Commissioner Miller Celebrates U.S. Shrinking Inflation and Agricultural Trade Deficit
December 30, 2025 – AUSTIN — Commissioner Sid Miller recently celebrated the Trump Administration’s recent economic reports showing declines in core inflation and a forecasted reduction in the agricultural trade deficit next year. The combination points towards a sharp economic turnaround for both American agricultural producers and consumers, with Texas’s robust economy and agricultural production leading the way.
The Trump Administration recently reported that inflation was at its lowest level in nearly five years, down roughly 70% from its Biden-era peak, while gas, grocery, and rent costs eased and wages rose for blue-collar workers. Texas recorded a 1.7% inflation rate based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), tied for the lowest in the country. In addition, the USDA projected that the agricultural trade deficit would fall from $43.7 billion in FY2025 to $37 billion in FY2026. These reports signal progress for both the economy and American producers.
“These improvements are proof that strong economic leadership and America First policies are delivering real results for America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers,” Commissioner Miller said. “Under President Donald J. Trump, we’re breaking down trade barriers and opening markets that were lost under the previous administration. A brighter future for American agriculture is being carved out one trade deal at a time.”
The agricultural trade deficit grew steadily under the Biden administration, fueled by rising imports and stagnant exports. This trend has pressured farm incomes, increased our reliance on foreign food, and weakened rural communities. The latest data, however, signal early progress in reversing this trend and restoring balance to U.S. agriculture.
“Texas has the nation’s strongest economy, powered by agriculture and energy, so it’s no surprise to me that we’ve weathered inflation better than most,” Miller added. “But our work isn’t done. While we are beating back inflation, any trade deficit is too large. Persistent gaps threaten rural economies, our global standing, and the livelihoods of the Americans who feed the world. Our President knows this, and it’s clear this has been a top priority for his administration. Together we will work to stay vigilant, demand fair trade, and expand opportunities for Texas farmers and ranchers.”
Governor Abbott Announces Historic $1.4 Billion In Federal Funding Secured For ‘Rural Texas Strong’ Projects
December 29, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas will receive a historic investment of over $1.4 billion in federal funding over five years to improve rural health care throughout the state.
“Rural Texans across the state will benefit from this historic federal investment. We will strengthen our rural hospitals, expand access to critical mental and physical health care, and help reduce chronic disease through wellness and nutrition initiatives,” said Governor Abbott. “I thank President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and Administrator Oz for their efforts to improve rural health care for Texans and all Americans.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) notified the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that it is receiving funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the program is allocating $50 billion to states over five years to help transform rural health care. Texas will receive $281 million each year for five years, the most of any state in the program.
Texas submitted its application, “Rural Texas Strong: Supporting Health and Wellness,” to CMS in early November.
“We are grateful for the federal government’s investment in increasing access to preventive and lifesaving care for people who live in rural communities across the state,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Young. “Thanks to the input and partnership of our rural healthcare stakeholders, Texas now has the opportunity for innovative and tailored solutions that will improve health care for current and future generations of Texans.”
HHSC will use a competitive process to allocate funds for initiatives that:
- Offer grants to reduce chronic disease through prevention, wellness and nutrition services.
- Invest in consumer-facing technology to engage with patients on improving their health.
- Deploy artificial intelligence and telehealth services to bridge service gaps.
- Recruit and retain rural health care workers through career development, scholarships, relocation payments, and training programs.
- Improve cybersecurity defenses to protect patient data.
- Upgrade equipment in rural hospitals and clinics.
Local governments, rural hospitals, rural federally qualified health centers, rural behavioral health providers, and other qualified applicants will be eligible to apply for funding in the spring. More information will be available on the HHSC Grants webpage.
For more on how HHSC is supporting rural hospitals, visit the HHSC website.
‘In-Tow’ Caravans Face Increased Scrutiny
December 29, 2025 – Law enforcement officials are drawing attention to the dangers and legal issues surrounding vehicles towing other vehicles on Texas roadways after a recent multi-vehicle enforcement action highlighted broader concerns.
On Dec. 21 in Goliad County, sheriff’s deputies stopped a caravan of more than 20 vehicles traveling without license plates, ultimately impounding 20 of them for lacking proper registration — leaving just one vehicle legal, authorities said. The sheriff noted that the cars appeared to be headed south, and were suspected of being bought at auctions to be driven toward Mexico, where they could be resold or otherwise moved across the border. Officials told reporters that many vehicles in these “in-tow caravans” lack insurance and valid registration, posing safety and legal risks on Texas highways.
Under Texas law, a passenger car with an unloaded weight of less than 2,500 pounds may not tow more than one other vehicle at a time; larger vehicles may tow just one other vehicle despite certain exemptions, meaning configurations with a car towing two other cars in tandem typically violate state size and weight rules unless using an approved trailer.
