Latest KSST News

Redistricting, Road Drainage Systems Grant Among Items On Monday Commissioners Court Agendas

Posted by on 9:04 am in Featured, Financial News, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Redistricting, Road Drainage Systems Grant Among Items On Monday Commissioners Court Agendas

Redistricting, Road Drainage Systems Grant Among Items On Monday Commissioners Court Agendas

Hopkins County Commissioners Court has a Monday ahead with redistricting discussions, consideration of a road drainage systems grant, and appointment of architects for construction of a community safe room among the items on the day’s three meeting agendas.

The county applied to FEMA through Texas Department of Emergency Management for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program/Building Resilience Infrastructure and Communities Program grant, with a goal of constructing a Community Safe Room. An approved grant requires a 80/20 percent match, with 80 percent of funding coming from the grant and the county providing a 20 percent match.

The Community Safe Room will serve multiple purposes, including serving as a community shelter in times of extreme weather or as a site for certain types of mass distributions, such as a safe space from which vaccines could be administered or supplies distributed. The Community Safe Room too would likely serve as a new Emergency Operations Center for the entire county.

In order to make it as safe a location as possible, the Community Safe Room would be built much like the portion of Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center where inmates are housed. It’s planned to have solid concrete floors, as well as solid walls and ceilings to make it sturdy, able to withstand extreme weather such as a tornado. CSR is to be located across from the county jail, would include restrooms and a kitchenette, county officials reported during sessions held over the summer.

During the special 10 a.m. court session Monday, Nov. 1, the Commissioners Court too is slated to meet in the first floor courtroom at the courthouse to consider Grand Application DR-4586 for drainage systems associated with County Roads 1178, 1180, 1186 and 4729, as well as Pipeline Road.

The court too will be asked during that session to commit to providing a 20 percent funding match on local and county government lightiung conversion to LED lights.

An agreement between the County Clerk and Vista Solutions Group and contract between county and DRG Architects LLC for construction of a Community Safe Room are also on the 10 a.m. Commissioners Court Agenda.

Following the special called meeting, the court is slated at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 1 to reconvene again in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of the Courthouse, 118 Church St., in a work session to discuss redistricting of Hopkins County. A budget work session may also be held during that work session.

hopkins co courthouse
Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St.

The Commissioners Court, in addition to their other duties in their precincts, are scheduled Monday to then conduct another work session at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, in the emergency operations center/training room at Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center. This will be their regular meeting with the volunteer fire department officers. They many also hold a budget work session at that meeting, according to the agenda.

The court is then scheduled to meet again in an executive session at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Sulphur springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation offices, located at 1200 Enterprise Lane, to discuss in closed session an economic development opportunity for the county. The agenda sites Texas Government Code Chapter 551 Section 087, which, specifically notes these type of meetings may be discussed in closed session:

“(1)to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting economic development negotiations; or(2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to a business prospect described by Subdivision (1).”

The agenda does not show the court resuming open session Thursday to take any action related to the closed session, but does list a budget work session afterward.

Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation offices are located at 1200 Enterprise Lane in Sulphur Springs, just off Industrial Drive

Meal A Day Menu For Nov. 1-5, 2021

Posted by on 5:00 pm in Headlines, KSST Interns, Lifestyle, News, Senior Citizen News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Meal A Day Menu For Nov. 1-5, 2021

Meal A Day Menu For Nov. 1-5, 2021

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 Nov. 1-5, 2021, includes:

  • Monday – Smothered Beef Patties, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Roll.
  • Tuesday – Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, Corn, and Cranberry Sauce.
  • Wednesday Ham and Potato Casserole, Pinto Beans and Cole Slaw.
  • Thursday –Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers, and Tossed Salad.
  • Friday – Beef Spaghetti, English Peas, and Garlic Toast.
Meal-A-Day food preparation

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.

