Paris District Road Report for Aug. 29, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 29, 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 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 new warning signs and stop sign, 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. 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 lanes 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 Taylor Street intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is closed to through traffic in order to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. The closure is expected to last for three weeks. During the closure, traffic wishing to use Taylor Street is asked to use either Lamberth or Washington Streets as a detour route.
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.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
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 then 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 Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 996, Grayson County: In Pottsboro from FM 120 to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. 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.
SH 11, Fannin County: from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers pave the roadway with a thin hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
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.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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 56, Fannin County: from Loop 205 to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on spot milling and blade leveling the roadway to remove rough spots. 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 rehabilitate 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.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures and complete road closure, with signed detour route, 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 will be opening the CR 1032 bridge project soon. Brush clearing has begun for bridges on CR 2132. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor placed the first course surface treatment, cleaned up the project, prepared for second course and installed bases for signs and mailboxes. Permanent striping has been scheduled for mid- to late-September. 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 continues bridge demolition and has been tying steel for drilled shafts and columns. Drilled shafts are set to begin next week, weather permitting. Please be aware of workers in the area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed the north and south bridge approaches. The Lake Fork Creek bridge has been fully opened. The contractor completed the mailbox turnouts and began to address the county roads. Contractor has been setting 18-inch and 12-inch safety end treatments in various locations and poured the footer and box extension on the culvert. The contractor has also begun backfilling mailbox turnouts and dressing safety end treatments. 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 completed concrete paving at the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extensions on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has completed the project and is working on punch-list items. Please be aware of work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base patching operations on FM 2194. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 2101. Crews will be installing stop signs and converting FM 2101 and FM 1564 to a four-way stop intersection on Aug. 29. 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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3 Arrested On DWI Charges — 2 Following Crashes
At least four people were jailed in Hopkins County on intoxication charges over the last week. Three were arrested on DWI charges, two following crashes, and one woman was accused of public intoxication.
Church Street Crash
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 11:52 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, to a crash in the 100 block of Church Street. A 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was identified as the driver of a white Chevrolet involved in the crash.
While speaking with the man, the officer reported an alcohol odor emitted from the man. The 28-year-old was also alleged to have red, glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and to be unsteady on his feet. The admitted he’d consumed alcoholic beverages.
The Sulphur Springs man was taken into custody at 12:13 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, and transported to Hopkins County jail for further investigation of DWI. He voluntarily provided a breath sample for analysis. After testing over 0.15, the 28-year-old was booked into the county jail at 1:33 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, for DWI with a blood-alcohol content over 0.15, police alleged in arrest reports.
The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from jail later Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, on a $1,000 bond on the Class A misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the photos or names of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
Reckless Driving On South Broadway Street
A Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputy located a Dodge Journey, which fit the description of one reported to have been driven recklessly. The deputy stopped the SUV at approximately 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, in the 1300 block of South Broadway Street and requested a trooper’s assistance on the stop.
Upon arrival, the Texas Department of Public Safety trooper contacted the man in the vehicle. He reported smelling a strong alcohol odor coming off of the Winnsboro man. The trooper also alleged the man had glassy eyes. The 26-year-old ultimately admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages prior to the stop, then displayed observable signs of intoxication on standard field sobriety tests and agreed to provide a breath sample or analysis of blood-alcohol content. The Winnsboro man tested 0.127 g/210 L and 0.130 g/210 L, well over the 0.08 legal limit and was taken into custody, the trooper noted in arrest reports.
The 26-year-old Winnsboro man was booked in on a DWI charge at just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022. He was released from Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, on a $5,000 bond on the Class B misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the photos or names of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
State Highway 154 Crash
DPS Trooper Christopher Sorley arrived around 1:20 p.m. Aug. 21, 2022, on State Highway 154, where a vehicle overturned and crashed into a tree.
The driver of the wrecked Ford Ranger was identified as James Barry Norton Jr. The 30-year-old Sulphur Springs man reportedly admitted he’d used methamphetamine 2 days before. He showed signs of intoxication on horizontal gaze nystagmus tests, the trooper alleged in arrest reports.
