SSISD Plans Final Town Hall Meeting Prior to Early Voting for Bond
March 27, 2024 – Early voting for the May 4th SSISD Bond will open April 22nd and continue through April 30th as SSISD plans to hold their final Town Hall Meeting on April 18th at Sulphur Springs Elementary located at 829 Bell St. in Sulphur Springs. The public meeting will begin at 6pm with an informational presentation followed by a Q&A session and an optional tour of the campus. All eligible voters in the school district’s boundaries are encouraged to attend. Voting day for the $157,150,000 initiative is set for Tuesday May 4, 2024. The projects in the May 2024 bond were recommended by the SSISD Bond Planning Committee following months of evaluation and prioritization. After hearing the Committee’s recommendation, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call for this bond.
The project breakdown includes two new elementary campuses as well as renovation to existing campuses with very little or no impact to homeowner’s taxes. A full breakdown of the projects and their tax effect can be seen here: SSISD Bond Flyer
SSISD also has a wide range of additional information about the upcoming bond on their website. You can find that information here: SSISD Bond Information.
What’s the Best Shovel for Your Garden From Master Gardener David Wall
March 26, 2024 – For most of us, a shovel is a shovel is just a shovel, never mind that there are so many types; short-handled, long-handled, rounded, round-point, flat, ditching, long bladed, trenching, and serrated. Additionally, there’s the digging spade, garden spade, perennial spade, and scoops. They’re made from steel, plastic, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum. And, there’s the price from under $10 to over $100.
So,how do we select? Mainly we select the fewest possible to do the most! I’ve got four based on the amount of soil they can hold, size of the garden hole, and length of handle. Some of you probably have one, and many of you have more than four! Unless we’re professionals though, there’s probably a general-purpose shovel that will do whatever you need.
Alright, so what are your needs? Need a garden near a large tree? Well, this is one case where a serrated shovel is needed to cut those roots, although a round-pointed shovel will, after a few or many jabs will cut the root. Otherwise, we’re mostly just trying to dig a hole and/or move some dirt. So, perhaps a list of shovels to purchase isn’t necessary!
Cost is always a factor due to materials used, price, and shovel weight. Length of handle is always important. Long handles are much easier on your back, close quarters may necessitate a short handle.
Then, there is the blade. Two types of blades are available: round or round with a point, and flat. Round with point are for diffing and flat are for transferring soil from one point to another. Material is nearly always steel.
Lastly, there is the handle. I prefer wood. I’ve bent fiberglass handles, and steel handles are too heavy. Choose your shovel and take care of it. It can last a lifetime.
Chamber Connection – March 27th
By Butch Burney
March 26, 2024 – We have less than two weeks before the Great Total Solar Eclipse on April 8!
Here are a few items we want our residents to know:
- The crowd we have is weather dependent. Yes, we are expecting a lot of visitors – thousands – if the weather is sunny. If it’s raining, we won’t see the people driving here, so we don’t yet know what to expect, crowd-wise.
- Don’t panic. This is a one-day affair. There is no need to hoard all the water, toilet paper and milk. Do your normal shopping, just do it before Sunday or Monday. Get your gas before the weekend, but you don’t need to fill up a 50-gallon tank for reserve. It’s one day!
- Be friendly and patient. Visitors don’t know our town and don’t know our traffic patterns, so be friendly and helpful. We want them to come back to Sulphur Springs and tell their friends what a great experience they had here.
- Enjoy it! For most of us, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event to live right on the centerline of a Total Solar Eclipse.
- Mingle with our visitors the weekend before the eclipse. We will have a concert from 1 p.m. until 9 or 10 downtown on Saturday, there will be a vendors market at The Venue at 219, restaurants and retail shops will be open, Heritage Park will be in full regalia. Come out, shop, eat and mingle.
- Check out the website TotalEclipseSSTx.com for all events, parking locations, etc. for the big weekend.
Need glasses for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse? Want a T-shirt and sticker? We know where you can get them.
We have eclipse merchandise at the Chamber of Commerce, including T-shirts, stickers and glasses. With tens of thousands of visitors targeting Hopkins County for April 8, don’t wait until the last minute.
The Chamber has an eclipse website, TotalEclipseSSTx.com, in which you can upload information about events, attractions, lodging, retail shops and restaurants. That will be the information clearinghouse for what is happening in Hopkins County on April 8 and the weekend leading up to that day.
