Hall during the 95th Annual Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banque Thursday night, Feb. 17, 2022, excited to be able to gather together and celebrate outstanding businesses and individuals.
The atmosphere was a little more relaxed than some years as several individuals donned big hair, sparkles, concert t-shirts, ragged jeans, big bows, pointy shoes and bight ruffled attire topped with jean, bomber and leather jackets in keeping with the “Back to the 80s theme” of the Feb. 17, 2022 event.
Clayton Homes sponsored a prize of Bon Jovi Concert tickets for the best 1980s-dressed person at the banquet. When the contest came down to two couples, funding was provided so that both couples received tow tickets each to the April concert in Dallas.
Stations with video games and balloons offered a fun place to take pictures and relax while networking and socializing before taking their place in line to enjoy the meal prepared by Haystacks Restaurant & Catering, with beverages available from Phinesse’ Farms Winery and Backstory Brewery.
Additional thanks were offered to Echo Publishing, Eternity Creations, Calvin Hickerson for keeping the 80s tunes blasting before the program began, Latsons.com and the Civic Center staff.
The Banquet Committee Chaired by Rusty Posey included Mike Horne, Beth Dattomo, Price Orwosky, Larry Willis, Andy Endsley, Uriel Gutierrez, Bethany Ferrall, Chris Brown, Jaci Glenn and Amanda Tredway.
The outgoing Chamber Directors, current officers, directors and board of directors were recognized. Burney offered and thanks to Alina Sanders for stepping in to sing the National Anthem and Chamber Past Board President Rusty Posey for giving the invocation.
95th Annual Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet Awards 
Education Award Recipients 
Chamber President/CEO Butch Burney and Past Board Chairman Rusty Posey 
2022 Chamber Board Chairman Don McCann 
Tom Sellers, Alliance Bank CEO/Chair Tom Sellers, Large Business of the Year 
“Doc” Mike Horne, Chamber Treasurer 
Recognition for Outgoing Chamber Directors 
Congressman Pat Fallon recognizes Chamber President/CEO Butch Burrney 
Back to the 80s Costume Contest Winners Receive Bon Jovi Tickets
10 Personnel Items, Emergency School Closing Wage Payments Approved For SSISD
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees during the regular February 2022 school board meeting approved 10 personnel items as recommended, a Head Start budget amendment and emergency school closing wage payments.
Early Termination
Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams recommended that the board act to finalize the termination of Amy Anderson’s term contract before the end of her contract period. He noted that the school board members during a special meeting on Jan. 24, 2022, had made the the determination per DFBA(Legal) policy “for good cause,” for the proposed termination of Anderson.
After the decision for probable termination was made by the board at the prior meeting, SSISD sent a letter by certified mail the next day (Jan. 25, 2022), as required by law, notifying Anderson of the proposed termination. Per policy, she then had 15 days to appeal the probable termination of her contract to the Commissioner of Education, Williams noted.
“In talking to that office at TEA today, she has not availed herself of that opportunity to make that appeal. The 15 days ran its course on Feb. 9. So we are now beyond the 15 days. The cause has already been established. We recommend that you terminate her contract for cause,” Williams said, but neither he nor other school officials elaborated as to what that cause was.
SSISD Board Trustee John Prickette made a motion, which was seconded by board member Leesa Toliver, to finalize termination of Anderson’s contract before the term on it ended. The motion was unanimously approved by the school board.
Trustees had just approved a job swap on Jan. 10 for Anderson. She went from working in the Read 180 program to teaching an eighth grade English language arts and reading classroom. She was hired in 2015 as a seventh grade ELAR teacher.
Other Personnel Items
Among the personnel matters trustees approved following an executive session earlier this week were five notices of retirement, two resignations and one job swap – changes which will directly affect at least six of SSISD’s nine campuses.
Sulphur Springs Elementary Title I aides Carla Harper and Sharon Ferguson notified SSISD administrators that they plan to retire at the end of the school year. High School history teacher Michael Rave and Rowena Johnson Primary second grade teacher Trecia Back also turned in an early notice they they too will be retiring on May 27.
Susan Johnston, the SSISD director of special programs, plans to retire on June 15, 2022.
Lance Thompson’s resignation as a Middle School history teacher will become effective Feb. 24, 2022. Monica Weeks’ resignation as a Head Start 3 teacher at Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center will become effective March 1, 2022.
Finally, SSISD Police Officer Dee Dee Self has a new campus assignment. She moves from Barbara Bush Primary to Middle School, an opening created with Adrian Pruitt’s resignation last month.