Paris Junior College Regents Receive Overview of Training Options Truck Driving is an Area of High Need

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Paris Junior College Regents Receive Overview of Training Options Truck Driving is an Area of High Need

Paris Junior College
Public Information Services

PJC Regents receive overview of training options
Truck driving is an area of high need

At their monthly meeting, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents received an overview of non-credit training options provided by the Continuing Education Department from Vice President of Workforce Education John Spradling.
In the area of workforce development, non-credit courses are divided into health, business, industry, and childcare sectors. Community service includes topics such as art, cooking, driver’s education, Kids College, and preparation for tests such as ACT/SAT or GRE. Customized training provides what a business or industry needs based on their individual requirements. JobReady offers online digital credentials that meet top-rated corporate needs in such areas as business, management, technology, career readiness, and skilled trades.
“An example of what we do is a recent request from Atmos Energy to expand truck driving training for them,” said Spradling. “We had provided similar training to them previously and COVID began to impact that. They’ve asked us to come back and provide more drivers for them. Training more truck drivers is the easiest way to impact logistics right now. As you know there are all those boats sitting off of California and the reason for that is the lack of physical trucks and operators to get in and out of the port.”
“We’re teaching truck driving in Paris, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President. “We’re filling every class.”
In other business, the Regents:
• Recommended Ed McCraw as the College’s nominee for the Lamar County Appraisal District Board of Directors.
• Approved increasing the testing fee for the HESI A2 from $45 to $50 and for the Mobility Testing from $60 to $65. The increase defrays the increased costs PJC must pay.
• Approved a contingency fee contract with Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd & Hullett, PD for collection of delinquent taxes owed to the College.
• Received an overview of SACSCOC Section 5 on Administration and Organization. This continues a series of overviews on different requirements for the College to continue its accreditation.
• Reviewed 2021 performance measures that show the College met its estimates.
• Approved a report on the Safety Audit required every three years to the Texas Safety Center.
• Received the President’s Report on upcoming PJC events including a Halloween Carnival at Noyes Stadium from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30. Homecoming events include the President’s Reception on Friday, Nov. 5 at 5:30 p.m. and the Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Love Civic Center.
• Accepted the employment of Educational Talent Search Advisors Regan Anderson and Madison Wells; and the resignations of Education Instructor, Dr. Marian Ellis, LVN Instructor Monica Hevron, Student Recruiter Misty McMikel, and Student Success Coach Stephanie Pinckard.

CDL TRAINING

Truck driving instructor Bryce Walker, left, is teaching a group of students to drive and maintain trucks at the PJC-Greenville Center campus.

Paris Junior College Greenville truck driving
Paris Junior College Greenville truck driving 2021

Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.

Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.

The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.

Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.

Vision

To be the educational provider of choice for the region.

Mission

Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.

3 Men Jailed On Outstanding Felony Charges

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3 Men Jailed On Outstanding Felony Charges

At least three men were jailed in Hopkins County on felony charges earlier this week, according to arrest and jail reports.

Kyle Louis Jackson (HCSO jail photo0

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve Huffman traveled to Fannin County Oct. 28, 2021, and took custody of Kyle Louis Jackson, a 31-year-old Ladonia man held on a Hopkins County warrant. Huffman transported Jackson to Hopkins County jail, where Jackson was booked at 3:34 p.m. Oct. 28, 2021, for violation of probation, which he was on for a June 6, 2020 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.

Jackson, who is also known by Kyle Lewis Jackson, was held without bond in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, Oct. 30, 2021, on the probation charge, according to jail reports.

Jerry Franklin Hamilton (HCSO jail photo)

Sulphur Springs Police Officer Tyler Francis located Jerry Franklin Hamilton Jr. at his place of work just before 10:30 a.m. Oct. 28, 2021, and took the 35-year-old Sulphur Springs man into custody on a bond forfeiture order for a theft of property valued at less than 2,500 with two or more previous convictions.

The theft offense, according to arrest reports, occurred on April 20, 2021. He was arrested that day and released the next day on a $5,000 bond. Jail records also show Hamilton was jailed April 1, 2005 on a misdemeanor theft charge and on Feb. 11, 2010 on a felony theft of property charge.

Hamilton, who is known as BJ Hamilton, remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning Oct. 30, 2021, in lieu of the new $10,000 bond set on the 2021 theft charge, according to jail reports.

Dakota Shane Weir (HCSO jail photo)

Dakota Shane Weir was returned to Hopkins County jail Oct. 28, marking the second time he’s been booked into the county jail in less than a week and third time this year. The 32-year-old Lone Oak man was booked into Hopkins County jail Thursday and remained there Saturday morning, Oct. 30, 2021, on an indictment for driving while intoxicated. Jail records show he was arrested April 28, 2021, on a DWI-third or more offense charge.