We will be hosting a free concert on Saturday, April 6, downtown, featuring The Paper Dolls, Jason Waldon and the Alibis and Dubb and the Luv Machines. Plus, there will be vendors’ market at The Venue at 219 that weekend.
Check out the website, upload information and get prepared!
Chamber Golf Tournament
Registration is now open for the 35th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, which is set for Friday, May 3. Teams can register online at the Chamber website: HopkinsChamber.org, or we can email you the registration form.
The tournament is limited to 43 teams – 18 in the morning and 25 in the afternoon. Tee times are based on first-come basis.
The cost for a team of six is $750, which includes a morning or afternoon tee time, three carts and six lunches.
Coffee and Conversation
Hopkins County Abstract will host the next networking event, Coffee and Conversation, from 7:30-9 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at their office on Oak Avenue.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is open to everyone in the community.
It’s a great chance to network and meet others in a casual setting.
55+ Health Fair
The ROC at First Baptist Church will be the host for the 55+ Health Fair on Wednesday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Included in the fair will be therapy, blood sugar check, pre-need funeral plans, medical equipment, home health information and more.
For more information, call Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255.
Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit
The Hopkins County Infinity 4-H Club is coordinating a Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit with age divisions separated in 7-under, 8-12, 13-18 and 19 and over.
Entries will be accepted through Aprilf 12, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
The maximum entry size is 16×20 inches. Dsiplay dates will be April 15-19 in the Extension Office classroom.
All Hopkins County resident are eligible to submit art. Science and art teachers are encouraged to promote this opportunity with students.
For more information, contact Lisa Sprague at 903-885-3443 or Johanna Hicks at 903-243-0425.
Plant Sale
The Sulphur Springs Church of the Nazarene will have a Plant sale April 4-6 at the church located at 1300 South League St.
Dinner Bell for March 27th, 2024
It is our Easter Meal with Community Partner Clayton Homes!!!
Clayton Homes has been a Community Partner with the Dinner Bell Ministry every year since the Easter meal in 2018, even donating the hams that are the centerpiece of the meal.
Locating in Sulphur Springs in January, 1977 in a temporary office, the first family homes rolled off the production line in August. In 27 years, Clayton Homes has become one of the major employers in the Hopkins County area employing over 300 team members to date. Clayton Homes and its employees also donate their time and talents to the Sulphur Springs Workcamp in June of each year.
Thank you Clayton Homes for supporting the Dinner Bell and other service projects in this community.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Baked Ham
Pineapple Casserole
Buttered Parsley New Potatoes
Broccoli Salad
Yeast Rolls
Carrot Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Another Second Cup of Coffee with Guest Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson Conducted on March 19th
March 25, 2024 – In another episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey with guest Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson, John Mark and Mr. Wilson discuss Spring, what to put out now, a current sale on transplants, and more. Be sure to check it out, you just might learn something!
A&M-Commerce and Austin Police Department Establish Preferred Path to a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
The partnership provides automatic admission for eligible department employees to obtain a high-value degree with no out-of-pocket expense.
March 25, 2024 – AUSTIN, TEXAS: The College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M University-Commerce and the City of Austin, Texas, have partnered to establish a preferred pathway for Austin Police Department officers to earn their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in law enforcement leadership.
The competency-based program empowers working professionals with a flexible, affordable option to elevate their careers without traveling or forgoing work or family obligations. Courses are offered asynchronously online, allowing officers to work at their own pace in accelerated, seven-week terms. Additionally, a newly created success team supports students with personalized attention from initial inquiry all the way through graduation.
Faculty and staff representing the College of Innovation and Design attended the Austin Police Association’s February meeting, where Jimmy Womack, coordinator and instructor for the university’s competency-based program, shared details with members of the department.
Associate Program Director Angela Woodruff was on hand to meet with officers and administrators to ensure a smooth and expedited admission process.
“Joining the College of Innovation and Design has been very rewarding, including redesigning our student support team to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners and working professionals,” Woodruff said. “Our partnership with the City of Austin promises to benefit A&M-Commerce and Austin Police Department officers. We look forward to developing similar partnerships to extend educational opportunities across the state of Texas.”
Retired detective and program alum George Sumner attended the event.
“This partnership provides an opportunity for police officers to continue their education with guaranteed admission and all tuition fees covered,” he said. “I’m honored to help establish this partnership that will benefit law enforcement for generations.”
The College of Innovation and Design offers six competency-based programs in a variety of workforce-aligned fields, from health care to teacher preparation. Explore available programs at tamuc.edu/CID.
