Paris District Road Report for Aug. 8, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Aug. 8, 2022. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
FM 131 (North Travis Street) at US 75 intersection will be closed to through traffic beginning Aug. 12, in order to demolish the existing southbound US 75 bridge over FM 131. The closure is expected to last through the weekend and FM 131 will be reopened to traffic by Monday morning. During this closure, westbound traffic on FM 131 is asked to use the northbound US 75 frontage road to the Taylor Street bridge as a detour. Eastbound traffic is asked to use the southbound US 75 frontage road to Washington Street as a detour.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases.
FM 2729, Grayson County: from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform spot base repairs to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from Festival Park Street to the Pottsboro High School driveway. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to construct sidewalks and curb ramps.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: in Whitesboro from US 377 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill and then pave the roadway with a thin hotmix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business US 377B, Grayson County: south of Whitesboro at the railroad underpass near US 377. Watch for lane closures with signals controlling traffic while crews work to upgrade the bridge railing.
SH 5, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne along Newport Drive from Partin Elementary School to SH 5, and along SH 5 from Newport Drive to Forrest Moore Park. Construction on a new multi-use trail is underway. The project will install a minimum eight-foot-wide sidewalk trail along this stretch of roadway. Occasional lane closures will be required to complete the work while this project is underway.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to complete the remaining work on the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
FM 1753, Grayson County: from FM 120 to FM 1897. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and then overlay the roadway.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect daytime lane closures while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 697, Grayson County: from SH 11 to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 898, Grayson County: from SH 11 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 151, Grayson County: from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 3315 at Allen Creek, Fannin County. The bridge on CR 3315 at Allen Creek is closed to through traffic in order to replace the bridge. During this closure traffic is asked to use CR 3310 as a detour.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 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.
SH 56, Fannin County: from FM 87 to FM 1752. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on spot milling and blade leveling the roadway to remove rough spots. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
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 rehabilitate the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
US 271, Red River County: from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews resurface the roadway.
FM 906, Lamar County: from FM 2648 to CR 47400. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from FM 1497 around the North Loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures, and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
CR 3440, Delta County: at Jennings Creek. Watch for road closure while crews replace the existing bridge.
CR 15100, Lamar County: at a Branch of Cuthand Creek. Be aware that the road is closed while crews replace the existing bridge.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 (bridge replacement project), Hunt County – The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Preparation of the right-of-way is complete and drill shafts and columns have been poured. Deck and abutment work is ongoing. The contractor will be placing rock rip rap and preparing 8-inch rework base for compaction, and putting down final hot mix at approaches. Brush clearing has begun for bridges on CR 2132. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 903, Hunt County: From US 380 to FM 1569 South. The contractor has been finishing cement treated base, slushing and installing base driveways.The contractor plans prime coat the last mile soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has been forming box culvert extensions and pouring culverts and footers. Driveway safety end treatments were also installed. The contractor is scheduled to begin hot mix on the bridge approach, county roads and mailbox turnouts. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor completed concrete paving at the intersection of SH 276 and FM 264. The contractor is working on the culvert extensions on the west section SH 276. The contractor is working on ditch and back slope grading – preparing areas for scheduled temporary seeding, and addressing sidewalks and ADA ramp installation. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has completed the project and is working on punch-list items. Please be aware of work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various overlay and potholing operations. Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing base patching operations on FM 2194. Rains County crews will be working on patching and seal coat prep on FM 36. Crews will be installing mailboxes, delineators, and signs in various locations. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from
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Window Tint Violation Results In Controlled Substance Arrest
2 Others Jailed on Controlled Substance-Related Warrants
Three men was jailed on controlled substance charges. A window tint violation resulted in one arrest, and the two others were booked in on warrants.
Surrender At HCSO
Sulphur Springs Police Cpl. Silas Whaley responded at the sheriff’s office at 2:27 a.m. Aug. 3, 2022, where a man was reportedly attempting to turn himself in on a warrant.
Upon arrival, Whaley took Edward Isaac Ruschenbberg into custody early Wednesday morning on the warrant. The 43-year-old Sulphur Springs was was escorted into the jail by Whaley, then booked in at 2:51 a.m. on the outstanding possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance in a drug-free zone, according to police reports.
Eddie Ruscheberg was released from Hopkins County jail later Aug. 3, 2022, after securing the $10,000 bond set on the charge, according to jail reports.
Arrested In District Court
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin Lester took Tommy Lee Page into custody at 10:40 a.m. Aug. 3, 2022, in the 8th Judicial District Courtroom for bond forfeiture on a possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and on a possession of 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge.
