Rachel Bramlett Crowned 2019 Dairy Festival Queen
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival culminated Saturday with the crowning of the 2019 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen during the annual pageant.
Rachel Bramlett, daughter of Mark and Brenda Pope, was named the new queen. After a few comical moments in which 2018 Dairy Festival Kaitlyn Ferrill had difficulty getting the crown to turn loose from its secure position in her hair, Ferrill placed it atop Bramlett’s head.
As the 2018 HCDF queen, Bramlett also received the queen’s scepter, was draped with a sash, will receive a $1,250 scholarship, and received flowers and a silver bowl. She also received the talent award, for which the winner also receives a $500 scholarship.
Selected as first runner-up was Maddie Nordin, daughter of Mellissa Foster and Jason Goldsmith. Nordin also was recognized for selling the most tickets to the pageant. She received flowers, a silver bowl and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Ashlyn Bimmerle, daughter of John and Katie Bimmerle, was not only the second-runner up. She also was named Miss Congeniality. She received flowers, a sliver bowl and a $750 scholarship as the second runner-up.
Third runner-up was Katey Brown, daughter of Chris and Lezley Brown. She received flowers, a silver bowl and will receive a $500 scholarship.
Annmarie Gunn, daughter of Jay and Dawn Looney and Brandon and Amanda Gunn, was recognized for being second for tickets sales.
In addition to the talent competition, the pageant included an evening gown segments and interview. Contestants too were required to construct a float to participate in the parade, milking contest, attending the opening ceremony and to sell tickets. Those who were able were encouraged to donate their time at all Dairy Festival events, including the hot air balloon rally and media flight.
The Hopkins County Dairy Festival will return June 12-20, 2020.
Methamphetamine, THC Oil Found During Traffic Stop
A faulty license plate light resulted in a traffic stop early Friday morning and location of suspected methamphetamine and THC oil.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Lance Burdick stopped a blue Nissan just after 3 a.m. Friday on Shannon Road at E-Z Mart because the license plate was obscured due to a defective license plate light. On contact, both occupants avoided making eye contact with the deputy and insisted on the deputy letting them go, Burdick alleged in arrest reports. When asked, both allegedly denied there was anything illegal in the car. The deputy received permission to search the car, inside of which he alleged a baggy containing suspected methamphetamine.
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis arrived to assist. Davis reported finding a dark-colored liquid he believed to be THC in the tank of a vapor cigarette. Donna Lynn Pottorff, 54, of Sulphur Springs claimed ownership of the substances and was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Pottorff remained in the county jail Saturday afternoon. Her bond was set at $20,000 on the Penalty Group 2 charge and $5,000 on the Penalty Group 1 charge, according to jail reports.
Investigation of Suspicious Activity Results In 2 Arrests
Billy Clay Kirby 
Wesley Robert Rose
Two men stopped by Cumby police for suspicious activity after 3 a.m. Saturday were jailed after Cumby police found suspected methamphetamine and a marijuana cigarette in their vehicle.
Cumby Police Sgt. Ray Embro was conducting building security checks in the area of the north Interstate 30 service road and Odom Street, an area where burglary attempts had been made at neighboring businesses, when he noticed a Chevrolet Trailblazer drive into the I-30 Fast Stop and park in front of the building. The business was closed so he made a block and returned. The vehicle was exiting onto the north service road so he stopped it for suspicion of criminal activity.
On contact, the driver was identified as Wesley Robert Rose, 36, of Talco and the passenger as Billy Clay Kirby, 49, of Cumby. Kirby claimed to be an employee of the gas station, and said they stopped to grab some ice from the ice machine. They did have a bag of ice in the rear floorboard.
Embro, in arrest reports, during questioning, both were notably nervous and the reasons they gave for their travels did not make sense to him, so he suspected the pair engaged in criminal activity and had Rose step out of the car for further investigation. Rose reportedly became more nervous during questioning and agreed to let Embro search the vehicle. Embro had Kirby step out.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Tanner Steward arrived on scene to serve as a cover unit with Embro. A baggy with a white crystal-like substance the officers believed to be methamphetamine and a red straw were allegedly found in a white pill bottle in a small bag in the rear floorboard. A marijuana cigarette was found in a child’s toy in rear of the vehicle.
Rose allegedly told Embro that Kirby ate illegal contraband believed to be methamphetamine as they were being pulled over and threw illegal contraband out the front passenger window. While talking to Kirby, Embro alleged in arrest reports, the officer observed a large piece of white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine on Kirby’s shirt.
Consequently, both Rose and Kirby were arrested for possession of less than gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Kirby was also charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, according to arrest reports.
