City’s Public Safety Director On Administrative Leave Pending Investigation
The city’s top public safety official has been placed on administrative leave, Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell said Monday.
Jay Sanders, whose job as public safety director is to oversee both Sulphur Springs Police Department and Fire Department, was placed on administrative leave with pay at the end of last week, city officials reported.
The action is “due to his being involved in an ongoing criminal investigation by another agency. This action should not be viewed as an opinion on the merits of the investigation,” Maxwell stated in a press release Monday morning.
A special meeting of Sulphur Springs City Council has been scheduled in the Conference Room upstairs at City Hall at 7 p.m. Monday. Maxwell is slated to brief council members about the investigation during an executive session.
If the council, following the discussion, decides action is needed related to that session, they will reconvene and do so in open session.
Sulphur Springs Police Capt. Jason Ricketson has been placed “at the helm” at the police department, and SSFD Assistant Chief Tim Vaughn is in charge at the fire department in the interim, according to the city manager.
Intense But Brief Weather Affected Sulphur Springs Area During Early Monday
Around midnight on Sunday March 24, 2019 the Early Warning Sirens situated in various areas around Sulphur Springs were heard, alerting residents to impending dangerous weather. The National Weather Service upgraded a Severe Thunderstorm Warning to include a Tornado Warning, and residents were told to take cover. James Terry, on air at the KSST Weather Desk, kept listeners informed of the alerts from the National Weather Service, and apprised of the local direction of movement of the thunderstorm once it entered Hopkins County. The storm brought high winds, brief heavy rain and brief hail during an intense period of time from about 12:15 am to 12:45 am. The storm, after approaching Hopkins County from the northwest where it had caused damage in Collin County, was tracked as moving southeasterly, where it exited Hopkins County during the 1am hour on Monday, March 25, 2019. Apparently, the storm downed a power line across the roadway in the 1400 and 1500 block area of South Broadway in Sulphur Springs. A safety crew remained on the scene through the rest of the night to divert traffic until power crews could clear the area around daylight on Monday.
Thanks to listeners who contacted KSST during and after the storm, we have these reports.
Woodbridge Addition received pea-to-quarter size hail, wind and 1 1/4″ rain
Rocky Ridge got 1/2″ rain with wind and no hail reported.
The neighborhood of South Davis Street and Wesley United Methodist Church on Texas Street received brief heavy rain, high wind and hail that was pea to marble size. The hail fell heavily in some places and more lightly in others, resulting in random pile-ups of hailstones and the ground appearing totally white, while a few feet away, far less hail accumulated.
The KSST Studio also received a brief time of wind, rain and hail during the midnight to 1am time frame, with hailstones reported up to quarter-size.
Dinner Bell Menu For March 27, 2019
Dinner Bell March 27, 2019
IHOP is the Community Partner
Menu:
Pancakes, Butter and Syrup
Bacon
Ham, Egg and Cheese Casserole with Homemade Salsa
Fresh Fruit
Come have Brunch with us. Perfect for a new Spring Day.
Same time (11:45 a.m.). Same place (Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church).
Our doors will be open and the WELCOME mat is out. Hope to see you.
March 26 Education Hearing To Focus On School Security, Student Safety
- HB 17 is a broad school security bill that requires the commissioner of education to adopt or amend rules for building standards of new and existing school facilities that ensure a secure and safe environment. The bill also requires updates to district emergency operations plans, including inclusion of direct communication devices between classrooms and emergency services (district or otherwise); training for substitute teachers; provisions for ensuring safety of students in portables; and immediate notification of parents when student health and safety is threatened. If a district is out of compliance with its plan, the board would have to hold a public hearing to notify the public of its failure to comply, the dates of noncompliance, and names of trustees and superintendents serving during that time. Noncompliance could also be grounds for appointment of a conservator or board of managers for the district. The bill also makes changes to the membership and duties of district school safety and security committees. The commissioner would have to work with the Texas School Safety Centerand state fire marshal to adopt rules on school evacuation procedures and the number of mandatory school drills (not to exceed 10 drills).
