Mayor Encourages All To Join Him in Celebration Of Texas History Month
March 6 Designated As Alamo Day
Texas has a diverse and colorful history, which Sulphur Springs Mayor John Sellers hopes all will join him during the month of March in celebrating the state during Texas History Month. And, for those who many not know, not only is March a busy and important month in Texas but several important events transpired and are observed during the first full week in March – including Alamo Day on March 6.
Mayor Sellers noted that March 1, 2022, is notable not only because the regular Sulphur Springs City Council meeting meeting was held on that day, but it was also Primary Election Day, Fat Tuesday, and the beginning of Texas History Month.
March 2, then, is Texas Independence Day, the 186th year since the signing of Texas’ declaration of independence, creating the Republic of Texas, Sellers noted.
March 2 is also Flag Day for Texas, as declared by the Legislature in 1915. A law was later passed in 1933 establishing rules for proper display of the flag and a pledge to the flag, “Honor the Texas Flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.”
In February of 1845, the Republic of Texas approved the resolution to enter the Union, part of which has become known as the Constitution of 1845 and states that Texas retains it’s right to divide itself into four states, in addition to the original Texas. The Republic of Texas existed for 9 years before joining the Union as the 28th State on Dec. 29, 1845.
The Texas Legislature purchased the land that’s come to be known as the Alamo Complex in the early part of the 20th century and designated the Alamo Chapel as the official Texas State Shrine. Alamo Day is Celebrated on March 6.
Texas is known as the Lone Star State, referring to the flag with one white, five-point star on a field of blue, with an upper right white horizontal stripe and a lower red horizontal stripe.
In 1826, the Texas Rangers was established by Stephen F. Austin to track down outlaws, reconcile land disputes and settle feuds. In 1925, the Texas Rangers became a branch of Texas Department of Public Safety, and continues to work for law and order in the state.
Texas is the only state that a Republic before joining the Union, the second largest state in land mass and population, and occupies about 7% of the total land and water areas of the United States.
Recognizing the importance of Texas history, the Legislature enacted legislation on June 20, 2003 declaring March 1-31 of every year as Texas History Month.
“It is imperative that the citizens of the great State of Texas make every effort to preserve, protect and promote the diversified and cultural history of our state,” Sellers read from the proclamation, concluding by urging all Texas citizens to observe Texas History Mont with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Construction Manager-At-Risk Selected For Trusty Housing Project
In one of the shortest meetings on record, Hopkins county Commissioners Court Friday approved the recommended company to serve as construction manager-at-risk for the trusty housing project.
A review committee Monday afternoon rated the three companies – Tegrity, Sedalco and Harrison Walker Harper – that submitted bids for the project. Auditor Shannah Aulsbrook recommended Sedalco be awarded the contract based on the scoring criteria.
“This selection committee based this off of scoring by fees , schedule (the time they can get the project out), their organization, licensing, their overall experience, their labor’s experience, and their safety,” Aulsbrook said, with up to 100 points available for each area. Sedalco had 709 points, the highest of the three business.
Aulsbrook said the scoring information is available at her office and open to the public if anyone wants to view them in her office.
Monday morning, the three bids received for the project were opened and fees were read aloud.
Tegrity’s quoted fee is 3.77%, general conditions cost of 8.77% and a fee of $7,777 would be charged to the county if for any reason Tegrity provides preconstruction services but the county does not proceed with the project. HWH (Harrison, Walker and Harper) bid a preconstruction fee of $20,000, overhead fees of 3% and a profit of 5%. Sedalco bid a preconstruction Phase B fee of $15,000 and a construction management fee of 5% of cost of work.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Anglin made a motion to, approve the recommendation. Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price seconded the motion, which receive unanimous approval from the four members of the Commissioners Court able to attend the meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker was ill and unable to attend the court session Friday, March 4, 2022.
Funding for the Hopkins County Trusty Housing Facility would come from the $7-plus million the county has been awarded in American Rescue Program funding, with no local tax dollars allocated for the project. The facility would keep the trustees, who work in the community during the day, separate from other inmates as a safety precaution against COVID-19 or any other illness being spread through the jail, and to better keep contraband such as snuff and controlled substances out of the county jail, officials noted when announcing plans to use a large chunk of the COVID-19 related funding to build separate housing for jail trusties. The Trusty Housing Facility will be planned on county owned property directly across from the current jail facility.
