‘Jenny V. Glasscock of Bright Star’ Role Portrayal Enjoyed at Historical/Genealogical Event
Socially distanced inside the Winnifred Building at the Hopkins County Historical Park on August 27, 2020, a sizeable crowd was treated to an entertaining role portrayal of a leading citizen of Hopkins County’s past. Paula Altenbaumer presented the colorful and ambitious Jenny V. Glasscock, costumed as she might have been as an 1860’s hotel owner. Jenny’s husband Thomas J. Glasscock pioneered the tourism trade once he settled in the growing town he had chosen.
“Back when my husband was first attracted to Texas, he kept hearing about this thriving place called the ‘Camp on the Sulphur’, so after his Civil War service and after we got married, we made our way here to ‘Bright Star’ from Jefferson. It truly was an exciting place! People were coming into town from all directions, largely due to word of mouth about the healing springs found here. We eventually built a hotel on Main Street for people to stay in, and later a bath house next to it, right above the “boiling spring”. My husband also put in a stagecoach line to provide transportation for travelers. The livery stable on this end was located near the corner of today’s Davis and Main Streets, and we owned a similar livery and office in Mineola. It was actually my mama’s money that first put my husband in business! I was in my 20’s when we married, and he was 16 years older than me!”
Actually, Thomas J. Glasscock first took over management of the El Rancho 2-story downtown hotel in 1868, and later built “The Glasscock Hotel” and furnished it elegantly. Frequent guests included traveling actors who appeared at the two opera houses in town. All guests got the hotel’s royal treatment. The Glasscock Stage Line served to boost the economy by not just transporting visitors but providing a “fast mail route”, where mail and deliveries between the two towns was received daily. The mail bags were taken to the Bright Star Post Office, then located where the “standpipe” was on Main Street. Dr. Davis could be heard shouting, welcoming passengers as they stepped off the stage, across from today’s Pioneer Cafe. As the decade ended, the town which would become Sulphur Springs was thriving!
Paula Altenbaumer portrays Jenny V. Glasscock, wife of early business leader and tourism pioneer T.J. Glasscock
“During this time, however, the Northern Army had a presence here, headquartered at a garrison constructed near downtown, bordered by Connally and Main Streets, and my lane, JV Alley. The Yankee soldiers did not enjoy the same warm welcome from us citizens as the visitors and tourists did! The soldiers finally left in 1870 but Yankees who heard about our town kept crowding in, visiting the bath houses and some actually settling here”. Altenbaumer concluded, “my husband was Mayor and a leading citizen. Our daughter Cora Belle was our pride and joy, and grew into an accomplished young lady. In 1877, she won the Equestrian Award during the Agricultural and Engineering Fair held here. A few years later, Cora got the measles, then died from pneumonia. I didn’t live much longer myself; I got sick in 1890 and passed away a year later at the age of 48. My husband remarried soon afterward but passed away in 1898, with our family fortune divided between various nieces and nephews.”
Chase reads from a reference work about transportation in early Sulphur Springs
An interesting aspect of the story was added by genealogist Pat Chase. He explained the importance of horses during the era, and how stage travel was governed by the physical capabilities of horses. As the Glasscock Stage Line left Bright Star at 7am from downtown, and the four-horse hitch sped to a location near Reilly Springs. There the stage acquired a fresh team and sped on south to Stormville, Texas. Meantime, another stage had left Mineola at 7am and headed northward to Quitman for a change of horses before traveling on to the rendezvous point at Stormville. (According to a clarifying comment by W.G. White, Stormville was a community located along what is now CR 2225, near where FM 515 and State Highway 154 intersect today). At the rendezvous point, passengers switched coaches, and the drivers turned and went back the way they came, stopping again for fresh teams to finish out the daily journey. Some photos show a 6-horse hitch which a coach might require when roads were muddy or boggy. Altenbaumer added colorful details to the account, saying that ‘late in the day, when the incoming stage topped “Fisher Hill”, the hill that is in front of Brookshire’s today, a bugle was loudly blown to signal that the stage was coming in, so the stable boys downtown would be ready to unhitch and care for the horses’.
