CHRISTUS Health Provides Tips to Prepare for Summer Heat
June 10, 2024 – (EAST TEXAS) – The summer heat has arrived, which means understanding and preventing heat-related illnesses is more important than ever, according to CHRISTUS Health.
There are four main types of heat-related illnesses: heat rash, cramps, heat exhaustion and the most severe, heat stroke. There were nearly 2,500 heat-related deaths in the U.S. last year, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department reported.
“It does not take long for your body to feel the effects of the Texas heat,” said Julie Sperling, trauma prevention coordinator at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. “It is vital that you prepare your body to be in the heat, take adequate precautions, and recovery properly.”
Sperling said that hydration is the key before, during and after any heat-related activities. Focus on water and sports drinks while avoiding alcohol and caffeinated drinks like soda.
Other suggestions include avoiding outside activities during peak heat hours, wearing loose fitting clothes, finding shelter in shaded areas to lower your body temperature, taking frequent breaks and if possible, working alongside a partner.
“Having a partner, a ‘buddy’ with you, can be vital in recognizing the signs of distress,” Sperling said. “Oftentimes the symptoms of a heat-related illness can be observed by others before we notice it ourselves.”
Symptoms of a heat-related illness include development of a heat rash, cramping, confusion, inability to sweat, seizures, dizziness or fainting, slurred speech, hallucinations and altered mental status, confusion, aggression, or agitation.
Anyone exhibiting these signs should stop their activity, attempt to cool the body immediately, and seek medical attention.
Upon completion of any outdoor activity, pay attention to weight loss, says Jim Rapp, director of the CHRISTUS Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute.
If hydration is not adequately replenished between bouts in the heat, a person can continue to lose weight and become significantly more at risk for serious heat related illnesses, he said.
“You cannot lose body fat at nearly the same rate,” Rapp said. “So intentional weight loss through diet and exercise should be cautioned in conditions of high heat and humidity because people can be fooled into thinking they are losing body fat when they are actually losing water and putting themselves at risk for injury.”
Both Rapp and Sperling also encourage people to check on those who have pre-existing health conditions, the elderly and those that may not have access to adequate cooling devices in their homes.
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CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute in Sulphur Springs Welcomes First Patient
June 10, 2024 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – Joe Bob Burgin is no stranger to the health care system in Sulphur Springs. Burgin was part of the hospital board when it was still Hopkins County Memorial Hospital and was integral in the successful merger with CHRISTUS Health in 2016.
When he found out CHRISTUS Health was expanding cardiology services to his hometown with the creation of the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, to say he was excited is an understatement.
“I am a CHRISTUS guy and I know what great work they do,” he said. “I am excited to see more of their high-quality care being offered to our community.”
On Tuesday, June 4, Burgin, who served as chair of the Texas Healthcare Trustees organization in 2023, was the first patient seen in the Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs.
His history with the hospital in Sulphur Springs gave him great insight into the importance of expanding cardiac care in rural East Texas, especially for the older and more vulnerable population.
“Knowing we have more access to specialized care is a great value to our community,” he said.
Heart and Vascular Institute providers are part of the larger CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic cardiology team that currently employs more than 100 cardiologists, electrophysiologists, surgeons, and advanced practice clinicians in the Northeast Texas region.
They will also work in close coordination with the teams at the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler, which has earned the National Distinction of Excellence as a HeartCARE Center four times from the American College of Cardiology, has earned a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Center certification from the American Heart Association and the Joint
Commission, while maintaining a top-ranked heart surgery program as designated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
As for Burgin, he summed up his experience at the new Heart and Vascular Institute – Sulphur Springs, succinctly: “I was so impressed with my doctor, he was very thorough, and I have nothing but good things to say.”
The Heart and Vascular Institute is located at 100 Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. New and existing patients can call (903) 438-8330 to schedule an appointment.
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Pepper Corking From Master Gardener David Wall
June 9, 2024 – Several of you just said to yourself, “What is pepper corking?” I know I did the first time I saw the name! I have no idea who came up with the name, as it makes no sense to me.
OK, so what is pepper corking? Actually, it’s nothing more than scar marks on the pepper surface. They give the appearance of the pepper not receiving enough water, but the opposite is true. The scarring is caused by excessive water. I suppose it could occur on any pepper species, but I’ve never seen it on any species other than jalapenos, although almost any hot pepper is susceptible.
