Paris District Road Report for November 17, 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 November 17, 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. Lane closures will be in place in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. 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.
The following ramp closures will be in place to safely perform the overlay work on the frontage roads.
- US 75 southbound entrance from Blythe Rd to be closed for few hours on November 17 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
- US 75 southbound exit to FM 121 (Exit 51) to be closed for few hours on November 17 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
- US 75 southbound entrance from Blythe Rd to be closed for few hours on November 18 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
- US 75 southbound exit to FM 121 (Exit 51) to be closed for few hours on November 18 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
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 December 1, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. 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 southbound & northbound mainlanes from N. Travis to Loy Lake Rd will have nightly lane closure from November 10 to November 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 Lamberth to north of westbound frontage road will have nightly lane closure from November 10 to November 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 November 10 to November 31 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These closures will be short duration closures for mobile operations.
Starting on November 14th through November 25th, excluding Sundays, the eastbound and westbound traffic on FM 691 will experience alternating lane closures. These closures are necessary for the installation of temporary traffic signals at the intersection of FM 691 and the frontage roads. One-lane will be maintained in each direction during this time.
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. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection, or traffic can continue along the northbound frontage road through the Loy Lake Road intersection and take the next entrance ramp to northbound 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 each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night 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.
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.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to finalize the rehabilitation and widening of the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers may be directing 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 McKnight 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 will be activated next week. The new traffic signals will be activated at the US 377 & FM 922 intersection and at the US 377 & FM 121 intersection. The intersections are currently a stop condition for traffic on FM 922 and FM 121. The new signals will be placed into all-red flash mode on Wednesday, November 12 to start getting drivers’ attention. The traffic signals will be fully activated to signal mode on Wednesday, November 19. Message boards are in place on US 377, FM 922 and FM 121 to alert the public about the upcoming change. Message boards will remain in place for a week after the change to full activation to help with advanced notification.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The Contractor demolished the bridge and started replacing it. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Frog Pond Rd & Spalding Rd or Klas Rd & Hazelwood Rd.
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 will be closed in both directions until the bridge replacement work is completed. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. The Contractor plans to close the bridge and begin work at the end of November, weather permitting. 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 289 North of FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform edge work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 west of Southmayd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up/seal coat preparation work on the roadway. 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 delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through 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.
SH 78, from FM 981 to FM 815. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform overlay operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be performing surfacing operations. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
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 performing flex base work on the south end of the project, and asphalt paving on the north end of the project. Contractor is also performing maintenance on driveways. Please slow down and 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 is currently working base material. Contractor will be fog sealing this week. 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. Contractor is performing excavation and embankment work. Expect delays in the work zone. 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 laying driveway pipes and installing culverts. Pavement testing will be performed this week. 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 setting light poles and electrical services on SH 24 and FM 1528, and SH 24 at BU 24. 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 spot base repair on FM 2358. Edge work will be performed on FM 1565, from IH-30 to SH 66. 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.
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Signals Nationwide SNAP Reapplication; Millions Could Be Affected
November 16, 2025 – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said this week that she intends to require all SNAP recipients to reapply for their benefits, a sweeping step that could affect 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The announcement comes just days after the federal government reopened, ending a record shutdown that had already strained food assistance programs nationwide.
Rollins shared the plan during an interview with Newsmax, saying the reapplication effort is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to reduce fraud and tighten eligibility oversight. But with few details released so far, states and advocacy groups are uncertain how the process will unfold—or how quickly.
“We’re going to have everyone reapply,” Rollins said, adding that reforms are aimed at ensuring accuracy within the system. The administration has not clarified whether current beneficiaries would lose benefits during the review process, or what additional documentation might be required.
Politico reporter Grace Yarrow, speaking with LiveNow from FOX, said the move aligns with a larger Republican initiative to reshape federal food assistance. “This is part of a bigger push to crack down on fraud,” Yarrow explained, noting that the proposal could create significant administrative burdens for both states and families.
If implemented quickly, the reapplication requirement could overwhelm state benefits offices still recovering from the shutdown, when delayed paychecks and instability caused a spike in emergency food requests. Advocacy groups warn that millions could experience gaps in assistance if states are unable to process the massive wave of applications in time.
Texas alone serves nearly four million SNAP recipients, many of whom are still navigating backlogs from the shutdown period. Local officials say they’re waiting for guidance from the USDA before preparing for what could be one of the largest administrative overhauls in the program’s history.