- HB 366 requires the SBOE to create curriculum for and districts to provide education on healthy relationships, to include developing healthy, age-appropriate relationships; developing healthy life skills such as critical thinking and problem solving; and promoting effective communication between adolescents and their families.
- HB 567 requires the commissioner to adjust a district’s wealth per student by deducting the amount of revenue per student in weighted average daily attendance used for campus security costs the previous year.
- HB 734 allows licensed trustees and superintendents to carry a concealed or holstered handgun into a board meeting.
- HB 876 requires all districts that commission a peace officer to provide model training curriculum and required training before 180 days after the officer is commissioned. Previous statute limited the requirement to districts with enrollment larger than 30,000 students.
- HB 973 allows the state to impose an administrative penalty not to exceed the district superintendent’s salary if the district fails to comply with emergency operations plans, audits, or memoranda of understanding.
- HB 974 shortens to two years the time between district security audits and requires districts to check the identification of any person entering a campus for an event that is not open to the public.
- HB 975/HB 976 requires trustees to complete State Board of Education/Texas School Safety Center developed training on school safety. HB 976 is more prescriptive, calling for training every three years and for new trustees to complete the training by the first anniversary of their election.
- HB 1026 requires the SBOE to incorporate positive character traits into the essential knowledge and skills for K-12. ISDs and charters would then have to adopt a character education program and annually report the program to TEA.
- HB 1106 permits private schools to appoint school marshals and removes the limit of one marshal per 200 students or one marshal per building for public and private schools.
- HB 1143 prohibits a district or charter from regulating how people with licenses to carry handguns store firearms or ammunition in their vehicles school parking areas as long as the firearms or ammunition are not in plain view.
- HB 1312 allows districts to contract with local mental health authorities to provide mental health services on campus and, at the request of a parent or guardian, such a provider may provide mental or behavioral health assessments to the student’s primary care physician. Districts would be able to enroll as a provider under the medial assistance program to provide and receive reimbursement for provision of mental health services to students who are medical assistance recipients.
- HB 1387 removes the limit of one school marshal per 200 students for public schools.
- HB 1467 mandates ratios between mental health professionals and school law enforcement officers.
- HB 1471 allows qualified retired law enforcement officers and veterans to serve as school security volunteers.
- HB 1496 requires a law enforcement officer who learns of a person contemplating school violence to, as soon as practicable, report the threat to the superintendent. The superintendent must then notify appropriate instructional and support personnel.
For a full list of bills, visit https://capitol.texas.gov/Committees/MeetingsByCmte.aspx?Leg=86&Chamber=H&CmteCode=C400
TxDOT Plans for Week of March 25, 2019 in Paris District
Paris District Road Report for the week of March 25, 2019
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of March 25, 2019. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised toremain 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 traffic shifts and slow moving vehicles as workers widen the roadway from FM 691 to US 82.
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. The existing ramps will remain open during construction of the new ramps.
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.
US 69, Grayson County: from Spur 503 to US 82. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on prepping the roadway for a seal coat this summer.
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 Honey Grove to install new sidewalks and curb ramps along SH 56 and FM 100. Crews are also working in Bonham on SH 78 installing sidewalks and curb ramps. The contractor plans to move a crew into Grayson County to begin work starting on April 1; crews will be working in Van Alstyne on FM 121 and SH 5.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Construction on this rehabilitation project will begin on March 25. 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 FM 100, SH 78 and SH 121 as crews work to construct the new westbound US 82 bridge overpasses. FM 100 will be closed at US 82 on March 28 beginning at 9:00 pm in order to pour the bridge deck. Work is expected to be completed by 6 a.m. March 29.
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.
CR 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek, Fannin County: CR 2275 at Coffee Mill Creek is closed to traffic as crews work to replace the bridge.
FM 274, Fannin County from FM 1753 to FM 3321. Watch for temporary day-time lane closures as maintenance crews work on digging out base failures.
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 37, Franklin County: From Mt. Vernon to Winnsboro. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform striping operations; flaggers will direct traffic.
SH 19, Hopkins County: At FM 71 in Birthright. Watch for crews installing perimeter signs for the upcoming turn lane construction project.
