Pine Forest Solar I & Hybrid I Granted Use Of 9 County Roads
Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning approved a resolution granting Pine Forest Solar I LLC, and Pine Forest Hybrid I, LLC, permission to use 9 county roads during development and for improvements to the solar project planned in the area. Two Dike residents also spoke to the Commissioners Court Aug. 23, 2021, regarding the planned solar project in their neighborhood.
Pine Forest Roads
The Commissioners Court on July 26 tabled a resolution asking that the Pine Forest solar projects to be allowed to use county roads during construction and for improvements because the request did not have the specific roads that would be used. After removing it from the “table,” the Commissioners Court proceeded to officially consider the request
The developers for the project are considering considering expanding operations to add batteries, which would increase the investment up to a total potential of $252 million, explained County Judge Robert Newsom and Shannon McCall, President of Telios, the corporation overseeing the Pine Forest solar project.
“With the winter storm, the market is now increasing interest in storage. So, now we’ve added in the late spring, early summer the idea of a storage, which is an additional $150 million to the project. The investment is just wanting to ask the community, that you guys have given us the rights to use the road to build the solar. They just wanted to put in documents that we also are allowed rights use to install the storage as well,” said McCall.
That would increase the project’s overall total potential value to $252 million, McCall reported. His company last week emailed the Commissioners Court a proposal which included specific county roads the trucks hauling in equipment for construction and later improvements as needed for the solar power and energy storage project and improvements. This would give “access to, egress from, encroachments into, crossing of, and possibly upgrades to County roads, County owned rights-of-way, and County-held right-of-way easements” for the project.
The resolution gives PFSI and PFH1 and its successors and assigns, during the planning and construction phases of its Solar Power and Energy Storage Project and Improvements until the projects and improvements are completely abandoned, to use the county roads to: “(a) access and egress to and from the Solar Power and Energy Storage Project, (b) encroachment of the Solar Power and Energy Storage Project and Improvements into the right-of-way of said County roads, and (c) for overhead and underground crossings of said County roads with the Solar Power and Energy Storage Project and Improvements and with transmission lines connecting the Solar Power and Energy Storage Project and Improvements to the electrical grid power system.”
Roads to be used include Hopkins County Roads 2346, 2310, 2336, 2333, 3340, 3344, 3351, 3334 and 3342.
Citizens Comments
Two Dike residents addressed the Commissioners Court regarding the planned Dike solar project, during the citizens comments portion of the Aug. 23 meeting.
While the final design for Hopkins Energy LLC is not yet complete, Engie North America PR Kevin Phelan stated in an email to KSST earlier this month, the Dike solar project is expected to “include around 650,000 solar panels” and fewer than 100 acres out of the 1850 acres leased for the project are expected to require clearing,
Michele Barnes said during a March town hall meeting, Engie showed solar panels in a field of vegetation to attract butterflies. That, she said is misleading, because the Engie’s brochure distributed to Dike residents stated that only 10 percent of the project would have pollinator-friendly vegetation.
“That’s 185 acres. So what happens to the other nearly 17-hundred acres? Well, each land owner that was approached by Engie received an electrical packet that explains what they do with the undergrowth under the panels. They use Roundup®. So, 1,700 acres would have Roundup® applied to the ground to obstruct the leaves and natural plant life from growing around the panels to keep them growing and maintained. Where does that Roundup® go? Into the ground, affecting our underground water and due to hilly area of Dike, there will be nothing from stopping the Roundup® from flowing down south into our neighbor’s property, killing trees, vegetation and affecting the waterways which includes ponds that livestock drink from and creeks that will carry it further down south, affecting others outside the Dike area.
“The Roundup® you’re talking about going on there and running down stream, I use quite a bit around my house. Where I spray is where it kills it. It doesn’t kill everything. Mario, is that correct?” Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price said, seeking affirmation from Extension Agent Mario Villarino, who specializes in natural resources and agriculture.
