Paris District Road Report for May 23, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting May 23, 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. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing main lanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 main lanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
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.
US 82, Grayson County: from SH 91 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot pavement repairs.
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 are working to 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 Canyon Creek intersection on the east side of FM 1417 is currently closed to traffic to allow crews to complete the concrete paving at this intersection. Travelers are asked to use Lamberth Street during this closure.
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 an eight-foot-wide minimum 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from Preston Avenue to John Douglas Road. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as construction crews work to install sidewalks, curb ramps, and landscape features.
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.
The annual contract to perform bridge repairs in Grayson County is underway. The following locations will have bridge repairs performed, so travelers should expect occasional lane closures while this work is underway. US 75 northbound mainlane bridge at Iron Ore Creek, US 75 southbound frontage road bridge at Iron Ore Creek, the SH 289 bridge approximately 1.75 miles south of FM 120, and FM 1417 at Post Oak Creek.
FM 1897, Grayson County, from US 69 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 131, Grayson County, near the Loy Lake Road intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 697, Grayson County, from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
CR 3810 at Loring Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3810 at Loring Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3800.
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 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
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.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on re-establishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 897 west to FM 2029. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway.
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.
SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.
IH 30, Hopkins County: from Loop 301 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and traffic delays as crews begin surfacing operations.
FM 1536, Hopkins County: from SH 19 to FM 71. Watch for lane closures and short delays as crews begin upgrading cross drainage structures.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: from IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lanes closures and short delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for work zones and drive safely through construction areas while final work is being performed.
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.
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.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Sidewalk and Curb Ramp Project (several counties): The contractor has set barricades at the Wolfe City, Texas, location. The contractor is currently working on Santa Fe Street and FM 816 and is nearing completion in this area. The project is wrapping up in the downtown area of Wolfe City. The contractor has been working on forming and pouring concrete on sidewalks and driveways, weather permitting. This project will improve pedestrian sidewalks and construct ADA-compliant curb ramps at these locations: Hunt County, SH 34 at Crockett Street to SH 34 at FM 816 in Wolfe City. 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 has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor will be placing GEOGRID and will be grading out for cement placement. Installation of SET’s, concrete driveways, and driveway pipe will continue, weather permitting.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has completed widening and reworking existing base for the last section of the project. The contractor has finished flex base hauling and placing in the last section. The contractor has begun cement treatment on the last section of the roadway project. The contractor will continue setting safety end treatments and driveway pipe on the south side of the project once material delays can be resolved. Please be aware of lane closures, detours, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor continues to place asphalt and rock for future work. 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 placed prime coat on the beginning mile. The contractor has placed temporary stripe on the first mile. The contractor has finished mailbox turnouts. The contractor is working on the proposed signing for the project. Seal coat for pavement surface will begin soon, weather permitting.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 2655 to SH 11 in Wolfe City. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations at various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing seal coat prep work on FM 1903 from SH 34 to the I-30 frontage road. Crews will be performing sign installations, mailbox installation, potholing, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operations on various roadways. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Vargas-Booth, Emigh Announced As Top Honor Graduates At North Hopkins High School
Chyloe Vargas-Booth and Emma Emigh are the tops honor graduates in the North Hopkins High School Senior Class of 2022.
Both have attended NHISD since kindergarten and both said people have a hard time saying their names correctly. The valedictorian said few pronounce her first name correctly and the salutatorian said people typically stumble over her last name. Chyloe is pronounced Shy-Low or as if spelled Shiloh, while Emigh is pronounced Aye-Mee or as if spelled Amy.
Chyloe Vargas-Booth graduates from North Hopkins High School with a 5.32 grade point average. The NHHS 2022 valedictorian is the daughter of Cheryl Booth-Vargas.
Since her freshman year, she has played basketball, volleyball and ran cross country, and more recently has started playing golf. She has also been involved in FCCLA, Beta and Student Council.
Emma Emigh graduates with a 5.31 GPA. She is the granddaughter and daughter of Susie Barker, Mickey Barker, Patty Williams and Danny Williams.
She has been an FCCLA Chapter officer for four years, and more recently served as state FCCLA secretary. She served as an FCCLA officer, currently serving as vice president of records. She too has been involved in Beta, Student Council and yearbook.
“Just anything you can think of me and Chyloe probably do it,” Emigh said. “It’s a very small school so there are a lot of opportunities.”