Wage Payments
The school board approved resolution 2-22, which defers to DEA(Local) policy regarding wage payments during emergency school closings.
“We had enough minutes in our academic calendar to where the kids were good shape as far as instructional minutes, but in order to get folks paid who weren’t coming to work those days, who won’t work those days, this resolution is required. It also accounts for the few staff members who had to work during those days -Dan Froneberger’s guys went around checking buildings, all those things. They get paid a premium rate of pay per DEA(Local),” Williams said.
DEA(LOCAL) policy stipulates that all regular employees, whether contractual or nonstructural, salaried or non-salaried, who were “idled” or instructed not to report to work during the emergency icy weather closing will continue to receive wage payments. Nonexempt employees like the maintenance staff who reported of duty Feb. 3-4, checking district facilities for ruptured water lines and pipes and any other potential damages from the frigid temperatures, snow and ice will receive a premium rate of pay for the essential services they performed during emergency school closings.
SSISD Board of Trustees Vice President Craig Roberts made a motion, which was seconded by Trustee Kerry Wright, then unanimously approved by the board, to approve Board Resolution 22-2 to pay SSISD staff in accordance with DEA(local) policy.
Head Start COLA
Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Michael Lamb, on behalf of Angi Edwards who was unable to attend the Valentine’s evening school board meeting, asked the board to consider revising the Head Start cost of living budget, by allowing $1,299 to be transferred to the supplies budget to the to the equipment budget to account for an increase in cost of playground equipment at the campus since the district applied for funding for it last spring.
Trustee Robbin Vaughn made the motion, which trustee Leesa Toliver seconded, to approve the Head Start budget amendment to move the funding from the supplies to equipment function.
Wildcats, Lady Cats Golf Have Tough Outing in Rockwall
Both golf teams had their spring season opener on Monday, Feb. 14 in Rockwall in the Regional Preview.
It did not go as both squads had hoped for, as golf had a tough outing at the Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club.
“It wasn’t great for us,” Coach Whitney Spigener, Lady Cats golf coach said Thursday. On the women’s side, Sulphur Springs sports a young squad.
Coach Spigener said four of the six competitors she took Monday had never seen the course. One Lady Cat had never competed in a high school golf tournament, so nerves ran high for Coach Spinner’s team on Monday.
“Rockwall has a little reputation with [Sulphur Springs] golfers about just being hard,” Coach Spigener said, “not many like the course.”
The Lady Cats coach said nerves got the better of the squad as they finished third place of three schools at the Regional Preview. Coach Spigener said that a few Lady Cats battled back to finish the round decent.
The lowest score for Sulphur Springs came courtesy of McKenna Meskimen, who finished with 96. Monday was the freshman’s first high school golf competition. Junior Mykylie Meador came in just a tick behind at 97.
Next up, the Lady Cats are back at it Monday in Mount Pleasant. That competition starts at 8 A.M. on Monday, Feb. 21.
Moving over to the men’s team, Valentine’s Day did not prove fruitful for Coach Jeremy DeLorge’s squad either.
“We actually had a pretty decent round out of junior Caleb Kesting,” Coach Spigener said Thursday. “He shot a 74, and that was good for third place,” the golf coach said.
The Lady Cats golf coach said Kesting’s 74 on Monday is the best round the junior has ever done at Rockwall’s GAC. The junior shot 1-under on the front side, 3-over on the back.
“He played great, putted great,” Coach Spigener said, “…all around that was a solid score for that course,” the Lady Cats coach said.
The men’s squad as a whole, like the Lady Cats, had a rough outing in Rockwall but have time to work on their errors from Monday before their next contests.
“Overall, we’ve got a lot of work to do heading up to district at the end of March,” Coach Spigener said.
Coach Jeremy DeLorge’s Wildcats take a bit more time off, next in action in Pine Tree on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 4-5.
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.
Three Local Residents Earn High School Diploma Through Innovative Program Offered by Sulphur Springs Public Library
Library offers accredited diplomas and career certificates to residents through Career Online High School
Sulphur Springs, Texas, February 16, 2022 — Two Sulphur Springs residents, have earned their high school diploma through the Career Online High School program at Sulphur Springs Public Library. The library partners with Smart Horizons, part of the world’s first Cognia/SACS/NCA/NWAC accredited, nationally recognized, private online school district. Believing that everyone is capable of achieving a high school education they offer a career-based online education for individuals who need high school diplomas to access better career and educational opportunities.
