North Hopkins FCCLA, Beta Honor Barbara Cockrum With Veterans’ Hospital Drive
North Hopkins FCCLA and Beta Club will honor the late Barbara Cockrum with a veterans’ hospital drive. Cockrum continued to be active at the school even after retiring, often serving as a substitute teacher and each year hosting an event to benefit the veterans at the Bonham hospital.
In order to honor the much-loved educator, the NHISD FCCLA and Beta Clubs this year will host the inaugural Veterans Hospital Drive in honor of Mrs. Barbara Cockrum. Club members hope those who knew Mrs. Cockrum will help keep her memory and legacy alive by making this year’s event the biggest collection drive at the school year.
Donated items will go to the VA Hospital in Bonham for the veterans being treated at the facility. The VA Hospital has very specific guidelines regarding what they can accept. All items must be new and be the specific items on the list below.
- Clothing
- Athletic shorts — Men’s, all sizes
- Sweat Pants and Tops — Men’s large to 2XL
- Zip-up sweat jackets — Men’s sizes medium to Xl
- House shoes with rubber soles — Men’s sizes 10, 11 and 12
- Personal hygiene/Toiletry Items
- Toothpaste
- Body Wash (no bar soap or hotel/motel soap or toiletries)
- Denture adhesive and cleaner
- Snacks (must be individually wrapped)
- Peanut butter and/or cheese crackers
- granola bars
- chips
- bottled water
- ground coffee
- liquid creamer
Anyone who would like to help NHISD honor Cockrum by blessing the veterans who served, may make donations of any of the items above by Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at the designated location at the school.
Candidates On Nov. 8, 2022 Election Ballots In Hopkins County
Nov. 8, 2022 General Election ballots include multiple candidates for district, county and state offices, as well as certified unopposed incumbent candidates and options for voters to manually add certified write-in candidates.
Sulphur Springs ISD
Sulphur Springs ISD has called a bond election, asking district voters to casts ballots either for or against Proposition A:
The issuance of $81,500,000 of bonds by the Sulphur Springs Independent School District for Travis Elementary, Bowie Primary, Barbara Bush Primary, Sulphur Springs Elementary School and Sulphur Springs High School and purchasing school buses and levying the tax in payment thereof.
As explained by SSISD Board of Trustees, Superintendent and Facilities Committee, the $81.5 million bond would require a 1-cent increase to the Sulphur Springs ISD tax rate. This would be on the issuance and sinking (debit service) portion of the tax rate. When factored in with the 1.7-cent reduction in the maintenance and operations portion of the SSISD tax rate, would still be 0.7-cent less tax payers would play per $100 property valuation in ad valorem taxes than during the 2021-2022 tax year.
Saltillo ISD
Saltillo ISD is also holding a school board election. The school district opened filing over the summer for four places on the school board: Place 2, held by Ryan Garmon; Place 4 held by Barry Brewer; Place 6, which is currently open; and Place 7, currently held by Chip Tully. Each seat is for a 4-year term on the school board.
When filing closed on Aug. 22, incumbent Ryan Garmon was unopposed for Place 2 and incumbent Barry Brewer was unopposed for Place 4. Two candidates each had filed for Place 6 and Place 7, which are both on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Voters have the option of selecting either one or none of the candidates per place on the school board.
The two candidates for Place 6 on Saltillo ISD Board of Trustees are Mason Littrell and Josh Redar.
The two candidates for Place 7 on the Saltillo ISD school board are Jason Tully and Phillip Alcorn.
North Hopkins ISD
Voters in North Hopkins ISD will be asked to choose up to three of the four candidates seeking one of the three full-term seats on the school board. Because the election is at-large, the three candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to the school board.
Candidates for the full term seats on the North Hopkins ISD Board of Trustees include:
- Charles C. Vaughn
- Sherry Smiddy Clair
- Michael S. James
- Brian A. Lewis.
The ballot also contains one unopposed candidate, Robert. E. McPherson, who is seeking the seat for an unexpired term on the school board. NHISD voters have the option to vote for McPherson for the unexpired seat or to not vote at all for the unexpired seat on the school board.
Miller Grove ISD
Voters within MGISD are asked to cast ballots for up to three candidates for MGISD Board of Trustees.
The district had three individuals turn in their candidate packets by the August filing deadline, seeking three at-large seats on the school board, which would have allowed trustees to cancel the school trustees election with the three seats going to the three candidates — Brandon Darrow, Bret Garrett and Ray Sparks.
