Paris District Road Report for Week of December 9, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 9, 2024. 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.
Safety Message: Football Season
Football season is a chance to make great memories cheering for your team and tailgating with family and friends. That’s why TxDOT is reminding fans to celebrate football season responsibly by always finding a sober ride through its Drive Sober. No Regrets. statewide impaired driving campaign. The campaign aims to reduce the number of DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, especially as fans gather across the state to support their favorite teams.
Too often, a designated driver is chosen during the course of the evening and is often considered the least drunk person in the group. The designated driver should always be a sober driver who has not consumed any amount of alcohol. Designating a driver, calling a taxi, using a rideshare service, staying where you are, calling a friend or family member, and using mass transit are the safest ways to ensure you do not drive under the influence.
One regrettable decision to drink and drive could turn game time into a DWI costing up to $17,000 in fines and fees, the loss of a license, jail time or worse. It just isn’t worth it. Visit SoberRides.org to learn about the real costs of drunk driving. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to keep up with the campaign on social media.
Safety Message: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Grayson County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: Spur 316 from SH 289 to FM 120, FM 120 in Denison from Houston Avenue to FM 1753, US 69 in Denison from Houston Avenue SH 56, FM 1417 from FM 691 to US 82, US 82 from FM 901 to FM 1417, US 82 frontage roads from FM 1417 to FM 1417, SH 56 from US 82 to SH 289, Spur 129 from US 377 to SH 56, FM 1417 from SH 56 to SH 11, SH 289 in Gunter from Kerfoot Road to Elm Street, FS 121 from FM 121 to the Denton County line, SH 5 in Van Alstyne from Redden Road to the Collin County line, SH 56 from SH 11 to FM 1417, SH 11 from SH 56 to FM 697, FM 902 in Tom Bean from SH 11 to King Street. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
There will be left lane closures for the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes each night the week of December 9th in order for crews to place concrete traffic barriers along the center median. The lane closures will begin at 9:00 pm each night and will be reopened to traffic at 5:00 am the following morning.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to install rumble strips, backfill the pavement and seed the front slopes. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Mustang Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at FM 901.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. 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.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from SH 5 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs to the Loy Lake Bridge. Motorists should expect delays as the roadway will be reduced to one lane through the work zone.
FM 901, from US 377 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Fannin County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 2029 from FM 273 to FM 1396, FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 2216, FM 2216 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 898, SH 78 from US 82 to SH 56, Loop 205 from 9th Street to SH 56, SH 34 from SH 56 to FM 64, SH 11 from US 69 to the Hunt County line, FM 896 from Business SH 121 to US 69, FM 815 from Business US 69 to SH 78, US 69 from FM 896 to FM 272, and FM 1553 from SH 78 to SH 78. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2815, from FM 1629 to SH 11. 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.
SH 56, in Bonham at the SH 121 intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
Franklin County: No construction projects ongoing during this week.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road surfacing operations. Expect slower moving traffic.
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.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1184 at Robertson Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch grading in the area. Excavation, Flexbase and flowable fill operations are ongoing. Work is currently ongoing at the Middle Sulphur River relief structure. Construction operations have begun and will continue on project shoulders. Work on intersections and driveways will be ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor is currently performing work on bridge columns and placing asphalt on bridge. Contractor continues to perform reclamation work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID in the 2nd mile of project limits. Cement treatment and culver riprap is completed on the 2nd mile of the project. New guard rail placement is finishing. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor currently has paving operations and sidewalk operations ongoing. The contractor is grading for a detour near Verandah and Baylor Scott and White and placing sidewalk and backfilling curb in the area. Contractor is forming rebar and working blockouts for driveways near Peppergrass. Inlets placement and driveways are ongoing. Railroad coordination is underway near FM 2642 and SH 66, work will begin soon in this area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor is performing punchlist work in the project limits. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, From SH 34 to FM 118. The contractor has placed barricades and workzone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has begun replacing culverts and bridge structures. Cement treatment has been completed on the 1st mile section and the contractor has finished structure wingwalls and headwalls at 3 structures. A ride test and prime coat are scheduled later. The first 1.5 miles of reclamation work is Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun excavation at FM 1903 (West side) and working on placing wire wall at FM 1903 (East side) and soil nail walls at FM 1903.The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570. Columns are being constructed at FM 1903 and FM 1570 along with the placing of backfill for retaining walls at FM 1570.Pipe/Inlets work for drainage FM 1570 is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36: The contractor is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Contractor poured culvert B headwall and footing, Grading at FM 1565, EB 2511 for temp wall installation and setting barrier on Eb an WB mainlanes from 1565 to end of project limits. Culvert installation is ongoing and detour pavement will be placed throughout the project.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County MNT will be performing railroad tie in work at FM 2642. Addressed Structure maintenance on various roadways and overlayed roadways on
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north and repair drainage issues on FM 1564. Worked on Structure Maintenance for SH 276.
