Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing In Sulphur Springs
Free mobile COVID-19 testing in Sulphur Springs is offered on Thursday, April 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Hopkins County Civic Center, 1200 Houston Street. You must first register and be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
This testing is by APPOINTMENT ONLY. You will not be able to register until late Tuesday evening or early Wednesday morning.
For screening information and registration, go to www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400.
Firearms And Marijuana Were Found During Traffic Stop
An Interstate 30 traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man after firearms and marijuana were found in his vehicle.
Cumby Police Officer Jonathan Painter reported initiating a traffic stop on a white Cadillac CTS at 7:01 p.m. Saturday. The stop occurred on Interstate 30 west near mile marker 130.
After allegedly smelling a strong marijuana odor emitting from the vehicle, Painter reportedly conducted a probable cause search. Painter alleged finding two firearms and a large clear bag containing marijuana.
Following a roadside interview, Painter took driver Marcus Jerome Jackson into custody at 7:18 p.m. April 25, 2020 and transported him to jail. The passenger and vehicle were released at the scene, according to arrest reports.
Jackson was charged with possession of 4 ounces or more but less than 5 pounds of marijuana, a felony offense, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The 23-year-old Pine Bluff, Arkansas man was released from the county jail Sunday, April 26. Bond was set at $5,000 on the felony marijuana charge and $2,000 on the weapon 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.
State Highway 11 Traffic Stop Resulted In An Arrest
A State Highway 11 traffic stop resulted in an arrest for controlled substance possession Saturday evening, according to sheriff’s reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff‘s Deputy Elijah Fite reported, while on patrol around 7:15 p.m. April 25, 2020, seeing a tan Honda Civic with a defective tail light. The vehicle was traveling west on State Highway 11 east near the Sulphur Springs, TX Walmart. The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the car pulled into Walmart parking lot.
Upon approach of the vehicle, Fite identified both occupants of the car. Both allegedly showed signs of nervousness when questioned. Fite asked permission to search the car and the occupants consented. Fite also asked the female to allow a search of her purse. Inside the purse, the deputy found yellow bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Thus, the woman, identified arrest reports as Brandi Rose Ann Propes, was arrested at 7:45 p.m. April 25, 2020 for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance. Deputy Zack Horne transported the 44-year-old Pickton woman to the county jail, where she was booked on the charge.
Propes was released from Hopkins County jail Sunday, April 26. Bond on the felony charge was set at $10,000, 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.
Como-Pickton Elementary New Student Registration To Be Conducted Online
Como-Pickton Elementary new student registration will be conducted online via the link on the school website. Parents will need to complete registration forms along with required documents via email to [email protected].
Washburn, Westlund At Top Of SSHS Senior Class Of 2020
Sydney Claire Washburn was announced this week as valedictorian and Andrew Bryan Westlund as salutatorian of SSHS Senior Class of 2020.
Valedictorian
Sulphur Springs High School Principal Derek Driver made the announcement for the top honor graduates at a small gathering, with social distancing observed, in front of the high school Monday morning.
Valedictorian Sydney Washburn, daughter of Troy and Kris Lopez and Scott and Ashley Washburn, finishes her career at SSHS with a 4.0 grade point average.
During an interview this week, Washburn expressed appreciation to her teachers for not only helping her to be successful but to grow as a person as well. She gives special credit to Renee Maeker, her Spanish teacher for the last three years. This year being in a class of two students allowed them to become closer, she noted.
“It’s just nice. She’s very involved. She cares about me as a person as well as a student,” Washburn said of Maeker.
During high school, Washburn competed in academic UIL and was a state finalist in the Barbara Jordan essay competition. She served as president of the National Honor Society, and was a member of the Key Club, Student Council and Hopkins County Leadership group. She also enjoyed working with friends in putting on a dress code talent show the first day of senior year.
Washburn has been active in athletics during her time at SSHS, playing volleyball, and running cross country and track. She was recognized as a four-year regional qualifier, served as team captain and for three years was named MVP in varsity cross country. Washburn qualified for area three years and region one year in varsity track. In varsity volleyball, she was named Second Team all District. She also was recognized for Academic All-State.
