Paris District Road Report for the week of December 9, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Dec. 9, 2019. 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 82, Grayson County: from FM 901 in Sadler to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to stripe the roadway, place rumble strips, and backfill the overlay.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Rd. to US 75. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers continue widening FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional one lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between FM 120 and Crawford Street. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts as workers work on constructing the retaining walls and new exit ramp for this project. The southbound US 75 exit ramp for Crawford Street is closed and traffic wishing to use this exit should use the FM 120 (Morton Street) exit.
US 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road and the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on rebuilding the southbound frontage road.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night thru Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures begin at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
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 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the day-time.
US 82 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary day time lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
Cedar Road, Grayson County: just east of SH 11 at Cedar Creek. Cedar Road is closed at Cedar Creek in order to remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on Cedar Road will need to use an alternate route, such as Snap Road, during construction.
Greer Road, Grayson County: just south of FM 901 at Brushy Creek. Greer Road is closed at Brushy Creek in order to remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on Greer Road will need to use an alternate route, such as Sandusky Road, during construction.
FM 1310, Grayson County: from SH 91 to Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on blade leveling 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.
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 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow moving construction equipment as crews work on widening US 82 from a two lane roadway to a four lane divided section.
County Road 5025, Fannin County: at Delba Creek. County Road 5025 is closed at Delba Creek while crews remove and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 5025 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
SH 34, Fannin County: near the US 82 intersection south towards Honey Grove. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to fog seal the roadway.
FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 3321. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on blade leveling the roadway.
FM 3297, Fannin County: from FM 898 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on blade leveling the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform dirt work; flaggers will direct traffic.
IH 30, Hopkins County: North Frontage Road from Loop 301 to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade guardrail.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
FM 900, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crew install drainage structures.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. Watch for temporary shoulder/lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
US 82, Red River County: from Lamar County Line to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder/lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 24, Delta County: from SH 19 to Hunt County Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
FM 195, Lamar County: from US 82 (Loop 286) to Red River County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project consisting of widening pavement, installing continuous left turn lanes, and safety treating fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area.
I-30/US69, Hunt County, project to replace metal beam guard fence is underway. Please be cautious when driving in this area.
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Toys Still Being Accepted For Blue Santa Program
If you missed the Blue Santa drive earlier this week, those who wish to give can still do so at tonight’s parade as well as in the designated Blue Santa barrels at businesses, the sheriff’s office at 298 Rosemont St. in Sulphur Springs, and various agencies throughout the county.
The sheriff will be pulling the Blue Santa trailer during the Lions Club Lights Christmas Parade, and Blue Santa helpers will be accepting donations before and during parade.
All toys collected will go to help ensure the children on this year’s list have plenty of gifts to open this Christmas. As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, monetary donations had grown to over $13,000 contributed during the annual toy drive. Last year, Blue Santa money donations amounted to over $18,000 with bicycle donations of almost 100.
Barrels were still out at various location at lunch Friday, for those who wish to contribute.
Distribution for those who are registered to benefit for this year’s drive is set for next weekend.
Como-Pickton CISD Holiday Event Planned Dec. 12
Wildcats Basketball Team Continues To Win at Mansfield Tournament
Wildcats Basketball Team Wins First Two Games in Mansfield Tourney
The Wildcats Basketball Team, ranked #5 in Class 5A, had a good Thursday (December 5) winning two games in the Mansfield ISD Spring Creek Barbeque Classic Tournament. The Wildcats outscored A&M Consolidated of College Station, 68-61 and then defeated Mansfield, 68-49. Both games were played at Mansfield High School. Against A&M Consolidated, the Wildcats were led by Day Day Hall with 29 points. Cameron Kahn added 20 points. Grayson McClure scored 9 points. Lamodrick Johnson had 7 points. Boo Wilkerson scored 4 points. Justin Haire added 2 points. Against the host team, the Wildcats used five players in double figures to defeat Mansfield. Boo Wilkerson led all Wildcats scorers with 13 points. Justin Haire, Cameron Kahn and Grayson McClure scored 12 points each. Day Day Hall had 10 points. Justin Brock had 5 points. Caleb Alexander scored 3 points. Lamodrick Johnson added 2 points. The Wildcats improved their season record to 6-1. The Wildcats now face Waxahachie, ranked #12 in Class 6A, Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Mansfield Legacy High School.
A Fascinating True Story and Some Good News About Local 'Wreaths Across America' Event December 14
Good news to share this Christmas season from Dena Loyd and from Loretta Scott, organizers of local Wreaths Across America events in Hopkins County! Sufficient donations have now been collected to pay for all the wreaths needed for Veterans graves in both Sulphur Springs City Cemetery/Mel Haven Cemetery in town, and Black Oak Cemetery out in the southeastern part of the county. Now, over 700 beautiful live fir wreaths trimmed with a red velvet holiday bow will be delivered by 18-wheeler to Sulphur Springs on Friday December 13, for distribution next morning. Similar deliveries will be made across the nation to towns participating in the annual patriotic gesture upon the final resting place of deceased military veterans. Just like at Arlington National Cemetery, a solemn military ceremony themed ‘Remember, Honor and Teach’ has been arranged locally.
