Welders Being Certified at the Paris Junior College
Welding Certification
December 17, 2023 – Because welding is such a skilled trade that requires precision work, it is necessary to become certified as a welder before landing a great job. Requirements for welders can vary from employer to employer.
John Plemons, the instructor at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Welding School, recently tested his summer classes and 28 students passed and received their certification and ready to go to work.
Samuel Aragon, Commerce; Jesus Arriaga,Royse City; James Barrett,Como; Landin Dugalle,Sulphur Springs; Tobias Hackney,Celeste;Trey Hollowa,-Greenville; Maiique McCarter, Sulphur Springs, Trenton McKinney; Yantis; Madison Roberts,Sulphur Springs; James Rodriquez, Commerce; Alden Schaffi, Greenville, Jonathan Pichardo, Sulphur Springs; Nicholas Niemirirowski, Como; Douglas Thomas, Quinlan; Shawn Hartkube; Campbell.
Also Bryce Akin, Greenville; Freddie Jackson, Yantis; Luis Hernandez, Winnsboro; Cole Jackson, Fate; Edgar Martinez, Mt. Vernon; Yordy Vazquez, Pickton; Shamar Whaley, Sulphur Springs, Alessaandro Alvarez, Brashear; Jason Keyes, Sulphur Springs; Andrew Price, David Ruth, Sulphur Springs; Cole Stover, Greenville; Angela Tijerina, Commerce.
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.
Dinner Bell For December 20 and 27, 2023
There will be no Dinner Bell meals on December 20 and December 27 to allow the staff to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. Please come on January 3, 2024 as we start our 13th year with this feeding ministry.
May the community have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and experience a joyful, blessed and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
JANUARY 3, 2024 to meet again.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
From the Dinner Bell staff:
MERRY CHRISTMAS and A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! WE WILL TAKE A SHORT BREAK AND RETURN ON JANUARY 3, 2024.
Brush Project Set on US 271 South in Lamar and Red River Counties
December 15, 2023
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a roadside improvement project along a portion of US 271 South in Lamar and Red River Counties is set to begin Jan. 3, 2024.
The contractor, A.L. Helmcamp Inc., was granted 92 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $2.2 million. The contractor plans to set road alert barricades Jan. 2, 2024 and begin work Jan. 3, 2024. The target completion date for this project is June 2024.
The contractor will remove trees and brush on US 271 South from FM 196 North in Lamar County to State Highway 37 in Red River County, officials said.
This contractor will be performing this work off the pavement, but travelers in this area need to remain alert for trucks entering and leaving work areas adjacent to US 271 South in the project limits, officials said.
Motorists who frequently travel in the area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to 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.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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Paris District Road Report for week of December 18, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Dec. 18, 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: Seat belt safety guidelines
Texas requires drivers and all passengers to wear seat belts.
Ensure seatbelt fits snugly across the hips, not over the stomach.
Ensure shoulder belt goes over the shoulder and across the center of the chest.
Never tuck the shoulder belt underneath your arm or behind your back.
Learn more about Texas seat belt laws
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 is closed to traffic to allow for construction of the new northbound US 75 overpass at SH 91. While the intersection is closed, traffic on southbound SH 91 will be able to turn right only onto the frontage road and detour to Taylor Street. Taylor Street and North Travis Street will remain open during this temporary closure.
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.
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Grayson County has begun. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 901 from SH 56 to end of State Maintenance; FM 1417 from FM 120 to US 82; Spur 503 from SH 91 to US 69; SH 56 from SH 289 to FM 1417; FM 3356 from FM 121 to the Collin County line; US 69 from SH 11 to SH 56; US 75 frontage roads from Ray Yard bridge to Oklahoma State line; FM 120 from US 75 to US 69; and US 69 from US 75 to FM 120. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
SH 56, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 902, from FM 901 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 131, from FM 120 to FM 691. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform ditch cleanout work. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Fannin County has begun. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 64 from SH 34 to the Delta County line; FM 151 from US 69 to the Grayson County line; FM 981 from US 69 to the Collin County line; SH 50 from Church Street to the Hunt County line; FM 904 from FM 64 to FM 1550; FM 274 from FM 898 to FM 1753; FM 1629 from SH 121 to SH 78; FM 87 from SH 56 to US 82; FM 273 from FM 1396 to FM 2029; FM 1753 from SH 78 to the Grayson County line. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
FM 2029, from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: 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 will be conducting a traffic switch to shift traffic into new alignments along FM 2642 and FM 35. This operation will take place over the course of Dec. 6-12 with the switch happening at the Railroad on Dec. 9 and at FM 35 on Dec. 12. FM 2642 traffic will be shifting west and FM 35 will be shifting south.
