Paris District Road Report for the Week of May 17, 2021
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of May 17, 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 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 North Travis Street exit ramp (FM 131) is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. The southbound Houston Street / Lamar Street exit ramp is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Washington Street exit. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
Northbound 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, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic has been reduced to a single travel lane, while northbound US 75 mainlane traffic still maintains two travel lanes. Both northbound mainlane and northbound frontage road traffic are separated by concrete barriers. Beginning Wednesday, May 19, the southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road for this same area. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximatively 14 months. All east- 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
Beginning Wednesday, May 19, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road north of Houston Street and transition back to 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. Once the traffic switch is completed, US 75 northbound frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane, while northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will still maintain two travel lanes. Both northbound mainlane and northbound frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers. Beginning Tuesday, June 1, southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road for this same area. This traffic configuration will remain in place for approximatively 14 months.
Prior to the northbound US 75 mainlane traffic switch, all east- and westbound lanes of Washington Street under US 75 will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. on May 18. 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 St, 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:
- Detour for the Washington Street closure at US 75:
The westbound US 82 exit ramp for Loy Lake road is currently closed for crews to work on widening the US 82 frontage road. This exit ramp is expected to be closed through July 2021. Traffic wishing to access Loy Lake Road is requested to take the SH 91 exit ramp (#643), or the US 75 exit ramp.
The US 75 pedestrian bridge near Pecan Street in Sherman is closed to pedestrian traffic. The east side over the frontage road has been removed. The remaining pedestrian bridge will be removed at a later time. 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.
FM 120, Grayson County: from SH 289 in Pottsboro west to the end of state maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to perform base repairs on the roadway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 69/US 75, Grayson County: at the Red River bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to upgrade and replace the existing bridge railing on the bridge and guardrail approaches on the northbound and southbound bridges at the Red River. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have shifted traffic to provide room for construction.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to build portions of the new bridges and roadway. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes throughout the project as crews have moved traffic to a portion of the new concrete pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section consisting of concrete pavement when the project is completed.
US 377, Grayson County: Willis Bridge at the Oklahoma State line. Watch for occasional lane closures on the existing bridge as workers pour concrete for the new bridge structure.
US 377, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 901. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install sloped end treatments on pipes and install guardrail.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the daytime.
US 82, Grayson County: at Deaver Creek. Watch for temporary daytime lane and shoulder closures for both the eastbound and westbound travel lanes as workers complete maintenance repairs to the bridge.
US 69, Grayson County: between FM 120 and US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 121, Grayson County: between FM 3356 and SH 289. 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 will remain in its current lane between SH 121 and FM 897, while crews work on the inside lane to build crossovers and turn lanes. Eastbound traffic between FM 897 and the Lamar County line has been opened to two lanes, however 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 56, Fannin County: from FM 2077 in Dodd City to US 82 in Honeygrove. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway.
FM 896, Fannin County: from US 69 in Leonard to Business SH 121 in Randolph. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews 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.
I-30, Hopkins & Franklin Counties: From Titus County Line to Hunt County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
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.
FM 195, Red River County: from 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 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 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 various locations: The contractor has placed project barricades. The contractor will begin drainage on FM 1564 from SH 34 to US 69, weather permitting.
SH 276, Hunt County, from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass): The contractor has placed project barricades and has prepared and cleared most of the right-of-way. Preliminary embankment, excavation, and bridge work has begun with all shafts being completed. This work should not affect existing traffic on SH 34 or SH 276. Haul trucks crossing Spur 264 under flagging operations will begin soon, weather permitting.
FM 499, Hunt County: at Lynn Creek: This project has been completed, road closures have been removed and the contractor has finished final clean-up in the area. The contractor has placed final seeding and is addressing punch list items.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor has begun mile three of this seven-mile project and is currently reworking the flex base, placing geogrid and compacting areas for roadway rehabilitation and widening. The contractor will start rehab on the fourth mile soon, weather permitting. 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 begun roadwork and is placing flex base, compacting, and prime coat in the proposed turn lane widening section. The contractor will start surface course soon, 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 overlaying operations and edge repair on SH 11 and FM 1563. They will also be sweeping on US 69 between Lone Oak and Greenville as needed, and will continue doing safety spot-mowing operations as needed. Maintenance contract crews will be performing debris removal on IH 30 and guard rail repair at various locations around the Hunt county area. 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 various sign installations, potholing and debris removal. Maintenance crews will be performing herbicide operation on various roadways. Maintenance crews will also be performing patching on US 69 from FM 2795 to the Wood County line. Please watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along the roadway, and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Ranger Serves Inmate With Retaliation Warrant
A Texas Ranger served an inmate with a retaliation warrant at the county jail Friday afternoon.
