North Hopkins-South Sulphur VFD Receives Donation To Help With Construction Of New Station
North Hopkins-South Sulphur Volunteer Fire Department received a donation to help finish building the new station Monday morning.
During the regular July 26 Hopkins County Commissioners Court meeting, RWE Renewables Americas LLC Solar Development Manager Sean Pattee and Senior Project Manager of Construction Sean O’Hagan presented North Hopkins-South Sulphur VFD Chief Bobby Harris with a $70,000 donation to help the the volunteer fire department finish building a new station.
“This is a big event for North Hopkins fire department as well as RWE,” Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom said of the company that is planning to construct Bright Arrow Solar, a solar facility in Northwestern Hopkins County.
“Thank you, it’s really been a pleasure to work with folks in Hopkins County and starting to get to know everybody. On behalf of RWE workers I present this check for $70,000 to go towards finishing out the building for North Hopkins fire district. It’s a small contribution, I think, to what you and the folks have already done. A lot of folks have volunteered time and donations, put in a lot of work donating land, to get where you’re at,” Pattee said. “We just want to kind of note we want to be a good member of the community and make this donation.”
“We appreciate that so very much,” Harris said. “A donation of this size is going to go a long way, but it’s not to diminish any of the donations from the people that have given $20, $40, $100, $1,000. We appreciate them and they are the ones that keep us going on a day-to-day basis. This right here is going to go so far. For the people of the community of the North Hopkins Department 3 District and the people of Hopkins County I want to thank you so very much for this donation.”
Precinct 4 Commissioner Joe Price presented Pattee with a cap from Precinct 4 and Harris presented him with one from NHVFD as well, and offered to get one for O’Hagan if needed.
The funds will allow North Hopkins Fire Department to finish building its newest station, located just past Pleasant Grove estates on FM 2285. The foundation for the station is already down, and the frame work is up. Currently, the department is waiting for the sheet metal to come, then will require electrical and other interior work. The project is a little bit behind the originally projected schedule due to the rainy weather experienced earlier in the summer and the contractor waiting on the sheet metal to come in.
Harris noted the station typically relies on one annual fundraiser, a yearly photo drive in which a company canvasses the area, offering a large professional photo for a set donation amount. The department, due to COVID-19, was unable to hold it’s annual fundraiser last year, and has not been able to conduct it this year either due to COVID precautions.
NH-SSVFD, has however, been very fortunate to receive several donations this year to help the department, including but in no way limited to, the donation from RWE.
“We have been blessed with some off the cuff donations from different businesses and individuals,” Harris said. “With this, we will be able to finish the station.”
RWE is the company behind Bright Arrow Solar, LLC. Pattee and O’Hagan said the solar project is still in the early stages and not quite to the construction phase yet. Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs ISD each approved tax incentives for Bright Arrow Solar farm. The school district accepted an application from the company in September 2020 to consider a tax incentive, if Texas Comptroller’s Office approved it, for a 300 MW/AC facility comprised of approximately 867,000 photovoltaic panels and 85 central inverters and is being developed by RWE Renewables Americas, LLC. Hopkins County in November 2020 approved a reinvestment zone for the $275 million project planned off State Highway 11 west in Precinct 4, on three separate properties.
Balkcom No Longer Associated With CHRISTUS, Plans to Continue Serving Patients
Dr I.L. Balkcom IV and Deborah Balkcom submitted the following letter dated July 22, 2021, to KSST to let patients and friends know about changes that are in progress.
Dear Patients and Good Friends,
After serving our community for 28 years, 24 of which were spent in service at the Medical Surgical Clinic and the last 4 years as a part of Christus Trinity Clinics, I am no longer associated with Christus Trinity Clinic.
Many of you have been told that I have retired. As of the date of this letter, my wife and I are going in a different direction. Plans are in process for continuing to provide healthcare to you. We hope to have an announcement for you by the end of September.
Thanks to all of you who have kept us in your prayers as I continue to heal from my leg fracture.
With my fondest regards,
Dr. I.L. Balkcom IV & Deborah Balkcom
Wildcats Basketball Soaking In Extra Week of Edge as Team Looks Onward to the Fall and Winter
Coach Brandon Shaver has been busy since his arrival in Sulphur Springs in mid-May.