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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Christmas in the Park 2023
December 16, 2023 – The 2023 Christmas in the Park event was a hit. Folks from all over the area came to Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs and joined together to bring kids Christmas joy.
There was hot popcorn…
Bikes and other prizes given away…
The hay ride through the neighborhood was very popular.
And of course, Mr. and Mrs. Clause made the scene.
Defective Tail Light Ends Magical Trip For Yantis Man
December 16, 2023 – In the early morning hours of Saturday, about 3:30am, a Sulphur Springs police officer noticed a Kia traveling with a defective tail light and initiated a traffic stop on Hillcrest Drive. When making contact with the driver, the subject seemed to be under the influence and would laugh uncontrollably. The driver was identified as Andrew Lopez-Jones, age 20, of Yantis. He continued to have difficulty answering the officer’s question as a probable cause search was initiated on the vehicle. During the search, a plastic bag containing several light and dark dried stems believed to be psilocybin mushrooms, commonly know as magic mushrooms. As the psychedelics were found under the driver’s seat, Andrew Lopez-Jones was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins Jail. Lopez-Jones was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance PG2 <4g<=400g, a first degree felony. A passenger in the vehicle was also questioned and admitted to drinking alcohol, although the passenger was 20 years of age. The passenger was arrested on a charge of misdemeanor Public Intoxication. The 2011 Kia Forte was impounded. Andrew Lopez-Jones remains in the Hopkins County Jail with bond set at $20,000 on the felony charge.
Raise Your Hand Texas’ Sponsoring a House District 2 Runoff Candidate Forum January 18th at the Hopkins County Civic Center
“Raise Your Hand Texas” is sponsoring a House District 2 runoff Candidate forum on January 18, 2024. The forum will take place at the Hopkins County Civic Center, in the auditorium, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The event will begin at 6:30pm. This will be an education-focused event. Come on out and see where the candidates stand on the issues. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Texas A&M Forest Service Presents $22,000 to Texas A&M University’s Association of Former Students
December 15, 2023 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service presented a check for $22,389 to the Association of Former Students today. The funds are from timber sustainably managed and sold on the John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest.
The state forest, originally known as State Forest #4, was gifted to Texas A&M Forest Service in 1929 by lumber baron John Henry Kirby. As part of the property deed, Kirby stipulated that a portion of the forest’s revenue be donated to the Association of Former Students of Texas A&M University, specifically to be used for student loans.
“Texas A&M Forest Service proudly manages the John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest and is honored to create revenue for the Association of Former Students,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Director.
Nic Taunton, Executive Vice President and COO of The Association, expressed appreciation to Texas A&M Forest Service and noted Mr. Kirby’s generosity and foresight in setting up a gift that still provides meaningful contributions almost a century later.
“As an independent nonprofit alumni association, our work is made possible only by the generosity of our donors,” said Taunton. “Since 1929, Mr. Kirby’s gift and the stewardship of Texas A&M Forest Service have produced more than half a million dollars in revenue to The Association – funds that have enabled us to make a tangible impact on Texas A&M and countless Texas Aggies.”
At the time the agency acquired the forest, it was heavily logged and impacted by wildfires, insect epidemics and feral hogs. The agency immediately began reforestation activities and planting slash pine for the restoration project due to the superior growth characteristics of the species.
Today, the forest is divided into 13 management stands that are maintained individually.