An inventory of the truck revealed a glass pipe containing suspected meth residue, and later a small bag of meth was located, Sorley alleged in arrest reports.
Norton was transported to the hospital to have injuries checked out. He reportedly voluntarily agreed to have a blood sample taken. Upon medical release, Norton was placed into custody and transported to the county jail, where he was booked in at 5:01 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, on DWI and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges, Sorley noted in arrest reports.
Norton, who jail records show is also known by the alias Brent Allison, was later also served with two Smith County warrants for violation of probation, which he was on for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and abandoning or endangering a child-criminal negligence charges.
The 30-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 26, 2022. Bond was set at $100,000 on the controlled substance charge and $10,000 on the DWI charge. He was held without bond for Smith County on the warrants, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Intoxicated On Airport Road
Sulphur Springs Police officers arrested a 38-year-old Winnsboro woman at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, on a public intoxication charge.
The woman was reported to have been an emergency room patient who left against medical advice. The officer reported he’d previously received information from the attending physician that the woman was intoxicated, making her a potential danger to herself and others. A SSPD officer spotted the woman walking across the hospital parking lot, contacted her and took her into custody for PI.
The 38-year-old Winnsboro woman was booked into Hopkins County jail just before 9:45 p.m. Aug. 23, 2022, for public intoxication. She spent the night in jail and was released the next day on the misdemeanor charge, according to jail reports.
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, CMF-SS Free Mammogram Clinic is Filling Up
Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation (HCHCF) and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs (CMF-SS) are partnering to offer a free mammogram clinic for uninsured women in Hopkins County over the age of 40.
Women have been calling since before the clinic was announced to make their appointments for what has become an annual community offering.
“The Health Care Foundation Board was eager to continue the free mammogram clinic, which has been such a blessing for local women,” said Sharla Campbell, outgoing chair of the HCHCF. “The grant we had received in the past was no longer available, so we allocated part of the proceeds of the third annual Designer Handbag Bingo to keep mammograms accessible for uninsured women.”
The clinic will run for two days which are Saturday, October 15 and Saturday, October 29 from 8:30 am to 4:30 p.m. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the $10,000 raised through the third annual Designer Handbag Bingo held in August, CMF–SS President Paul Harvey announced at the bingo event that the hospital would match the $10,000 pledged by the Foundation.
Harvey stated that, “We have seen what an impact this free clinic has in the community, and are proud to work with the Foundation to continue to serve Hopkins County in this way.”
In addition to the $20,000 provided by the HCHCF and CCF-SS, bingo players generously donated to help fund this popular outreach program. Women and men at the event donated $2,168 in support of the clinic.
Incoming HCHCF Chair Maleta Reynolds shared her thoughts on the clinic. “The Foundation is here to benefit the citizens of Hopkins County by supporting great health care. With almost 19% of our residents being uninsured, the Board knew that this clinic is necessary for Hopkins County women.”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a good time for all women to schedule their mammograms.
Eligible women wishing to be included in the free mammogram clinic should call 903-438-4325 to make an appointment.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was founded in 1997 and is an IRS designated 501(c)3 non-profit that is governed by an independent board of directors. The Foundation exists to assist CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs in its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Hopkins County Hospital District Board Recommends Lower Tax Rate, Reviews Finances
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors in their regular meeting Thursday evening recommended a tax rate for the 2022-2023 tax year that is roughly 2.5 cents less than the current tax rate and reviewed finances.
Proposed Tax Rate
The hospital district’s tax rate was 25-cents for several years. The tax rate decreased to 22-cents per $100 property valuation. The most it could be without having to have voter approval would be $0.209947. The tax rate can be lower than the no new revenue tax rate, but not higher. Hospital District CEO/EMS Director Brent Smith said if they would like, the district administrators could figure the tax rate at 19-cents, if they’d prefer that.
Board Chair Kerry Law said he’d prefer at this juncture to utilize the $0.192461 no new revenue tax rate (the amount needed to raise exactly the same from taxes in the coming year as the current tax year).
Board member Joe Bob Burgin said the rate doesn’t need to exceed that.