The local cermony will be held outside the Myra Wilson Chapel at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery at 11am on Saturday December 14, 2019. The public is encouraged to be in attendance. Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to personally take wreaths into City Cemetery and Mel Haven Cemetery and help to place them on the more than 600 designated graves. Additionally, families of the Black Oak community will attend the 11am ceremony in town, then depart for a wreath-laying on the gravestones of 71 veterans interred in the Black Oak Cemetery. Wreaths are supplied across the U.S. at a nominal cost by the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine, this year to more than 1700 cemeteries. Trucking transportation is donated by trucking companies across the nation as a tribute to veterans. Ceremonies are arranged on a local basis by volunteers in participating cities and towns, and citizens provide the actual laying of the wreaths.
Below is the fascinating story of the Worchester Wreath Company. Find out more at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Mr. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was a 12 year old paper boy for the Bangor Daily News when he won a trip to Washington D.C. His first trip to our nation’s capital was one he would never forget, and Arlington National Cemetery made an especially indelible impression on him. This experience followed him throughout his life and successful career, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
In 1992, Worcester Wreath found themselves with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery that had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.
As plans were underway, a number of other individuals and organizations stepped up to help. James Prout, owner of local trucking company Blue Bird Ranch, Inc., generously provided transportation all the way to Virginia. Volunteers from the local American Legion and VFW Posts gathered with members of the community to decorate each wreath with traditional red, hand-tied bows. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. helped to organize the wreath-laying, which included a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The annual tribute went on quietly for several years, until 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet. Suddenly, the project received national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to help with Arlington, to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries, or to simply share their stories and thank Morrill Worcester for honoring our nation’s heroes.
Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester began sending seven wreaths to every state, one for each branch of the military, and for POW/MIAs. In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December.
The annual trip to Arlington and the groups of volunteers eager to participate in Worcester’s simple wreath-laying event grew each year until it became clear the desire to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes was bigger than Arlington, and bigger than this one company.
In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans, and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501-(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same. The mission of the group is simple: Remember, Honor and Teach.
“The annual trip to Arlington and the groups of volunteers eager to participate in Worcester’s simple wreath-laying event grew each year until it became clear the desire to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes was bigger than Arlington, and bigger than this one company.”
In 2008, over 300 locations held wreath-laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves. Over 60,000 volunteers participated. And that year, December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the US Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day”.
In 2014, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers laid over 700,000 memorial wreaths at 1,000 locations in the United States and beyond, including ceremonies at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, as well as Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the sites if the September 11 tragedies. This was accomplished with help from 2,047 fundraising groups, corporate contributions, and donations of trucking, shipping, and thousands of helping hands. The organization’s goal of covering Arlington National Cemetery was met in 2014 with the placement of 226,525 wreaths.
The wreath-laying is still held annually, on the second or third Saturday of December. WAA’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as the world’s largest veterans’ parade, stopping at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities all along the way to remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach.
Commerce, Cumby Men Jailed On Warrants
Hopkins County sheriff’s deputies reported taking two men into custody on outstanding misdemeanor warrants on Thursday, including one also charged on a firearm charge, according to arrest reports.
Deputy Drew Fisher reported initiating a traffic stop around 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, on a silver Ford F-150 pickup that failed to stop at the stop sign on FM 2653 at Interstate 30. One person in the vehicle, identified as Shawn Lee Marker, was reported by communications operators to have three active misdemeanor warrants for his arrest, Fisher alleged in arrest reports. Thus, The 48-year-old Commerce man was taken into custody.
Deputies alleged finding a rifle under the backseat of the truck. Marker claimed to be unaware the rifle was there, and admitted to being a convicted felon, Fisher alleged in arrest reports.
Marker’s wife came to the location and took possession of the truck. The rifle was unloaded and transported to the sheriff’s office, where it was secured as evidence, according to arrest reports.
Marker was booked into the county jail not only on the improperly displaying of registration or insignia, no driver’s license and displaying expired license plates warrants but also on felon in possession of a firearm charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Dec. 6, in lieu of $10,000 bond on the firearm charge, according to jail reports.
A 20-year-old Cumby man was also arrested after turning himself in at the sheriff’s office at 6:25 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, on three misdemeanor warrants, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies Aaron Chaney and Elijah Fite contacted the man, confirmed the warrants and escorted him into the county jail, where he was booked on warrants for a Class A misdemeanor possession of less than 28 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge, Class B misdemeanor duty on striking fixture or highway landscape charge and not taking care of a Class C misdemeanor failure to maintain financial responsibility fine, according to arrest and jail reports.
The Cumby man was released from jail later Thursday. His bond was set at $2,000 on the controlled substance charge and $1,000 on the Class B charge, and the fee owed on the fine was $559, according to jail reports.