Altenbaumer shows a map of Davis, Main and Connolly Streets downtown where the Garrison, the Glasscock and other early businesses were located
Host for the annual meeting was Rick Wilson, President of the Hopkins County Historical Society’s Park and Museum. Emceeing the event was John Sellers, President of the Hopkins County Genealogical Society. Altenbaumer, a member of both societies, began doing role portrayals of historical figures a few years ago, following a pattern set by a fellow member, the late Lavyn Cisco. The audience included members of both societies and their guests.
Genealogical Society President John Sellers and members of the Genealogical Society were guests of the Historical Society at August’s annual meeting
Even During A Pandemic, Extension Agents Find Ways To Assist, Educate, Connect With Texans
Hopkins County Extension Agents have found ways to continue to assist, educate and connect with Texas, even during a pandemic. While face-to-face events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, Extension Agents Dr. Mario Villarino and Johanna Hicks and Assistant Agent Jessica Taylor have risen to the challenge of continuing to offer educational programs and continue 4-H programming.
COVID-19 Response
The agents have alternated days for staff to be at the office in an effort to observe social distancing. The office has maintained essential duties returning and doing some business by phone, Internet, limited face-to-face interaction and crop reports.
Dr. Villarino and Hicks have continued to provide weekly written releases, such as the columns posted by local media including at KSSTRadio.com on relevant topics, and to promote and disseminate Extension programming via social media.
Hicks last month was recognized by Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as Extension Educator of the Year and received a Communications Written News Awards as well for her continued educational efforts. She is slated to be recognized this fall by the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences as as Extension Educator of the Year for the Southern Region, which includes 15 states.
Taylor participates with other agents in hosting the weekly North East Texas A&M AgriLife Extension- Live in the Field Facebook series featuring videos of relevant Extension topics. The page itself had 717 likes and 757 followers as of her report, given earlier this month to Hopkins County Commissioners Court.
Taylor’s “Pond Algae and Weed Control” video has been well received with 4,400 views earlier this week. Her “Cattle Vaccinations” video had received 1,100 views.
Villarino reported Extension staff also have helped support food drives at the Civic Center and COVID-19 testing events held at Hopkins County Regional Civic Center.
He too has participated in a social diversity and racial understanding state-wide Extension support group.
The agents collaborate with Hopkins County Emergency Operations Center. Agents provide CARES Act support activities, including collaborating with Hopkins County officials and cities to help identify, access and procure funding for COVID-19 related expenses; and farmers and ranchers on COVID-19 support activities through USDA.
Hicks reports that the agents participate frequently in trainings and updates on COVID-19 issues, such as contact trace training, sharing announcements about COVID-19 testing on social media and visiting with Nathan Carroll, Texas Department of Emergency Management representative for Hopkins County.
Agency-wide COVID-19 response has included distribution of personal protective equipment to local day care centers and this week to County Clerk Tracy Smith for distribution to polling places for upcoming elections.
Hicks, Extension Agent for family and community health, has completed over the last quarter or is in the process of completing five FEMA trainings.
Educational Outreach
When COVID-19 restrictions went into effect in March, effectively ending face-to-face meeting, she was in the middle of Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes education session. The session had to be canceled.
However, Hicks is collaborating with a Fannin County Extension Agent to host a “Do Well, Be Well With Diabetes” class from 3 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday in September, not at an Extension Office, but via Zoom conferencing. Participants can call Hicks at 903-885-3443 to enroll. A link to the Zoom session will be emailed to the participant. The class can have a maximum of 50 participants, as that’s the limit for Zoom.
Hicks said while she prefers face-to-face interaction but Zoom is a safer way to reach as many as possible during this time of COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is the best method for high risk individuals,” Hicks said, noting that those who have been diagnosed with diabetes are considered at high risk of contracting COVID-19. “This will helps take care of them by not exposing them unnecessarily.”