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Breast Cancer Support Group to Meet December 9th
Sulphur Springs, TX –
December 6, 2024 – The Hopkins County Breast Cancer support group will meet on Monday, December 9 at 5:30 pm in the conference room of the Medical Plaza located at 113 Airport Rd. Mary Leshe, manager and counselor at Heritage Christian Counseling, will be the guest speaker.
The newly formed support group welcomes all breast cancer and female-related cancer patients and survivors from Hopkins County and beyond. Each meeting will cover something educational or inspirational while providing support to one another.
Members will send notes of encouragement to those who cannot attend a meeting. For those who can meet, the group gathers on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Medical Plaza conference room.
The Medical Plaza is the freestanding, three-story building on the southeast corner of CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. The conference room is on the first floor on the left.
To stay informed about the breast cancer support group and other offerings, please follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook or Instagram.
For more information, contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
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East Texas A&M University Music Faculty Named A&M System Regents Professor
Is just the second East Texas A&M music professor to receive the honor.
COMMERCE, TX, December 6, 2024—Dr. Brian Zator, East Texas A&M University professor of music and percussion director, was recently named a Texas A&M University System Regents Professor for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Established in 1996, the Regents Professor award is the highest honor bestowed to faculty in the A&M System. Zator was among 18 faculty members to receive this recognition by the A&M System Board of Regents at their November 2024 meeting.
To date, 323 A&M System faculty members have received this honor. Zator is the 17th East Texas A&M faculty member named Regents Professor and just the second music faculty to achieve this distinction, following Dr. Ted Hansen in 2008.
A Passion for Music
Zator began his 24th year of teaching at East Texas A&M this fall. Starting as the interim director of percussion in 2001, he quickly advanced to a full-time position and has been a constant presence in the School of Music ever since. In addition to teaching, he also served as interim head of what was then known as the Department of Music from 2020 to 2021.
Growing up in the Houston metro area, Zator attended Klein Oak High School, where he grew to love the art of percussion. He says the top-notch music educators he learned from gave him a great foundation.
“At that time in the early 90s, percussion specialists were not very common,” Zator says. “But in both middle school and high school, I had really great teachers who allowed me to hone my skills.”
However, a career as an educator wasn’t the first thing on his mind. During his senior year of high school, he was accepted to Texas A&M University as a civil engineering major. But as he gave it more thought, he began to feel that he was being led in a different direction.
“I had been to several music camps at Baylor University, and I called up Dr. Larry VanLandingham, the percussion professor,” Zator said. “I said, ‘Dr. V, I think I want to study music,’ and his answer was, ‘I’m glad you finally came to your senses.’”
Zator ended up earning his bachelor’s degree in music from Baylor in 1998. While there, he also marched with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, an ensemble that competes in Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions. In 1995, Zator and The Cavaliers won the DCI World Championship.
In addition to his music education in the U.S., Zator also lived in Japan for eight months, studying under world-renowned marimba player Keiko Abe, a time which he credits for tremendous growth in his playing ability and understanding of the instrument.
Arriving in Commerce
Following his time in Japan, Zator earned a Master of Music degree with an emphasis in Percussion Performance from the University of Michigan in 2001. That same year, he went on the job hunt and landed the interim position at Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M).
“I tell people that this is the only ‘real’ job I’ve ever had,” Zator said. “I had two phone interviews and was hired without even stepping foot on the campus. The first time I ever did was when my wife and I came to town to look for a place to live.”
Since then, Zator has tutored, taught and directed the next generation of percussion educators over more than two decades. He has also served in several roles outside of East Texas A&M, including president of the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) from 2017 to 2018.
In 2010 and 2023, East Texas A&M’s Percussion Ensembles, under Zator’s direction, were winners of the PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition, which sees entries from across the world, and performed at the PAS International Convention. In addition, several East Texas A&M percussion alumni have led their own ensembles to appearances at PAS conventions.
Zator’s Approach to Teaching
Zator says that one of the most important ways he has grown as an educator during his time in Commerce was to know when to change his approach to teaching.
“I used to tell the students how to do something, but I feel I’ve changed my approach to instead ask them more questions and help them discover new ways of playing,” Zator said. “It’s important to help them take more ownership of their learning, performing and improvement.”
He adds that seeing the “lightbulb moment” when a student understands a difficult concept is incredibly rewarding.