Carolina Osorino and Kristen Mitchell, have completed all the requirements for their high
school diplomas and have earned their career certifications. Graduation ceremonies will be held Tuesday evening February 22, 2022 at 6:00pm at the library. The public is invited to attend.
“After looking at the dropout statistics of Hopkins County, I knew this program could change lives”.
Friends of the Library President, Trice Lawrence spoke to area businesses about the need
for a program like this and raised enough money to begin with twelve Scholarships. As of today, the library has given out 16 scholarships and has seen 11 graduates.” said Hope Cain, Library Director.
Sulphur Springs Public Library awards scholarships for Career Online High School to qualified learners looking to earn a high school diploma and advance their careers. Once enrolled, Career Online High School pairs each student with an Academic Coach, who offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Classes are supported by board-certified instructors and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Coursework begins in one of eight high-growth, high-demand career fields (across a wide spectrum from Truck Driving to Office Management), before progressing to the core academic subjects. Students are able to graduate in as few as six months by transferring in previously earned high school credits but are given up to 18 months to complete the program.
Hopkins and surrounding county residents can learn more about Career Online High School at Sulphur Springs Public Library 903-885-4926 or by visiting the library’s web site www.sslibrary.org
NETLA, Area Youth Gearing Up For The 2022 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show
Northeast Texas Livestock Association (NETLA) and area youth are gearing up for the 2022 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Show, which kicks off Feb. 22 at Hopkins County Civic Center. The four-day event showcases livestock projects grown and agriculture mechanics projects constructed by Hopkins County FFA and 4-H members.
The top rated projects from the livestock contest and show are auctioned, with 100-200 businesses, industries and financial institutions, families and individuals contributing toward the sale of champions, either as buyers or add-on donors, as well as serving as donors who help cover the cost of the Northeast Texas Junior Livestock Association event.
Among the homegrown livestock entered will be lambs and goats, broilers, swine, steers and heifers. Typically, the sale of champions includes 125-145 sale lots, a chance for community members to purchase livestock projects, with the exception of heifers. All are rated, with showmanship, grand champion and reserve champion accolades doled out following judging in senior, intermediate and junior categories. Students who show for a number of years may also apply for scholarships. The 2021 Sale of Champions raised $475,270 with 136 lots sold.
Grand champions, in addition to receiving awards and bragging rights, also have their photos made in the arena with their project to grace the next year’s program brochure.
And, while every youth competing hopes to show the champion project in their division and livestock category (some raise and show more than one animal), they also develop skills and qualities to become good citizens and effective future leaders, including the importance of planning, dedication, conscientiousness, responsibility, time management, business experience, financial management, sometimes personal or financial sacrifices, and awareness of potential consequences for their choices and actions.
Youth are also assigned to sell a certain number of raffle tickets, with the Jackie Gibson Memorial Award going to the participating 4-H or FFA members who has the most raffle ticket sales. Students who have competed for at least two years and meet other eligibility qualifications can submit an application to compete for at least one Larry Spradlin Memorial Scholarship and one Bobby McDonald Memorial Scholarship, funded through individual donations, a portion of the entry fee and proceeds from the scholarship animals sold at on Saturday at the Sale of Champions.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or add-on donor may contact any NETLA representative or stop by the add-on table at the event.
Th 2022 Hopkins County Junior Market Livestock Shows begin at noon Tuesday, Feb. 22, with the Ag Mechanics competition, in the Civic Center Arena.
On Thursday, lamb and goat weights are due between 2 and 3 p.m., with the lamb showmanship and show starting at 4 p.m., with the goat showmanship and show at 4 p.m.
Things start bright and early Friday with the poultry check-in beginning at 7:30 a.m., the broiler show and showmanship at 8 a.m., swine weigh-in from 9 to 11 a.m., steer and heifer project check in at 10 a.m., noon swine showmanship and show, steer weights due from 12:30 to 1 p.m., steer showmanship and show and at 3 p.m. and heifer showmanship and show at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, the NETLA Stew and Chili Lunch will be served at noon, followed by the Sale of Champions starting at 1 p.m. Feb. 26.
All shows, as well as the showmanship, awards and Sale of Champions will be conducted in Hopkins County Civic Center Arena.
Myssiah Dugan Signs Letter of Intent with Southwestern Christian College
Wildcats senior Myssiah Dugan signed a letter of intent Wednesday, Feb. 16 to play volleyball at the next level at Southwestern Christian College.
Dugan is the daughter of Stephanie Love and Avery Dugan.
Dugan said she met the coaching staff of the Eagles on Feb. 7, 2022. The senior said she had a chance to tour the campus and meet the head coach of SWCC on that same day.
