Winnsboro Police Department Media Report – July 5-11, 2021
The Winnnsboro Police Department’s weekly media report for July 5-11, 2021, included the following:
Arrests
- Leslie Wagner, 39 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on July 5, 2021, for Criminal Trespass.
- Bobby McKenzie Jr., 40 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on July 11, 2021, on a Texas Department of Criminal Justice parole warrant.
Calls for Service
- The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 144 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
- The Winnsboro Police Department issued 49 citations and 61 warnings during this reporting period.
Round Two of the Texas WaterX Series in Llano Last Weekend
July 3rd weekend local Sulphur Springs and Jettribe “Race Family” riders Andrew Vo and Brian Snyder traveled to Llano, Texas for Round 2 of the Jettribe Texas IJSBA WaterX Championship.
It was an awesome scenic drive from Sulphur Springs.
Much thanks and gratitude to the City of Llano for once again hosting the jet ski race at their annual “Rock’N River Fest” event.
Riders from the surrounding states attended this family 4th of July weekend and competed amongst a stacked line-up of professional riders to build points for the upcoming Jettribe Texas IJSBA State Championship in Sulphur Springs July 24th and 25th.
The City of Llano rolled out the red carpet for the incoming racers with banners and billboards. The local government support was beyond what was expected. The race site was situated in a park alongside the Llano river.
There was awesome live music and local food vendors to entice all taste buds. Each night ended with an amazing fireworks show.
Your local Sulphur Springs’ racers Andrew Vo and Brian Snyder “a favorite for the win” came into the second round of the Jettribe Texas Championship on cloud nine from their first place overall podium finish at last month’s race in Somerville, TX.
However, with power sport racing anything can happen…
Brian Synder, a former Californian, competed on his 2020 Kawasaki 1500cc SXR stand-up ski with some newly modified motor work and enhanced handling components.
Andrew Vo, who also recently relocated to Texas from California, raced his new 2021 Yamaha 1050cc Superjet for the first time.
Due to some electrical gremlins, Andrew’s ski would not fire up until the day before the race.
Hats off to Tim Miller, a Pro Racer who owns Deplorable, Power Sport out of Waco, for his determination that Andrew would race on his own ski Saturday morning!
Tim worked tirelessly and methodically on the electrical issue and miraculously Andrew’s ski roared to life that night!
Saturday morning was race day and crowds were gathering, the National Anthem played, and racers went to the mandatory riders’ briefing. Following the meeting all junior racers attended a racer’s clinic for race safety and sportsmanship.
Jettribe expressed their gratitude to the “Junior Stars” instructors who came in from Florida to make this happen for the junior racers. Jet ski racing is a dangerous sport, and the kids were fortunate to have the best gear and training.
Just imagine a 65lb junior rider on a 450lb 1050cc stand-up jet ski that puts out 100hp stock out of the box!
After lunch and the crowd-pleasing Jet Ski Freestyle show, the race officially started. Throughout the race site you could hear and feel the familiar sound of crackling race ski engines, the smell of the two stroke premix VP race fumes, and the low rumbling of the powerful 4 strokes motors with turbos.
Announcers called each race class to the line (about 24 individual race classes in all) with various age groups and all kinds of race skis and experience levels.
Andrew Vo normally races the beginner junior class in the 10 – 12-year-old group, since this is only his second race. Unbeknownst to his parents and Andrew, he was mistakenly entered in the older and advanced group of Juniors Lites 4 strokes skis.
The Jettribe team was too nervous and focused on the starting line, and the fact that Andrew had not had any practice time on his new ski, to notice all of the racers were an age group older and more experienced.
The next thing they knew all riders were lined up at the starting line, the starting band snapped, the gate opened and all skis jets were down the straight away!
To the team’s amazement, as the pack of junior racers cornered their first left turn buoy, Andrew was able to narrowly grab the coveted “hole shot” from the pack of hungry riders.
Andrew was able to fight off the pack for about 2 laps until Hendrix Smith (Andrew’s friend and teammate) swept past Andrew on the back straights. Andrew held on to a solid second place as he cornered the last buoy for the “hallelujah” checkered flag.
