Paris District Road Report for week of April 29, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 29, 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: Speed Limits
How fast should I drive?
Texas posts speed limits so you know how fast you should drive under normal conditions. Speed limit signs encourage you to travel at safe speeds to arrive at your destination safely in the shortest possible time. Texas speed limits are the law and they are strictly enforced across the state.
Adjust your speed to driving conditions
Observing speed limits means more than driving faster or slower than the posted speed. When you encounter icy roads, drive through rain or fog, and approach heavy traffic or constructions zones, follow these tips:
Slow down and allow for more distance to stop.
Look out for flashing beacons warning of intersections.
Look for pavement markings to guide you.
Watch for signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.
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: 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 work and frontage road lane closures within the project.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access Eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool 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.
Watch for lane closures on eastbound and westbound Spur 503 while crews build temporary detour pavement sections.
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 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.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts 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 construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 69, from SH 56 in Bells to FM 151 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs in the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions. Watch for daytime lane closures on eastbound US 82 between Frisco Road and FM 1417 as workers install a center median concrete barrier.
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.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform the final punch list work on this project to overlay the roadways within the Park. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers 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 westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek. Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek has been reopened to traffic as construction of the new bridge is complete.
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 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, from Center Avenue to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: 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. During the project there will be road closures at the Cottonwood Creek bridge and the Sandy Creek bridge as the contractor replaces the existing bridge. Message boards will be placed in advance of the road closures to alert local traffic of the upcoming closure.
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 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 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. 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.
SH 56, from FM 1743 to FM 2077. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling 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: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for crews performing tree trimming operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing drainage work and traffic shifts in the work areas.
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.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour 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
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
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 LP 286 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
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 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has begun the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. This work will continue for the next several days. The contractor will then begin mill and overlay work to improve ride condition this week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations and performing concrete median work and placing signal drill shafts on University Street and signal box controller pads at various locations. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final striping and signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. 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. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. 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. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor was placing and repairing pavement due to potholes and base failures on FM 2642. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with sugbgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has completed placing beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek and has placed concrete railing and installed riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Final clean up. 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 will shift westbound frontage roads to one-way, this will require northbound FM 1570 traffic to turn right and go east on the eastbound frontage road and follow the detour to the U-turn at Monty Stratton to continue northbound on 1570 north of I-30. The underpass will remain open and northbound FM 1570 traffic will still be able to take a left to go west on the westbound frontage road. Southbound FM 1570 traffic will be able to operate as usual. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now open. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: Work has begun converting the frontage roads to a one-way configuration. The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work and finishing up seal coat prep work. Crews will work on FM 1532 performing rebase work and replaced a culvert on US 69. Rains crews worked on FM 513 and addressed complaints on various roadways .Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
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Expired Registration Leads to Two Arrests
April 26, 2024 – A Hopkins County Sheriff’s officer noticed a 1999 white Honda with expired registration near the corner of Houston and Church Streets. As the car turned into a mearby parking lot, the officer noticed the passenger of the Honda tossing something out of the vehicle. The officer approached the vehicle and asked the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle as a strong odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. A pat down of the driver produced a small baggie of marijuana. The officer retrieved the item that was tossed out of the window, that item was identified as a chocolate bar containing psilocybin mushrooms. The driver, Seth William Albright, 21, claimed ownership of the chocolate bar and was charged with possession of a controlled substance penalty group 2 4<400 grams. The passenger, Lynox Michael Newell, 22, was charged with tampering of evidence for throwing the chocolate contraband out of the vehicle’s window. Both suspects remain in the Hopkins County jail awaiting bond to be set on the matters.
Trihalomethanes? What are they? Where are they?
April 24, 2024 – You may have seen a message about trihalomethanes on the back of your water bill. This notice is required by Federal Law. It is mandatory for all municipal water districts to notify customer when levels reach a certain threshold. Trihalomethanes can occur any time of the year, but most commonly appear in Spring and Summer months.
Where do these chemicals come from?
These carbon based compounds are formed when, during water disinfection, free available chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. This organic matter is natural and occurs seasonally in lakes and rivers. When municipal treatment plants draw water from these natural sources, these compounds tag along. Water drawn from wells and aquifers do not contains these compounds.