Both of NHHS’ top honor graduates plan to attend the University of Texas at Austin. Vargas-Booth plans to major in architectural engineering, and UTA is one of the top schools in the nation for that architectural engineering.
“Architectural engineering is basically the math side of architecture, which is designing buildings. Ever since I went to New York City, the buildings surprised me. They are so beautiful. And I just wanted to be a part of that,” she said. “And I love math.”
Emigh plans to major in political science on the pre-law track to become a divorce lawyer. She said for a long time, she wanted to be an English professor. A career day at school, however, had her rethinking that goal.
“A lawyer came and spoke to us, and she really piqued my interest. We’ve been in touch recently. Lots of phone calls, lots of emails exchanged. She’s really opened that door for me and really showed me what life could be like as a lawyer. That’s really what I want to do,” Emigh said.
She said focusing on divorce law seemed a natural fit.
“I am the first to admit I love gossip, love digging up dirt. Also, on the female side of things, females go through a lot these days. If their husband’s not treating them right, I want them to feel comfortable enough to come to me and we can handle the situation and get her into a happier place,” Emigh said.
Vargas-Booth has received a HAGEN Scholar, a $48,000 award to help with her studies.
The NHHS students noted that FCCLA has helped prepare her for interviews, as competitions have interviews.
Vargas-Booth’s team competed in culinary math management competed at and finished fifth in state in the FCCLA category.
Emigh said working on community service projects at the chapter level helped prepare her for her duties as a state officer, which included preparing a conference for more than 25,000 FCCLA members. The also the year before serving as a state officer was a regional FCCLA officer, and joined with other officer from across the region to plan a regional conference.
“Those leadership skills have really taken it to the next level for me, and I was also offered a full ride at UT. That’s why both of us are going, and like she said, it’s the top school in the nation for almost everything. Those leadership skills and that time management, we also had interviews for our office that we want to be put in. Those interviews have really helped us gain experience for in the future,” Emigh said.
When asked about influential people in their lives, the top seniors credited their dual credit English teacher, Janis Thomas, who they say has been a big help, reviewing their essays when requested before they sent them in with scholarship applications. She not only corrects them, but offers tips and suggestions as well.
Emigh also offered thanks to Mrs. Lisa Sprague, the FCCLA advisor, for showing her not only how to handle FCCLA but how to be a good person. Sprague has taught her many lessons.
Both Vargas-Booth and Emigh have knocked out their first two years of college English, and a semester of college algebra, are taking college biology online. In the summer, Vargas-Booth took a college history class, and Emigh is currently enrolled in the class. The NHHS students will graduate from high school with at least 30 credit hours each, just shy of an associate’s degree.
“It’s a great school, great opportunities, and it’s really helped me with the future, to go from a small school to a big city, I feel like is going to be a big jump, but the school has prepared us for it,” Vargas Booth said.
“I felt a lot of support from the school, but not only the school – the community. Sulphur Springs in particular. It’s just a great town and I love it so much. It’s not too big but it’s not too small. There’s things to do, and it’s just great people all over – couldn’t find a bad person in Sulphur Springs,” Emigh said. “But, yes, North Hopkins is a wonderful school and I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”
Meal A Day Menu – May 23-27, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of May 23-27, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Macaroni Taco Bake, Corn & Black Bean Salad and Sliced Tomatoes.
- Tuesday – Chicken Cacciatore On a Bed of Rice, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Bread.
- Wednesday – BBQ Beef Patty, Baked Beans, Mashed Potatoes and a Roll.
- Thursday – Ham, Potato Salad, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Friday – Corny Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw.
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.
Williams Returning To High School As Principal
Sulphur Springs ISD Assistant Superintendent Josh Williams announced in a social media post Saturday afternoon that he will be returning to the high school as principal, pending board approval of the change.
Williams had previously served as principal at the high school. In April of 2016, he was approved to become the assistant superintendent of secondary education and state programs in June of 2016. Derek Driver began his contract as SSHS principal on July 1, 2015. In April 2022, Driver notified administrators he would be resigning his post at the end end of June to accept a position as high school principal in Celina school system, reportedly the fastest growing districts across the country.
On Saturday, May 21, 2022, a social media post with a photo of Williams and his family announced Williams will be returning to SSHS once again to serve as principal. Williams stated that he’s desperately missed the staff and students and is excited to return to SSHS.
Potter, Ricketson Top Ranked Saltillo 8th Graders
Tobin Potter and Shelbi Ricketson are recognized as the top ranked Saltillo 8th graders.
