High Speed Vehicle Pursuit On I-30 Results In Manhunt In Dike Area, Multiple Arrests
A high speed vehicle pursuit along Interstate 30 in Hopkins County Sunday night resulted in a manhunt for the occupants who fled after their vehicle was disabled on a county road in the Dike area. All suspects had been located and were in custody by 9:30 a.m. Labor Day, according to police and sheriff’s reports.
Cumby Police Officer Justin Talley initiated the traffic stop near the 110 mile marker on I-30 east at 7:54 p.m. Sept. 5, 20210. He attempted to stop a gray Dodge Charger being driven at a rate of 98 miles per hour on I-30 east, a 75 mph speed zone. Instead of stopping, however, the driver accelerated to and continued on I-30 at speeds in excess of 130 mph.
The car, after about 20 miles, turned off I-30 in northeastern Hopkins County. It was disabled on County Road 3563. The suspects fled on foot into the Dike area.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies at 8:36 p.m. were actively assisting in the search. The manhunt in the Dike area reportedly focused on the area west of County Road 3563, just north of FM 69 north for the suspects, reported to be five black males. They posted a notice on the department’s Facebook page, asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Dike area to call 911.
At 10:38 p.m. Sunday, Cumby Police Officer Talley and HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender reported 18-year-old Christopher Kirby Keel and 19-year-old Jahlon Crisean Martin, both of Little Rock, Arkansas, had been located on a county road and were taken into custody for possession of the keys to the disabled Charger, inside of which 2.15 ounces of marijuana was allegedly found. Martin was confirmed to be the owner of the car. Keel took credit for driving the vehicle during the pursuit.
A Texas Department of Public safety helicopter and Texas Department of Criminal Justice search hounds were called in to assist the Cumby and county officers in their search for the three remaining suspects. By 1:11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, all except two of the suspects were in custody. HCSO at that time reported the DPS helicopter and prison dogs had exhausted their capabilities in the search.
After interviewing the suspects in custody, HCSO officers speculated the unaccounted for pair may have been picked up by a motorist. Deputies remained still in the area and citizens were cautioned to remain alert throughout the night for anyone or anything suspicious, and asked them to call 911 if they observed anything that could be related to the pursuit and manhunt.
A citizen reportedly traveling the area for work later Monday morning reportedly spotted the remaining pair and held them until officers could arrive to take custody of them.
Hopkins County jail reports show Brayhlon Nathaniel Martin and Deangelo Dayyon Neely, both 18, were also booked into Hopkins County jail early Sept. 6, 2021, on evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and possession of 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana charges.
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.
Houston Man Arrested In Hopkins County On Parole Warrant
A 53-year-old Houston man was arrested in Hopkins County Sunday morning on a parole warrant, according to arrest and jail reports.
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robertson reported stopping a 2010 Dodge Charger a 10:45 a.m. Sept. 5, 2021, in Cumby for a traffic violation. During a roadside interview, Robertson discovered James Alfred Cox-Ramey was wanted by Texas Department of Criminal Justice for violation of parole, which he was on for homicide, according to arrest reports.
The Houston man was arrested and transported to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 11:48 a.m. Sunday on the warrant. The car was impounded. The violation was alleged to have occurred on May 10, 2021, Robertson noted in arrest reports.
Cox-Ramey, who is also known by James Alfred Ramey, Raymond Alfred, James Alfred Cox, Jerry Lee Grimes, Ramey James, Alfred Ramey and James Ramey, was held in the county jail Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, on the TDCJ charge, acording to jail reports.
HHS Recognizes National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
AUSTIN – During the month of September, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is working to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide and increase awareness about suicide prevention. HHSC encourages Texans to learn about available resources and to become aware of the common warning signs of suicide.
“We want every Texan who’s facing a crisis, or knows someone who is, to know that you are not alone and help is available,” said HHS State Suicide Prevention Coordinator Tammy Weppleman. “It’s important that we share every resource at our disposal and have conversations about this serious public health issue.”
In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death for Texans ages 10 to 34 years old and nearly 4,000 people were lost to suicide statewide.
The most common warning signs of suicide include talking about or writing about suicide, expressing hopelessness or worthlessness, planning or looking for a way to kill themselves, increasing use of substances and withdrawing from family and friends.
If someone is at risk for suicide, it’s important to act right away, offer hope and get help as soon as possible. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK) is available 24/7 to connect people in crisis and concerned family members with counselors for emotional support and other services.
