Paris District Road Report for January 31, 2022
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district from Jan. 31, 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.
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.
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 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.
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. During the week of January 31, the San Miguel intersection with FM 1417 will be closed during the daytime in order for crews to install a storm drainage pipe across the roadway.
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. 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 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Tioga from Business US 377 to Main St. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on cleaning ditches.
SH 56, Grayson County, in Southmayd at McElroy Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on 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.
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 reestablishing vegetation on the project. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews complete the remaining work.
FM 68, Fannin County: from SH 78 to SH 34. 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.
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.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 44N to FM 44S. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews construct safety lighting.
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. Contractor is currently working on Santa Fe street and is near 50 percent complete. 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 FM1560. The contractor set barricades and bulletin boards and advance warning signs. The contractor has begun preparing the right-of-way. The contractor has started grading existing ditches at cross structures for rock filter dams and silt fence installation at various locations. Operations for temporary shoring will begin shortly.
FM 275, Rains County: from SH 19 to FM 514. The contractor has reworked base material and widened subgrade from Lake Fork Creek to the north for one mile, graded out and prepared for new flex base, and begun hauling base material. The contractor has demolished the bridge and will continue placing flex base on the first mile. The contractor began excavating, grading and installing riprap 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. 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 finishing up with Mile 6 to SH 34 this week, geo-grid has been installed in the lane areas. Eight inches of flex base is nearly complete. The contractor is compacting and grading the roadway, preparing for density testing and prime coat. Please be aware of lane closures and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing seal coat preparation on FM 816 north of Wolfe City from SH 34 to the County line. 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 I-30 south frontage road from CR3102 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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Quitman Teen Jailed On A Continuous Sexual Abuse Of A Child Under 14 Warrant
A Quitman Teen was jailed on a continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age warrant, according to
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dan Turrentine took Ryan Andrew Budz into custody at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at a State Highway 11 east business in Como on the warrant.
The 17-year-old Quitman resident was transported to jail, where he was booked in to at 4:24 p.m. Jan. 28, and remained Jan. 29, 2021, on the felony warrant. Bond was recommended at $75,000, but had yet to be set Saturday morning, according to arrest and 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.
Free COVID-19 Vaccinations Offered Feb. 1 By Hopkins County Emergency Management
Free COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, by Hopkins County Emergency Management at 128-A Jefferson Street in Sulphur Springs. Booster vaccines will also be available at the event. The clinic is for adults, students and children 5 and older. No insurance is required, but a parent or guardian must attend with children. Register in person at the event.
Friday Game Day Has Four Teams In District Action
Friday, Jan. 28 is an action packed game day with four squads locked in for district play.
Basketball takes on Pine Tree as district play continues for both teams, while soccer begin district play today.
Lady Cats basketball are the first team up on Friday, Jan. 28 at Pine Tree.
Coach Erica Delley’s squad played a good game Tuesday but could not pull out the win, falling to Marshall 48-41 on Tuesday.
Sulphur Springs hopes to stay in the playoff race by getting a win over the Lady Pirates which would keep them within two games of Hallsville.
That game tips off tonight in Longview at 6:15 P.M.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s Wildcats also take on Pine Tree, but at home in the SSHS Main Gym.
The men’s basketball team got the win on the road Tuesday in Marshall, beating the Mavs 58-47 to stay tied with Mount Pleasant in second at 5-2 in district.
The Tigers currently hold the tiebreaker over Coach Shaver’s squad after Mount Pleasant’s 53-51 comeback win over the Wildcats on Tuesday, Jan. 18.
Sulphur Springs looks to make it three straight wins if they can beat Pine Tree at home today.
That game tips off in the SSHS Main Gym tonight at 7 P.M.
Moving over to soccer, both squads begin district play tonight as they take on Longview. Both teams have a 7:15 start time tonight as the real test begins.
Lady Cats soccer are at home on this Friday game day, hosting Longview.
Coach Javier Aguayo’s team host the reigning district champ Lady Lobos on Friday, Jan. 28.
Women’s soccer scored three goals in the first half to get a win over North Lamar Tuesday to end their pre-season with a 3-6-2 record.
The Lady Cats look to extend their win streak to two if they can start district play on the right foot by getting a win over Longview.
That match kicks off tonight at the Prim at 7:15 P.M.
Wildcats soccer also take on the Lobos, but in Longview.
Coach Alexi Upton’s team blew out North Lamar Tuesday 13-0 and hope to win their second straight contest Friday.
The win over the Panthers on Tuesday, Jan. 24 gave men’s soccer their first win on the season.
Tuesday’s win in Paris was the first in pre-season (or non-district play) for Wildcats soccer.
They have a tough one ahead of them taking on the Lobos in Longview on Friday, Jan. 28 at 7:15 P.M.
Men’s soccer enters district play with a 1-9-2 season record.
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.
Brooklynn Burnside Signs Letter To Play at Cisco
Senior Brooklynn Burnside, a four-year member of the Lady Cats varsity volleyball team, signed a letter of intent Friday, Jan. 28 to play on at the next level at Cisco College.