“The life of the product is a maximum of 7 days,” Villarino said.
“So, if you spray it, and then it rains, and there’s no vegetation, will it run off into other areas?” Barnes asked.
“No, it immobilizes. It doesn’t transfer,” Villarino said.
“Well, I would like to see the data on that then,” Barnes rejoined.
Barnes also during her comments to the Commissioners Court said she’d heard Engie was trying to “woo” Precinct 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley’s neighbor into allowing Engie build near his property for the solar project.
“If you truly believe these solar panels will not do any harm,” Barnes said. “I expect to see you live out the rest of your life right next to them and be safe.”
“I am all for solar, but in the right area,” Barnes said. “Hilly, rural communities is definitely the wrong place. Dike will continue to fight this forward until it’s dying breath because we want to save our rural heritage.”
She said she keeps presenting research and data that she’s found to the Commissioners Court frequently during their meetings to do with as they choose. She noted that Dike residents’ protest of the solar farm to be constructed in their community has garnered some national attention. The community has also established a nonprofit organization and created a website to “to inform other rural communities like ours what could happen to them and they can stop the impact before it starts. They can learn from our mistake of not being involved with our local government or get information for what their local government may be hiding.”
Bartley asked Barnes if she also shares the information she presents to the commissioners court with the the two school districts and hospital district which “did exactly the same thing we did in allowing abatements for that solar company.” He queried why she keeps picking on the commissioners court.
“We’re not picking on Commissioners Court. You have a stronger rule than the schools and the hospital district,” Barnes said.
Bartley pointed out that the school districts and hospital district have control over their own taxes and allowing abatements, not the Commissioners Court.
Barnes said she’s not talking about taxes. Agreeing to zone the Dike area as industrial will increase their property values, and that in turn increases their tax bills. Bartley, however, said the county has no control over appraisals, those he said are set by the appraisal district. Barnes further contends that if the county hadn’t agreed to allow the solar farm to be built, the area where their homes are located would not have been rezoned industrial. In that way, she said, she believes the court does have a say in appraisals.
“The only reason I come up here is because if the school board and hospital district were just as interested, they’d be up here meeting also. They are more like subsidiaries of what you guys do. That’s the way I feel,” Barnes concluded.
Glenn Hamlin, a County Road 3518 resident, said while Dike resident have been told there is no flooding in the area where Hopkins Energy LLC is planned, that’s not the case.
“I’ve lived on that road ever since I was in fourth grade. I’ve lived there enough years to know what floods and to know that there is too much flooding in that area for an industrial solar plant,” Hamlin said.
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs has ONE mission: To Extend the Health Ministry of Jesus Christ.
By Holly Ragan, Senior Market Development, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, [email protected]
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
According to the CDC, breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Here are 5 great benefits of breastfeeding:
- Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies: as the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet her baby’s nutritional needs.
- Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases: breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type I diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.
- Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
- Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
- Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Would you like to learn more about breastfeeding your baby? Our hospital has a lactation consultant at your service for assistance, and we offer a FREE virtual breastfeeding class every month. Call 903.439.4091 for more information, or to sign up for a class.
Thank you for your patience!
Due to a sharp increase in Emergency Room visits as a result of the spike in COVID-19, please expect longer wait times than normal. Rest assured we are doing everything we can to provide high quality care in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for allowing us to provide for your healthcare needs, while extending grace to our staff.
COVID Vaccine Clinics
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs will host a COVID Vaccine Clinic every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main lobby of the hospital until further notice. The available vaccines include Moderna (2-doses, ages 18 and older), Pfizer (2-doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1-dose, ages 18 and older), Appointments not required, but parent/guardian must accompany anyone 17 and younger.
Carter BloodCare Blood Drive
The Carter BloodCare Bus will be parked in the front parking lot of our hospital in Sulphur Springs on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Our local blood supply is at an all-time low creating a serious supply issue.