Both men remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, June 17. Bond was set at $5,000 each on the controlled substance charge; Kirby’s bond on the tampering with evidence charge was set at $10,000, according to jail reports.
Las Lecheras Meet Whipped Challenge With Creative Dishes
Las Lecheras met the challenge Saturday at the Dairy Festival’s timed, creative cooking competition. Ana Aguilar Shew, Jessie Aguilar Redding, Yadira Aguilar Caruthers and Victoria Shew took home the first place prize of a classic Dutch oven and goody bags from the Whipped Challenge.
The team went three rounds of food preparation, crafting and servings a creative dessert that put them in ahead of fellow finalists, the Butter Chaos team consisting of Myra Watson, Mary Ellen Hoybook, Maleta Reynolds and Jajan Davis.
It was a tough competition that started with six teams. Each of the teams, consisting of at least four members each, was required to prepare and submit using the ingredients provided a dish for judging. Two teams were eliminated after each round, leaving only two team competing in the final leg of competition. Each course had to include at least two dairy products. Teams were allowed to bring their own standard equipment such as knives, mixing utensils and small appliances which can be used in the preparation of the courses.
Teams were given 30 minutes to create a recipe, slice, dice, blend, mix, cook and otherwise prepare the course and get the plated entry to the judging table. Taste, appearance and plate-appeal were among the criteria used by the panel of judges.
The Rosemary Society and Gouda Group were eliminated after the first round, in which teams prepared an appetizer using ingredients such as cranberries, avocados, bread and M&Ms.
After the main dishes which included canned lunch meat were plated and judged, the Legend Dairy and Alliance Bakers teams were out, leaving only the Las Lecheras and Butter Chaos. Las Lacheras came in just ahead with their dessert to win the challenge.
Sulphur Springs Man Accused of Intoxication, Cocaine Possession
A check on a man who appeared to be sleeping in his car on the side of the road early Saturday morning resulted in location of 0.54 grams of suspected cocaine and a felony arrest, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin Lester and M. Poindexter reported seeing a Chrysler 300 parked with its lights active on the side of the north Interstate 30 service road in front of Henly Homes at 4 a.m. Saturday. The man appeared to the deputies to be asleep in the driver’s seat.
The deputies contacted the man, who they noted in arrest reports had urinated on himself and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage. He allegedly admitted to consuming 12 beers. Determining the man to be intoxicated to the point he was a danger to himself and others, the deputies took 30-year-old Santiago Saul Jimenez of Sulphur Springs into custody for public intoxication.
Jimenez was taken to jail and his vehicle was impounded. Upon arrival, the man was searched by jail staff, who reported finding a baggy containing a white powder-like substance that field tested positive for cocaine in his pocket. The substance and packaging weighed 0.54 grams, resulting in an additional charge of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Jimenez remained in the county jail at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. His bond on the controlled substance charge was set at $5,000, according to jail reports.
Hopkins County Records for the Week of June 14, 2019
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Cedric Dwight Mosely and Angela Yvette Johnson
- Ashton Tailor Smith and Skyler Lucile Marie Swann
- James Wayne Evans and Macy Laine Griner
- Kerry Dewayne Spence and Krystle Renay Pearson
- Marlon Josue Garcia Rivas and Analis Paredes
- Limber L. Ponce Hernandez and Idania Perez Al Tamirano
- Paul Arthur Stieber Jr. and Sarah E. Courtney-Mesko
Land Deed Transactions
- Janice Faye Petty Buck, independent executor for the Roger Lane Petty Estate, to Charlie Grantham and Pennie Rankin; tract in the George C. Roberts survey
- Carleton Norman Pope, Dora Lee Pope, Norma Lee Pope, Donalton Norman Pope to James Joseph Waite; tract in the W.L. Young survey
- Bryan Jacobs and Mattie Elizabeth Hooten Jacobs to Kristi Shultz and William Bryan Shultz; tract in the Haynes Crabtree survey
- Donna Stevenson to Harrell Bradford Hettich; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Billy Joe Teer and Janice Teer to Janet E. Stewart and Mark E. Williams; tract in the Thomas Tobar survey
- William Ben Herman III and Marsha Herman to Brittany Lea Lewis and David H. Lewis tract in the Daniel Halbrooks survey
- Donna L. Goss and Mark E. Morrison to David Earl Singleton and William Earl Singleton; tract in the HT Barclay survey
- Bradley Worsham and Lori Worsham to Carol Worsham and Don Worsham; tract in Broadway Square units
- High Point Estates to Kimberly K. Moore and Michael C. Moore; tract in the Maria J. De Los Santos Coy survey
