Meal-A-Day Move Gets A Big Boost
July 15, 2024 – A host of volunteers showed up early Saturday morning to help Meal-A-Day make the final move.
Using several pickups and trailers, the vast majority of food and kitchenware was finally transferred to the new center on 301 Oak Ave. Other volunteers, not pictured, worked to re-wash equipment and attempted to organize all the items as they arrived. A full review and organization of the items will take place this week.
The contents of seven freezers and three refrigerators had to be moved in coolers. The entire pantry was also moved over the weekend.
Meal prep officially began last week at the new location. If you would like to join our merry group of volunteers, give Amanda Dietlin a call at 903 885 1661.
Learn What Percentage of the Earth’s Water is Fresh Water in This Episode of A Second Cup of Coffee
In this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Texas A&M AgriLife Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. The two discuss the upcoming Master Gardeners Meeting, the Earth’s water, points on watering your plants, and more. Be sure to check it out!
Are Fresh Vegetables Poisoning us From Master Gardener David Wall
July 14, 2024 – It seems like weekly we hear of pesticide use is slowly poisoning us. This is not over the short term, but over many years. Healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables are now recognized that along with nutrients, they also come with dangerous pesticides. While our government has forced some pesticides off the market, it has been slow to move on others. Then, when one product is banned, growers often switch to another pesticide that is just as bad. Further, the government allowable intake of pesticide contaminated vegetables is generally recognized as being way too high. One reason for the high allowable intake is powerful chemical companies lobbying for their continued use.
Ok, most wash their fruits and vegetables purchased at stores or roadside stands, but is that enough? Some peel vegetables and fruits, which helps, but it also removes some of the best nutritional value. Also, if a systemic pesticide has been used, the chemicals have penetrated further into the item. Even watermelon can have pesticides inside the rind.
OK, so you buy organic vegetables. While this is a major improvement, it’s more expensive and still not a guarantee. Even organically grown potatoes, for example, can be contaminated with pesticides if they are processed at a factory that also processes conventionally grown potatoes.
Wheat oats, rice and perhaps other grains may be grown without pesticides. But, when part of the crop is ready and part still green, the entire crop might be sprayed with glyphosate, the key ingredient in Roundup pesticide, which immediately kills all so the entire crop can be harvested.
We’ve grown vegetables organically in pure compost for many years, but we still thoroughly wash our produce, just in case some of the compost was contaminated before becoming compost. Washing is water is best. Soap doesn’t help.
Paris District Road Report for Week of July 15, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 15, 2024. 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.
Safety Message: Move Over or Slow Down
While millions of Texans commute to work on highways every week, they pass inches away from the worksites for thousands of law enforcement personnel, first responders and road maintenance crews. Unfortunately, many of them are killed in crashes every year on the job, which is why TxDOT is calling on Texas drivers to keep roadside workers safe by remembering to “Move Over or Slow Down.”
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to move over—putting a lane between them and roadside workers—or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders and TxDOT vehicles stopped with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.
Changes to the law went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023, and impose heftier penalties for violations, including fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Stricter penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries by failing to follow these rules now include possible jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.
Every year, law enforcement officers, tow truck drivers and other roadside workers do essential work protecting and maintaining our roads, but some are hit, injured or killed while serving our community. TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. public awareness campaign asks all drivers to respect these workers who are vital to keeping our roads clear and safe.
The Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers to:
- Be on alert and pay attention when approaching roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights on.
- When possible, move out of the lane closest to these vehicles.
- Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if safely switching lanes is not possible or the road doesn’t offer multiple lanes.
- Reduce speed to 5 mph on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
The state’s Move Over or Slow Down law was first passed in 2003 and applied to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services vehicles. The Texas Legislature has since extended the law’s protections to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks and utility service vehicles.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on July 22. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include FM 120 from FM 1753 to Carpenter’s Bluff Bridge; FM 691 from FM 131 to the airport; and FM 902 from US 377 to US 75. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. 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 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from FM 902 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on July 22. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include Recreational Road 3 from FM 273 to end of maintenance, and SH 78 from SH 56 to SH 11. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. The FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River is closed to traffic permanently for removal of the bridge as part of the new Lake Ralph Hall project. Traffic is asked to use SH 34 as the alternate route to FM 2990. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorists of the closure.