Burnside is the daughter of Gohn and Tammy Burnside.
The Lady Cats senior made the trip out west to Cisco on December 1, 2021, when she also met the coaching staff.
Burnside said she thought Cisco College was the right fit for her thanks to the small town feel, something the senior is accustomed to.
The four-year member of Lady Cats varsity volleyball said that Cisco just felt like home.
“I really wanted to play on [in college],” Burnside said. The senior added that she did not want to stop playing after high school had concluded for her.
While the senior’s major in college is currently undecided, the Cisco signee said she wants to major in dietetics.
Lady Cats varsity volleyball coach Bailey Dorner, who coached Burnside for three of her four years on varsity said she has been impressed by how much growth the senior has shown over three years.
Coach Dorner said she’s seen growth from Burnside “Not just as a player, but just her confidence level [in herself].”
The Lady Cats coach said as a sophomore the Cisco signee was talented, but unsure at times.
“The main thing [I’ve seen her grow] aside from her skills just growing is her confidence in herself and her confidence in her teammates,” Coach Dorner said. “She just loves the game,” the Lady Cats coach said.
Her love of the game and the dedication she demonstrated both during matches and between them in practice allowed Burnside to get an offer to play on in college at Cisco.
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.
Rowlett Man, 2 Juveniles Jailed Following A Pursuit, Livestock Cruelty Complaint
A 19-year-old Rowlett teen and 2 juveniles taken into custody following a vehicle pursuit from Saltillo to Sulphur Springs and livestock cruelty complaint earlier this week, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies Elijah Fite and Zack Steward were dispatched Jan. 24, 2022, in the area of FM 900 north, where a cow had reportedly been shot. A Saltillo ISD officer also responded, reporting he’d spotted the suspect vehicle.
The Saltillo ISD officer attempted to stop the silver Kia, but the car fled. The Saltillo officer pursued the car. Steward entered the pursuit on the south service road at FM 69, which continued west. A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper took the lead as the vehicle as it passed Motel 6. The car then turned onto Jefferson Street and continued toward downtown. When the car turned onto Lundy, three occupants bailed out and took off running. They were caught shortly thereafter. Deputy Kevin Lester also assisted at the location. Two juveniles were taken to the sheriff’s office for processing as was 19-year-old Nicholas Wade Maddalena of Rowlett at 3:19 p.m.
Maddalena was booked into Hopkins County jail at 6 p.m. Jan. 24, 2022 on cruelty to livestock and tampering with evidence charges, according to arrest reports. He also was charged with criminal mischief-using a firearm or weapon to cause the death of livestock and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, according to jail reports.
The 19-year-old Rowlett man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday morning, Jan. 28, 2022. Maddalena’ bonds totaled $25,000: $5,000 each on the tampering, evading and cruelty to livestock charges; and $10,000 on the criminal mischief 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.
Sulphur Bluff Man Accused Of Discharging Firearm Toward Firefighters, Damaging School Scoreboard
January 22, 2022 – A 38-year-old Sulphur Bluff man is accused of discharging a firearm toward firefighters and damaging a school scoreboard, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators arrived at the man’s FM 71 residence Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 26, 2022, to serve warrants issued following investigation of the incident, alleged to have occurred around 4:20 p.m. Jan. 17.
The man was alleged to have discharged his firearms in the area near his residence, located within 300 feet of Sulphur Bluff ISD. During their investigation, deputies determined that rounds from his firearms traveled into the location where first responders were putting out a fire, striking tree branches above them. Rounds traveled through the items he was shooting at and struck school property, east of his property. The school baseball scoreboard was damaged, deputies alleged in arrest reports.
The 38-year-old resident, identified as Khary Rashann Hadnot, was taken into custody at 12:59 p.m. and transported to the county jail. Investigators and other deputies remained on scene to execute a search warrant issued for his residence to “process the scene”.
Hadnot was booked into Hopkins County jail at 3:19 p.m. Jan. 26, 2022, on warrants for deadly conduct and criminal mischief resulting in $2,500-$30,000 worth of damage in connection with the Jan. 17 incident. He was released from jail Thursday, on a $10,000 bond on the deadly conduct charge and a $5,000 bond on the criminal mischief charge.
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.
Bright Star Academy Musicians Win Top Awards
Five members of the Bright Star Academy Band were awarded positions in Region and Four States Honor Bands for the school year.
Winning positions in the All-Region Junior High Honor Bands were: Rachel McClain (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris McClain) on clarinet, and Boomer Fondren (son of Mr. and Mrs. Tuffy Fondren) on trumpet.
Winning a position on trombone in the All-Region 9th grade All-Region Band was Cason Fitch (son of Mr. and Mrs. Jered Fitch). Cason also advanced to a position in the All-Region Concert Band.
Winning chairs in the High School All-Region Bands were: Riley Choate (daughter of Cynthia and Russell Choate) on clarinet, and Mika Petty (son of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Petty) on saxophone. Mika also won a position in the Region 4 All-Region Honor Jazz Band.
Also winning positions in the Four States Honor Band (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas) were Riley Choate and Mika Petty.