The 2020 SSHS valedictorian said while she considered participating in games and meets fun, her sports activity in college will likely be through participation in intramural events and she will probably run on her own. She plans to focus more on academics than running when she attends Baylor University in the fall.
She has been awarded three scholarships to apply toward her studies at Baylor, where she will major in medical humanities and religion. She wants to become a pediatrician, so she can work as an international missionary.
“I’ve always been interested in health care. A missionary came to our church a few years ago and I just knew that that’s what I wanted to do. We went to Kenya in December and January, and I just loved it. So I knew that is where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do,” Washburn said.
While she loved Kenya, she said is will go “wherever the Lord sends me.”
The 2020 valedictorian likes children and views becoming a pediatrician as “an opportunity to provide a more general care in areas that need it.”
Washburn offers appreciation to her family, for their support and encouragement. They help calm her when her homework get hard. She comes from a large immediate family: two sets of parents, three sisters and a brother were in attendance at the honors announcement Monday to show see her recognized. She expressed appreciation to her siblings, who have a knack for making her laugh.
“I really have just enjoyed being able to grow up with them and having some of my best friends be my siblings. My parents, they are just the best. They sacrifice so much for me my siblings. I am so thankful for all that they have done for us,” she said.
When congratulated for being named valedictorian, Washburn is quick to point out where credit for the honor is due. She said it’s important to her that people known, “It’s not about me. Truly the Lord has put me in this position, and I just want to give all the credit to Him, because without Him, this means nothing,” Washburn said, adding, that for her it’s an opportunity to be “thankful for this opportunity to recognize that it is from the Lord.”
Salutatorian
Sulphur Springs High School also announced Andrew Bryan Westlund as the SSHS Senior Class of 2020 salutatorian.
Westlund, who was unable to attend the honors annoucement Monday, graduates with a 3.96 GPA. He is the son of Daniel Westlund and Misty Westlund.
The 2020 SSHS salutatorian too has been active in school activities.
Westlund achieved successes in UIL competition. He was a member of the state championship literary criticism team. He competed in UIL number sense and computer science.
He includes among his achievements serving as co-founder of a Destination Imagination team.
The salutatorian is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership group and National Honor Society.
A member of the SSHS Wildcat Band, Westlund also served as tuba section leader. He too lends his musical skills as the church pianist. He’s also a Sunday school helper and was a Summer Camp intern.
Westlund plan to attend Oral Roberts University, where he will study to become a quantum computer programmer.
Meal A Day Menu
The Senior Citizens Center may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but the dedicated 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 April 27-May 1, 2020 includes:
Monday — Chicken Broccoli and Noodle Supreme, Pinto Beans and Corn
Tuesday — Apricot Glazed Chicken On a Bed of Rice, Providence Vegetables and Roll
Wednesday — Corny Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries and Cole Slaw
Thursday — Chicken and Dumplings, Crackers and Tossed Salad
Friday — Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, 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.
Commissioners Expected To Extend Second Amended Disaster Declaration Monday
Retirement Benefit Limits For Hopkins County Employees To Be Discussed During Work Session
Hopkins County Commissioners Court are expected to extend the second amended disaster declaration, in addition to authorize a major equipment purchase and two others items related to county road repair, and roofing contract for the probation office.
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom, following the Governor’s latest orders related to COVID-19, amended the county’s public health disaster declaration a second time to match the governor’s orders. The court will be asked on Monday to consider approving a proclamation extending the second amended county disaster declaration.
A contract for roof replacement at the probation office located at 228 West Hinnant St. is also up for consideration by the Commissioners Court.
At least three items on Monday’s 9 a.m. Commissioners Court agenda have to do with county roads and repairs. The court will be asked to consider approving an agreement with MTG Engineering and Surveyors for an H&H study of FEMA Case #4416-County Road 3525, purchase of a Caterpillar reclaimer through Sourcewell Co-Op for Precinct 3 and an RFP for rehab and paving of county roads.
The court is asked to consider approving a Plat P Veneables A-1010 request and North Hopkins Water Supply Coroporation’s request to be allowed to install a line extension in the county right-of-way on the west west side of FM 71 east at County Road 3605.