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek is reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of July 8, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1491, from SH 78 to End of Maintenance. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1743, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform paving operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
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.
Lamar County: Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor has finished the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. Contractor has placed temporary striping and is backfilling pavement edges throughout the project. Guard fence and mow strip work is underway. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is placing SW3P devices and prepping the right of way. Culvert work has begun on the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. Nighttime operations are currently being used for several cross culvert locations. The contractor is placing geogrid and flexbase on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing fog seal on inhouse seal coat roads.
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Two Major Events to be Held at the Old Saltillo Cemetery
July 12, 2024 – Two major events are held each year at the Old Saltillo Cemetery. On July 21st, 2024, the Annual Business Meeting/Memorial Day will be held. The activities will begin at 10:30am that Sunday, in the Old Saltillo United Methodist Church, located at 664 County Road 3357, Saltillo, Texas, 75478.
Congregational singing led by Steve Conley will start things off. A Business meeting will follow. Next, there will be a Memorial Program. The Program this year will be a “Musical Medley” presented by Larry Neal and his daughter, Tracie Neal Smith. Following the program, lunch will be served in the Kirby Memorial Center. Attendees are asked to bring some of your favorite dishes. Lunch will be served in a buffet manner which will include iced drinks and coffee. Seating in the serving area is limited, so feel free to bring lawn chairs, card tables, etc.
Then, on December 14, 2024, The Old Saltillo Cemetery will host the Annual Wreaths Across America program, beginning at 11:00am, in the Old Saltillo United Methodist Church. Following a very meaningful program, participants will go across the road and place a wreath at each veteran’s burial site.
Judge Brad Cummings will deliver the day’s keynote address. Kathy Whitten Patterson and Lucas Dennis will honor Old Saltillo Cemetery Veterans by calling each of their names aloud. The program will conclude with Taps played.
Wreaths are $17 each or opt for the “3 for 2” by purchasing two wreaths ($34) and receive a third wreath for free. On line deadline is October 31, 2024. Order your wreaths online at www.wreathacrossamerica.org/TX0987. For more information, please call Kathy Whitten patterson at 903-434-2343, or Lucas Dennis at 903-588-0973.
All programs for the Old Saltillo Cemetery have been planned by the members of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association Board and everyone is invited to attend and participate in these outstanding activities.
Dinner Bell for July 17th, 2024
Texas Heritage National Bank (the 141st largest bank in Texas) is “Large Enough to meet your needs yet small enough to care”. It was chartered as The Bank of Daingerfield in 1889 but converted to a National charter in 1892 becoming The National Bank of Daingerfield. It has operated continuously since its inception weathering both the Great Depression and the banking crisis of the 1980’s. Its headquarters is in Daingerfield, the fourth oldest town in Texas. Sulphur Springs became a branch in 2009 and other locations include Omaha, Ore City, Gilmer, Farmers Branch and Austin.
This privately held bank provides commercial banking services catering to agriculture, the commercial and real estate industries, businesses and individuals. Such quality monetary functions are present such as mortgages, online banking services, commercial loans, agricultural financing, real estate loans, deposits, withdrawals and other financial services of a first class banking organization.
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry is pleased to have Texas Heritage National Bank as its PARTNER in feeding those who need a meal in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Marinated Vegetable Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Bread Pudding
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AS COVID AND FLU ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Texas A&M-Commerce Name Change Saga Continues
July 12, 2024 – About 200 people attended a hearing in the Sam Rayburn Student Center Thursday on the possibility of A&M-Commerce changing its name yet again. Public radio station K-E-T-R reports president Mark Rudin told the group that “Texas A&M University-Dallas ” was not the only rebranding option being discussed. “East Texas A&M University” is also among the options under consideration.
Before the 1996 rebrand as Texas A&M University-Commerce, the school had been known as East Texas State University and other names using “East Texas” and was casually referred to as “ET.” It was founded as Mayo College by W.T. Mayo in 1889.
Rudin did not give his personal opinion on the “East Texas A&M” option … which is popular with many alumni. He said he’s still in the information-gathering phase. Rudin said: “I’m listening intently to all these various groups and making sure that whatever I take forward to the (Texas A&M University System) Board represents best path forward for this university.” He said that there might be no name change at all.