Over the past few months, the Commissioners Court, Sheriff Lewis Tatum, Jail Administrator Kenneth Dean and other jail and sheriff’s office employees, along with County Grants Consultant Beth Wisenbaker have been working with DRG Architects LLC to design a facility that not only meets the county’s needs, but remains within budget and meets state jail standards. DRG is the company that designed the current jail facility.
As is the process when constructing a facility to house inmates, the initial plans have been submitted to the jail standards administration. A meeting was held with the state officials, with some recommendation. Modifications were being made in January based on those recommendations as well as requests made by the Commissioners Court, Sheriff and Jail Administrator.
The revised plans then are sent back to the state authorities over jails, and another less formal conference is conducted. Once any issues are resolved and the plan is given the green light by state and local officials, the project moves into the construction documents phase of the building project. Those are then be sent to the jail commission, and officials will be given a chance to discuss that and provide a time for any formal comments to be made. If the jail commission is not satisfied, then a written response will need to be accompanied by the written design information.
Saltillo FCCLA Chapter Receives Regional Recognition
Saltillo ISD Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Chapter, a student-led organization of Family and Consumer Science classes, was awarded the largest chapter in Region 3 1-A for 2021-2022.
“I am very proud of my students wanting to be a part of Family Career Community Leaders of America and participating in everything we do. Saltillo ISD high school students are so busy in a lot of school activities including UIL, One Act Play, sports, jobs and other school organizations, but are still able to be a part of a great organization,” said Johnna West, Saltillo ISD FCCLA Chapter advisor.
Meal A Day Menu – March 7-11, 2022
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for the week of March 7-11, 2022 includes:
- Monday – Apricot Glazed Chicken Breast On a Bed of Rice, California Blend Vegetables and a Roll.
- Tuesday – Sliced Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Wednesday – Taco Soup, Cheese Cubes, Crackers and Tossed Salad.
- Thursday – Chicken Spectacular, Candied Carrots and a Roll.
- Friday – Chili Cheese Dogs, Cole Slaw and Chips.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
Lady Cats Softball Close Out Tournament With 3-0 Win
Coach David Carrillo’s squad got a big 3-0 win over Canton Saturday, Mar. 5 in Royse City.
The win over Canton gave Lady Cats softball a 4-1 record in the tournament and put Sulphur Springs in first place to win the tourney.
Crimson Bryant got the win Saturday, pitching 6 shutout innings and allowing only one hit in the win.
The junior walked two and struck out 16 batters Saturday.
Both Jadyn Harper and Parris Pickett got two hits and an RBI against the Eaglettes.
The win over Canton gave the Lady Cats a 4-1 record over the three day tourney, good enough for first place.
Final standings in Royse City:
- Sulphur Springs — 4-1
- Prairiland — 3-0-2
- Canton — 3-1-1
- Royse City — 2-2-1
- Ursuline Academy — 1-4-0
- Mineola — 0-5-0
The five game tournament brings the Lady Cats’ season record to 9-1-2.
Next up, Coach David Carrillo and his softball team begin their district season Tuesday, Mar. 8 when they host Hallsville.
That game is set to tee off Tuesday at Lady Cat Park at 6:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Contractors Selected For Curb And Gutter Work; Backhoe Purchase Put On Hold For A Month
Contractors were selected for curb and gutter removal and replacement as part of the 2022 street improvement program, while a backhoe purchase was put on hold for a month by Sulphur Springs City Council. Also during the regular March council meeting earlier this week, action was taken to cancel the May 7 City Council election.
Street Work
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski told the City Council the way the bid specifications were structured for curb and gutter removal and replacement on California Street and Brinker Street. was so that the city could consider approving one bid for both projects, one for each or none of the bids submitted by contractors.