Regarding the Regents Professor award, Zator said he is incredibly humbled to be among such an esteemed list of prominent faculty.
“The importance of this honor is not lost on me,” Zator said. “I feel like this success wouldn’t have been possible without the students, as well as the percussion and music faculty colleagues who poured their heart and soul into the program.”
School of Music Head, Dr. Eric Branscome, touted Zator’s leadership and impact on his students.
“During his time here, Dr. Zator has established a true culture of excellence in percussion performance and pedagogy,” Branscome said. “He is in high demand as a performer, clinician, recording artist, and arranger, and we are truly lucky to have him mentor our percussion students.”
Dr. Mark Rudin, president of East Texas A&M, stated that Zator was a deserved recipient of this honor.
“Dr. Zator joins an esteemed list of faculty at East Texas A&M University that have been deservedly rewarded by the A&M System for their talents, research, instruction and care for our students,” Rudin said. “Music education has grown and advanced tremendously at our university during his tenure, and the success of both current percussion students and alumni are a testament to his quality as an educator.”
See all of the 2023-24 Regents Professor award winners. Learn more about the School of Music at East Texas A&M.
Hopkins County Sheriff Busts Child Porn Production Facility in County
On December 4th, 2024, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office responded to a rural residence in a continuation investigation of child exploitation. Investigators and Deputies spoke with numerous people at the residence. Initially, Robert Alexander Jr met law enforcement with hostility, which turned to violence. Robert Alexander Jr was arrested and charged with two counts of assault on a public servant and multiple counts of endangering children.
Deputies and Investigators uncovered additional evidence while on scene and arrested Noah Alexander for charges stemming from the child exploitation investigation. His charges include aggravated sexual assault of a child and multiple counts of possession or promotion of child pornography, all 1st-degree felonies.
The investigation is ongoing.
1 22.021(A)(2)(B) AGG SEXUAL ASSLT CHILD
1 43.26(D-1) POSS CHILD PORN CHILD YOUNGER THAN 10 YOA IAT
1 43.26(D-1) POSS CHILD PORN CHILD YOUNGER THAN 10 YOA IAT
1 43.26(D-1) POSS CHILD PORN CHILD YOUNGER THAN 10 YOA IAT
1 43.26(D-1) POSS CHILD PORN CHILD YOUNGER THAN 10 YOA IAT
1 43.26(D-1) POSS CHILD PORN CHILD YOUNGER THAN 10 YOA IAT
1 22.01(B-2) ASSAULT PEACE OFFICER/JUDGE
1 22.01(B-2) ASSAULT PEACE OFFICER/JUDGE
1 22.041(E) ABANDON/ENDANGER CHILD INDV IMMNT DANGER BI
1 22.041(E) ABANDON/ENDANGER CHILD INDV IMMNT DANGER BI
1 22.041(E) ABANDON/ENDANGER CHILD INDV IMMNT DANGER BI
1 22.041(E) ABANDON/ENDANGER CHILD INDV IMMNT DANGER BIHopkins County Records – October/November 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 10/1/24 Thru
- Kati N Adair to Jack R Roach; Tract in the Lot 9 Block 3 Green Acres Survey
- Zach C Adair to Jack R Roach; Tract in the Lot 9 Block 3 Green Acres Survey
- Lisa Allern to Steven Harold Roberts; Tract in the AC Henry N Quirk Survey
- Leslie Lee Armstrong to Avis Irene Roberts; Tract in the AC J W Thomas Survey
- Norma Atchley to Jo Ann Taylor; Tract in the AC lE Esparsa Survey
- Norma Atchley to Richard D Taylor; Tract in the AC E Esparsa Survey
- Abel Austin to Anthony Chillura; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Abel Austin to Mary Beth Chillura; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Abel Austin to Jeffrey Wayne Stevens; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Abel Austin to Robin Ann Stevens; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Jessica R Austin to Anthony Chillura; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Jessica R Austin to Mary Beth Chillura; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Jessica R Austin to Jeffrey Wayne Stevens; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Jessica R Austin to Robin Ann Stevens; Tract in the AC James S Johnson Survey
- Billy Thomas Bailey Jr to Shane Thomqas Bailey; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Richard Bain to Matthew Bain; Tract in the AC David Waggoner Survey
- Richard Bain to Michelle Camacho; Tract in the AC David Waggoner Survey
- Teresa Ann Bain to Matthew Bain; Tract in the AC David Waggoner Survey
- Teresa Ann Bain to Michelle Camacho; Tract in the AC David Waggoner Survey
- Mary L Beadles to BDO Investments LLC; Tract in the AC Elizabeth Mitchelle Survey
