Hopkins County Grand Jury Indictments for July 2023
2329899 CASE,KYLE MICHAEL SEX ABUSE OF CHILD CONTINUOUS: VICTIM UNDER 14
2329900 GRIFFITH,DALILA KALIE POSS CS PG 1/1‐B >=4G<200G
2329901 GRIFFITH,DYLAN GERALD POSS CS PG 1/1‐B >=4G<200G
2329902 PUERTA,LUIS CELESTINO FAIL TO COMPLY SEX OFF DUTY TO REG LIFE/90 DAY
2329903 SINGLETARY,JARVIS LAMONT FRAUD USE/POSS IDENTIFYING INFO # ITEMS 10<50
The Second Week of Paris Junior College Coding Camp is Still Open in Sulphur Springs
The second week of the robotics coding camp offered at Paris Junior College Sulphur Springs Center campus, which will be held from July 24-28, still has openings for students entering the 6th through 8th grades during the 2022-2023 school year.
Applications for attending this session of the coding camp should be submitted as soon as possible.
Applications are available at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus. For more information call the campus at 903-885-1232. Important forms and the camp application may be found at https://www.parisjc.edu/downloads/coding-camp-flyer.pdf.
The Robotics Coding Camp will allow students to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. By using a snap-together robotics system, students will be able to design, build and code an endless variety of robots; watch code come alive on a physical robot and apply key STEM skills.
Camps are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may be dropped off at 8:45 a.m. and picked up by 3:15 p.m. at the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus.
CODING CAMP
A second session of the PJC Coding Camp for 6th through 8th graders will be held July 24-28 at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center campus. PJC computer science instructor Cedric Crawford, above, is the camp instructor and is helping a camper assemble at robotic vehicle. For more information and applications, call the PJC-Sulphur Springs campus at 903-885-1232.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Meal A Day And Senior Citizen Center Calendar July 10-14th, 2023
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of July 10-14, 2023 includes:
MONDAY, July 10 – Pizza Pasta Bake, Green Beans & Bread
TUESDAY, July 11 – Ham & Cheese Egg Bake, Vegetable of the Day & English Muffin
WEDNESDAY, July 12 – Tater Tot Casserole, Stewed Squash & Bread
THURSDAY, July 13 – Vegetable & Rice Casserole, Mixed fruit & Bread
FRIDAY, July 14 –Tuna Salad with Roll, Mixed Veggies & Chips
Texas Prepares To Deploy Buoys In Effort To Prevent Drownings And Border Crossings
July 10, 2023- Texas has begun rolling out what is set to become a new floating barrier on the Rio Grande on Friday. Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar effort to secure the U.S. border with Mexico.
Abbott broke the news at a ceremony at the Capitol, where he signed six Bills related to border security, including legislation that gives more power to federal agents to arrest and search migrants suspected of committing state crimes, authorizes the use of drones for border surveillance and provides compensation to farmers and ranchers whose land is damaged by migrants.
Steve McCraw, director of the state’s Department of Public Safety, said the first 1,000 feet of buoys are being deployed near Eagle Pass because of an uptick in illegal crossings in the Maverick County area. He said the buoys, which can be moved to other locations as needed, are intended to deter migrants from attempting to cross the river, which is deep and fast-flowing in spots.
During the regular legislative session that ended in May, the Legislature approved $5.5 billion for border security measures. The other three Bills Abbott signed Thursday allow Texas to more easily establish border security partnerships with other states, improve training of local police officers and designate Mexican drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” under state law.
Abbott’s news conference came amid a special legislative session where lawmakers have deadlocked over the governor’s call for property tax relief, but they’re also at odds over his special-session agenda item on border security — and Abbott showed little interest in taking sides Thursday.
Abbott asked lawmakers for legislation increasing penalties for human smuggling, and the two chambers have passed different versions of the proposal. One sticking point is whether to allow a lower minimum sentence if a defendant cooperates with police.
Abbott made clear Thursday he will not budge on his agenda, which calls for only the anti-smuggling Bill.
Texas Drawn Hunt Program Opens for 2023–24 Season Applications
New hunting opportunities and scenery are available to hunters this fall through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) drawn hunt permits program. The program, which issues permits for drawn hunts on both public and private lands throughout Texas, is now accepting applications for a shot at almost 10,000 permits in more than 60 high quality hunt categories.
Among the offerings available through the Texas Public Hunt System are hunts for white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, turkey, alligator and dove and guided packages for exotic species and bighorn sheep. There were 278,000 applications last year.
