Visit Charleston, Texas, it’s a Sight!
At times, Charleston, Texas can be an exciting place! Like back in 1910 when a 500-pound meteorite fell to earth near the burg of Charleston during the passage of Halley’s Comet, bringing some publicity to the community. Nowadays, it’s exciting when hunters and fishermen come through on their way to their best spots on the South Sulphur River. And definitely during wedding season, when the Charleston Sky venue brings new folks to town. During the Halloween weekend 2021, I visited Charleston and found it to still be a ‘scream’!
HERE’S SOME FACTS ABOUT CHARLESTON, TEXAS FROM THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION.
Charleston is on Farm Road 895 some nine miles east of Cooper in southeastern Delta County. It is bordered by Evans Branch on the east and McGuyer Branch on the west. The area, originally part of the D. A. Sey Survey, was within Hopkins County until Delta County was formed in 1870. Settlers in 1854 traveled from Charleston, South Carolina, and named the site for their former home. Local residents exploited the abundance of oak and elm trees, and the first local industry was hardwood lumbering.
In 1857 a post office opened at the community, with Zachariah R. Terrell as postmaster. In 1861, during the Civil War, local citizens organized the first Texas militia brigade and chose to fight for the Confederacy. The Charleston school district was organized in 1867. When Delta County and its county seat, Cooper, were established in 1870, the new shipping center attracted much of Charleston’s business. In 1884 Charleston had 250 residents, three cotton gins, several stores, two wagonmaking enterprises, a flour mill, a sawmill, a gristmill, a church, and a school.
In 1890 mail was delivered tri-weekly from Paris. The population of Charleston had increased to 400 by 1892, when the community also had a weekly newspaper, the News, and a new municipal government. From 1892 to 1897 A. J. Street conducted a teacher-training school in the community. In 1904 the town had 183 inhabitants. Near Charleston, on May 19, 1910, a 500-pound meteorite fell to earth during the passage of Halley’s Comet, bringing some publicity to the community. In the 1920s and 1930s Charleston reported a population of 225, a school, a church, a cemetery, and five or six businesses, including a factory. In 1930 the local school was merged with the Vasco, Cleveland, and Long Ridge districts. Ten years later the school was in East Delta Number 2 District.
By 1950 Charleston’s population was 150. A 1964 map showed two churches, a cemetery, and a cluster of dwellings at the site on Farm Road 895. By 1970 local children attended classes within the Cooper Independent School District. The Charleston post office closed in 1972. By 1976 area residents had built the Charleston Community Center. In 2000 the community’s population was 120.
Winners of the Senior Citizen Center Halloween Party Costume Contest
Winners of the Senior Citizen Center Halloween Party Costume Contest
Nov. 2, 2021 Is Election Day For Texas Constitutional Amendments, North Hopkins ISD Trustees, Cumby City Council Elections
Texas voters will have one last opportunity this week to vote in the Constitutional Amendments Election, while voters living in Cumby city limits will be asked to determined who is elected to two places on the City Council and voters within North Hopkins County school district will determine who is elected to the board of trustees. Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, is Election Day.
Early voting in Hopkins County in the state election was light, with only 380 ballots cast in person and 17 by mail as of Oct. 29, 2021. That’s only 1.58 percent of the 24,119 registered voters casting ballots in person and a total of 1.64 percent of voters total casting early ballots in Hopkins County, according to information submitted by election officials to and posted on the Secretary of State’s Office website.
got off to a slow start last Monday and continued voter turn out has continued to be low in the Nov. 2, 2021 Constitutional Amendment, North Hopkins ISD trustees and Cumby City Council Elections. A total of 20 ballots were cast by Hopkins County voters during the first day of the early voting period. When the poll closed Tuesday, a total of 194 ballots had been cast; 39 more voters visited the polls through 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, for a total of 233 ballots cast as of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, according to the voter totals posted by the election judge Wednesday evening. Low voter turnout is not uncommon for Constitutional Amendment Elections.
Where To Vote
On Election Day, Nov. 2, 2021, voters may cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at any of the 12 designated voting locations:
North Hopkins ISD Election
Hopkins County voters who reside within North Hopkins ISD will be asked to choose up to two candidates to fill two trustees seats on NHISD Board of Trustees.Candidates are selected at-large, so the two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to serve a full three-year term on the school board.
Candidates for the school election include Ellis Dicus, Robert McPherson, Jennifer Harrington and Michael S. James.
The NHISD General Election appears after the eight Texas Constitutional Amendments on the sample ballot. (Trustees election sample ballot pictured at right or click here for a full sample ballot, including NHISD Trustees election.)