The 57-year-old Lancaster man was originally arrested on both controlled substance charges on May 8, 2022, after a traffic stop yielded 3 pill bottles, two of which contained 80.56 grams of suspected hydrocodone and one with 6.79 grams of suspected crack cocaine, deputies alleged in Page’s May 2022 arrest reports. After 2 days in Hopkins County jail, Page was released on $50,000 in bonds — $35,000 bond on the Penalty Group 1 charge and a $15,000 bond on the Penalty Group 3 charge.
Page remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in lieu of the new bonds set on both controlled substance charges. His new bonds Friday totaled $100,000 — $70,000 on the PG 1 charge and $30,000 on the PG 3 charge, according to jail records.
SH 11 East Arrest
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Gerardo Rodriguez reported stopping a Dodge Ram 1500 for a window tint violation Wednesday afternoon on State Highway 11.
The driver agreed to allow authorities to search the truck. A Glock handgun and a powdery substance Rodriguez recognized based on his training and experience as an officer to be cocaine. Filiberto “Filly” Castillo Jr. was taken into custody at 1:13 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, and transported to jail.
The powdery white substance weighed 1.4 gram when weighed at the jail, result in the 31-year-old Garland man being booked into Hopkins County jail at 2:22 p.m. Wednesday on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge and an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge, according to arrest and jail reports.
Castillo, who jail reports show is also known by the alias Luis Manuel Castillo, was released from the county jail Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, on a $10,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge and a $5,000 on the weapon charge.
FM 64 Closure Set To Begin Aug. 22 in Delta County
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that a short-term closure of FM 64 in Delta County will be necessary beginning Aug. 22 to replace an existing box culvert on this roadway.
The temporary closure of FM 64 will occur approximately 1.3 miles south of the intersection of this roadway with FM 128, officials said. During this closure, through traffic will be detoured around this site via FM 904.
Officials estimate the temporary closure of FM 64 will last about two and one-half weeks, weather permitting.
Travelers in this area are advised to watch for road crews, expect some delays and be aware that a detour will be in place. This construction and temporary road closure are subject to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, officials said.
Motorists who frequently travel in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also be prepared to follow a detour route around this area, and should avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar County
| Loop 286 Crossover Closure Project Begins Aug. 22 in Lamar CountyDrive safely through work zones |
Aug. 5, 2022
PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today advised travelers in Northeast Texas that a project to close four crossovers on State Loop 286 around Paris, Texas, is set to begin Aug. 22.
The contractor, D.L. Lennon, was awarded 64 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project valued at more than $825,000. The contractor anticipates placing barricades for this project on Aug. 17, with a target completion date of January 2023.
In cooperation with the City of Paris, the contractor will close these crossovers on Loop 286: 31st Street Northeast (Home Depot); 29th Street Northeast (Animal Hospital of Paris); State Spur 139 (Tractor Supply/Paris Ford Lincoln); and Clement Road (Paris Farm & Ranch/Kubota).
Local businesses and the City of Paris requested that TxDOT close these crossovers due to frequent accidents, officials said. This closure project is funded through TxDOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program.
After the project is complete, travelers on Loop 286 will be able to turn around at Pinemill Road, Collegiate Street, FM 195/20th Street NE, and Stillhouse Road. The project will also extend the westbound left-turn lane at Collegiate Street. The contractor will also mill and apply a new hotmix pavement overlay on the westbound FM 195 exit ramp, officials said.
Officials advised motorists to watch for road crews, expect some delays and plan their commutes on Loop 286 in advance while this project is underway. This construction and any necessary temporary lane closures it creates are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Those who frequently travel on this portion of State Loop 286 are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to 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.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
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3 Jailed In Hopkins County On 1 Assault Charge Each
Three men have been jailed in Hopkins County on 1 assault charge each over the past 3 days, including a man wanted by the US Marshals Service, a man accused of assault his grandfather and a man who didn’t take it well when a store employee failed to sell him alcohol.
Warrant Arrest
Sulphur Springs Police Officers Francisco Castro and Sean Hoffman were advised Wilfred James Jessop might be wanted in the Houston area, and were told the US Marshals Service was searching for him. The officers contacted the 42-year-old Dike man at 2:44 p.m. inside of a South Broadway Street business.
A records check using the man’s ID information confirmed Jessop to be wanted for by Montgomery County authorities and took him into custody on the warrant. Jessop was booked into the county jail at 3:24 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, on the outstanding assault of a family or household member with previous conviction charge.
Jessop, who jail records show is also known as William James Davis, remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in lieu of $23,000 bond set on the third-degree felony charge, according to jail reports.