To sign up to give blood, or for questions, please call Yeon Mi Kim at 903.438.4380 or call/text Carter BloodCare at 800.366.2834. All donors will receive a free t-shirt.
Sports Medicine
FREE Saturday Athletic Injury Clinic for student athletes of all ages is here! Saturday sports clinic will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., on August 21 through November 13. Athletes will get an exam and free x-ray to determine a plan of care to treat their injury. The location will be the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Orthopedic Office at 103B Medical Circle in Sulphur Springs.
For more information about our Sports Medicine program, or Orthopedic services, please call our office at 903.885.6688.
Please help us preserve our masks for our healthcare providers, and BRING YOUR OWN MASK
With COVID cases rapidly increasing in our community, the hospital requires all visitors to wear a mask while in the facility. There is no entry into the hospital without a mask. Visitors may wear a cloth or medical mask. Thank you for your continued support of the safety of our patients and associates.
Hospital Bed Availability
While some hospitals are on divert due to a “critical COVID surge,” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continues to serve patients, and has available hospital beds, both for COVID and non-COVID diagnoses.
Hospital Visitation
Please note the following guidelines for hospital visitation:
- Visitors must acquire masks themselves prior to entering our facility; cloth masks are acceptable. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth. Visitors must remain masked during their time in the hospital.
- Emergency Department entrance open 24/7
- Main Entrance open 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
- Gift Shop open
- Visiting hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Types of Visitors:
- COVID receiving aerosol treatments: via tele-visitation only.
- COVID not receiving aerosol treatments: 1 Essential support person at a time – Essential support person will be given a visible wrist band
- COVID unit visitor must remain the same throughout stay
- ICU/ER: 1 Essential support person only
- All other patients may have 1 essential support person and 1 visitor (up to 2 persons in room at a time).
Outpatient Psychiatry Service Changes
Access Physicians Multispecialty Clinic of Sulphur Springs will no longer offer psychiatry services, effective September 1, 2021.
Psychiatry services will be available locally through Forefront Rush Medical Services, P.C. (“Forefront”).
Forefront’s services will be available at 105 Medical Plaza, Sulphur Springs at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. Any patient desiring to be seen by Forefront will need a referral from a provider practicing at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic – Sulphur Springs. You may contact CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic at (903) 885-3181 about obtaining a referral.
We recommend that you find another specialist to take care of your psychiatric medical needs. If you do not know another specialist, you may contact the Texas Medical Board for resources.
If you wish to obtain copies of your medical records, please come by our office and complete a “Medical Records Release Form” to have your records released to you or to have your records sent to another provider. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 to 1 p.m.). Please call ahead at 903-919-5034.
Hours of Operation
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care – Sulphur Springs
The CHRISTUS Urgent Care hours of operation are as follows:
- In-Person Care Hours: Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Tuesday, closed; Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, closed.
- Virtual Visit Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- To schedule a virtual visit, please visit urgentcare.christushealth.org, then select your location and click “Virtual Visit”
The Urgent Care is located at 1339 South Broadway St., and the phone number to call is 903.951.1001.
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System includes CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler, Jacksonville, Winnsboro and Sulphur Springs; the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler; CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Encompass Health; Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital, a long-term acute care facility; and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is the area’s preferred multi-specialty medical group, with more than 400 Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers representing 36 specialties in 34 locations serving Northeast Texas across 41 counties.
For more information on services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, visit christustmf.org
- Bed count – 402 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Tyler
- Bed count – 8 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – South Tyler
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville
- Bed Count – 96 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs
- Bed count – 25 – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Winnsboro
- Bed count – 94 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rehabilitation Hospital
- Bed count – 96 – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart – Tyler
- Bed count – 51 – Tyler Continue CARE Hospital at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital
Hopkins County EMS Earns National Recognition For Efforts To Improve STEMI Treatment In Northeast Texas
The American Heart Association Presents Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Achievement Award For Implementation Of Quality Care For Severe Heart Attack Patients
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Hopkins County EMS has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Plus Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
Each year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication.