The city received five bids from contractors for bids. The way the bids came in city staff recommending awarding the projects to two different contractors, one for each street improvement project. He recommended contracting with Richard Drake Contractors for work on California Street and with Highway 19 construction for the Brinker Street project. Drake is out of Paris and Highway 19 is local.
The two low bids , $21,000 bid from Richard Drake Construction of Paris for California Street curb and gutter removal and replacement program and $45,825 from Highway 19 Construction for the Brinker Street project.
As part of the consent agenda, the City Council on March 1 also approved a 380 agreement for 306 Easy Street.
The Council held an executive session 30 minutes prior to the regular meeting Tuesday night, but reported no action was required from that session.
City Manager Marc Maxwell reported the city will hold off completing paving of Lee Street from Brinker to League Street and League Street from Bellview to Pampa Street, both of which run in front of Sulphur Springs Elementary. Sulphur Springs ISD officials contacted the city to ask that the work be completed after school is out instead of during the school year so as not to interfere with traffic during the spring semester.
“There are twice as many streets being done with the street maintenance fee. We are going to be paving 7.18 miles of road, 37,884 feet. We will be expending more than 2 million dollars on it, over half of which comes from street maintenance fee. So this is your tax dollars at work,” Maxwell told the council.
City streets which were already scheduled for improvements this year, included:
- Ardis Street, between Spence Street and Beckham Street,
- Azalea, between Hillcrest Drive to Main Street,
- Bonner Street, between Church and Davis Streets (in front of Central Fire Station)
- Brinker from Beasley Street to the dead-end,
- California Street between Church Street and Seventh Street, and
- Charles Street from College Street to Lakeshore Drive were
The street maintenance fee is expected to allow the city to also make improvements to more than a dozen additional city streets this year. Streets listed for improvements using the SMF include:
- Jackson Street, between Middle to College Street;
- Kasie Lane, between Tate to Camp Streets,
- Lee Street , between Davis (Brinker) and League Street,
- Fore Street, between Main Street to Connally Street;
- Glover, between Davis Street to Church Street
- Forrest Lane between Bell Street to Connally Street; Garrison Street between Main and Connally Streets;
- Houston Street. between Hillcrest Drive to League Street;
- Commercial Services Drive, various spots of repair;
- Como Street, between College Street and the railroad tracks;
- Dabbs Street, between Gilmer and Davis Street;
- Drexel Drive, between Broadway Street to Mockingbird Lane; and
- Fisher Street, between Spence and Lee Streets.
Construction Equipment
Initially, the City Council was asked to consider approving the purchase of a backhoe from South Star JCB using a Sourcewell Contract, using $98,000 funding budgeted for the water distribution and wastewater collection department to get a new backhoe. The amount quoted during the budgeting process has increased to over $120,000, so that has been ruled out due to cost. City staff reached out to all manufacturers that have contracts with Sourcewell, a purchasing cooperative. They received three bids in response to that request as well as one for a 2019 used backhoe.
“After reviewing the equipment that was quoted to us, James Jordan – utilities director; he could not be here tonight – is recommending that you approve the purchase of a backhoe from South Star JCB for $106,953.50,” Smith noted.
Mayor John Sellers noted that would only be an $8,000 difference from the original quote.
“Whenever we started buying Caterpillars, we started having a lot less problems . JCB is an unknown. I talked to the department head. He feels fine with it. I don’t. How would you feel about coming back later and increasing the budget so you can buy a Caterpillar?” Maxwell asked the Council.
Smith said the amount quoted for a new unit was over $120,000, so the one proposed was used. They won’t go lower on the amount.
Maxwell said it’s been the city’s experience with equipment other than Caterpillar that about 15 months after purchase, the equipment begins having problems. The city manager said he was not disparaging the company, because that might not be case with their products. However, every time the city has switched from “something else to Caterpillar, we’ve been pleased with it.” He said when it comes to such a big purchase, you want to get your month’s worth for the product.
“Can we delay it for a month to have this looked at further, to see what y’all can come back to us with?” Sellers asked.
“Yes, I just want to see if there’s any out there. If guys say, ‘Nah, nah, we don’t want to do that,’ we’ll just do the other,” Maxwell said. “If you think it might be worth looking at, then lets look at it.”
