Wildcats Soccer Takes Tuesday Off Before Heading to Palestine for Second Tournament
Coach Alexi Upton and his squad take a bit of a breather Tuesday before heading to Palestine this weekend for another tournament.
This past weekend men’s soccer hosted a tourney, dubbed the 4A Elite Invitational, and the Wildcats performed very well.
A round-robin, group-style tournament, Sulphur Springs played Caddo Mills, North Dallas and Tyler’s Chapel Hill, and with the exception of the latter, the Wildcats won the first two contests 1-0. Aubrey Camacho scored both goals in the wins over their group foes at home.
Against Chapel Hill, Coach Upton’s team tied the final opponent in the gold group 1-1.
Edgar Salazar scored the lone goal for the Wildcats in the tie on Friday.
With that, men’s soccer could play up to two games on Saturday Jan. 7. The first game had them taking on black group winner Diamond Hill-Jarvis, and if they won, they would have played in the championship game later Saturday.
Unfortunately for Sulphur Springs they fell 2-0 to end their participation in their home tourney.
Going 2-1-1 against talented squads from all over Texas, falling only in the semifinals, is huge for men’s soccer as they continue to learn and grow as a team.
Sulphur Springs is slated to play five games this weekend at a rigorous tourney.
Men’s soccer plays Thursday, Jan. 12 against Mexia at 1 P.M.
Friday has two more games on deck for the Wildcats; first against host Palestine at 1 P.M. then against Lindale later Friday at 5:30 P.M.
The final game slated for Coach Upton’s team comes Saturday, Jan. 14 when they take on Mabank at 1 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Commissioners Court Appoints 2 To Civic Center Board, members of Regional SART Team
Hopkins County Commissioners Court appointed 2 to the Civic Center Board, approved SART Team recommendations, and noted that an agricultural lease had been re-signed. Also during the regular court meeting Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, Fire Marshal Andy Endsley gave an update about a public health nuisance abatement case.
At the recommendation of Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox, Hopkins County Commissioners Court appointed Chris Voorhees to represent Precinct 1 and Jason Tully to represent Precinct 3 on the Civic Center Board of Directors.
“I talked to Jason Tully. He was excited to be able to do that,” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley noted.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin noted for the record that he had signed and paid the annual agricultural lease agreement with the City of Sulphur Springs. The property, located within the old Thermo coal mine which the city now owns, has a large supply of sand which his precinct crews procure and mix with oil on county roads. Although used primarily by Precinct 2, the sand is available and used to some extent by all precincts.
The City of Sulphur Springs helps the county out by allowing the precinct crews to get sand from the pile at the discounted rate of $2 per year. The fee has already been paid, Anglin noted.
The Commissioners Court also approved a resolution reappointing six members from Hopkins County to the Regional Sexual Assault Response Team: Mary Ferguson with SAFE-T, 8th Judicial District Attorney Will Ramsay, Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum, Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson, Sexual Assault Examiner Nurse Kim Basinger and Donna Pendleton with Health and Human Services Commission for prevention as well , or a designee appointed by the team member.
Also appointed to the team representing other areas outside the county were Delta County Sheriff Charla Singleton, Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones, Lauren Fleming with Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Kenny Stillwagoner with Cooper ISD police, Amy Dykes with Lakes Region Mental Health authority and Cassidy Cameron with CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, or these individuals’ designees.
Assistant District Attorney Jodi Haney Cox noted that NETCAC “handle a lot of our cases” and Fleming does a lot of outreach at schools. Thus, the DA’s office proposed adding her to the list to assist in prevention efforts. She asked that the hospital representative be added so there is someone on staff who knows the SART process and can help. A lot of the individuals whose cases are prosecuted by the district attorney’s office do visit the hospital for examination; having a team member at the hospital can help with that process.
The SART team works to reduce the incidence of sexual assault, hold offenders accountable and to help heal victims.
Hopkins County Fire Marshal Andy Endsley also before the meeting adjourned reported the public health nuisance situation tabled at last week’s meeting had been taken care of. Previously, the property owner was issued a citation and given 10 days to put in a new septic system; if he did not do so, he and the Local Health Authority, Dr. Darrell Pierce, recommended the man continue being cited until it situation was corrected. It was also recommended that county pay for the work, but a lien be placed on the property until the property owner paid off the cost.
