Buyer Beware: Texas DMV Recommends How to Check For a Valid Vehicle Title
January 10, 2024 – The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles recommends that you always “look before you buy” and perform a title check when purchasing a vehicle from a local dealer, individual or from an online auction website. To do so, you will need to obtain the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle and have that run through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). The national consumer protection database that provides title information from states across the country. There are several companies that provide these services, and the cost starts at only a few dollars for each search. Texas DMV recommends the following websites that are approved by the United States Department of Justice to perform such searches. These approved providers agree to provide NMVTIS reports that meet federal requirements. Select one of the approved providers below. Prices begin at only a couple dollars so you may want to shop the vendors before making a selection. Be sure to note what is offered for the price. When you select an approved provider, you will leave the TxDMV website and be routed to the provider’s website.
- Carsforsale.com
- Carvertical.com
- Checkthatvin.com
- Clearvin.com
- CVRconnect.com
- Titlecheck.us
- Vinaudit.com
- Vindatahistory.com
- vingurus.com
- Vinsmart.com
If you have purchased a vehicle from a Texas dealer and you discover an issue with the vehicle’s title history you may want to file a Consumer Complaint with TxDMV’s Enforcement Division.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles also recommends the following steps to purchase a vehicle from an individual or a dealer.
How to Buy a Used Vehicle
When you buy a used vehicle in Texas, the state does not provide any warranty or consumer protection on the reliability of that vehicle. It is up to you to make sure you are doing everything you can protect yourself – whether you are buying from a dealer or individual.
For passenger cars and pickup trucks, dealers are required by law to post a “Buyers Guide” on the vehicle, which will tell you whether it is being sold “as is” or with a warranty.
- Title Check. Before you buy, take down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and go to Title Check on the TxDMV website to use the national motor vehicle database to make sure the vehicle has a clean title.
- Mechanic Inspection. Have a trusted mechanic look over the vehicle before you sign any paperwork or pay any money, including a down payment.
- Service Report. Use a vehicle history company to get accident repair and maintenance records.
- Sales Contract. Be sure to read all of the documents, including sales agreements or buyer’s orders before you sign them.
- Vehicle Title. Never, ever walk away from a private sale without the title. Have the seller print and sign their name, provide the sales date, and enter the odometer reading on the back of the title.
- Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U). Make sure the seller prints and signs their name, and enters the sales price on this form. You must have this form when you apply for title.
- Vehicle Transit Permit. The seller should keep the vehicle plates. Downloading the Vehicle Transit Permit from the TxDMV website gives you 5 days to legally drive the vehicle so you can go to your county tax office to apply for title and registration.
- County Tax Office. You must apply for a new title within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or you will be charged financial penalties.
What Happens When Your Landlord Goes to Jail?
It can be trying and confusing time, but as a renter you have rights.
Just because your landlord is now in jail doesn’t mean that their responsibilities have disappeared. If you signed a lease agreement, it’s still binding, and you’re still responsible for paying rent. However, your landlord may not be available to fix anything that breaks.
It might be worth contacting the authorities if your landlord’s absence affects habitability of the property or if anything illegal is happening. Get in touch with the local Housing Authority if your landlord hasn’t been paying utility bills, but you’re still paying for services like water and electricity.
When facing jail time, landlords frequently delegate their obligations to a property management firm. Following this, this company will take on all of the landlord’s duties, including upkeep and rent collection. To prevent any legal issues, it is important to seek formal documents that confirm the transfer of responsibility.
If the landlord is in jail for a long time or facing foreclosure, then it might be in your best interest to explore other housing options. It’s best to figure it all out and prepare before your current lease agreement expires.
In most cases, unless the property in question was involved in fraud or illegal drugs, the property will remain with the jailed landlord.
Sulphur Springs Resident Nabbed For Having High-Value Stolen Cars
January 9, 2024 – The following Press Release was received from Hopkins County Sherrif’s Office Chief Investigator Corley Weatherford.
On Saturday, January 6, 2024, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation regarding a victim of theft claiming they had information their stolen Lamborghini was in Hopkins County, Texas. The victim had previously reported their vehicle stolen in Houston, Texas, and hired a private investigator to assist with the Houston investigation. The owner was able to track their vehicle to a residence in Hopkins County and went to the location. The owner, who had a key to the vehicle used their key to activate the car’s lights and observed the lights and horn inside the garage.