Weir was more recently jailed overnight on Oct. 23, 2021, for assault of a family or household member with a previous conviction charge. Hopkins County jail records show he was arrested Oct. 17, 2013 for family violence assault causing bodily injury; spent Dec. 24, 2011-Feb. 2, 2012 in Hopkins County jail as part of a 6 month state jail commitment for an assault of a family member that impeded breathing conviction; and Aug. 15-Nov. 22, 2010 in the county jail on a family violence assault causing bodily injury warrant.

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.

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.

Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 1, 2021

Posted by on 12:30 pm in App, Headlines, News, Travel | Comments Off on Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 1, 2021

Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 1, 2021

Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 1, 2021. 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.

SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter from Sharp Road to Kerfoot Drive. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave a new riding surface.

FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman from US 75 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave a new riding surface.

FM 121, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from US 75 to Jim Jones Road. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews repair sections of the concrete pavement.

SH 91 (Texoma Parkway), Grayson county: in Sherman from US 75 to North Loy Lake Road. Watch for daytime and nighttime lane closures as crews repair sections of the concrete pavement.

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:

  • Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:

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 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 perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and construction of new frontage road lanes.

The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.

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.

FM 131, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Northcreek Drive intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.

FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.  

US 75 frontage roads, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.

FM 898, Grayson County: from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.

US 69, Grayson County: in Whitewright from SH 160 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.

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, Tuesday and Thursday during the nighttime.

FM 898, Grayson County: in Whitewright from US 69 to the Fannin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 996, Grayson County: in Pottsboro from FM 120 to FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.

FM 902, Grayson County: from Howe to Tom Bean. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 1897, Grayson County: from FM 1753 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 1753, Grayson and Fannin County: from FM 1897 to SH 78. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.

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 widening US 82 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided roadway. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement for the entirety of the project from the Lamar County line to SH 121. Eastbound traffic between SH 121 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.

FM 272, Fannin County: from US 69 to the Hunt County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform spot base repairs on the roadway.

SH 121, Fannin County: in Bonham between US 82 and SH 56. Watch for daytime right lane closures as maintenance crews perform ditch cleanouts.  

FM 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 2554, Fannin County: from FM 273 to the end of State maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 2645, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.

FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.

FM 71, Hopkins County: from FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform ditch grading operations.

SH 37, Franklin County: from the elementary school to US 67. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install sidewalk.

FM 3389, Hopkins County: from I-30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic 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 work zones as crews perform tree trimming/removal work and drainage structure improvements.

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.

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. 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 275, Rains County: from Sh19 to FM 514 The contractor plans to set barricades and begin preparing the ROW later this week. This project will rehabilitate the existing roadway on FM 275, from its intersection with FM 514 south to S.H 19. This work will include widening the road subgrade, reworking base course material, adding flexible base material, extending drainage structures, replacing culverts, and replacing a bridge. Please be aware of lane closures, detours and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.

FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has completed all construction activities and is working on final punchlist items and cleanup.

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. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Roadway construction affecting closures on Spur 264 has begun, this work will affect through-traffic between Meyers Avenue to County Road 2304. Weekend work is to be expected. 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 is completing mile five of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the subgrade and bringing in flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.

SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has completed construction work in this area and will be working to complete final punch list items. Please watch for workers when traveling in this area.

Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay on SH 66 from FM 1579 to Caddo Mills and on will be performing spot base repair on various locations on FM 816. 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 SH 34 from SH276 to the Kaufman County line. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing, edging, and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation 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 Football Drops Close Contest to Forney on Senior Night

Posted by on 8:43 am in App, Headlines, News, School News, Sports, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Wildcats Football Drops Close Contest to Forney on Senior Night

Wildcats Football Drops Close Contest to Forney on Senior Night

The Wildcats football team had the lead at times, but ultimately it was Forney who pulled out the win on Friday, Oct. 29.

Sulphur Springs led by four just under a minute in to the fourth quarter, but the game got away from Coach Greg Owens’s team after that.