During last week’s Commissioners Court meeting, Endsley advised the property owner in Precinct 2 had contacted a contractor who planned to put in the system as soon as the weather was dry enough to do so. The Commissioners Court, then opted to table the matter until this week, giving the property owner time to have the work performed, weather permitting.
At the Monday, Jan. 9, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting, Endsley reported that the new system was installed last week, and Kristy Springfield, the HCFD representative who conducts those inspections, approved it Friday. The fire marshal told the Commissioners that the citation was still pending in the Justice of the Peace Court, and what happened regarding the fine would be up to that judge.
The Commissioners Court also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from two meetings in November and two work sessions in December; and a request from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct electrical power distribution facilities across County Road 4714, northeast of FM 2653 in Precinct 4. The board also approved payment of bills, revenues and expenses, payroll and financial statements presented.
Cancer Screenings Encouraged For Women Ages 20-49 During Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical Cancer Is The Third Leading Cancer Diagnosis For Women Ages 20-39, Fifth In Women Ages 40-49.
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is recognizing January as National Cervical Health Awareness Month and encouraging women to get screened for cervical cancer.
“Over the years, we have seen a dramatic decrease in cervical cancer. However, rates have recently leveled off,” said Faith Sandberg-Rodriguez, associate commissioner of Family Clinical Services. “Half of the cervical cancer cases we see today occur among women who have never or rarely been screened. We are encouraging Texans to turn that trend around by resolving to prioritize cervical health. Routine cervical cancer screening is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer early, and the first step is talking with your doctor.”
Cervical cancer is the third leading cancer diagnosis in women ages 20-39 and fifth in women ages 40-49. According to the Texas Cancer Registry, there were 1,395 new cases of cervical cancer in Texas women in 2019.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend cervical cancer screenings for women ages 21–65.
HHSC’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS) program provides low-cost and free women’s health services for uninsured and underinsured Texas women who meet eligibility requirements. Services include cervical and breast cancer screenings, clinical breast examinations, mammograms and breast biopsies. BCCS helps fund clinics across the state to provide these life-saving screening and diagnostic services. In fiscal year 2021, BCCS served 29,232 women, including 5,421 women who received cervical cancer screenings.
The BCCS program is partly funded through the CDC. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program awards funding to states for early detection of cervical and breast cancers. In June 2022, the federal program awarded BCCS more than $7.4 million. The Texas Legislature appropriates more than $2 million annually to supplement federal efforts.
To find BCCS providers or learn more about women’s health services, visit the Healthy Texas Women website or call 2-1-1.
About National Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Cervical Health Awareness Month, also Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, is observed in January in the United States. Efforts throughout the month raise awareness about cervical cancer and provide education about prevention, screening, and treatments. More information about cervical cancer is posted on the CDC website.
Don’t Throw Out Leftover Coffee — Diluted, It Can Serve As Organic Fertilizer For Some Houseplants
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
My houseplants love coffee, so pour your leftover coffee on them rather than down the sink! Dilute it first, and then pour the liquid mixture on your container’s soil. Both the water and coffee must be at room temperature. If either one is high or low, combine them and let the mixture sit until room temperature is reached.
A leftover coffee liquid mixture can provide a valuable, all-natural, organic fertilizer for numerous house-hold plants such as fiddle leaf fig, pothos, spider, snake, peace lilies, Philodendrons, monsteras, and more. DO NOT put used coffee grounds on your house plant soil. The grounds hold on to too much moisture, allowing it to grow mold or attract fungus gnats, both of which do more harm than good.
The diluted mixture is a great source of nitrogen for the soil which helps house plants to grow more leaves, and stronger stems. Also, the mixture has small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are needed by houseplants. An added benefit is the mixture acts as a slow-release fertilize that improves a plant’s ability to fight disease and pests.
So, what, you ask, is the correct ratio of coffee to water? Well, it’s five parts water to one part coffee. The dilution is necessary because undiluted drip coffee is highly acidic, thus making it toxic to house plants. At a 5:1 ratio, the liquid mixture should have the appearance of weak tea.