At the NNR tax rate, the district anticipate $5.693 million in levied in tax revenues for the coming tax year, with $3 million in new certified values added to the tax rolls.
The board will vote on a proposed tax rate and and consider a budget during September meetings. The rate that will be advertised as the proposed tax rate will be the no new revenue rate of $0.192461, which is $5.7 cents less than in past years.
Smith said the key things driving the HCHD budget are staffing as well as cost of fuel, repairs and maintenance, which have all increased this year. The district in the 2022-2023 tax year too should receive funding from rollback taxes for the solar project just of State Highway 11 west in northwestern Hopkins County. For such projects, taxes are rollback three years and paid at the land value rate in the reinvestment zone.
Financial Matters
The HCH Board members was presented with June and July financial and income statements in a more simplified format.
Angela Waller provided an update about nursing home funding, particularly Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP) IGT funding. QIPP is state directed payment program (DPP) which serves as a performance-based initiative to help nursing facilities achieve transformation in the quality of their services through implementation of innovative program-wide improvement processes. Facilities may earn incentive payments for meeting or exceeding certain goals. Improvement is based upon several indices of success, including quality metrics that are collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HCHD owns some nursing homes in other counties.
The amount for 1 month in July, which is funds for May is $60,248.19. The total will be $389,554.12. They are still working on IGT. IGT is figured at 10%.
Smith said work is still ongoing for stimulus funding awarded in 2020, getting it all documented and finish up the requirements.
The newest member of the district financial staff has been busy working on unclaimed property. Funds are from past years, typically money such as insurance money that was supposed to come to the hospital district but that for whatever reason went to the state. She anticipates HCHD will receive $289,000 in the next couple of weeks from that.
Budget Planning
Smith said in capital improvements, the new budget will include the ambulance the HCHD Board previously approved. However, he’s now being told the wait time to get new emergency vehicles has again lengthened due to supply and demand issues. He said when order bank for such items opens on Oct. 19, he’d like to have the ability to order two chassis for ambulances. He anticipates asking for approval to order a second chassis when presenting a budget draft for board consideration in September — provided he can get both orders in before the order window closes.
Additional items that will be included in the budget will be expenses for routine replacements for stretchers and other supplies, including repeaters to upgrade radio communications equipment for better communications between communications operators and paramedics. Officials are hoping for a grant which could help with that, but at this point cannot factor that in one way or the other.
Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget, set to be presented for HCHD Board consideration Sept. 20, Smith said he anticipates presenting for consideration a request to add two additional personnel to allow the communications department to better meet needs in the current call volume and devote the time required due to the acuity of each call.
Smith said two dispatchers are scheduled daily, one each to work a 12 hour shift, with Heather Smith, a paramedic who also assists as an administrative assistant, providing relief to the communications operator on-duty when needed so the individual can take a restroom or small break. A lot of times, she ends up in the communications center as a second dispatcher due to the high call volume. The communications center answers more than 12,000 requests per year. The center manages calls for the four counties Hopkins County EMS currently serves, manages transfers, and communicates with emergency room staff to ensure beds are available for patients, especially during high hospital census times when some facilities in neighboring counties and areas are placed on divert.
He proposed two additional communications operators who would work a split shift, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., giving some overlap during high volume or peak hours for EMS services. This would allow the communications operators to stay on the line longer and manage calls better, at a cost of $120,000 in additional salaries and benefits expended in the communications budget. EMS dispatchers in addition to their relationships with hospitals and staff, can be very critical in providing prearrival instructions to 911 callers. He said he’s aware of at least three occasions in which dispatchers helped those on scene resuscitate the patient before EMS arrived.
He was asked if perhaps an idea broached a few years back for a combined dispatch, for all emergency services in Hopkins County, had been further explored or would be a viable option to help reduce costs.
Smith noted that each of the different types of emergency services dispatchers are trained to address the type of needs of callers. City and county dispatchers, for instance primarily handle law enforcement and fire department calls. Training and education levels for each type of emergency event would have to be considered. If that were considered, he’d recommend the center be a separate entity from all of the current communications centers, with one central supervisor. Although, all would still have to contribute toward that, so it would not necessarily cost any less salary-wise.