However, in a heartbreaking moment, Andrew fell and his ski got away from him just short of the finish line. Jettribe’s respect and gratitude go to the safety course marshals for quickly fishing Andrew from the water and using a yellow caution flag as the rest of the riders headed towards the finish line.
Brian Synder (a favor for the podium) continues to be a Cinderella story as lightning did strike twice! He raced his stand-up ski in a stacked line-up of riders and achieved a clean sweep all weekend.
On his 1500cc Kawasaki SXR he rocketed first out of the starting gate, kept his lead, and fought off passing riders with his huge wake.
Brian took first overall for Llano Round 2, as well as first place and overall points from Round 1 of the WaterX Series in Somerville.
Stay tuned as the last and final round of the Jettribe Texas WaterX Championship will take place right here for the first time in Sulphur Springs July 24th and 25th.
Head out to the north shore of Lake Coleman and cheer on your home grown jet ski racers! The overall point winners at this event will be crowned IJSBA Texas State Champions!
Sulphur Springs Student Among Top 10 In State FFA Junior Prepared Public Speaking Event
Sulphur Springs High School sophomore Rylie Carroll competed at the Texas FFA State Convention in Fort Worth last week. The Sulphur Springs student finished 9th in the state in junior prepared public speaking.
“We are so proud of Rylie and all her current and future successes!” said Taylor Thompson, SSHS agriculture teacher.
“We are proud of this accomplishment for this student in our FFA program,” added Jenny Arledge, Director of College & Career Readiness, and Career & Technical Education.
Sulphur Springs ISD Trustees To Hold Budget Workshop, Receive ESSER Updates, Discuss UIL For Home School Students
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees are scheduled to hold a budget workshop, receive ESSER updates, discuss offering UIL for home schooled students in Sulphur Springs.
Budget, ESSER funding
The trustees budget workshop will be the second held this summer by the SSISD Board of Trustees.
During the first workshop SSISD Business Manager Sherry McGraw presented a preliminary budget, which featured revenue based on the newest state template, estimated county tax values for local revenue and state values for state revenue, with student counts based on “hold harmless numbers” from the state. Expenditures included campus requests and estimated payroll increases but did not include employee turnover.
As of the June 15 meeting, the district anticipated payroll, including stipends for extracurricular activities sponsorship was estimated to be $34,123,990, down $21,513 from the actual 2021 budget. Increases for all employees were estimated at $669,589, with new positions projected to cost another $221,856. That put payroll at $35,015,435.
Regular budgets were projected to be $7,059,807, which is would be $386,326 less than in the 2021 actual budget. Another $176,730 was estimated for one-time projects. Combined, that would bring the total 2021-22 budget to $42,251,972, which is an increase of $660,336 over the 2021 actual budget.
McGraw said based on estimated numbers available on June 12, revenues at that point were expected to be $41,691,459, with $21,633,034 coming from state revenue (based on the template provided), $16,427,436 from local tax revenue ($0.872) factored at a tax collection rate of 99 percent and 2021 estimated property values. and $3,630,989 from other revenue sources which could include tax penalties, federal, athletics and TRS on-behalf (teacher retirement). While that shows expenditures outpacing revenues in the 2021-22 budget by $560,513, McGraw anticipated that would not be the case after Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding is factored in.
Among the proposed uses for the ESSER funds are certain salary costs, as well as heating and air conditioning and custodial purposes, which should reduce payroll. An adjustment for CTE numbers alone should take care of the overage initially projected, according to school reports. The district too has applied for funding from the American Rescue Plan for the Head Start program to go toward a bus for the program.
SSISD Superintendent Michael Lamb is scheduled to present information to the board during the July 12 meeting about the ESSER III program then later ask the trustees to consider approving ESSER stipends.
The trustees Monday, July 12, are slated to receive an updated budget, with revenue based on the most recent template, estimated county tax values for local revenues and state values for state revenue. Student counts used would still be based on “hold harmless” number from the state with some possible adjustments. Expenditures, according to the budget calendar presented by McGraw in May 2021, in the preliminary budget to be presented during the 6 p.m. meeting will include campus budget requests, payroll increases, employee turnover and any new expenditures. Trustees also this evening will also be asked to approve budget amendments for Sept. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.