There are several sources of similar molecules including:
- Water treated with bromine, in hot tubs or pools, can react in the same way.
- Chloramines, a groups of chemical similar in structure and production. They have a nitrogen atom at their center. They are responsible for the ‘Chlorine Smell’ associated with pools. The smell they produce is similar to Chlorine gas, but are harmless. Chloramines are the product of Ammonia (mainly from urine) and chlorine. So yes, when you smell that ‘Chlorine Smell’ at your favorite pool, it means that people are indeed ‘peeing’ in the pool.
Chlorine has been used for centuries to make water safe for use. It’s what makes bleach work, and keeps your backyard pool clear and safe to use. (Unless your use ozone or another method.)
The current maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs are 0.080 milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is equal to 80 parts per billion. These levels are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Do I need to be worried about these molecules in my water?
Some members of the trihalomethane family have been linked to bladder and lower GI cancer. Other studies have included birth defects as a possible result of long term exposure. At this time, it is impossible to know exactly what exposure might trigger cancer.
What can I do?
The easy solution to this concern can be as easy as using a activated carbon filtration system for your drinking water, like a filter pitcher. Using one could also protect you from other potential pollutants like lead and arsenic. A reverse osmosis system will also remove these chemicals, and many other potential contaminants.
It’s also important to remember that the use of chlorine to treat drinking water has saved innumerable lives over the decades. It remains the primary means to ensure safe drinking water reaches your tap every day.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Provides Resources on Managing Buttercups by Mario Villarino
April 25, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides resources on managing buttercups, particularly in pasture and forage management. Buttercups are toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities, so effective control is important for animal health and pasture productivity.
AgriLife Extension typically recommends a combination of cultural practices, such as maintaining good pasture health, and chemical control methods, including selective herbicides. It’s essential to consult with me at the Hopkins County Extension Office or specialists for specific recommendations tailored to your region and circumstances.
Controlling buttercups can be challenging, as they spread rapidly. One approach recommended by AgriLife Extension is to maintain healthy pasture conditions to outcompete them. Herbicides can also be used, but it’s essential to choose the right one for your situation and follow the application instructions carefully. Additionally, rotational grazing can help reduce buttercup infestations by allowing grass to recover and compete with the weeds.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Miller Grove FFA Banquet to be Held May 9th
April 25, 2024 – The 2024 Miller Grove FFA Banquet is scheduled for May 9th, 2024. The will will be Miller Grove’s 90th FFA Banquet, which will begin at 6:00pm. Established in 1934, this year’s Miller Grove FFA Banquet will take place at the Miller Grove ISD Multipurpose facility. Don’t miss out.
A&M-Commerce Hosts Luncheon to Celebrate Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
April 25, 2024 – COMMERCE, TEXAS: Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted a luncheon at the Hilton hotel in Rockwall, Texas, on Tuesday, April 16, to celebrate the university’s planned Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research.
The Lyon Center, which will be located along Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas, approximately 1.5 miles south of the university campus, will feature a state-of-the-art quail research and production facility, a wetland research station, an interactive Quail Encounter experience for visitors, classrooms and meeting spaces, wetland and upland nature trails, and office space for gamebird faculty and students. Construction is set to begin this year.
Special guests at the luncheon included John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System and his wife, Diana Atchison, Senator Royce West, Congressman Chet Edwards, Congressman Bill Sarpalius, the Honorable Tonya Parker, the Honorable Tina Clinton, Representative John Bryant, Representative Keith Oakley, the Honorable Joe Parnell, Senator Ted Lyon, Donna Lyon, friends of the university and The Lyon Center, and A&M-Commerce alumni, faculty, staff, and students.
The Lyons kickstarted the Lyon Center in 2022 with a transformational gift, the largest all-cash gift with immediate impact in university history.
At the luncheon, Chancellor Sharp thanked the Lyons for their support and predicted that the new facility will become the leading gamebird research center in the United States.
Senator Ted Lyon also addressed luncheon attendees, emphasizing that the North American bird population in the U.S. is down almost three billion since 1970.