Board member Joe Bob Burgin noted that a friend of his is alive because of a dispatcher who encouraged the caller to continue CPR until EMS arrived, even though it seemed hopeless.
Personnel Matters
With the City of Sulphur Springs reactivating the Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Board, the TIFRZ #1 has not been active since the summer of 2017, and appoints from that board have long expired. With city plans for the board to become active again, the Hospital District and Commissioners Court were asked to each appoint one member to serve on the TIFRZ as well as a resolution affirming the appointment.
Tammy Wright agreed and was appointed to represent the Hospital District on the TIFRZ Board. She joins County Judge Robert Newsom, who served on the TIFRZ #1 Board for a number of years and was reappointed by the Commissioners Court on Aug. 8, 2022; and Place 7 Councilman John Sellers and Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins, and Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar, who were appointed by Sulphur Springs City Council Aug. 2, 2022. The City Council also elected Aguilar to serve as chairman of the TIFRZ Board during the regular council meeting.
The board also following an executive session Thursday night, Aug. 25, 2022, agreed to add a new full time personnel position for the hospital district and approved documents associated with Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Additional EMS Topics
HCHD Director Brent Smith spent two days in Austin, where he testified as the Texas EMS Alliance president Aug. 24 before Texas Legislature on the pandemic’s effect on the health care workforce. Senator Lois Kolkhorst commented on the state’s new $21.7 million EMS education and recruitment program.
Smith commended Paul Harvey on his team at in the local CHRISTUS emergency system with moving quickly to do their best to free up beds and space for incoming emergency patients, reducing the number of ambulances waiting outside the ER to transfer their patients to hospital staff so the ambulance and crew are available to respond to additional calls as they are called in. In July Hopkins County EMS took 461 patients to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, an average of 15 patients a day. As far back as staff have been able to look, that’s the most they’ve had, according to the EMS director.
That hasn’t always been the case at emergency medical facilities in other counties. Some have been on divert or at “surge capacity,” with 24-hour holds until beds were available.
Smith said the provider license renewal process is under way or soon will be.
He noted EMS has one open position and one out for FMLA. He is aware of potentially three more that could become open in the next 30 days. Smith anticipates potentially losing some paramedics to Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area fire departments, who have obtained SAFR grants, which allows fire departments only to take advantage of a program which provides funding allowing them to add personnel, with funding decreased in increments over a set period of a few years.
Smith said EMS personnel are getting into the swing of one of the agency’s busier times of year, when they are attending football games, rodeos and taking part in parades and things of that nature.
Brent Smith reported the new HCHD headquarters/EMS station is still projected to be ready for occupation in mid-October. He is slated soon to begin a final check list for the developer. Currently, work was underway to finish the new ambulance bay, among other items.
Hospital Update
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs President/CEO Paul Harvey gave a brief update on hospital and other local CHRISTUS facilities and programs.
He personally extends an invitation to everyone to the tailgate event planned at 6:30 p.m. this evening (Friday, Aug. 26, 2022) at Gerald Prim Stadium. Community members can stop by and tour the new Mobile Athletic Training Room before the Sulphur Springs Wildcat Varsity Football Team’s first home game. The trailer is anticipated to be at all home Sulphur Springs varsity football games. The team will evaluate the games weekly to determine which other facilities they might stage at.
The CHRISTUS team is now serving student athletes in 22 area high schools through the Saturday sports injury clinic, which is open to any student athlete in the service area. They receive on free x-ray and if additional testing, such as an MRI, is required, staff can authorize it right then. During the clinic last Saturday, the very first of the year, four patients were determined to need further evaluation, Harvey noted.
A new specialist will soon be joining Dr. Meltsakos and the CHRISTUS Orthopedics staff; he will specialize in hands and general ortho, while Melsakos specializes in general and sports orthopedics. That would mean not only will local residents be able to receive care for hands, the CHRSITUS clinic will have the only hand surgeon in Northeast Texas, the hospital director reported.