In addition to the crisis line, Texas is highlighting other resources to help Texans in need:
- The Crisis Text Lineprovides access to free counseling through text messaging 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text TX to 741741 for assistance.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255 (TALK) offers guidance and assistance for people and their loved ones experiencing thoughts of suicide.
- Dedicated line for veterans: press 1.
- For people who are deaf and hard of hearing: use your preferred relay service or dial 711, then 800-273-8255.
- For Spanish speakers: La Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 888-628-9454.
- The Suicide Prevention Wallet card, in Englishand Spanish, quickly identifies warning signs and specific steps to help someone who is struggling.
- The Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program enables communities to identify and address mental health needs of veterans and their families.
- The Texas Mental Health Program for Veterans is a community-based resource for veterans and their families struggling with suicide.
- HHS offers free Mental Health First Aid eight-hour courses to public school and higher education employees to help them recognize risk factors and warning signs of a person in distress and how they can reach out to help and connect them with resources.
- People can call the Local Mental Health Authority in their area to be connected to mental health services.
For more information about suicide prevention, visit the HHS Suicide Prevention webpage.
Construction Of New EMS Station Hits Snag, But Continues Making Progress
Whitley: Medicaid Waiver, Pandemic Impact Hospital District Budget But Overall Tentative Audit A “Great Report”
Construction of the new EMS station/hospital district headquarters on Airport Road is progressing but did hit a snag recently, EMS and hospital district officials reported this week during the regular meeting of Hopkins County Hospital District. An outside auditor also noted that while things are looking much better financially for EMS and the hospital district, the overall budget is impacted by Texas Medicaid Waiver, QIPP and the pandemic.
New EMS Station
Ground work is well under way at the Airport Road site, just across the street from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County EMS’ current station. The dirt is being leveled out and the site raised to make it suitable for the new EMS/HCHD headquarters. Grading has been delayed, however.
“They had some utility line issues that they are working on. They’re having to resurvey some different things with the grades. So, other than that, there’s no big update – unless there’s some big utility line issues, but they think they can work through some grade issues on the driveways. They’re trying to solve that,” Brent Smith, Hopkins County EMS Director/HCHD chief operating officer, told the hospital district board at their Aug. 30 meeting.
Financial Matters
Deborah Whitley with BKD CPAs noted she’d normally present the annual hospital district audit findings in March, however, with everything going on with CHRISTUS, the audit was delayed this year.
She said industry factors such as the 1115 Texas Medicaid waiver and turmoil surrounding it can have a significant impact on healthcare. The district has benefitted from it financially for a number of years. The waiver is the transition period from the time a state hasn’t extended Medicaid to the period it has extended it. Texas has been under a waiver extension since 2011. Prior to the Trump Administration’s departure, Texas filed for another 10-year waiver. The Trump Administration approved the waiver. In April of 2021, the Biden Administration canceled the waiver extension. Texas then sued the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services over their right to cancel, then the state reapplied in July for an extension. The state hadn’t been approved for the extension as of Aug. 30. The old extension expires in September 2022.That gives the state a year to put it together.
However, the QIPP program is a part of the extension application program. (The Quality Incentive Payment Program serves as a resource to help nursing facilities achieve transformation. This performance-based program encourages NFs to improve the quality and innovation of their services through implementation of program-wide improvement processes for which facilities are compensated for meeting or exceeding certain goals. Improvement is based upon several indices of success, including quality metrics that are collected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to Texas Health and Human Services. If the waiver isn’t renewed the HCHD will lose a couple of million dollars in funding, Whitley noted. For instance nursing home QIPP revenues to actual activity before adjusted put $1,389,661 in the HCHD.
HCHD CEO Ron Folwell, who attended the meeting via conference call, asked if there were any projects on when that would happen and what that would be like if it does indeed happen.
“There are federal funds out there. Texas has got to figure out a way to access those federal funds. So the State of Texas has to be able to figure out what are the parameters we’re going to live under to access those funds. That’s the dispute right now because it’s the reshuffling of money,” Whitley said. “I would tell you that I think it’s a very high percentage that the waiver is approved but I don’t have any odds on the way the funds are going to be allocated to what programs. So, I don’ t know how many dollars of funding, Ron, the QIPP program will actually get.”
Hopkins County Hospital District has receive about $3.5 million from the nursing home program. In 2017, HJCHD receive a profit of $16,000, the funds went up the next year to $850,000, fell to $750,000 and in the past year was almost $2.1 million from funding from the 1115 waiver through the nursing home program, according to financial BKD representative.