“I’m just worried if your department head has taken into account the dig depth, 20-feet, 20-inch verses the 14 on the Cat and 101 horsepower,” Place 1 Councilman Jay Julian asked.
“Oh, he has. He kind of likes the dig depth,” Maxwell said.
“I’ve always like horsepower on equipment like that. A little more horsepower comes in handy at times,” Place 5 Councilman Gary Spraggins noted, asking for the city officials to once again describe the difference in costs to make sure he understood the amounts posts.
Smith noted that the information does appear to show the Caterpillar backhoe at a a lower price, $105,000, that rate is for a used 2019 model backhoe while the $106,000 bid is for a new JCB backhoe, and only has a 36-month 1500-hour warranty that only covers powertrain and hydraulics.
JCB and Case have backhoes available now. New Holland’s projection for new equipment is 4-6 months.
“In October, Capital Construction purchased a backhoe. They got the last backhoe from Holt Cat that they had on the lot,” Smith noted.
“I ask that y’all delay it,” Maxwell said.
“I say we wait, if we can get a better quality piece of equipment that’s going to outlast others… that’s more heavy duty,” Place 3 Councilman Oscar Aguilar said.
Spraggins asked how critical the need for the equipment now as opposed to waiting a month or more to make the purchase.
“James says what we have now is starting to have some electrical issues,” Smith replied. “They have a back up.”
“We’ll be fine,” Maxwell said.
“I guess they could possible see if capital construction would share theirs or either they would have to go rent,” Smith said.
The City Council declined the proposal to purchase of the backhoe from South Star JCB through Sourcewell at this time, pending further discussion and research regarding a backhoe.
Financial Reports
The general fund is positive, pretty close to what was budgeted.
The report given to the council at the March 1 meeting was through Jan. 31, 2022, reflecting property taxes collected. Any payments received after that time will be will be considered delinquent. Property tax collections are “about where they should be,” Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Lesa Smith reported.
Sales taxes received through February were up 13.75%, a $280,000 increase over the same time last year.
Overall, in the departments for the general fund everybody is right where they should be at this time. A lot of times in the short beginning of the fiscal year, expenses are top heavy at the start of the fiscal year. So any overages are mainly due to that,” Smith reported.
She reported the one department that is slightly overbudget was the street department, which performed some drainage work this year that they don’t normally do.
A budget amendment is expected to be presented at the next City Council meeting, allowing for two readings. This would also allow the city to catch up and include any additional items which cost more than projected due largely to inflation.
Smith said she did do some research to answer a question posed by Julian at a February City Council meeting regarding sewer sales and revenue in the enterprise fund.
“I do see an account that is an issue, so we are taking steps right now to get that account fixed, and hopefully, that’s that,” Smith said. “That’s something that we are working on right now.”
Smith said the city was received $59,000 in American Rescue Act money last week for Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. The funds will be reflected in the February financials, which the council should receive at hte April meeting. She said when the funding reimbursement request was made, the amount was based on Airport salaries.
Bids will be sought soon for construction of the basketball pavilion in Pacific Park, with submissions expected to be presented to the City Council in April for consideration. The new Grays Building opened last summer, an official opening and ribbon cutting for the new fitness court will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Friday, March 10, in Pacific Park. Crews have been readying another area of the park for construction of playground equipment. Bids for a basketball pavilion would allow the Pacific Park improvement project to enter the next phase.
Other Business
The City Council voted unanimously to accept the certificate of unopposed candidates and order canceling the May 7 General Election to fill Places 4 and 5 on the Sulphur Springs City Council. City officials noted there was no need to hold an election as the two candidates are unopposed for the seats they are seeking.
Tommy Harrison filed candidacy and in May will be administered the oath of office, replacing Freddie Taylor who opted not to seek another term in Place 4 on the Council. Gary Spraggins, who was elected to fill the remaining term of the individual who resigned from the Place 5 seat on the Council, is also scheduled to take the oath of office to serve a full three-year term starting in May as well.