(HCSO jail photo)
Tyler Gerard Maloney has been in custody since his arrest on April 21 on a location warrant for violation of probation, which the 23-year-old was on for a May 2020 theft of firearm charge. The Sulphur Springs man also had a Rockwall warrant for possessing 2 ounces or more but less than 4 ounces of marijuana, according to jail reports.
Texas Ranger John Vance served inmate Maloney with the warrant for obstruction of retaliation at the county jail at 1:37 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2021. The offense, according to arrest reports, occurred on April 14, 2021. No additional details were available about the charge on Saturday morning.
Maloney remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, May 15, 2021. He was held on the probation charge. His new bond on the retaliation charge was set at $150,000, according to arrest and jail reports.
Brookshire’s in Sulphur Springs To Host Ribbon-Cutting, Free Drive-Thru Breakfast Line May 19
Representatives from Brookshire Grocery Co. and city officials of Sulphur Springs will gather from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Brookshire’s Food Store in Sulphur Springs.
To give back to the community, BGC’s Community Kitchen and team of employee-partners will serve free, breakfasts from 9 to 11 a.m. May 19 with a drive-thru service line. BGC invites the to attend the event and take photos with the company’s 13-foot tall motorized “Big Grocery Cart.”
WHEN: Wednesday, May 19
- Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at 10 a.m.
- Big Grocery Cart and Community Kitchen from 9 – 11 a.m.
WHERE: Brookshire’s, 809 Gilmer Road, Sulphur Springs
NOTE: Face coverings or masks are encouraged. BGC’s top priority is safety of employee-partners and customers. In commitment to safety, the team will uphold strict COVID-19 protocols in BGC stores and while welcoming customers at the Brookshire’s store.
Lady Cats Softball Sweeps Huntsville For Regional Semifinal Bid
The Lady Cats and Huntsville Lady Hornets softball teams traded runs throughout the entirety of Game 2, but Sulphur Springs emerged victorious Friday, May 12 by a score of 7-5.
Speaking on how he thought game 2 of the series would go versus Huntsville, Lady Cats softball coach David Carrillo “Knew [the Lady Cats] were going to have to battle.”
Both teams snagged a run in the second inning. LF Nicole Higgins got the offense going in the game when she homered on a line drive to CF to make it a 1-0 lead for Sulphur Springs.
Huntsville responded with a run of their own thanks to two timely hits to make a tied, 1-1 game after two full innings.
The Lady Cats in their next at-bat made their hits count, as 1B Nylah Lindley reached first on an error on what should have been a routine pop-up.
The following batter, CF Jadyn Harper, cashed in on a line drive to center field for a 2R HR to make it 3-1 Sulphur Springs after 2.5 innings. Coach Carrillo said his girls stepped up tonight.
The Lady Cats softball coach said his squad has “Stepped up all season long, getting the key hits when they needed to.”
Huntsville was able to get a solo shot to put the game within one run at 3-2 after four innings.
Sulphur Springs, never relenting, again responded in a big way, turning a walk, an error, two singles, and a fielders choice into a 3-run inning to take a big 4-run, 6-2 lead going in to the bottom of the fifth.
“Offensively, we scored” Coach Carrillo said about his team’s big fifth inning, adding that his team “scored when they needed to.”
The Lady Cats softball coach said his team’s bats came alive in Game 2 of the best-of-three series.
Huntsville never gave up in the game. With their season on the line, the Lady Hornets played with a fierce tenacity showcasing their offensive prowess.
Huntsville scored 3 of the game’s 4 final runs over the final 2.5 innings, but it would not be enough as Sulphur Springs took the back-and-forth victory in Rusk, TX by a score of 7-5.
“We wanted that game tonight,” Coach Carrillo said. The softball coach said his girls weren’t going to lose that game tonight.
“I’m so proud of the way we fought and went through it,” Coach Carrillo said.
The 12 total runs scored in a game was the most for a Sulphur Springs match since their Senior Night shut-out of Pine Tree on Apr. 20, 16-0.