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court meeting will begin at 9 a.m. April 27, in the Commissioners Courtroom at Hopkins County Courthouse, 118 Church St.
Immediately following the regular meeting, the commissioners court will enter into executive session to discuss retirement benefit limits for Hopkins County employees.
Also on the work session agenda are updates regarding the fire department, sheriff’s office and Civic Center operations, including any relavant revenues and expenditures, proposed improvements and repairs or events; discussion on any environmental concerns; and budget work session as needed.
The work session is slated to be conducted in the first floor courtroom as well, which will allow those participating in the work session to observe social distancing guidelines.
City Of Como Is Accepting Scholarship Applications
The City of Como is accepting scholarship applications from seniors who have a Como address. Applications may be picked up at Como City Hall or call Mary Cay Doss at 903-488-3434 to have one emailed. Once complete, applications should be returned by the May 11 deadline to [email protected] or dropped into the bill slot at the city during regular business hours.
Two scholarships will be awarded. In 2019, Como Mayor Darla Henry awarded $500 City of Como scholarships to Como-Pickton seniors Destiny Tadlock and Daisy Camacho.
Paris District Road Report for the Week of April 27, 2020
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the week of April 27, 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 on northbound and southbound US 75 between Center Street and FM 1417 as crews work on building detours. The southbound Travis Street connector ramp onto southbound US
75 was closed permanently. Traffic is being detoured onto the frontage road to Park Avenue.
Watch for occasional daytime lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and Washington Street as crews work on installing temporary signals and building detours. Watch for nighttime lane closures on April 28 & 29 in order to do striping work between FM 1417 and
Post Oak Creek. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures between US 82 and SH 56. Crews will be performing utility work as well as constructing a portion of the new Sand Creek bridge. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
FM 1417, Grayson County: at the OB Groner / West Travis St. intersection. Watch for shoulder closures as crews work on widening the roadway to add turn lanes.
FM 691, Grayson County: from FM 131/Loy Lake Road to US 75. Watch for traffic shifts as workers widen FM 691 to an ultimate five-lane roadway. The intersection of FM 691 with FM 131/Loy Lake Road has been converted to a four-way stop intersection and will become a signalized intersection at the conclusion of the construction project.
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. The ultimate roadway will be a five-lane section at the conclusion of the project.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Edwards Road to FM 2729. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 697, Grayson County: from Milo Road to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
SH 160, Grayson County: from US 69 to Red Moore Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on performing base repairs.
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 exit ramp for FM 691. During this phase, westbound Spur
503 to southbound US 75 traffic must use the frontage road through the FM 691 intersection and then enter southbound US 75 using the on ramp after FM 691.
US 75 Slope Repair at Randell Lake Road, on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road, Grayson County: on the southbound US 75 frontage road between SH 91 and Randell Lake Road. The southbound frontage road and Randell Lake exit ramp are closed due to a slope failure. Crews are working to lime treat the soils and place underdrains.
US 75 Full Depth concrete repair, Grayson County: crews will be working on US 75, weather permitting, each week from Sunday night through Thursday night. Lane closures will be present during the nighttime only in order for crews to replace failed concrete slabs. Lane closures begin
at 7:30 p.m. and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
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 56, Grayson County: between FM 1417 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to blade level the roadway.
US 377, Grayson County: between FM 902 and the Denton County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work to 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 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.
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. Watch for a traffic shift near the SH 56 intersection in Honey Grove as crews work to build the new westbound lanes. Westbound traffic is being shifted to the
eastbound side during this period. Watch for new exit ramps and entrance ramps near the FM 100 intersection.
County Road 4920, Fannin County: at Indian Creek. County Road 4920 is closed at Indian Creek while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 4920 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
County Road 2998, Fannin County: at Cottonwood Creek. County Road 2998 is closed in order for crews to remove the existing bridge and build a new bridge. Traffic on CR 2998 will need to use an alternate route during construction.
FM 897, Fannin County: from US 82 to CR 2950 in Lannius. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews work on performing base repairs.