Forney was able to take the lead for good with under eight minutes at 31-28. 

Even after the Jackrabbits kicked another field goal to go up by six, Sulphur Springs still had a chance to win the game if they could drive the length of the field and score a touchdown. 

Three turnovers on downs later though, the Wildcats left the Prim with a 37-28 defeat at the hands of Forney on senior night. 

Matthew Mitchell received the majority of the snaps behind center in the loss and had a decent night with two touchdowns; one each on the ground and through the air.

One of those touchdowns was a 59-yard bomb to #5 WR CJ Williams. Williams also finished the game with a rushing touchdown.

Two Wildcats had explosive touchdowns on the ground; Brady Driver took it in from 36 yards out on a QB keeper and Douglas Deloney who took it in from outside the redone at the Jackrabbit 23-yard line.

Wildcat Football

27 senior members of the football team were honored prior to kick-off, and while they no doubt hoped to get a win versus the playoff-bound Jackrabbits, those aforementioned players fought until the very end, all throughout their athletic careers in Sulphur Springs.

The loss drops the Wildcats football team’s season record to 0-9 overall (0-5 district). 

While it may have been another tough loss for Coach Owens’s program, they still have one more game left to play on the fall 2021 season. 

Their season finale will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4.

Sulphur Springs will be back on the road when they take on North Forney at Forney City Bank Stadium. 

The season-finale is set to kick-off next Thursday at 7 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.

Click here for more Wildcat and Lady Cat Sports

Meet Some Portrayers of the “Cemetery Walk” Set for November 7, 2021

Posted by on 5:00 am in App, Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Meet Some Portrayers of the “Cemetery Walk” Set for November 7, 2021

Meet Some Portrayers of the “Cemetery Walk” Set for November 7, 2021

You may recognize some of these members of the local community who will appear in costume during the Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s fundraising “Cemetery Walk”. You can take the interesting and sometimes humorous tour through Sulphur Springs City Cemetery on Sunday November 7 between 2 and 4pm. Cost is $10 per person. Proceeds will be used for upcoming Genealogical projects. Phone to reserve your space on the tour, 903-885-8523 or stop by 611 North Davis Street.

Portrayers pose on the steps of the home of Donna Moon on Davis Street

DPS: I-30 Traffic Stop Nets 2 Arrests, Marijuana, ‘Spice’ And Methamphetamines

Posted by on 10:25 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, News | Comments Off on DPS: I-30 Traffic Stop Nets 2 Arrests, Marijuana, ‘Spice’ And Methamphetamines

DPS: I-30 Traffic Stop Nets 2 Arrests, Marijuana, ‘Spice’ And Methamphetamines

A routine traffic stop on I-30 netted two arrests, marijuana, “spice” and methamphetamine Thursday afternoon, according to arrest reports.

Kaylee Leann Payne AKA Kaylee Hooks
(HCSO jail photo)

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Warren Williamson reported stopping a Hyundai Tucson at 1:22 p.m. Oct. 28, 2021, on Interstate 30 east near mile marker 110 for following too close to another vehicle.

Williamson detected a burnt marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle upon contacted with the two occupants, identified in arrest reports as driver Kody Allen Boner of Texarkana and passenger Kaylee Leann Payne of New Boston. Thus, a probable cause of the vehicle was conducted.

The highway patrol trooper, in arrest reports, alleged finding 26 grams of a clear, crystal substance between the driver’s and passenger’s seats, a marijuana roach and meth pipe in the passenger’s side door, and 15.9 ounces of suspected marijuana and 5.88 pounds of a substance suspected to be the synthetic cannabinoids known as spice in the rear cargo area. A package of small bags of the kind commonly used to package and distribute small quantities of narcotics or other illegal substances, and digital scales were also found.

Payne allegedly made a statement acknowledging the presence of meth in the vehicle and claimed ownership of it when the trooper advised her she was under arrest. Boner, who is also known by Cody Bonner, reportedly admitted to knowing the meth and bag with marijuana and spice were in the vehicle. Both were placed into custody and transported to jail. However, on the way to Hopkins County jail, Payne too was found to be in possession of about 3.5 tablets of Xanax or Alprazolam with a weight of less than 28 grams.