Crimson Bryant got the win, pitching a complete 7 inning game. The righty gave up five runs on eight hits, but did manage to strike out four Lady Hornet batters. Bryant walked two Huntsville batters in the victory.
The win gave the Lady Cats their second win of the series, which in turn meant Sulphur Springs swept Huntsville in the best-of-three series to move on to the Regional Semifinals.
Not only that, but Game 2’s victory over the Lady Hornets allowed Coach David Carrillo’s squad to move on to the Regional Semifinals for the first time in Coach Carrillo’s tenure.
Under Coach David Carrillo, the Lady Cats have made the Regional Quarterfinals (including this season) five times.
It was not until this year that Sulphur Springs was able to break through and advance to the Regional Semifinals (or fourth round of playoffs) for the first time.
“They’re a special group,” Coach Carrillo said about his team.
Coach Carrillo said every single member of his squad is a tight-knit team; the starters, the substitutes — everyone on the field.
“It has been amazing to watch this whole year watching them develop,” Coach Carrillo said, adding that “they’ve come through and are together as one.”
With the series sweep and elimination of the Lady Hornets, the Lady Cats season record is now 28-5 overall (11-1 district).
Next up, Sulphur Springs will be taking on the Lucas Lovejoy Leopards in the Regional Semifinals held next week.
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.
Wanted Saltillo Man Caught With Methamphetamine
A wanted Saltillo man was caught with methamphetamine Thursday evening, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies, aware of the arrest warrant, contacted Robert Earl Smith at his County Road 3604 residence at 6:45 p.m. May 13, 2021. The 56-year-old advised deputies he needed to grab some personal effects prior to being put into handcuffs and taken to jail on the outstanding surety off bond on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone charge, deputies noted in arrest reports.
Deputies stood inside the living area of the home while Smith did so. Smith reportedly retrieved an item from a tin box on the coffee table, revealing to deputies a burned glass pipe of the kind commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and other related paraphernalia. Closer inspection of the box revealed a few baggies with suspected methamphetamine and miscellaneous items of drug paraphernalia containing suspected meth residue, HCSO Deputies Aaron Chaney and Chris Baumann alleged in arrest reports.
Smith was taken into custody at 6:50 p.m. May 13 and the suspected controlled substance and contraband were seized. Additional suspected marijuana was observed in the bottom of the box as well. The suspected meth and baggies weighed 1.4 grams; the meth field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Deputy Chaney used Google satellite imagery to determine the CR 3604 residence where Smith was located is within 500 feet of a school, making it a drug-free zone, the deputy wrote in arrest reports.
No only was Smith booked into jail on the warrant for surety off bond on the May 20, 2020 controlled substance charge but also on a new possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance in a drug-free zone, according to arrest reports.
Smith remained in Hopkins County jail Friday night, May 13, 2021, on both charges. His bonds totaled $40,000: $20,000 per charge, according to jail reports.
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.
Wanted McKinney Woman Attempted To Flee From Police
A wanted 51-year-old McKinney woman attempted to flee from police when contacted early Friday morning, according to arrest reports.
Sulphur Springs Police Officers were contacted by Collin County law enforcement about a wanted McKinney woman thought to possibly be in the Sulphur Springs area in a white Mercedes-Benz. Officers were told the woman was also reported to be suicidal, the officers noted in arrest reports.
SSPD Officer Silas Whaley and Sgt. Matt Glenn contacted the wanted McKinney woman at a hotel room at 12:47 a.m. May 14. She reportedly came to the door and opened it but didn’t comply when they instructed her to get on the ground. The woman then allegedly “attempted to run into the hotel room, but was grabbed and placed on the ground, without being injured,” Whaley wrote in arrest reports.
After being secured in handcuffs, Jeanne Yong Mi Chang was reportedly taken to the emergency room as a precaution, and after being medically cleared was transported to Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, where she was booked at 3:03 a.m. May 14, 2021, on the Collin County aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. Chang’s bond on the second-degree felony charge was set at $10,000, according to Hopkins County jail reports.
Chang, whop is also known by Jeanne Youg Mi Boshart and Jeanne Yong MiChang, was transferred later Friday to Collin County jail, where she remained Friday night, in lieu of the $50,000 bond set on the second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon warrant obtained by McKinney Police Department on May 13, 2021, according to Collin County jail reports.