All vehicles driven on public roads are also required to be properly registered and insured under state Transportation Code and Department of Public Safety rules. Temporary permits (such as a 72- or 144-hour permit) can sometimes be obtained for unregistered vehicles, especially when moving them for repair or sale, but failure to comply makes the vehicle subject to impoundment and fines.
Law enforcement urges anyone moving multiple vehicles — especially near the border — to use approved trailers and follow registration and insurance requirements to avoid impoundment and endangering other motorists.
Sneak Peak at the March 3 Republican Ballot
December 29, 2025 – AUSTIN — The Republican Party of Texas has released the list of 10 non-binding propositions that will appear on the March 3, 2026 GOP primary ballot, giving party voters the chance to weigh in on key policy ideas ahead of next year’s elections.
State Republican leaders say the propositions are intended to gauge voter support on priority issues and help guide the party’s legislative agenda for the 2027 session. The measures were approved overwhelmingly by the State Republican Executive Committee in a September 2025 meeting.
Among the proposals GOP voters will consider:
- Phasing out property taxes by tying assessments to purchase price and eliminating them over six years through spending cuts.
- Requiring any local tax-raising budget to be approved by voters at a November general election.
- Protecting patients from being denied medical services based on vaccination status.
- Mandating that public schools teach that life begins at fertilization.
- Banning gender, sexuality, and reproductive clinics and services in K-12 schools.
- Enacting term limits on all elected officials.
- Texas should ban Sharia Law.
- The Texas Legislature should reduce the burden of illegal immigration on taxpayers by ending public services for illegal aliens.
- Texas should ban the large-scale export or sale of our groundwater and surface water to any single private or public entity.
Party officials stress that the propositions do not create law or amend the state constitution; rather, they serve as a barometer of Republican voter preferences that will inform the party’s priorities and platform discussions leading up to the State GOP Convention in June 2026.
The propositions will appear alongside candidate races in the Texas Republican primary, which also serves to select delegates to local conventions and influence future party leadership.
Paris District Road Report for December 29, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting December 29, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne were converted to one-way traffic on Wednesday, June 11th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from FM 121 to Blythe/Farmington Road. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. There will be a section of frontage road near Northridge Road and Simmons Loop that will be reduced to one lane in order to construct the new u-turn bridge over US 75.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to FM 121 are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
US 75 frontage roads in Howe were converted to one-way traffic on October 23. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Blythe Rd to Hanning St. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is completed, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road U-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 main lane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to January 31, 2026. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Eastbound/Westbound Taylor St. will remain closed until April 2026.
US 75 northbound frontage road from Lamberth to north of westbound frontage road will have nightly lane closure from December 01 to December 31 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. These closures will be short duration closures for mobile operations.
US 75 northbound & southbound frontage road from Lamberth to north of westbound frontage road will have daily lane closure from December 01 to December 31 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These closures will be short duration closures for mobile operations.
US 75 southbound frontage road from 300 feet north of westbound frontage road to 300 feet south of eastbound frontage road will have daily lane closure from December 01 to December 31 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. These closures will be short duration closures for mobile operations
US 75 northbound frontage road from FM 691 to Spur 503 will have full lane closure from January 05 to 18. This closure will be to reconstruct the frontage road.
US 75 northbound entrance ramp from Spur 503 will be closed from January 06 to 13. This closure will be for high mast installation.
Westbound/Eastbound frontage road from 300 feet east of northbound frontage road to 300 feet west of southbound frontage road will have daily lane closure from December 01 to December 31 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. Westbound traffic will travel to the intersection of Spur 503 and the northbound frontage road and will go north on the new frontage road to access northbound US 75. Motorist wishing to go south will follow the northbound frontage road to Loy Lake Rd, and take the U-turn and continue south until the next available entrance ramp to southbound US 75.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Occasional lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm at night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377 in Tioga, from South of FM 922 to North of Mc Knight Rd. and from Hinton St. to Shawnee Dr. This project will widen US 377 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at the intersection of US 377 & FM 121 and at the intersection of US 377 & FM 922. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 377 main lanes as well as on FM 922. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Two new traffic signals in Tioga were activated in November. The new traffic signals were activated at the US 377 & FM 922 intersection and at the US 377 & FM 121 intersection. The traffic signals were fully activated to signal mode on Wednesday, November 19.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The bridge replacement is completed and opened to traffic on December 03. Construction crews will continue working on the remaining minor items and motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safety treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Sister Grove Rd., Contractor closed the bridge on Sister Grove Rd at West Prong Sister Grove Creek to replace the existing bridge. The Contractor completed the bridge replacement work and opened it to traffic on October 31. The Contractor will continue working on the remaining minor items with occasional daily lane closures. Drivers are requested to slow down, watch for construction workers and obey construction signs as they travel through the work zone.
