Solicitation Process Coming Soon for Ecosystem Services Projects
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will soon begin seeking proposals from public or private entities to construct nature-based carbon sequestration infrastructure or other projects that will harness other similar ecosystem services on TPWD properties.
House Bill (HB) 4018, passed in the 88th Texas Legislative Session and effective Sept. 1, allows TPWD to enter into agreements through an innovative conservation model providing both wetland protection and carbon credit-based revenue to the agency.
The legislation authorizes development of nature-based structures on land primarily used for game or fish conservation, protection or management. Additionally, projects may be constructed on TPWD land primarily used for parks, recreation or historic sites.
TPWD will be looking for partners willing to fund all construction costs for nature-based structures and establish a revenue-sharing model for carbon credits. Private money may fund construction adjacent to select public lands, and TPWD will deposit any funds received for that purpose to benefit either state parks or game and fish management, depending on the project’s location.
“We are preparing to move as quickly as possible to secure partnerships that will benefit Texans and help support our mission,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “We appreciate the opportunity provided by HB 4018 and the leadership of Representative Ashby, Senator Kolkhorst and Governor Abbott, who signed this bill into law on June 2.”
Why does a Yard Tree Have to be so Big?
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
As urban areas grow and new housing development become established, yard sizes decrease and various rules become word of mouth or absolute rules for home owners’ associations HOA. One of the dumber rules (my opinion!) is that each new house gets two front yard shade trees. The rule itself isn’t so dumb, but how it is imposed leaves much to be desired.
HOAs generally have no concept of what tree species should come with the house, generally leaving such decisions to tree nurseries of similar organizations. Regrettably what we see planted are small trees that will grow to super-size. The number one tree chosen appears to be live oaks which can have a limb spread 50’+ on all sides, and they’re planted 15-25’ away from the house. The only question is how many years (probably 8-10) before serious tree trimming begins. First, keep the limbs away from the side of the house. Then, in a few more years, trimming to prevent shingle and other roof damage begins.
I mentioned live oaks, but there are numerous red oaks, elms, pistachios, and others that become huge. With large trees, you get plenty of shade, but you also get so much of it grass will have difficulty surviving.
There are numerous smaller trees, some of which have perfect shape that will do well in your yard. Little Gem southern magnolias are simply a smaller version of the southern magnolia. It will grow to a maximum of 25-30’ tall with a slightly less wing spread. Then, there’s my favorite non-commercial tree, the golden raintree. It is a fast-growing tree reaching 25’ up and out. The flowers (yellow) are unique as are the seed pods which resemble Japanese lanterns.
These are just two of many mid-sized trees available. Why not Google mid-sized trees for yards.
Trying To Walk A Check Got One Man A Free Meal, In Jail
July 23, 2023 – An attempted dine and dash didn’t turn out too well for a downtown diner Saturday night, as restaurant staff called local police to report the destitute diner around closing time.
When Sulphur Springs Police arrived on scene at the downtown eatery to investigate, the suspect explained he simply did not have any cash, nor his debit card to pay his tab. As police continued to sort out the case, a neighboring restaurant manager appeared to report that the same suspect had walked out without paying a tab at his establishment as well. The Sulplur Springs Police officer promptly placed the patron under arrest and transported Michael Duane Kelley to the Hopkins County jail. A records check showed that the suspect had two previous convictions of theft, so the new charge was upgraded to a State Jail Felony. Kelley remains in the Hopkins County Jail receiving three free meals a day as he awaits his bond to be set on the matter.
KSSTRadio.com publishes Sulphur Springs Police Department reports and news. The Police Department is located at 125 Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas. Non-emergency calls can be made to (903) 885-7602.
If you have an emergency dial 9-1-1.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department continues to serve its citizens with pride in its overall mission and will strive to provide the best possible police force in the 21st century.
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.
NETBIO Gives Eight College Scholarships to Students Majoring in Agriculture
Sulphur Springs Livestock Commission
Public Information Services (NETBIO)
NETBIO GIVES EIGHT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Cattle producers and buyers attending the Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) cattle sale at the Sulphur Springs Livestock Auction Friday witnessed the presentation of college scholarships to students majoring in agriculture.