Hicks says if anyone not confident in their Internet or Zooming skills can request for the session material mailed to them weekly, which would allow them to have a paper copy, but also allow them to look over and become familiar with the material during the meeting.
COVID-19 restrictions also meant the popular Kids Camp had to be canceled this year. instead, she worked with Sulphur Springs ISD to offer weekly programs to about 15 kids attending the school’s Summer Camp program.
Hopkins County Extension Office this summer, instead of having volunteers teach various skills to students in person, transitioned to offer five project kits to 14 older students who would normally have the opportunity to attend popular Skills Camp. Hicks reported this to be very successful with good feedback from participants who have already returned their surveys.
Hicks has also been notified she will be recognized at the National Extension Association FCS virtual convention with the Southern Region Community Partnership Award for Kids’ Camp and Skills Camp.
She plans to use the same format from Skills Camp to offer a Fall 4-H Food Project that will include five components. They would include kits with instructions and some ingredients and supplies. Topics covered would include setting the table and reading labels, calories, using various utensils and learning proper measuring techniques, herbs and spices, and a slow cooker contest featuring one provided ingredient, then come up with a recipe and cook it.
Master Wellness Volunteers from June through August have also helped reach 500 people during the 202 hours they put in, according to Hicks.
4-H Activities
The Extension Agents reported that 4-H enrollment for the 2020-21 year has begun. Taylor reports that the 4-H program continues to thrive, in spite of COVID-19.
This year, 5 clubs have chartered in Hopkins County: Infinity 4-H, Miller Grove 4-H, PAWS 4-H, Hopkins County 4-H and Vet Science. Additional students are enrolling daily. Taylor anticipates increased enrollment in 4-H this year, especially from older youth, who would normally show livestock through FFA or other programs. Students were or will be able to show through 4-H since they are home with distance learning or home-schooling instead of face-to-face at school.
Participation of 4-H members in livestock raising and showing has not slowed down, Taylor reported.
Local 4-H members are entered in several major livestock shows, including West Texas State Fair, State Fair of Texas in Dallas and 4-States Fair in Texarkana, Arkansas. Some shows are being conducted differently as precaution due to COVID-19, but are proceeding on schedule. Public speaking events at these shows will be by video, submitted by a deadline.
Students are getting involved in local jackpot showcases. Already students had successes in these types of events. On Aug. 15 local 4-H members were participated in the Detroit FFA Jackpot show in Paris, which drew over 700 entries. Hopkins County youth had four class winners in Prospect Steers and one earned Second in Class with a Red Angus Heifer. Hopkins County youth also participated in an event at Hooks, with at least one Second in Class winner.
The NETLA Board at this time is continuing planning the annual livestock show as usual, but have a back up plan just in case. Entry fees have been lowered to help with financial strain on families. As of Aug. 24, local youth have entered 7 heifers and 25 steers, according to Taylor.
Meal A Day Menu For Aug. 31-Sept. 4
Although the Senior Citizens Center continues to be closed due to COVID-19, Meal A Day volunteers continue to work five days a week preparing and delivering meals to shut-in elderly in the community. The Meal A Day menu for Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2020 includes:
Monday – Beef Spaghetti, Squash and Garlic Toast
Tuesday – Rope Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black-Eyed Peas and Cornbread
Wednesday– Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli and a Roll
Thursday – Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and a Roll
Friday – King Ranch Chicken Casserole, Corn and Pinto Beans
The Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center is located in the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas. The City of Sulphur Springs has provided a place senior adults age 50 and over can go to for fun and fellowship. The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors citizens Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Activity Center can be found at 301 Oak Ave in Sulphur Springs.
Law Enforcement Seeking Information About CR 4131 Trailer Theft
Hopkins County law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen trailer with 2 center gates from County Road 4131 just south of Cumby. The trailer was reported stolen “around midnight” Aug 28-29.