Frequency of watering the diluted mixture on house plants is once a week during winter and 1-2 times a week during summer months. By the way, decaf and non-decaf both work great. Should your houseplant eaves turn brown on the edges after application, then don’t use as much the next time! Avoid use on calate, scacti, or succulent plants which will prevent overwatering.
Brew the coffee to extract the nutrients. Instant coffee works, but isn’t as effective as brewed coffee.
Coffee grounds change the soil pH and make it more acidic. Plants that dislike coffee grounds include roses, hydrangeas, gardenias, blueberries, carrots, and radishes.
Wildcats Basketball Falls in Anna, Continues Tough Road-Stand Tuesday
Coach Brandon Shaver and his team look to make a quick recovery from their Friday, Jan. 6 loss in Anna as they have another top-25 match-up coming their way Tuesday.
Tuesday, Jan. 10 has Sulphur Springs playing at Dallas Pinkston, who holds the #8 ranking in 4A according to TABC.
Wildcats basketball could not dwell long on their 60-54 loss in Anna on Friday as they have another tough match-up on the road on Tuesday.
This past Friday men’s basketball headed to the farthest reaches of North Dallas, playing in Anna.
Men’s basketball got the lead early in the game, leading 12-10 with just over two minutes left to go in the first quarter, but from there the Coyotes sunk shots when the Wildcats could not, constantly shifting momentum back their way and thus allowing Anna to keep a foot up on Sulphur Springs.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats Anna stayed one step ahead of Sulphur Springs, picking up a 60-54 win on Friday, Jan. 6.
The Coyotes (now 11-7) demonstrated an intense quickness that saw fast break opportunities for the Wildcats — plays and looks that would have been there in other games — nullified.
That, and the absence of Branson Lynn, made the Wildcats work for all four quarters to fight for the victory.
Malachi Myles and Parker Whisenhunt tied team highs in points scored in the loss, getting 14 each. Just behind those two seniors came another one in Kordrick Turner, who finished at 13 points.
Rounding out scoring in the loss was Cole Theofiledes and DJ Wilkerson, both at four points and Theo Mckelvey who made a free throw in the second.
The loss drops men’s basketball’s season record to 18-6.
The loss in Anna on Friday also snapped a two-game winning streak for Coach Shaver’s team.
But the Wildcats cannot dwell on their upset loss in Anna for too long, as they now prep for the #8 team in 4A in Dallas Pinkston. Tuesday’s road-contest is also the final non-district game.
That game tips off in Dallas on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Meal A Day Menu And Senior Citizens Center Calendar for Jan. 9-13, 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 Jan. 9-13, 2023 includes:
- MONDAY, Jan. 9 — BBQ Rope Sausage, Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans.
- TUESDAY, Jan. 10 — Ham & Potato Casserole, Normandy Vegetables and Pickled Beets.
- WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11 — Mexican Chicken Spaghetti, Green Beans and Corn.
- THURSDAY, Jan. 12 — Sloppy Jo Sandwiches, Coleslaw, Chips and Pickles.
- FRIDAY, Jan. 13 — Smothered Beef Patties, Brown Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli.
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.
Lady Cats Basketball Starts District Play 1-0, Continues Road Stand Tuesday
Coach Bryan Jones and his team picked up a big come-from-behind victory on Friday to begin district play.
Sulphur Springs eked out a one-point win, 50-49 on Friday, Jan. 6 to start their district season 1-0.
To start off a 10-game district season on the road is less than ideal. Starting off with two straight on the road? Sub-optimal.
But to rally late, getting a come-from-behind win to start off 1-0 in a packed district — that’s huge.
It looked as though perhaps the Lady Hawks would go on to win big, as the Lady Cats trailed at the half in Texarkana to Pleasant Grove, 32-21.
From there though, a Lady Hawks squad that put up 16 points in both of the first two quarters was held to just 17 total in the second half. Sulphur Springs had no such issues, nearly doubling PG’s point total in the final two quarters 29-17.
Such a disparity in scoring between the two teams saw the Lady Cats rallying for a 50-49 win on Friday, Jan. 6.
The win for women’s basketball is the first in district play, now a perfect 1-0.