Whitley also said while pricing transparency isn’t something that HCHD has to worry about day-to-day, but since the district was so close to the hospital operations for so long, it’s something the Hospital District Board needs to be aware of. A deadline of Jan. 1, 2021, was set for hospitals give to patients inforamtion about charges, out-of-pocket costs and things of that nature. CMS is putting in place a monitoring and enforcement plan for hospitals that are out of compliance to follow.
“It’s important for you to know the whole healthcare system is working a lot on pricing transparency. Following a lot of this, he health plans are going to have requirements for some of that transparency as well. There should be information on a hospital’s website for your to see information on different charges for different services. If those aren’t as transparent, CMS is going to start doing website auditors and put hospitals on affirmative action plans on when they are going to become compliant and if they are not and penalties potentially following,” Whitley said. “that’s just important for you as a board to know that is probably one of hte things CHRISTUS is having a challenge with to get done.”
Also in early 20202, the federal government put $175 billion for the health care industry, nursing homes included. The Hospital District received about $4 million in provider relief funds. Those funds were received prior to June 30, 2020. Those funds had to be expended by June 30, 2021. The reporting of those funds will have to be done prior to Sept. 30, 2021Any funds not spent for the purpose for which the district received them, those funds will have to be returned by Oct. 30, 2021. That means an enormous amount of reporting nation wide on a portal. That should receive high priority in September between the Hospital District and the nursing homes, and has already begun, Whitley noted.
Annual Audit
Whitley presented what she called a “great report” to the Hospital district during the Aug. 30 meeting. The bottom line reported in 2020 was an increase of $4,9 million, up from the 2019 net income of $2.1 million, Whitley reported. The QIPP program, which accounted for $1,389,661of that increase and improved EMS efficiencies were huge factors in that gain, Whitley reported.
EMS receivables brought in $675,000 more than estimated collections and $686,754. She reported an increase of $2.5 million in 2020 to the district’s operating income. EMS’ net revenue increased by $1 million and nursing home revenue increased buy $1.3 million. Property tax revenue increased by $339,000 from Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020, Another $114,000 gain from insurance proceeds on ambulance that was impaired,
However, the district did see a $179,000 decrease in interest income.
She noted that the two stapled packets presented to the board, each is a tentative draft for review purposes because the EMS director was still trying to confirm one number that’s material enough that she wasn’t quite comfortable list the documents as a final audit. There are one or two monetary changes that could be impacted, although Whitley and the HCHD officials don’t think so, If nothing changed over the last week or when Smith provided the final information needed, the final audit will look exactly like the packet presents presented at the Aug. 30 meeting, she noted.
From 2019-2020, HCHD’s cash went up about $3 million from $10 million to $13 million.
“That’s a big jump. That’s the reason I know your bottom line of $4.9 million is good, because I see cash in the bank, cash in hand. Another amount that changed is the amount of the QIPP program. You were expecting at the end of Sept. 30 was $4.4 million compared to about $3 million in the previous year, so that’s $1.4 million additional dollars in the QIPP program that still had not been received,” Whitley noted.
She said that $4.1 million of the $4.9 million in prepaid nursing facility fees was provider relief funds distributed to nursing homes. About $810,000 of that was Medicare advance payments that came in for the nursing homes.
All of those funds came in and were funneled back out except about $30,000, shown as a receivable on the books.
“You’re on the hook for this money if the nursing homes don’t pay it back, And until that revenue is recognized, I’m keeping it on the books because that would be a holdback from you from the nursing homes if they don’t give you everything that you need to be able to report that correctly. I’m recording it as received and you’ve given it to the nursing homes,” Whitley said. “That’s the money I would expect you’ll see in your net revenue. It recognizes revenue in fiscal year 2021. Once you’re earned the right to keep that, report it as spent.”
Prepaid expenses and other expenses was up about $950,000, That’s up $400,000, with the bulk of that prepaid rent from CHRISTUS. The district also has another $600,000 increase from EMS deployments.
In September 2020, there was still about $600,000 to account for. Smith and the auditors were sure EMS had received $200,000 of that amount, but not the remaining $400,000. Smith was trying at the time the report was composed to locate that information as the COO was out on medical leave. He noted at the Aug. 30 meeting that the funding comes from Texas Department of State Health Services finances, which works at a slower pace.
Assets were up about $9 million this time last year. Two new ambulances were purchased in 2020, for about $150,000 each. Construction progress, the start of the new EMS headquarters and hiring or an architectural firm, had just begun at a cost of about $175,000.