The stolen trailer is a red 2012 TexLine 24-foot trailer, with the Texas license plate number DZHH04, and the VIN: 5HNCA2420C1000101
Tips to Lake Country Crime Stoppers about this or any other felony crime could be worth up to $1,000. Call Lake Country Crime Stoppers (903) 885-2020 or Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office (903) 438-4040 if you have information about this trailer theft.
MGISD Hires Contractor For MultiPurpose Center
Miller Grove ISD Board of Trustees took another step forward in their bond project. The school board this week chose a contractor for the MGISD multipurpose center, to be paid for with the $2 million in bond approved by the voters on May 4, 2019.
“We did the competitive sealed proposals. We got 6 bids out of 10 packets that went out. One was way high. The other 5 were pretty close. They were good competitive bids,” MGISD Superintendent Steve Johnson said earlier this week. “We know, because the bids listed, who their subs were going to be. We rated the bids using criteria score sheets.”
The contract was awarded to JBJ Construction of Quitman, whose bid to construct the new multipurpose facility came in lower than expected, Johnson said.
The new building will include two courts, a stage, storage, restrooms, concessions and space for classrooms, Johnson said.
The new Multipurpose Center will be constructed in place of the old gymnasium, which was used primarily for elementary physical education classes and Little Dribblers.
The MGISD multipurpose center should “address the safety of our students, compliance with accessibility, and other physical facility aspects.”
The center would be utilized primarily by the elementary PE classes, but would also include a stage for the drama department to use to prepare for competitions and community performances, and could even potentially serve as a site for graduations and other community events, school officials reported last spring.
License Plate Reader Helps Deputy Catch Wanted Pair
August 29, 2020 – An alert from a license plate reader reportedly helped a Hopkins County catch a wanted Sulphur Springs pair traveling east on Interstate 30 Friday evening, according to arrest reports.
While on duty, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Lavender received an alert for a wanted/missing person from a license plate reader on a trailer near mile marker 84 on I-30 in Rockwall. He he stationed his patrol vehicle in the median on I-30 so he could watch eastbound traffic. He waited until he spotted a 2004 Ford F150 with the license plate indicated and registration that expired in June around the 110 exit in Cumby, then stopped the truck, the deputy alleged in arrest reports.
Lavender alleged smelling a strong odor of marijuana emitting from inside the pickup while speaking to the pair. A records check showed both to have outstanding warrant for their arrest. They were placed into custody for the warrants around 6:15 p.m. Aug. 28, 2020. A probable cause search of the pickup allegedly revealed a small amount of drug paraphernalia, for which he issued each a citation. Deputy Bobby Osornio assisted with the traffic stop.
Both were transported to Hopkins County jail. The 26-year-old Sulphur Springs man was booked into jail on Tarrant County misdemeanor warrants for unlawful carrying of a weapon and burglary of a vehicles. Emily Kay Edmondson, 22, of Sulphur Springs was booked into jail on a Hurst theft greater than or equal to $750 but less than $2,500 warrant, and on Dallas County felony warrants for violation of probation, which she was on a fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance and possession of 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance.
The pair remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday, Aug. 29, on the warrants and drug paraphernalia 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.
SSISD Trustees Approve 2020 Tax Rate, 9 Personnel Changes, Budget Amendments
Sulphur Springs ISD Board of Trustees during a special called noon meeting Friday, Aug. 28, approved budget amendments, 9 personnel changes, the SSISD 2020 tax rate and the Virtual Academy plan.
SSISD 2020 Tax Rate
SSISD Tax Assessor Collector Sandra Gibby recommended a SSISD 2020 tax rate of $1.251380 per $100 cash valuation of property within SSISD, with $0.9409 of that rate going toward the local maintenance fund for daily operations and the other $0.31048 going toward the debt service, bonded indebtedness, interest and sinking fund.
That’s nearly 3 cents lower than the 2019 tax rate. In fact, over the last 7 years, the tax rate has declined more than 10 cents, dropping from $1.3604 in 2013 to $1.35048 from 2014-2018, then to $1.28048 last year and $1.251380 this year.