Valedictorian Tobin Potter is the son of Dr. T.K. and Karen Potter.
He said his favorite subjects in school are math and science. He received Math, Reading and Science Awards and is on the A Honor Roll.
At school, Tobin is involved in Junior FFA, and plays on the Saltillo Lions Basketball team, runs cross country, baseball and trade.
He is a member of First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs and sings in the Haystack Youth Choir.
Tobin said his hobbies and interests include working at Hopkins County Vet Clinic, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family.
Eighth Grade Class of 2022 Salutatorian Shelbi Ricketson is the daughter of Jason and Jennifer Ricketson.
Her favorite subjects in school are science and athletics. She played on the junior high basketball team and ran cross country.
Among the awards and honors she has received include being the 8th Grade Top Reader and being on the A Honor Roll.
Shelbi’s hobbies and interests include playing basketball, reading, hunting, camping and spending time with family.
Tobin and Shelbi will be honored along with the rest of hte 8th grade class at a Junior High Graduation service at 7 p.m. May 26, 2022, in Garmon Gym.
Saltillo ISD released the following updated schedule for the last week of school:
- May 22
- Baccalaureate Saltillo Baptist 6 p.m.
- May 23rd
- AR trip (K-5th)
- Masonic Lunch Mount Vernon
- AR trip (JH-HS)
- May 24th
- Senior & Kindergarten Walk Through 9 a.m.
- High School Awards 7 p.m. in the gym
- May 25
- Elementary awards 9 a.m.
- Jr. High awards. following elementary awards
- Yearbook forms due without Personalization
- May 26
- Kindergarten Graduation 9:30 a.m.
- Last day of school
- Jr High Graduation 7 p.m. in the Garmon Gym
- May 27
- High School Graduation 7 p.m. in the Garmon Gym
37th Annual Como-Pickton Tractorcade Another Remarkable Occasion
Friday, May 20, 2022 was what Assistant Superintendent Lydia Walden describes as “one of those remarkable days at Como-Pickton CISD.”
“Prices are on the rise everywhere… With all of the strife in the world today, one constant remains: our close knit community came together for its 37th Tractorcade! It was fun to watch the students enjoy the tractors in motion at their school, and it was just as fun to watch all those who were driving a tractor smile, laugh, wave, and just enjoy the moment,” .,” Walden reports.
The CP Band also played, and all the students abandoned classrooms to sit on the sidewalks and watch this time-honored school tradition.
“We want to thank everyone who came out and participated. We love our school, and we love each of you who work to help make it the special place it is.”
2 Men Caught Trying To Withdraw Thousands From Someone Else’s Account At Local Bank
Two Dallas area men were caught trying to withdraw thousands from someone else’s account at a local bank, according to police reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro, in a May 17 arrest reports, stated he was dispatched May 5, 2022, as a backup unit in reference to a possible suspect inside a Gilmer Street Bank attempting to take money from another person’s bank account. The suspect’s name wasn’t on the account nor did he have consent from the checking account holder to take money from the account.
SSPD Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner reported the amount taken from the account was more than $30,000 but less than $150,000. Sgt. Terry Miller and Stillwagoner took over the investigation while speaking with the defendant, later identified by a Texas driver’s license as Isaac Woods, at the scene, Castro noted in arrest reports.
SSPD officers was dispatched again to the bank at 2:07 p.m. May 17, 2022, where a man was reported to be inside the bank attempting to take money from an account that did not belong to him.
Upon arrival, officers contacted the bank employee who advised the account the man was taking money from didn’t belong to him. Bank employees were contacting the account holder.
(HCSO jail photo)
When the suspect exited the bank, officers made contact with him. The man, identified as 21-year-old Abullateef Olasun Shasore of Arlington, was read his rights. Sgt. Miller arrived shortly thereafter and contacted the SSPD Criminal Investigations Division. Lt. Rusty Stillwagoner soon arrived and took over the investigation.
Stillwagoner had officers place Shasore into custody at 3:12 p.m. after being inside of the bank, investigating the incident, SSPD Officer Sean Hoffman noted in arrest reports. Isaac Clidell Woods was also taken into custody at 3:12 p.m. May 17, 2022, at the Gilmer Street bank, Castro alleged in arrest reports. Shasore and the 22-year-old Grand Prairie man were transported to Hopkins County jail, where each was booked in on a third-degree felony charge of theft of property valued at $30,000 or more but less than $150,000.
