Paris District Road Report for week of December 25, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 25, 2023. 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: Drive Sober
TxDOT’s Drive Sober / No Regrets statewide impaired driving campaign encourages everyone to keep the holidays cheerful and safe by never getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
Instead, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely. If you see someone drinking at a holiday gathering, encourage them to find a sober ride or to stay put until they are sober. We all play a part in helping keep our roads safe.
Drunk driving crashes are completely preventable, yet they can cause physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last for years. Alcohol-related crashes can cause life-altering, disabling, and permanent injuries for survivors — and they can be deadly. A DWI can cost up to $17,000 in fines and fees and lead to jail time, loss of a driver’s license, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones and a lifetime of regret.
Visit Sober Rides online to learn about the real costs of driving impaired and tips to finding a sober ride. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to follow the campaign on social media.
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). 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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
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.
The intersection of SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) with US 75 has been reopened to traffic.
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. 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. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
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.
Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm. Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Basin Springs Road and Brooks Lane as a detour.
US 75 full depth concrete repair. 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.
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.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to FM SH 37. 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 set signal poles at Live Oak Street and placed drill shafts for signal poles at University Drive. Signal work is ongoing at the various locations. The contractor is backfilling and placing sod at various locations and placing a drop inlet. 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 placing rock filter dams. 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 is performing detour work and backfilling edges. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will begin soon. 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 placed prime coat and will be placing temporary striping on the mile 6 of the 8-mile project. The contractor will be seeding and stripping grass on the next 2 miles of the project. 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 begun demolition of the Shelby Ave existing structure and has begun work on abutments and riprap. The contractor has been placing beams on Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County and placing riprap in locations along abutment. 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 widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform mainlane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains Counties will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout both counties.
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Hopkins County Records – December 2023
Land Deed Transactions
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 12/15/23 Thru 12/22/23
- Aaron Wayne Albert and Jessi Jo Prince
- Barth Benjamin Conrique and Cynthia Roman Latour
- Boyd Richardson Jr and Janice Marie Massey
- Christopher Geo Brookhart and Tori Denae Dorner
- James Howard Marshall and Sharon Deane Woodroof
- Michael David Baker and Terri Rene Swanson
Alliance Bank Sponsors Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Gala
December 22, 2023 – Alliance Bank is sponsoring An Evening in Tuscany Gala that the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation will host on January 27. Thank you to our friends at Alliance for their ongoing support! Gathered with the big check are representatives of Alliance Bank and the Gala Chairs. First row, left to right, Gala Chair Kim Sellers, Jessica Kultgen, Ruth Ann Crowson, Keith Shurtleff, and Gala Chair John Sellers. Back row left to right: Kevin Monk, James Law, James Worsham, and Tom Sellers.
To learn more, go to LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com
City National Bank Sponsors Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 18th Annual Gala
City National Bank is generously sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 18th annual Gala! They are also loaning us John Sellers, who together with his wife, Kim, are chairing the Gala. Gathered around the big check are CNB representatives and the Sellers. Left to right: John Sellers, David Fenton, Michelle Haney, Kim Sellers, Tony Cook, and Don Sapaugh.
Follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook for all the latest details.
Meal-A-Day Program Closing In on Matching Donation Goal
December 23, 2023 – Amanda Dietlin, local Meal-A-Day director, has reported an update on the matching donation challenge as she has currently received $2,772 in donations to the program. Those donations will be matched by an anonymous donor, but there is still time to “double your donation” as the donor has pledged to match up to $5,000 for any donations made by the end of December. Contact Meal-A-Day at 903-885-1661
Meal-A-Day director, Amanda Dietlin shared the challenges that she and her staff face on a daily basis as they have seen some of their item’s costs double if not triple over the past 12 months. Dietlin explained how important all the support that her program receives keeps this worthwhile service in operation, as the five-day-a-week contact with these seniors is vital to the well-being of the senior community.
The Meal-A-Day program is constantly in need of volunteers to cook or deliver meals to the more than 130 recipients each day, Monday through Friday. The operation takes a constant effort of around 60 volunteers each week with cooks, cooking helpers, and drivers of the various routes. And although Meal-A-Day works from the Senior Center, it receives no direct financial support from the City Of Sulphur Springs. If you can spare a couple of hours just one day a week, call Amanda to see how you can help out. The Meal-A-Day volunteer hotline is 903-885-1661.