While the SSISD 2020 tax rate is lower than the 2019 tax rate, that doesn’t necessarily mean tax bills will be lower, as taxes are based on appraisal values, which are reported to be up. The tax rate was reduced using a formula set by the state, which factors in a 7 percent growth in the overall tax roll from last year.
The school board approved the Ordinance 2-20 levying the SSISD 2020 tax rate as proposed.
Personnel Changes
Eight personnel changes, three resignations and five new hires were also approved by the school board following an executive session.
Stephanie Ricks resigned as a special education aide and Jennifer Virgel as a special education teacher at Sulphur Springs High School. Kristin McKinney was approved to teach special education at SSHS.
Hired as special education aides at Barbara Bush Primary were Leticia Burnside and Erika Flowers. Kylie Wyly will join them at Bush Primary as the campus secretary.
Haylee Head was hired as a Title III aide at Travis Primary.
Amanda Ferrell resigned as an instructional aide at Austin Academic Center.
Budget Amendments
SSISD knew entering the 2019-2020 fiscal year which ends Aug. 31, that the budget would be tight with only $776 expected to be left in the general fund budget at the end of the year.
Business Manager Sherry McGraw presented for trustees approval an amended 2019-2020 budget to reflect expenses and revenues that were not in the original budget approved in August of 2019.
These include a number of items that changed due the end of classroom instruction and in-person activities after spring break due to COVID-19 and the precautions required this summer and in readiness for the 2020-21 school year, which begins on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The overall budget is comprised of three different funds: debt service fund, food service and general fund.
Debt Service
No changes were recommended for the $4,213,632 debt service fund, but the food service and the general fund required amendment.
Food Service
Although school was out, the district still provided meals for student not only through the end of the school year, but all summer as well. The district typically only offers meals through early July. This summer the district offered grab and go meals for any youth age 1-18 from the time school was out through Aug. 28.
The food service expenses increased by $193,449 due to commodities and $54,296 due to the summer food service, but revenue for the same amount offset the increases.
McGraw asked the trustees to approve putting an additional $100,000 in for any unforeseen expenditures, including bills that haven’t yet come, to make sure the fund has a health balance at the end of the year.
That would increase the food service revenues from $2.275 to $2.523 million. Expenditures are anticipated to change from $2.26 million to $2.6 million, a difference of $347,745. The budget must be amended to reflect the changes.
General Fund
This budget includes 19 functionsThe budget adopted for September 2019 was $42,788,498. In July, trustees agreed to amend the budget by $555,171, which adjusted the budget to $43,244.743. This revision included:
- $137,460 COVID-19 with 75 percent reimbursed by the state.
- $31,360 in restructuring costs, including $8,120 for the intercom and sound system at Barbara Bush Primary and $23,240 for restroom reconfigurement at Douglass ECLC).
- $24825 for digital radios, with 75 percent of the cost paid with a grant.
- $139,640 iPads for kindergarten through third grade to equip students with the technology needed to switch to online learning should the school have to close for any length of time due to COVID-19, other illness, weather or other unforseen issues.; the district has requested reimbursement from the state for these.
- $221,886 because IDEA B funds were less than expected.
A few of the functions came in under budget, including $274,330 in pupil transportation budget and $72,546 in co-curricular fund, both because COVID-19 canceled travel to activities and school in the spring. The general administrative fund and plant maintenance funds also finished ahead, with $$43,475 and $492,564 respectively remaining in those funds. Data processing also came in $5,540 ahead. The district also received $677,733 less in state revenue. These changes were approved in July when the budget was amended.
Since July, the district added $692,569 to both expenditures and revenues. Those increases included:
- $44,416 for season tickets
- $22,450 Taser lease balance,
- $411,600 K-3 iPad lease balance
- $85,109 TEA Health Insurance Contribution GASB24
- $129.994 TRS
McGraw recommended adding a certain percentage in surplus to each fund, for a total of $320,914 in surplus to ensure all funds stay within budget, with none exceeding expenditures approved by the board on Aug. 28. That’d be a total of $1,046,853, which would be partially offset by the $692,569 in revenue, reducing the actual increase to $354,284.