After the deal in which CHRISTUS agreed to purchase HCHD’s remaining shares in the Healthcare Alliance is reflected in the budget, the long term debt of $24 million for bonds will be paid with proceeds from the deal and go away. Until then, it will remain on the books although paid.
Funding was expected to come into the QIPP funds to be be distributed to nursing homes at hte end of FH 2020. More was expected to come in last year, and more is expected to be paid out for the nursing home’s share of the QIPP program funding, Whitley said. The more than $4,121,000 doled out, the nursing homes have to provide poof the funding was used as allocated so the hospital district, as owner, doesn’t have to pay it back.
A $3.2 million lease security budget on the balance sheet represents the initial lease money that CHRISTUS put up at the very beginning of the deal. That’s goes away during the course of the sail. It will be converted into the overall sales proceeds.
Overall, HCHD had an equity improvement of $4,922,000 for the year, Whitley said.
She noted initially reported to the district as profit was $6 million, but an adjustment of $1.2 million was made, reducing that to $4.9 million, the majority of which was reconciling cash throughout the year, the auditor noted.
Looking at district operations, EMS has traditionally and over the last 3 years finished with a negative balance. In 2020, that number finally flipped to a positive number, due largely to the $600 in federal funding the EMS service received to cover expenses while responding in other areas to emergency or critical medical situations.
Smith noted the district has already had quite a few deployments in 2021 as well, which should help improve the bottom line in the coming budget year which finishes this month as well.
Indigent care funds balance, depreciation on buildings and interest expense on the bond payment also are in the 2020 budget, which comprise a loss.
When comparing current cash in excess of current liabilities, HCHD’s liquidity continues to grow stronger annually. If all funding stopped with not even a dollar in additional funding coming in, HCHD could operate EMS for 3 years with the amount of cash the district had on hand on Sept. 30, 2020.
“Over the last 3 years, I’m happy to report you’ve done a better job of getting those bills turned into cash sooner. Not that the cash is a lot, but you’re getting it turned around faster. So, I’m happiest to see that trend up there,” Whitley said of accounts payable.
She said that it will be a major challenge for HCHD to get all of the documentation of direct COVID-19 expenses and capital purchases from nursing homes to get them turned in by the Sept. 30, 2021 deadline. When HCHD complete its reporting, it will have completed documentation for six nursing homes (all in other counties). She recommended not starting entering information in the reporting portal until all 6 nursing facilities have all of the needed paperwork in to HCHD and district officials are 100 percent comfortable with the documentation on how the money is spent, because the burden will be on the hospital district in 3 years to show everything is in order.
Folwell said HCHD would like for BKD’s staff to do that for them. Whitley explained that while the accounting firm can be helpful, going through all of the documentation with them to make sure they are comfortable with it, but HCHD staff will be required to enter the information into the portal.
Whitley also recommended not waiting until Sept. 28, 2021 to begin entering the information into the online reporting portal as it is likely to get jammed up or bogged down due to the large volume on it at that time, and the district would be late getting it in if it went down. She recommended getting it in between Sept. 15 and Sept. 27. She said she wanted to be sure the HCHD Board knew they would be on the hook if the amount reported isn’t accurate, and would be required to pay back at a future date any amount identified as not meeting the requirements.
Angelia Harris, HCHD benefits coordinator, said the nursing homes have been asked to get all of their paperwork in by Aug. 31, 2021, and already had most of the nursing facilities paperwork in already.
A Labor Day Message To Lone Star Workforce From Texas Workforce Commission
TWC: Thank You For Making Texas Thrive
AUSTIN — This Labor Day weekend, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) wants to recognize and pay tribute to the 14 million plus industrious Texans who are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our state.
Our state’s population is skyrocketing because Texas has built a sturdy economic growth engine, and that attracts new residents and drives population growth. Our skilled workforce is the primary reason companies move to Texas every day and it’s also why our state’s economy is thriving.
We also want to recognize our Texas employers, who create new jobs every day. Our state’s ongoing achievement is linked to the innovation and competitiveness of our employers in a range of growing industries that provide workers with more opportunities to demonstrate their world-class skills.
Meanwhile, there is always more opportunity on the horizon. Texas has jobs and careers. Texas businesses continue to hire, with 714,800 jobs added between July 2020 and July 2021. For those in the market for their next career opportunity, TWC has the tools to help. You can check out open jobs in your area on TWC’s two employment search platforms, MyTxCareer.com and WorkInTexas.com.
But the Texas Workforce system offers more than just online jobs portals. TWC and the state’s 28 local workforce development boards – with over 180 plus Workforce Solutions offices statewide – provide access to job and training opportunities, as well as resources for employers. We work together because our Texas workforce is the engine of the Lone Star state economy.