FM 273, Fannin County: from FM 2029 to FM 100. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance 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.
IH 30, Hopkins County: From SH 154 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From FM 2297 to SH 154. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From SH 19 to White Oak Creek. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews replace an existing drainage structure. Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
SH 11, Hopkins County: From 1.5 miles east of FM 3134 to 0.82 miles east of FM 2653. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform milling operations.
FM 1448, Franklin County: From Wood County Line to FM 115. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
IH 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 900, Hopkins County: I-30 to Franklin County Line. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews install drainage structures.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
US 82 at SH 37 intersection, Red River County. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews remove existing pavement surface and lay new hot mix surface. The traffic signal at this intersection will temporarily be converted to 4-way-stop during this work.
BU 271D, Red River County: from US 271 to State Spur 38 (Bogata). Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install new end treatments on drainage structures.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 271 (Bogata) to Franklin County Line. Watch for crews as they begin preparations for right-of-way work.
US 82, Red River County: from FM 1159 to Bowie County Line. Watch for temporary lane closures and traffic shifts while crews extend cross structures and widen pavement to install passing lanes.
US 82, Lamar County: from BU 82H to Red River County Line. Watch for daytime shoulder and lane closures while crews complete final backfill work at metal beam guard fence locations.
US 271, Lamar County: from FM 1499 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary shoulder and lane closures while crews upgrade metal beam guard fence.
SH 37 safety upgrades, Red River County: from the Texas-Oklahoma state line south to the Red River-Franklin County line. Watch for work zones as workers upgrade metal-beam guard fence, replace or extend new structures and install safety end treatments.
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 pavement, install continuous left-turn lanes, and safety-treat fixed objects is underway. Please be aware of lane closures and workers in this area. Weather permitting, they will resume work on the last box
culvert extension, and widening County Roads 2666 and 2664.
SH 276, Hunt County: at Bull Creek, rip-rap repair project. The contractor is working on removing pilings used for replacing concrete rip-rap that has failed along SH 276. The contractor will do partial lane closures intermittently. Contractor crews may be present on this
project on Saturdays, weather permitting. Please be careful when traveling in the 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.
Hunt County maintenance crews are working on repairing pot holes throughout Hunt County.
Please be careful when driving in areas where our work vehicles are present. Crews are also working on sealcoat preparation.
Debris and litter operations are ongoing throughout multiple parts of the county. Please be careful when traveling, and watch out for workers.
US 69 from Stonewall to BU69, Hunt County: The contractor has completed the mill and inlay work on this project, and is performing cleanup and minor handwork. Please be careful as lane closures are necessary and workers are present in the area.
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Suspected THC Brownies, Crispies And Gummies Located During Traffic Stop
April 25, 2020 – Cumby Police Chief Paul Robertson arrested a 27-year-old Little Rock man Friday after a tray of suspected THC brownies, crispies and gummies were located during an Interstate 30 traffic stop.
Robertson initiated a traffic stop at mile marker 109 at 1:41 p.m. April 24 on an eastbound Toyota Camry, occupied by two men reportedly traveling from Dallas to Arkansas.
While speaking with the driver, Robertson reportedly detected an odor of marijuana. A probable cause search was initiated.
Robertson reported finding several small bags of marijuana and a tray of brownies, crispy treats and gummies that he believed contained THC.
CPD Officer Jonathan Painter transported the two men to the Cumby Maintenance Building to continue the investigation into suspected criminal activity. Cumby police reported hiding the suspected THC edibles in a file cabinet in the maintenance building. Robertson used his K-9 partner, Amigo, to conduct a free air search of the area. Amigo alert for contraband on the cabinet where the edibles were hidden.
On further investigation, Robertson alleged in arrest reports, revealed passenger Harold Arthur Hall III of Little Rock, Arkansas was in care, custody and control of the edibles. The driver was released without charges; the car was impounded. Police transported 27-year-old Hall to Hopkins County jail, where he was booked on a possession of more than 400 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance charge for having the suspected THC brownies, crispies and gummies.
Hall remained in Hopkins County jail Saturday morning, April 25, on the controlled substance 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.