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks – starting from when 9-1-1 is called, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Optimal care for heart attack patients takes coordination between the individual hospital, EMS and healthcare system.
“EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Tim Henry, M.D., chair of the Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can save precious minutes of treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals to an incoming heart attack patient.”
Program participants apply for the award recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to improving quality care for STEMI patients.
“Hopkins County EMS is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Brent Smith, EMS Director. “The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”
About Mission: Lifeline
The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for acute coronary syndrome patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit heart.org.
Hopkins-Rains Retired School Personnel Donate Cash Prize For Classroom Teachers
Hopkins-Rains Retired School Personnel recently donated $50 to each school district in Hopkins and Rains Counties. Returning teachers from each district put their “names in the hat” for $50 to use for classroom supplies. Winners of the drawing for each district include:
Stephanie Buster, Como-Pickton CISD 
Emili Jarvis, Cumby ISD 
Keaton Cameron, Rains ISD 
Matthew McCray, SSISD
Lady Cats Volleyball Goes 2-2 On Friday and Saturday
The Lady Cats volleyball team had another busy weekend as they make their way through tournament play.
Over the course of the Aug. 19-21 weekend, Coach Bailey Dorner and her Lady Cats participated in four matches, starting with something of a familiar foe in the Rains Lady Cats.
Sulphur Springs and Rains faced each other for the first time this season on day one of the Wills Point tournament on Aug. 19, 2021 and Coach Dorner’s squad beat the Rains Lady Cats two sets to one after dropping set one 20-25 but then bouncing back for two straight-set wins to claim victory.
The win against Rains gave the Lady Cats volleyball team their third and final victory on the day.
Rains would not soon forget as the next day, on Friday, Aug. 20, the Rains Lady Cats got the last laugh as they hosted Coach Dorner’s Lady Cats for a rematch.
It would not go Sulphur Springs’ way as Rains won the rematch on Friday to the tune of a sweep for the Rains Lady Cats.
Saturday would be a better day for Sulphur Springs, as even though the Lady Cats volleyball team were swept at the hands of the Commerce Lady Tigers, Coach Dorner’s team responded by sweeping two straight opponents in four sets, the host Wills Point and Sunnyvale to finish day two of the Wills Point tournament going 2-1 on Saturday and 5-1 over the course of the two day tourney.
The five victories and two losses over the course of Thursday through Saturday gave the Lady Cats volleyball team a 8-7 overall record.
Next up, Coach Dorner and her squad will be back at home when they take on Quinlan Ford on Tuesday, Aug. 24.
Freshmen and JV will get underway at 4:30 P.M. with the varsity to follow at 5:30 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Yantis Man Accused Of Assaulting A Woman With A Curtain Rod
A 44-year-old Yantis man was accused of assaulting a woman with a curtain rod, according to arrest reports.
(HCSO jail photo)
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Lavender responded to a request for a welfare check on State Highway 154 south at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, he contacted the two occupants, a 44-year-old man and 45-year-old woman. Upon further investigation, they received information indicating Carlton Douglas Fite had assaulted the woman during the night. Fite allegedly struck the woman in the face with a metal curtain rod. The assault wasn’t immediately reported because the woman feared being further assaulted. Assistance was requested for the woman after Fite went to sleep.
Fite was arrested at 2:20 p.m. and booked into jail shortly before 4 p.m. Aug. 21, 2021, for aggravated assault of a date, family or household member with a weapon. He remained in Hopkins County jail Monday morning, Aug. 23, 2021, in lieu of the $80,000 bond set on the charge for assaulting the woman with a curtain rod.
Saturday was not the first time Fite has been arrested this year. He was arrested on March 8, 2021, on one burglary of a building warrant each from Hopkins and Upshur Counties. Fite, who is also known to use the aliases Chris Watson, Christopher Douglas Spencer and Fite Carlton, remained in Hopkins County jail until April 13, 2021, in lieu of $10,000 per charge on the offense.