Not only has he helmed the Edge, but he also recently completed the youth sports camp that most of the sports teams here in Sulphur Springs have every summer.
The new Wildcats basketball coach said camps like these are critical to building a family environment, a statement Coach Shaver has voiced before.
He said that having young players attend these camps, and having the ability to play and work with varsity members, is huge.
The former Pine Tree coach said he held similar camps in his time in Longview, and the results show for themselves.
Coach Shaver built the Pine Tree program from the ground up, and, luckily for the new Wildcats coach, his predecessor built a strong foundation, so he simply has to continue building on what Coach Cipoletta was able to produce in his time in East Texas.
The Wildcats basketball coach said progress has been going really well for his squad, even though gym renovations campus-wide forced the coach to push the end of the Edge back a week.
Coach Shaver said the renovations have been in the works for several months now, but he did not mind the brief brake in the action. The Wildcats got in two good days of practice last week before the Main Gym at SSHS began the improvements last Tuesday. The renovations concluded last Sunday.
Although the gym was being improved, forcing the team to take a day off, last week was anything but a break for the Wildcats squad as several players participated in AAU play last weekend. Coach Shaver said last weekend was the busiest weekend until the fall/winter season tips off.
Even with the renovations, Coach Shaver has been very impressed with the lack of growing pains that his team has exhibited.
He said that his team is composed of quick learners; add in the fact that Coach Shaver will be mildly adjusting what his team was used to doing under Coach Cip, and the learning curve is arguably lower for this squad than with other teams who experience coaching changes.
Coach Shaver says to expect a tough, defense-oriented team. The new coach said he’s big on the defensive side of the ball. But fear not, Coach Shaver says, for the Wildcats will still be keeping their fast, up-tempo offense that Sulphur Springs fans got so used to seeing under Coach Cipoletta.
The Wildcats could have their season schedule finalized as soon as the end of this week; once it is finalized, the Sulphur Springs regime will be one step closer to taking their first steps under new coach Brandon Shaver.
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.
Keep an Eye on the Herd Bull, by Mario Villarino
Developed by Dr. Mario A. Villarino, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Hopkins County, Texas
Many seasoned ranchers are fully aware of the importance of the herd sire and the potential consequences of making a wrong sire selection.
Bulls are an expensive, labor intensive part of the herd management. Because of its size, financial investment and impact on the herd offspring, many attributes (and drawn backs) of bulls are easily missed.
There are also many “used bulls” for sale claimed as “good deals” as they reach their useful life. There are more than 60 different breeds of beef cattle in the United States, so choosing a breed of a bull can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, most of the breeds in Texas fit one of five groups: British, continental beef, continental dual purpose, Brahman or American. The breed selection process is simplified first by choosing a group that can meet ranch production and marketing objectives and then selecting a breed within the chosen group.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, when using physical appearance as bull selection criteria, one of the first things to evaluate is structural correctness.
Without structural correctness, a bull will not perform nor last as long as expected. A bull should have a well-structured shoulder with his front legs at a right angle (90 degrees) from an imaginary line drawn from the top of the shoulder through the point of the shoulder to the elbow.
You want a 120-degree angle from the elbow through the back of the pastern with the front hooves slightly turned outward about 20 degrees. On a structurally sound bull, the two front legs are parallel to each other.
Hindquarter structural correctness includes a slight slope from the hooks to the pins with an imaginary vertical line from the hook through the stifle. A right angle should exist from the hook through the pins to the stifle and a 120-degree angle from the stifle to the hock and down the pastern.
Like the forequarters, the hind legs should be parallel and the hooves slightly turned outward about 20 degrees. If you don’t remember all these angles, watch the bull walk on a level surface. Structurally correct cattle will place each hind hoof in the track of the corresponding front hoof.
Reproductive evaluation, which includes a breeding soundness examination, is used to help measure the potential sexual performance of a bull.
Request results of a recent breeding soundness examination from the seller when buying a bull and conduct breeding soundness examinations on herd bulls annually before breeding season.