Simply put, TWC is grateful for the contributions that Texas’ workers have made to help our state rebound strongly, and we want to thank you on this, your holiday. As you enjoy this time with loved ones, we thank you for helping to make Texas a place to be proud of—and the best place to live, work and do business.
Bryan Daniel, Chairman, Commissioner Representing the Public
Julian Alvarez, Commissioner Representing Labor
Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers
Meal A Day Menu For Sep. 6-10, 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 Sep. 6 – Sep. 10, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Corn Dogs, Baked Beans and Potato Chips.
- Tuesday – Chicken Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks.
- Wednesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkrauts, Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread.
- Thursday – Steak Fingers ,Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans and A Roll.
- Friday – Fish, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies and Pinto Beans.
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.
Cooper Davis Keeps World Championship Hopes Alive with Round 1 Win at PBR Unleash The Beast Major in Fort Worth
Capitalizing on rare stumble by world No. 1 Jose Vitor Leme, Davis gained 39 points in the race for the 2021 PBR World Championship as he seeks his second gold buckle
Backed by the momentum of his home-state crowd, Texan Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas) was dominant Saturday evening as action got underway for the second PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Unleash The Beast Major of 2021, the Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, in Fort Worth, Texas. Delivering his ninth 90-point ride of the season, the 2016 PBR World Champion won Round 1 of the progressive-elimination event, keeping his hopes alive for winning the 2021 PBR World Championship.
As one of the final riders to compete, Davis remained focused despite an uneasy start to his opening round effort as County Jail (Frontier Rodeo Company) fidgeted in the chutes. However, finding his moment, Davis nodded his head, erupted from the chutes and matched the striking bovine athlete jump-for-jump as the electric crowd erupted in cheer en route to his qualified ride.
Davis’s celebration dirtside was amplified as his score boomed throughout Dickies Arena, marked 90.5 points.
The score not only marked Davis’s ninth 90-point ride of 2021, second-best of any rider on the premier series, but also his seventh round win, which he is also tied for second-most in the league.
Davis’s monstrous score netted him a critical 39 points, allowing him to hone in on No. 1 Jose Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil), who was uncharacteristically bucked off in Round 1.
Attempting to become just the seventh rider in league history to win multiple PBR World Championships, Davis remained No. 3 in the world but closed to within 643.5 points of No. 1 Leme.
Of the world’s Top 3, Davis was the lone rider to deliver a score. Leme was bested by @PBR on TikTok (Paradigm Bull Co./Lansman Land & Cattle) in 5.53 seconds, while No. 2 Kaique Pacheco (Itatiba, Brazil) was bucked off by Skirt Chaser (Shuler Bucking Bulls) in 2.49 seconds.
Second was surging Rookie of the Year contender Eli Vastbinder (Statesville, North Carolina).
Leading the round for the majority of the evening, the North Carolinian was marked 89.5 points when he made the requisite 8 atop Juju (Tommy Julian/D&H Cattle).
Vastbinder’s score netted him 28 world points, allowing him to crack the world’s Top 30. After beginning the event ranked No. 31, Vastbinder is now No. 29.
Dalton Kasel (Muleshoe, Texas) remained in contention to earn his first Major victory in Fort Worth when he covered Schott in The Dark(Julio Moreno/Schott Bucking Bulls) for 87.75 points to tie for third. He split the bronze finish with Joao Henrique Lucas (Bastos, Brazil), who logged a matching score aboard Gladiator’s Hammer (Frontier Rodeo Company).
Both Kasel and Lucas collected 21 world points for their scores. While Lucas remained No. 20 in the world, 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year Kasel climbed one position from No. 17 to No. 16.
Rounding out the Top 5 in Round 1 of the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, was Jesse Petri (Dublin, Texas) in fifth.
Petri covered DJ Casper (Carr Pro Rodeo) for 87.5 points to net 19 world points.
In addition to punching his ticket to the second round of the Major, Petri also rose one position in the race for the 2021 PBR World Championship, from No. 16 to No. 15.
PBR Unleash The Beast action from Fort Worth, Texas, and Dickies Arena will conclude on Sunday, August 29, starting at 12:45 p.m. CDT, with Rounds 2-5 for the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat.
PBR RidePass on PlutoTV will offer re-airs and on-demand replays of every PBR Unleash The Beast event. PBR RidePass is available on desktops, laptops and mobile devices via www.pluto.tv. Tune to channel 720 for the latest programming schedule.