The athletic injury clinic will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., on August 27 through November 12. Student athletes in Hopkins County from 7th grade to college age will be able to get a free exam and x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The clinic will be held at our CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedics, Medical Building 5, at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs. For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, call 903-885-6688.
The fiscal year for CHRISTUS facilities ended on June 30. Despite a very trying year for all health care systems, the CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs ministry did not lose as much as some other catholic ministries. Harvey said through careful use of COVID funding awarded to the facility. Christus-Sulphur Springs was able to maintain services and “hold our own,” keeping finances down as much as possible, and come pretty close to meeting budget.
“We are doing what we can her to keep things in check. We are squeezed like EMS,” Harvey said, referring to nurse openings yet to be filled.
Unlike the height of the COVID pandemic, the Sulphur Springs hospital no longer has traveling contract nurses on the campus. He said it will take time to fully adjust, but the hospital was just not able to keep paying the big price for traveling nurses. Harvey said he is proud of the work the local CHRISTUS team has done, and note CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs has the lowest nursing turnover in all of CHRISTUS, by managing effectively in trying times.
The patient volume reported for CMFHS in July was a little low, but Harvey anticipates August likely will be a record month. He said things have been strange since COVID swept the world for those studying staffing patterns, but is proud of his team who pull together to see that the community they serve is taken care of.
Harvey noted the hospital has received another A LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade, where competitors did not.
Welding Contractor Injured Repairing Oil Tank
Donations For Family May Be Made to GoFundMe Account Or At Courthouse
8/24/2022 – A welding contractor was injured while repairing an oil tank at a county precinct work area Tuesday morning, according to Hopkins County officials.
A welding contractor was hired to repair a leaking crude oil tank located near the Precinct 4 barn. The contractor was reported to be working above the tank around 9:30 a.m. Aug. 23, 2022. The explosion threw him from the tank, according to the precinct commissioner.
The man reportedly sustained burns to his upper torso, and what are reported to be non-life threatening and non-debilitating neck and skull injuries. The contractor should recover from the neck and head injuries. He was expected Thursday to require skin grafting for the burn, Precinct 4 officials reported Thursday.
After obtaining help for the injured contractor, officials worked to clean up debris and crude oil sprayed during explosion. Oil was blown onto a nearby tree, which caught fire. The required authorities were notified, according to Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price. The blaze was extinguished, the scorched tree was cut down and removed as a precaution. The area was completely cleaned up.
The mother-in-law of the injured man has established a GoFundMe account to accept donations to help his family, which in addition to his wife, includes two kids. She reports Jerry Sanderson is in the Intensive Care Burn Unit at Parkland Hospital, and is expected to remain there for at least three weeks. The family said it is expected to take months of recovery time before he is able to return to work.
While his wife works, her job does not pay enough to fully support the family and his medical bills. Funds donated to the “Burn Survivor Young Father of two” GoFundMe account, according to Lisa Jones, will be used to ensure the family will have food, necessities and care when he is able to leave the hospital.
Click here to donate to the GoFundMe account or search GoFundMe.org for “Burn Survivor Young Father of two“
Donations may also be made for the Jerry Sanderson family at Hopkins County Courthouse. Contact Kelly Kaslon in the HR department or Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook.
SSFD Investigating Fire Involving Stolen Vehicle
A Jefferson Street fire involving a stolen vehicle is being investigated by Sulphur Springs Fire Department.
Officials responded between 8 and 9 p.m. Aug. 24, 2022, on Jefferson Street to the blaze. The vehicle found at the roadside with the keys still in the ignition, fire investigators reported.
A records check using vehicle identifiers showed the vehicle had recently been reported to authorities in Texarkana, Arkansas as stolen. Items found in the vehicle also matched the description of items reported stolen from another city. Based on those factors and investigators’ findings, the blaze is being considered “incendiary” and is still being investigated.
SSFD Assistant Fire Marshals Duane Sprague and Aaron Kager are overseeing the ongoing investigation.
