Texas Leaders Sound Alarm on Future Power Grid Stability
If new estimates from ERCOT are correct, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick say Texas needs “an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid.”
Brandon Waltens | July 1, 2024
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are raising urgent concerns about the future stability of Texas’ power grid.
A joint statement released today follows recent testimony from ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, who warned that Texas might need 150,000 megawatts of power to support its grid by 2030—just six years away.
Texas typically has around 85,000 megawatts of power from wind, solar, coal, nuclear, and natural gas sources.
The potential shortfall has prompted Abbott and Patrick to call for an immediate review of all policies related to the grid. In their statement, they highlighted the pressing need for action.
“If the new estimate is correct, the updated numbers provided by Mr. Vegas call for an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid.”
Last November, Texas voters approved Senate Joint Resolution 93, establishing the Texas Energy Fund. This fund provides a $5 billion low-interest loan program designed to incentivize the construction of more dispatchable natural gas plants. According to Abbott and Patrick, demand for these loans has been overwhelming, with the state receiving notices of intent to apply for $39 billion in loans—nearly eight times the available amount.
In light of the new projections for 2030, Abbott and Patrick announced plans to seek an expansion of the program to $10 billion to expedite the construction of new plants.
“The average plant will take three to four years to complete, and new transmission lines will take three to six years to complete,” they noted. “Texas is currently the fastest state to approve and build new plants and transmission lines because of our low regulations and pro-business policies, but we must move quickly.”
The Republican Party of Texas has made protecting the electric grid a legislative priority for the upcoming session, including ensuring the “delivery of abundant, reliable, and resilient energy.”
Unreliable energy sources like wind and solar—which the state has already spent billions of dollars subsidizing—infamously failed in the winter storm of February 2021, leading to massive power outages across the state.
With the state facing another round of extreme heat, recent polling revealed that most Texans believe an electrical grid failure could happen again this summer.
This article originally appeared here.
Big Bass Bingo in Yantis Supports Youth Riding
July 1, 2024 – The Big Bass Bingo hall in Yantis, TX offers a lot of entertainment, but that’s not all. A large portion of the proceeds from their weekly games go to support the Lake Fork Stables Youth Riding Programs.
Lake Fork Stables, a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Yantis, TX. Lake Fork Stables provides free and discounted therapeutic riding lessons for low-income and autistic families through their Riders Up program. They also offer a variety of other programs, including the Horse Boy Method, Horse Powered Reading, Horses4Heroes, and Joyful Journey (for adults over 50). You can find more information at ridersup.org.
It’s really an “evening out” type of experience. There is no smoking, and plenty of space for groups, or families to sit together. Don’t expect to see the tired bingo cards with the red glass sliding windows. They rent bingo computers that do everything for you as well as daubers and paper game cards. There are also games before and during the actual bingo session. Never a dull moment with something always going on.
Children 6 and up can play too, but the accompanying adults are payed any winnings. If you are new to bingo, the staff is very helpful. It’s best to come when doors open to get situated.
There is food and drink available for purchase, and free refills on popcorn.
Making Easy Compost Tea From Master Gardener David Wall
July 1, 2024 – Pure compost tea (CT) is almost magical, as it’s made from just two ingredients, compost and water. While were talking about vegetable gardens, it works on annual flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, perennials, shrubs and even trees. CT feed plants in two ways. First, they supply nutrients by absorbing into plant roots into the soil. To a lesser degree, they can provide energy by soaking into plant leaves.
Because it’s in liquid form, it works very fast, but what really makes CT so incredible is just how balanced and the nutrients are plus how easy they are for plants to absorb. CTs contain a veritable plethora of nutrients, and they’re all in their purest form. They’ve been slowly decomposed. And all of those nutrients are in their purest form, having slowly decomposed into a readily digestible substance. Then, when soaked in water, the nutrients leach into the water creating a liquid fertilizer that is organic and fast acting.
To make compost tea, fill a 5-gallon or larger bucket at least 1/3 with mature compost. Add well rain or distilled water to near the bucket top. Let sit for 4-5 days, stirring a couple minutes daily. Pour on ground around vegetable plants or even directly on the plants. Using an aerator makes the mixing continuous but doesn’t materially improve the final result.