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.
Commissioners Court To Consider Adopting Budget And Tax Rate Monday
Repairs To 2 County Buildings, Pine Forest Solar And Hybrid’s Road Use Requests Are Also On Aug. 23 Agenda
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court has a full agenda Monday morning, with adoption of the budget and tax rate at the top of the list. Bids for repairs for two county buildings, Pine Forest Solar LLC and Pine Forest Hybrid I LLC’s road use requests, the Selection Committee’s review of and recommendations regarding architectural RFQs received for a Community Safe Room and Trustee Housing Facility are also on the regular Aug. 23 Commissioners Court meeting agenda.
Two public hearings will be held during the 9 a.m. meeting, one for questions or comments regarding the proposed tax rate and another to give the public time to consider the proposed fiscal year 2021-2022 budget.
At the Aug. 13 Commissioners Court meeting, Tax Assessor/Collector Debbie Mitchell proposed setting the county tax rate at $0.584035 per $100 property valuation, which is a $0.040857 reduction. That would be less than or equal to the 3.5 percent cap set by the state legislature, according to Mitchell.
“When I came into office, we had to raise the tax rate almost 7 cents to build the jail, and so this is taking it backward actually for the first time since I’ve been county judge,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said at the meeting earlier this month.
While the proposed tax rate is 4 cents lower, county property taxes are projected to raise $888,540 more revenue for Hopkins County during fiscal year 2021-2022 than the prior year’s $0.624892 county tax rate. Approximately $280,336 of that 6.9 percent increase in tax revenue will be from new properties added to the tax roll this year. The rest will be from increased property appraisal values. If adopted, the new tax rate would be reflected on tax bills mailed this fall.
So, while the tax rate will be lower, taxpayers are likely to see an increase in their county tax bills. For instance, a taxpayer whose property appraisal remained unchanged would expect to pay less on their bill. Since most properties were appraised higher this year, the average tax-payer can expect to pay more this year.
The county’s proposed FY 2021-2022 budget and 2021 tax notices have been posted to the county’s website for public review and is expected to be announced for consideration on Aug. 23, 2021 as well.
County Judge Robert Newsom said some innovative programs has provided flexibility that will enable the county to give all full-time employees a 12 percent pay increase in the coming year.
The Commissioners emphasized that the proposed 12 percent pay raise for all county employees will not come from the the additional tax revenue from new construction and increased appraisal values on property. No tax dollars will be used for pay increases; the special projects are expected to fund the raises. The additional tax revenues will be used for county operations, maintenance, debt service payments and repairs.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Mickey Barker attributed the ability to fund a raise for all county employees to “positive growth in Hopkins County and special projects.” HCSO Chief Deputy Tanner Crump said they will “provide a more competitive pay, that we have been behind on for decades,” which should help retain the quality employees already employed at the sheriff’s office and across the county, and help attract other high caliber applicants when openings do become available.
Commissioners said additional information about the budget and special programs is planned to be discussed at the Aug. 23 meeting.
The agenda also calls for consideration setting of elected officials’ salary and the salary of the official shorthand reporter of the 62nd Judicial District.
Click here to view the Proposed County Budget
Notices about can be found by clicking here and additional tax information here.
The Selection Committee is slated to present for Court approval he results of their request for qualifications for architectural services for construction of a Community Safe Room and a Trustee Housing Facility and he committee’s recommendations following grading of the RFQs.
Commissioners over the last week held work sessions and on Monday are expected to consider accepting bids for removal and replacement of the roof gutter and downspouts at Hopkins County Courthouse and for roof renovations at the Hopkins County Annex Building.
The Court too will consider a resolution approving a request from Pine Forest Solar I, LLC, and Pine Forest Hybrid I, LLC, to use certain roads.