Kody Allen Boner AKA Cody Bonner
(HCSO jail photo)

Because of the large quantities of substance and presence of drug paraphernalia commonly used to package and distribute the substances, Williamson believed the Bowie County pair was operating together to not only possess the substances but also intended to deliver or distribute them. Thus, the 29-year-old Texarkana, Texas man and 24-year-old New Boston woman were each booked into Hopkins County jail shortly before 6 p.m. Oct. 28, 2021, on manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, manufacture or delivery of more than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2/2A controlled substance and possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charges.

Payne, who is also known by Kaylee Hooks, was charged with possession of less than 28 grams of the Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge for the pills found in her possession

Both Boner and Payne remained in Hopkins County jail Friday night, Oct. 29, 2021. Boner’s bonds totaled $110,000 – $50,000 each on the on the Penalty Group 1 and Penalty Group 2/SA controlled substance charges, and $10,000 on the marijuana charge. Payne’s bonds totaled $565,000 – $500,000 on the Penalty Group 1 charge, $50,000 on the Penalty Group 2/2A charge, $10,000 on the marijuana charge and $5,000 on the Penalty Group 3 controlled substance charge, according to jail reports posted at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

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.

Although Cases Continue To Decline, 3 Hopkins County COVID Deaths Confirmed For October

Posted by on 8:56 pm in Featured, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, Medical News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Although Cases Continue To Decline, 3 Hopkins County COVID Deaths Confirmed For October

Although Cases Continue To Decline, 3 Hopkins County COVID Deaths Confirmed For October

Although COVID-19 cases have continued to decline over the last month as vaccinations rose, three additional Hopkins County deaths were attributed to the virus, according to Texas Department of State Health Services Oct. 29, 2021 COVID-19 reports.

COVID Deaths

As of lunch time Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, a total of 146 Hopkins County residents have died from COVID-19, including three this month. Because coronavirus deaths are confirmed when the virus is listed by official as the “cause” of death on death certificates filed with the state vital statistics office and reported to DSHS, those numbers could and likely will increase as additional death certificates are filed for individuals whose addresses ended with a Hopkins County zip code.

New confirmed Hopkins County COVID fatalities by date of occurrence (DSHS County Trends Dashboard graph)

For instance, eight Hopkins County COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed and reported during the month of October, but all except three were for deaths that occurred in September. That increased the total number of COVID-19 deaths for September 2021 to 14, just one fewer than in August 2021.

One Hopkins County resident has been confirmed to have died on each of the following days as a direct result of COVID: Oct. 4, Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. That makes 62 Hopkins County residents who have died from COVID-19 in 2021. Added to the 84 COVID deaths recorded from July to Dec. 31, 2020 (no Hopkins County COVID deaths were confirmed to have occurred before July 2020) , that makes 146 Hopkins County residents who’ve died from coronavirus.

Case Counts

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Hopkins County has declined significantly since the last 6 weeks, dropping from 242 new cases the second week of September, to 125 new cases recorded the third week of September, 129 new cases the last full week of September and only 12 new cases the last 2 days of the month. The new case count has continued to fall every week in October, with 93 new cases (79 lab-confirmed and 14 probable) reported the first seven days of the month, 78 new cases (64 confirmed and 14 probable) the second week, 70 (55 confirmed, 15 probable) the third week, 52 new cases (41 confirmed and 11 probable) Oct. 22-28, and only three new cases (2 confirmed and 1 probable) on Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

DSHS COVID 19 Oct. 29, 2021 Texas Case Counts Dashboard chart

Overall, that makes 296 new Hopkins County coronavirus cases reported Oct. 1-29, 3,241 this year and 5,480 total COVID cases since March 21, 2020.

The lower case counts have lowered active case counts. On Sept. 14, the active case count had risen to a whopping 498 for Hopkins County, by Sept. 21 there were only 388 active cases. Active cases dipped to 306 on Sept. 30 and 237 the last day of the month, for an average daily active case count of 392 in September.

The active case count continued falling in October, with 220 active cases on Oct. 7, then 176 on Oct. 14, had dropped to 167 on Oct. 21 and on Oct. 28 was 130. At lunchtime Friday, Oct. 29, 2021, a total of 123 Hopkins County residents were reported to have COVID.