Paris District Road Report for the week of Sept. 6, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Sept. 6, 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. 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.
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, signal work and temporary widening of the pavement. 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.
US 69, Grayson County: in Bells at the FM 1897 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 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 Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 to Cemetery Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 902, Grayson County: from SH 5 to FM 2729. 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 68, Fannin County: from SH 34 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade perform base repairs on 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 striping operations.
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.
US 271 at Loop 286 interchange, Lamar County: Watch for lane and ramp closures while crews mill and place hot mix pavement. Please use an alternate route when possible to minimize traffic congestion in this area.
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. 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 work zones and drive safely through construction areas as final work is being performed.
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.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has been forming and pouring concrete drainage structures on FM 1564. The contractor is working on culverts and safety end treatments on FM 1564 and will be placing chevrons on FM 1570, FM 751 and FM 36.
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. 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 has begun 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 finished placing project striping and will begin working on final punch list items. 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 base repair operations on FM 816 from Wolfe City to FM 272. Crews will also be on FM 1570 from IH 30 to SH 34 performing edging operations. Crews will be performing potholing 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 patching work on SH 276 from US 69 to 2-Mile Bridge. 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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Paulo Ferreira Lima Delivers Walk-Off 90-Point Ride to Win PBR Iron Cowboy Major from Fort Worth
Lima’s first Unleash The Beast Victory in more than five years nets the veteran Brazilian 264 points, catapulting him 30 positions in 2021 World Championship race to world No. 16
For the first time in more than five years, veteran Brazilian Paulo Ferreira Lima (Bezerros, Brazil) was standing atop the Can-Am Cage, victorious in premier series competition, when action for the week’s PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Unleash The Beast event wound to a close in Fort Worth, Texas. Punctuating his 4-for-5 effort inside Dickies Arena with a monstrous, walk-off 90-point ride, Lima won the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, garnering a critical 264 world points to catapult 30 rankings in the world standings.
Making the most of his alternate position in the draw, Lima rose to the occasion in Round 1 Saturday evening, covering Marquis Metal Works Draggin Up (Paradigm Bull Co./Marquis Metal Works) for 87.25 points.
While he was bested in Round 2 by Grand Theft (D&H Cattle Co./Phillip Elkins) in 3.44 seconds, Lima’s opening-round score was enough to position him within the event’s Top 8 and advance him to Round 3.
Lima next climbed aboard Homegrown (Cord McCoy/Chad Reese), regaining his winning form en route to the 8-second whistle and resulting in an 88.25-point score.
As Round 4 got underway, Lima continued his climb up the leaderboard. Winning the round, Lima clinched one of the final two positions in Round 5 when he rode Silver Lining (Stockyards/Winston/Melton Bull Co.) for 88.25 points.
Positioned second in the event, Lima found his name across from that of 2020 ABBI Classic Champion Woopaa’s (Barker Bulls/Hookin’ W Ranch) in the winner-take-all round of the progressive elimination-formatted Major.
With a propensity to propel riders to big scores, Woopaa had been ridden for 93.75 points or more in his last three trips, including his historic, 97.75-point out with 2020 PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme (Ribas do Rio Pardo, Brazil) in Tulsa that obliterated the league’s all-time high-marked ride record.
Continuing the streak, Lima matched the powerful bovine athlete jump-for-jump en route to a career-best 95.25-point score. The 90-point ride was the seventh of Lima’s career on the premier series and first since January 2016. Not only did the score elevate Lima to the PBR Iron Cowboy victory, but it also clinched him the $20,000 bonus presented to the high-marked ride of the event.
Lima’s golden finish earned him a check for $126,576.92, along with a critical 264 world points. While he traveled to the event ranked No. 46 in the word, Lima surged 30 positions in the world rankings, now ranked No. 16. Seeking his fifth qualification to the PBR World Finals in 2021, and first since 2018, Lima is now within 1,370.17 points of No. 1 Leme.
After a valiant, hard-fought effort, Eli Vastbinder (Statesville, North Carolina) finished a career-best second in the Lone Star State.
Electric in Round 1, Vastbinder delivered the second-best score of Saturday evening’s 40-rider field when he outlasted Juju (Tommy Julian/D&H Cattle) for a career-best 89.5 points.
As Championship Sunday got underway, Vastbinder vaulted to the top of the event leaderboard when he won Round 2 courtesy of an 87.75-point score atop @PBR on TikTok (Paradigm Bull Co./Lansman Land & Cattle).