As discussed, one of the easiest and best ways to help your vegetable plants (OK, flowers too!) is to use nourishing liquids, commonly called compost teas. Liquids that have had compost, banana peels, apple peels, potato peels, or egg shells (pureed) soaked in water 4-5 days, stirring daily, can also provide much need nourishment. All of these and others are variations on compost teas and can be made it at home without any special equipment and at basically no cost.
DPS Reminds Texans of Vehicle Safety Inspection Changes
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans of upcoming changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program that will eliminate most vehicle safety inspections. House Bill 3297, which was passed by the 88th Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, abolishes the Vehicle Safety Inspection Program for non-commercial vehicles.
Beginning January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles will no longer need a vehicle safety inspection prior to registration. However, all non-commercial vehicles in the state will be subject to a $7.50 inspection program replacement fee. This fee will be added to your total when you register your vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
New vehicles (those of the current or preceding model year on the date of purchase) purchased in Texas that have not been previously registered in Texas or another state are required to pay an initial inspection program replacement fee of $16.75 to cover two years.
Vehicles Registered in Emissions Counties
While comprehensive vehicle safety inspections will be eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles, Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties will still be required to have emissions tests.
Emissions tests are required in major metropolitan areas, including Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris and Montgomery counties; Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant counties; Travis and Williamson counties; and El Paso County. Bexar County will be added to the list of counties requiring emissions tests in 2026.
Commercial Vehicles
All commercial vehicles in all counties will still be required to obtain a passing vehicle safety inspection. Because they will be required to pay for that safety inspection, commercial vehicles will be exempt from the inspection program replacement fee.
All vehicles will still need to be registered; the registration process will continue to be managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Paris District Road Report for Week of July 1, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 1, 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: Drive Sober
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. statewide, impaired driving campaign encourages everyone to keep the holidays cheerful by staying safe and never getting behind the wheel after drinking any amount of alcohol.
Drunk driving crashes are completely preventable, yet they can cause physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last for years. Alcohol-related crashes can cause life-altering, disabling, and permanent injuries for survivors — and they can be deadly. A DWI can cost up to $17,000 in fines and fees and lead to jail time, loss of a driver’s license, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones and a lifetime of regret.
If you drink any amount of alcohol this holiday season, never get behind the wheel. Instead, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely. If you see that someone at a holiday gathering has been drinking, encourage them to find a sober ride or to stay put until they are sober. We all play a part in helping keep our roads safe.
Visit Sober Rides to learn about the real costs of driving impaired and tips to finding a sober ride. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to keep up with the campaign on social media.
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:
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 will be closed to traffic beginning July 12 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.
Northbound US 75 traffic will be detoured onto the frontage road the night of July 1 and July 2 beginning at 7 p.m. in order to perform a traffic switch between Washington to Taylor Street. Workers will adjust the concrete barrier and pavement markings in order to move mainlane traffic into their permanent lanes. The closure is expected to be completed by 6 a.m. the following morning.
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 base repairs, milling, and a pavement overlay.
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 902, from US 75 to SH 289. 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 3133, from SH 5 to the 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.
Fannin County:
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. Beginning July 8 the FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River will be closed to traffic permanently for removal 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 upcoming 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 the 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 2645, from FM 1753 to FM 898. 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.
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 waiting on soil conditions to dry out. 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. Night time 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 seal coat.
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Dinner Bell for July 3rd, 2024
LET’S CELEBRATE OUR COUNTRY’S INDEPENDENCE!!!
The Dial Study Club was organized in 1951 when the Junior Waverly Club realized the need for an additional study club for young women in Sulphur Springs. Gretchen Dial was their sponsor and naming the new club after her was in recognition of her many community activities. The young ladies in Dial believed then as they do now in community improvement and involvement to create an ideal place to raise their families.
Noting the absence of a Homecoming Parade, the Dial members reorganized the much loved tradition of High School—a HOMECOMING PARADE in 2022!!! The Library, Lake County CASA, Community and School Outreach Program for all campuses in the S.S.I.S.D., funds for the Sky Ranch Trip for 5th graders and college scholarships are additional charitable endeavors of the club.