Cumby Election
The City of Cumby is holding a General Election for Alderman Places 3, 4 and 5 on the City Council. The Council had originally called for a Special Election to fill Alderman Places 1 and 2 on the City Council as well, but reportedly canceled the special election due to lack of candidates
The Cumby General Election is listed at the end of the sample ballot (At left). Neither Wayne Mobley nor Ryan Horne drew challengers for another term on the City Council, thus, Mobley is the only candidate for Alderman Place 3 and Horne the lone candidate on the ballot for Alderman Place 5 on Cumby City Council.
Cumby voters will be asked to choose between Allie Crocker and Katherine Flinn for Alderman Place 4 to serve a full term on the City Council. (Click here to view or download a full sample ballot Cumby City Council.)
Constitutional Amendments Election
All registered Hopkins County voters also have the opportunity to select their choices on eight Texas Constitutional Amendment Propositions. Voters will be asked to vote either for or against the following propositions:
- Proposition Number 1 – HJR 143 proposes a constitutional amendment expanding the circumstances in which a professional sports team charitable foundation may conduct raffles to raise money for the foundation’s charitable purposes. The proposed amendment would allow professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to hold charitable raffles at rodeo events.
- Proposition Number 2 – HJR 99 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to authorize a county to issue bonds or notes to finance the development or redevelopment of an unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted area within the county and to pledge for repayment of those bonds or notes increases in property tax revenues imposed on property in the area by the county. The Texas Constitution gives the legislature the power to authorize an incorporated city or town to issue such bonds or notes but does not expressly give the legislature the power to grant that same authority to counties. The proposed amendment also provides that a county that issues bonds or notes for transportation improvements may not pledge for the repayment of those bonds or notes more than 65 percent of the increases in ad valorem tax revenues each year, and a county may not use proceeds from the bonds or notes to finance the construction, operation, maintenance, or acquisition of rights-of-way of a toll road.
- Proposition Number 3 – SJR 27 proposes a constitutional amendment barring the State of Texas or a political subdivision from enacting, adopting, or issuing a statute, order, proclamation, decision, or rule that prohibits or limits religious services. The proposed amendment would apply to religious services, including those conducted in churches, congregations, and places of worship, in the state by a religious organization established to support and serve the propagation of a sincerely held religious belief.
- Proposition Number 4 – SJR 47 proposes a constitutional amendment changing certain eligibility requirements for a justice of the Supreme Court, a judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge. The proposed amendment provides that a person is eligible to serve on the Supreme Court if the person, among other qualifications, is licensed to practice law in Texas; is a resident of Texas at the time of election; has been either a practicing lawyer licensed in Texas for at least ten years or a practicing lawyer licensed in Texas and a judge of a state court or county court established by the legislature for a combined total of at least ten years; and during that time has not had the person’s license to practice law revoked, suspended, or subject to a probated suspension. The same eligibility requirements would apply to a judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals and to a justice of a court of appeals. The proposed amendment further provides that to be eligible for appointment or election as a district judge, a person must be a resident of Texas; be licensed to practice law in Texas; and have been a practicing lawyer or a judge of a court in Texas, or both combined, for eight years preceding the person’s election, during which time the person’s license to practice law has not been revoked, suspended, or subject to a probated suspension.
- Proposition Number 5 – HJR 165 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC) to accept complaints or reports, conduct investigations, and take any other authorized action with respect to a candidate for a state judicial office. Currently, the Texas Constitution only permits the SCJC to take such actions as to persons holding a judicial office.
- Proposition Number 6 -SJR 19 proposes a constitutional amendment establishing that residents of certain facilities have the right to designate an essential caregiver with whom the facility may not prohibit in-person visitation. The proposed amendment would apply to a nursing facility, assisted living facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability, residence providing home and community-based services, or state supported living center. The proposed amendment also would authorize the legislature to provide guidelines for these facilities to follow in establishing essential caregiver visitation policies and procedures.
- Proposition Number 7 – HJR 125 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting a person who is 55 years of age or older at the time of death of their spouse who is receiving a limitation on school district property taxes on their residence homestead on the basis of a disability to continue receiving the limitation while the property remains the surviving spouse’s residence homestead.
- Proposition Number 8 – SJR 35 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a member of the United States armed services who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. The Texas Constitution provides a property tax exemption to the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services who is killed in action, but the current exemption does not include members of the military who die during their service due to injuries sustained that are not combat-related.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 — 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
At least three men were jailed in Hopkins County on felony charges earlier this week, according to arrest and jail reports.
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.
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 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
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:
- 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