Both Woods and Shasore were released from Hopkins County jail Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the theft charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Methamphetamine And Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Found During Cumby Traffic Stop
Pair Tries To Discard Contraband; Meth Found In Woman’s Makeup Bag And A Man’s Wallet Also
At least five people were arrested on controlled substance charges following four different traffic stops May 17-20, 2022. A Wylie man was jailed on controlled substance charges after methamphetamine and hallucinogenic mushrooms and were found in his vehicle. A Sulphur Springs pair was reportedly caught discarding from a vehicle a sock and pouch containing contraband. Suspected methamphetamine was found in a woman’s makeup bag. A Sulphur Springs man reportedly had meth in his wallet and car, according to arrest reports.
Frisco Street Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward reported stopping a Honda CRV at 853 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, on Frisco Street near the train tracks in Cumby for failure to signal the required distance before making a turn at an intersection.
While talking to the driver, Steward noted the man would not make eye contact with him and covered his mouth while speaking. When Steward asked for permission to search the vehicle, the 45-year-old Wylie man refused. He did comply when requested to exit the SUV. During a pat down, Steward found a glass pipe with what appeared to be a methamphetamine residue on it in the man’s pants front shirt pocket, the officer alleged in arrest reports.
Steward advised the man he’d be conducting a probable cause search of the SUV based on the contraband found in his pocket. In a blue and red soup can, Steward reported finding two baggies containing psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms as well as a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance he believed based on his training to be meth.
The Wylie man, identified in arrest reports as Randall Morse Sharp, was taken into custody at 9:47 p.m. May 18, 2022, by Steward and Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley. The contraband was taken for further investigation and as evidence. Sharp was transported to and booked into Hopkins County jail, where he was booked in at 12:55 a.m. Thursday, May 19.
The crystal-like substance tested positive for meth and weighed 0.015 gram and the mushrooms weighed about 5.2 grams, including packaging, Steward alleged in arrest reports. Consequently, Sharp was charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the substance that tested positive as meth, and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance for having the hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Sharp remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 20, 2022. His bond was set at $30,000 per felony charge. Two Collin County controlled substance warrants were also added to his his list of charges, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Middle Street Traffic Stop
HCSO Sgt. Tanner Steward reported seeing a Hyundai Tucson in the middle of the road on Middle Street at 1:35 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, When he turned on his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights as he approached to check it out, the car began moving west on Middle Street. Steward reported seeing something go out the vehicle from the passenger’s side.
HCSO Deputy Drew Fisher approached the car head on and reported seeing the item exit the car go out of the car as well and logged it on the radio. Both occupants were instructed to exit the car, while Deputy Fisher walked back to locate the objects the deputies had seen go out of the car.
Fisher found a sock containing what appeared to be meth pipe and a zipper pouch with a small amount of marijuana and a white round container with suspected crystal methamphetamine inside of it, the deputies alleged in arrest reports.
When both occupants denied knowledge of the contraband, both were taken into custody and transported to jail. Barry Lynn Kinard and Linda Ann Miears were both booked into Hopkins County jail around 3:15 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022, on charges of possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance for the suspected meth in the container and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair its availability. A drug-free zone enhancement was added to the controlled substance charge due to the proximity of the incident to a primary school.
The 65-year-old Sulphur Springs man and 57-year-old Sulphur Springs woman were released from Hopkins County jail later Thursday, May 19, 2022, on $10,000 in bond each: $5,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
FM 2653 North Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy Isaac Foley reported seeing Wendy Dawn Smith, a 41-year-old Sulphur Springs woman who a records check showed does not have a valid driver’s license, driving a Toyota Highlander on FM 2653 north at the north service road at 1:14 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2022. He stopped the SUV and contacted Smith.
During his investigation, Foley reported the woman gave permission for him to search the vehicle. Found in the woman’s makeup bag was a crystal-like white substance suspected to be methamphetamine, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Smith was taken into custody at 1:25 a.m. May 19, 2022, and transported to jail. The substance, seized as evidence, weighed just under 0.5 gram, including packaging and field-tested positive for meth. Consequently, Smith was booked into the county jail at 3:35 a.m. Thursday on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge, according to arrest reports.
Smith remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, May 20, 2022, in lieu of $30,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
Thursday was the second time this year that Smith has been booked into Hopkins County jail on a controlled substance charge. She was also jailed on May 17, 2022, on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance charge as well as a warrant for not taking care of a backing without safety ticket. She was released from jail later that day on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, Hopkins County jail records state.