- Kimberly K. Moore and Michael Moore to Michael L. Horn and Tracy L. Horn; tract in the Maria J. De Los Santos Coy survey
- Connie Joyce Heflin Thompson to Brandi Nicole James and David Aaron James; tract in the Amos Hill survey
- Patricia Diana Scott to Bryan Wayne Scott and Carrol Lynn Wheeler; tract in the JR McKee survey
- John B.Davidson Jr. to Kathleen Hewett and Timothy Hewett; tract in the James Lee survey
- Kathleen Marie Hewett and Timothy Collins Hewett to Heritage Land Bank FLCA; tract in the James Lee survey
- James Crawford to Rachel Nichole Hatchel; tract in the Minor Blossom survey
- Mary E. Jackson and Ronny F. Jackson to Debbie Coffey and James Coffee; tract in the E Melton survey
- Linda G Miller to GR Gisch and Glora M Gisch; tract in the Stephen Nichols survey
- Cara L. Pelerose to Michael Savage; tract in the John W. Thomas survey
- Hollis Blaine Sartin and Jessica Sartin to Maria C. Preciado and Salvador Preciado; tract in the Antonio Lazarine survey
- Amy Dawn Sustaire and Mark B. Sustaire to Ricky D. Self Jr.; tract in the WB Merrell survey
- Kathleen Marie Dennis, independent executor for the Nelsen Errol Dennis Estate, to Kathleen Marie Dennis; tract in the James English survey
- Donald D. Weaver to Joseph W. Woodson; tract in the MD Jackson survey
- Jennifer Jiang to AJC Real Estate LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Myron G. Mitchell and Marsha K. Orr attorney to All Star Sleep Clinic LLC; tract in the William H. Moses survey
- Brad Stephens and Nita Rene Stephens to Michael Scott Smith and Susan Paulette Smith; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Cathie J. Holden and William N. Holden to Billy Teer and Janice Teer; tract in Rock Creek
- Jon E. Collins, Kimberley or Kimberely S. Collins, Robert C. Morgan Jr. and Susan Morgan to Lawrence S. Pollock III; tract in the Winnie Jewell survey
- TTTT Limited to Brad Morris and Terry Morris; tract in the Sarah Norris survey
- Billy Wayne Brown and Patricia Eileen Brown to Mark C. Walling, Vicki L. Walling, Amanda M. Williamson and Joseph C. Williamson; tract in the Dubert Murphy survey
- Patricia Pillard to Brent A. Wagner and Erin C. Wagner; tract in the J Ybarbo survey
- Myra Jean Mikeska to Patricia Shing Blalock and Doris Jean Landers; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Vernon J. Hawkins to Taryn Brooke Simmons; tract in the JW Hatchell survey
- Freda Ross Finley, Judy Ross Harris FKA, Janice Rose Ross, Rhonda Jo Ross-Wright and Ameenah Snow to Merlene Jo Miller Ross; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- R. Lanelle Garvie and Kenneth Ross to Mary Undene Thomas Ross; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Mary Undene Thomas Ross and Merlene Jo Miller Ross to Cintya Guadalupe Pryor; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Amanda Higginbotham and Tyler Higginbotham to Tim Kelty; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- Betty Hunt and Daniel Hunt to Adam Kenney and Taylor B. Kenney; tract in the MW Matthews survey
- SSMC Real Estate Inc. to Deborah Balkcom, Ichabod L. Balkcom IV, Curtis W. Cutrell, Susan B. Cutrell, Charles B. Jones and Judith Jones; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Deborah Balkcom, Ichabod L Balkcom IV, Curtis W. Cutrell, Susan B. Cutrell, Charles B. Jones and Judith Jones to Hopkins County Hospital District; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey
- Alfred Lee Davis and Naomi F. Davis to Danny Davis; tract in the William Frampton survey
- Ralph Lee and Thundra Lee to Bobbie Neil Gordon and David Gordon; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Linda Rosamond and William E. Rosamond to Karina Gonzalez and Ignacio Valente Meraz; tract in the J. Ybarbo survey
- Daci Leshay Keith and Juan Lee Peralta to 100 MPH+ Property Management LLC; tract in the Jose Jbarbo survey
- Shawna Lorene Mills Blackburn to Yancy Martin Mills; tract in the JR Autwell survey
- Yancy Martin Mills to NE Texas Investment Properties LLC; tract in the JR Autwell survey
- Brittany Hicks and Ross Hicks to Kaci Morgan Crowson; tract in the J. Ybarbo survey
- Andrew John Kuiper and Crissy Lynn Kuiper to Lori Ray and Venon Ray; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Richard Allen Barksdale, Patricia Barksdale Brown and Mary Barksdale to Laura Barksdale Honeycutt; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Sulphur Springs CJD RE LLC to DNS RE LLC; tract in the J Ybarno survey
- Deborah Draper Davis, trustee for The Ray and Elizbeth McLaughlin Revocable Trust and The Ray and Elizbeth McLaughlin Trust, to Deborah Draper Davis, trustee for The Deborah Davis Trust
- County of Hopkins Texas to Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Inc.; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- SWAD Inc. to Scott Robert Hanson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Linda Waskom Crockett to Miller Grove Cemetery Association; tract in the Franklin Marrs survey
- Patricia Renee Young and William Young Jr. to Patricia Jennings and Joe Jennings; tract in the JJ Gant survey