Gilmer Street Assault
Sulphur Springs Police responded at 4:28 p.m. Aug. 3, 2023, to what was reported as an assault in progress at a Gilmer Street business. Upon arrival, multiple people in the parking lot pointed to a man who appeared to be trying to walk away from the location, officers alleged in arrest reports.
According to officers, the man, and explained he was being placed into custody for further investigation of the alleged assault. Officers said the man showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, blood-shot eyes, was unsteady on his feet and officers detected an alcohol odor on him. When police tried to talk to the man about what had occurred, he was reported to be uncooperative.
The alleged victim told police she is trained to look for people who enter the store and could possibly be intoxicated. She said the man was trying to purchase alcohol, but she deemed him as intoxicated and refused to make the sale. She claimed the man then became irate, cursing and screaming at her, got in her face in a way that made her believe she was in danger. She claimed she had to push him to get him out of her face, to which he responded by slapping her in the face, striking her nose with a finger, which she said caused her pain.
Officers reported the woman did have a red mark right arm that looked to have been caused by a fingers from a slap and her nose was slightly cut and red. The woman’s makeup was also reported to have been smeared where the man made contact with her nose. Photos of the injuries were taken. Statements were also taken from multiple people who reported seeing hte assault.
The 57-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested at 4:39 p.m. Aug. 3, 2022, and booked into the county jail at 5:44 p.m. Wednesday, on a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury charge. He remained in Hopkins County jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Bond on the assault charge was set at $5,000, according to arrest reports.
Spence Street Assault
Sulphur Springs police officers responded at 1:09 p.m. Thursday on West Spence Street to what was reported as a disturbance possibly involving an 18-year-old and a machete.
Upon investigation, officers determined the teen committed a simple assault against his grandfather, who lives at the Spence Street address which the teen also shares. Believing further family violence would occur if the teen remained at the address, police took the man into custody at 1:24 p.m. Aug. 4, 2022.
The 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:56 p.m. Thursday on a Class C misdemeanor family violence assault charge. He was released from the county jail Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, on the charge, according to jail reports
KSST does not publish the names or photos of people charged with misdemeanor crimes in staff-generated reports, only those accused of felony offenses.
TWC: Cumby ISD Among 9 Districts To Benefit From $685,000 Awarded To Collegiate Edu-Nation For Robotics
Cumby ISD has been designated one of nine rural school districts to benefit from a portion of the $685,000 awarded by Texas Workforce Commission to Collegiate Edu-Nation for Youth Robotics programs, TWC announced Friday morning, Aug. 5, 2022.
Youth Robotics Programs will launch this month following the award of $2.1 million by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), allowing thousands of Texas high school students to participate in various events. The Youth Robotics Initiative encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by expanding participation in robotics programs. This program removes barriers to participation for students with disabilities through partnerships and collaboration, and teams primarily from schools in underserved urban and rural communities.
“TWC anticipates at least 2.1 million STEM positions in Texas by 2028. Hands-on experience is an essential component to developing STEM job seekers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC youth programs are devoted to cultivating young Texans into well-prepared industry professionals ready to join the Texas workforce.”
This year, four applicants received awards: FIRST in Texas, REC Foundation, Urban STEM, and Collegiate Edu-Nation.
Collegiate Edu-nation (CEN) received $685,000 to partner with nine rural independent school districts (ISD) to establish and support current robotics programs. The nine school districts include Hamlin CISD, Hico ISD, Floydada ISD, Sunray CISD, Spurger ISD, Cumby ISD, Venus ISD, Throckmorton CISD, and Iraan-Sheffield ISD, all in rural Texas areas. The dedicated competition offered through CEN will be designed to include all students including students with disabilities.
FIRST in Texas received $700,000 to serve 5,700 high school students in more than 400 Youth Robotic teams. FIRST in Texas provides dedicated programs for 500 students with disabilities in partnership with Unified Robotics, Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), and national affiliate, FIRST, and the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which has established Competitive Robotics as a fully recognized official UIL Academic program.
“STEM occupations are constantly growing and evolving, just like our Texas youth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This opportunity helps young minds develop their skillset, creates pathways towards success in STEM fields, and enhances their professional portfolio – all while having fun in the process.”
REC Foundation was awarded $699,665 to provide STEM education to approximately 2,550 students grades 9 to 12 in Texas while providing them a unique opportunity to participate in programs and competitions using the VEX Robotics platform. The REC Foundation will partner with TSD and SOTX to increase STEM education opportunities to students with disabilities, and with TSD host their first signature high school level competition for all deaf and hard-of-hearing teams. This project will also support existing teams through the Texas UIL State Championship.