Hopkins County Deputies and investigators attempted to make contact with the homeowner, but no one would come to the door. Investigators made contact with the homeowner, Everett Van Jennings, by phone. Mr. Jennings initially spoke to Investigators by phone but refused to return home. He claimed to be out of state. Mr. Jennings stopped speaking with Investigators and would not answer or return phone calls.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Mr. Jennings’ residence. Additionally, Investigators and Deputies spoke to Family members who also refused to assist law enforcement with gaining lawful entry into the residence. Due to a lack of cooperation, Hopkins County Law Enforcement gained entry into the residence.
Once inside the residence law enforcement confirmed there was no one inside the residence. During a search, Law Enforcement located the stolen Lamborghini and two additional stolen vehicles. The stolen vehicles are valued at approximately $500,000.
Law enforcement found considerable evidence inside the residence of VIN swapping, including paraphernalia used in the practice. VIN swapping is a common practice in the auto theft world to attempt to hide the true identity of a stolen vehicle and elude detection by law enforcement. In this case, the Lamborghini did not have the VIN swapped, like the other stolen cars. However, Mr. Jennings had taken a personal license plate from another Lamborghini and affixed it to the stolen vehicle, in an apparent short-term attempt to mask the stolen car’s true identity.
Sgt. Investigator Todd Evans, who is assigned to the Northeast Texas Auto-Theft Task Force is continuing to investigate this case with the assistance of other Auto-Theft Investigators and Hopkins County Investigator. Based on evidence obtained in this case to date, two felony arrest warrants have been issued for the arrest of Mr. Jennings for Theft of Property over $300K, a First-Degree Felony and Placement of a Serial Number with intent to change identity, a Third-Degree Felony.
On January 9, 2024, Jennings turned himself in to investigators at the lobby of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office.
Jennings remains in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting bond to be set on the two felony charges.
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.
Dinner Bell Menu For January 10, 2024
City National Bank is this weeks sponsor.
MENU
Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
Bacon Green Beans
Garden Salad
French Bread
Trotter Family Special Cake
HAPPY 2024!!!
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL LURKING IN OUR MIDST!!!
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Awards Six Paris Junior College Nursing Scholarships
January 8, 2024 – The Roan Oak Masonic Lodge #860 of Garretts Bluff helped six Paris Junior College nursing students breathe easier last month when they awarded them $500 scholarships. Present to bestow the scholarships were Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, and Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Committee Chair Alan Tapp.
“It’s always a great pleasure to work with PJC and their nursing program,” said Tapp.
Receiving the scholarships were Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, and Isaac Castillo of Paris; Leticia Hernandez of Sulphur Springs, Jordan Martin of Powderly, and Brenda Martinez of Blossom.
“This allows me to cover costs for my nursing career,” said Castillo, “and it takes away stress and allows me to keep going.”
“Because of this scholarship, I am able to complete nursing school and still take care of my kids at home,” said Evans.
Roan Oak Lodge #860 is chartered through the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM, and raises funds through an annual Fish Fry and pancake breakfast.
“The scholarship takes a big financial burden off and helps me further my education,” said Martinez.
“This is fun,” said Roan Oak’s Thomas, “and it goes to a good cause and supports our community. It’s a privilege to do this every year.”
For more information about scholarships at Paris Junior College, call 903-782-0425; call 903-782-0734 for PJC’s Health Occupations Division.
“We’re always appreciative of the Roan Oak Masonic Lodge’s support of our students,” said PJC Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis. “We’re very grateful. This is a wonderful partnership that goes back a long way.”
Photo cutline: Shown, from left, are Roan Oak Masonic Lodge Senior Deacon Pat Thomas, Worshipful Master Logan Thomas, Master of Ceremonies/Scholarship Chairman Alan Tapp; nursing students Kelsey Evans, Crystal Fuller, Leticia Hernandez, Jordan Martin, Brenda Martinez, and Isaac Castillo; Director of Nursing Tamera Lewis; Dr. Michael Erny, Vice President of Workforce Education; and Dr. Pam Anglin, former PJC President.
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.
Paris Junior College Welcomed Interim President with New Year
January 8, 2024 – When Paris Junior College reopened on January 2, 2024, a new era began at the institution. Dr. Jerry King, former president of Trinity Valley Community College and a dedicated educator, took the helm as PJC’s interim president while a search is conducted to replace Dr. Pamela Anglin, who resigned at the end of 2023.
“The Board is pleased and excited to have Dr. King join our team during this transition period. His wealth of knowledge and experience will help guide us through the search process over the next six months. We as a Board look forward to working with Dr. King and the PJC staff in finding our next President of the College.”
King first joined TVCC in the 1970s, and over the course of his 45-year tenure with the school, he has served as a business and economics professor, dean of Workforce Education, associate vice president of Workforce Education and Business Affairs, vice president of instruction, and chief instructional officer. He became the sixth TVCC president in 2016, and retired earlier this year.
