Public Hearing Notices: Como-Pickton, Miller Grove, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff ISDs’ FIRST Ratings
- Miller Grove ISD will conduct a public meeting on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the High School Library to review and discuss the 2021 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating. This year’s rating of Above Standard is based on the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
- Saltillo ISD will conduct a public meeting on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Superintendent’s office to review and discuss the 2021 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating. This year’s rating of Superior is based on the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
- Sulphur Bluff ISD will conduct a public meeting on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room to review and discuss the 2021 School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating. This year’s rating of Superior is based on the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
- Como-Pickton School Board also recently announced the district will conduct a public hearing on Monday, December 13, at 6 p.m. in the Como-Pickton Conference Center, 13017 Texas Hwy 11 East, Como, Texas, to discuss results from the 2020-2021 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report.
Fitness Court Slab Latest Step In Pacific Park Improvements
The latest step in the Pacific Park improvements is the setting of the fitness court slab. The slab was in place Monday morning, Nov. 29, 2021. It is required to set for 28 days before any additional work is possible, according to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell.
Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski in July 2021, reminded the City Council that the outdoor fitness court is one of the things identified by the community during the planning process for an updated Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan for city recreational facilities.
City staff this year reached out to the National Fitness Campaign, a program offering grants of $25,000 to communities to help with this purpose. The city’s park facilities were evaluated. With the considerable investment being made at Pacific Park, the park was recommended as the location for an outdoor fitness court. NFC looked at it and the city was awarded at $25,000 grant for construction of an Outdoor Fitness Court in Pacific Park.
“This is an outdoor gym that offers free fitness opportunities to any residents and visitors and is fully accessible for all ages and abilities,” Niewiadomski explained at the July 2021 City Council meeting.
The National Fitness Campaign’s concept incorporates equipment for 7 movements (core, squat, push, lunge, pull agility and bend) that can be completed in 7 minutes, using the individual’s own body weight to get a “perfect workout.” The city officials played a short video from the 2021 NFC website about the purpose of the campaign and use of outdoor fitness courts.
The City Council at the July 2021 meeting approved a resolution adopting and allocating funds for an outdoor fitness court as part of the 2021 National Fitness Campaign.
Maxwell Nov. 29, 2021, expressed appreciation for the “generous contributions presented by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and Saputo that make the new court possible.”
The November 2019 voter-approved funding allowed for construction of a new Grays Building, which opened this past summer, along with new sidewalks around the building and front facing parking spaces. A Texas Parks & Wildlife grant will go toward additional renovations in the park.
Crews have already worked on some drainage issues around the park.
New playground equipment has been ordered through BuyBoard purchasing cooperative. The $245,000 project designed by MHS Planning & Design and provided by Whirlix was preferred by 84 percent of community members who responded to a March 2021 online survey.
On August 27, 2020, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Commission approved the City of Sulphur Springs grant request for $1.5 million with a $750,000 match contribution from the City of Sulphur Springs. TPWD then submitted our project to the National Park Service (NPS) for federal funding and it was anticipated that the City would receive a grant agreement from TPWD around March This has not happened yet due to COVID-19 at the federal level, Niewiadomski reported in September 2021.
As soon as the contract with TPWD is signed, the city expects to begin work on other improvements in Pacific Park, including the basketball pavilion and new restrooms. Walking paths and landscaping are expected to follow thereafter. Maxwell said funding allowing, city officials are hoping to be able irrigate the park so that it will continue to be lush like Celebration Plaza.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – Nov. 22-28, 2021
Winnsboro Police Department provided the following media report for the week of Nov. 22-28, 2021:
Arrests
- Matthew Jaeger, 28 years of age, of Leesburg, was arrested on Nov. 23, 2021, on multiple Winnsboro Municipal warrants and driving while license invalid with previous convictions.
- Levi McInnis, 28 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 24, 2021 on a Wood County warrant for making a false report to a police officer.