However, a fourth individual, Collin Alexander, filed as a write-in candidate for MGISD Board of Trustees Election just under the filing deadline, requiring a trustees election. So, while his name will not appear on the ballot, MGISD voters do have the option of writing in Collin Alexander as their choice to serve as a MGISD school board seat.
The MGISD seats are at-large, so the three candidates getting the most votes in the Nov. 8 election will be elected to a full term on the school board.
State and District Elections
Voters will have multiple candidates to choose for 14 state and US races, and some will even have an option to add write-in candidates, if they so choose, in up to four elections on the Nov. 8 ballots.
Write-in Candidates
Four state residents and one county school district resident were certified as write-in candidates. That means they met the terms to be on the ballot, but their names do not appear on the ballot. Voters who wish to vote for a write-in candidate must do just that, write their name in the blank on their election ballot.
While any name may be written on a blank line on the ballot, only the certified write-in candidate names will be counted, according to Texas Secretary of State’s Office. (In other words, if you write in John Doe or Mickey Mouse, and no one by that name has been certified, that nomination will not be counted for election purposes).
Write-in candidates for state and district offices that may be entered on Nov. 8 ballots include:
- Governor
- Jacqueline Abernathy
- Mark V. Goloby
- Commissioner of General Land Office
- Carrie Evelyn Menger
- State Board of Education, District 12, Member
- Rosiland Davis
- Miller Grove ISD Board of Trustees
- Collin Alexander
Opposed Candidates
State and US elections with opposed candidates include:
Unopposed Candidates
In Hopkins County, 9 candidates were unchallenged in their bids for reelection to their district, county and precinct offices.
Among the certified unopposed incumbent candidates for county and precinct offices in Hopkins County (which appear at the end of Hopkins County ballots) are the following:
- County Judge — Robert Newsom
- County Court At Law Judge — Clay Harrison
- District Clerk — Cheryl Fulcher
- County Clerk — Tracy Orr Smith
- County Treasurer — Danny Davis
- County Commissioner Precinct 2 — Greg Anglin
- County Commissioner Precinct 4 — Joe Price
- Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 — BJ Teer
- Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 — Brad Cummings
Thus, the above candidates, who are all Republicans, are declared elected and their names will be listed on the General Election ballot after the contested races under the “Unopposed Candidates Declared Elected-County” heading, according to the “Certification of Unopposed County and Precinct Candidates” signed Aug. 29, 2022, by the county election official and posted on the Hopkins County website, www.hopkinscountytx.org
Five people at the state level are also shown as “unopposed candidates declared elected-state.” Those unopposed state candidates on the Nov. ballot are as follows:
- Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Place 2 — Mary Lou Keel
- State Senator, District No. 1 — Bryan Hughes
- State Representative, District 2 — Bryan Slaton
- 6th Court of Appeals District Chief Justice — Scott E. Stephens
- 6th Court of Appeals District, Place 3 Justice — Charles Van Cleef
All five of the unopposed state candidates which have been “declared elected” for lack of an opponent on the Nov. 8, 2022 ballot are also Republican candidates.
All voting centers throughout the state will be open during regular Election Day hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 8, 2022.
Where To Vote In Hopkins County On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022
Early voting in the 2022 Nov. 8 General Election concluded Friday, Nov. 4, with 7,548 of the 24,724 registered voters in Hopkins County casting ballots. That’s 30.53% who voted, 29.08% (7,189) by personal appearance and the remaining 1.2% by mail. Hopkins County voters will have one last chance, on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022, to cast their choice of candidates and, where applicable, propositions such as the $81.5 million SSISD bond proposal.
