Plant Carrots Now! From Master Gardener David Wall
January 16, 2024 – OK, why grow carrots when they’re so easy to pick up at the grocery store already peeled, cut into bite sized morsels, cleaned and packaged? Well, I have to admit, these are pretty good reasons for using the grocery store. On the other hand, growing them for self and the needy provides a great service and satisfaction for the grower.
Many of us had grandparents who gardened and tried to instill a gardening desire in each of us. Unfortunately, in my case, that desire took some years to take effect. Now, depending on the crop and the growing season, I provide anywhere from 10-65 thousand vegetables for the needy and family/neighbor consumption.
It’s hard to beat the taste of a fresh cool carrot. Many would say they’re difficult to grow. In Actuality, they’re easy to grow, BUT an awareness of the time needed to germinate, soil preparation, and time from seed to harvest are needed.
Carrots were first found domesticated in Persia during the 10th century and were either white or purple. Drawings from the 5th century clearly show carrots. Cross breeding over the centuries resulted in the multitude of colors available today. Within 100 years, they had spread throughout the Mediterranean and western Europe, followed to Asia within another 300 years. Today, the U.S. population eats nearly 10 pounds of carrots a year. One farm in California handles some 10 million pounds a day!!!
Carrots hate handling, so never transplant. Sow only by direct seeding ½” deep in loose (not compacted) soil 12” deep. Soil temperature should by at least 45°. Germination can take as long as two weeks. Once they get to 3” tall, thin with scissors to 3” apart. Time from sowing seeds to harvesting will vary from 50-75 days. Six to eight hours of sunlight needed.
Two Black Corvettes Brave the Weather As Their Fate is Determined
January 15, 2024 – Two high value sports cars await their fate outside in the elements as their future is sorted out by law enforcement.
The two Chevrolet Corvettes, both black, have been secured behind a chain-link fence for over a week after being towed from a Sulphur Springs residence as suspected stolen vehicles.
Although the years of the vehicles are unknown, one C7 example is a Z06 model making it’s possible year model between 2015 and 2019. The C7 Z06 sports a 6.2 liter supercharged engine that puts out 650 horsepower in its stock configuration as it can reach a top speed of 185mph. The newer C8 Corvette, possibly built as model year between 2020 and 2023 had no special markings indicating that this example is a base model. The newer mid-engine C8 Corvette has been in high demand and short supply in any configuration over the past few years making the vehicles difficult to obtain.
The two impounded Corvettes shown remained unprotected as the winter storm dropped temperatures into the single digits and scattered snow onto the flashy finishes. Investigation continues into the history of these and other vehicles as local law enforcement continue to sort out the possibilities. See the Original Theft Story about Everett Van Jennings here.
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.
Odessa Woman Arrested For Felony DWI Involving Small Child
January 15, 2024 – Sulphur Springs Police were dispatched to a Como Street Business over the weekend in response to a call about a suspicious vehicle at the business. The caller knew that the car was unfamiliar and knew the driver was not employed by the business. Upon arrival, officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver was slow to react and appeared to have trouble operating the vehicle. As officers approached the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, they observed two open conatiners of alcoholic beverages as well as a 2 year old child in the back seat of the vehicle. The driver, Gretell Suarez Negrin exhibited signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and perform standardized field sobriety tests which she failed. As the officers believed she was unable to safely operate a vehicle and with no other passengers, other than the 2 year old child, a towing service was called to impound the vehicle. Local Child Protective Services were contacted to transport the child from the scene. Suarez Negrin was then taken to a local hospital as a search warrant was issued for a blood draw on the driver to ascertain a proper blood alcohol level. Gretell Suarez Negrin, age 30, remains in the Hopkins County Jail with the charge of Driving While Intoxicated with a child under15 years of age, which is a State Jail Felony. The bond for Gretell Suarez Negrin is set at $100,000 on the charge.