A new e-Postcard category has been added for predator hunts at the Matador Wildlife Management Area. Applicants for e-Postcard hunts and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Antlerless Deer Permits must have a current Annual Public Hunt Permit (APH) to apply. APH permits go on sale annually on August 15. Last year, the sale of 55,400 APH permits generated approximately $2.5 million in revenue for wildlife conservation and public hunting opportunities.
An interactive map shows all drawn hunt opportunities by category or by area. All applications, fee payments and permit issuance are handled electronically. To participate, applicants will need internet access, an email address and a credit or debit card. The customer ID number from the applicant’s hunting or fishing license is the most effective way to access the system.
Application fees range from free to $3 or $10, depending on the hunt category. Adult hunters who are selected may need to pay a Special Permit fee of $80 for regular hunts and $130 for extended hunts. Some categories, such as the Youth-Only hunts, require no application fees or permit fees. Permits are open to resident and non-resident hunters alike.
Application deadlines are the 1st and 15th of each month between August 1 and November 1. August 1 is the deadline for all alligator hunt categories and private lands dove hunts. August 15 is the deadline for archery deer, archery mule deer, pronghorn, private land pronghorn and javelina.
A full list of category deadlines can be found online. Hunters can apply up to 11:59 p.m. CST on the application deadline. Applicants can check their drawing status online at any time.
For more information or to get started in the application process, visit the TPWD drawn hunts webpage. For questions, contact [email protected] or call (512) 389-4505 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 07-05-2023 – 07-09-2023
Arrests:
Davis, John, 54 years of age, of Como, was arrested 7-7-2023 on 3 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Pedlar, Lisa, 52 years of age, of Lander, Wyoming, was arrested on 7-7-2023 for Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B>=1G<4G.
East, Debrah, 36 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 7-7-2023 for Driving While License Invalid with previous convictions.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 105 calls for service during this reporting period
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 27citations and 31 warnings during this reporting period.
Sulphur Springs Man Charged with Reckless Injury to a Child
July 10, 2023 – A welfare check at a home in Sulphur Springs resulted in a 36 year-old man going to Hopkins County Jail.
Sulphur Springs Police were dispatched to a Sulphur Springs address this weekend. When they arrived they found a woman and her child standing in front of their residence. Police saw bruises on the boy. The mother informed police that her boyfriend, JONATHAN HENRY TONEY, caused the injuries.
When asked about what happened, the mother stated that her child had went inside a few moments earlier. The mother heard the boy crying inside the home and went in to get him. She didn’t see any bruises or injuries before we went inside. The boy said that (Toney) had ‘grabbed him around the neck.’ The boy also said he could not breathe and that it ‘hurt’. As timed passed, more bruises appeared on the child.
When officers asked Toney about the injuries, he did not wish to elaborate. He did admit to ‘Rough Housing’ and getting into a verbal argument with the child. Toney did admit to grabbing the boy ‘around the ribs and throwing him on the couch”.
Toney was arrested, mirandized, and transported to Hopkins County Jail without incident. His bond is set at $30,000. He is charged with:
1 22.04(F) INJ CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLED RECKLESS BI
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.
Paris District Road Report for July 10, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 10, 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.
US 75, Grayson County: 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 turn right 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 westbound US 82 exit ramp to US 75 has been permanently closed to traffic. All traffic wishing to access US 75 will take the existing Loy Lake Road exit, which will serve as the new permanent US 75 exit, too.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: 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 75 southbound frontage road, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Choctaw Creek Bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance. Motorists will encounter occasional lane closures through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Grayson County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: FM 121 from US 377 to SH 289; SH 289 from FM 120 to SH 56; and SH 5 from US 75 to Redden Road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project has begun. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill 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
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. 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, Grayson County: 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, the bridge location 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 and occasional lane closures while this work is ongoing.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the replacement of the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: 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.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect lane shifts while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: 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 2729, Grayson County: from FM 697 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Fannin County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: US 69 from the Grayson County line to the Hunt County line, and FM 409 from FM 2029 to FM 100. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 100, Fannin County: 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.
CR 1320, Fannin County: at the Caney Creek Bridge is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches.
FM 271, Fannin County: 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.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 272, Fannin County: from US 69 to the Hunt County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 816, Fannin County: from the Hunt County line to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, Fannin County: from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as maintenance crews perform repair work on drainage structures.
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.