NETBIO awards scholarships each year to young college students from the Northeast Texas area who are interested in completing their degrees and returning to the area to practice their agriculture-related trades.
The scholarships were established in honor of Veterinarian J. D. Norris and cattleman Jim Jacobs, both of whom were instrumental in organizing NETBIO. The organization also awards scholarships in honor of its retired and longtime CEO Dwyatt Bell. A scholarship was established this year in honor of Carson Hicks of Sulphur Springs.
Each of the scholarship recipients receives $2,000 toward their scholarships as they continue their education.
NETBIO CEO Kregg Slakey presented eight scholarships and introduced the recipients to the livestock sale audience. Receiving the Dwyatt Bell scholarship was Hailey Byrd of Dangerfield, who is attending Texas A&M University-Commerce.
The Jim Jacobs Scholarship went to Beau Bankston of Sulphur Springs, who is attending Texas &M University-Commerce. The Carson Hicks Scholarship went to Dylan Hannah of Commerce, who is attending Texas A&M University in Commerce.
Receiving the four J.D. Norris scholarships were Ty Salisbury of Wills Point and attending Texas Tech; Hunter Grant of Pittsburg, attending Texas Tech; and Sidney Williams, attending Texas Tech. Also Erin Caldwell of Boswell, Okla., attending Oklahoma State U. and Lindsey Tarby of Princeton, Tx., a Texas A&M University student.
Speaking for the membership, Slakey said NETBIO members are proud of the young people who have received the scholarships in the past and those seeking agriculture degrees today. “We are glad we can help these young people attain their dreams.”
NETBIO was organized in 1996 to promote pre-conditioned stocker and feeder calf production and to hold sales offering producers the opportunity to sell their cattle in truckload lots. Eight sales are held each year in Sulphur Springs.
To receive a brochure and additional information about the organization and upcoming sales, call 903-885-2455.
NETBIO SCHOLARS
Three of the eight 2023 Northeast Texas Beef Improvement Organization (NETBIO) college scholarship recipients were at the NETBIO cattle sale Friday, July 21, to receive their awards. Presenting the awards was Kregg Slakey, CEO of the NETBIO organization. At the sale to receive their scholarships were, from left, Sydney Williams of Amarillo, Hailey Bell of Dangerfield, and Dylan Hannah of Commerce. Others receiving scholarships were Beau Bankstown of Sulphur Springs, Ty Salisbury of Wills Point, Hunter Grant of Pittsburg, Erin Caldwell of Boswell and Lindsey Tarby of Princeton.
Paris District Road Report for July 24, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 24, 2023. 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.
US 75, Grayson County: 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 turn right 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.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as crews work on construction of new frontage road lanes.
FM 1417, Grayson County: 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.
FM 121, Grayson County: from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Work on the rehabilitation project is expected to begin July 31. 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.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter from near Sharp Road to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then overlay the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75 southbound frontage road, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Choctaw Creek Bridge. Watch for daily shoulder closures and occasional daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Grayson County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: FM 121 from US 377 to SH 289; SH 289 from FM 120 to SH 56; and SH 5 from US 75 to Redden Road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project has begun. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill 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
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. 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, Grayson County: 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, the bridge location 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 and occasional lane closures while this work is ongoing.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. The bridge replacement has been completed and the bridge has been opened to traffic for both lanes. During the final project cleanup, the bridge will be occasionally be reduced to one lane with flaggers controlling traffic through the project.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, Grayson County: 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.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: 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 2729, Grayson County: from FM 697 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, Grayson County: from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Fannin County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: US 69 from the Grayson County line to the Hunt County line, and FM 409 from FM 2029 to FM 100. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, Fannin County: in Bonham at the Bois d’Arc Creek Relief Bridge. Watch for daily shoulder closures and occasional daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 100, Fannin County: 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. Beginning Aug. 1 crews will close FM 100 to through traffic between US 82 and SH 56 in order to replace a culvert under the roadway. The signed detour will be to use US 82, FM 1396, and SH 56 to get around the closure.
CR 1320, Fannin County: at the Caney Creek Bridge has been reopened to traffic as the bridge replacement is complete. Watch for occasional lane closures while crews address the punch list.