During the Aug. 9 board meeting trustees will be asked to adopt the 2021-22 budget and tax rate. This will include figures based on certified values for local revenues and state values for state revenue. Final student counts too will be reflected in revenues. Expenditures are to include all changes to payroll, all campus budgets, and any new expenses that have been identified. Another special meeting is planned for noon, Aug. 27, for the school board to approved an amended 2020-21 budget so the district can close out the books on the fiscal year which ends Aug. 31, 2021, with any changes since the budget was approved last August and June 30, 2021.
Also On The Agenda
Lamb too is slated to present during the administrative reports portion of the meeting for board members to review Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Localized Policy Manual Update 117.
McGraw is slated to present for board approval a request for proposals received from vendors.
Director of Maintenance Dan Froneberger has presented for board approval a proposal for district lawn care services as well as a proposal for cleaning, seal coating and striping of the west parking lot at Gerald Prim Stadium.
Superintendent Lamb is scheduled to present for board member approval proposed changes to the district transfer policy FDA(local) policy and providing UIL participation opportunities for home school students.
After the budget work session, slated after action items on the July 12 agenda, trustees will enter into executive session to discuss any personnel or real property decisions that have arisen since their last meeting. They will reconvene in regular open session to take action, if any is needed, on items pushed forward from the closed session for official action by the school board.
School board meetings are held regularly the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Board Room (located at the back) in the SSISD Administration Building, 631 Connally St.
ICYMI: 2021 Wildcat Football Online Season Tickets Update
REMINDER – All 2019 Wildcat Football season ticket holders should have received an email or a letter with instructions about tickets and a link to purchase tickets online.
Please check your spam/junk mail folders if you did not receive the email.
The deadline for either declining, requesting to make changes, or purchasing 2021 Wildcat Football season tickets is this Friday, July 16.
Please call Marci Owens at 903-885-0961 or Mike Meador at 903-885-2158, X 2274 with any questions.
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.
Celebrating Five Years with CHRISTUS in Sulphur Springs!
As of July 12, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital will have been serving the local community for five years. A press release about the five-year milestone stated “we have experienced so much growth and expansion in the past five years and, God willing, we are just getting started! At CHRISTUS, we appreciate the support of our community and the hard work of our Associates. We will continue our commitment to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Click here to see a video from the 5th anniversary.
Meal A Day Menu For July 12-16, 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 July 12-16, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Chicken Spectacular, Candied Carrots and Pickled Beets.
- Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread
- Wednesday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
- Thursday – Lasagna, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks
- Friday – Cornflake Chicken Casserole, Macaroni and Cheese and Sonoma Vegetables
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.
11 Jailed On Controlled Substance, Related Charges
At least 11 people were jailed on controlled substance and related charges between July 7 and July 10, according to arrest and jail reports.
FM 275 Traffic Stop
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney reported seeing a Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed south on FM 275 south, cross the the fog line then travel into the grass toward the ditch. He initiated a traffic stop. The car stopped near County Road 1145 at 8:52 p.m. July 7.
Upon contact, Chaney noted Edith Leanne Raney to be visibly shaking and appeared nervous. She claimed to be en route to a family emergency in Longview and was shaken up. He also noticed a piece of deer antler that had been made into a marijuana pipe, evidenced by the marijuana still inside of it.
So, he had the 50-year-old Lone Oak woman hand it over and get out of the car so he could conduct a probable cause search. Chaney found a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine in it. He placed Raney into custody and patted her down, finding a bag with 0.1 gram of a crystal-like substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
Raney was booked into jail around midnight Wednesday for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. She was released from jail later July 8 on a $5,000 bond.
South Broadway Street Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Officer Cameron Robinson conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Altima at 1:44 a.m. Thursday on South Broadway Street. A records check of driver Dustin James Stroud showed the man be wanted in both Franklin and Red River counties for violation of probation.
Robinson transported the 28-year-old Scroggins man to jail, where he was booked at 2:28 a.m. July 8, 2021, on both charges.
Stroud remained in Hopkins County jail until Friday on the Franklin County warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for bail jumping and failure to appear and the Red River County warrant for violation of probation on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. He was transferred to one of the other counties on July 9, 2021.