For now, stability for millions of families remains uncertain as they await clearer instructions from Washington.
Google Unveils $40 Billion Texas Expansion, Marking Its Largest Investment in Any State
November 15, 2025 – MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — In a sweeping affirmation of Texas’ growing role in the nation’s tech and energy landscape, Governor Greg Abbott joined Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday to announce a $40 billion investment that will bring new data centers, energy infrastructure programs, and workforce development initiatives to the state. The move marks Google’s largest financial commitment to any U.S. state.
Governor Abbott praised the announcement as a transformative step for Texas. “This is a Texas-sized investment in the future of our great state,” Abbott said. “Texas is the epicenter of AI development, where companies can pair innovation with expanding energy. We must ensure America remains at the forefront of the AI revolution, and Texas is the place where that can happen.”
The multibillion-dollar plan includes three new data center campuses designed to support Google’s rapidly expanding cloud and artificial intelligence operations. These facilities—energy-intensive by nature—will be paired with programs aimed at strengthening Texas’ grid capacity and energy affordability, a growing concern as data centers consume increasing shares of statewide electricity.
Pichai said the investment underscores Texas’ strategic importance. “The $40 billion investment we announced today will power the new era of AI innovation,” he said. “It will create thousands of jobs, provide skills training to college students and electrical apprentices, and accelerate energy affordability initiatives throughout Texas.”
As part of Google’s broader “Investing in America” initiative, the Texas expansion is expected to fuel economic growth across North Texas, West Texas, and the Panhandle through new construction, high-skill careers, and long-term operational support.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly and other state and Google leaders attended the announcement, emphasizing cooperation between the tech sector and the state’s energy industry as AI drives unprecedented demand for data and power.
Consider Pine Needle Mulch By Master Gardener David Wall
November 14, 2025 – Though an evergreen, pine trees can shed needles all year long, but usually shed the most in summer and fall. Only a few species shed in the spring.
In the “old” day, it was rake and burn in the fall, along with deciduous leaves. Many studiously avoid using pine needles for mulch as their acidity can, in quantity, negatively affect the soil pH. While still green, this is true, but once they turn brown, the acidity is lost, leaving them with a neutral pH. As a result, they make an excellent mulch and are more difficult to be blown away in winter winds.
If you have too many for your garden, do to them as you would with hardwood leaves. Mow them into the grass so their nutrients can be used as a mild grass fertilizer.
Having said this, there are good and not-so-good uses for pine needles. First, your garden pathways. Feel free to put down a thick layer of pine needles. A thick layer, even up to 6-8” compacts and provides effective weed control, helps hold down the mud in wet weather, and removes the need to weeds the area next year! It can also protect fallen fruit from sitting in wet soil and helps keep it safe from insects that live in or on the soil.
Mulching pine needles directly around the vegetable or other type plants loses some of the above benefits. While they are effective in preventing weeds, pine needles do not provide effective insulation around plants left in the garden during winter. Further they don’t prevent moisture loss in the soil, but they do let water easily pass through rather than trapping in them.
Putting pine needles in a compost pile is not recommended as their waxy coating takes too long to break down.
SSISD Superintendent Dr. Steeber Dropped by KSST for a Second Cup Of Coffee November 11th
November 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Texas ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber stopped by the KSST studios November 11th to be a guest on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Dr. Steeber talked about the Sulphur Springs ISD band, the Career and Technical Education program, and so much more. Check out the episode below and see what the Sulphur Springs ISD is up to these days.
The Season Opener of Lady Cats Basketball was November 11th
November 14, 2025 – The season opener of Sulphur Springs Texas High School Basketball was November 11th, 2025 with a game against Van. The game was played in Wildcat Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this game and see how your Lady Cats started the season. Go Lady Cats!
Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held November 20th
November 14, 2025 – Members: this meeting includes our annual election of officers. Your attendance in-person or via zoom is important to ensure we have a quorum for the vote.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society is pleased to welcome Pat Chase, local author and long-time HCGS member, as guest speaker for our November meeting. Pat will share the story behind his book Jonathan Knight – Pathfinder of American Roads.
Pat has lived in Sulphur Springs for more than forty years and has served on the HCGS Board of Directors. Originally from Knightstown, Indiana, Pat’s curiosity about his hometown’s namesake led him to undertake an extensive research journey. When he discovered that no biography existed about Jonathan Knight—the man for whom the town was named—he decided to write one himself. Although the book is not about Hopkins County, it reflects Pat’s passion for history and research—values we share at HCGS.