If bulls cannot pass breeding soundness exams, cull them from the herd because they will not settle their share of the cows. It is best to have breeding soundness exams done by veterinarians.
“The basic breeding soundness exam consists of physical evaluation of the animal, examination of reproductive organs, measurement of scrotal size and evaluation of semen. Physical evaluations include structure, feet, eyes, mouth, gait and body condition,” said Clay Mathis of King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management.
“Faults in conformation and injuries can result in the bull becoming lame soon after the breeding season begins. Structure soundness of feet and legs is of paramount importance if the bull is to travel and mount females in heat.”
I have found out that having somebody knowledgeable (and that not always agree with you) is helpful when looking for sires. The more objective the decision is the less of a risk to make a wrong selection due to you just “liking” the bull.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Commissioners Court To Consider RFPs For Architectural Services Qualifications, Road Use Agreements
Hopkins County Commissioners Court appears to have a full agenda Monday morning, with items for architectural services qualifications for two projects, road use agreements and an interlocal agreement.
The commissioners court is scheduled to consider authorizing issuance of requests for proposals for qualifications for architectural services related to the hazardous mitigation assistance grant programs for a Community Safe Room as well as architectural services related to American Rescue Funds or state and local Fiscal Recovery Funds concerning a “trustee housing facility.”.
Among contracts submitted for court approval is a special use agreement for County Road 4760 (the agenda does not denote who the agreement is with). A resolution granting Pine Forest Hybrid, LLC’s request for use of certain roads too has been submitted for consideration by the Commissioners Court.
One routine item on the July 26 agenda is an interlocal agreement between Hopkins and Lubbock counties for participation in a Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases Program. The agreement basically serves as insurance, to help cover the costs associated with prosecution of capital murder cases, should the county have any, officials explained prior to approving the agreement in past years
The court too will be asked to consider approving an agreement between the County Clerk and Integrated Data Services for docket application. The County Clerk’s Office already has one agreement with IDS for software services, with Bill Wilder as the vendor. The Commissioners Court on July 12 agreed for County Clerk Tracy Smith to contract with IDS to be able to post certain records, such as monthly reports, Commissioners Court records and election results and information online. Prior to that, the Commissioners Court minutes were recorded on Laserfiche, which the clerk noted is not very user friendly. The request for the 9 a.m. meeting Monday would assist with dockets.
The consent agenda includes meeting minutes from one regular meeting and six work sessions, and requests from Farmers Electric Cooperative to construct electrical power distribution facilities across County Roads 1130 and 1136, in Precinct 1.
Sheriff’s and Constables’ fees are submitted for approval along with any bills, revenues, expenses, financial statements and payroll; any grants, donations, asset disposal or personnel matters that may have been submitted for Commissioners Court consideration, although none are listed.
Time has also been designated immediately following the consideration of the consent agenda for public forum, should anyone choose to address the court.
Following adjournment of the regular 9 a.m. meeting of Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday, July 26, 2021, in the first floor courtroom inside Hopkins County Courthouse, the Court will reconvene in the third floor meeting room for a work session with fire department and sheriff’s office personnel, and a budget work session. The court will hold another work session at 9 a.m. Aug. 2 in the meeting room at the courthouse with fire department and sheriff’s office personnel and a budget work session.
Meal A Day Menu For July 26-30, 2021
Volunteers prepare meals at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center and deliver them five days a week to Meal A Day program recipients in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. The Meal A Day Menu for July 26-30, 2021, includes:
- Monday – Poppy Seed Chicken, On a Bed of Rice, Candied Carrots and Brussel Sprouts
- Tuesday – Cheeseburger Casserole, Corn, Stewed Squash and Tomatoes
- Wednesday – Beef Spaghetti, Italian Vegetables, Garlic Toast and Tossed Salad
- Thursday – Chicken Pot Pie, Broccoli and Pickled Beets
- Friday – Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Beans and Roll
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.
13 Jailed In Hopkins County On Controlled Substance, Marijuana and Related Charges July 15-24, 2021
At least 13 individuals were jailed in Hopkins County on controlled substance and marijuana charges between July 15 and July 24, 2021.