- Christine A Beaver to Hector Ramirez; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Christine A Beaver to Yuridia Ramirez; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Vaneta A Pryor Berry to Brian Pryor; Tract in the Thomas Norris Survey
- Kendall Patrick Blanchard to Robbie Horton; Tract in the Condo Unit #110 Home Plus Addition Survey
- Patrick Kendall Blanchard to Stanley Horton; Tract in the Condo Unit #110 Home Plus Addition Survey
- Patrick Kendall Blanchard to Robbie Horton; Tract in the Condo Unit #110 Home Plus Addition Survey
- Patrick Kendall Blanchard to Stanley Horton; Tract in the Condo Unit #110 Home Plus Addition Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 11/1/24 Thru 12/5/24
- Benjamin Jon Stowater and Rachael Abigail Williams
- Zachary Knipping and Julieta Becquer
- Carson Kyle McIllwain and Danielle Breann Saunders
- Marco Antonio Gonzalez and Stephanie Laure Hutchings
- Christian Lee Rojas and Aimee Michelle Harris
- Trentin Jared McKinney and Lauren Elise Maynard
- Andrew James Young and Alexandria Danee Armour
- Jose Guillermo Mendez and Brooklyn Graciela Mata
- Mejia Eugenio Barrientos and Mary Ramierez
- Lonnie Duane Loftis and Cindy Tate Russell
- Dylan Dusty Whitford and Lacey Michelle Blevins
- Jeffery Joel Coleman and Darla Hinkle Baldridge
- Rex Allen Clark and Fay Elaine Walts
- Marty Wayne Fite and Karen Kay Self
- Jesus Israel Piedra and Tracey Nicole Sorto
- Edmund Harvey Schaefer and Connie Cude Davis
- Perez Porfirio Martinez and Lara Silvia Olguin
- Johnny Marvi Williams III and Cynthia Diane Hatfield
- Shane Eric Watson and Jazmine Michelle Tapley
- Austin Michael Richards and Arlyn Negron
- David Carrter Pearce and Jenna Paul Turrentine
- Robert Wayne Preas and Alicia Marie Lee
- Thomas Stanley Smith Jr and Maggi Grace Huie
- James Walter Matlock and Angela Woods Reid
- Valderrabano Migu Cabrera and Valdez Maria D Sandoval
- Michael Samuel Kolbe and Kristen Marie Nicholson
- Larry Shawn Myers and Amber Nicole Maloy
- Morales Luis Fi Rodriguez and Kristy Denee Williams
- Eddie Paul Duncan and Kylei Autumn Price
- Taylor John Knickerbocker and Macy Nicole Green
- Michael E Koury and Lisa Marie Blair
- Kip Allen Childress and Kalissa Jade McClenny
- Spencer Stanton Brewer and Jaci Lauren Glenn
- David Edward Steele and Rebecca Lynn Jimenez
- Peter Victor Mata Jr and Jessica Marie Rains
Meal-A-Day Menu for Dec. 9 Through Dec. 13, 2024
Here is the menu for Meal-A-Day for December 9th through December 13th 2024.
New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries Announces Two Upcoming Meal Opportunities
December 5, 2024 – New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries will host two Community meal events in December.
A free “Community Wide Feeding” event will be held December 7th, 2024, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. The meal will be Taco Soup, a drink, and a dessert. The event will be held at New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries, 717 East Jefferson Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. For more details, please call 903-335-7689.
Then, on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2024, a Community Christmas Dinner event will be held from 12Noon to 4:00pm. This is a Dine In event open to anyone. Reservations are necessary, please call or text 903-458-3632, or 903-335-7689.
The event location for both meals is New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries, 717 East Jefferson Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Both meals are free to the public.
Sulphur Springs High School Theatre will Perform Their Annual Children’s Show December 14th
December 5, 2024 – Sulphur Springs High School Theatre will perform their annual children’s show Saturday December 14th at 2pm in the SSHS Auditorium. ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY!
Bring the whole family for this funny fairy tale! They will accept donations to their scholarship fund, but TICKETS ARE FREE for this event! Please come out and support the talented, hardworking varsity production students.
The story: The Witch (junior Emma Boatman) was the fairest one of all first, and she will not be silenced any longer! This updated version of the classic story unveils the villain’s perspective, from her tragic childhood to her quest for revenge. So how did the story really go? Join a tongue-tied Prince (junior Conner Curtis), a sassy mirror, a dancing chicken (senior Aiden Woodard), a know it all narrator (junior Nathan Bilyeu), all seven quirky dwarves, and of course Snow White (Freshman Emery Brown), in a tale about beauty, friendship, and happily-ever-afters with a twist.