Remaining red hot in both Round 3 and Round 4, Vastbinder solidified his position as the No. 1 rider inside Dickies Arena when he covered Oreo (Brian Shaw/Red Laces Cattle Co.) for 89 points and Zorro (Jane Clark/Gene Owen) for 87.5 points.
Vastbinder’s successes, however, came to an abrupt halt in Round 5 when 2019 ABBI Classic Champion Chiseled (Flinn/D&H Cattle Co.) thwarted the North Carolinian’s aspirations of his first Unleash The Beast victory.
Despite appearing in command for the majority of the trip, Chiseled proved the more dominant athlete, brining Vastbinder down in a heartbreaking 7.06 seconds.
The 4-for-5 showing netted Vastbinder a check for $25,344.82 along with a critical 116 points. Not only did the silver finish allow the 30-year-old to gain ground in the race for the 2021 PBR World Championship, but also in the contentious battle for the year’s PBR Rookie of the Year honor.
In the broader world standings, Vastbinder climbed from No. 31 to No. 21, while in the race amongst first-year pros on the elite tour, he is now ranked No. 6, 189 points behind standings leader Chase Dougherty (Decatur, Texas).
Daylon Swearingen (Piffard, New York) regained his championship-contending form in Fort Worth after being sidelined the majority of the first half, undergoing both hip and shoulder surgery following the 2020 PBR World Finals.
Competing via exemptions, Swearingen, who traveled to the event ranked No. 54 in the world, brought the raucous Dickies Arena crowd to its feet in Round 1 when he rode Charlie Brown (Lonnie & Amy Austin) for 86.75 points.
While his Round 2 effort left much to be desired, dispatched by Mezcal (Paradigm Bull Co.) in a quick 1.89 seconds, Swearingen was fast to rebound in Round 3.
Delivering the sixth 90-point ride of his career on the elite Unleash The Beast and first since Round 4 of the 2020 PBR World Finals, Swearingen won the third round of the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, when he went the distance aboard Diddy Wa Diddy (Cord McCoy/Bill McCarty) for a head-turning 90.75 points.
Swearingen was quick to ready himself for Round 4, but his 6.09-second buckoff atop Nervous Wreck (CG Bucking Bulls/Big Rafter Rodeo) ended his hopes of his first Major win.
The Texas resident’s third-place finished earned him $10,200 and 55 world points. He climbed 11 positions in the world standings to No. 43 and is now within 95 points of the Top 30 and a seeded position on the elite tour.
Fourth was 2019 PBR Rookie of the Year Dalton Kasel (Muleshoe, Texas).
As one of nine riders to deliver a score in Round 1, Kasel advanced to the next round of the progressive-elimination Major via his 87.75-point ride on Schott in The Dark (Julio Moreno/Schott Bucking Bulls).
While his Championship Sunday campaign began with a buckoff in Round 2, dispatched by Bentley (Viducic Bucking Bulls) in 2.73 seconds, Kasel delivered under pressure in the third round, making the 8 atop Monkey Island (Lari Crane/Gene Owen) for 89.5 points.
In visible pain after getting his ankle stepped on by Monkey Island, Kasel was unable to convert on Stetson (CG Bucking Bulls/Big Rafter Rodeo) in Round 4, bucked off at the 2.28-second mark.
Kasel may have concluded his campaign short of the whistle, but his 2-for-4 showing earned him an ever-important 49 world points. He is now ranked No. 15 in the world standings, up two positions after beginning the Major inside Dickies Arena at No. 17.
Rounding out the Top 5 in fifth and keeping his World Championship hopes alive was Cooper Davis (Jasper, Texas).
The 2016 PBR World Champion began his Iron Cowboy Major with back-to-back qualified rides, winning Round 1 via a 90.5 point ride on County Jail (Frontier Rodeo Company) before going the distance on Struttin Stuff (Jane Clark/Gene Owen) for 82.5 points in Round 2.
Davis, however, was narrowly denied a position in Round 4 after being bucked off by Young Man’s Blues (Paradigm Bull Co./Jess Lockwood/Parker McCollum) in 4.85 seconds in Round 3.
The Texan left Dickies Arena with a check for $13,478.26 and a crucial 67 world points. Davis remained No. 3 in the world, but closed within 615.5 points of No. 1 Leme, who went an uncharacteristic 0-for-2 at the Major.
Davis was the lone rider inside the world Top 3 to earn points in Fort Worth. No. 2 and 2018 PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco (Itatiba, Brazil) was also shut out, going 0-for-2.