“I am honored and very excited to serve as interim president at Paris Junior College,” said King. “Paris Junior College has an excellent reputation and tremendous 100-year history of serving the region’s educational and training needs and providing life-changing opportunities for its students. I look forward to working with the dedicated PJC board of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and communities during this transition.”
King also served as Mayor of Athens from 1995-2005 and Board Vice-Chairman of Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative from 2008-2012, President of Athens Noon Kiwanis Club, Vice President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Henderson County United Way, President of East Texas Economic Development and East Texas Tech-Prep Consortium. King has served on the boards of the Texas A&M – Commerce Alumni Association, East Texas Economic Development Board, and Workforce Solutions of East Texas, among many others. He has been recognized as Athens Citizen of the Year and received numerous service awards including from his alma mater and the Henderson County Retired Teachers.
A native of Commerce, King is married to retired Athens ISD and TVCC teacher Dosha Hawkins King. They have a son, Clint, daughter-in-law Haley and grandson Cruz, who live in New Braunfels. King holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration in Business and Economics, and Doctor of Education in Community College Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University – Commerce (formerly East Texas State University).
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.
Sulphur Springs’ Pacific Park Structures Vandalized With Graffiti
January 8, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalism resulting in the damage of several commercial buildings as well as buildings and structures in the newly rebuilt Pacific Park. The incident occurred late Friday night, January 6, 2024.
Sulphur Springs Police Lt. Mark Estes is investigating the case and asks if anyone has any information about this crime to contact the SSPD at (903)885-7602.
Try a Mortgage Lifter Tomato in 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
January 7, 2024 – If you’re looking for a “different” large (as in huge!) tomato with great flavor, then perhaps the Mortgage Lifter is a plant you should consider. It’s an indeterminate, open-pollinated, heirloom tomato producing fruit weighing up to 2.5 pound that will produce until frost! The plant has a pinkish-red beefsteak-shaped fruit that has few seeds. Maturity occurs in 80-85 days. The plant can grow as large as 7-9-foot.
Mortgage Lifters were developed in the 1930’s during the depression by a man named M.C. Byles. He was a radiator mechanic who worked out of his homebased repair shop in Logan, West Virginia. Funds were tight, and he was looking for a way to pay off his $6000 home mortgage loan. For whatever reason he decided to develop a new, large tomato. His method was somewhat unorthodox in that he chose to do so by crossbreeding four existing large fruited varieties, beefsteak, an Italian variety, German Johnson, and an English variety.
The German Johnson tomato plant was placed in the ground with the other three planted around it. Gathering pollen, he then hand pollinated the German Johnson using a baby’s ear syringe! He then took the resulting seeds from the modified German Johnson fruit, replanted the saved seeds the next year and duplicated this process every year for the next six years.
By the 1940’s, M.C. began selling his plants for $1 each. Word spread, and the plant fruit grew in popularity. Gardeners were coming from up to 200 miles away (obviously prior to the internet!) to buy the seedlings. MC was able to pay off his mortgage, and the plant thus became known as the Mortgage Lifter!
Due to plant growth size, spacing up to 4’ is recommended, with stake or cages to provide support. Mulching is recommended. Water 1-2” per week.
Paris District Road Report for week of January 8, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 8, 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.
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 151, from SH 11 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 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 is backfilling and 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 preparing to perform 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 will begin soon. 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 lime 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. Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County work 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 mainlane 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 have been working on bridge maintenance projects. Hunt Maintenance has performed overlay work on both FM 1569 and FM3427. Rains maintenance section performed seal coat prep work on FM 2101.
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AARP Tax-Aide Sign Up Information for 2024
January 6, 2024 – AARP Tax-Aide sign up is officially open for Sulphur Springs, TX. This is a free Federal Tax preparation service for seniors, and anyone of any age that wants to use the service. Even if you think you don’t need to file your taxes, experts agree that everyone should file every year.
Here’s more good news, Tax-Aide Sulphur Springs has enrolled several new volunteers to help the public this year. Increased demand for the free service and ever changing tax laws mean Tax Aide is always looking for dedicated volunteers. Join the team by clicking here.
The Sulphur Springs Library plays a vital role in the service. Not only do they host Tax-Aide, they serve as a point of information and the place where people can pick up their filing packets. Remember, your packet must be filled out before AARP Tax Aide can assist you.
AARP Tax-Aide also offers, free of charge, the option to e-file. If you are eligible for a refund, there is no quicker way to receive your money than by using e-file and direct deposit.