Band directors at Bright Star Academy are Richard Shanks and Jeff Smith.
Photo provided by Jennifer Arden, Administrator, Bright Star Christian Academy
New Vice President Elected, Candidate Filing For 2 Seats On Hospital District Board Opens
Bylaws, Tax Abatement Policy Being Reviewed; EMS Positions Available
Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors elected a new vice president, reviewed bylaws and the district tax abatement policy, received an update on EMS operations and construction progress Tuesday evening.
Board Positions
HCHD Board member Chris Brown was elected by his fellow board members to serve as vice president. He replaces Dr. William Dietze, who resigned from his position effective during the latter part of 2021. While Eimy Medina and Tammy Wright were appointed in December to fill two openings on the hospital district board (the other was vacated by Tim Kelty), that still left HCHD Board of Directors without a vice president.
Brown was appointed in January 2022 to serve as vice president. Kerry Law will continue to chair the HCHD board as president and Dr. David Black continues as secretary of the HCHD board.
Candidate filing for two seats on the May hospital district board ballot is opening. Currently, serving in those seats are Law and Joe Bob Burgin. Anyone interested in filing candidacy for those seats should visit the HCHD Headquarters/EMS Station at 1321 North Davis Street and return the required paperwork by the end of March. Candidates must living within Hopkins County Hospital District, be a registered voter, and pass a background check with no felony convictions.
Tax Abatement Policies, Bylaws
Sulphur Springs-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Roger Feagley presented to the board a proposed update of the tax abatement policy, which he explained must be updated ever couple of years. The policy as proposed would not change much, but allow the HCHD board to consider granting requests for the tax incentives to businesses for expansions and economic development.
HCHD CEO Brent Smith noted the hospital district follows the city and county in considering granting tax abatements in increments of 5 and 10 years.
The board also at the Jan. 25 meeting reviewed the HCHD bylaws. These are being updated to correct any typos or small errors and make sure all of the name references are current.
Construction Update
Construction on the new EMS station/HCHD headquarters continues to progress. The last of the concrete is scheduled to be poured this week, weather permitting. The new facility is still on schedule to be completed at the end of June. So far, $1.3 million of the $4.5 million budget has been spent since May 2020, including architectural fees.
Financial Matters
The regular annual and bimonthly fiscal reports were given to the board and approved without discussion, according to Smith. The approved consent agenda included nursing home reports.
The district updated its property insurance with Texas Municipal League, which is projected to save HCHD $110,000 a year. This is due largely to the particulars in the lease agreement struck with CHRISTUS.
The District is preparing for the annual audit, which is expected to be presented on schedule in March.
EMS Update
Smith, who also is the EMS Director, reported call volumes were down 12 percent compared to December 2020, when ambulance personnel responded to the most calls in recent history due to surges in COVID-19 cases.
Hopkins County EMS’s medical director and that of the ER is scheduled to attend a state conference to network with others in the field at the state level. That should not only validates what Hopkins County EMS does in the course of their daily duties in the field, but may provide the medical director with additional ideas for changes that can improve Hopkins County EMS’ procedures and operations, according to Smith.
Hopkins County EMS currently has three full-time positions open for qualified applicants, the HCHD CEO/EMS director reported.
COVID Update
Hopkins County EMS has had 8 crew members out with COVID-19 and illness during the past 3-4 months. Typically, Smith noted, each crews member missed only one shift, 2 at the most, as the shifts are 24 hours each, then 48 hours off, giving about 5 off days around each missed shift for rest and recovery. Most reported only mild or no symptoms at all. Often, the latter is COVID tested after exposure to spouse or family member who tested positive for the virus. The majority are vaccinated or have immunity.
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Paul Harvey, in his hospital update, reported a higher volume of COVID cases at the hospital this month as well. The hospital over the last week has had over 30 COVID cases, up from a low of 2 at one point about one month before
Constitutional Amendment Order Decided for May 7, 2022 Election
Both Propositions’ Involve Homestead Exemption
AUSTIN — Texas Deputy Secretary of State Joe Esparza today drew the ballot order for the two proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that will appear on the ballot for the May 7, 2022 Election. In order to appear on the ballot, the proposed amendments must be approved by at least two-thirds of the members of both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives.
Texans will have the opportunity to approve the following amendments with a majority vote:
Proposition 1 (SJR 2 – 87th Legislature, 2nd Special Session)
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled to reflect any statutory reduction from the preceding tax year in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the homestead.”
SJR 2 (87th Legislature, 2nd Special Session) proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the reduction of the amount of a limitation on the total amount of property taxes that may be imposed for general elementary and secondary public school purposes on the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled in order to reflect any statutory reduction in the maximum compressed rate of the maintenance and operations taxes imposed for those purposes on the person’s homestead from the preceding tax year.
Proposition 2 (SJR 2 – 87th Legislature, 3rd Special Session)
“The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.”
SJR 2 (87th Legislature, 3rd Special Session) proposes a constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from property taxes for public school purposes from $25,000 to $40,000.
For more information and resources for voting in Texas, visit VoteTexas.gov.
