This and That for July 2023
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Pepper production should be coming into full production now. How about your hot peppers? Are they not as hot as they should be, or are they much hotter than usual. It’s really a simple matter to adjust the heat level. If hot peppers are too hot for your taste, simply increase the amount of water they’re receiving and fertilize. Are the not hot enough? Just cut back on watering and don’t fertilize.
Water availability will continue to be a problem now and in the future. You can help by storing rain water, saving bath water wasted by running until the water gets warm, drip garden irrigation, saving water from boiling vegetables (contains nutrients plants will love), enlarging ponds when they are very low, and so many more ways. In the NETSEO area, there are probably several hundred thousand gardens. Just a 5% water reduction would be quite a savings, not to mention lower water bills!
Bare garden soil is rapidly becoming a giant no-no. Keep it covered. I prefer miniature and Dutch white clover which enrich the soil. Even weeds are better than bare soil. When summer temperatures get to or exceed 90°, soil temps can reach 150°. What you think are problems caused by air temp are caused more by soil temps which can affect activity and interfere with plant photosynthesis.
If we get another dry summer this year, don’t forget to give your trees with a 2” watering every two weeks.
Cardboard covering works well with raised bed gardens. Simply cover the bed with cardboard. Then cut 4-6” holes where you’ll plant your vegetables. You can use bricks, rocks, etc., to prevent the cardboard
from blowing away.
We hear a lot about plants for pollinators, but usually think nothing about plants for moths, who do their pollinating at night. Believe it or not, moths pollinate much more efficiently than bees. Also very important, turn off night lights which distract and prevent pollination.
If you’re really serious about improving your garden soil, consider Restoring the Soil or Dirt to Soil, two books that really make a difference.
If crows attack your garden, get a stuffed crow and put in the garden. Crows will associate the area with danger and stay away.
Atmos Energy: Beware Of Utility Scams
Atmos Energy wants you to be prepared and to help you spot potential scams such as these:
- Online search engine results that place a fake Atmos Energy website in a browser’s top search results and
- Phone calls that offer a discount for immediate payment of an Atmos Energy bill.
The fake Atmos Energy website may feature a phony customer service number and other false information. Do not be tricked into providing login credentials or other sensitive information that scammers can use to compromise your bank, credit card, or other personal accounts.
As a reminder:
Atmos Energy will never ask for payment using prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or an unauthorized third-party payment or mobile application.
Payment for an Atmos Energy bill should be made through our online Account Center or through other authorized payment methods.
Atmos Energy will provide multiple notices and work to assist customers with payment plans and assistance options before any service interruptions take place.
Unless there is an emergency, Atmos Energy employees will not call before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m. (Central time).
If you ever have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call Atmos Energy Customer Service at 888.286.6700.
Kelley Back in Hopkins County Jail On Warrants
July 3, 2023 – RONNIE GENE KELLEY, age 46 of Sulphur Springs, is back in Hopkins County Jail after being served with warrants.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Deputies served the warrants at his home. He was taken into custody early in the morning of July 1 without incident.
Kelley is facing these charges:
22.04(F) INJ CHILD/ELDERLY/DISABLED W/INT BODILY INJ22.01(A)(1) ASSAULT CAUSES BODILY INJURY FAMILY MEMBER
Kelley was arrested in June of 2023 after he threatened to harm members of his family, “You called the Sheriffs [sic] on me! I’ll f***ing kill you.” See that story 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.
Paris District Road Report for July 3, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 3, 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.
Contractor will observe the holiday July 3-4, no work on US 75 in Grayson County.
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 westbound US 82 exit ramp to US 75 has been permanently closed to traffic. All traffic wishing to access US 75 will take the existing Loy Lake Road exit, which will serve as the new permanent US 75 exit, too.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
FM 901, Grayson County: North of Sadler at Mineral Creek. Watch for daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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 repair culverts, 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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. Construction is underway for the replacement of the South Travis Street bridge over Post Oak Creek. During construction, the bridge will be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project, while the new bridge is built in phases. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect lane shifts while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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.
SH 5, Grayson County: from US 75 to SH 5. 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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
SH 289, Grayson County: from US 82 to FM 120. 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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
CR 1320, Fannin County: at the Caney Creek Bridge is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
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. Contractor will not be working on July 3rd and 4th.
FM 1550, Fannin County: from FM 271 to FM 1743. 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.
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.
Spur 423, Franklin County: At I-30 North Frontage Road. Watch for lane closures and delays as crews begin installation of traffic signal.