Updated: Aiguier Cemetery Association Meeting
The Aiguier Cemetery Association is planning to have their annual meeting on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at the North Hopkins School Cafeteria. Please make plans to bring a covered-dish and share a meal and memories. After lunch, there will be a brief business meeting. Donations for the upkeep of the cemetery are always needed and appreciated. You can contribute that day or mail your donation to the Aiguier Cemetery Association, c/o Peggy Beck, Treasurer, 332 CR 3620, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482.
Lady Cats Softball Team Looks to Close Out Regional Quarterfinal Series Friday Night
The Lady Cats Softball Team has game 2 of their best 2 out of 3 Regional Quarterfinal Series with Huntsville Friday at 6:30 p.m. In Rusk.
The Lady Cats lead the series 1 game to zero after Wednesday evening’s pulse pounding 1-0 win over the Lady Hornets in 8 innings at Whitehouse.
This is a battle of perhaps the best team in their respective districts, the Lady Cats in District 15-5A and Huntsville in District 16-5A.
Both teams showed strong pitching and defense in game 1. Both teams managed 4 hits Wednesday evening and both teams had one error.
The Lady Hornets come into Friday’s contest with a record of 28-6. The Lady Cats are now 27-3 and they have won 18 straight games. The Lady Hornets are ranked #7 in the State in Class 5A according to a Texas Girls Coaches Association Poll.
The Lady Cats defeated Crandall in Area and Lufkin in Bi-District to get into this series. Huntsville topped Texas High in Bi-District and Forney in Area to get into the third round. Huntsville also lost their first game in their Area series before winning the final two.
The Lady Cats are hoping to prevent a repeat of that. The Lady Cats want a Friday win to wrap up the series and avoid a game 3 Saturday at 2 p.m. back at Whitehouse. The Lady Cats are attempting to perhaps go farther than they ever have with a win Friday.
This is the fifth Regional Quarterfinal for a David Carrillo-coached Lady Cats team and the first four proved to be the end of the road.
The winner of the Lady Cats and Lady Hornets series will face the winnr of a Lovejoy and Frisco Heritage series. Lovejoy leads in that series 1 game to zero with their game 2 also planned for Friday evening.
KSST sister station, KRVA-FM, 107.1, will bring you Lady Cats and Lady Hornets Regional Quarterfinal action tonight at 6:30 p.m. From Rusk. Ross LaBenske will have the play by play.
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.
Lady Cats Softball Team Gets Special Escort Out of Town On Their Way to Regional Quarterfinal Game Friday
A good number of supporters turned out Friday afternoon (May 14) at around 1 P.M. to give the Lady Cats Softball Team a send off to their game 2 of the Regional Quarterfinal Series with Huntsville in Rusk Friday evening.
The Lady Cats bus was escorted to the city limits by Sulphur Springs Police, Campus police, a Sulphur Springs Fire Department truck and several EMS vehicles.
From the parking lot outside Lady Cat Park, the route went out onto Highway 19 south to Wildcat Way, then east to Highway 154 and south to the city limits.
The team bus then continued on toward Rusk with a food stop in between.
At the send off, present were School Superintendent Michael Lamb, a large number of students, along with parents, grandparents and other fans.
Lady Cats Softball Coach Davis Carrillo said the Lady Cats are very deserving of the attention they are getting. He said he was ready for the game tonight and added he was sure the Lady Cats were too.
Game 2 is in Rusk at 6:30 p.m. If the Lady Cats win the series, they will make history as the first Lady Cats Softball Team to ever make it to round four, to a Regional Semifinal game.
The Lady Cats lead the series with Huntsville, 1-0 after winning 1-0 Wednesday evening. The series winner will face the Lovejoy and Frisco Heritage winner in the Regional Semifinal next week.
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.
Morgan, Busby Named Top Seniors At Como-Pickton High
Como-Pickton High School recently announced it’s top seniors. Kaitlyn Morgan is the the valedictorian and Lexi Busby as salutatorian of the 2021 CPHS Senior Class, which includes 47 students. Both achieved a 4.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Valedictorian Kaitlyn Morgan, daughter of Randy and Amanda Morgan of Como, has attended Como-Pickton CISD all 14 years of her formative education.
“Como-Pickton is a school unlike any other. This school is bonded in unity by an overwhelming since of family. Each staff member cares about every child’s journey through education. I would not be the student I am today without the influence of my school,” the CPHS 2021 Senior Class valedictorian said.