I-30, Franklin County: from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
Loop 286, Lamar County: 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, Lamar County: 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.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, Red River County: From US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), Lamar County: from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SP 302: Hunt County (From SH 34 to FM 499, from FM 499 to I-30, from US 69 to SH 34, from O’Neal Street to US 69). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations have finished. The contractor has completed performing work at night in downtown Greenville near the square due to ongoing city infrastructure repairs. Guardrail work on SS 302 and BU 69 is ongoing. Full depth repairs and concrete mow strip and sidewalk installation to begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2946, Rains County (From FM 515 to FM 2795): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor is performing cross culvert work and culvert extensions at various locations on the project. The contractor has worked on driveway and driveway pipe. Subgrade work for the first three miles is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (From I-30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun placing driveway safety ends and concrete pipe. Cross culvert work, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. Contractor has begun placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor will begin work on CR 1031 once conditions in the area are dry, by preparing the right of way and placing the detour. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30, Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Grading and prepping temporary ramps is underway on east-bound and west-bound to get ready for hot mix this week. Monte Stratton ramp will be closed this week for hot mix operations. The contractor will be excavating on permanent ramp east-bound between SH 36 and 1903. AT&T and Zayo contractors are doing utility relocations on FM 1570. Temporary drainage for the frontage roads on- and off-ramps work is ongoing. The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor was able to open traffic to new temp configuration of west-bound SH 276 for ACP operations this week. The contractor will work on grading / repairing driveways on the west end of SH 276. The contractor will install traffic tabs, layout drums and prepare for east-bound SH 276 traffic switch onto new asphalt.. Please be aware of lane closures and changes to current traffic configuration and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor has installed signal poles and signal lights at SH 34, and FM 1570 and SH 66 intersections. Traffic signals at the following intersections have gone live: SH 34 at FM 1903, SH 34 at FM 1570, and SH 66 at FM 1570. Final punch list work has begun. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Rains County crews will be performing safety mowing on SH 276. Both Hunt and Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 1563 near Fairlie and FM 2194 near Merit in Hunt County. Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 2947 and FM 3299. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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New Federal Food Stamp Limits Approaching
July 7, 2023- Tens of thousands of Texans will face new issues when accessing food stamps under this spring’s deal to raise the federal debt limit, but fresh efforts are underway to help more Texans avoid hunger.
Food advocates and lawmakers are working to inform lower-income residents about new rules that could cut their access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps. Under legislation brokered between Congress and the White House, starting this summer more middle-aged SNAP participants will have to find jobs to continue with the program.
Some officials are also hoping to prevent efforts to further restrict access to the program as Congress tackles the farm Bill, the massive legislative package that includes a wide range of food and agricultural priorities, from food security to trade protections to keep U.S. farmers internationally competitive.
Under the new work requirements, SNAP participants ages 51 and under without dependents or disabilities will have to work at least 80 hours a month beginning in early September to continue using food stamps. The age increases to 53 in October and 55 in 2024.
SNAP already has federal work requirements — generally at least 80 hours a month — for adults under 49 who don’t have disabilities or dependents to receive full-time benefits. Although there are plenty of exceptions to the work requirements, 44,000 Texans could see their SNAP access vanish if they don’t work the required hours.
Several government officials state that work requirements are necessary to ensure that SNAP benefits don’t get abused and that participants can wean off the program and get back on their feet. Many government officials say that 54 is a perfectly workable age, and there are ample exemptions in place to protect those who have legitimate reasons not to work.
As part of the debt ceiling deal, the work requirement does not apply to SNAP participants who are experiencing homelessness. Military veterans could also be exempt, as well as adults 24 and under who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
Unlike federal spending that is doled out on an annual basis, SNAP funding depends on how many eligible participants have signed up. Cutting SNAP funding would mean limiting new sign-ups or reducing the benefits each participant can receive. The average Texas SNAP participant gets $265 per month — or just under $9 per day.
Morning Welfare Check Finds Man with 45 Grams of Meth
July 7, 2023 – Hopkins County Deputies, while patrolling the western edge of Hopkins County, located a vehicle stopped along I-30. The Mazda CX-7 was parked at the intersection of FM 499 and the I-30 north service road near Cumby, TX.
Inside the SUV, they noticed a man slumped over the steering wheel. The man appeared to be asleep. Deputies noticed a can of compressed air in his lap, and his pants were down.
CAS EUGENE EDWARDS, age 47 of Mustang, OK, was asked to exit the vehicle. Edwards was nervous, deceptive and would not make eye contact. When asked if there was any marijuana in the car, Edwards said ‘no’. When asked if there was any methamphetamine in the car, Edwards gave a delayed and slurred ‘no’, and broke eye contact.
A probable cause search was performed. A bag of methamphetamine, a syringe, and scales was located. A driving licence was found, and it confirmed his identity.
Edwards was arrested and transported to Hopkins County Jail. His Mazda was impounded. He is charged with:
1 481.115(D) POSS CS PG 1/1-B >=4G<200G
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.