“My hope is that the scientific research that emanates from this center will lead to revelations that will result in long-term improvements to our environment and to the birds that we all love,” he said.
Dr. Kelly Reyna, director of the Lyon Center, noted that the future looks bright for gamebirds.
“Today marks a new chapter for the future of gamebirds,” he said. “We gather today, not only as bird hunters and conservationists, but also as trailblazers and as changemakers with a clear mission to transform the future of gamebird populations, to produce the next generation of gamebird professionals, and to safeguard a future for the younger generation…”
View photo galleries of the luncheon at the A&M-Commerce Photo Archive and Dallas Event Photo.
Support the Lyon Center Today! GIVE
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What you need to know about Texas’ school safety policies
By Nina Banks, The Texas Tribune
April 24, 2024
In response to the deadliest school shooting in Texas, lawmakers have upped legislation concerning gun and school safety. House Bill 3 passed late last year, which created the requirement for an armed security guard to be present on all campuses and also ramped up mental health resources for students.
In Texas, the responsibility for establishing the guidelines for public school safety belongs to the Texas Education Agency and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office along with the TxSSC. These rules have been updated since the 2022 tragedy in Uvalde, but some experts worry that parents and guardians still don’t know the intricacies of school safety policy.
Brian Clason, program manager of training and education for the Texas State School Safety Center, says the best thing parents can do to protect their children is to develop relationships with teachers and school faculty to learn more about safety protocols before an emergency occurs.
“Your school leaders should know who you are, and you should know who they are,” he said.
Here’s a guide for parents and guardians on how to appropriately navigate an emergency whether it’s an active threat such as an armed intruder or bomb, natural disaster or hazmat situation.
What should parents know during an emergency?
During a school emergency, emotions can run high. The instinct to contact or go to your child’s school may seem like the right idea. However, in the parental guide for school safety created by the TxSSC, they advise parents to wait for instructions from their child’s school before acting.
Traffic from parents or guardians all at once may flood the school’s phone lines. All schools are mandated by the TEA to immediately contact parents or guardians during a threat of violence through text, email or an app. To ensure the process is as accurate and streamlined as possible, parents and guardians are encouraged to keep current contact info with the school to receive notifications and updates when necessary.
In the event of an active shooter, the TxSSC advises to refrain from calling or texting your child — as it may put themselves and others in danger if they are hiding and have not silenced their phone.
What is newly required of school districts?
New legislation that was recently passed added five requirements for school districts to enact in addition to the existing policies. School districts must:
- Employ an armed guard at each public school campus
- Install a silent panic button in all classrooms that immediately connects with law enforcement, fire departments and emergency services
- Train select district employees to recognize potential harm posed by a student’s mental health or substance abuse
- Give an up-to-date map of school campuses to the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies and local first responders
- Contact parents and select people when violence is occurring or being investigated at district campuses, facilities or district-sponsored activities
What are schools required to do to prepare for an emergency?
Drills
All Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are required to conduct a set amount of drills during the school year. These drills are designed to prepare students, faculty and staff for how to react in the event of a potential safety hazard.
They include:
- One lockdown drill per semester
- One secure drill per school year
- One evacuation drill per school year
- One shelter-in-place drill per school year
Each drill ranges in protocol depending on the severity of a situation. Secure drills, which may be employed if there is criminal activity near campus, allow school activities to carry on as usual, however, no one is able to leave or enter the school. Lockdown and shelter-in-place drills both interrupt classroom activity. Lockdown drills prepare students for danger within the school, such as an active shooter, and the latter for weather emergencies. The number of fire drills are determined through consultation with a fire marshall.
Because districts may vary in the amount of drills held, parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to their child’s school security with questions.
Arms on campus
It is now required that all schools must have an armed security officer on the premises, but it is up to the school district to determine how many officers are present at each school. These officers may be hired from a security company, local law enforcement or may be commissioned peace officers.
School employees may also be armed if they complete either the school marshal program or the “guardian plan.” Each route differs in methodology — with the school marshal plan requiring the completion of an 80-hour course, and costs upwards of $30,000, while the “Guardian Plan” requires a minimum of 16 hours and costs approximately $1,900. Completion of either route would allow school employees to be permitted to carry and possess a handgun on school premises.