IH 30 Eastbound, Hopkins County: From Cumby to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures as crews perform spot full depth repair to concrete paving. Lane closures will remain in place overnight as concrete cures.
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 271/Loop 286 Interchange, Paris, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane and ramp closures while crews perform slope repairs.
US 271 pavement repair, Lamar and Red River Counties: from Loop 286 in Paris southeastward to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and/or shoulder closures as metal beam guard fence replacement continues.
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, one-lane daytime closures as workers widen and rehabilitate the roadway, and safety treat cross drainage structures.
SH 24 expansion, Delta County: from Cooper, Texas, southwestward towards Commerce. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas. Final surfacing of southbound lanes should begin this week.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682
SH 66 and FM 36, Hunt County: The new traffic lights at this intersection are flashing red, please be careful when crossing this intersection. The signal lights will be programmed for red-yellow-green operations after the railroad installs all necessary components for signal pre-emption at this intersection to keep traffic stopped at the light off of the railroad tracks.
FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. Construction of bridge to route I-30 over FM2642 is in the final stages. Please continue watching your speed while traveling through this construction area. Temporary traffic signals are in place at FM 2453 and FM 35 to aid detoured traffic.
SH 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and SH 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Crews have completed paving operations on the project. Final striping and rumble strips will be placed soon as weather permits. Crews are finishing up driveway paving. Additionally, mailbox installation and metal beam finishing work at some culverts is all that remains. Be cautious when driving across intersecting streets.
ADA ramp construction, Hunt County: SH 11 in Commerce. Workers have completed installing ramps, sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, handrails, pedestrian push buttons and other pedestrian elements to aid the mobility of disabled citizens. Project manager will conduct a final pre-inspection for project acceptance to follow soon after.
US 69, Hunt County: from O’Neal St. in Greenville to the intersection of US 69 and US 380. Work on this paving project is finishing up. Seeding has been completed and final punch list items will be addressed soon.
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.
Traffic Safety Notes:
SH 24 – Maintenance crews have placed rumble strips on SH 24 northbound near the Animal Services Barn of Texas A&M University-Commerce to caution drivers of vehicles crossing at that location.
State Spur 1570 & SH 66 – to help the traveling public at this intersection, maintenance crews have placed rumble strips on FM 1570 and SS 1570 to alert drivers of the upcoming stop sign. They have also placed rumble strips on SH 66 and “intersection ahead” to help warn drivers traveling SH 66 of the intersection. Intersection ahead signs with flashing beacons will be installed at this location in the near future.
Candy For EEA Egg Hunt Still Accepted
East End Allegiance Our Youth is still accepting candy and candy-filled eggs to be hidden for their April 13 Easter egg hunt at Pacific Park.
Ultimately, the group would like to have 1,000 candy-filled eggs to hide for children at Buford Park on April 13. Eggs can be dropped off at Vanna’s Pop Up Shop 233 Linda Drive, Suite F, on Saturdays. To make arrangements for pick up call Whitney Rolandat 903-348-8725.
All Sulphur Springs youth are invited to participate in this community event, not just neighborhood children, EEA officers said.
Additional questions may be directed to 972-802-8705.