Election Judges and alternate judges are to be appointed for a 2 years, starting on Sept. 1, 2021 and ending on Aug. 31, 2023.
Also submitted for court approval will be the bond for the deputy treasurer, a request to replat lots 1-4 of Penn Addition, the County Road Inventory of County-Maintained Road mileage for certification for funding through Texas Department of Transportation, updating county holidays for 2021-2022, an interlocal agreement for E9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point Services and PSAP equipment, the State case Registry Cooperative Agreement between the Office of the Attorney General of Texas and Hopkins County, and bids for two 2021 or newer model half-ton pickup trucks for the sheriff’s office.
Hopkins County Extension Agents are slated to report on activities their office is or has recently been involved in, during Monday’s 9 a.m. meeting in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of Hopkins County Courthouse.
After the regular meeting adjourns, the Commissioners Court then is slated to move to the third floor of the courthouse, where they will hold a work session with sheriff’s office, fire department and Civic Center personnel. A budget work session may also be held during the meeting.
Meal A Day Menu For August 23-27, 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 Aug. 23-27, 2021, includes:
- Monday –Beef Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables and Garlic Sticks.
- Tuesday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli, and Pickled Beets
- Wednesday – Ham and Potato Casserole, Candied Carrots and Stewed Squash.
- Thursday –Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and A Roll.
- Friday – Cheese Burgers, Lettuce, Tomato and Onion, Pickle Spears, Baked Beans and Potato Chips.
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center is a place where Senior Citizens age 50 and over can have a good time with old friends and make some new ones. Meal-A-Day is just one service the center provides. The coffee pot is always on and a smile is on each face. The SCC has a full library with all different kinds of reading books that can be taken, read and returned. Take as many as you like and bring some of your books in to share with others. Click here to find more information for seniors citizens.
3 Convicted In District Court
At least three people were convicted in district court this week on felony offenses, according to the district attorney’s office.
Larry Tyrone Goodson entered pleas of guilty to a July 5, 2020 third or more driving while intoxicated offense charge and a June 7, 2021 bail jumping and failure to appear charge Aug. 17 in the 8th Judicial District Court, as prearranged. The 50-year-old’s case was reset for a sentencing hearing before the court at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13, 2021.
Goodson has remained in Hopkins County jail since his arrest June 7, 2021, on warrants for bond forfeiture on the third or more DWI charge and bond forfeiture on the bail jumping/failure to appear charge.
As previously arranged, Chun Zachary Lambert of The Colony entered a plea of guilty to fraudulent use or possession of 5-10 items of identifying information on Aug. 17, 2021, in district court. He acknowledged his guilt in five other cases, and pursuant to a 12.45 agreement, the unlawful possession of a firearm, theft of a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of less than1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges were dismissed.
The 43-year-old’s case was reset for sentencing before the court at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29, 2021. All six of the offenses according to court reports, were alleged to have occurred on Jan. 13, 2021.
Kathy Denise Johnson was jailed Aug. 18, 2021, after being sentenced to serve a three-year commitment in Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
The 53-year-old Sulphur Springs woman has two recent jail stays on her record: from March 16-19, 2021, for having less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone and June 11-Aug. 12, 2021, for having less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of August 23, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 23, 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 69, Grayson County: from FM 1897 in Bells to SH 11 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Work is expected to begin Aug. 9.
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. 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.
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 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.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 to Cemetery Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway.
FM 697, Grayson County: from SH 11 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.
SH 78, Fannin County: from US 69 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews 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.
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.
US 79 at Loop 286, Lamar County: Watch for workers and equipment while crews perform slope repair work.
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 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 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 118, FM 513. Crews will also be on FM 499 from Hopkins county line to SH 24 and SH 66 from FM 1570 to Caddo Mills performing overlay operations. Contract mowers will be operating throughout the county this 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. Contracted maintenance crews will be mowing various locations in 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 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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