The Dinner Bell Ministry is honored the members of Dial Study Club chose to support its ministry to feed those needing a meal.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Cheese Covered Grilled Hot Dogs on a Flattened Bun with a Chili Topping
Jalapeno Potato Salad
Ranch Style Beans
Strawberries, Blueberries and Grapes with a Lime Sauce
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE LURKING IN OUR MIDST!!! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN!!! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED!!! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!!!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Paris Junior College Introduces new Vice President to Help Student Success
New PJC vice president pursues passion to help students succeed
June 28, 2024 – For many years, Paris Junior College has been transitioning beyond being an “open door” college where everyone is welcome towards a primary focus of successful completion for every student. A major step on this path has been taken with the hiring of Dr. Lisa Elliott as Vice President of Student Access and Success.
Her arrival at PJC on July 1 marks the first major personnel decision for Dr. Stephen Benson, the new PJC President who began his tenure in June.
“I’m very excited to welcome Dr. Elliott to the Paris Junior College team and I know she will make an impact immediately,” Benson said. “She brings an incredible amount of creativity, talent, and knowledge, which will help us continue to do great things here at the College. Dr. Elliott has many years of experience at the community college level and has a heart for helping students be successful.”
Elliott’s career path did not start in higher education. She first obtained her bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from Texas A&M University and Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Mississippi. She became an online actor, web designer and podcast editor for a California company, then took dual roles as writer and designer for the “Fairfield Recorder” and Fairfield, Texas Main Street Program.
In 2000, Elliott began working as a workforce trainer at Garland County Community College in Hot Springs. She moved to National Park Community College in 2004 to become the Director of Continuing Education.
In 2006, McLennan Community College (MCC) hired Elliott as Director of Marketing and Communications. In addition to that role, she focused on critical change management projects related to enrollment management, process analysis and improvement, and implementation of new initiatives to further student access and success while providing strategic counsel to senior leadership.
Collaborating on strategies to shift campus culture from institutional-focused
to student-centric, she improved student processes, recruiting efforts, and communications with colleagues in Financial Aid, Admissions & Recruiting, Advising, Police Department, Student Activities, Success Coaching, Counseling Services, and grant-funded programs like TRIO, Title V, and First Generation College Student program.
Her work on MCC’s Emergency Operations Team during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a prestigious Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award for the College’s pandemic response efforts. She provided significant leadership in implementing a successful $74.5M bond election campaign and was instrumental implementing new content management and customer relationship management software systems.
Elliott obtained her Doctorate of Education from Tarleton State University in 2022, with the dissertation, “An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Factors impacting Students’ Selection of a Central Texas Community College.”
Her additional training and professional development includes Disney Experience training, FEMA Public Information Basics, Leadership Waco and Leadership Hot Springs, Public Relations Society of America’s Accreditation in Public Relations courses, Texas Attorney General’s Public Information Act training, Amarillo’s Poverty Summit, Texas Friendly Hospitality Certification, Texas A&M Grantwriting Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Website Marketing Certificate, and CPR/First Aid certified.
She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), National Council of Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), Texas Association of Community College Marketers (TACCM), and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
In addition to her many initiatives at MCC, Elliott has also served as a board member for PRSA Central Texas, TACCM (now Vice President), and the McLennan County Pack of Hope (media relations chair).
She has also been on the Waco Planning Advisory Committee, Waco Chamber of Commerce Workforce Communications committee, CASE Judge Volunteer panel, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Emergency Aid Network, HOTCOG Rural Transit Collaborative Council and Waco Transit Advisory Committee, Prosper Waco CampusTown Initiative Committee, HOT I-35 Corridor Committee, and Bosque River Stage Productions and Marketing Team, and has been named to the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s 40 under 40.
“It is an honor to be asked to join the talented Paris Junior College team,” Elliott said. “I can tell the faculty and staff at PJC truly care for their students and are dedicated to their success. The PJC culture of caring aligns perfectly with my own values, and I’m very excited to start my new journey there. I am also committed to embracing the mission and vision set forth by President Benson and am eager about making a meaningful impact in the lives of the students and the future of the community.”