Prescott Rd, Southmayd. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. The bridge on Prescott Road was closed in both directions on December 01. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. Road closure signs will be installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Johnny Watson Road, Jelley Road and Southmayd Road as an alternate route.
SH 56 east of Bells. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform channel and cross structure cleaning work. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge replacement is completed and the bridge is open to traffic. However, construction crews will continue working on the remaining bridge structure and roadway final works. During this final stage, traffic is asked to watch for workers and equipment and drive slowly when going through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect occasional delays as the contractor performs the final minor activities in the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. The bridge is now completed and opened to traffic.
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.
Hopkins County: No updates this week
Franklin County: No updates this week
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:
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 42nd street in Paris to Division Street in Blossom. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform pavement repairs and resurfacing.
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
1st ST SW & South Main St., Lamar County: from Hearne St. in Paris to Kaufman ST. in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install a bike lane and perform pavement and curb repairs.
FM 195, at Six Mile Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
Delta County:
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
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.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. 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. The contractor is installing rebar on the south end of the project from I-30 to FM 35. Contractor is performing concrete paving at night from SH 66 to FM 35. Contractor is also performing maintenance on driveways. Buc-ee’s driveway on FM 2642 is now closed as the project prepare to enter the final construction phase. Buc-ee’s can be accessed from Shaw Rd. The intersection of FM 2642 and Shaw Road is temporarily a 4-Way Stop until the final phase of construction is complete. Look for traffic signs and limit distractions. Please slow down, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor will be installing flex base and geogrid. One-way flagger operations are currently set up through the work zone. Expect minor delays. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Work has been delayed due to different site conditions. TxDOT is working on a change in scope. Work should start back after the New Year. Expect delays in the workzone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Contractor is performing patch repairs. TxDOT is finalizing negotiations with contractor to change surface to hot mix overlay. Flagger controlled traffic control is in place during construction operations. Expect slight delays and follow pilot vehicle. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. Drill shafts are installed at FM 1903. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor will be performing cement treatment and hot mix paving for detours around FM 36 and FM 1570 area frontage roads. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
District Wide Lighting / Safety Improvement. Contractor is performing work at SH 276 & BS276, SH 276 & CR 3611, SH 276 & FM 2297 AND SH 154 & CR 2174. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties:
Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on SH 24 from I-30 to Commerce. Spot Base Repair will be happening on FM 2358 from SH 34 to End of Maintenance. Flaggers will be present at both locations. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repair at various locations.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 1565. Right of Way vegetation management will be taking place in various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
###
It’s Time to Hang it up By Master Gardener David Wall
December 11, 2025 – It is with great regret that my gardening articles have now come to an end. After 700+ articles, I’ve run out of things to say. I started these articles back in 2011, so it shouldn’t be surprising that it’s time to end it. In fact, I tried to end it last year, but some newspapers requested an additional year. I thank each of you who have published and read articles on gardening and basically putting up with me.
The articles were designed to provide basic guidance for anyone who wanted to, “put their hands in the dirt.” As global warming continues to grow, there is little doubt that home gardens are going to grow in importance during the coming years. At 82, I won’t be around when the scales tip forcing us into a new environment somewhere around 2050, but it is coming.
There are those who deny global warming, saying it’s just a temporary cycle. If that were only true. Right now, corporations and other professionals are desperately trying to develop new vegetable, fruit and grain species that can survive the increased summer temperatures combined with less water. Hurricanes which exist to dissipate heat are growing bigger and more numerous in oceans, which are the world’s largest heat sinks. Tornados are also growing more numerous. During each summer’s droughts farmers are increasing the capacity of their existing ponds and digging new ones, because they see this coming faster than the rest of us.
Finally, my special thanks to the newspapers carrying these articles. In 14 years, only one newspaper told me they no longer wanted them. For this and for you readers, thank you so much for putting up with me.
I’m searching for someone to provide future gardening articles. Unfortunately, few are willing to take on the task.
Hopkins County Sheriff Warns Public About Cryptocurrency Scams
December 26, 2025 – The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about increased activity in scams involving money transfers through cryptocurrency ATMs. In a recent Facebook post, HCSO shared the following information:
STOP CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS
Protect yourself and your loved ones! Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise. If someone asks you to pay a fine, “fix” a computer virus, or keep an investment secret using crypto, it’s a scam. Remember: crypto transactions are irreversible.
Does this sound familiar?
Were you encouraged to send cryptocurrency to repair a virus on your computer?
Were you told the only way to protect your money was by making deposits to cryptocurrency ATMs?