In the bull pen, Woopaa earned his league-leading sixth YETI “Built For the Wild” Bull of the Event title, extending his lead over No. 2 Chiseled in the feverish YETI PBR World Championship Bull Race.
For the fourth time this season, Woopaa delivered a score marked 47 points or higher, a feat only two other bulls have achieved in 2021. Woopaa earned 47 points in his trip with event winner Lima.
After beginning the event 0.53 points ahead of No. 2 Chiseled, who was scored 46.25 points in his out with Vastbinder, Woopaa is now 0.59 points out front.
In a season-first, Round 1 of the PBR Tractor Supply Co. Iron Cowboy, presented by Ariat, included a special showcase as three of the top ABBI (American Bucking Bull Inc.) Futurity calves competed at Dickies Arena for their share of a $50,000 purse. Round 1 took place at Cowtown Coliseum Friday afternoon, with the Top 3 calves all earning 93 points or more to advance to Round 2 during the PBR Major.
2021 ABBI American Heritage Futurity Champion Down Payment (Joe & Nina Webb/Zane Walker/BS Cattle Co.) landed a first-place overall finish with his 94.4-point performance and combined score of 187.8 points for $12,500 and the Cowtown Showdown Champion title.
Dirty Beaver (Barthold/Wilson) notched 91.8 points and a total score of 185.6 points for second place and $7,500. Sonny B (Less Than 8 Cattle/Wilson) rounded out the Top 3 with a score of 91 points and an aggregate score of 184 points for $6,000.
PBR RidePass on PlutoTV will offer re-airs and on-demand replays of every PBR Unleash The Beast event. PBR RidePass is available on desktops, laptops and mobile devices via www.pluto.tv. Tune to channel 720 for the latest programming schedule.
Following a one-week break, the PBR Unleash the Beast will next travel to Anaheim, California, and Honda Center for the PBR Monster Energy Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires. The event will be on Friday, September 10 at 7:45 p.m. PDT and Saturday, September 11 at 6:45 p.m. PDT.
Elsewhere in the PBR, after a nearly nine-month hiatus from competition, the elite PBR Canada Cup Series returned in momentous fashion in Lethbridge, Alberta at ENMAX Centre for the two-day South Country Co-op Showdown, presented by VisitLethbridge.com. Backed by a monstrous 90-point ride in the championship round, two-time PBR Canada Champion Zane Lambert (Ponoka, Alberta) clinched the season-launch event victory, catapulting to the No. 1 rank in the race for the 2021 PBR Canada Championship, and accompanying $50,000 bonus.
Lambert began the tour stop in dominant fashion, tying for the Round 1 win compliments of an 84-point effort atop Gandy (Skori Bucking Bulls). As Championship Saturday got underway, however, the Ponoka native was unable to continue his hot streak, dispatched by Bob Rock (Skori Bucking Bulls) in a quick 1.84 seconds.
With his opening-round score enough to secure his spot in the championship round, Lambert drafted a familiar opponent in reigning PBR Canada Bull of the Year Catch My Drift (Two Bit Bucking Bulls/K Rose Ranch). In June, the veteran Canuck delivered the first 90-point ride of the Canadian season atop the striking bovine athlete, scored 91 points in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Replicating his past success, Lambert once again matched the bull jump-for-jump, making the requisite 8 for an event-best 90 points in Lethbridge.
For his efforts, Lambert netted a critical 85.5 national points, catapulting him from No. 9 to No. 1 in the race for the 2021 PBR Canada Championship. The 35-year-old now leads No. 2 Nick Tetz (Calgary, Alberta) by a mere 1.34 points.
Should Lambert earn the national title in 2021, he would tie three-time Champion Aaron Roy (Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan) for most Canadian Championships won by one rider in league history. Lambert won the honor in 2013 and 2017, while Roy was the top Canadian in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Stay tuned to PBR.com for the latest news and results, and be sure to follow the league on all social media platforms at @PBR.
Meal A Day is in Need of Volunteer Drivers as well as Cooks and Medicare Open Enrollment is Approaching for 2022
Meal A Day is in desperate need of an In Town Route Driver on Thursdays. It will only take you about an hour.
Meal A Day is also in desperate need of Cooks on Thursdays. We could use more cooks every day but Thursday is our greatest need right now.The cooks come in at 7:00 and are usually done by 10:00.
If you would like to make a difference in your community please call Karon Weatherman at 903-885-1661 or email her at [email protected].
It is almost time for Medicare Open Enrollment. Please call and have someone check your Medicare D Plans. You might be paying too much. These plans change EVERY year.. It is in your best interest to make sure you are not paying too much.