Urban STEM (USTEM) was granted $120,506 to provide approximately 2,974 students to participate in youth robotics educational programs, and to support their hosted robotics events, Urban STEM Robotics League (USRL). Their latest competition includes new events such as Aerial Robots, Waterbotics, and Robofest which incorporate drones, and underwater robots.
“We are committed to generating enrichment spaces for STEM fields and expanding the talent pipeline for our Texas employers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “TWC programs like this Texas Youth Robotics Initiative assist with creating our future workforce, while promoting inclusivity.”
Teams that advance to the State Championship for each program will have the opportunity to advance to the World Championship arena. Robotics competitions bring together the excitement of sports, science, and technology.
Lady Cats Volleyball Hosts Season-Opening Scrimmages For Friday Gameday
Friday, Aug. 5 brings the first Friday gameday of the season.
Lady Cats volleyball hosts a scrimmage tournament at all three levels; varsity, junior varsity and freshmen. Both varsity and junior varsity play at the SSHS Main Gym on Friday, Aug. 5.
Coach Bailey Dorner’s varsity squad plays three scrimmages on this Friday gameday.
The first contest on the day for Sulphur Springs has the Lady Cats playing Community at 4:50 P.M.
After taking a break, Coach Dorner’s team plays again at 6:30 P.M. taking on one of their new district rivals in Pleasant Grove.
The third and final scrimmage for Lady Cats volleyball begins at 8 P.M. which has Sulphur Springs taking on Coach Dorner’s alma mater in Mount Vernon.
The full schedule for the varsity tournament is as follows:
- 4:00 — Pleasant Grove vs. Community
- 4:50 — Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 5:40 — PG vs Community
- 6:30 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 7:20 — Mount Vernon vs Community
- 8:00 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
JV also plays three scrimmages. The schedule for the JV tournament in the SSHS auxiliary gym:
- 4:00 — Sulphur Springs vs PG
- 4:50 —Mount Vernon vs PG
- 5:40 —Sulphur Springs vs Community
- 6:30 — PG vs Community
- 7:20 — Sulphur Springs vs Mount Vernon
- 8:00 —Mount Vernon vs Community
The freshmen play in the second and third games held at the SSMS Main Gym; at 4:50 P.M. against PG and immediately following that game at 5:40 P.M. against Mount Vernon.
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.
FDA Approves First Targeted Therapy For HER2-Low Breast Cancer
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki), an IV infusion for the treatment of patients with unresectable (unable to be removed) or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) HER2-low breast cancer. This is the first approved therapy targeted to patients with the HER2-low breast cancer subtype, which is a newly defined subset of HER2-negative breast cancer.
It is estimated that 287,850 new cases of female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2022 in the U.S. Approximately 80-85% of those new cases were previously considered to be HER2-negative subtype (including hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancer), which means the tumors do not overexpress, or make too many copies of the HER2 protein. Of that proportion of breast cancer diagnoses, about 60% of patients previously classified as having HER2-negative subtype can now be considered as HER2-low. Prior to today’s approval, HER2-low patients received endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.
“Today’s approval highlights the FDA’s commitment to be at the forefront of scientific advances, making targeted cancer treatment options available for more patients,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence and acting director of the Office of Oncologic Diseases in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Having therapies that are specially tailored to each patient’s cancer subtype is a priority to ensure access to safe and innovative treatments.”
As part of the Administration’s Cancer Moonshot program, President Biden tapped federal agencies to develop ways to reduce the rate of cancer deaths and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families through advancements in cancer research and technology, and development of new programs. Enhertu’s approval further illustrates how the FDA’s efforts align with the Cancer Moonshot goals of targeting the right treatments to the right patients, speeding progress against the most deadly and rare cancers, and learning from the experience of all patients.
HER2 receptors, which are proteins made by the HER2 gene, are important in determining a patient’s treatment. HER2-negative includes hormone receptor positive and triple negative breast cancers. HER2-low is a new classification of the HER2 subtype. It describes a new subtype of breast cancer that has some HER2 proteins on the cell surface, but not enough to be classified as HER2-positive.
Patients with HER2-low breast cancer are eligible for Enhertu if they have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting, or their cancer returned during, or within 6 months of completing, adjuvant chemotherapy.
This approval is based on DESTINY-Breast04, a randomized, multicenter, open label clinical trial that enrolled 557 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer. The trial included two cohorts: 494 hormone receptor positive (HR+) patients and 63 hormone receptor negative (HR-) patients. Of these patients, 373 randomly received Enhertu by intravenous infusion every three weeks and 184 randomly received physician’s choice of chemotherapy (eribulin, capecitabine, gemcitabine, nab paclitaxel or paclitaxel). The results showed improvement in both progression-free survival and overall survival in people with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low breast cancer.