- Joe Jennings and Patricia Jennings to Patricia Renee Young and William Fletcher Young Jr.; tract in the JJ Gant survey
- Jennifer Hill and Mark Hill to Carolyn Ayres; tract in the Jose Ybarbo survey
- James Curtis Moorman II and Lorraine Huddin Moorman to James Tyler Moorman; tract in the DF Clendennin survey
- Barry Gene Washington to Sarah Elizabeth Giles and Travis Drew Giles; tract in the Pleasant Venables survey
Divorces Confirmed Final
- Mandy Lynn Steinpreis and Scott Alan Steinpreis
- Michael Chad Glenn and Erin Glenn
- Jerome William Lobin and Pennie Lobin
- Terry Carl Gay and Angela Marie Gay
- Lisa Mosier Hampton and Jeremy Taylor Hampton
- Christine Elizabeth Harris and Christopher Dale Harris
- Anita Loren Schoenky and Monty Lee Jones
- Lloyd John Schmitt and Sheila Renee Schmitt
- Rebecca Hicks and Josey Hicks
Paris District Road Report for the week of June 17, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of June 17, 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.
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.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from FM 691 to US 82. Watch for mobile operations and shoulder closures as crews work to stripe the roadway and place signs on the 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 on 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 Sherman, Grayson County: on the northbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Choctaw Creek and FM 1417. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the main lanes and a left lane closure on the frontage road as workers work on constructing the new exit ramp and entrance ramp. Northbound US 75 traffic wishing to exit for FM 1417 will now use the new exit ramp.
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 locations. 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 operations 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.
SH 56, Grayson County: from FM 901 to SH 289. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
West Line Road at Jordan Creek, Grayson County: West Line Road at Jordan Creek is closed to traffic as crews work on replacing the bridge at this location.
SH 11, Grayson and Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 121. Watch for traffic shifts and occasional one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
ADA Curb Ramp project, Grayson and Fannin County: various locations. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as crews work in Whitewright to install new sidewalks and curb ramps along FM 151 and FM 898.
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.
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. Watch for lane closures on SH 78 and SH 121 as crews work to construct the new westbound US 82 bridge overpasses.
FM 1752, Fannin County: from US 82 to FM 898. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 11, Fannin and Hunt County: from SH 78 to SH 34: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on overlaying the roadway with hot mix.
FM 816 & Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from Fannin-Hunt County line to SH 78 on FM 816, and from FM 273 eastward for two miles on Rec. Road 3 south of Lake Bonham. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 2990 to SH 56. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
Spur 311, Fannin County: from SH 56 to SH 121. Watch for day-time lane closures as crews work on performing base repair on 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 19, Hopkins County: At FM 71 in Birthright. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform shoulder work, driveway construction, and drainage pipe installation for a turn lane construction project.
SH 154, Hopkins County: From Houston Street to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling and surfacing operations; flaggers will direct traffic.
IH 30, Hopkins County: Westbound lanes at Bill Bradford overpass. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform repairs to concrete railing.
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/Loop 286 (Frontage roads from US 271 to Stillhouse Road.)
US 271B (Pine Bluff Street to Loop 286)
Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform pavement resurfacing.
BU 271B (Clarksville Street) at Collegiate Drive; US 82H (Lamar Street) at 20th Street; US 82 at FM 38, Lamar County: Watch for work zones as signal and flashing beacon work is performed.
US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as workers widen and reconstruct existing pavement.
US 271 safety upgrades, Red River County: from FM 410 to the Red River-Titus County line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as work continues.
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.
FM 2648 widening, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures as work continues. Pine Creek Bridge is down to one lane in order to upgrade the bridge rail. Temporary traffic signals and signs are in place to direct traffic.