“Your approval does not mean we will go out and spend the surplus funds. It just means if any expenditures come in that we were not expecting or if auditors’ adjustments increase or change an expenditure in a function, we have allocated to each function surplus funds in an effort to avoid any findings in our annual financial report,” McGraw explained.
Thus, the board was asked to amend the general fund budget from the $42,788,498 originally projected and from the July 31 amended general fund budget of $42,780,170 to a final general fund budget of $43,835,351.
The board approved the amendment of the food and general fund as recommended by McGraw.
Virtual Academy
The trustees also were asked to approve a Virtual Academy asynchronous plan, required to submit to TEA for approval so the district can receive funding for alternative education plan. The plan has to be turned in by the end of the end of the semester, and approved, in order to continue the program through the spring semester.
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Professional Learning Lisa Robinson said she has been told it’s better to get the plan in by Oct. 1, as there’s a good chance TEA will send the plan back for revision. Robinson said she submitted a letter of intent to have the plan in by Sept. 1. She plans to submit the plan by Tuesday for state feedback.
Superintendent Mike Lamb said the plan is the same plan that was presented previously, but on some levels more indepth but mostly in the terms and language required for TEA. He said he does not think TEA will kick it back for improvements because of the care and thoroughness that went into drafting it, but said the board would be notified if it is.
School administrators and staff have been working hard all summer on the Virtual plan for all grade levels, and more recently working on minutes guidelines with teachers, making sure they budget and spend the required contact time in contact with students, and methods to be used for attendance counts. The plan can be adjusted during the first few weeks of school as needed as teachers, staff and families learn what does an doesn’t work best.
While VA students will be working at their own pace instead of streaming in for a class, there will be a synchronous component with live interaction with staff, but not more than 90 minutes a day.
Virtual students will take the same common assessments that students attending classes on campus are taking. Key assessments are aligned with the same curriculum. Any additional tests would e at the discretion of the teachers.
On-campus staff are also training to use the same kind of online platforms for work in class, that way, if school has to be closed for a short or extended period of time, the transition will be easier. Also, if an oncampus student has to go into quarantine, tests positive or is sick for several days, the student can use the school device to keep up with school work, provided they are well enough to do so, and not fall behind. On-campus teachers would communicate with those students through the online platform. Students would not be in a Virutal Academy, however, as that structure is different.
A few VA teachers will also be doing some on-campus teaching, but not all. All on-campus teachers being trained so that if they have to enter quarantine and feel well enough, they can teach their class from home video the online platform, with someone in the class to monitor students. Lesson plans are built in a way that all pieces are together to the point that a substitute teachers could log in and guide the class
High School students were made aware what classes were available through Virtual Academy and their scheduled adjusted accordingly. Some may have to report to the school at designated time for certain elective course, however, due to the hand-on nature of the course. Teachers had to work on scheduling blocks to incorporate time for those students.
While roughly 18 percentage of all enrolled SSISD students have elected to participate in VA, the percentages vary by school.
Pre-kindergarten is a little higher than 18 percent, 23 percent of Travis Primary students have registered for VA, and 240 high school student had signed up for VA at the high school as of Friday, according to Superintendent Michael Lamb.
A class size waiver request could potentially be request for some Virtual classes.
$2,000 Reward Offered For Information On Cattle, Saddle Thefts in NE Texas
A $2000 reward is being offered through Lake Country Crime Stoppers for information about recent cattle and saddle thefts in the Northeast Texas area.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office along with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are investigating a theft of eleven, 450-pound heifers with purple ear tags in the left ear, that were taken from a ranch on Interstate 30 west of Sulphur Springs. The cattle theft reportedly occurred sometime between the evening hours of Friday, Aug. 14, and the evening hours of Sunday, Aug. 16. HCSO first reported the cattle thefts on the station Facebook page on Aug. 19, with a reward on $1,000 offered at that time for tips called in to Lake Country Crime Stoppers.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are also investigating a theft that reportedly occurred during the late evening hours of July 30. Four head of cattle marked with yellow back tags were reported stolen from Winnsboro Livestock and Dairy Auction. The animals were consigned to be sold the next day. During the same time frame, additional cattle were stolen from another cattle company at the same location.