Coach Bryan Jones and the Lady Cats are 18-4 overall with their Friday comeback-win.
The gauntlet continues for Sulphur Springs though, as they do not have a single bye in between now and the end of district season.
In other words, women’s basketball plays all nine district contests one gameday after another until the regular season concludes the first Tuesday in February.
Next up though, they hit the road again on Tuesday, Jan. 10 traveling to Pittsburg for the second straight district contest away from home.
That game tips off Tuesday in Pittsburg at 6:15 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Nelson Will Be First Texan To Preside Over Opening Of Both Chambers Of Texas Legislature
AUSTIN — Today, Jane Nelson was officially sworn in as Texas’ 115th Secretary of State by Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol.
Secretary Nelson issued the following statement after being sworn in to the office:
“I’m very excited to begin this next chapter in my career of public service. I want to thank my family for their tremendous support, Governor Abbott for his faith in me, and the many Texans who have inspired me to work on their behalf for so many years. I will continue to work on their behalf as Texas Secretary of State.”
On Tuesday, January 10, Secretary Nelson will open the 88th Texas Legislative Session and preside over the election of the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, becoming the first Texan in history to preside over the opening of both chambers of the Texas Legislature.
Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, J. Michael Nelson, Secretary of State Jane Nelson and Governor Greg Abbott, Office of the Texas Secretary of State, Jan. 7, 2023
Open House Planned For New Hopkins County EMS Station/Hospital District Headquarters
Hopkins County EMS and Hospital District made the move in December and are getting settled into their new EMS station and Hospital District Headquarters, located on 116 Airport Road across from their old digs by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs. An open house is planned Jan. 25 for the new building.
The event will begin with a ribbon-cutting at noon, and include a facility dedication with the HCHD Board of Directors, refreshments and guided tours of the facility to give the community an opportunity to see where the EMS service and HCHD headquarters will be stationed on the north side of Hopkins County. KSST sat down with HCHD CEO and EMS Director Brent Smith to get the scoop on all the bells and whistles the new $5.1 million facility offers, then was able to gather video to give a sneak peak to share with the community of the station, HQ and large ambulance bay.
Despite a few bumps along the way — skyrocketing construction costs which double the cost, a change in architects, some major design changes and supply issues that extended the build time to 2 years — the 16,000-square foot facility was more or less complete enough for EMS and HCHD staff to begin moving in by December. It’s located on two of the four acres on Airport Road from Church Street to Davis Street, leaving room for additional facilities to be built upon in the future if needed or as determined by the HCHD Board of Directors. The design was made featuring input from EMS leadership and on-duty personnel as well as a facilities team with HCHD Board members and staff, so that it is not only functional but also as comfortable and energy efficient as possible too.
Lights and ACs in common areas are designed to be fuel efficient, shutting off or powering down when not in use. A backup generator is tested weekly, to ensure it’s fueled up and functional, able to be used to run the entire facility at 70% for an extended period of time.
The facility houses the Hospital District HQ on the left and EMS on the right, with bays big enough to accommodate 8 ambulances behind it. Visitors can check in at the front lobby, where a desk has been installed should HCHD at some point choose to install a receptionist to greet people. There’s also seating to wait for the person being sought or just visit.
The facility is much more secure the the previous building, with security cameras monitoring traffic in and out of the facility and requires a department issued Prox card to enter the EMS quarters or HCHD headquarters. It also has a full fire suppression system.
The facility houses an educational training facility that beginning in February will be available for public use as well as regular CEU classes for EMS, emergency responders and the healthcare community. According to Smith, EMS plans to offer hands-on CPR and Stop the Bleed courses. There may be a charge for some of those types of classes depending on the size and cost for instructors and materials for the card and certification courses. Another course HCHD/EMS hope to be able to offer is CRASE (Citizen Response to Active Shooter Events) for the public, and employers. Members of the general public can reserve the training room for gatherings or club meetings, at no charge when its not in use for CEU training and courses.
The education/training room includes four panels that can be used a a board or separate projection screens, a camera system for video conferencing capability and holds up to 30 in the medium sized room. Desks are arranged so that laptops, cellhones and other equipment can be plugged into outlets and charged or powered during training.