Regarding the A&M-Dallas option, Rudin said that should the university rebrand as Texas A&M University-Dallas, the Commerce campus would remain the university’s administrative center. More than 8,300 people, mostly alumni, have signed a petition at change.org opposing the adoption of “Dallas” in the university’s name.
A second meeting was scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday morning.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Announces the 2025 Gala Chairs
July 11, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Board of Directors is excited to share that the 2025 Gala chairs will be a family affair! Linda and Joe Bob Burgin along with their sons and daughters-in-law, Julie and Brad, and Teffany and Corey, have been tapped to chair the 2025 Gala slated for Saturday, January 25.
The Burgins have been very involved in Hopkins County healthcare for decades. Linda has been a regular on the Gala committee. Joe Bob has served on the Hopkins County Hospital District Board of Directors and also assisted with the Gala. He is also a member of the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Northeast Texas Board of Directors representing the Hopkins County community. Brad is the program manager for business development and strategic planning with Trinity Clinic that is part of the CHRISTUS Health system.
The family’s community involvement doesn’t end with healthcare. They have all served on civic boards, non-profits, and local governmental boards. This family believes in serving their community. As lifelong Hopkins County residents, the Burgins have served this community for over 60 years.
Family Patriarch Joe Bob said about serving as Gala chairs, “Our community has so much to offer when it comes to healthcare. For a rural area our size, we have a robust offering of specialists and top-notch providers. My family and I recognize how important this is to the community for growth. We want to do all we can to promote Hopkins County healthcare and make sure we continue to be leaders in Texas’ rural healthcare. Serving as Gala chairs is one way we can do that while celebrating our community.”
Julie and Brad have two children, Bailey and Zackery. Teffany and Corey are the parents of Mason, Conner, and Brooks.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors Chair Maleta Reynolds shared, “We are so excited that the Burgins will be chairing the 2025 Gala. Their involvement in Hopkins County healthcare runs deep. Their love of the community and friendly personalities make them perfect to chair one of the best nights for healthcare in Hopkins County.”
Maleta continued, “The Burgins’ knowledge of and involvement in local healthcare will help us Spotlight the differences in the Hopkins County Hospital District, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, and the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation – all distinct and separate entities.”
Sponsorship opportunities and ticket information will be made available closer to the event. Follow the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for more news on the Foundation and the Gala.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that aims to improve health and wellness in Hopkins County.
For more information on the Foundation, contact Executive Director Kayla Price at 903-438-4799.
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Texas Volunteer Firefighter Arrested on Felony Arson Charges
ALPINE, Texas — A volunteer firefighter and emergency medical services (EMS) crew member in Alpine, Texas, was arrested July 5 on suspicion of setting multiple brush fires in the area.
David Matthew Neet, 44, of Alpine, Texas, was arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Officers in connection with multiple wildland fires spanning 2023 – 2024.
An initial Brewster County Sheriff’s Office investigation found the origins of the serial arson fires suspicious, prompting Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators to work with them to further investigate and determine the cause of the fires.
Neet is currently being held on a $300,000 bond at the Brewster County Detention Center on 20 counts of Texas Penal Code 28.02 Arson F2.
As mandated by the 34th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service enforces all laws related to the protection of forests and woodlands and prosecutes violators. Arson is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
“We investigate wildland arson cases, and work to bring those responsible to justice,” said Jarred Lemmon, Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service. “The success of this case would not have been possible without the work of Brewster County Deputy Holquin.”
Since Jan. 1, 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement personnel have responded to 70 wildfire investigations and 48 timber theft complaints.
Sulphur Springs Whataburger Adds DoorDash as McDonald’s Closes for Rebuild
July 11, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs Whataburger recently added DoorDash as a delivery option to the many ways to get your Whataburger fix. DoorDash remains the most prevalent delivery service for restaurant delivery in Hopkins County as UberEats and others don’t seem to have as many drivers. Staff at the local eatery reports that the DoorDash delivery option has been very popular since implementation, and now that McDonald’s has closed for a planned rebuild, Whataburger expects to be even busier. You can find out more about DoorDash by going to their website at DoorDash.com or downloading the app from the appropriate app store.
The Sulphur Springs McDonald’s posted a crudely made sign on their door the first week of July, stating that the store is closed for a rebuild. A building permit filed with the City of Sulphur Springs at the end of February shows that the new commercial construction was valued at $1.5 million. The new building should take approximately six months to be constructed.