- Jason Hooten, 33 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on Nov. 28, 2021 for criminal trespass and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
- Brenda Durbin, 30 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on Nov. 28, 2021, criminal trespass.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 135 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 37 warnings during this reporting period.
Several On Golden Agers Gift Tree Have Yet To Be Adopted
The Senior Citizens Center each year hosts a Golden Agers Gift Tree, a concept similar to Angel Tree program, and there are still several yet to be adopted this year.
Community members who have a little extra to give are invited to stop by and select a senior citizen to adopt. Simply stop by the Senior Citizens Center and select one of the tag decorations on the tree. Each tag contains the name of a homebound senior citizen in this community, who likely won’t receive Christmas gifts this year, as well as a wish list of a few things each would like to receive as gifts. Then, shop for gifts fitted to the senior. Wrap the presents and return them to the tree at the Senior Citizens Center between Dec. 6 and Dec. 17.
The tree went up Nov. 16, 2021, and as of Nov. 29, still had Golden Agers that have yet to be adopted.
“I have 18 names left on the Golden Agers Gift Tree at the Senior Citizen Center. I hope someone will come an adopt them,” Senior Citizens Center Program/Marketing Director Karon Weatherman said at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.
Questions about the Golden Agers Gift Tree may be directed to Weatherman at 903-885-1661 or [email protected].
Wildcats Basketball Routs Henderson 73-43
The men’s basketball team had a successful outing on Saturday, Nov. 27 when they hosted Henderson, blowing out the Lions 73-43 at the SSHS Main Gym.
Coach Brandon Shaver’s squad once again had decently-even scoring from his varsity athletes; while Kordrick Turner once again lead the way in scoring at 14 points, Caleb Alexander also put up 10 against the Lions.
Sulphur Springs scored 21 in the first three quarters, running away with the non-district contest versus Henderson 73-43.
Branson Lynn scored nine for the Wildcats, and Justin Haire was a point behind Lynn at eight. Malachi Myles and Parker Whisenhunt versus the Lions got six and four, respectively.
Korderrian “Bull” Turner rounded out the scoring for Coach Shaver’s team with two.
Saturday’s win over Henderson gives the men’s basketball team a 5-0 record to begin their season.
The Wildcats will see if they can continue to build on their impressive start when they host Rockwall (2-3) on Tuesday, Nov. 30.
Freshmen will begin at 4:30 P.M. against the Yellowjackets, followed by JV at 6 P.M. and varsity at 7:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Meal A Day Menu For Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 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. 29-Dec. 3, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Chicken Breast, Stewed Potatoes and Gravy, Normandy Vegetables and a Roll.
- Tuesday – Barbecue Smoked Sausage, Baked Beans, Macaroni and Cheese, and Squash Casserole.
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll.
- Thursday – Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad.
- Friday – Chili Cheese Dogs, Cole Slaw and Chips.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
4 Men Jailed In 4 Days On Controlled Substance Charges
At least 4 men were jailed in 4 days on controlled substance charges, according to arrest reports.
Posey Lane Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tanner Steward and Deputy Isaac Foley stopped a Ford pickup at 8:02 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, on Posey Lane at Hines Street after observing the truck run a stop sign by failing to come to a complete stop at the intersection, according to arrest reports.
While talking to the man, Steward noticed the 39-year-old man in the red extended cab Ford wouldn’t make eye contact with him and appeared to be in hurry. When asked, he reportedly refused to let the officer search the truck. The deputies requested a police canine be brought to the location.
Ernesto Arellano Martinez complied when asked to exit hte vehicle. He retrieved his wallet as requested and, when asked permission to search it, the Sulphur Springs man admitted he had methamphetamine in his wallet in a folded dollar bill. Martinez was taken into custody and the vehicle search. No additional contraband was located during a search.