County voters have the options of voting at any of the following 12 voting centers Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- Precinct 1 — Lutheran Church, 1000 Texas Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas (Front Foyer);
- Pct. 2A — H.W. Grays Building, 413 Beckham Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas (Meeting Room);
- Pct. 3 — Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas (1st Floor Courtroom);
- Pct. 3A— Paris Junior College-Sulphur Springs Campus, 1137 TX-301 Loop, Room 101a, Sulphur Springs, Texas
- Pct. 4 — Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas (West Hall)
- Pct. 4A — League Street Church Of Christ, 1100 South League St., Sulphur Springs, Texas (Front Foyer)
- Pct. 5 — Saltillo ISD, 150 CR 3534, Saltillo, Texas75478 (Ag Lab)
- Pct. 11 — Cumby Municipal Building, 100 East Main Street, Cumby, Texas 7543, (City Meeting Room)
- Pct. 12 — Sulphur Bluff ISD, 1027 CR 3550, Sulphur Bluff, Texas 75481 (Foyer Outside Gym)
- Pct. 13 — Como-Pickton CISD 13017 TX Hwy 11 East, Como, Texas 75431 (Art Room)
- Pct. 16 — Miller Grove ISD, 7819 FM 275 South, Cumby, Texas75433 (Foyer Outside Gym)
- Pct. 17 — North Hopkins ISD, 1994 FM 71 Wests, Sulphur Springs, Texas (Admin. Building)
Mail Ballots
The deadline for the voting official to receive ballots mailed within the United States from non-military and military voters who submitted an Application for a Ballot By Mail (“ABBM”) is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 9, 2022, if the carrier envelope has a postmark showing it was in the mail by 7 p.m. Nov 8, 2022.
Please note that different deadlines apply to the last day to receive ballots depending on how they are sent :
- (1) Ballots from non-military and military voters who mailed ballots domestically and submitted an ABBM must be received by the early voting clerk by 5 p.m. Nov 9, 2022, and must bear a postmark indicating the ballot was mailed by 7 p.m. Nov 8, 2022.
- (2) Ballots from non-military and military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and who submitted an ABBM must be received by the early voting clerk by Nov 14, 2022 and must bear a postmark indicating the ballot was mailed by 7 p.m. Nov 8, 2022.
- (3) Ballots from non-military voters who mailed ballots from overseas and who submitted a Federal Post card Application (“FPCA”) must be received by the early voting clerk by Nov 14, 2022, and must bear a postmark indicating the ballot was mailed by 7 p.m. Nov 8, 2022.
- (4) Ballots from military voters who mailed ballots domestically or from overseas and who submitted a FPCA must be received by the early voting clerk by Nov 14, 2022. (Ballots in this category do not need to have any postmark.)
Texas voters who are eligible to vote by mail must provide: (1) a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)-issued Texas Driver License, Personal ID or Election ID Certificate number; OR (2) the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number on both their Application for a Ballot by Mail (ABBM) and mail ballot carrier envelope. As long as one of the ID numbers provided matches what is on the voter’s registration record, the voter’s ABBM and ballot can be accepted.
Additional Information
Hopkins County voters can find additional voter information about the General Election by clicking here; or by selecting the “voter information” menu option on the main page of the Hopkins County website, https://www.hopkinscountytx.org/page/hopkins.Voterinfo.
For additional information about the various elections on Nov. 8 ballots in Hopkins County, including sample ballots, click here.
Master Gardener: This And That For November
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
When mums finish blooming and start turning brown, there’s always the question of what to do with them during winter. Well, take a look at the shrub base. There should be shoots emerging at the base of each flowering stalk. These are next year’s stems. So, leave them alone and remove everything down to 1-2 inches in height. Don’t trim any of the newly emerging clumps.
(Photo by Melvin Melvin on Unsplash)
The new clumps will sit there all winter before they spring out with new growth in March. If you intend to dig and divide your mums, you can either do so immediately after you trim off the dead stems, or you can wait until just before the new growth commences in late winter.
The literature suggests that due to climate change, we shouldn’t expect much color from changing leaves this fall. About the only predicted exceptions are Chinese pistachios, pears, ginkgoes, and sweet gums. We’ll see.
With the end of grass growing season, raising the mower’s height is normally not a good idea. You get no additional winter protection, due to shrivel and drying of grass stems.
When looking for new or replacement shrubs or trees, it’s seldom a good idea to rely on speed of growth. Fast growing shrubs and trees, with only rare exceptions such as a Paulownia tree, Nellie R. Stevens holly, or a willow leaf holly shrub, nearly always have problems such as and are high maintenance, requiring frequent pruning and have disease and insect problems.
Leaving leaves on the ground taps warmth and moisture. Those two equal mold, mildew and disease. Further, if strong cold winds suddenly blow the leaves away, grass blades get a sudden dose of winter they don’t need and from which they may not survive. Also, neighbors may not appreciate your leaves blowing into their yard!
North Hopkins FFA, Jr. FFA Successful at LDE, State Fair, Other Events
FCCLA and FFA Holiday Auction Slated Nov. 10
The North Hopkins FFA students represented the district well at the Leadership Development Events held at Northeast Texas Community College Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.