Tomatoes have the same problem, but it is much more pronounced. When too much water is pushed into a tomato, it tries to expand, but with its thin skin, breaks and deep cracks occur. They don’t ruin the fruit, but those cracks certainly reduce the fruit attractiveness.
Jalapenos have a much thicker and tougher skin. Corking begins with excess water filling and stretching the inner portion of that skin. The stretching extends to the outer surface, which cannot stretch as far without breaking. The skin, however is much tougher than a tomato, so the stretch becomes a minor scar instead of an open break.
A tomato usually has one vertical or perhaps a horizontal crack. The jalapeno, however, will usually have many vertical or perhaps numerous horizontal scars all over the outer skin. While they may detract the skin somewhat, they aren’t seen as detrimental. For whatever reason, many seek and prefer the scarred peppers. Taste is unaffected. The myth that scarring makes the pepper hotter is false.
To prevent, pick tomatoes before they’re fully ripe and peppers while smaller. With all the rain we’re getting, however, expect numerous cracked tomatoes and scarred peppers!
Local Masseuse Arrested for Prostitution in Sulphur Springs
June 9, 2024 – A Sulphur Springs masseuse got more than she bargained for as she allegedly attempted to bargain with undercover police for more than a massage. The local massage parlor employee ended up in jail for Solicitation of Prostituition after an undercover sting facilitated by local law enforcement revealed the offense in the 1600 block of Broadway. The Texas Penal Code lists the charge as a Class B Misdemeanor for a first offense and the 65 year-old Sulphur Springs resident charged remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting her bond to be set on the sex charge.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Dinner Bell for June 12th, 2024
Christus Mother Frances Hospital became a Dinner Bell Community Partner in 2017. One of its goals for the Hopkins County area is fighting food insufficiency. Since that year volunteers from the administrative staff and other areas of the hospital help prepare the menu for distribution and “hand out” the meals. Multi times yearly personnel from the hospital put words into action at Dinner Bell.
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
Chicken, Tuna and Pimiento Salads are placed upon a bed of lettuce (all salads are made in the church kitchen)
Watermelon, Blueberry and Feta Salad
Crackers
Pineapple Cake
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Paris District Road Report for Week of June 10, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 10, 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: Talk. Text. Crash
Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas and takes many forms. In 2022, nearly one in six crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver in which 487 people died and 2,824 were seriously injured. TxDOT’s annual Talk. Text. Crash. campaign is a crucial call-to-action encouraging drivers to keep their heads up and pay attention when behind the wheel.
All distractions – whether texting, eating, grooming, or having a conversation – can be dangerous. Every driver and every passenger, regardless of age, can be impacted by distracted driving.
Since Sept. 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving in Texas. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can include anything from texting and talking on a mobile phone to eating and drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, reading, programming a navigation system, watching a video, and even adjusting the radio.
What if I need to text or call someone immediately?
Research shows that regardless of whether you use a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect your driving. TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket, or worse, a crash:
- Always give driving your full attention.
- Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text.
- Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send auto reply texts while you are driving.
- Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel.
- Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel.
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 closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The 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.
The southbound US 75 mainlanes between Post Oak Creek and FM 1417 will be reduced to one lane the night of June 12 for crews to perform a traffic switch. The closure will begin at 7 p.m. on June 12 and both lanes should be reopened to traffic by 5 a.m. The northbound US 75 mainlanes will be reduced to one lane the night of June 13 to perform the same operation.
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.
The US 82 main lanes will be closed to through traffic the night of June 14 to allow for crews to pour the bridge deck for the new southbound US 75 frontage road bridge over US 82. The closure will begin at 7 p.m. and will be reopened to traffic by 5 a.m.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work on a pavement overlay project that will begin June 3.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek will be closed to through traffic beginning June 17 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. 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 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.
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 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.
FM 902, from US 377 to SH 289. 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 SH 11 to FM 121. 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.
Fannin County:
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning June 17 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
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. FM 274 at the Sandy Creek bridge will be closed to thru traffic beginning June 17 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. During the detour traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
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.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. 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 shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform tree trimming operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
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.