Representative Slaton: Texas Public Medical Schools Are Teaching Child Gender-Modification
District 2 Rep Calls For An End To “Bogus And Harmful Medical Practices”
GREENVILLE, TEXAS – After a series of information requests made by the Office of Representative Bryan Slaton, it has been confirmed that child gender modification and other transgenderism practices are being taught in some Texas public medical schools. Several schools have admitted transgenderism was in-fact being taught to medical students, at the expense of the taxpayer, Slaton’s office stated in a news release Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022.
Representative Slaton commented, “Repeatedly, the people of Texas have been told ‘this kind of thing isn’t going on in Texas.’ And yet, the exact opposite is true. Not only are young children being subjected to barbaric gender-modification practices like surgeries and puberty-blocking drugs on a daily basis, but these practices are being taught to the next generation of doctors in some of our public medical schools.”
Just a few examples include UNT’s Pharmacy 7205 class which requires students to “learn advanced skills in the provision of pharmaceutical care to the LGBT persons.” UTMB Galveston admitted drugs such as testosterone, estrogen, spironolactone, and finasteride have been administered for gender-transition purposes within the context of an internal-medicine clerkship and endocrinology elective. UT Southwestern’s “Adolescent and Young Adult Transgender Care” course requires students to have “an in-depth educational experience working with transgender youth and adults,” including “offsite experiences,” and direct engagement with the notorious GENECIS clinic and their protocols and materials. UT Southwestern also admitted “students may have observed mastectomy or breast augmentation procedures related to gender transition,” and “students may have observed physicians prescribe and/or administer puberty suppression therapy or hormonal therapy,” and “patient counseling” all in relation to gender-modification, the news release stated.
Slaton further commented, “The revelation that some of these practices are being taught in public medical schools is abhorrent. Additional investigation into these medical schools should be done so that the people of Texas can have an even clearer idea of what their tax dollars are supporting. No one in their right mind believes that surgically removing healthy body parts and ingesting an unnatural amount of hormones and drugs is the right answer to a mental condition. I am calling for a swift end to these bogus and harmful medical practices, and look forward to my colleagues joining me in this common-sense fight.”
Judge Issues Response To Dike Incorporation Election Request
Additional Documentation Requested For Verification Of Petition Requirements
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom this week, in a letter, responded to the petition calling for a Dike incorporation election, requested additional documentation for verification of petition requirements.
The judge indicated the letter, addressed to Kirk Reams who presented the petition Aug. 15 during Commissioners Court, was drafted and mailed based on recommendations from legal council.
In the letter, Newsom advises Reams that “additional documentation” is required to provide “satisfactory proof that the petition meets the statutory requirements” for a Type C General-Law Municipality” as proposed. He said the petition failed to provide detailed documentation establishing the number of inhabitants and territorial requirements for incorporation as outlined in Chapter 8 of Texas Local Government Code.
The letter calls for a detailed map or adequate descriptions are needed to tailor ballots for the registered voters within the proposed boundaries. The map submitted, according to Newsom’s letter to Reams, fails to provide adequate details in order for the Hopkins County Clerk to identify the registered voters within the proposed boundaries.
Once satisfied with documentation, Newsom said that would be used to research the cost of holding a special incorporation election and notify him of the cost estimate. Funds would have to be paid in advance to prepare for the election, and a draft order calling for an election would be needed as well.
Reams said while frustrating, he is not surprised that his request for the judge to call for an incorporation election was not immediately approved. He feels the documentation submitted on behalf of the Dike residents already contains the necessary information, but anticipates the community stepping up to meet the request.
Reams, who signed the petition as acting interim mayor, said when seeking signatures for the petition, Dike voters who knew their voter ID information were asked to include their voter numbers. Community members went down the list, then researched a voter database to obtain voter information for the rest of the names on the list. Reams said Dike residents anticipate submitting to the county as proof that 10% of qualified voters in Dike have signed the petition.
Residents and property owners in Dike community began researching incorporation out of a desire to control what goes on in their community after they learned the Commissioners Court had approved tax incentives for a solar project planned in the Dike community.