The senior said she was forthcoming about her injury suffered during basketball season that kept her off the court.
The coaching staff at SWCC do not partake in redshirting players, so Dugan has the opportunity to make the court her freshman year.
The senior Lady Cat, and her new coaching staff, hope Dugan can return when two-a-days roll around later this year.
Dugan said SWCC felt like a good fit for her. In Terrell, the private college has a small-town feel, a quality that attracts Sulphur Springs athletes to JUCOs and other small universities around the country.
The senior said she was elated and cried tears of joy when the coaching staff at SWCC offered her a scholarship.
She was not sure coming off a tough injury suffered during basketball season that she would get then opportunity to play at the next level, let alone getting a scholarship, so the senior calls this a dream come true.
The senior plans to major in criminal law in the hopes of becoming a defense or family attorney.
Dugan’s coach Bailey Dorner said she has seen incredible growth in the three years she has worked with the senior, adding she has put in the work and is an exemplary student on and off the court.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth, not just volleyball-wise but maturity-wise,” Coach Dorner said. “She has grown up a lot and she knows what she wants and she’s gonna work hard for it,” Dugan’s coach said.
Coach Dorner said the senior is both extremely athletic and a hard worker.
The volleyball coach said Dugan did a good solid job reaching her decision.
Coach Dorner said Dugan was a great kid and a great student.
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.
Hopkins County Republican Party To Host 2022 Presidents’ Day Candidate Forum At Civic Center
Hopkins County Republican Party will host a 2022 Presidents’ Day Candidate Forum, “Take America Back,” Monday, Feb. 21, 2022 at Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston St., Sulphur Springs.
The Presidents’ Day Forum will begin at 6 p.m. and is expected to continue until about 9 p.m. The serving line will open at 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $15, but there’s limited seating available so those planning to attend are encouraged to them through Eventbrite as soon as possible to secure a seat.
The guest speaker will be Tom Basile, host of America Right Now ad Wake Up America Weekend. Among the candidates slated to speak at Monday night’s forum are by office they are seeking:
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5 Judge
- Clint Morgan
Railroad Commissioner
- Dawayne Tipton
Commissioner of General Land Office
- Ben Armenta
- Jon Spiers
Texas House of Representatives, District 2
- Bryan Slaton
- Clyde Bostick
US Congressional House, District 4
- Pat Fallon
- John Harper
- Dan Thomas
Texas Attorney General
- Eva Guzman
- Louie Gohmert
- George P. Bush
A live auction will be held with at least 6 big ticket items to be sold, including a wooden rocking horse; an antique quilt; a 2-hour helicopter hog hunt; a 2-person night thermal hunt; a 2-man guided duck hunt; and a guided sand bass or crappie fishing trip. Payment for auction items may be cash, personal check or credit card.
SKYWARN: Free Virtual Severe Weather Training Offered Tonight For Hopkins, Rockwall Counties
In readiness for the 2022 season, the National Weather Service will be conducting a free, virtual severe weather training class for Hopkins County from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022.
Officially called the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Class, the program will be held in partnership with Sulphur Springs Police Department. The Hopkins County severe weather program is one of several training sessions the Fort Worth National Weather Service Office will conduct between January and March 2022. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth provides forecasts, warnings, and weather services for 46 counties in North and Central Texas.
Tonight’s free virtual class is targeted toward people in Hopkins and Rockwall Counties, but anyone with an interest in severe weather, established storm spotters, and/or anyone who wants to learn more about the severe weather threats in North and Central Texas and how to be prepared.
This class is part of a regional severe weather preparedness campaign. To register for this annual online class or to view the full schedule of classes offered across the region will be conducted visit https://www.weather.gov/fwd/skywarnmap.
The Feb. 17, 2022 program will feature an in-depth review and study of the various threats posed by severe thunderstorms, as well as thunderstorm characteristics and features associated with severe and non-severe storms. Additionally, the program highlights severe weather safety, and to report severe weather information to the National Weather Service Fort Worth Office and local public safety officials.
“By participating in this training session, you will gain a better understanding of Texas’ severe weather season,” says Tom Bradshaw, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS Fort Worth Office. “Waiting until storms are on your doorstep is not the time to start thinking about severe weather preparedness. We hope you attend these free classes to learn more about the severe storms that impact the region every year.”
For more information on severe weather, visit https://weather.gov/fortworth, the NWS Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/NWSDallasFortWorth, or on Twitter at @NWSFortWorth.