Julian asked if the program to drive buzzards out of trees in town to another area using pyro-techniques has been successful. Sulphur Springs Police Chief Jason Ricketson reported there were a lot less of the pesky birds roosting in trees in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood between Main and Van Sickle Streets, Water Oak Street and League Streets. He said he’s not sure where they relocated to, but there were only about half a dozen of them left to drive out.
Hopkins County Records – March 5, 2022
Land Deed Transactions
- Kris Childress and Lisa Childress to Joyce E. Baines and Richard A. Baines; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Dalton Littrell and Leslie Melton Littrell to Dan Higginbotham and Mark Higginbotham; tract in the JH Simpson survey
- Thomas Walters Jr. to Joel Scott Walters; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jessy Smith and Sheila R. Smith to Maeghan Sherwood; tract in the Daniel Halbrooks survey
- 10-2-4 Ranch to John Morton and Sherry Morton; tract in the AJ Butts survey
- John Heilman and Ron Plaxco to Alan Caddell; tract in Southside Addition
- Meredith Dodd, independent executor for hte Laura Wyatt and Stephen Wyatt Estate, to Fulcrum Consulting, Inc.; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Ana E. Barcenas and Juan S. Barcenas to Sara Angelica Barcenas; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Amanda Lowe, who is also known as Amanda McDaniel, and Kevin Lowe to Efrain Rangel Corral and Aurora Rangel Corral Barriga Saucedo; tract in the John G. Procello survey
- George Irwin and Janice Irwin to Amanda Lowe, known as Amanda McDaniel, and Kevin Lowe; tract in the John G. Procello survey
- Cathy J. Wallace, and Larry T. Wallace, trustees for the Wallace Family Trust, to Gentzler Properties II LLC; tract in the Andrew S. Young survey
- Amy McGrady to Jordan Watson and Laura Watson; tract in Woodbridge Crossing
- Melanie Baier Welch and Aaron Welch to Adam Beshears and Kristin Sanders; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Garrett Cartmill, Micah E. Elmore and Danielle L. Robertson to Mi Casa Your Home LLC; tract in the FM Curren survey
- Terry D. Yates to Jeff L. Odom and Tamara R. Odom; tract in the JE Anderson survey
- Summit Ranch Investments LTD to Liberty Tierra LTD; tract in the Lucy Ann Collum survey
- Summit Ranch Investments LTD to Liberty Tierra LTD
- Plaza Street Fund 220 LLC to 4809 Lovers Lane LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Benjamin Lamborn and Moira Lamborn to Jessica Renea White and Mark Everett White; tract in the J. Procello survey
- Brandon C. Williams and Lesley A. Williams to Kathman Fellowship Trust; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Jack Maier and Tamara Maier to Carrie Lowrey; tract in the BS Tankersley survey
- Gordon C. Lee Estate, Helen Echols Lee independent executor, to Helen Echols Lee; tract in the Jasper County School Land
- Abbigail Owens and Austin Owens to April Jones and Dave Jones; tract in the Thomas Stewart survey
- TTT Limited to Glenna Bulloch Living Trust, Glenna D. Bulloch Living Trust, with Kaylyn Moss and Sherrie Prisbrey as co-successor trustees; tract in the S. Norris survey
- Laura Fair, administrator for the David P. Fair Estate, to Laura Fair and Eugenia Fair Sullivan
- Caney Creek Investment Group to Juan A. Vargas and Whitney Vargas; tract in the Ruthy Matthews survey
- H. Keith Hunt to Billy Ray Howard; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Candy C. Stasny to Jazmine Chantel Quintero and Tony Quintero; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
- Francis Scott Head to Candy C. Stasny; tract in the Mary Ann Cullom survey
- Amy Cathleen Sproles to Bobby Dell Kennelly and Lisa Jo Kennelly; tract in the Santos Coy survey
- Summit Ranch Investments LTD to Jennifer Lyn Hiatt and Darrick Shondra Scales; tract in the WP Smith survey
- Bar P. Land & Cattle LTD to Summit Ranch Investments LTD; tract in the WF Smith survey
- Bryan Sells, LJ Sells Jr. and Tina Sells to Plutus Emerald Farms LLC; tract in the P Venables survey
- Bradford & Son Land & Cattle LLC to Jennifer J. Flowers and Tracy Lott; tract in the Henry N. Quirk survey
- Jessica Haas and Vanessa Turner to Antonio Becerra and Rodrigo Becerra; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Barba Allen Romack and Hal E. Romack to Gregory Lynn Romack; tract in Green Acres
- Kathy Fulkerson, known as Kathy F. Wulf, and William J. Williams to Nick Mead; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- Bar H. Concrete Construction Inc. DBA and Bar H. Investments And Farms to Nick Mead; tract in the Sarah H. Norris survey