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. The contractor has completed performing work at night in downtown Greenville near the square due to ongoing city infrastructure repairs. Guardrail work on SS 302 and BU 69 is ongoing. Full depth repairs and concrete mow strip and sidewalk installation to begin soon. 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. 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. 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 driveway safety ends and concrete pipe. Cross culvert work, preparation of the right of way, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. 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 will begin work on CR 1031 once conditions in the area are dry, by preparing the right of way and placing the detour. 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 next week. 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.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor was able to open west- and eastbound lanes of Business SH 276 and is working on the final paving left to tie in the project with the proposed bypass. Asphalt work to finish the north and south ends of Spur 264 mill and overlay with permanent striping will begin soon. The contractor will be processing flex base, cement treat, prime, OCST and asphalt on flex base west tie-in soon. Please be aware of lane closures and changes to current traffic configuration and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
SH 66, Hunt County: SH 66 at FM 1570, SH 34 at FM 1570. The contractor has installed signal poles and signal lights at SH 34, and FM 1570 and SH 66 intersections. Traffic signals at the following intersections have gone live: SH 34 at FM 1903, SH 34 at FM 1570, and SH 66 at FM 1570. Final punch list work has begun. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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. Both Hunt and Rains County crews have finished seal coating on FM 1563 near Fairlie and FM 2194 near Merit in Hunt County. Hunt and Rains County crews will began seal coating 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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OLD SALTILLO CEMETERY ANNUAL MEETING and MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
OLD SALTILLO CEMETERY ANNUAL MEETING/MEMORIAL SERVICE SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023 — 10:30 A.M.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association have been making plans for the 2023 Memorial Day Program/Annual Business Meeting. As tradition, the program will be held on the third Sunday, July 16th from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the beautifully renovated and air-conditioned Old Saltillo United Methodist Church, located on 664 CR 3357, directly across the road from the cemetery. The program will begin with congregational singing led by Steve Conley and accompanied by pianist, Lisa Lowry. Rev. Dan Hoke will give the invocation. A patriotic recognition of the veterans will be led by Lucas Dennis with all of the youth in attendance assisting.
Greetings will be made by Lou Briley Daniel, followed by the Annual Business Meeting which consists of a report on the activities taken and work performed for the care of the cemetery during the past year. A financial report and the election of three members for three-year terms to the Board of Directors. Each year, a special memorial tribute to those interred in the Old Saltillo Cemetery in the preceding twelve months is conducted. Special music by will be presented by Steve Conley. This year, Kelli McAfee Traver, assisted by Ginny Agee Doyle will make the presentation to recognize the loved ones that have been interred in the Old Saltillo Cemetery this past year. Members of the family of each person buried in the cemetery during this past year are encouraged to attend and participate in the honoring of their loved ones.
The program this year will be a “Commemoration of the Life of David Murrel Lewis, 2nd Lieutenant U.S. Army Air Force, Killed in Action August 1, 1943, remains identified May 11, 2022, and ALL U.S. Mikan Veterans will be honored”.
After the benediction given by Rev. Cassie Wade, lunch will be served in the air-conditioned Kirby Memorial Center. Everyone is asked to bring the usual full meal with ample portions to be shared with others. The food will be arranged in buffet style with cups, plates, napkins, eating utensils, and water and iced tea being furnished. For those who still prefer Memorial Day lunch outdoors, space is available under the shade of the church’s large oak trees. Please bring lawn chairs and card tables so that you can enjoy the lunch and fellowship after the service.
Time will be provided at lunch and later during the afternoon for visiting – renewing old acquaintance and making new friends. Please make plans to attend the service to be held on the Third Sunday in July.
Members of the Board of Directors of the Old Saltillo Cemetery Association are Randy Agee, Ryan Agee Lou Briley Daniel, Vivian Dennis-Monzingo, Sara Wardrup, Kathy Whitten Patterson, Johnny McAfee, Kennith Patrick, and Lucas Dennis.
Friday From The Chamber June 30th, 2023
Exciting Stew Announcement!
The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families.
Signature Solar and the Chamber announced last week that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship.
Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. Online tickets, which are $8 each for everyone 13 years and older, will be available July 1 at HopkinsChamber.org. Paper tickets will be available Aug. 1 at the Chamber and local banks.
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, and we will be announcing that line-up soon.
Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Stew Cook Registration is NOW OPEN!
Register here: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stewcooks/
Mark these important dates on your calendar because before you know it, the festivities will be upon us:
August 8 – “Stewcomers” meeting (for anyone interested in learning more about cooking in the competition – no registration required)
September 29 – Stew cook registration deadline
October 6 – Goody bag deadline for sponsors
October 17 – Goody bag pickup and New Cooks meeting
October 27 – Friday Night Appetizer Contest
October 28 – Game Day! The Stew Contest
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Adult Leadership Applications Now Open!
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Firework Safety Tips For Fourth Of July
Every year thousands of people are hospitalized due to firework related accidents, many of these incidents involving children and young adults. A majority of these incidents are due to professional, homemade or illegal fireworks or explosives.
These Tips are as follows:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
On average nearly 19,000 fires each year caused by fireworks.
Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Struck Down By Supreme Court
June 30, 2023- The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Joe Biden’s federal student loan forgiveness plan, denying tens of millions of Americans the chance to get up to $20,000 of their debt erased.
The ruling, is a massive blow to those who have received loans after being promised loan forgiveness by the Biden administration last summer.
The 6-3 majority ruled that at least one of the six states that challenged the loan relief program had the proper legal footing, known as standing, to do so.
The high court has also stated that President Biden did not have the authority to instruct hus Education secretary to cancel such a large amount of debt without authorization from Congress and agreed the program would cause harm to the plaintiffs.
