98 contour running hot

I have a 98 contour with the v6 duratec engine. The temp gauge suddenly went all the way to the right while on the highway. Had the car towed to garage where they said it was a "bad" temp sensor. They replaced the sensor and the car now heats up very quickly until the the pointer is between the A and the L on the NORMAL on temperature gauge. This is higher than it used to show and when you turn on the heater fan the air coming out is extremely hot. The fan seems to kick in and I have driven the car for 30-40 miles without going outside the NORMAL range but I'm worried about driving it this hot.

Anyone have similliar problems or any ideas about the cause?

Thanks

ever changed the waterpump? The stock plastic empellar has almost a guaranteed 100% failure rate.