TAMU-C Closed Tuesday Due to Weather
January 15, 2024 – Due to the adverse winter weather conditions and to help ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff, the Texas A&M University-Commerce campus and Dallas site will be closed tomorrow Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Bell Concrete Sponsors the January 27th Gala
Our friends at Bell Concrete know how important a good foundation is for a house and a healthy community! We appreciate them for helping us to build a strong Hopkins County Health Care Foundation by sponsoring the January 27 Gala!
Visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com for more information about the Gala.
Pictured here are Gala Chair John Sellers and Bell Concrete’s Matt Jasmer.
SSISD Cancels Tuesday Classes, Delayed Start For Wednesday
January 15, 2024 – Superintendent Deana Steeber has cancelled all classes for Tuesday, January 16th in anticipation of the roads still being slick from the winter storm in Hopkins County. In addition, a two-hour delay start time for Wednesday, January 17th has been scheduled.
Only a Few Without Power on Monday
January 15, 2024 – A quick check of the Farmers Electric Outage Map shows only a handful of customers are without power.
Based on the current weather forecast, conditions are looking good for the grid. For power lines and power poles, the worst weather combination is freezing precipitation and the strong winds. The possibility for that combination is not forecast until Monday, and there is only a slight chance then.
Paris District Road Report for week of January 15, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Click It or Ticket
“Click It or Ticket” is a TxDOT campaign urging Texans to buckle up. Currently 90.38 percent of Texans buckle up. However, in 2022, the number of people who died while not wearing a seat belt increased by 2.5 percent over 2021, with 1,258 unbuckled drivers and passengers killed on Texas roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates since its inception 21 years ago, “Click It or Ticket” has saved 7,399 lives, prevented more than 129,000 serious injuries and saved Texas more than $28.5 billion in related economic costs.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45 percent for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60 percent. Your seat belt is designed to keep you from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield—or even onto the road. An airbag can be a big lifesaver. But without a seat belt, it can be ineffective and even dangerous. In a crash, a seat belt ensures you’re not thrown into a opening airbag—a force that could injure or kill you. You may think your airbag is going to protect you, but it’s designed to work with seat belts, not to replace them.
In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than eight years must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than four feet, nine inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). 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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
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 new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures 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. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers 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 ongoing.
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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 377 to US 75. 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.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. 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.
FM 901, from FM 902 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform repair works on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: 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.
CR 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
FM 981, from SH 78 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 896, from Business SH 121 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1553, from SH 78 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level 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.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews grade ditches for truck parking area.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
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.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
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
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.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from the 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.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and 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 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at the various locations. The contractor has finished placing sod at various locations. 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 begun preparing the right of way and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and performing subgrade widening work and base work. 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 performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer has started. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening and cement treatment of the subgrade near mile 6 of the 8-mile project. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Ave. The Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County project has begun on the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. 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 contractor will be performing eastbound mainlane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. 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.
Hunt and Rains Counties Maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections will be working on potholing. Both sections will be working on winter weather preparations.
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Paris Junior College Spring Classes Slated for Tuesday Start
Weather may be a complication
January 12, 2024 – Weather in northeast Texas can pose challenges to scheduled events – such as the beginning of the spring semester at Paris Junior college on Tuesday, January 16.
The College will get the word out about delayed openings or closures in several ways: www.parisjc.edu, PJC social media, notice to local media outlets, and students and employees may sign up for Dragon Alerts.
“We will probably make a decision Monday evening about possible closure or late opening,” said Dr. Jerry King, PJC interim president. “We know many students have to travel a distance and we want to be sure they can do it safely.”
Spring registration is continuing, and the College is staying open Tuesday through Thursday until 6 p.m. next week to help students get the classes they need. The process may be speeded up by applying online at www.parisjc.edu/apply. Registration questions may be answered at [email protected] or by calling 903-782-0425 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-885-1232 in Sulphur Springs.
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.
Cancellation of Jury Summons for January 16th
January 11, 2024 – If you were summoned to appear on Tuesday, January 16th at 9:00 a.m. to appear at the Hopkins County Courthouse 2nd floor district courtroom, your jury duty has been cancelled.