The substance field tested positive for meth and weighed 0.007 grams, the deputies noted in arrest reports. Martinez was booked into the county jail, where he remained Saturday afternoon, Nov. 27, 2021, in lieu of the $5,000 bond set on the possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance, according to jail reports.
Nov. 26 was the third time Martinez was booked into Hopkins County jail in 2021.
He also was jailed Aug. 21, 2021, on manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana; he was released from jail the next day on a $20,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $1,000 bond on the marijuana charge, jail records showed.
On Oct. 26, 2021, Martinez was jailed on a warrant for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1-B controlled substance, and two for insufficient bond on both Aug. 21, 2021 charges. He was released from jail on Nov. 1, 2021, on $255,000 in bonds – $100,000 on the manufacture or delivery charge, $75,000 on the Penalty Group 1-B charge, and $40,000 each on the two other charges, acording to jail records.
State Highway 19 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Davis stopped a GMC Sierra at 9:15 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, on State Highway 19 at the service road for failing to signal the required distance prior to turning. The passenger and owner of the pickup, Cody Earl Lee, allegedly admitted during the traffic stop that there was methamphetamine in the truck.
A handgun was found in the passenger’s side door. A glass pipe with a crystal-like substance the deputy believed to be meth was found under the passenger’s seat where Lee had been sitting. Stuffed in the stem of the pipe was a baggy containing more suspected meth. The 23-year-old was placed into custody and transported to jail at 9:55 p.m. Nov. 26, 2021, according to arrest reports.
The substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed 1.3 grams total including packaging. A review of his criminal history showed a 2019 felony convictions. Lee was booked into Hopkins County jail at 1:32 a.m. Nov. 27, 2021, for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. He remained in Hopkins County jail on both charges. Bonds totaled $20,000, $10,000 per charge, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Friday was the third time this year Lee was booked into Hopkins County jail. He was arrested Jan. 2, 2021, on a burglary of vehicles charge and bond defective on a possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana warrant. He spent the night in jail, then was released on a $5,000 bond per charge. Lee also was arrested Oct. 3, 2021, for theft of property and resisting arrest, search or transport; he was released from jail Nov. 1, 2021, on $2,000 bond per charge, according to jail reports.
Main Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman stopped a Ford F-150 at 12:53 p.m. Nov. 24, 2021, in the 1600 block of Main Street. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of nervousness, including excessive shaking of hands, elevated breathing and the carotid artery in his neck was pulsating rapidly. When asked about his nervousness and if he had anything illegal in his vehicle, Dustin Michael Caldwell admitted to having THC in the truck and a device he used to smoke it, Hoffman alleged in arrest reports.
Hoffman detained the 40-year-old Rowlett man in handcuffs and began searching the pickup. He reported finding a container with THC stored inside of it on the passenger’s side of the truck and a device used to smoke the THC in the front passenger’s seat, Hoffman noted in arrest reports. The car was towed and Caldwell was transported to jail and booked in at 3:29 p.m. Nov. 24, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance in a drug-free zone. He was released July 25, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Nov. 24 was Caldwell’s second time to be booked into Hopkins County jail this year. He was also arrested July 25, 2021, for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, then released later in the day on a $10,000 bond, according to jail reports.
SH 11 Traffic Stop
HCSO Deputy J. Davis stopped a Honda Odyssey with defective license plate and brake lights at 8:15 p.m. Nov. 13, 2021, on State Highway 11 at County Road 4725. Upon contact, the driver displayed signs of nervous behavior.
(HCSO jail photo)
When driver Daniel Hernandez Gonzales refused to let the deputy search his vehicle, Davis called for a police canine to respond at the location. The police dog arrived and gave a positive alert to the odor of contraband inside the vehicle. A search revealed a toiletry bag with several items of drug paraphernalia and baggy with a crystal-like substance which Davis believed to be methamphetamine, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
As he was being taken into custody at 8:49 p.m. Nov. 23, the 53-year-old Commerce man allegedly admitted the contraband was his. Gonzales was transported to jail, where the substance field-tested positive for meth and weighed approximately 2.8 grams, Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Gonzales remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Bond on the possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance. Bond was set at $10,000 on the felony charge, according to jail reports.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of November 29, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Nov. 29, 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.