- Phillip R. Andree to Damon Gardner Sr. and Ginger Gardner; tract in the J. Parson survey
- Dale McMahan and Sherri McMahan to Area Wide Investments LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Anthony Champagne and Golden Petunia LLC to Justin Colt Nichols and Karrisa Lynn Nichols Nichols; tract in the Wm Hooser survey
- April E. Loyd Huffstickler and Sean Huffstickler to Efrain Garcia and Tina Garcia; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Craig Swindler and Joe Vicars to SM Family Holdings LLC
- Jose Ernesto Alvarez to Ana Cecilia Zamora Torres
- Cecil J. Davis and Judy D. Davis to Billy W. Davis; tract in the Jasper County School Land
- Wanda Gale Cooper Estate, Angela Pipkin independent executor, to Curtis Davis Sherer and Katie Davis; tract in the E. Melton survey
- Alexa Faith Roush and Jacob A. Sexton to Tiffany Belgano and Blake Robinson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Miramontes Properties LLC to The Queens Place Inc.; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
- Tami L. Dale, Winfrey Living Trust, William P. Winfrey Subtrust and William P. Winfrey trustee, to Alan Caddell, Logan Caddell and Reece Caddell; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
- Bank of America NA to Jennifer Floren and Nils Floren
- Kelsey Williams and Todd Williams to Lynsey Elizabeth Dennis and Sean Olen Dennis; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Omega Marketing Inc. to Carol F. McKeon; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
- Hebert D. Jennings and Phyllis J. Jennings to Jacob W. Ray and Mallorie R. Ray; tract in the D. Padillo survey
- Diana Miller and Donnie Miller to Crystal Miller and Jimmy Miller; tract in the William Nichols survey
- Ronald K. Moore to James Larry Moore Estate; tract in the John F. Keller survey
- James Ronald Allen and Nell Spears Allen to James Brian Allen; tract in the John F. Keller survey
- Connie R. Harris to Devan Timmons and Kenneth Timmons; tract in the Irvin Chancey survey
- Connie R. Harris to Vicki Fields; tract in the Irvin Chancey survey
- Sandra Phillips Taylor to Katherine M. Ferguson and Christopher D. Taylor; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey
Applications for Marriage Licenses
- Joshua Heath Lindley and Casey Louise Dunavin
- Sawyer Nyle Sinclair and Makayla Brooke Glosson
- Kelly Mack Holt and Steven Thomas Gallagher
- Phillip Lee Walden and Pamela Lafollette Hill
- Tyler Aaron Oakley and Tiffany Lynn Russell
- Joseph Allan Nickerson and Stephanie Elaine Thornton
- Rachel Ekitzel Wood and Elizabeth P. Bialecki
- Marvin Edward Bailey III and Faith Cheyanne Hill
- Sean Douglas Alsip and Monica Lynn Robertson
- Kevin Ray Sharp and Kacye Myriah Redfearn
Paris District Road Report for March 7, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting March 7, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. 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 near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center 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 Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
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 North 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 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 east side of the Washington Street intersection at FM 1417 will be temporarily closed beginning March 7 for crews to complete storm drainage work and construct the new pavement across this intersection. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks. During the closure, motorists wishing to use Washington Street east of FM 1417 are asked to use Taylor Street.
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.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the Park Avenue and Quail Run Road intersections. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to install traffic signals at these intersections.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. 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 4 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 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
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 and Wednesday 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.
SH 56, Grayson County, from SH 289 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County, at the North Big Mineral Creek bridge between Bones Chapel Road and Ferguson Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs.
FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers complete the remaining work on the project.
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 981, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 78. On March 9 crews plan to close the roadway during the day to replace a failed drainage pipe across the roadway. Message boards will be placed on site in advance to notify travelers of the culvert replacement.
FM 2029, Fannin County: from FM 409 to FM 273. On March 8 crews plan to replace a culvert pipe under FM 2029. Daytime lane closures will be in place while crews work to replace the pipe one lane at a time.
FM 1396, Fannin County: from FM 2029 west to CR 2275. 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.
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 as 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.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 West around the North Loop to US 271 South interchange. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform full depth concrete repairs during overnight and daytime hours.
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.
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 is near 50 percent complete. The project has had utility issues with removing trees from AT&T lines, which we resolved. 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, Rains County: From US 380 to FM 1560. The contractor has set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun preparing the right-of-way. The contractor reworked base and built subgrade approximately 1400 feet. The contractor poured a parallel wall.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has been doing the finish work on the cement treated flex base, driveways and backfilling from Lake Fork Creek to the north for one mile. The contractor will perform the ride test and lay prime coat this week. The contractor began excavating, grading and installing rip-rap at the Lake Fork Creek bridge, and has formed and poured the back wall and wings on abutment No. 1. The contractor began setting SETs on the north end of the project. Drill shaft installation has been completed and beams will be set soon. 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 has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared the right-of-way. The contractor has performed a traffic switch for northbound and southbound traffic on Spur 264 to complete the concrete pavement on the east half of Spur 264. The contractor continues grading flex base on SH 276 from east of the bridge approach to the proposed CRCP section, fine grade embankment work on the west end of the project, and prep work for geo-grid and flex base. 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 finished compacting mile six and placed prime coat up to SH 34 this week. Temporary striping was placed on the prime coat section ending at SH-34. The contractor also began scarifying the pavement using a road grader at the beginning first two miles of FM 1566, at its intersection with FM 272.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on FM 1570 from I-30 to SH 66, and on FM 118 from SH 224 to FM 512. Crews will be performing potholing at various locations in Hunt County. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. 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 the I-30 south frontage road from CR 3102 to FM 1737. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, 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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Wildcats Soccer Wins 3-1 Over Marshall, Keep Control of Third Place
Men’s soccer kept control of midfield and got three huge goals to win 3-1 over Marshall on Friday, Mar. 4 in Sulphur Springs.
Edgar Salazar scored on the first goal as he screamed down the far touch line and put one in thanks to an assist from Angel Andino.
Scoring the second and third goals for the brace, Alex Yanez, and assisting the sophomore were Alan Hernandez and Matthew Clarke, respectively.
“He’s a big player… he’s a big time guy,” Coach Alexi Upton said about the sophomore following the win Friday. “He seems to come up at big-time moments and help us out a lot. He’s a crucial player for us.”
A consolation goal from the Mavericks gave the game its final score of 3-1 in favor of Sulphur Springs.
The win is the second straight for men’s soccer.
“The Texas and Marshall [games] were two key ones that we had to take care of this week and win,” Coach Upton said on his team’s week getting two huge wins.
In the win Friday Sulphur Springs increases their season record to 6-14-2 overall (5-5 district).
Friday’s win allows his squad to stay in the hunt for the 3 seed, Coach Upton did not want to celebrate just yet, instead looking ahead to the next two games for men’s soccer.
“The Pine Tree and Hallsville [games] are absolutely crucial,” Coach Upton said. “We want to be third,” the Sulphur Springs coach said Friday.
Sulphur Springs has two remaining big games. Next, traveling to Longview to take on Pine Tree on Tuesday, Mar. 8. After their Tuesday contest at Pine Tree, Coach Upton’s team hosts Hallsville for what may very well end up a seeding game for men’s soccer.
“We need to go to Pine Tree and take care of business, and we need to have a great Senior Night and beat Hallsville here so we can lock up the 3 seed,” Coach Upton said.