Ginn Selected as County Court at Law Judge
December 22, 2023 – The Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court has narrowed down their selection to replace Clay Harrison as County Court at Law Judge. The Commissioner’s have selected local attorney John Ginn to take the oath on January 2, 2024 providing no interruption as Harrison will step down on January 1st of the new year to enter private practice in the Sulphur Springs area.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said, “we received applications from several viable candidates in the area, but ultimately the Commissioner’s court determined John Ginn to be the best person to fill the position vacated by Clay Harrison.”
The Hopkins County Court at Law Judge position is described as follows:
This court serves Hopkins County by hearing and resolving cases, including the following areas of law: family; civil; criminal misdemeanors; Class C appeals; probate; guardianship and mental health. Other cases may be heard by assignment pursuant to subject matter jurisdiction.
The records of this court are maintained by both the District Clerk and County Clerk For certified copies of court documents, please contact the Clerk’s Office.
Sulphur Springs Corvette Club Donates to Dinner Bell
December 21, 2023 – Several members of the Sulphur Springs Corvette Club stopped by the First United Methodist Church to make a donation to The Dinner Bell program. The Dinner Bell has been serving a “community meal” each Wednesday since February 2012. The program now hands out more than 200 meals each Wednesday only taking off during the holidays, which they are doing so this next week but will return on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
The $500 donation will help cover the cost of the food for one week in the future as many clubs, businesses and organizations do so each week to help make The Dinner Bell an ongoing success. Reverend Peter McNabb was on hand to accept the donation and thanked the members as well as club President Tim Gee. Gee said, “It is important to our club members to help out the community when we can, and The Dinner Bell program has been providing a wonderful community service for many years.”
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your organization would like to make a donation to The Dinner Bell, call 903-885-2185.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Helps Take Another Predator Off The Streets
December 20, 2023 – Another arrest has been made stemming from the sting operation held back in November of this year. That joint operation combined the efforts of Texas DPS, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Mt. Pleasant Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation all participating in a two-day undercover online operation. These agencies brought resources, knowledge, and manpower to actively pursue individuals online, who are seeking to engage in sexual acts with children. The involved agencies’ operation yielded three immediate arrests during the first week of November 2023, and Sheriff Lewis Tatum reported that several “ongoing investigations” were still in the works. During the original investigation Tatum said, “We want parents to know that we are working to keep kids safe. We also want to encourage them to monitor what their children do online.” View the original story by clicking on the following link: Hopkins County Sheriff Solicitation Sting Yields Arrests
One of those ongoing investigations proved to involve Darryl Wayne Wilkins, age 42, of Longview as he was picked up in Gregg County this week and transported back to the Hopkins County Jail. Wilkins is accussed of Online Solicitation of a Minor (Sexual Contact) which is a second-degree felony. His bond has been set at $100,000 on that charge. Hopkins County Sheriff Criminal Investigation Commander Corley Weatherford said “these agencies have worked diligently to protect our children by taking these predators off our streets.” Weatherford added, “and we continue to work these cases for as long as it takes.”
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.
A Year in Review- 2023 4-H Agricultural Plan
December 19, 2023 – 2023 4-H Agricultural Plan
RELEVANCE
4-H Agriculture and Natural Resources projects are an important component of the county 4-H program in Texas. Currently, sixty three percent of Texas 4-H members are enrolled in a livestock project . These projects provide youth with subject matter education , as well as valuable learning experiences , character education and leadership skills critical for youth .
RESPONSE
Adult volunteer engagement is critical to administer the program and expand the outreach . As today youth are further removed from farming , many do not understand the importance of agriculture and how it impacts their daily lives. This plan included a path to the plate program component as a standalone educational event (1,231 attendees ). The plan also included monthly veterinary science sessions using a directional specific curriculum intended to provide education to achieve Veterinary Assistant Certification . The objective of the plan was to provide 4-H members with excellent learning opportunities within the ANR project areas . This plan utilized a 4-H Livestock Project Coalition to provide direction and support for the programs and events conducted . The following activities were implemented during 2023: Livestock Clinics (beef, poultry, swine, goat/lamb) (October – January). 12 Veterinary Sessions (13 participants) (Monthly). Ag in the classroom (4 sessions, 1,231 participants). Livestock County Show (Feb, 2023). Dairy Livestock Show (June, 2023). Participation in all major livestock shows. Validation of steers, heifers, goats, lambs, swine and broilers. 42 home project visits. 25 Press release related to Livestock Youth Projects.