To find out about an educational class offering such as a CPR or CRASE class or to reserve the training center, call the new main number, 903-485-0050 to get on the schedule
Outside of the conference or training room are community restrooms that can be used by visitors and guests to the facility, accessible without a security card.
The wing housing the HCHD Headquarters includes five offices, including the offices for the HCHD CEO, accounting, human resources staff, and CFO/Controller— a position the district is still trying to fill (call 903-485-0050 to apply). The Hospital District Headquarters also includes an activities room, human resources, a file storage room, and a workroom complete with desks, shelving and copier/printer.
In an administrative conference, the hospital district and EMS have the capability to conduct small meetings. It is equipped with a TV and camera that allows all participants at the table to visible and heard during videoconferencing. It seats 6 around it and one at the head of the table. It’s location in the middle of the administrative offices make it ideal for meetings, as they are less likely to be interrupted by regular daily activities and movements of the on-duty EMS crew, making it more efficient as well, Smith noted.
The EMS portion of the new building can house up to 8 on-duty EMS personnel, each in a separate sleep room with bed with three drawers so that each shift can store their bedding if they so choose, a chair, and small table. Each room has an alert system and is climate controlled, so the paramedics and EMTs who spend roughly one-third of their life (24-hours at a time) at work can be comfortable between calls. The individual temperature control allows each person to control her or his room for the most comfortable sleeping between calls.
The door to the EMS kitchen is located directly across from training room, allowing foods to be prepared or stored should a snack, lunch or evening meal be offered with a training or program offered in the education/training room. The food can then be easily carried into the training room, placed on the back counter, which has a few built in trash cans on one end.
The kitchen includes a large island with four stools under it on one side and storage on the side closest to the cooking range. This has proven a popular spot for paramedics to sit, sometimes over breakfast, to share what occurred on their shift as well as information that might impact the oncoming duty crew. The kitchen has three refrigerators and pantries, one for each on-duty shift, as well as the usual sink and standard kitchen appliances.
Just off the kitchen is the “day room.” On area contains a large custom built table with the EMS logo on it, where an entire shift can sit to talk or enjoy a meal together when possible between calls.
Behind that is the area containing chairs that look like the recliners at the movie theater, with built in slots for drinks or other items on each arm, which can be moved around depending on the intended use, typically set up facing a flat screen TV on the wall. The chairs make a great place to relax on shift or can be used for small group gatherings and meetings among shift staff or even supervisors in a more informal setting than the conference room or education/training room.
Between the two parts of the new building is a courtyard, where plants will be installed in the spring to provide a quiet sanctuary for hospital district and EMS staff to enjoy a break or meal outdoors as there’s a picnic table and benches. If the on-duty crew feels like grilling, there are two types grills obtained at a discounted rate from Lowes which are stored on a covered patio off accessible from the day room in the living quarters and the lobby.
The facility boasts men’s and women’s locker rooms, with 12 lockers in each so that personnel can hang and store their uniforms, extra long and short sleeved shirts, pants, coats, etc. The open lockers also have secure boxes above for storage of personal and hygiene items, or even PPE such as N95 masks; and a big box below where they can store things such as their boots or shoes, getting them off the ground. Each locker room has a washer and dryer so each shift can take care of their own clothing, the furnished towels and things of that nature while on shift. Each has two shower rooms, which staff are encouraged to use prior to leaving just to be sure any contaminants they may have encountered are washed off before they return home to their families. Shower rooms give them space to place their personal and hygiene items while they clean and get dressed, as well as racks for towels and hampers. Each locker room also had three restrooms with travel-center style doors and has two sinks near the entrance and restrooms.
“It’s very nice to have a place for everything,” Smith noted. “It makes a big difference staff as far as creature comforts at work.”
For the first time, the EMS station will have a gym with equipment which the department leadership team and fitness enthusiasts recommended. This will allow personnel to work out between calls while on-duty, or before or after their shift ends. Several staff members have been taking advantage of the facility to work out in the mornings after their shift ends, then hit the locker room showers before heading home, Smith noted.
An administrative office is shared by EMS station captains, and includes a desk, computer, printer, chairs for guests and even a window. Another office is shared by EMS shift supervisors, includes all the usual amenities as well and on occasion may also include therapy dog Dixie.