Tuesday’s showdown in Pine begins at 7:15 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Containers With 3 Different Types Of THC Found In Vehicle During SH 154 Traffic Stop
Celina Man Accused Of Concealing A Bag Of Methamphetamine In A Bible
Three people were jailed in Hopkins County on felony controlled substance charges following two routine traffic stops 2 days apart. An Oklahoma couple was arrested on controlled substance charges after containers with three different types of THC were found in a vehicle during a State Highway 154 traffic stop late Thursday night. A Celina man was arrested on a possession charge after concealing a bag of methamphetamine in a Bible taken with him to jail Wednesday, according to arrest reports.
SH 154 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson reported smelling a faint marijuana odor when he made contact with the occupants of a southbound Chevrolet Impala he stopped at 10:58 p.m. March 3 on State Highway 154 near the Hopkins-Wood County line for a traffic violation.
(HCSO jail photo)
Upon receiving ID information on the driver and a VIN number on the car, he requested records checks on the driver and car. A dispatcher advised the vehicle had been reported to Tulsa Police as stolen. Wilkerson had the driver and passenger, identified as 39-year-old Cassi Rebecca Hartley and 34-year-old Bryan Keith “BK” Edwards, exit the car and detained both Sapulpa, Oklahoma residents in handcuffs pending further investigation, Wilkerson noted in arrest reports.
Edwards allegedly admitted to having a marijuana pipe on him; the deputy removed it from him. HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio then arrived to assist.
Wilkerson reported finding during a probable cause search of the car several containers with a green, leafy substance he suspected to be marijuana; several containers with THS (cannabis derivatives) inside them, including a brown wax-like substance, a brown hash-like substance and a large amount of suspected THC butter; and several items of drug paraphernalia. The Sapulpa, Oklahoma couple admitted the contraband found in the car was THC and marijuana and claimed all of it, Wilkerson alleged in arrest reports.
Dispatchers then advised Tulsa Police Department had been contacted and confirmed the car had been reported to them as stolen. Hartley, however, had claimed she bought the car from a Car-Mart dealer. So, the deputies contacted the Tulsa Police. After reviewing their records, it was determined a clerical error regarding the vehicle being listed as stolen was possible, and further investigation was needed.
Hartley and Edwards were taken into custody at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022, for possession of the contraband, then transported to jail. The deputy took possession of the contraband and transported it to the sheriff’s office. The car was impounded and released to a towing service.
A deputy weighed the THC upon arrival at the jail. He alleged it weighed approximately 102 grams. Consequently, Hartley and Edwards were booked into Hopkins County jail on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance, according to arrest reports.
Hartley remained in Hopkins County jail Friday night, March 4, 2022, in lieu of a $25,000 bond on the second degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Traffic Stop Near FM 69 Overpass
HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite reported stopping Kevin Lamont Rushin at 1:35 p.m. March 2 after noticing that the Honda Accord he was driving on the south service road, just east of the FM 69 south overpass didn’t have a front license plate. Upon contact with the man, he noted the vehicle’s registration showed to have expired in May of 2019.
Fite noted the 59-year-old Celina man became nervous while speaking with him, so he asked to search the car. When Rushin refused, Fite asked requested a police canine to respond for an open air sniff search around the car. HCSO Deputy Drew Fisher responded with his K-9 partner, Axe. The police dog gave a positive alert on the car during the sniff search, giving the deputies probable cause to search it, Fite alleged in arrest reports.
Fisher reported finding a glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine in the car console. Fite placed Rushin into handcuffs at 1:47 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2022, for possession of drug paraphernalia. Rushin reportedly requested that his Holy Bible be removed from the car before the towing service arrived to remove it from the roadside. The Bible was removed and Rushin was transported to Hopkins County jail, the deputy wrote in arrest reports.
While Rushin was being booked into jail, the likely reason the Celina man wanted the Bible was discovered. Jail staff reported finding a baggy containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in the Bible, and alerted the deputy. Rushin allegedly admitted he knew what the substance was while booking documents were being completed at the book-in counter, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Rushin was charged with possession of the drug paraphernalia found in the console as well as possession of less than 1 gram of the Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance methamphetamine in a Bible. The 59-year-old Celina man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, March 4, 2022, in lieu of $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge, according to jail reports.
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.