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
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
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.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. 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 a 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 completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor is working on placing HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes; this operation 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. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. 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. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. 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. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. 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 has 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 subgrade 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.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. 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 repairing signs. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
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Community Players Inc Presents Willy Wonka Jr for the 2024 Children’s Summer Workshop Beginning June 21st
June 7, 2024 – Community Players Inc/MST 2024 Summer Children’s workshop show is Willy Wonka Jr. Words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly. Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald. Based on the popular book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Performances are currently scheduled for June 21st, 22nd, and 28th, beginning at 7:00pm, and June 23rd, 29th, and 30th, beginning at 2:00pm on those days. Willy Wonka Jr will be presented at Main Street Theatre in Sulphur Springs, Texas. For more details check out www.communityplayersinc.com.
KSST Radio Back On Air After Fix From Power Surge
June 7, 2024 – Through the magic of electrical engineering and replacement of hard-to-find components, KSST is back to transmitting at full power. More work is yet to be done, but future outages should be brief.
Meal-A-Day Passes Inspection Now a Step Closer to Move
June 7, 2024 – Meal-A-Day in Sulphur Springs is now one step closer to moving into the kitchen at the recently opened Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Activity Center at 301 Oak Ave. The Texas Food Bank re-certified them as a partner this week.
Because MAD relies partially on food provided by the Texas Food Bank, the TFB must inspect each facility before any TFB food can be shipped and stored. Most groups working with the food bank don’t actually cook and deliver meals. MAD of Sulphur Springs is a special case. Food purchased by MAD is already being moved to the new pantry and TFB provided food will soon start to move as well.
Without the help of the Texas Food Bank and donations from individuals and businesses, MAD could not continue to provide the $2 delivered meals to qualified seniors in Hopkins County. MAD also relies on a group of dedicated volunteers to cook and deliver the meals each weekday.
MAD has one final inspection to pass before cooking can begin… a health inspection. That inspection will examine everything that is checked at your favorite local restaurant. Freezer temps, water temps, sanitization procedures, etc.
The MAD board is confident that the kitchen and the equipment is ready to begin cooking. The City of Sulphur Springs spent a lot of time and money on the facility and the equipment. MAD is eager to make the move.
“We have been testing and practicing using the new equipment to make sure we are up to speed.” said MAD Board Member and volunteer cook Adam Whitson. “We are especially excited about the new dish sanitizer machine. It doesn’t use chemicals like the old one, just really really hot water.” Food safety is a top priority for MAD as some clients have immune system concerns.
The process of moving some foodstuffs has already began. Only those items not needed for meals occuring in the next several weeks have moved. Meal planning and coordinating the move fall on the shoulder of Amanda Dietlin, the MAD Director.
MAD and the SSSCAC will continue to work together when events require the use of the kitchen facility. Although MAD food can not be shared during such activities due to food bank rules. The kitchen equipment owned by MAD and the facilities and equipment provided by the City have always been shared between the two groups. Which makes sense as they both are in the business of serving seniors.
All SSSCAC activities are now happening at 301 Oak ave. Seniors will find the doors locked at the old location on MLK Drive.
First Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Arrested
AUSTIN – Just over 24 hours since Governor Greg Abbott launched Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is announcing the first arrest from that list.
Servando Trejo Duran Jr., 62, was taken into custody in Baytown, Texas by DPS Special Agents and Troopers assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center in Houston. The Baytown Police Department Special Investigations Division also assisted in the multi-agency fugitive investigation. Duran was booked into the Chambers County Jail. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in Duran’s arrest.
Duran is a criminal illegal immigrant from Mexico with ties to eastern Harris County, including the cities of Baytown and Deer Park, Texas. In 1980, Duran was arrested by the Baytown Police Department for burglary of a residence and subsequently received 10 years’ probation. In 1986, Duran was convicted in Harris County of homicide and subsequently received a life sentence. He was released on parole from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in January 2009 and was removed from the United States later that year. In February 2023, Duran was arrested by the Deer Park Police Department for tampering with a government record and was released on bond. On March 1, 2023, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation (original offense: murder with a deadly weapon). For more information, view Duran’s captured bulletin here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous—regardless of how they are submitted—and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS Special Agents work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend all of the criminal illegal immigrant fugitives that have been identified and to select the fugitives that will appear on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. You can find the current lists—with photos—on the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