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Multiple Agency Investigation Leads to Arrest of Winnsboro Man
June 28, 2024 – Sulphur Springs Police department officers arrested 56-year-old Gerald Don Miller of Winnsboro and charged the man with two counts of “Impersonating a Public Servant” after the investigation showed Miller allegedly identified himself as an agent of Child Protective Services to gain access to female victims.
The investigation began earlier in June in Lamar County when their Sheriff’s Office received a report of a white male posing as a CPS worker to gain access to a child. That suspect was identified as 56-year-old Gerald Don Miller. In that incident, Miller allegedly told a guardian he needed to speak with her child and was able to gain access. A detailed description was obtained of the suspect and his vehicle.
During the Lamar County investigation, evidence was discovered of a similar incident occurring in Sulphur Springs in November of 2023. Description of the suspect and vehicle from Sulphur Springs authorities matched with Lamar County information leading to a search warrant to be executed in Franklin County at Miller’s Winnsboro residence. Additional evidence was recovered during the search linking Miller to the Sulphur Springs incident and Miller was placed into custody and transferred to the Hopkins County Jail.
As Miller sets in Hopkins County Jail on two counts of Impersonating a Public Servant and a Sexual Assault charge, authorities urge anyone who has had contact with Miller claiming to be with Child Protective Services, to contact their local law enforcement. Sulphur Springs Police continues their investigation along with Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, Child Protective Services, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Lamar County investigators.
Bond was set at a total of $400,000.
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.
Prevent Wildfires this Fourth of July as Hot And Dry Conditions Persist
June 27, 2024 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and the Fourth of July is one of the top days for reported wildfires.
Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire officials advise the public to be aware of the very warm and dry conditions that may contribute to wildfire activity as the holiday approaches. While large, resistant wildfires are not expected, little to no rainfall has fallen across north and northeast Texas since early June. Hot and dry weather conditions reduce the moisture content in grass and woody vegetation, which increases the potential for wildfire ignitions.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks:
- Always check for and comply with local government officials burn bans or other restrictions.
- Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.
- Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
To help prevent wildfires during hot and dry conditions:
- Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
- Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
- Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county governments. Texas A&M Forest Service does not determine, set or lift these restrictions. For information on burn bans, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
For additional wildfire prevention tips, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
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CHRISTUS Health Encourages Safe Fireworks use for Independence Day Celebrations
June 27, 2024 – (EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health is encouraging everyone to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday safely by providing fireworks safety tips.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports there were eight deaths and nearly 10,000 people treated in emergency rooms due to fireworks in 2023. Injuries from fireworks have increased since 2008.
“Fireworks are extremely dangerous if used incorrectly,” said Julie Sperling, trauma and injury prevention coordinator for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances. “However, with some planning, preparation, and good decision making, we can reduce the risks and have wonderful celebrations.”
Sperling recommends the following to minimize risks:
– Never allow young children to handle fireworks
– Do not use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
– Never light fireworks indoors
– Do not try to re-light or handle any malfunctioning fireworks
– Soak any spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding
– Never light or hold a lighted firework in your hands
– Keep all fireworks away from houses and flammable materials
Sperling also said to make sure you are updated on any local city or county laws regarding fireworks, and to keep a bucket of water nearby.
Of the 10,000 patients treated in emergency rooms, about 60% of the injuries were burns and 25% were contusions, abrasions, and lacerations.
Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest rate of fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency rooms with children ages 5-9 years old having the second-highest rate.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a quarter of fireworks injuries can be attributed to children using sparklers.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees. They can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.
Shawn Salter, chief of CHRISTUS EMS, said that burns can be immediately cooled with water, any burning clothes need to be put out by the stop-drop-roll method or by smothering with a towel or blanket, and to avoid applying any oil-based creams as it may worsen the burn by “trapping” in the heat.
He also noted that burns that blister, blanch white in color or that have no feeling in the center should be treated by a physician.
“Fourth of July celebrations are meant to be fun,” Salter said. “We just want to make sure you’re keeping your health and well-being in mind while you’re celebrating. Fireworks involve fire and an explosion, so make sure you are mindful of that during each use.”
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