SH 24 expansion, Delta County: from Cooper, Texas, southwestward towards Commerce. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. FM 2642 through pass underneath I-30 is now open. Be cautious in this area and watch the signs. Please be aware of posted speed limits while traveling through this construction area, and prepare for some delays while the final sealcoat and striping on frontage roads is completed. Also be aware that work continues for the installation of traffic signals.
SH 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and SH 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Contractor is finalizing grading ditches and establishing vegetation.
US 69, Hunt County: from O’Neal Street in Greenville to the intersection of US 69 and US 380. Work on this paving project is completed. Seeding has been completed and final project items have been addressed. Contractor is commencing the removal of final items from project.
SH 34 and FM 816, Hunt County: from SH 276 south to the Hunt-Kaufman County line on SH 34, and from SH 34 to the Hunt-Fannin County line on FM 816. Watch for temporary lane closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
FM1903 and IH30 frontage road, Hunt County: A project installing curb and gutter is underway. Please be cautious when traveling through this intersection. Watch out for workers in this work zone.
SH 66 a project consisting of widening pavement, installing continuous left turn lanes, and safety treating fixed objects is underway from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in the area.
Traffic Safety Notes:
Maintenance crews are working on sealcoat preparation at various locations; please be cautious when traveling near our crews. Overlay operations undergoing along SH24 north of I-30.
‘A Living Legacy’ Celebration Honoring J.D. Franklin To Be Held Monday, June 17, At Morning Chapel MBC
A ceremony is scheduled Monday morning in honor of “A Living Legacy,” Sulphur Springs resident J.D. Franklin.
The service will begin at 9 a.m. June 17 at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Fuller St.
Sulphur Springs City Council at their June 4 meeting granted Minister Jason Lindley’s request to honor the community leader while he is alive by renaming a section of Jackson Street after Franklin.
Franklin, 82, is an accomplished businessman and civic leader, whose roots in Sulphur Springs run deep.
Franklin is a 1956 graduate of Douglass High School. He married Gloria Nash on his birthday in 1959. They have been married for 60 years and raised five children, who all attended college and received a bachelor’s degree and some achieved master’s degrees as well.
In addition to working for 30 years at Rockwell Company, he also had his own lawn care service. He more recently came out of retirement and is employed with the Sulphur Springs Independent School District Maintenance Department.
Franklin’s community involvement has included serving on the city council from 1975-1979, including serving as the first African American City Commissioner in 1975 and being elected as the first African American mayor of Sulphur Springs in 1978, City Councilman Freddie Taylor told the council during the June 4 meeting.
J.D. Franklin has been an active member of the Masonic Columbia Lodge #81 for more than 60 years and of Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for more than 55 years, including becoming a church deacon in 1972.
When Lindley asked to honor Franklin, city officials told him to get those along that stretch or road to sign a petition showing whether they were in favor or against the proposal, as their addresses would be impacted by the street name change.
The petition was presented to residents, businesses and churches in the area, asking for their support for the renaming of Jackson Street in honor of J.D. Franklin. That was presented to city officials. Sulphur Springs City Council approved changing the name of Jackson Street from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive to College Street to J.D. Franklin Drive.
A ceremony honoring Franklin will be held at his home church at 9 a.m., with participation from church and community leaders. All will be invited to the March to Unveiling Ceremony of J.D. Franklin Drive.
Refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall afterwards.
Wildcats Varsity 7 on 7 Football Team Plays in State Qualifier Tournament Saturday in Tyler
The Wildcats Varsity 7 on 7 Football Team plays in its’ first state qualifier tournament this season Saturday (June 15) in Tyler. The Wildcats have only qualified for the state tournament once before. The 2008 Wildcats 7 on 7 Team, led by quarterback Tyrik Rollison, qualified for state. To qualify for state in College Station, the Wildcats will need to win their pool Saturday and also come out on top in a tournament semi-final game. The pool games are scheduled for 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and at 11 a.m. The Wildcats’ pool includes Marshall, Tyler Lee and John Tyler. Wildcats Offensive Coordinator Matt Young said the games in Tyler Saturday will be longer. They will be 40 total minutes divided into two halves. The Wildcats will take only one team and it will made up of 20 players. Coach Young said quarterback Kaden Wallace, his receivers and the Wildcats’ defense are really showing improvement in 7 on 7 so he said it will be interesting to see how they play against strong competition Saturday. Win or lose, Coach Young said Saturday’s games will be yet another opportunity to get in reps and get better. The Wildcats will also play in a state qualifier tournament on June 21 in Rowlett.