The student loan forgiveness plan reached the supreme court after Biden announced he’d cancel up to $10,000 in federal student debt for most borrowers, and as much as $20,000 for those who’d received a Pell Grant in college, a form of aid for low-income families.
When the Biden administration rolled out its loan forgiveness plan, it also released a 25-page memo by the U.S. Department of Justice asserting that its relief was permitted by the Heroes Act of 2003 – a product of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and which grants the president broad power to revise student loan programs during national emergencies. The country was operating under an emergency declaration due to Covid-19 at the time.
However, Biden’s plan has faced several legal issues against his debt forgiveness plan. The justices heard oral arguments on several cases at the end of February.
Texas Game Wardens Urge Water, Boating Safety During July 4 Holiday Weekend
Texas Game Wardens Urge Water, Boating Safety During July 4 Holiday Weekend
AUSTIN—Across the state, folks are making plans for barbeques and relaxing days on lakes, rivers and the Texas coast to celebrate the Fourth of July. Before taking a dip, Texas Game Wardens urge everyone spending time in the water to remember to follow basic safety precautions while on the water.
Simple steps to take before heading out on the water include wearing a life jacket, learning to swim, using the ignition safety switch, checking weather reports and participating in a boater education class.
Last year, wardens issued 1,560 citations and 1,976 warnings for various boating safety law violations. Forty-nine individuals were also arrested for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI), and eight others were charged for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Additionally, another 23 people were arrested for various other charges.
Game wardens will join the United States Coast Guard and thousands of law enforcement officers on heightened alert for violations as part of Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated enforcement campaign focused on deterring boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“If you’re operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’re putting people at risk,” said Cody Jones, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Assistant Commander for Marine Enforcement. “Sadly, we see it time and time again – holiday celebrations that end in accidents or fatalities caused by unsafe boating practices.”
Summer is the busiest time for Texas lakes and rivers, and it’s important for everyone to continue practicing safe water and boating practices every time they hit the water. A complete list of safety equipment required is found in the Texas Water Safety Act. For more information about water safety, visit Water Safety — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend,” said Kimberly Sorensen, TPWD Boater Education Manger. “Make a plan to be safe on and around the water by wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol and taking a boater education course.”
On July 1, the TPWD Boater Education program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers, Water-Oriented Recreation District of Comal County, Colin’s Hope (drowning prevention) and 4 W’s Outdoors (National Safe Boating Campaign) will be at the Canyon Park Boat Ramp 18 and Canyon Lake Marina promoting boating safety with outreach booths and prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information on safe boating, please visit the TPWD Boater Education Program, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Water Safety Program and the National Safe Boating Council.
Boaters Urged To ‘Clean, Drain and Dry’ To Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
Every year, Texans enjoy the Fourth of July by soaking in the summer sun on the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species during the heart of boating season.
“While we want everyone to have a great time, we also want them to avoid giving invasive species free rides to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your boats and equipment every time.”
Zebra mussels and giant salvinia continue to spread to new areas in Texas. While they remain as some of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, other highly invasive species that boaters can transport include water hyacinth, crested floating heart and quagga mussels.
Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, also pose a significant threat to our lakes. These invasive mussels damage boats and infrastructure for water supply and control, alter lake ecosystems and cause harm to native species. They also litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.
“Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can be attached to boats or even carried by anchors or attached to plants clinging to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. “Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can be transported in residual water in the boat. Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a huge difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and harm to Texas lakes.”
Zebra mussels are now found in 36 Texas lakes across seven river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. TPWD and partners monitor numerous at-risk lakes around the state for early detection of zebra (and closely related quagga) mussels, but once they’ve been introduced and become established in a lake, nothing can be done to control or eradicate them.
Giant salvinia, a free-floating aquatic fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is one of the major threats to our lakes. This highly invasive plant can produce thick surface mats that make fishing, boating, swimming and other water recreation nearly impossible.
“There’s no doubt that Texans love their lakes, but we also need Texans to take action to help protect them,” said John Findeisen, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement team lead. “It only takes a tiny fragment of an invasive plant to create a new infestation and preventing aquatic invasive species introductions avoids costly, long-term efforts to manage these species once they infest a lake. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — a small amount of our time as responsible boaters to clean, drain, and dry our boats and equipment can prevent new introductions of aquatic invasive species.”
Giant salvinia is currently present on 36 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont. While TPWD efforts have kept giant salvinia from limiting angling or boating access in Texas public waters, they can still hitchhike from one lake to another on a boat, trailer or other equipment.
TPWD urges boaters to follow these three simple but crucial steps to clean, drain and dry boats and gear before traveling from lake to lake.
- Remove plants, mud and debris.
- Drain all water from the boat and gear.
- Once back home, open compartments and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
If a boat has been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and poses an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
In addition to the harm invasive species can cause to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure and the recreational experience at lakes, the transport of these organisms can result in legal trouble for boaters. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal and punishable with a fine of up to $500 per violation for the first offense. It’s also the law that boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. They must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes, but anyone who spots them on boats, trailers or equipment that is being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. Anyone who finds invasive species such as zebra mussels in lakes where they haven’t been found before can help identify new introductions by emailing photos and location information to [email protected].