Fewer cases, mean fewer people who are need to recover, so those number too have been lower in October. A total of 123 recoveries were reported from Sept. 1-7; that number increased to 159 recoveries Sept. 8-14 and 220 recoveries Oct. 15-21. The weekly total number of recoveries have continued to decline since. A total of 712 recoveries were reported for Hopkins County Sept. 1-28, with 50 more on Dept. 29 and 31 on Sept. 30, for a monthly total of 793 recoveries.

During the first 29 days of October, a total of 405 recoveries had been reported, 109 recoveries the first week, 119 the second week, 74 the third week, 93 Oct. 22-28, and 10 on Oct. 29.

Testing, Vaccines

Total COVID tests conducted for Hopkins County (Table Credit: DSHS Testing and Hospital Data dashboard)

COVID testing in Hopkins County appeared to be declining weekly as well, with 790 tests conducted Oct. 1-7, 660 tests from Oct. 8-14, and 537 tests Oct. 15-21. However, from Oct. 22-28, a total of 789 COVID tests were conducted. A total of 411 antigen tests were conducted Oct. 22-28, twice the 205 reported Oct. 15-21, and still more than the 209 reported Oct. 1-7 and 296 antigen tests conducted Oct. 8-14. Molecular testing number haven’t fluctuated too much, from 319 to 385. The number of antibody COVID tests conducted remained a single digit for each 7-day period this month, except Oct. 15-21 when 13 antibody tests were conducted.

As of Oct. 28, a total of 28,762 doses of COVID vaccine had been administered to Hopkins County residents, 351 doses since Oct. 25, acording to DSHS Vaccine Data dashboard. As of Oct. 28, a total of 15,252 in Hopkins County had received at least one dose of the vaccine, another 13,426 were reported to be fully vaccinated and 1,200 people had received an additional or booster dose of the COVID vaccine.

Broken down, 429 youth ages 12-15 had received one dose of COVID vaccine and 345 were fully vaccinated as of the Oct. 28 DSHS COVID-19 Vaccination in Texas report.

In the largest vaccination group, ages 16-49 years, 4,707 in Hopkins had been fully vaccinated and 5,669 had received one dose of the vaccine. Of those age 50-64 years, 3,679 had been fully vaccinated and 4,084 had received a first dose of the vaccine. A total of 3,812 people ages 65 to 79 years had received one dose of COVID vaccine and 3,534 were reported to be fully vaccinated for COVID as of Oct. 28, 2021. In the final age group, those 80 years and older, a total of 1,157 were reported to be fully vaccinated in Hopkins County and 1,249 had received one dose of coronavirus vaccine. One final group, those for whom dose providers were unable to provide age demographics, showed 9 had gotten one dose of vaccine and four others were fully vaccinated as of Oct. 28.

Number of people fully vaccinated as of Oct. 28, 2021, in Hopkins County (DSHS Vaccine Data dashboard chart)

Also notable is the fact that in all age groups, except one, more females than males had received doses of the vaccine. In the youngest age group 12-15 years, the opposite was true: 176 males and 169 females have been fully vaccinated, and 217 males and 212 females had received one dose of the vaccine, according to he DSHS data.

Broken down by race and ethnicity, 54.22 percent (8,270 people) of people vaccinated in Hopkins County identified as White, 18.56 percent (2,831 people) identified as other, 15.12 percent (2,306) as Hispanic, 5.58 percent (851 people) as Black, 5.53 percent (844 people) as Unknown, and 0.98 percent (150 people) as Asian.

People fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in Hopkins County as of Oct. 28, 2021 (Table Credit: DSHS Vaccine Data dashboard)

Hopkins County Records – Oct. 29, 2021

Posted by on 5:56 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Hopkins County Records, Lifestyle, Local Business News, News, Sulphur Springs News | Comments Off on Hopkins County Records – Oct. 29, 2021