Jefferson Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro reported stopping a Chrysler 200 at 11:59 a.m. May 17, 2022, for a traffic violation on Jefferson Street at Russell Drive.
While talking with the man, who Castro recognized from previous contacts with the man, Castro noted Danny Joe Woodard to be nervous. Castro reported having the man step out of the car and asked him why. The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man allegedly denied being nervous, telling the officer he had nothing to be nervous about.
When asked if he had anything illegal on him or in the car. He claimed there wasn’t for either. When Woodard refused the officer’s request to search the car, Castro called for SSPD Officer Cleve Williams to bring his canine. They arrived a short time later. The police dog gave a positive alert for contraband during a sniff around the vehicle, giving the officers probable cause to search the car, Castro noted in arrest reports.
Two plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance believed to be meth were located, one in the vehicle and the other in Woodard’s wallet, Castro alleged in arrest reports. Woodard was taken into custody at 12:47 p.m. May 17, 2022, and transported to jail. The baggies of substance weighed less than 1 gram.
Woodard was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:39 p.m. May 17, 2022, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. The 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail May 18, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail records.
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.
SSISD Trustees Amend Code Of Conduct Regarding DAEP Placement For Seniors
Seniors’ Placement In DAEP Concludes On the Last Instructional Day Of School, Which Would Allow Participation In Graduation
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees during a special noon meeting Friday unanimously agreed to an amendment of the district Student Code of Conduct regarding DAEP placement for seniors.
The trustees called the meeting to order, then entered into an executive session to discuss the proposed change submitted by administrators. At 12:30 p.m. the school board reconvened in regular session to consider acting on the proposed change to the 2021-2022 Code of Conduct.
Superintendent Michael Lamb noted that change amends the policy regarding “a senior’s DAEP placement, which would normally carry through graduation. Now, it will be over the last day of school, which will allow for graduation.”
The policy regarding restrictions during placement stated:
For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation, the placement in the program shall continue through graduation, and the student shall not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities.
– SSISD 2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct – Restrictions During Placement Policy
Robert Cody made a motion, which Kerry Wright seconded, to amend the policy as recommended.
The Student Code of Conduct regarding restrictions during DAEP placement now states:
For seniors who are eligible to graduate and are assigned to a DAEP at the time of graduation, the last day of placement in the program shall be the last instructional day, and the student shall be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony and related graduation activities unless otherwise specified in the DAEP placement order.
– SSISD 2021-2022 Amended Student Code of Conduct – Restrictions During Placement Policy
The board unanimously approved the amendment as recommended.
The district was asked earlier in the month to consider revising the policy to allow a senior, who has not been in trouble before to but has completed all other graduation requirements, to participate in the graduation ceremony along with his classmates. The student’s family, staff and community members during the May 9 school board meeting said while they did not dispute the student being disciplined for his actions, including not being permitted to participate in any school sponsored or school-related extracurricular or cocurricular activities, including senior activities. They did however, urge the school board to consider allowing the student to “walk at graduation” to receive the diploma he has earned, to celebrate the 13 years he, his family and the community have put into his education and getting him to this milestone.
The change in policy should allow that student, or any student who meets the criteria, to participate in graduation, celebrating the achievement, while still being held accountable for his actions during the last month of school, but not extending the disciplinary action beyond the last day of school.
Unemployment In Hopkins County Declines To Pre-COVID Rate In April
Franklin and Hopkins Counties continued to have the lowest unemployment rates in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development Area. In fact, unemployment in Hopkins County declined in April 2022 to the pre-COVID low of 2.8%, down from a seasonally adjusted rate of 3% in March 2022 and a 3.1% rate unadjusted for seasonal employment, according to the data published May 20, 2022 on Texas Labor Market Information website, for Texas Workforce Commission Labor Market and Career division.
Since 2000, the unemployment rate in Hopkins County has fallen below 3% in only six months and only below 2.8% twice, both in 2019, just before COVID shutdowns resulted in unemployment of everyone except “essential workers” for a couple of months in 2020.
The annual average unemployment rate in Hopkins County in 2019 was 3.1%, with the 3.6% of January the highest unemployment rate in 2019 and the record low of 2.7% recorded in April and May 2019. Hopkins County’s unemployment rate was 2.9% in September and November of 2019, and 2.8% in October and December 2019.