City Managers Report December 5th 2024
CLAIMS –
We did not have any workers’ compensation claims in November.
We did have one liability claim from someone who fell into North Town Branch and sustained injuries.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN –
Staff recommends Kimley Horn to write the comprehensive plan later on this agenda.
MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD – The engineering firm, Kimley Horn is 60% done with the design process.
THERMO ROAD –
This $4.4 million project is partially funded by a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The project is 60% complete.
COLEMAN BALLFIELD LIGHT UPGRADE – We received a $250,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to upgrade the lights to LED. We are still waiting for the executed contract from SECO. SECO indicated that they will sign the contract in December.
MIDFIELD APRON – This concrete pavement/drainage improvement is progressing well. This project includes drainage improvements as well as repaving the midfield apron in concrete. Total project cost is $5.28 million, of which 90% is funded by a grant through TXDOT.
WASTEWATER CHLORINE CONTACT CHAMBER –
At the previous city council meeting the city council selected Hayter engineering and directed staff to negotiate and execute a contract. I recently signed the contract for $170,339, or 7.7% of the project cost.
This $2.2 million project will repurpose a former (abandoned) sand filter turning it into a chlorine contact chamber. Chlorine contact time is a bottleneck at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The WWTP has a rated capacity of 5.4 MGD. Staff believes we can increase the capacity to 10 MGD when the project is completed. The increase will require TCEQ approval, but staff thinks it is feasible. The project is being funded from the Enterprise Fund balance.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) –
The 2024 Street Improvement Plan (SIP) is complete. Staff is compiling a list of projects for the 2025 Street Improvement Plan. It should be ready for the January city council meeting.
REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES –
Finance Director Lesa Smith will present the monthly report of revenues and expenditures.
Elsewhere around the city, employees:
- Checked out 3,380 items from the library plus 869 eBooks.
- Sold 3,505 gallons of AvGas and 8,715 gallons of JetA fuel.
- Accommodated 1,605 takeoffs/landings.
- Installed Christmas decorations downtown.
- Held 90 activities at the senior citizen center.
- Rented the Grays Building 19 times.
- Made several repairs to Kids Kingdom.
- Repaired 14 water mains.
- Replaced 14 water meters.
- Unstopped 14 sewer mains.
- Washed 77,000 feet of sewer mains.
- Responded to 205 animal control calls.
- Achieved an 83% adoption rate at the animal shelter.
- Made 4 felony arrests in the Special Crimes Unit.
- Responded to 2,078 calls for police.
- Worked 32 accidents, wrote 541 citations, recorded 27 offences and made 30 arrests.
- Demolished a structure at 211 Lee.
201 N Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 • 903.439.3700 • sulphurspringstx.org Page 2 - Responded to 222 fire/rescue calls including 2 structure fires and 13 grass fires. • Performed preventative maintenance on 78 fire hydrants.
- Conducted 50 fire inspections.
- Repaired 298 potholes.
- Made 15 extensive street repairs following utility repairs.
- Conducted 76 building inspections, 16 electrical inspections, 12 plumbing inspections, and 5 mechanical inspections.
- Issued 20 building permits and 46 trade permits.
A Shumard Oak for Your Yard From Master Gardener David Wall
December 5, 2024 – Oaks are initially divided into two groups. With only 4-5 exceptions, white oaks have leaves with rounded lobes, and red oaks which have pointed lobes. Within the red oak family, a relatively unknown species called Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii Buckl).
Shumard oaks are a member of the southern red oak family, and are one of the largest members of that group. They accept virtually all soil types in our area, and very few insects attack it. Life expectancy is one hundred years plus, and it’s known to live to 400+ years. Neil Sperry, a nationally known horticulturalist was noted that if he could only have one tree in his yard, it would be a Shumard oak (SO)!
SOs normally reach up to 115’ with a diameter of 39” and a crown of 60’, although under ideal conditions can reach 200’ tall, 60” in diameter, and a crown of 90’. The bole or trunk is vertically straight. They can survive flooding for up to six weeks a year and have a deeply rooted buttress (wide roots on all sides) to provide support under wet conditions.
Leaves are typically large (up to 8”) with 5-9 lobes ending in pointed tips. Leaves provide browsing food for deer. They turn red in late fall (November & December) and may have some yellows mixed in. Acorns are normally 1” in diameter and attractive to deer, turkey, quail, squirrels, water fowl and other animals. They take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years to develop and don’t appear for at least the tree’s first 25 years. SOs tolerate both acidic and alkali soils and are drought resistant.
SOs make great shade trees but also have considerable commercial value. SO lumber is considered better than other red oaks and used in flooring, furniture, paneling, cabinets, trim, and molding.