When speaking up in Commissioners Court and a community meeting hosted by Engie and Hopkins County failed to achieve the goal of residents seeking to stop the solar project from coming to Dike, an attempt to get an injunction and other legal action also was sought. The Dike residents opposed to the solar company leasing private land and installing a solar facility in their community organized.
Initially, the Dike residents voiced a hope to incorporate before construction of the solar project began, but were not able to do so. Michael Pickens, spokesperson for Save Dike from Solar, advised the Commissioners Court and County Judge in July that the residents in opposition to the solar facility were working on the requirements to make Dike an incorporate area, so that Dike residents have a say in decision-making that impacts their community.
During the Aug. 15, 2022, Commissioners Court meeting, Kirk Reams read a letter asking County Judge Robert Newsom to order an incorporation election, and appoint two election judges, and publish or post notice of the election as required, in accordance with Chapter 8 of Texas Government Code Chapter. Reams then presented the letter, along with what he identified as signed petition and a map of the proposed area of Dike to be incorporated to the county judge.
2022 4-H Achievement Banquet: Carroll, Reyes Receive Awards For Outstanding Leadership
Each year, an achievement banquet is held to recognize Hopkins County 4-H members and leaders for their achievements and outstanding leadership over the past year. At the 2022 Hopkins County 4-H Achievement Banquet, Rylie Carroll and Tammy Reyes were honored for outstanding leadership, while the new county 4-H council officers were recognized, and several other 4-H members received certificates for their accomplishments.
Carroll, a junior at Sulphur Springs High School this year, received the 4-H Members Leadership Award. She has been a 4-H member for 8 years, during which time she has excelled at the county, district and state levels, and has even earned national recognition.
She earned the Texas 4-H Capitol Experience, designated for the top 10 Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors who have accumulated the most volunteer hours. She also serves on the State 4-H Council and will continue as a Healthy Texas Youth Ambassador for the 2022-2023 4-H year.
“Public speaking, fashion and interior design, food show, and food challenge events have allowed her to experience competition on the county, district and state levels. But, it is her leadership and community service involvement that garnered attention on all levels. With young people like Rylie, our future is bright. Congratulations, Rylie, on a job well done!” Hopkins County Family and Community Health Agent Johanna Hicks said, when presenting Carroll with a gift bag and hug.
Hicks also announced Patty Reyes as the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding 4-H Leader of the Year award.
“Every year, we have such a difficult time selecting the Outstanding 4-H leader of the year , because we have so many parents and volunteers who go above and beyond to make our 4-H program stronger,” Hicks said.
Hicks noted Reyes to be extremely supportive of the county-wide 4-H events such as the Christmas party, promoting the Multi-County 4-H Camp, community service projects, and attending parent meetings in conjunction with the County 4-H Council.
Hicks also presented Mrs. Reyes with a gift bag to show appreciation for her hard work for 4-H and Extension.
Students too receive junior, intermediate and senior recognition, record book recognition, first year members, Clover Star recognition and Cover Price recognition at Saturday’s 2022 Achievement Banquet.
Installed as 2022-2023 Hopkins County 4-H Council officers were President Rylie Carroll, Vice President of Programs Alexis Villarino, Vice President of Recreation Lena Reyes, Secretary RJ Duffey, Treasurer Diego Childs, Parliamentarian Ethan George; Reporter Jaqlynn Chapman was unable to attend the meeting. Carroll, Reyes and Blaine Allen were also recognized as Council Delegates.
Several members and supporters were unable to attend the banquet held Saturday at League Street Church of Christ, including the planned speaker. So, as is often the case with 4-H, those present accepted the invitation from Hicks and Agriculture/Natural Resources Agent Mario Villarino to share their experiences with and the impact 4-H has had in their lives and that of their family.
Hicks noted that 4-H is the largest youth organization in the country, and offered opportunities for youth to earn scholarships. Villarino explained he got his start in Extension thanks to the veterinary science program. He was involved with dairy showing while working with USDA. At a Dallas center event, he saw the potential for kids to become 4-H agents.
Carroll is a third generation 4-H’er. She jokes she was practically forced into it, but has found it to be a great experience. She’s grown through public speaking as well as in social skills through various involvement in the program. She said 4-H has given her some great friends and leadership opportunities she would never have imagined possible including Texas 4-H Council.