The NHFFA and Jr. FFA members also had quite a busy and successful October, with a number of students not only representing NHFFA but also placing at the Hopkins County Jr. Commercial Pen of 3 Heifer Show & Sale, 2nd Annual Spooktacular Jackpot-Greenville, State Fair of Texas, 2nd Annual Help-A-Child Livestock Show and Alba-Golden Young Farmers Livestock Show.
On Thursday, Nov. 10, the FFA and FCCLA will host a Holiday Auction and meal in North Hopkins ISD cafeteria. Ag and FCCLA students invite the community to join them for a meal and a chance to bid on holiday crafts and projects they’ve been working on. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. and the auction is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.
District LDE at NTCC
Earning second place in district and advancing to Area competition for their Greenhand Skills are David James, Cadence Money, Fernanda Hernandez, Parker Williams and Raegan Burnett.
In the Greenhand Creed category, David James finished 8th in district.
In the Greenhand Quiz 12th place in district went to Cadence Money, Parker Williams, Brooklin Jordan and Taryne Loyd.
In Radio Broadcasting, Liberty Weatheread, Sailan Adair and Jesse Bearden finished 14th in district.
Finishing fourth in district in Job Interview competition, just one spot from advancement, was Braden Lennon.
In Senior Creed, Braden Lennon placed 10th in district.
Rounding out the NHISD competitors who placed were Sailan Adair, Hadlee Hrabal, Kaitlyn Myers and Rachel Davidson; they brought home seventh in district competition in Senior Skills.
The Area LDE contest for the Greenhand Skills Team will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, in Mt. Pleasant.
Hopkins County Jr. Commercial Pen of 3 Heifer Show & Sale
At the Oct. 29 Hopkins County Junior Commercial Pen of 3 Heifer Show & Sale, NH Junior FFA members Eisley Henderson and Lila Bettes did an excellent job exhibiting their heifers!
Lila Bettes showed the Overall Grand Champion pen of three and the Grand Division Champion Bred heifers.
Eisley Henderson was an exhibitor in the open Brangus heifers sale.
2nd Annual Spooktacular Jackpot-Greenville
The Callihan family brought belt buckles from the 2nd Annual Spooktacular Jackpot in Greenville on Oct. 29, 2022.
Kaelyn Callihan received a buckle as the PeeWee Jr. Showman with Timmy.
Junior FFA member Laken Callihan received a buckle for Junior Showmanship with Maverick, First in Class with Timmy, First in Class with Maverick, a belt buckle as the Medium Weight Champion and another buckle for being the Overall Grand Champion.
Junior FFA member Keegan Callihan won First in Class with Bullwinkle, a buckle as the Grand Champion – Fine Wool Cross, a lamb cutout for being the Reserve Champion Overall, and a blue ribbon for Second In Class with Blue.
State Fair of Texas
Jr. member Kaeden Feick did an excellent job exhibiting his Red Angus heifers the weekend of Oct. 21-23 at the State Fair of Texas!
In the Junior Show, Feick received First in Class, and was a Grand Division drive participant; Second in Class and was a Reserve Division Drive participant. Freick also received Second in Class as a Reserve Division Drive participant and Second in Class, Reserve division Drive participant in the Open Show.
Braden Lennon exhibited his cattle well in the show ring at the State Fair of Texas Dairy Cattle Show the weekend of Oct. 14-16, 2022.
Lennon placed Third in Class for AOB fall calves, First in Class with a Senior yearling. He also won Reserve Junior Champion in ORB, Reserve Open Champion ORB and Reserve Champion in Senior showmanship category.
David and Danny James did well Oct. 14-16 weekend at the State Fair of Texas Dairy Cattle Show as well.
In the Jersey class, David James’ 2-year-old cow won 2nd place and Danny James’ summer heifer won 5th place.
David James’s summer heifer also placed second in Brown Swiss.
Also the Dairy Judging Team composed of Braden Lennon, Rachel Davidson, David James and Jolie Sweat placed in the top 15 at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 15. The NHFFA reported their high point Individual was David James.
On Oct. 10, North Hopkins students really did well in Livestock Judging at the State Fair of Texas. Both the Junior and Senior Teams had the top 5 high point individuals. Junior Team members were first -Jemma Jennings, second Tylee Carpenter, third Charley Weatheread, fourth Lila Bettes and fifth Hattie Bland.