FM 271, Fannin County: 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.
SH 34, Fannin County: from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 272, Fannin County: from US 69 to the Hunt County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 816, Fannin County: from SH 78 to the Hunt County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from FM 271 to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a fog seal to the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, Fannin County: from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as maintenance crews perform repair work on drainage structures.
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.
I-30, Franklin County: from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
Loop 286, Lamar County: 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, Lamar County: 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.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, Red River County: From US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), Lamar County: from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SP 302: Hunt County (From SH 34 to FM 499, from FM 499 to I-30, from US 69 to SH 34, from O’Neal Street to US 69). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations have finished. City of Greenville infrastructure repairs are nearly complete. Paving and milling will begin in the downtown area of Greenville on July 24. Embankment work and guardrail work on BU 69 is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2946, Rains County (From FM 515 to FM 2795): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. J.M. Yanez prepared and mobilized to set temporary shoring for box culvert near the end of project. The contractor is performing cross culvert work and culvert extensions at various locations on the project. The contractor has worked on driveway and driveway pipe and safety end treatments. Subgrade work for the first three miles is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (From I-30 to FM 1567): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on the beginning stations of the project. Cross culvert work, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. The contractor has begun placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor has begun work CR 1031, they are currently preparing the ROW and preparing to demo the existing bridge. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30, Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Grading and prepping temporary ramps is underway on east-bound and west-bound to get ready for hot mix this week. Monte Stratton ramp will be closed this week for hot mix operations for temporary ramp. The contractor will be excavating on permanent ramp east-bound between SH 36 and FM 1903. AT&T and Zayo contractors are doing utility relocations on FM 1570. Temporary drainage for the frontage roads on- and off-ramps work is ongoing. The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Rains County crews will be performing safety mowing on SH 276. Hunt crews worked on IH 30 frontage overlay. Both Hunt and Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 1563 near Fairlie and FM 2194 near Merit in Hunt County. Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 2947 and FM 3299. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society Invites the Public to a “Lunch and Learn” Event July 26th
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites members and nonmembers who want to learn more about doing genealogical research to join them on Wednesday, July 26. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal and meet with the Genealogical Society from 12Noon to 1pm at the Genealogy Library, 611 North Davis Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
This month during “Lunch and Learn”, Gail Garmon will be presenting the second part in HCGS’s series’ Using Family Search entitled, “Catalog and Images.” The Family Search Catalog is a guide to many kinds of records that contain genealogical information. There are several ways to search the catalog and you may be pleasantly surprised as you find helpful hints along the way. Also, there will be tips for browsing the large Image Collection of Family Search. Please join Gail as she navigates through the two topics, Catalog, and Images. She requests that you bring your laptop.
Utility Financial Assistance Available For Hopkins County Residents
As temperatures rise so do our utility bills. Most customers in Hopkins County either have electric service with Farmers Electric Cooperative or with a Retail Electric Provider (REP) through Oncor. Financial Assistance is available from several outlets regardless of your provider.
Farmers Electric Cooperatvie Customers
For those who use Farmers Electric Cooperative, the company has stated on their website
“At Farmers Electric Cooperative, we understand that unexpected circumstances or expenses may come your way. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we will work with local agencies and charitable organizations that can help you get assistance with payments.
Please notify our office before the termination notice due date listed on your bill to check your eligibility for a payment plan. Our offices are currently closed to public access, but you can use the dropbox located at our drive through windows. Member Care is available by calling 903 455 1715 to help with any issues.”
For help with payment assistance please contact the number below:
- Hopkins County Community Chest 903 885 3452
- Community Services of Northeast Texas 903 919 5056
Oncor Customers using a Retail Electric Provider (REP)
For those who use a REP such as Reliant, TXU, or Cirro Energy on ONCOR lines. Those customers should contact their repsective REP or can utilize the following information provided below from the Texas Public Utlity Counsel. Not all programs listed below are available for all customers.
Click here for a list of all the retail electric providers in Texas: Alphabetical Directory of Retail Electric Providers
UPS Strike To Disrupt Supply Chain
As talks between UPS and the union that represents more than 300,000 delivery drivers break down, a strike this summer is looking more likely. That could impact 25 to 30 percent of parcels and packages shipped in the U.S.