Hopkins County Records – Oct. 29, 2021

Land Deed Transactions

Record books at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office
  • Janice A. Wright and Charles R. Wright to Daniel Martin and Janet Martin; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey
  • Shawn Eric Parks to Deana Marie Parks; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • Jeff Jordan and Rhonda Jordan to Topnotch Farm LLC; tract in the HC Campbell survey
  • Loretta Cox to Jamie Lynn Barcus and Levi Andrew Barcus; tract in the Abner Chapman survey
  • Autry Joe Boyd and Kelley Boyd to Brittany Hammond and Heath Hammond; tract in the Dawson Stephenson survey
  • Billy W. Keeler and Karen A. Keeler to McIlrath Properties LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • Amritpal Singh to Sukhvinder Kaur and Amritpal Singh; tract in the Charles Zarco survey
  • Brannon Moore and Stacy Moore to Lyenda Johnston; tract in the Maria Santos survey
  • Reo Trust 2017-RPL1 AIF Rushmore Loan Management Services LLC to REO Trust 2017-RPL1 AIF Rushmore Loan Management Services LL, U S Bank Trust NA trustee; Wm H. Ravey survey
  • Martha J. Kemptner to Dereck Klemptner; tract in the Joseph B. Moore survey
  • WG Freeman to Ashley M. Smith and Christopher Smith; tract in the GW Downing survey
  • Mark Dean Brumley and Patricia Brumley who is also known as Patti Weber Brumley to Mark Dean Brumley and Patricia Ann Brumley, co-trustees for the Brumley revocable Trust; tract in the Seth Sheldon survey
  • CDJD LLC to APIF-Texas LLC; tract in the C. Gideon survey
  • Kenneth Wayne Crowson and Ruth Ann Crowson to Mary F. Hatch; tract in the WM Morse survey
  • Rebeca Aguayo, Rodrigo Aguayo, Cindy Gallo and Luciano Gallo to Elidia Macedo and Laurentino Macedo; tract in the Winney Jewell survey
  • Christopher G. Greaves to Dianne Kurn Green; tract in the RM Fant survey
  • Louise Mercer and Robert Mercer to Onna Janeen Francis and Richard J. Frances; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey
  • Allan Ray Duffey, Annie Sue Duffey, Curtis Marie Duffey, Johnny P. Duffey, Roy Duffey and Ethel Shaw to Larry D. Shaw; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey
  • April Rachelle Garcia and Issac E. Garcia to Dana Darlene Self; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • George P. Connally Jr., Patricia T. Connally, Anthony Rouleau and Taylor D. Rouleau to Scotty Prescott; tract in the E. Melton survey
  • Marcia L. Medeiros to Angela Dian Phifer and Michael Shane Phifer; tract in the John Clark survey
  • Irvin Glenn to Wayne Cooper; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • Mark Dean Brumley and Patricia Ann Brumley to Blazin R Ranch LLC; tract in the John Aldridge survey
  • Stanley M. Logan to Keith D. Logan; tract in the Agaton Caro survey
  • Cassie Wilson to Kylie Allemang; tract in the Walnut Hill Addition
  • Sulphur Springs Hopkins County ED C to Load Trail LLC; tract in the Elizabeth Mitchell survey
  • Charlotte E. McMullins and Marcia L. Mikles to Aaron Reynolds and Codi Reynolds; tract in the HD Parsons survey
  • Eric WIllis to Rosa Quintanilla and Louis Rosalez
  • Robert Evans Estate, Barbara Palmer independent executor, to Christopher Arlen Ray and Misty Michelle Ray; tract in the Ocela Barb survey
  • James L. Baxter Estate, Marilyn Baxter independently and as independent executor, to Markeda Fisher; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • Brandy Wright and Luke Wright to Aaron Morrow and Summer Morrow; tract in the AW Waller survey
  • Randall Lee Taylor to Logos Holdings LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey
  • Joyce Laverne Battle to Johnny Ray Sandel; tract in the George C. Roberts survey
Record books at a clerk’s office

Applications for Marriage Licenses

  • Jesse D. Butler and Alysia Leigh White
  • Charles Noel Grantham and Kay Cathryn Black
  • Timothy Ray Wright III and Karen Elizabeth Cortez
  • Nicholas Bert Reeves and Misty Jean Ewton
  • Chason Dakota Regan and Kayla Brooke Ford
  • Macias Bernardo Chavez and Madera Julia Muro
  • Jason Mathew Stump and Jessica Diane Abrams