Top Senior high point individuals included first Kaitlyn Myers, second Rachel Davidson, third Liberty Weatheread, fourth Jesse Bearden and fifth Brooklin Jordan.
On Oct. 8, 2022, Kaitlyn Myers placed Third in Class with her Polled Hereford Elvis at the State Fair of Texas!!
Help-A-Child Benefit
NHFFA students had successes at the 2nd Annual Help-A-Child Livestock Show Oct. 15.
Lila Bettes won two First in Class awards and Grand Champion in the British Division.
Rory Bettes was the PeeWee Showmanship Winner.
Junior FFA member Kaeden Feick showed the Class Winner and Reserve Breed champion-Hannah, and the Class Winner and Grand Drive participant-Athena.
Alba-Golden Young Farmers Livestock Show!
The Callihan students also did well at the Alba-Golden Young Farmers Livestock Show the weekend of Oct. 7-9, 2022.
In the goat show, Kaelyn Callihan was the PeeWee Showmanship winner; while Laken Callihan won First in Class (Grand Drive participant) and Second in Class.
Keegan Callihan won Reserve Champion, Second in class and Fourth in Class in the lamb event.
Meal-A-Day Menu For Nov. 7-11, 2022
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 Nov. 7-11, 2022 includes:
- MONDAY, NOV. 7 — BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Black Beans, Chips and Dill Pickles.
- TUESDAY, NOV. 8 — Chicken Fried Steak Fingers With Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
- WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 — Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Pickled Beets.
- THURSDAY, NOV. 10 — Corny Dogs, Baked Beans and Chips.
- FRIDAY, NOV. 11 — Chicken Nuggets With Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
UPDATE! The Lil 4’s Club is Having Their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner November 20th, not the 19th
The Lil 4’s Club is having their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and we are inviting the community kids and their families out and we are also looking for sponsors to help with this event any items will be greatly appreciated contact Letitia Conliffe 214-809-1908 for more information
1 Critically Injured In Rollover Crash
At least one person was reported to have sustained serious injuries in a rollover crash Friday night in Hopkins County, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was first contacted at 10:03 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, of a major vehicle crash on FM 1567. Hopkins County deputies and firefighters were dispatched to what was described as a major vehicle crash. A pickup was reported to have flipped over on FM 1567 east near County Road 2436, with one possible ejection.
At least one of the three people from the truck was reported to have been flown to a Dallas area trauma center in critical condition, according to HCSO reports.
The crash is being investigated and report worked up by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.
Paris District Road Report for November 7, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Nov. 7, 2022. 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 for this construction project.
The southbound lanes for SH 91 are closed at the US 75 underpass for crews to complete construction on the new southbound US 75 overpass as well as complete storm drainage work. Motorists traveling southbound on SH 91 will be detoured along the northbound US 75 frontage road to Taylor Street where they will make a left on Taylor Street and another left on the southbound frontage road. This closure is expected to last until Nov. 22, weather permitting.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop condition. Traffic on the frontage roads is asked to pay attention to the advanced warning signs and new stop signs, and approach the intersection prepared for a stop there.
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. The West Cypress Grove Road intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Cypress Grove Road is asked to use Mimosa Drive and Redbud Trail as a detour route. Mainlane traffic has been switched to the new concrete section between Lamberth Street and SH 56. The Lamberth Street intersection on the west side of FM 1417 is currently closed to through traffic to allow crews to work on paving at the intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Lamberth Street is asked to use Taylor St. and Little Lane as a detour route. The Lamberth Street closure is expected to last three weeks.
Roland Road at the South Branch of Big Mineral Creek will be closed to traffic beginning on Nov. 7 in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches. During the closure, traffic is requested to use either US 377 or County Line Road as a detour.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for 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.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Randy Street to Walnut Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
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.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and overlay the roadway.
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 daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 69, Grayson County: from US 82 to Spur 503. 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall as well as the approaches to the bridge.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. 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.
FM 100, Fannin County: from FM 2216 to US 82. 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.
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.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews place pavement markings on the roadway.
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 closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: at the US 271 North overpass. Watch for road closures during overnight hours while crews perform bridge maintenance on the railroad bridge overpass. A signed detour route will direct traffic around this work site.
Loop 286, Lamar County: At Collegiate Drive intersection and the westbound FM 195 exit ramp. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, perform bridge maintenance, and make crossover closures.