Mount Pleasant Police Department, along with Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, are also investigating the theft of two saddles from a business in their city between Aug. 14 and Aug. 16.
Tips may be called into Crime Stoppers at 903-885-2020.
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 August 31, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of Aug. 31, 2020. 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 northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes and the new South Travis Street Bridge. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on building detours and installing drainage structures. The northbound exit ramp for Houston and Lamar is currently closed, and exiting traffic is requested to use the Park Avenue exit ramp. The southbound exit ramp for Park Avenue is currently closed and exiting traffic is requested to use the Houston/Lamar Street exit. The northbound frontage road from South Travis Street to near Park Avenue is scheduled to be closed beginning Sept. 1 for crews to work on building the remaining portion of the retaining wall along US 75. The estimated closure time is two months, and traffic is requested to use the US 75 mainlanes during this closure. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
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 a portion of the new Sand Creek 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: from FM 120 in Pottsboro north to the end of State Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform pavement repairs and overlay the roadway.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for occasional lane closures as workers perform final touch ups on the project. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a signalized intersection.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Jim Jones Road to FM 3356. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to widen the roadway to provide a detour section and build portions of the new bridges. Watch for lane shifts and narrow lanes near the FM 3356 intersection as crews have moved traffic to the detour section. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section when the project is finished.
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 75 Ramp Reversal in Denison, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 main lanes and frontage road between Spur 503 and FM 691. Watch for a lane closure on the southbound US 75 frontage road as well as the westbound Spur 503 ramp while construction crews work on building the new southbound US 75 entrance ramp. A new traffic pattern has been implemented where westbound Spur 503 will be shifted to the southbound US 75 frontage road and will travel through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on-ramp after FM 691. The new FM 691 exit ramp is open to access FM 691.
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 & US 69, Grayson County: from FM 131 to FM 1897 on US 82, and from SH 56 to US 75 on US 69. Watch for temporary daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as workers install safety treatments on fixed objects.
SH 289, Grayson County: between SH 56 and FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance workers perform pavement repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between SH 56 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs.
FM 121, Grayson County: between US 377 and SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs.
US 69, Grayson County: between FM 697 and SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers perform erosion repairs at the Bois D’Arc bridge structure.
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 2815, Fannin County: from FM 1629 to SH 11. Watch for temporary one-lane closures as workers rehab and widen the roadway.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from SH 56 to FM 1550. 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. Construction is expected to begin Sept. 10 on a project to rehab and widen the roadway.
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 section. Westbound US 82 traffic has been shifted to the new pavement on the eastern end of the project between the Fannin and Lamar County line and County Road 2975. Eastbound traffic will remain in its current lane, while crews begin working on the inside lane to work on completing the crossovers and turn lanes. 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. The SH 121 and US 82 frontage road intersections have been converted to signalized intersections. The on-ramp to westbound US 82 from SH 78 has been closed while crews work on building the new westbound main lanes. The westbound exit ramp for SH 121 is closed as crews work on building the new mainlanes in this area. Exiting traffic for SH 121 is asked to use the SH 78 exit and continue along the frontage road to SH 121.
County Road 3530, Fannin County: at Wafer Creek. County Road 3530 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new culvert. Traffic on CR 3530 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 4250, Fannin County: at Freeman Creek. County Road 4250 is closed for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4250 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 896, Fannin County: from SH 78 to Business SH 121: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to 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.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install guard fence and perform striping operations.
SH 19, Hopkins County: From Loop 301 to Delta County Line. Watch for crews installing erosion control devices preparing for safety enhancement work.
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.
I-30, Hopkins County: From Hunt County Line to Loop 301. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform concrete pavement repairs.