Evaluation Strategy: Retrospective post evaluation surveys were utilized to measure knowledge gain and adoptions of best practices for the evaluated programs. 100% (76/76) responded to the evaluation instrument (Path to the Plate Expo).
RESULTS
Ag in the Classroom (Using Path to the Plate Curriculum and evaluation). 83% (63/76) learned the importance of eating a healthy diet and a variety of food. 82% (62/76) learned the value of agriculture in daily life. 80% (61/76) indicated a better understanding of the path food production takes to get to our plate. 78% (59/76) indicated a better understanding of the connection between agriculture and health. 70% (53/76) Indicated a better understanding of the way farmers and ranchers produce the food that we eat.
A Natural Prescription for 2024 – First Day Hikes at Cooper Lake State Park
December 19, 2023 – As I hike the Coyote Run Trail at Cooper Lake State Park, enveloped by post oak trees, my sense of well-being soars, as I am freed from daily stress. This phenomenon, a blend of nature’s beauty and physical activity, is not just a personal revelation but a scientifically supported experience. Immersion in nature, as research and age-old wisdom affirm, rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul!
On our relentless search for health, longevity, and happiness, we might have overlooked the simplest answer – NATURE. Inspired by “The Nature Fix” written by Florence Williams, numerous articles, and scientific papers, I continue to explore how nature positively impacts our health and well-being. Decreased outdoor exposure is linked to ailments such as obesity, ADHD, depression, and vitamin D deficiency. The modern trend of indoor sedentary living has been linked to these and other health issues, contributing to a worrying decline in overall health, despite continued medical advancements.
Nature, however, offers a potent potential remedy. Studies emphasize the unique benefits of nature walks over urban ones. Researchers like Dr. Art Kramer and Dr. Miyazaki highlight how these nature walks boost brain health and lower stress. Liisa Tyrvainen’s work further reveals a correlation between time spent in nature and enhanced mood and cognition. Nature is a natural antidepressant!
The power of nature isn’t limited to physical activity. Experiences of awe, from witnessing a lakeside sunset to dark sky stargazing, can bring profound joy and the feeling of connection to something greater. Texas State Parks, with their diverse and majestic landscapes, are ideal for such awe-inspiring moments.
Cooper Lake State Park caters to various fitness levels with paths like the level Cedar Creek Trail or the more undulating and demanding Coyote Run Trail; to short cement paths that run through our day use areas. We have miles and miles of low-speed park roadways (20 MPH) for those who prefer road biking, plus trails perfect for mountain bikes. Regular visits to these natural settings can significantly boost your mental and physical health. Make activities in nature a habit, creating a better future you!
Joining Cooper Lake State Park in offering these amazing benefits are other awe-inspiring Texas State Parks in our region:
– Atlanta State Park
– Bonham State Park
– Caddo Lake State Park
– Daingerfield State Park
– Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
– Cedar Hill State Park
– Ray Roberts Lake State Park
– Martin Creek Lake State Park
– Purtis Creek State Park
– Lake Tawakoni State Park
– Tyler State Park
Embark on your journey to better health, mood, and happiness with a prescription of nature on January 1st, 2024, at Cooper Lake State Park! Both park units, South Sulphur and Doctors Creek, will host guided and self-guided trail adventures. Most of our other 87 Texas State Park will also host First Day Hikes. Explore, destress, and rejuvenate in these awe-inspiring settings at a Texas State Park. Happy hiking and biking await you in 2024!
Doctors Creek Unit
Monday, January 1 – DC
First Day Self-Guided Hike and or Bicycle Ride! – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek Loops – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 2 p.m. @ Doctors Creek Cedar Creek South Loop – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
South Sulphur Unit
Sunday, January 1 – SS
First Day Self-Guided Hike, Horseback Ride, and or a Bicycle Ride!
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ South Sulphur Trails – Want to hike or ride on your own schedule? Try out our trails for your first day hike or ride! **Stop by Headquarters after your hike/ride to pick up your First Day Hike memento while supplies last.
Guided First Day Hike! – 10 a.m. @ South Sulphur Buggy Whip Equestrian trail – Join us on a First Day guided hike to celebrate the New Year in nature!
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