Paris District Road Report for week of January 22, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 22, 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: Child Passenger Safety
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. While most people believe their children are properly buckled up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out that 46 percent of all car seats are misused. The best way to keep young children safe in your vehicle is to make sure they’re properly buckled up in a car seat. That means selecting a car seat that’s appropriate for a child’s age and size and installing it correctly.
TxDOT’s free safety seat inspections are available throughout the year. To schedule a car seat check-up with a TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist, visit SaveMeWithaSeat.org and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT district office.
Visit SaveMeWithaSeat.org to find out more about how to keep your child safe. Drivers can also find out if a child should be in a rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seat and get other child passenger safety tips at the website.
Texas law requires that all children younger than eight years old, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children who have outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250.
Grayson County: 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.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
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 new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
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. 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 ongoing.
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.
Fannin County: 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 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
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.
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.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from 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.
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 the various locations. The contractor has finished placing sod at various locations. 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 begun preparing the right of way and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and performing subgrade widening work and base work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer has started. 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 and cement treatment of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing in the area. 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 placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Ave. The Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County project has begun on the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. 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 be performing eastbound mainlane barrier shift work, placing low profile traffic barrier at FM 1903 and excavation / embankment for detour placement. Excavation work on Gilstrap will begin soon and some work zone striping will be performed east bound near FM 570. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. 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 Maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections will be working on potholing. Both sections will be working on winter weather preparations.
#
Como-Pickton CISD Band Booster Club Will Hold Family Bingo Night March 2, 2024
The Como-Pickton CISD Band Booster Club will hold their third Annual Family Bingo Night Saturday, March 2nd, 2024! Some of the prizes you can win include a birthday party for five at UrbanAir-Rockwall, a round of golf for two at the Sulphur Springs Country Club, and much more. The event will be held at the Como-Pickton CISD Secondary Cafeteria. Serving for the Hamburger/hotdog meal begins at 5:00pm. Cards start selling at 5:30pm. Calling starts at 6:00pm. $10 buys one card you can play on for the entire night. Sponsored by the War Eagle Band Boosters. All proceeds go to support the Marching Band program.
Hopkins County Unemployment Once Again Lowest In Region
January 19, 2024 – The State of Texas Unemployment final tally is in for December 2023 and shows that Hopkins County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate for the NorthEast Texas Workforce Development Area (WDA) that contains nine counties. Hopkins County reported a 2.7% rate of workers looking for jobs which proved to be 499 hopeful applicants out of the labor force of 18,629. The county with the highest rate in our WDA for December was Cass County with 4.3%.
The State of Texas continues to hold steady with an unemployment rate of 3.5% as it has for several months. That 3.5% average has held at the same level for our nine-county WDA as well. Hopkins County unemployment has gone down steadily since December 2022 with a rate of 3.9%
The Bridges of Madison County, A Musical at TAMU-C
January 19, 2024 – The Texas A&M University-Commerce Opera Ensemble is thrilled to announce its upcoming musical production of The Bridges of Madison County, a theatrical experience that promises to captivate audiences with its lush music and heartfelt drama.
This compelling production is set to take the stage at Finney Concert Hall in the Music Building from January 25, 2024 to January 28, 2024. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $20 (general admission) and $10 (students). Alternatively, pre-order online to enjoy a $5 discount per ticket.
Experience the emotional journey of The Bridges of Madison County, a spellbinding masterpiece that intricately blends love, passion and the serendipity of fleeting moments. Adapted from Robert James Waller’s bestselling novel with a book by Marsha Norman, this musical depicts the poignant story of Francesca, an Italian-American housewife, and National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid.
The evocative musical score by Jason Robert Brown features heart-wrenching melodies that resonate in the soul. As the forbidden love story unfolds, the audience is swept away by the magnetic chemistry between the protagonists.
The Bridges of Madison County is directed by Leanne Scaggs, music directed by Laura Maxwell, and boasts a brilliant cast, including:
- Analyse Melendez of Garland as Francesca
- Paul Beaty of Duncanville as Robert
- Drew Watson of Allen as Bud
- Campbell Green of Anna as Carolyn
- Josiah de Rueda of Brenham as Michael
- Emalyn Nicholson of Palestine as Marge
- Julio Villeda of Balch Springs as Charlie
- Kristin Wood of The Colony as Marian
- Sabrina Martinez of Mesquite as the State Fair Singer
- Ensemble members Aries Austin, Alijah Bass, Juni Gomez, and Rebekah Lambe
Venue: Music Building, Finney Concert Hall, 1614 State Highway 24, Commerce, TX
- Evening Performances: January 25-27, 2024, 7:30 pm
- Matinee Performance: January 28, 2024, 3:00 pm
The Bridges of Madison County is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://tamuc.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=8.
Signature Solar is the 2024 Gala Marquee Sponsor
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is thrilled to announce its 2024 $40,000 Marquee sponsor for the 18th annual fundraising Gala. Signature Solar’s Founder and Owner James Showalter has agreed to sponsor the upcoming Gala at this generous level.
Gala Co-Chair John Sellers and Foundation Executive Director Kayla Price met with Showalter and Signature Solar’s Kenny Rogers to discuss the possibility. Soon thereafter, Rogers informed Sellers of the decision to sponsor.
Signature Solar’s Senior Director of Operations Kenny Rogers shared, “Signature Solar is proud to be sponsoring the Foundation’s upcoming Gala. We care about Hopkins County and its citizens and feel this is one way we can do something to benefit the entire community.”