Unemployment rates in Hopkins County began rising in January 2020 to 3.1% (the same as in March 2022), then up to 4.3% in March and a pandemic high of 7.8% in April 2020 – which was still less than the 22year-record high of 8.4 percent recorded in June of 2011.
Just one year ago, the unemployment rate in April was 4.8% (4.4% seasonally adjusted). So that’s a 2% decline in the number of people unsuccessful in seeking work over the last 12 months, (April 2021-April 2022) and a dip from 5.6% in February 2021. These reductions in unemployment rate have come even as the civilian labor force has grown over the past 12 months. In April 2021, 783 of the 17,781 labor pool in Hopkins County were unemployed. In March 2022, a total of 556 of the 18,258 labor pool in Hopkins County was unemployed. Last month, the labor pool dipped, down to 18,040, but the number of unemployed also dipped to 513.
Franklin County had an even lower unemployment rate than Hopkins County, dipping from the seasonally adjusted 3% in March 2022, when 156 of the 5,280 member civilian labor force (CLF) was unemployed, to 2.6% in April 2022, with 136 of the CLF of 5,190 unemployed. The April 2022 unemployment rate for Franklin County was 1.9% less than the April 2021 rate, when 242 of the 5,326 CLF were unemployed.
Delta County and Titus County were the only other counties in the Northeast Texas Workforce Development area, which spans west from Texarkana in Bowie County to Hopkins County and north to the Oklahoma-Texas state line, whose unemployment rate was below both the state average of 3.7% and the WDA rate of 3.9%.
Delta County’s unemployment rate for April 2022 was 3.3%, with 82 of the 2,465 CLF unemployed. That’s down slightly from 3.6% unemployment, with 89 of the 2,501 CLF unemployed in March 2022, and 1.3% less than in April 2021, when 114 of the 2,458 member CLF were unemployed.
Titus County’s unemployment rate dipped a tad from 3.7%, with 512 of 13,879 CLF without jobs in March 2022, to 3.6% with 488 of the 13,463 CLF unemployed in April 2022. Both are down from the 5.2% unemployment rate posted in April 2021, when 708 of 13,514 CLF were unemployed.
The Northeast Texas workforce Development Area unemployment average for April 2022 was 3.9%, with 4,873 out of 124,335 unemployed. That’s down from 4.1% in March 2022 and 5.7% in April 2021. Across the state, unemployment dipped from 5.9% in April 2021 to 3.9% in March 2022 and 3.7% last month.
Across the 9-county NETWDA, Red River County was the only county in which unemployment did not decline from March to April of 2022. The unemployment rate in Red River county remained 4.5% over the past 2 months, which were both down from 5.9% in April 2021. The Red River County CLF rose from 5,349 in April 2021 to 5,449 in March 2022, then down to 5,350 in April 2022. The number of people unemployed, however, has continued to decline over the past 12 months, from 316 in April 2021 to 243 in March 2022 and 241 in April 2022.
Lamar County’s unemployment rate dipped from 5.4% in April 2021, when 1,346 of the 24,817 CLF were unemployed, to 3.8% in April 2022, when 915 of the 23,931 CLF were unemployed. Last month’s unemployment rate is also 0.2% lower than in March 2022, when 990 of the 24,724 CLF were still unemployed.
Bowie County’s unemployment rate dipped slightly from 4.3%, with 1,714 of 39,587 CLF unemployed in March 2022, to 4.2% in April 2022 when 1,649 of the 39,24 C:F were employed; both were down from the 5.9% unemployment rate posted one year ago, when 2,299 of the 39,038 CLF were unemployed.
Cass County’s unemployment rate dipped from 6.9% with 858 of 12,494 CLF unemployed in April 2021 to 4.6% in March 2022, when 576 of the 12,489 CLF were unemployed. Last month, the unemployment rate in Cass County dipped to 4.4% with 543 of the 12,257 work force unemployed.
Lamar County’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.4% in April 2021, when 1,346 of hte 24,817 CLF were unemployed, to 4% in March 2022 when 990 of 24,724 CLF were unemployed. Last month, the unemployment rate in Lamar County was 3.8%, with 915 of 23,931 still unemployed.
Rounding out the NETWDA with the highest unemployment rate of 7% in April 2022 was Morris County; at that time 306 of 4,390 CLF were unemployed. That’s down from 7.4% in March 2022, when 337 of 4,546 CLF were unemployed. The April 2022 unemployment rate in Morris County was 3.8% less than in April 2021, when 494 of the 4,580 CLF were unemployed.