She said her experiences so far have been great and can’t wait to see what new ventures are yet to come.
One grandmother noted 4-H provides a safe, positive place for her grandson, Diego Childs, to grow and flourish, exploring areas he might not have otherwise explored. Some have include archery, speech writing and photography. She said it reinforces something they emphasize, giving not receiving. 4-H has been especially effective in instilling in him the need and desire to perform community service.
Diego Childs extended thanks to Hicks and Villarino, and believes every youth age 10-18 should become involved with 4-H. It’s a life-changing organization. Leadership and public speaking are two areas in participation has changed him, not only helping them learn to speak but also how to conduct himself.
Lena Reyes has become good at cooking, which allows her to be creative with spices. She currently does about half of the cooking at home. She also become involved in speaking events.
Ethan George’s mom said not only is she a third generation 4-H, but is proud Ethan continues the family tradition. In fact, she said it is because of 4-H trip that she has him. In her youth, met his dad while on an out-of-state 4-H trip for a dairy show. They corresponded by mail, sending letter during high school. (There were no portable cell phones and easy internet access in those days). Then, later got to see each other again at a couple of other 4-H shows. They later got married, had two daughter and their son, Ethan.
George said his experiences with 4-H have included learning to sew and speaking events. He says he enjoys dairy, as cattle is his area of interest. 4-H has garnered introduction to a lot of people, including the county judge.
Chamber Connection – Aug. 24: Upcoming Events, Activities For All Tastes
Autumnal Offerings Include Stew Festival, Fall Softball Sign-Up, Photo Contest, Ribeye Roundup, CASA Zoom, Quilt Show
By Butch Burney
Registration for the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, is still going on. We already have almost 70 entries with about a month to go before the deadline. To register, go online to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks, email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515. The cost to enter is $100 per stew pot, with $150 coming from the sponsor to pay for ingredients. Register now to reserve your spot from last year.
This year, stew cooks can also pre-order a T-shirt with “Stew Cook” on the back for $15.
We also are taking applications for our vendor market at the stew. Cost is $75 for Chamber members, $100 for nonmembers. Go to our website at HopkinsChamber.org or call Amanda at 903-885-6515 to register.
Softball Registration
Hopkins County Girls Softball Association’s Fall Season is about to kick off! Sign-ups are going on now and will end Sunday, Sept. 4. Sign-up forms and drop-off boxes are located at Field House Sports and Hibbett’s in Sulphur Springs.
Anyone with questions or concerns can email [email protected].
Lake Country CASA
Don’t miss the opportunity to find out what Lake Country CASA is all about with a zoom call on Aug. 31 at 12:30 p.m. Learn how they help the vulnerable children in our community who have been removed from their homes because of neglect or abuse.
RSVP at: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSemroVFR4wTii…/viewform
Photography Contest
It’s time once again for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual photography contest!
The photography contest is open to anyone who resides in Hopkins County. We have seven categories: Natural World, Travel, Family and People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children (for photographers up to 18 years of age).
Photographs must have been taken in Hopkins County no earlier than Jan. 1, 2021.
See the rules on our website, HopkinsChamber.org. You can also upload your photos to our website to enter. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.
Ribeye Roundup
If you’re looking for a great steak, you don’t want to miss the Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 1, on the downtown plaza. The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook teams, educational trade show, free Bobby Irwin concert and more.
Cooks have until Sept. 1 to get their entry forms in, and this year there will be a junior cook classification for youth ages 7-17. Go to the Facebook page to learn more.
You can also get a blue Ribeye Roundup T-shirt for just $14 at the Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St. Come by to pick one up!
Quilt Show
The 21st Annual Quilt Show, presented by the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, is set for Sept. 23-24 at First Baptist Church’s The ROC. Admission is $5 per person (under 12 are free). It will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Lisa Erlandson, AQS certified appraiser of Quilted Textiles and historian, will be the special speaker. There will be more than 100 quilts along with door prizes and vendors. For more information, go to SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.