Whitney Renee Armstrong was arrested at 7:59 p.m. July 23, 2021, on a warrant for bond forfeiture on a June 1, 2020 possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charge. The 19-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on West Main Street in Cumby by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputies J. Davis and S. Steward, who were aware she had the outstanding warrant and took her into custody on the charge. She remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 24, 2021, in lieu of the $10,0000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Brenda Raley Davis was taken into custody at 10:26 p.m. July 22, 2021, on a warrant for violation of probation which she was on for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Justin Wilkerson served the warrant at the 66-year-old’s Como residence, took her into custody and transported her to jail, where she remained Saturday, July 24, 2021, according to arrest and jail reports.
Shayla Kuhl was arrested July 22, 2021, on a warrant for violation of probation, which she was on for possession of a controlled substance, as well as a possession of controlled substance charge. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Sean Hoffman found the 25-year-old Sulphur Springs woman in a man’s room at a South Broadway Street address at 8:38 a.m. and took her into custody on the warrant. Hoffman also found a scale and piece of marijuana cigarette in the room and a clear bag with suspected methamphetamine in the night stand during a room search. She claimed the contraband resulting in the additional charge, according to arrest reports. She was held in the county jail July 24, 2021, on the probation charge. Her bond on the new charge was set at $20,000, according to jail reports.
Gage Jahvon Williams, 29, of Sulphur Springs was arrested at 9:46 a.m. July 21, 2021, on Whitworth Street at Ardis Street on a possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of the Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. Sulphur Springs Police Officer Francisco Castro allegedly found four Adderall pills the 29-year-old Sulphur Springs man did not have a prescription when patting him down during a traffic stop. He was released July 22, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
Deputy Thompson transported Robert Lee Warren from Kaufman County Detention Center to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked July 20, on a warrant for violation of probation on a possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana charge. The 27-year-old Terrell woman was held in the county jail Saturday, July 24, 2021.
Shemika Dn Marshall was arrested July 21, 2021, for possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was stopped by Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thomas Patterson stopped him for a defective license plate light, smelled marijuana as he approached the car and found a handgun and about 2 pounds of suspected marijuana in vacuum-sealed packages hidden in a sealed dog food container, the deputy alleged in arrest reports. The 21-year-old Heartland, Texas ( an unincorporated community near Dallas in Kaufman County) woman claimed the gun and marijuana and was arrested. She was released from Hopkins County jail later July 21, on a $5,000 bond on the marijuana charge and a $2,000 bond on the weapon charge, according to jail reports.
Jonathan Wade Pursell was arrested July 19, 2021, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance warrant. HCSO Deputies Nick Marney and Drew Fisher served the warrant at his residence at 7:37 p.m. and took him into custody on the charge. The 42-year-old Cumby man was released from Hopkins County jail July 21, 2021, on a $10,000 bond, according to jail and arrest reports.
Deputy Dan Turrentine transported Anthony Leon Gaines from Van Zandt County jail to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked at 8:40 a.m. July 17 on manufacture of delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence. The 27-year-old Tyler man remained in the county jail in lieu of $230,000 bond – $150,000 on the controlled substance charge, $50,000 on the evading arrest charge and tampering with evidence.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department State Park Police Officers Henderson and King attempted to contact the person staying at a site in Cooper Lake State Park at 6:13 a.m. July 17, after the camper failed to checkout on time. Henderson found a straw on the sun visor and search the vehicle. A bank deposit bag containing Kool-Aide, a glass pipe with white residue, a lighter and bag containing suspected methamphetamine behind the passenger’s seat of a pickup. Justin Powell Freeman was arrested for possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Freeman remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 24, 2021. Bond was set at $20,000 on the charge, according to jail and arrest reports.
Marquis Deon Wright was arrested at 11:17 a.m. July 16, 2021, on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, no driver’s license and failure to maintain financial responsibility. Sulphur Springs Police officer Francisco Castro responded to a disturbance; the 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was alleged to have been involved and a white, rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine and a pipe with suspected methamphetamine, a pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue were located during a search. The 28-year-old Sulphur Springs man was arrested on the controlled substance charge and found have the two traffic warrants. He remained in the county jail Saturday, July 24, 2021. Bond on the charges totaled $10,000, according to jail reports.