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.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
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 bridge. The contractor has removed the existing CR 2132 bridge. The proposed drill shafts, abutments and west bridge deck have been constructed. The bridge deck has cured and the contractor is awaiting to start the roadway flex base. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 224, Hunt County: The contractor has placed barricades and warning signs along with the detour route. The contractor has poured the abutments and caps. Grading and placing stone rip rap is presently occurring. Beams are scheduled to be set soon. Please be aware of this construction, detour route and workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor worked on laying profile tracks and RPMs and placing the final SETs on the driveway culverts. The contractor performed hand work on the SH 19 intersection. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on final punch-list items. 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 is working on the west and east tie-ins and the widening of SH 34. The contractor is finishing up drainage and inlet placement for the project. The contractor is working on SH 276 and SH 34 concrete paving to complete the tie-ins. Work has begun on the project sidewalks and signals. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 38 & I-30 Bridges: The contractor plans to clean and paint exist structure on SH 56 location. Overhead bridge repairs on I-30 east bound have continued. The plans on beginning joint repair and bridge rail repair on I-30 east bound week of the 14th. The contractor plans to begin and finish overhead bridge repairs on I-30 west bound. Please be aware of lane closures 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 will continue signal work at SH 66 at FM 1570 and SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor will be partially removing islands and extending box culvert at SH 34 and FM 1570.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Rains County maintenance crews will be performing seal prep on FM 35 from SH 276 to Rockwall County line. Hunt County crews will be on FUA on FM 903 and IH 30. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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At Least 3 Hopkins County Homes Destroyed By Tornado
Couple Was In Their Truck When Trees Fell On It, Trapping Them Inside, But Sustained Only Minor Injuries
At least three homes were destroyed by the tornado which swept through Hopkins County Friday night. One couple had to be cut out of their vehicle after trees fell on it at their residence, which was decimated, but were reported to have sustained minor scratches. No other injuries were reported in Hopkins County, Assistant Fire Marshal Rodney Caudle said late Saturday morning.
The tornado was reported to have touched down southwest of FM 1567 near FM 3389 in a hayfield, where a few haybales were reportedly knocked over The first residential property in Hopkins County the tornado was known to have blown across sustained tree damage.
The next house, that of David and Mary Talley, was reported to have been in the direct path of the tornado, Caudle said.
David Talley reported he and his wife got in their pickup to go get fish, unaware the tornado was headed their way. The truck was reportedly moved a bit, and a tree fell on the hood of their pickup, trapping them inside of it as their home was knocked down in pieces around them. They called 911 and fire departments responded to cut trees out of the way to get them out of the vehicle.
While they lost their home and vehicles, the couple only sustained scratches, the HCFD assistant fire marshal reported.
The tornado reportedly continued from that Talley residence northeast to County Road 1181, where a house was reportedly picked up off of it’s foundation and moved 100-150 feet, leaving part of the home standing and destroying the other half, scattering pieces of the structure and debris across a nearby field.
Another house in that area was reported to be in pretty bad shape, sustaining water and extensive tree damage. No one was reported to have sustained any major injuries as a result of the tornado/storm cell, however, Caudle reported Saturday morning.
Fire departments and the Salvation Army responded Friday night to the areas where the tornado was reported. One family in the CR 1181 are whose home was damaged received assistance from the Salvation Army with lodging for the night.
Caudle said residents in that area were out Friday and Saturday following the storm, offering to help their neighbors and emergency responders in any way possible. County officials and residents Saturday morning were out surveying damage. Trees were being moved, and clean up beginning. Those with damaged homes are sorting through their belonging as best they can, awaiting insurance personnel to arrive where applicable before any further work can be done toward recovery, officials report.
Although Sulphur Springs got very dark with the cell passing over, city officials at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 4, 2022, reported no injuries nor damages had been reported in the city.
Caudle Saturday morning said he was not away of any other significant tornado-related injuries or damages in Hopkins County.
Neighbors to the north were not as fortunate. Sulphur Springs sent a truck and crew and county firefighters also reportedly responded around 8 p.m. Friday to a request for mutual aid in Lamar County after the storm blew on its way to Oklahoma, but the Hopkins County crew members did not remain there for an extended period of time Friday night, officials reported.
Hopkins County EOC and Sheriff’s Office ask anyone who has damage in their area to email their location information and photos, if possible, to [email protected].