A crew work room, located nearest the bay door to the ambulances, has three work stations with computers where on-duty EMS staff can compete the required reports for each call of the day. Crews clock in and out for the day using equipment in the crew work room. Batteries for radios and cardiac monitors and things of that nature are typically stored on shelving in this room as well, in easy reach before heading out out to the truck each paramedic or EMT is assigned to for the day. Policy manuals for each ambulance also are shelved in the crew work room.
Hopkins County EMS will enjoy a new $800,000 communications equipment upgrade, which will be implemented in three phases, with a base communications center installed, radios and vehicle equipment, and tower equipment upgrades. With the appropriate equipment, EMS are able to communicate via satellite with Texas Department of Emergency Management and other national emergency management officials to participate in emergency drills or respond in other counties, medical helicopter crews or even other states with assistance and still communicate with dispatchers from the AmBus mobile unit.
For instance, during the recent tornadoes which caused more serious damage in nearby Lamar County than Hopkins County, a unit from HCEMS was deployed to the scene for 36-hours but with the mobile base satellite system and portable radios remained in contact with those at the scene as well as communications at home and afar.
The new system has triple readability — computer, fiber, VOIP —meaning that when one type of communication is down, the other can be used.
The EMS Communications Department is located at the end of the administrative hall. The communications center has three consoles to accommodate two full time dispatchers. While only two can talk on the radio at one time, from the third communications desk, a dispatcher or operators can do all of the other tasks. Each desk has 6 screens, to track and monitor ambulances, trucks and traffic with ambulance crews using towers in the four counties served by Hopkins County EMS (Hopkins, Delta, Franklin and Rains), COG mapping programs, and programming with the National Standards EMS protocols, as well as programs for the other tasks the communications personnel perform. Each desk can be lowered or raised to better fit the needs of each operator, and includes a built in fan and heater to control air at each station, as well as desk lighting.
Attached to the Communications Center is a break room, which like the EMS areas was designed for functionality as well as comfort of dispatchers.
Behind the break room is the main server room, which contains the electronics and equipment which power the entire building. The generator alarm system is also in that area so that dispatchers can monitor it to make sure it continues to function properly, ever ready for use.
An alert lighting system installed throughout the facility. A computer voice, the preferred modulation of EMS personnel, announces alerts and assignments. Lighting in designated areas is hooked into the CAD (computer dispatch system) so that it turns a different color to alert the on-duty crews which of the three types of calls they are being dispatched to — a medical call, red a fire department assist or law enforcement call. Each of the 8-rooms, hallway intersections, dayroom and main rooms flash the lights. A TV monitor mounted near the top of the wall pulls up a map for the address to show staff the location of the call, then can be zoomed in for better directions. In a few other locations, a second monitor displays maintenance and other notices the department personnel should know about apparatus and requirements.
The building has an electrical/mechanical room to store those necessary items.
The new facility also has a clinical supply room, where all medical supplies and medications are inventoried and shelved for ease of access for the staff. Each separate piece contains an RF ID number. This helps keep track of all inventory, so EMS knows exactly how much of each supply they have, making it easier to known how many of each need to be ordered at any given time so they do not run out of any supplies (unless they are on backorder for an extended period of time) and preventing overstocking as well. When supplies come in, designated staff tag them with an ID tag, which allows the system to track and keep a count of each item. An ID reader can easily be used to scan the plastic tubs to see exactly how many are in the tubs on the shelf at any given time.
In addition to making sure EMS has what is needed, the RF ID tracking system also is a financial control helping the department be more fiscally responsible. Another bulk storage room holds boxes with the supplies as they are brought in, are tagged and separated to be placed on the clinical supply shelves or shipped to one of the outlying stations EMS operators out of including those in the other counties Hopkins County EMS serves. When it comes in, it gets a green tag; staff then just point hte RFID scanner at it and it reads it, tracking it as part of the department’s supply inventory.
Behind the bulk supply storage is a cleaning room, where equipment — and even people — can be washed down if needed.