Did someone ask you to lie to the bank or keep the reason for your cryptocurrency purchase a secret?
Are you in a relationship with someone online who is asking you to send them cryptocurrency purchased at an ATM?
Has anyone promised high returns on a cryptocurrency investment?
Did someone representing a government agency or law enforcement organization call and request you provide cryptocurrency to satisfy a warrant, a fine, or to post a bond for a relative in jail or prison?
Scammers may use cryptocurrencies because the transactions are irreversible and hard to trace.
If you suspect you are being scammed please contact the Sheriff’s Office for assistance before any transactions. 903-438-4040
Some Student Loan Borrowers Set To Receive Wage Garnishment Letters
December 26, 2025 – The Trump administration said on Tuesday that it will begin garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who are in default early next year.
The Department of Education said it will send notices to approximately 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7, with more notices to come at an increasing scale each month.
Millions of borrowers are considered in default, meaning they are 270 days past due on their payments. The department must give borrowers 30 days notice before their wages can be garnished.
The department said it will begin collection activities, “only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans.”
In May, the Trump administration ended the pandemic-era pause on student loan payments, beginning to collect on defaulted debt through withholding tax refunds and other federal payments to borrowers.
The move ended a period of leniency for student loan borrowers. Payments restarted in October of 2023, but the Biden administration extended a grace period of one year. Since March 2020, no federal student loans had been referred for collection, including those in default, until the Trump administration’s changes earlier this year.
The Biden administration tried multiple times to give broad forgiveness to student loans, but those efforts were eventually stopped by courts.
Persis Yu, deputy executive director for the Student Borrower Protection Center, criticized the decision to begin garnishing wages, and said the department had failed to sufficiently help borrowers find affordable payment options.
“At a time when families across the country are struggling with stagnant wages and an affordability crisis, this administration’s decision to garnish wages from defaulted student loan borrowers is cruel, unnecessary, and irresponsible,” Yu said in a statement. “As millions of borrowers sit on the precipice of default, this Administration is using its self-inflicted limited resources to seize borrowers’ wages instead of defending borrowers’ right to affordable payments.”
U.S. Ban on New Foreign-Made Draws Pushback From Farmers and China
December 26, 2025 – The Trump administration has imposed a sweeping ban on new foreign-made drones and key components, prompting criticism from U.S. agriculture groups and sharp condemnation from China.
The Federal Communications Commission announced Monday that drones and critical parts manufactured outside the United States pose an “unacceptable” national security risk and will no longer be approved for use. The FCC cited heightened security concerns ahead of major upcoming events, including the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026 and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
China, home to the world’s largest drone manufacturers, strongly objected to the move. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Washington of “overstretching the concept of national security” and targeting Chinese companies through discriminatory policies.
U.S. farm groups also raised alarms, noting that foreign-made drones dominate the agricultural market and are vital for precision application of fertilizers and crop protection products. With many farmers facing tight margins due to high input costs, industry leaders warned the ban could increase expenses and limit efficiency.
“Sudden restrictions without available domestic alternatives risk adding new financial and operational burdens,” the American Soybean Association said.
Supporters of the ban, including Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, praised the action as a step toward reducing reliance on Chinese technology and boosting American manufacturing.
The FCC said existing drones may continue to be used, though industry groups warned uncertainty remains about future availability and potential waivers.
Commissioner Miller Celebrates Passage of Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act
December 24, 2025 – Commissioner Miller oversees the nation’s top USDA Healthy School Meals Incentives program in Texas and is a longtime champion of health and nutrition improvements in Texas schools as the pioneer of Texas’s Farm Fresh Initiative. The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Miller following the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025:
“Make America Healthy Again is about a whole lot more than just fixing the meals served on our children’s school lunch trays. This movement is also about correcting the bad assumptions that have driven federal nutrition policy for far too long. Since the Obama administration’s school nutrition mandates rolled out in 2010, our children have been pushed into diet models that have missed the mark. Whole milk, natural fats, and real, traditionally produced foods were run out of schools, while sugar-heavy, ultra-processed junk quietly moved in.
That’s why I’m proud to champion the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, and I thank U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, a physician, and U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “G.T.” Thompson for getting this vital bill passed. This bill will update school lunch rules to let schools offer whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and lactose-free milk options so every child can get the nutrition they need.
The science is clear, and it’s past time our policies caught up. Leading doctors and nutrition experts agree that excessive sugar, processed ingredients, and chemical additives are major drivers of chronic disease, not honest, nutrient-dense foods raised by American farmers and ranchers. And let me be clear, kids with lactose intolerance have always deserved equal access to calcium and essential nutrients, too. One size fits all, Washington D.C. bureaucrat-driven food rules simply do not work for America’s kids, and this law is a win for both our kids and American agriculture.”