The median age of trial participants was 57 years old, ranging from 28 to 81 years of age. Among the 557 patients, 24% were age 65 or older. Females comprised 99.6% of the trial population. Trial participants’ race was reported as 48% White, 40% Asian, 2% Black or African American, and 3.8% Hispanic/Latino.
The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving Enhertu in DESTINY-Breast04 are nausea, fatigue, alopecia, vomiting, constipation, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain and diarrhea. The prescribing information includes a boxed warning to advise health care professionals of the risk of interstitial lung disease and embryo-fetal toxicity. Enhertu is not recommended for women who are pregnant.
Enhertu received priority review and breakthrough therapy designations for this indication. The FDA granted the approval of Enhertu to Daiichi Sankyo four months ahead of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) deadline.
This review was conducted under Project Orbis, an initiative of the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence. Project Orbis provides a framework for concurrent submission and review of oncology drugs among international partners. For this review, FDA collaborated with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, Health Canada, and Switzerland’s Swissmedic. The application reviews may be ongoing at the other regulatory agencies.
Related Information
Motorcycle Chase Turns To Foot Pursuit; Passenger Apprehended, Driver Still Sought
August 5, 2022 – A motorcycle chase from Sulphur Springs Springs turned into a foot pursuit in a wooded area just off FM 69 south, then concluded with one of the two riders of the stolen bike being taken into custody on three felony charges. A manhunt was launched for the second suspect, according to arrest and sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson reported the incident began around 7:18 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, when he attempted to stop an eastbound silver and blue motorcycle that didn’t have a license plate. He observed a male driving and a female passenger on the Honda CBR.
The driver, instead of yielding and pulling onto the shoulder of Interstate 30 near mile marker 125 in Sulphur springs as indicated by the red and blue emergency lights on the deputy’s patrol unit, the biker began making what Patterson described in arrest reports as “evasive maneuvers through traffic” in what he the deputy believed to be an attempt to evade law enforcement. Patterson said when he activated his siren, the motorcycle accelerated, reaching speed in excess of 130 miles per hour, as it continued eastward on I-30.
Patterson reported pursuing the bike on I-30 to mile marker 131, then south onto FM 69. The motorcycle chase ended at the intersection of FM 69 and County Road 2314, where the bike stopped. The male and female on the Honda dismounted and began running south into the wooded area to elude capture.
The female bike passenger, identified in arrest reports as 33-year-old Victoria Nicole Ramsey of Duncanville was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The male bike driver eluded officers, and a manhunt was launched by several agencies.
During the evidence collection process Ramsey claimed a pink cigarette case containing what were identified as about six credit/debit cards which did not belong to her. The motorcycle was also determined to have been stolen, which another agency verified. Ramsey was transported to Hopkins County jail Thursday night, and booked during the early morning hours of Aug. 5, 2022, on an evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
The motorcycle driver at 9 p.m. Aug. 4 was thought by local authorities to have left the area. Despite a search by HCSO, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and Texas Department of Criminal Justice search canines Thursday evening and night, the man had yet to be found. He has been identified as 34-year-old Phillip Michael Garrett, however.
Suspect Garrett is described as a white heavy set male last seen wearing a blue shirt, tan pants or shorts. Authorities released the photos below, asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact HCSO at 903-438-4040.
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.
Staying Cool Thanks To Saputo
Numerous senior citizens will be staying cool or at least cooler this summer thanks to the generous donation of community partners. Saputo employees dropped off the 30 box fans at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center Aug. 4, 2022, to benefit senior citizens in Hopkins County who need fans to help them stay cool during these extremely hot summer days.
Any senior citizen who needs a fan to stay cool, may drop by the Senior Citizens Center (150 MLK Dr.) to pick one up. There’s no charge to the senior adult, as all fans have been donated by community partners likes the Saputo Employees.
The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club also each year in the spring partners with the Senior Center to host a fan drive, donating and accepting donations of new box and stand fans go to senior citizens without working air conditions who have need of fans. This year, seniors had already begun calling the SCC in April asking for fans.
Without these donations some senior citizens, many of whom are on fixed incomes and unable to afford or to get out and purchase a new fan, would have no other means of cooling themselves during the hot, humid summer days. Fan donations to help senior adults are always welcome at the Senior Citizens Center during the warmer months of the year.
For additional information, call the Senior Citizens Center at 903-885-1661 weekdays until about 3 p.m.