Proceeds of this year’s Gala will be donated to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs to help fund the expansion of the surgical services wing. The project is expected to cost several million dollars. The expansion will allow for more procedures and modalities to be offered in a manner that will allow for faster surgeries and quicker healing times.
“We are so excited that James and Signature Solar have decided to donate this lead gift to the Gala. We are so very appreciative of their support of the Foundation’s mission to improve local healthcare resources,” said Foundation Chair Maleta Reynolds.
This is the second year that the Gala has benefitted from a $40,000 sponsorship. Last year, the CMF-SS Volunteer Auxiliary donated $40,000 as well. The Auxiliary members donate their time to serving in several capacities at the hospital as well as running the Johnnie Masters Gift Shop.
The Gala has a sellout crowd, but there are still 100 for $100 tickets available as well as a chance to bid on silent auction items, both of which do not require attendance at the Gala. Visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com for more information.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has served Hopkins County for 27 years. It is governed by a board of directors of local citizens.
###
Photo: Signature Solar’s James Showalter, Nick LaBarbera, Nancy LaBarbera, and Kenny Rogers present Gala Co-Chair John Sellers with a ceremonial check recognizing their Marquee sponsorship of the January 27 Gala. Visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com for more information about the Gala.
Authorities Issue a Declaration of a Local State of Disaster For Cumby
January 18, 2024 – This declaration will allow the City of Cumby to obtain more resources from the State of Texas. Currently, a public works task force from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) is on the scene helping local workers on a large leak on Cumby’s water system.
Beginning January 17, 2024, Cumby, Texas has a water outage due to multiple breaks in the water lines as a result of the recent severe cold weather. The County Judge of Hopkins County, where Cumby is located, has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect property. The city of Cumby has experienced damages that have affected the stability and continuity of private and government infrastructures due to a limited or no availability of water, including closed schools, fire operations, Government Organizations, and more. Therefore, Judge Robert Newsom has authorized the public resources of Hopkins County and cities of this county to use all available resources to cope with this disaster.
Julian and Nash Sign Up In Effort to Retain Seats on Sulphur Springs City Council
January 18, 2024 – Two incumbents on the Sulphur Springs City Council have filed their paperwork to hopefully retain their seats on the council in the upcoming May election, as a third candidate has signed up to make a challenge for a third seat on the council.
Three seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council, Places 1, 2 and 3 will be on the ballot in the May 4, 2024 election. Jay Julian who currently occupies Place 1 on the council seeks re-election as his first term is set to expire. In a press release, Julian expressed his desire to keep working for the citizens of the city, and hopes voters will recognize his dedication and effectiveness. Harold Nash, Sr. looks to retain his seat of Place 2 on the council which he has held since December 2019.
Place 3, currently held by Oscar Aguilar, has only had one person file paperwork at this time. Collyn Seth McDaniel has signed up for the spot as city staff awaits the incumbent or any other challengers to file their paperwork.
All places on the Sulphur Springs City Council are “at-large” meaning anyone residing inside the Sulphur Springs City Limits that also meet the other requirements, are allowed to run for any place on the council that will be on the upcoming ballot.
As stated on the City of Sulphur Springs website, any potential candidate should meet the following requirements:
A prospective candidate shall be a qualified voter of the State of Texas, resided continuously in the State of Texas and the City of Sulphur Springs for 12 months immediately preceding the deadline for filing an application for a place on the ballot. Other qualifications include 1) must be a citizen of the United States eligible to hold such office under the constitution and laws of this state; 2) must not be mentally incompetent as determined by a court; 3) Must not be convicted of a felony for which he/she has not been pardoned or had full rights of citizenship restored by other official action; 4) must be 18 years of age or older on the commencement of the term to be filled; 5) must not hold any other public office in which he/she was elected for and/or be a member of a board directly appointed by the City Council on the commencement of the term to be filled; 9) city taxes must be paid to current; 10) and have knowledge of the nepotism law summary.
Cumby Residents Still Face Water Outage
January 18, 2024 – It is all hands on deck in the City of Cumby as their water department attempts to chase down the leaks after the winter freeze. City staff, police personnel, fire departement personnel and elected officials all have pitched in to get their water supply back online. Much progress was made on Wednesday as the water tower was filled by late evening, but quickly drained as water lines to residents filled back up and new leaks were discovered. Bottled water continues to be handed out to residents affected by the outage. Residents can pick up cases of bottled water at the City Maintenance facility located at 101 East Main St. across from City Hall. As the water department continues to work on the problem, some residents may have temporary water service and will be under a boil notice if that water is used for consumption. The boil notice will remain in effect until further notice.
Greater Emmanuel MBC Sponsors New Year’s Praise Benefit January 28th
Greater Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church will Sponsor a New Year’s Praise Benefit Musical Honoring Rev. and Sis. Thomas Peters January 28, 2024. The event will begin at 2:00pm. The Benefit will be held at the Cypress Baptist Center, 901 Como St., in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Rev. D. K. Young is the Pastor. The public is invited.
Bottled Water Distribution for Cumby Residents Affected by Outage
January 17, 2024 – As water woes continue in Cumby, fire department personnel continue to hand out bottled water for residents affected by the outage. Repairs are ongoing for the water system, but as the outage continues into the evening hours, fire department personnel have set up a command station on Main St. in Cumby across from City Hall to distribute bottled water for those who are without.