Sandy Hill Warrant Arrests
HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis and Deputy Chris Baumann spotted Erasmo Rodriguez around 9 p.m. riding a bicycle near his Sandy Hill residence. Aware of warrants that had been issued for the 25-year-old’s arrest, Davis received confirmation the warrants were still active, contacted him and took him into custody at 9:08 p.m. July 7, 2021.
Erasmo Rodriguez was booked into Hopkins County jail at 9:44 p.m. Thursday, on the Cooke County warrants for failure to appear on possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and less than 2 ounces of marijuana. The Sulphur Springs man remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, July 10, 2021, in lieu of a $5,000 bond on the controlled substance charge and a $4,000 bond on the marijuana charge.
While on Sandy Hill Road, deputies also contacted Rodriguez’s 28-year-old brother at their residence. Davis and Baumann took the brother into custody at 9:15 p.m. July 7, 2021, and transported him to jail on a Smith County warrant for bond forfeiture on a driving while intoxicated offense. The 28-year-old was released from jail July 8 on a $5,000 bond on the Smith County warrant.
I-30 Traffic Stop
Sulphur Springs Police Department responded at mile marker 135 on Interstate 30 east where a wanted woman could reportedly be found. Upon confirmation of an active Lamar County warrant for bond surrender on a possession of less than one gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, a county two prohibited substance, in a correctional facility.
Officers Victor Reyna and Cleve Williams at 7:52 p.m. July 8 took, Robin Rene Power into custody. She was booked into Hopkins County jail at 9:01 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2021, on the Lamar County controlled substance warrant. The Toyota Camry she was in was impounded.
The 50-year-old Breckenridge woman remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, July 10, 2021, on the controlled substance charge. Her bond was set at $20,000 on the felony charge.
Arrested By DPS
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Chris Sorley arrested a 26-year-old Brent River Trebing of Ravenna, Texas on Thursday, July 8, 2021, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge. (Ravenna is located in Fannin County.)
Trebing was booked into Hopkins County jail Thursday, July 8, and released Friday, July 9, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the felony controlled substance charge.
No additional details were available as of Saturday morning, July 10, 2021, on Trebing’s arrest.
FM 69 Crash
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash reported on FM 69 at 3:35 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2021. Records checks using identifying information from all people involved in the crash revealed a warrant for Sophie Nicole Ghoski’s arrest.
The 33-year-old Dike woman was allowed to move her vehicle, a Hyundai Sonata, into her driveway prior to being taken into custody on the outstanding Dallas county charge.
Ghoshi was released from Hopkins County jail on July 9 on a $5,000 bond on the second-degree felony possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Jail Transfers
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted Caleb Evan Ashley had been arrested in El Paso on a Hopkins County warrant for manufacture or delivery of 400 grams or more of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Deputy Frank Tiemann took custody of the 22-year-old man at El Paso County jail, then transported Ashley to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 8:18 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2021, on the charge. The violation was alleged to have occurred on June 30, 2021.
Ashley, who is also known by Caleb Mescall was held Saturday morning, July 10, 2021, in Hopkins County jail without bond.
July 8 was the third time Ashley has been booked into Hopkins County jail. He was first jailed Jan. 12-April 28, 2019 on a manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. He served commitment in Hopkins County jail from Jan. 7 to Feb. 3, 20202, after being assessed a commitment in an intermediate sanctioned facility.
CR 2301 Disturbance
While Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies were following up on a disturbance reported at a County Road 2301 address around 4:45 p.m. Friday, July 9, Jordan William McKay walked up to the location and was determined to have been involved in the altercation.
The sheriff’s officers patted the 27-year-old Sulphur Springs man down as a safety precaution. He admitted to having a pistol inside his backpack. The officers removed the pistol from the backpack and noted the serial numbers had been defaced. A records check showed the gun had been reported to Greenville authorities as stolen. Consequently, McKay was taken into custody at 4:49 p.m. on a theft of firearm charge, HCSO Sgt. Todd Evans and Deputy Richard Brantley alleged in arrest reports.