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 1507, Lamar County: from Church Street to South Collegiate Drive. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews mill existing pavement and place new hot mix.
FM 1507, Lamar County: from South Collegiate Drive to Loop 286. This roadway is closed while crews rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway.
Loop 286, Lamar County: from US 82 West to Dawn Drive. Watch for lane closures while crews perform concrete pavement repair.
US 82 (Loop 286), Lamar County: Watch for workers as crews perform signal upgrade work. An all-way stop will be in place during various phases of this work.
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.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Traffic is shifted to the south side of the existing roadway between FM 44 and FM 1699 while crews perform pavement widening work on the north side.
SH 37, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for temporary traffic signals at bridge locations while crews upgrade bridge rail from Clarksville to Bogata.
FM 911, Red River County: from BU 82K (Avery) to FM 44. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews safety treat drainage structures and rehabilitate the existing pavement.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903)455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 66, Hunt County: from near FM 6 to near FM 2642. A project to widen the pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. The contractor is finalizing project clean up. Please be aware of lane closures, and watch for work zones and workers in this area.
FM 2194, Hunt County: between Merit and FM 903. This project will widen the shoulders and apply safety treatments to fixed objects. The contractor is currently working on watering, seeding, ditch work and placing signs. Please be careful when traveling in this area.
SPUR 264, Hunt County: in Quinlan. Sidewalk improvement project. The contractor is currently seeding and watering, sidewalk construction is complete. Please be careful when traveling in the area and watch out for workers.
FM 1566, Hunt County: from FM 272 near Celeste to State Highway 34. The contractor is constructing cross culverts on this roadway. Detours have been removed. Please be careful when traveling in this area and watch out for workers.
Hunt County mowing contractors are working at various locations in Hunt County.
Hunt County maintenance crews are removing a median/turn-around on State Highway 24, near the Twin Oaks Blueberry Farm in Commerce, Texas. Maintenance crews will be performing ditch work and pothole repairs at various locations as well; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along these roadways. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Rains County maintenance crews will be performing patch work on FM 2795 from SH 69 to SH 19; watch for lane closures, work zones and workers along this portion of the roadway. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from these work crews.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
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Williams Sentenced For Role In Lee Street Home Invasion, Robbery
A 21-year-old Paris man has been sentenced for his role in a 2019 Lee Street home invasion robbery in Sulphur Springs, according to the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Arrangements were made for Tyreese Tupac Shukar Williams to make an open plea in court earlier this month on two aggravated robbery charges and a burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony charge.
According to Assistant District Attorney Matt Harris, a sentencing hearing was scheduled for Aug. 27 after Williams “pled open before the Court” earlier this month.
Williams was assessed a sentence of 15 years in the Institutional Division of Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Aug. 27 hearing, according to Harris.
Williams is one of five men accused of forcing entry into a Lee Street residence on Sept. 25, 2019, then, of robbing the occupants at gunpoint. The suspects allegedly took cell phones, a rifle and cash. Three pistols were reportedly used. One round was allegedly fired from one firearm during the commission of the offenses, but no one was injured, Sulphur Springs Police Det. Sgt. David Gilmore said following the September incident.
The four other suspects in the Lee Street home invasion robbery were arrested shortly after the offenses were reported. Williams was also identified asx a suspect. Police on Oct. 1 reported warrants had been issued for Williams’ arrest on the charge; a Crime Stoppers reward was offered for information leading to his arrest, according to police reports.
Williams has remained in Hopkins County jail since turning himself in at Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office just after noon June 29, 2020.
At least two of the other suspects, Zavarion Caymond Christopher Swain and Dequenek Timothy Craig Shepard, were sentenced by 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt on June 22, 2020. Judge Northcutt sentenced Shepard to 10 years and gave Swain 10 years of deferred probation, with 180 days in jail as a condition of his probation.
Swain and Shepard had in a previous hearing plead guilty to one count each of aggravated robbery, and acknowledged their guilt in the other un-adjudicated offenses in what is referred to as a 12.45 agreement.