“The forest is used to demonstrate forest management focused on sustainability and restoration of the longleaf pine ecosystem,” said Conor McInnerney, Texas A&M Forest Service District Forester. “We have a working management plan for the forest that helps us to meet sustainability goals.”
The funds presented today are from 1,799 tons of timber sold through a thinning project on stands two and four of the forest – around 120 acres of mature longleaf, slash and loblolly pine.
“As forests grow and mature, timber can become crowded, creating heavy competition for water, soil nutrients and sunlight,” said McInnerney. “Thinning reduces the number of stems per acre along with competition and allows for more vigorous growth.”
As trees become larger, they require more nutrients, sunlight and water so the process of thinning continues throughout the life of the stand of trees. In most forests, thinning begins around age 15 and continues to be conducted in intervals of seven to 10 years.
Both stands thinned were marked by foresters with paint to indicate which trees should be removed. The marked timber was then sold through a bid process and harvested. From there, the timber went to sawmills in the area and was manufactured into dimensional lumber.
Learn more about the John Henry Kirby Memorial State Forest at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/john-henry-kirby-memorial-state-forest/.
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Wreaths Across America – Saturday, December 16th
December 15, 2023 – Wreaths Across America has their scheduled ceremonies in Hopkins County this Saturday, December 16th. See the listing below for the participating cemeteries and the ceremony times.
- Sulphur Springs Cemetery 11am
- Melhaven Cemetery 11am
- Restlawn Cemetery 11am
- Old and New Saltillo 11am
- Old and New Pickton 11am
- Mahoney Cemetery 11am
- Winerfield Cemetery 11am
- Greenview Cemetery 11am
- Greenpond Cemetery 11am
- Brashear Cemetery 11am
- Gafford Chapel Cemetery 10am
- Shooks Chapel Cemetery 10am
- New Hope Cemetery 11:30am
Press Release for Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
Submitted by Marynell Bryant, WAA volunteer, Hopkins County
Wreaths Across America has designated Saturday, December 16 to honor veterans across the nation with special balsam fir wreaths. Sixteen cemeteries in Hopkins County will host ceremonies to mark this occasion and then volunteers will place the wreaths on veterans’ graves.
The local cemeteries participating include Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Melhaven, Restlawn, Old and New Saltillo, Old and New Pickton, Mahoney, Winterfield, Greenview, Greenpond, Brashear, Gafford Chapel, Shooks Chapel, New Hope and Union. Most ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. with the exception of Gafford Chapel and Shooks Chapel at 10 a.m. and New Hope at 11:30.
Nationwide 2.7 million wreaths were placed at 3,702 participating locations last year. The mission of Wreaths Across America is Remember, Honor, Teach – remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Report of Reckless Driver Earns Driver Multiple Charges for Drug Possession
December 14, 2023 – Sulphur Springs Police responded to a report of a possible reckless driver on Interstate 30 Wednesday morning just after 8 am. An officer spotted the red Hyundai as it exited at the mile marker 122 exit headed eastbound. The vehicle then pulled into the parking lot of the 7Star Travel Center. An officer making contact with the driver could smell a strong oder of marijuana coming from the vehicle during the morning traffic stop. The driver exited the vehicle and appeared to be impaired on some sort of substance, according to the officer. A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputy showed up on the scene to assist and stayed with the suspect while SSPD officer searched the vehicle.
During the search a small box was found containing a variety of suspected illegal drugs as well as a firearm. Officers found approximately 9 grams of suspected mushrooms, .55 ounces of suspected marijuana, 17 grams of suspected Xanax as well as three paper tabs in a small clear plastic container which later tested positive as LSD. A THC vape was also found in the vehicle.
The driver, Braydon Dean Law, age 23, of Commerce was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail. A total of six charges were levied against Law:
Possession of a Controlled Substance Penalty Group 2/2a 4g-400g, Second Degree Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance Pentalty Group 2 <1g, State Jail Felony
Possession of Marijuana <2 oz Class B Misdemeanor
Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 3 <28g, Class B Misdemeanor
Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group <20AU, State Jail Felony
Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon, Class A Misdemeanor
Braydon Dean Law remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting bond to be set on the charges.