HCSO Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford received permission to search McKay’s pocket. Weatherford located on a hidden compartment of a lighter a baggy containing a white crystal-like substance which later field tested positive as 0.779 gram of methamphetamine. Consequently, McKay was also charged with possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
McKay, who is also known as Jordan William Hamilton Mcoy and Jordan William H. McKay, was transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 6:08 p.m. July 9, 2021, on the firearm theft and controlled substance charges as well as a warrant for not paying a public intoxication fine. The 27-year-old remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, July 10, 2021. Bond was set at $5,000 each on the theft and controlled substance charges.
Crime Stoppers Tip Results in Arrest
A Crime Stoppers tip led Commerce Police to Amanda Lena Villaneuva’s location. The wanted 46-year-old Oklahoma native was taken into custody and transported by Commerce police to the Hunt-Hopkins County line on State Highway 11 west.
HCSO Deputy Elijah Fite took custody of Villanueva and transported her to Hopkins County jail. The woman she was booked at 3:12 p.m. into jail for violation of probation, which she was on for an Oct. 5, 2020 Hopkins County possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200g rams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge.
Villanueva, who is also known by Amanda L. Villanueva Massey, was held in Hopkins County jail without bond on the felony warrant Saturday morning, July 10, 2021.
Kaufman County Arrest
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office was alerted Alton James Lopez had been arrested in Kaufman County on two Hopkins County controlled substance warrants.
Lopez was transferred to Hopkins County Law Enforcement Center. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Thompson escorted the 30-year-old Tool, Texas (Henderson County) man into Hopkins County jail. Lopez was booked at 12:26 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2021, on one first-degree felony warrant for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and another second-degree felony warrant for manufacture or delivery of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The Henderson County man remained in Hopkins County jail at noon Saturday, July 10, 2021, on both controlled substance charges. Lopez’s bond was recommended at $100,00 on the first degree felony charge and $75,000 on the second-degree felony charge.
Additional Warrant Arrests
Michael Pierre Cousin too was escorted into the county jail Friday, July 9, 2021, on a warrant for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance,.
Friday was the second time the 54-year-old Arlington man has been booked into Hopkins County jail.
Cousin, who is also known as Michael P. Colison and Michae Colison, was arrested Nov. 2, 20219, for possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; he was released from jail Nov. 21, 2019, on a $30,000 bond on that controlled substance charge.
Jason Scott Bradley was booked into the county jail by a sheriff’s office employee Friday, July 9, 2021, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant. The 39-year-old Scroggins man remained Hopkins County jail Saturday afternoon on the felony charge.
Bradley has two prior arrests, on on Jan. 14, 2017 for possession of drug paraphernalia and on May 22, 2018 on an indictment for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of July 12, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of July 12, 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.
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 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. 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 mainlanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes 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. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (#643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The pedestrian bridge has been removed. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
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 second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter at the FM 121 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876), Grayson County: Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876) is closed to through traffic at the branch of Pilot Grove Creek so that construction crews can remove and replace the bridge. Local traffic will need to use an alternate roadway such as Brewer Road or County Road 534.
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.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
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 Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
US 82, Grayson County: at Deaver Creek. Watch for temporary daytime lane and shoulder closures for both the eastbound and westbound travel lanes as workers complete maintenance repairs to the bridge.
FM 131, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 691. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 84, Grayson County: between US 75 and FM 406. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. 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 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, but occasional daytime lane closures may be present. Drivers who frequent this roadway are advised that all driveways, county roads and farm-to-market roads approaching the new westbound main lanes on US 82 will have a full stop before crossing over to the median.
FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat to the roadway.
FM 896, Fannin County: from US 69 in Leonard to Business SH 121 in Randolph. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway.
FM 2645, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs to the roadway.
FM 68, Fannin County: from FM 271 to SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs to 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 work on rehabilitating the roadway.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews work on rehabilitating 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.
BU 82J, Red River County: Between Travis Street and Columbia Street in Clarksville. The road will be closed and a marked detour will be in place while crews replace a cross drainage structure, install drainage inlets, and reconstruct the roadway and sidewalk in this area.
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. The shoulder at Little Pine Creek will remain closed while the rail work is completed.