The Teamsters represent 340,000 UPS workers. Should a strike happen, it would be the first since a 15-day walkout by 185,000 workers crippled the company a quarter century ago.
UPS has become a large part of the United States economy. UPS has stated that on average 24.3 million packages were delivered during 2022, totaling roughly 6.2 billion packages by the end of the year.
UPS has stated that they do have contingency plans should staff go on strike after the 31st contract deadline, however disruptions will be substantial.
If UPS workers do decide to strike, and the company’s remaining workforce isn’t able to meet demand, small businesses who rely on UPS could also be left looking for alternative shipping options. But USPS, FedEx and other shipping companies might not be able to ramp up operations quickly enough to keep things moving on time.
UPS has stated it will temporarily begin training nonunion employees in the U.S. to step in, should there be a strike.
Texas A&M President Kathy Banks To Retire Immediately
Chancellor John Sharp today announced Dean Mark A. Welsh III as acting President after Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks submitted a letter late Thursday announcing she would retire immediately.
The announcement comes after the Faculty Senate passed a resolution Wednesday to create a fact-finding committee into the mishandling of the hiring of Dr. Kathleen McElroy, a University of Texas professor, former New York Times journalist and graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1981.
In June, the university announced the hiring of McElroy to revive the school’s journalism program, but that fell apart as the details of the job offer changed from a position with the possibility of tenure to a one-year professor of practice appointment, with the option to renew.
At the Faculty Senate meeting Wednesday, President Banks denied knowing about the changes in the job offer but took responsibility for a flawed hiring process after a wave of national publicity suggesting McElroy, who has done research on diversity and inclusion, was a victim of “anti-woke” hysteria and outside interference in the faculty hiring process.
Public universities in Texas are in the middle of eliminating offices of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to comply with recent state legislation.
In her resignation letter to Chancellor Sharp, President Banks wrote, “The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately. The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.”
Two years ago, Dr. Banks became the 26th President of Texas A&M University after a decade of excellence as Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering at the university. She led efforts for the Texas A&M System to become the only university in Texas to help manage a national weapons lab, the Los Alamos National Laboratory; created EnMed, a program training engineers to become medical doctors; and oversaw dramatic enrollment growth at the nation’s largest engineering school.
Chancellor Sharp thanked Dr. Banks for her years of service and named Welsh as acting president until a national search can find Dr. Banks’ successor.
Welsh, a retired Air Force general, is the Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
President Kathy Banks’ Resignation Letter
Chancellor,
First, thank you for the opportunity to serve at this wonderful university. It has been an honor of a lifetime.
The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately. The negative press is a distraction from the wonderful work being done here.
I wish Texas A&M nothing but the best. It has been a privilege to serve under you.
Kathy
Handbag Bingo Sponsors
Sunny Springs Nursing & Rehab is bringing smiles and a sleek bag to Designer Handbag Bingo. Stephanie Stephens and Amanda Yarbrough show off the MCM handbag which will be a prize at the annual bingo event hosted by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Everything Unique owners Carrie and Steve Nuckolls can’t wait to see who wins the bag they are sponsoring for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. This YSL stunner is sure to make the winner happy!
Sister Babyz owner Maci Fowler loves to sponsor a Louis Vuitton bag for Designer Handbag Bingo. This year, she chose the Speedy with guitar strap modeled by Chandler Bain and Maddy Powell. Who will be carrying this lovely around town after bingo?
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs provides quality health care to our region. They are also providing this quality Valentino Garavani Rockstud bag, in hospital colors, for a bingo winner to take home after the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. Photographed with the bag are hospital staff Fr. Justin Riley (left) and Paul Harvey (right), joined by Kayla Price of the Foundation.
Jordan’s Place Pediatrics is passionate about child health and community health. To support both, they have chosen to sponsor Designer Handbag Bingo, the proceeds of which will be used to provide support to local health care initiatives. Displaying the Chloe bag Jordan’s Place is sponsoring is Dr. Sherri Barclay (seated), Andrea Alvarez, Stephanie Hawkins, Chandra Oud, and Macy Sims.