Planning for an emergency
Every school district must have a multi hazard emergency operations plan, or an EOP, in the event of an active threat, severe weather or communicable diseases. EOPs must comply with the TEA’s standards for accessibility for students with impairments. Every three years, a safety and security audit must be completed. This audit is reported to the school board of trustees and the TxSSC.
Over 45,000 schools nationally adhere to the Standard Protocol Response, created by The “I Love U Guys Foundation,” which is applicable to weather emergencies or threats of an active shooter. The organization has approximately 250 contracts across Texas — primarily consisting of independent school districts, but also serves private schools, community colleges and churches.
Informational guides explaining their procedures can be found on their website alongside a map to check whether your child’s school uses its practices.
The state developed and implemented its Safe and Supportive School Program in every school district to be on the offensive of any potential safety threats.
The program requires each school district to form a school safety and security committee to oversee drills, audits and training. The committee is made up of one or more representatives from:
- Emergency management
- Local police department or sheriff’s office
- The school district’s police department, if applicable
- The president and a member of the district’s board of trustees
- Superintendent
- A classroom teacher in the district as appointed by the superintendent
- A member of the open-enrollment charter school’s governing body or appointed by the governing body, if applicable
- Two parents or guardians of students
First Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation Mingo Deemed a Success
April 23, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s first Mingo event was a success. Not only did
players have fun, but the funds were secured to offer free heart calcium tests to Hopkins
County men.
Mingo night involved 196 players vying for 24 prizes and 11 door prizes. Players enjoyed
delicious BBQ sandwiches from Slaughter’s BBQ Oasis, and the Grub House provided the bar
stocked with sodas, beer, and Old Fashioneds. The preliminary figures indicate the net income
is approximately $12,000. Of that, $939 was donated by the attendees to offer additional free
heart calcium tests.
For several years the Foundation has hoped to add a program focused on men’s health. Mingo
has made this possible. The heart calcium clinic will be offered in a few months, with details to
come.
In addition to Mingo, the Foundation hosts Designer Handbag Bingo which covers the cost of
the annual free mammography clinic, and the Gala, now in its 19 th year, which covers annual
funding priorities to improve health and healthcare offerings in Hopkins County.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS-designated 501 (c) 3 non-profit, governed
by an all-volunteer board of directors, each of whom lives in Hopkins County. All funds raised
by the Foundation are used to benefit the health of Hopkins County citizens.
For more information contact Kayla Price, Executive Director, at 903-438-4799 or
[email protected].
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Another Visit With Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson on A Second Cup of Coffee From April 16th
April 22, 2024 – In this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down, again, with Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. In this conversation, which took place Tuesday, April 16, 2024, John Mark and Ronnie Wilson discuss potted plants, the different types of soil, the “Plant of the Month” for April, and more. Give it a watch and see what you learn. Enjoy!
May 3 and 4 Designated As County Clean Up Days
April 22, 2024 – The Hopkins County Commissioners Court have designated Friday-Saturday, April 3-4 County Clean Up days. Hopkins County residents may bring larger household items (not commercial) to their county precinct barn to dispose of.
Items will be accepted from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday. No toxic or hazardous materials will be accepted. That means no shingles, no chemicals, no household hazardous wastes, no pesticides, no paint and no appliances containing Freon.
Tires will only be accepted at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction, and with the appropriate fee paid.
Commissioners plan to have some staff available to assist people when they arrive, but noted those bringing larger items to discard should be prepared to help off load them.
The four county precinct bars will serve as collection sites for the Hopkins County Clean Up Days. The barns can be found at the following locations:
- Precinct 1 Barn – 5516 State Highway 19 south, Sulphur Springs; contact: Commissioner Mickey Barker at 903-485-2040.
- Precinct 2 Barn – 12080 State Highway 11 east, Como; Contact: Commissioner Greg Anglin at 903-488-3514.
- Precinct 3 Barn – 583 County Road 3564, Dike; Contact: Commissioner Wade Bartley at 903-348-1878.
- Precinct 4 Barn – FM 2653, Cumby, 1.7 mile south of State Highway 11 west; Contact: Commissioner Joe Price at 903-582-8840.