Morgan said two CPHS staff members she’s been especially blessed to have been influenced by are English teacher Shelly Anderson and counselor Lou Colvin. Mrs. Anderson was Morgan’s sophomore English II teacher, but now “serves as a mentor and so much more.”
“She has shown me how to be kind through adversity, how to strive to reach great things, and how to be a well-rounded intelligent individual. Mrs. Anderson sets the example for several of the amazing teachers we have at Como-Pickton,” Morgan said.
Ms. Colvin, Morgan notes, “has been so helpful in guiding me through college decisions and offering me any help I have needed for scholarships.”
“Her passion for her job shines through and impacts each of her students greatly. I would not be the dedicated student I am today without her,” the CPHS valedictorian said.
Not surprisingly, Morgan has remained on the A Honor Roll each year of high school.
To other students hoping to be successful, she says to remember that “There are going to be tough days. It is going to get very difficult to continue to work hard for the ultimate goal. However, it is how you work through that adversity that determines your level of success.”
In addition to her high academic standing, Morgan has been very active in softball, cheerleading and academic competitions, garnering a number of accolades in each, and was involved in several school and community organizations as well.
In academic UIL, the CPHS valedictorian earned first place honors in both persuasive speaking and news writing contests, and garnered second place honors in feature writing at the District 15 AA Academic UIL contest this year. She also was recognized as the CPHS Top Readers in 2017-18.
Morgan also played softball, earning 2nd Team All-District in softball in 2018, 2019, and 2020; and Academic All-District Softball: 2018, 2019 and 2020. She also was a varsity cheerleader, earning All-American Cheerleader in 2020.
She too was involved in the National Honor Society, Student Athletic training, Student Council, served as a Class Officer and FFA.
“One of the things I have grown to love over the course of high school is to arrange flowers. I have been involved in several events through our FFA program to exhibit this hobby. My goal is to eventually work part-time at a flower shop,” Morgan said.
The CPHS valedictorian also participated in Hopkins County Leadership this year, and is part of the Greenpond Baptist Church Youth group.
“It is crazy to think that our class survived high school through a pandemic. We have participated in times unlike any other before. It has taken time, hard work, and sacrifices to be ranked at the top of my class. Ultimately, I now realize it was all worth it in the end,” Morgan said, when asked about achieving the top ranking in her senior class at CPHS.
Morgan has been accepted into the Honors College at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she will study to become a pediatric nurse practitioner so she can help children in the community through different outreach programs. She has been awarded the TAMUC Presidential Scholarship, which amounts to $16,000 over four years as well as the TAMUC Honors College Scholarship. She too received a $1,000 Como-Pickton FFA Scholarship and a $1,000 Texas FFA Foundation Scholarship and a $1,000 Sulphur Springs Lions Club Scholarship.
CPHS salutatorian Lexi Busby is the daughter of Mark and Casey Busby, and sister of Samantha and Bailey Busby of Como.
When asked about her thoughts on being named the CPHS salutatorian, Busy said, “It’s nice to see all the hard work I’ve put in come to fruition.”
Busby also was on the A Honor Roll and Received the Principal’s Award.
To other students hoping to be successful in school, she advises, “the amount of effort you put in will reflect the reward you receive, so always put in 100 percent.”
The top ranked CPHS student has served as the Como-Pickton mascot and been involved in student and community organizations.
She was been involved in the National Honor Society, FCCLA and Student Council, and served on the yearbook staff. She also was involved in the Wood County 4-H group, and in her spare time enjoys drawing, watching Marvel movies, reading, and taking naps.
Busby was has been very active in sports during her years at CPHS as part of the school cross country, volleyball, basketball, track and softball teams. She includes among the honors she’s received being named 1st Team All District in volleyball and basketball, 2nd Team All District in Volleyball, Honorable Mention in softball and Academic All District.
In fact, Busby received a 2021 Texas Student-Athlete of the Year Scholarship to help her with her continue her studies. She said she is looking forward to attending West Texas A&M University to major in criminal justice, with a goal of one day becoming an FBI agent.
“This career choice is something that has always been put on screen and viewed as miraculous and daring, I would like to experience it for myself,” Busby said of her career goals.
Busby says she’s been inspired by many people throughout her life, including “my parents, my sisters, my grandparents, my teachers throughout the years, and my coaches.”