Cumby Police Lt. Paul Robinson arrested Ramiro Saucedo Espinoza at 4:50 p.m. July 15, 2021, for possession of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, found during a traffic stop on Interstate 30 east at mile marker 112, the officer alleged in arrest reports. The 36-year-old Dallas man was released from the county jail July 16, 2021, on a $5,000 bond on the charge, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputy Jason Lavender and Deputy Alvin Jordan located Alexis Leonarda Alvarez at 9:39 a.m. July 15 at a County Road 4707 residence and took her into custody on five warrants: two for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 or 2A controlled substance and one each for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, money laundering and delivery of 1/4-ounce or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, according to arrest reports. The offense was alleged to have occurred on July 4, 2021. The 22-year-old Sulphur Springs woman was released from Hopkins County jail July 16, 2021, on $30,000 bond on each of the controlled substance charges, and $15,000 bond each on the money laundering and delivery of marijuana charges, according to jail reports.
HCSO Deputies Elijah Fite and Alvin Jordan located Manuel Pastor-Andrade at his place of work and took him into custody at 9:14 a.m. July 15, 2021, on five warrants, two for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 or 2A controlled substance and one each for manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, money laundering and delivery of 1/4-ounce or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, according to arrest reports. The 24-year-old Sulphur Springs man was released from Hopkins County jail July 16, 2021, on $120,000 bond: $30,000 each on the controlled substance charges, $15,000 on the money laundering and $15,000 on the marijuana charge, according to jail reports.
Michigan Woman Caught with Stolen Weapon
Teen Accused of Sexual Assault of Child, Man of Criminal Mischief and Probation Violation
A 38-year-old Michigan woman was caught with a stolen weapon; two men were also arrested on felony warrants as well, according to arrest reports.
Cumby Police stopped a black Acura SUV on Interstate 30 at mile marker 109 for traveling at a high rate of speed. Upon contact with the 38-year-old Saginaw woman driving, the officer reported smelling a marijuana odor. A search revealed a small amount of marijuana and a pistol. A records check showed the pistol had been reported to Michigan authorities as stolen.
Geralda Alicia Rodriguez was arrested July 22 at 12:24 p.m. for possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful carrying of a firearm. She remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 24, 2021. Bond was set at $10,000 on the theft charge and $5,000 on the other.
Jailed on felony warrants were Qieshone Odell Flecker and David Lynn Petrea.
Petrea was taken into custody at his Cooper residence by Delta County Deputy Zack Steward and transported to the Hopkins County line, then released him to Hopkins County Deputy Justin Wilkerson. The 50-year-old Cooper man was booked into Hopkins County jail shortly after 9 p.m. July 22 on a warrant for violation of probation on a criminal mischief charge as well as a criminal mischief warrant.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve Huffman traveled to Hutchins State Jail, where he took custody of Qieshone Odell Flecker at 8:40 a.m. July 22. Huffman transported the 18-year-old Sulphur Springs man to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on a sexual assault of a child warrant. Flecker remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, July 24, 2021, in lieu of the $50,000 bond set on the felony charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of July 26, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of July 26, 2021. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
US 75, Grayson County: from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91 as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound Washington Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Lamar/Houston Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road near West Staples Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes near West Cherry Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Center Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Center Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. To detour, eastbound Center Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Park Avenue, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Houston Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Center Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Center Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLyVQ6rYNhM
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Center Street closure at US 75: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIMoHaqAFGg
Northbound and Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic has been shifted onto the existing frontage road from just north of Houston Street and transitions back to the existing mainlanes south of North Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Washington Street. Within this area, the US 75 frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to complete work in preparation of the mainlane detour. To detour, eastbound Washington Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Lamar Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on North Travis Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Washington Street.
Video animations of the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch and Washington Street detour can be viewed online at:
- Northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between North Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lanes shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews perform bridge construction. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on bridge construction and construction of new frontage road lanes.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through August 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (# 643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The pedestrian bridge has been removed. Pedestrians wishing to cross US 75 are advised to cross at the Houston Street signalized intersection.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews are working to construct the second portion of the new Sand Creek bridge and the approaches to the bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform utility work. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter at the FM 121 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures as construction crews work on installing a traffic signal at the intersection.
Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876), Grayson County: Yellow Bridge Road (CR 876) is closed to through traffic at the branch of Pilot Grove Creek so that construction crews can remove and replace the bridge. Local traffic will need to use an alternate roadway such as Brewer Road or County Road 534.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
FM 84, Grayson County: between US 75 and FM 406. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 to Cemetery Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.
FM 274, Fannin County: from FM 1753 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway.
SH 34, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 2990. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs to the roadway.
FM 981, Fannin County: from SH 78 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs to the roadway.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
FM 71, Hopkins County: From FM 3236 to Sulphur Bluff. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews work on rehabilitating the roadway.
FM 3389, Hopkins County: From IH 30 to FM 1567. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews work on rehabilitating the roadway.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
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.
BU 82J, Red River County: Between Travis Street and Columbia Street in Clarksville. The road will be closed and a marked detour will be in place while crews replace a cross drainage structure, install drainage inlets, and reconstruct the roadway and sidewalk in this area.
FM 195, Red River County: from the Lamar County line to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and replace bridge rail. The shoulder at Little Pine Creek will remain closed while the rail work is completed.
FM 1487, Red River County: from FM 909 to FM 910. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews widen and rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to the Franklin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill existing pavement, upgrade bridge rail, and place new hot mix.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to SP 38 (Bogata). Watch for daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing roadway.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to the Bowie County line. Watch for daytime lane closures while crews place final hot mix surface.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
FM 36, Hunt County: from FM 36 to FM 751 at various locations: The contractor has been forming and pouring concrete drainage structures on FM 1564. The contractor will begin working on other culverts and safety end treatments on FM 1564 and chevrons on SH 34 to US 69.
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 four of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66 at FM 1570, Hunt County: The contractor has finished placing the two-inch asphalt overlay and will begin placing guardrail and striping, weather permitting. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews in Hunt County will be performing overlay operations on SH 11 between FM 2655 and FM 1563, near Wolfe City. Maintenance crews will also be performing overlay and spot base operations on FM 71 from BUS 11 to Delta County. 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. Maintenance crews will also be performing roadway patch repairs on FM 47 from FM 2324 to SH 276, and on SH 276 from FM 36 to the Rockwall County line. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
Maintenance crews in Rains County will be performing fog seal on FM 779 from FM 515 to the Wood County line. Crews will also perform roadway patching on SH 276 from FM 47 to US 69. 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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Local Students Kick Their Way to Championships!
After a season delayed by the pandemic, four Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts students captured gold at the South USA District Championship Tournament last month. The invitational tournament featured the top martial artists in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Two of these competitors also qualified to compete for the title of World Champion at the ATA Tournament of Champions July 28-30 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Karisma Stegient, took home the title of District Champion in combat sparring for 2nd-3rd Degree Black Belts 13-14 years old. Her victory earned her entry to the Tournament of Champions. Ms. Stegient also won silver medals in Creative Weapons and Extreme Weapons. Mr. Daron Bilyeu won Creative Weapons and Extreme Weapons gold and will also compete for world champion.
Abraham Shadix earned victory in his combat sparring competition, bringing home the gold medal. This is the highest championship a color belt student can earn. Ms. Terri Lusher completed the day with a gold medal in color belt sparring.
Harleigh Stegient took the silver medal in combat sparring. Michelle Mejia finished just outside the medals in 4th place in her combat sparring division. Haley Hopkins and Alexis Carlow competed with great skill and honor, but were not able to medal this year.
The ATA World Championship Tournament will conclude the 2019-2020 season and also serve as a world level tournament for the 2021-2022 season. Competing in the opening tournament will be Daron Bilyeu, Susie Chessher, Abraham Shadix, Harleigh Stegient, and Karisma Stegient.
Local students with the Sulphur Springs ATA Martial Arts will be going to the ATA Tournament of Champions July 28-30 in Phoenix, Arizona.