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.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is expected to begin Nov. 29 on this new-location roadway. The new roadway will be a 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as workers build the new SH 34 bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1552, Fannin County: from SH 78 to County Road 3710. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 898, Fannin County: from the Grayson County line to SH 121. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 824, Fannin County: from SH 56 in Honey Grove to the Lamar County line. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from County Road 3330 to SH 34. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
SH 121, Fannin County: from the Collin County line to SH 56. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 82, Fannin County: from SH 121 to the Lamar County Line. Watch for slow-moving construction equipment as crews work on 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 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 work zones as crews perform tree trimming and 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.
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 79, Lamar County: from 0.6 miles Northeast of State Loop 286 to 0.8 miles Northeast of State Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews complete cross structure work.
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 SH 19 to FM 514 The contractor has set barricades and plans to begin preparing the right-of-way soon. The contractor has reworked base material and widened subgrade from Lake Fork Creek to the north for 1 mile, graded out and prepared for new flex base, and will began hauling base material on Nov. 19. The contractor began demolition on the bridge and will continue with cleanup operations in preparation for installation of drilled shafts. 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 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 six 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.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing seal coat preparation on FM 512 north of I-30 at various locations. 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 SH 276 to the Kaufman County line. 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.
###
Man Arrested On Felony DWI Charge After Allegedly Colliding With EMS Vehicle
A 67-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on a felony DWI charge after reportedly colliding with an EMS vehicle Thanksgiving night, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Silas Whaley and Sgt. Matt Glenn were reportedly in the 400 block of Atkins Street at 10:09 p.m. Nov. 25, 2021, for a medical call, when they saw a blue Lincoln MKZ collide with an EMS vehicle. Police noted the driver, identified in arrest reports as Terry Wayne Person, had urinated in his pants, smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage, had glassy blood shot eyes and slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet.
Officers attempted to conduct standard field sobriety testing on the man, but he refused to perform the tests, The officers made a probable cause determination that he had operated a vehicle in a public place while intoxicated based on the earlier mentioned and other signs of intoxication. He was placed into custody for suspicion of drunk driving.
Person agreed to having a blood sample taken for examination. The 67-year-old Sulphur Springs man was transported to the county jail, where he was booked for third or more DWI offense.
Jail records show Person was booked into Hopkins County jail on May 12, 1996, and was released May 12, 1996 on a $1,000 bond on a DWI charge. He also was assessed a 180-day commitment for DWI, and spent Sept. 8-Oct. 18, 1999 in the county jail on the charge, according to jail records.
The Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Friday evening, Nov. 26, 2021, in lieu of the $10,000 bond set on the third or more offense DWI charge, according to jail reports.
Christmas In Heritage Park Offered Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 2021
Hopkins County Historical Society will once again host Christmas in Heritage Park Saturdays, Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 2021, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
A $3 fee is asked for everyone age 7 and older, but children ages 6 or younger will be admitted free to enjoy the old fashioned Christmas in the Park with their families at Heritage Park, 416 North Jackson St.
Lots of door prizes will be awarded, and free hot cocoa and old fashioned cider, coffee and cookies will be free to enjoy.
The lighted trees are up, the buildings are decorated. Hopkins County Historical Society members invited all to come out and help celebrate this special time of the year at Christmas in the Park.
In addition to light displays and music while strolling the grounds, Santa will be available to visit with the young and young at heart. Marshmallows can be roasted over an open fire, roasted peanuts and popcorn are also available for a fee. The Country Store has been turned into a Christmas store. Hundreds of Christmas items are for sale. All proceeds from Christmas In Heritage Park will go toward maintenance and preservation of Heritage Park.