The ambulance bay just beyond the crew work room typically houses the two ambulances being utilized for the day, easily accessible when dispatched. Of course, there are ample shore lines to plug the The day KSST toured the facility, both on-duty ambulances were out on calls, so that bay area as well as a couple beyond it were empty. The AmBus was parked on the far end of the bays, as was an ambulance typically staged in another county that’d been brought in for repairs. The bays have energy efficient lights, and doors that lift when an apparatus begins advancing toward the bay or from inside toward the doors.
Inside the bays are closed shelving units where supplies to clean and sanitize the ambulances between calls are stored. Another storage area is located behind the open bays.
The generator is enclosed, not only to shield it from view but an effort to reduce noise for area residents and property owners as well.
All radio antennas and things of that nature are attached to the roof, which can’t be accessed except with a ladder from inside of the building.
The open house for the new Hopkins County Hospital District Headquarters/EMS Station is planned from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 25.
Paris District Road Report for January 9, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 9, 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 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. 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. The roadway is expected to reopen to traffic on January 14, weather permitting.
North Travis Street (FM 131) will be closed to through traffic at the US 75 intersection beginning Jan. 15, in order for crews to begin work on the new southbound US 75 bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to take the frontage roads to Taylor Street and Washington Street as a detour. The intersection is expected to reopen to thru traffic on March 3, weather permitting.
The northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road intersections with Center Street have been converted to an all-way stop. 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 intersection of Washington Street on the west side of FM 1417 is closed to traffic in order for crews to complete the reconstruction of this intersection. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Washington Street is asked to use Taylor Street and Little Lane as a detour route. The Washington Street closure is expected to last three weeks, weather permitting.
US 82, Grayson County: at the Old Southmayd Road intersection. Work is expected to begin Jan. 9 on the safety improvement project to lengthen the existing left turn lanes on US 82 at the Old Southmayd Road intersection and add right-turn lanes. Motorists should expect occasional daytime lane closures while crews perform the work to widen the roadway.
SH 56 (Main Street), Grayson County: in Whitesboro from Union Street to Collinsville Street. Work is expected to begin Jan. 9, 2023, on the rehabilitation project to remove and replace the sidewalks and parking areas along the square. The contractor will work on one side at a time, with work beginning on the north side initially. During construction, the front entrances to the buildings will be temporarily closed and customers are asked to enter from the rear entrances. Occasional road closures will be required with a detour route in place to guide motorists around the project. The detour route will guide traffic along Union Street, Thode Street, and Collinsville Street to get around the project.
Roland Road at the South Branch of Big Mineral Creek is closed to traffic 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 SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: in Sherman from Loy Lake Road to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform concrete repairs on the roadway.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from SH 5 to Main Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform concrete repairs on the roadway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from SH 289 to US 377. 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.
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 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 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 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.
FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2645, Fannin County: from FM 1753 FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.
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.
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 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, make crossover closures, and place bonded concrete surfacing.
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.
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.
FM 411, FM 1159, FM 1699, FM 2283, US 82 and US 37, Red River County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.
FM 1499, FM 906, FM 2820, FM 79, FM 1510, US 271 North, and FM 197, Lamar County: Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove debris from recent storm damage.
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 curing is in progress and the contractor is waiting 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. Beams have been set and the contractor has completed pouring the bridge deck. The contractor worked on removing access road and rebuilding slopes the first part of the week. No work on project the rest of the week. Bridge rail work will begin soon, weather permitting, with road work and approach slab work to follow. 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 safety end treatments on the driveway culverts. The contractor performed hand work on the SH 19 intersection. The contractor is cleaning up the area and working on punchlist and signage 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 will be milling and overlaying the SH 276 and SH 34 intersection on Jan. 3-6 depending on the weather. The contractor plans to place permanent stripe on SH 34 after the milling operation is complete along with signal and signing work. Work has been completed on the project sidewalks. 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 has completed all repairs on the west bound side of I-30, including mow strip, cement stabilized backfill, asphalt rubber joint sealant, and header expansion joint sealant. Area striping will be completed this week.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor completed placing the B-mix on the widening at SH 34 and FM 1570.The contractor is waiting to widen SH 66 portion. This work will begin soon.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both crews are addressing potholes and roadway complaints. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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