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Second Cup of Coffee with Guest Master Gardner Ronnie Wilson Conducted March 19th
March 24, 2024 – In this segment of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey conducted on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, John Mark sat down with Hopkins County Master Gardner Ronnie Wilson. Their conversation covered such topics as protecting plants from freezing temperatures, weeds, weed killers, and more. Be sure to check it out!
As Local Couple Plans Eclipse Skydive, FAA Warns of Impact to Air Travel on April 8th
March 23, 2024 – The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots the total solar eclipse in April could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality. Hundreds of airports are either located in the path totality or are close enough in proximity to service aviators interested in the phenomenon. The FAA bulletin includes major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth International, Indianapolis International and Cleveland International. Local skydiving couple, Marc and Cassi McGahee plan to skydive with friends during the eclipse in the Gladewater area. Dedicated and seasoned skydivers with thousands of jumps, the McGahees chose Gladewater as a safer alternative since East Texas Skydiving already have a dedicated drop zone for skydivers.
As eclipse darkness travels from Mexico to Maine, more than 30 million Americans are estimated to live in the path. The FAA warns pilots that special restrictions may also be issued three to five days ahead of the event. Neither the FAA nor the Transportation Security Administration have released specific guidance for passengers ahead of the eclipse, but as a general recommendation, airlines always suggest arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure.
Paris District Road Report for week of March 25, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting March 25, 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Bicycle Safety Campaign
Bicyclist fatalities from traffic crashes are on the rise in Texas. From 2017 through 2021, 364 cyclists were killed on our streets and highways. In 2021 alone, there were 2,267 traffic crashes involving bicyclists in Texas, resulting in 92 deaths; a 12 percent increase in fatalities over the previous year. The two top contributing factors in these crashes were driver inattention and failure to yield the right of way at a stop sign.
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers and can also be fined for violating traffic laws. They must obey all traffic signs and signals, including red lights and stop signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, use hand signals when turning or stopping, and yield the right of way. Cyclists must also have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back of their bike when riding at night. TxDOT offers these additional safety tips to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
When riding a bike:
Always wear a helmet.
Use the bike lane if it’s there, or ride as near as possible to the curb.
Be visible and safe by wearing light/reflective clothing.
Learn more about bicycle safety.
When behind the wheel:
Pass bikes at a safe distance and give cyclists room to ride.
When turning, yield the right of way to cyclists.
Obey the speed limit and pay 100 percent attention to the road.
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. Upon completion of the bridge demo, work will begin for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement. 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.
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.
Spur 503 in Denison, from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for lane closures along westbound Spur 503 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
FM 120 in Denison, from Spring Valley Drive to York Avenue. Watch for lane closures along FM 120 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
FM 691 from FM 131 to Theresa Drive. Watch for various lane closures along FM 691 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
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 daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. 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 is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use County Line Church Road and West Line Road as a detour.
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 Monday 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 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. 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.
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.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
SH 121, 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.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing tree trimming and removal.
Franklin County: Spur 423, at I-30 North Frontage Road. Watch for four-way stop condition as crews activate traffic signal for seven-day flash period.
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, ramp closures at LP 286, 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 the 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.
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: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
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 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. Signal heads and Hawk system are currently being placed. Final striping 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. 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. 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 completed subgrade widening, cement treatment, flex base, and geogrid of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. Contractor is currently performing finish work and grading ditches at this location. Section ride test will begin soon along with prime coat. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing. 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 is placing concrete railing and installing riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Flex base and asphalt will be placed soon at Bledsoe Creek location. 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 FM1570 traffic will still be able to take a left to go west on the westbound frontage road. Southbound 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.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing work on FM 3211 and overlaying on FM 3427. Crews also addressed the railroad crossing at FM 1565 near SH 66. Rains County maintenance crews have been working on FM 513 south of I-30 repairing base failures at various locations, and working on FM 2101 between FM 1564 and FM 1570 on drainage issues. Both maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads, and fixing potholes on FM roads and state highways.
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Second Cup of Coffee With Guests Dr. Steeber and Lucas Janda Filmed March 19, 2024
March 22, 2024 – Time for a new segment of A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. On this segment, conducted on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, John Mark visited with Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber and Sulphur Springs ISD Financial Advisor Lucas Janda. They discussed such topics as the 2024 Sulphur Springs ISD Bond, the upcoming vote, some of the achievements of the Sulphur Springs ISD students, and more. Be sure to check it out. A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey is provided by KSST and Cable Channel 18.