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.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to the Franklin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for daytime lane closures while crews place final hot mix surface.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has placed project barricades. The contractor has begun drainage work on several culverts and installed safety end treatments on FM 1564 from SH 34 to US 69, weather permitting.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared most of 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. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile four of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the 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 finished placing the two-inch asphalt overlay and will begin placing guardrail and striping, weather permitting. 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 overlay operations on SH 11 between FM 2655 and FM 1563, near Wolfe City. Maintenance crews will also be performing edge repair on FM 71 from BUS 11 to Delta County. Contract mowers will be operating on I-30 throughout the week. Maintenance crews will also be sweeping on US 69 between Lone Oak and Greenville as needed. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on I-30 and guard rail repair at various locations around Hunt County. Maintenance crews will also be performing roadway patch repairs on FM 47 from FM 2324 to SH 276, and on SH 276 from FM 36 to the Rockwall County line. 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 repairing base spot repair on FM 47 between US 69 and SH 276. Crews will be overlaying and repairing low spots on SH 276. Crews will be performing various sign installations, potholing 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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CHRISTUS Pharmacist Melissa Maeker Talks About Vaccines
Because people in the local community have voiced questions about the COVID vaccine, boosters and other COVID-related topics, KSST reached out to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs for the latest news. Holly Ragan, who is Senior Market Development Coordinator for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs, set up a Good Morning Show interview with CHRISTUS Pharmacy Supervisor Melissa Maeker. Good Morning Show host Enola Gay visited with Melissa on Friday July 9, 2021 covering an array of topics.
“We are all hearing about a rise in COVID cases a bit on the news right now, and we are hearing mentions of the new Delta variant strain. However, at CHRISTUS, we are finding that persons who are now struggling or hospitalized with COVID symptoms are persons who have not received either the Moderna or Pfizer 2-dose vaccine,” stated Melissa. “Those who have received both doses of their vaccines are not among the new COVID cases we are seeing. As the CDC, the medical world and health professionals watch with interest, it appears that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are both holding well against the Delta variant strain of COVID. As we knew, these vaccines offered an approximate 95% protection rate from COVID illness. And that’s an excellent rate of protection for any kind of vaccine. Thus, it’s encouraging to note that as the months have passed since the vaccines were introduced, both types of 2-dose series are showing strong resistance to the Delta variant, which has become the dominant variant at this time.”
On the subject of people possibly needing to show proof of their vaccine, Melissa mentioned that at this time, proof is not being required for most travelers. However, it’s a good idea to keep your vaccination card safe and secure. Store it with your important papers, and since the paper card could be tampered with, it’s best to keep it in a secure place unless needed. In the US, each state has utilized their own software registry on vaccinated residents. Texas utilizes ImmTrac, which is also used for childhood immunization registry. On the subject of travel outside the US continent, it may best for un-vaccinated travelers to check regulations at your destination for possible quarantine while awaiting negative test results.
Regarding return to school this Fall, Melissa stated public schools in Texas are not requiring proof of vaccine, and neither are most colleges. “I know of three in the state of Texas which are requiring proof of vaccination, and they are all private universities. One is Rice, and there’s St. Edwards and Paul Quinn College plus another handful across the nation. One reason may be that at this time, the vaccine does not carry final FDA approval. However, all colleges are encouraging students to get the vaccine before entering”.
Melissa also touched briefly on the current RSV virus precautions now being observed at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. “There is an upsurge in young children age 3 and under being affected by RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is contagious and easily spread among young children. Earlier in the summer, our hospital had relaxed it’s visitation rules to allow more than one person visiting a patient. However, that rule was revised on July 1, 2021 to discourage visitation in the OB/GYN area by children under the age of 3 years. That change came with the reminder that masks are still required throughout the CHRISTUS Mother Frances-Sulphur Springs facility”.
Melissa Patterson Maeker is a graduate of Sulphur Springs High School Class of 1989. She entered college at East Texas State University, then transferred to UT Austin to earn her degree. Initially, she worked at Methodist Medical Center and UT Southwest Health Center in the Metroplex, then she and husband Jeff made their home in the Tyler area. Following a period of semi-retirement, she was hired for the position of Pharmacy Supervisor with CHRISTUS in Sulphur Springs. She and her family plan to move back “home” to Sulphur Springs in the coming months. You can see the Good Morning Show Interview with Melissa on the KSST Youtube channel.