Donations may also be made at Alliance Bank for EEA Our Youth, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Wilcats Fall to Texas High
| Texas High 6, Wildcats Baseball 4 (8 innings) The Wildcats’ baseball team almost worked their way out of an eighth inning jam against Texas High at Wildcat Park Friday night. (March 22) The Tigers had loaded the bases with nobody out. The Wildcats got a ground out and a pop out to dodge two bullets. Then a clutch single by Tiger lead off hitter Chris Sutton scored two runs giving the Tigers a two run lead. The Wildcats could not score in the bottom of the eighth and the Tigers had a 6-4 win. The Tigers outhit the Wildcats 10 to 7. Sutton got the win pitching in relief. Pacen Edwards took the loss pitching in relief of starter Jace Burchfield. The game was a back and forth affair. The Tigers scored first in the top of the fourth inning. With runners on first and second, they put on a double steal. The throw to third base went into left field and the Tigers scored to take a 1-0 lead. The Wildcats went ahead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Jaxon Chaney doubled and moved to third on a ground ball. He scored on a wild pitch to tie the game 1-1. Will Sims walked, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on an Edwards’ single. The Wildcats lead 2-1. Texas High tied the game and took a two run lead with a three run top of the sixth. They put together a triple, three singles, a wild pitch and a sacrifice fly to score three times to go up 6-4. The Wildcats tied the game in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the sixth. Chaney walked and Kamren Harrison blasted a two run home run over the right field wall to tie the game at 6-6. Both teams failed to score in the seventh inning sending the game to the fateful eighth inning. Kaden Argenbright hit a double. Chaney was 2 for 2 with two doubles. Harrison got two RBIs with the home run. Edwards was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Texas High is 4-1 in district play after the first third of district play. The Wildcats slip to 2-3. The Wildcats are 10-4 for the season. The Wildcats face Royse City twice next week, on Tuesday night at Wildcat Park and Friday night at Royse City. ReplyForward |
Tri County RFL Plans April 6 Dinner for Cancer Survivors
Tri County Relay For Life Committee will honor cancer survivors at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 6 with a special survivors dinnner, at Shannon Oaks Church, 1113 East Shannon Road.
“This is for survivors and their caregivers. This is a new location for us,” said Tri County RFL Committee Chair Gina Giguere.
This will be a special time for cancer survivors to fellowship with others who have battled or are also battling cancer, whether for one day, one month, a year, 10 years or more. This battle is celebrated and support offered for cancer survivors over a free event meal dinner.
Sandy Reed will be the guest speaker for the evening, which will also feature live entertainment, games and giveaways.
This free meal is open to all cancer survivors and caregivers in Hopkins, Franklin and Wood counties.
At the April 6 dinner, cancer survivors will also have an opportunity to register for this year’s Relay for Life, and will receive a survivor shirt to wear at RFL.
The 2019 RFL will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10 with the opening ceremony, and cancer survivors and caregivers opening laps around the walking path at 7 p.m. RFL will continue until 2 a.m. Saturday, May 11, on Celebration Plaza. This year’s theme is “Wish Upon A Cure,” which is all things Disney, according Giguere.
RFL is the premier fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. As of this week, 55 participants on 15 teams had raised $8,441.55. Tri County RFL’s goal is to raise $50,000 for the ACS.
To register as an individual or team for RFL, go online to relayforlife.org/hfwtricotx, or call Johnna West at 903-335-2322 or Gina Giguere at 903-573-2064 for more information about team registration.
Crash On I-30 Exit Ramp Leads To Warrant Arrest
A 56-year-old Brownsville man involved in a vehicle crash just off Interstate 30 in Cumby was jailed Thursday evening on a warrant, according to arrest reports.
County emergency dispatchers were first contacted at 3:04 p.m. March 21 regarding a two-vehicle crash on the north Interstate 30 service road at the exit 110 ramp. According to county reports, the Brownsville man was in a vehicle struck by a truck.
Cumby Police Officer Kenneth Jones responded at the crash site. After checking the people in the vehicles for injuries, Jones reportedly collected identifying information on the occupants.
A records check showed Roy Anthony Rodriguez was wanted in LaSalle County for failure to appear on a third of more driving while intoxicated charge. After dealing with the crash, Jones took Rodriguez into custody and to jail on the charge, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
SSHS Soccer Playoff Picture
Soccer Playoff Picture Should Clear Up Friday Night
Since district games ended for the Wildcats and Lady Cats’ soccer teams, their coaches have been busy planning for the playoffs. Wildcats and Lady Cats Athletic Director Greg Owens said Thursday (March 21) that the planning so far has only been preliminary and has not been finalized. He said games Friday night could change things. As soon as the official word goes out, we will let you know. Coach Owens also said the Lady Cats have scheduled a warm up game for the playoffs. They will play Athens at Gerald Prim Stadium Monday at 6 p.m. The Wildcats are the district #3 playoff seed and the Lady Cats are the #4 playoff seed in their district.