Please join us for this program in person on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M, 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs Texas. If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to join us via Zoom at 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada).
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/3hJNgncGQhC9enmyiIc4Rg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We hope to see you there!
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Started the Playoffs with a Resounding 62-9 Bi-District Win
November 14, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats started the playoffs with a resounding 62-9 bi-disgtrict win over Dallas Kimball Thursday night at Mesquite Memorial Stadium in a game heard on KSST.
The Wildcats scored on nine of their ten possessions in the game.
Jaxson Haire rushed for two touchdowns and made a sensational catch for another score. Mason Cooper threw three touchdown passes, one to Haire and two to Jaxson Virgil. Dobson Martin rushe fpr two touchdowns, and Ky’Shawn John also scored on the ground for Sulphur Springs.
In an odd twist, Grayson Hardy scored a touchdown when he recovered a snap that sailed over the Kimball punter’s head into the end zone. Grayson scored a touchdown in exactly the same way in the first game of the season against Mesquite Poteet, also at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. The touchdown Thursday night was in the north end zone, and the touchdown on August 30 was in the south end zone, so he scored on both ends of the field.
Next, the Wildcats, now 10-1, will play the Alvarado Indians at Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper at 7:30 Friday night, Nov. 21. Alvardo demolished Fort Worth Carter-Riverside 77-0 Thursday night.
In other games involving teams in Sulphur Springs’ district, Celina blasted Dallas Pinkston 77-0 and Panther Creek bombed Dallas Carter 49-7. Paris will play DallasLincoln at Princeton Friday night.
Also Thursday night, Como-Pickton was blanked by Elysian Fields, 47-0.
CHRISTUS Health Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Flight for Life in East Texas
November 14, 2025 – Ceremony held at Mother Frances Hospital to recognize the achievement
(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Flight for Life, its trusted air medical transport service dedicated to saving lives across the region.
Established in 1985, CHRISTUS Flight for Life is a cornerstone of the region’s emergency response system. Covering more than 120,000 square miles, CHRISTUS Flight for Life operates from four strategically located bases in Longview, Mount Pleasant, Palestine and Wills Point, each serving a 150-mile radius.
The team’s helicopters respond to more than 1,500 calls annually, delivering advanced, critical care.
“Every minute counts and can be the deciding factor in whether someone survives a critical illness or traumatic injury,” said Shawn Salter, chief administrator for CHRISTUS Flight for Life. “We believe that access to critical care should not depend on geography and we are committed to bringing that care wherever it is needed.”
Each Flight for Life helicopter is staffed by a highly trained pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic, available around the clock. The aircraft are equipped with advanced medical technology capable of handling a wide range of emergencies, from neurological and cardiovascular crises to severe burns, pediatric illnesses, major trauma, and even mass casualty incidents.
The ability to bring critical care to patients quickly can mean the difference between life and death. For people in remote communities or in situations where ground transportation would take too long, air medical transport bridges the gap between an accident scene and specialized hospital care.
“At the heart of this program are the absolute best medical professionals you will find. People who have answered to call to provide services where needed most,” Salter said. “Every crew member who have come before and serve today, this milestone is not possible without their commitment to service.”
Over the years, hundreds of nurses, paramedics and pilots have served on the Flight for Life team, building a culture of professionalism, courage and compassion.
Chad Soloman, a flight nurse with CHRISTUS Flight for life for 11 years, said those experiences will stay with him forever.
“I have so many stories from the years. It is almost so hard to recall just one,” Soloman said. “But every story always had one thing in common: that we were there in a time of need and we were able to save someone’s life who may not have survived if we had not been there as quickly as we were. “
In the 40 years since its founding, CHRISTUS Flight for Life has not only expanded its reach but also its capabilities. Advances in helicopter technology, communications and onboard medical equipment have transformed the way emergency medicine is delivered in flight. Today, the team works closely with regional hospitals, first responders and emergency management agencies to ensure seamless coordination of care.
Salter says the anniversary is a time to celebrate, but also to look forward.
“We’re proud of our history, but our focus remains on what’s next as we continue to invest in technology, training and partnerships that will allow us to serve our communities even better.”
As Flight for Life enters its fifth decade, the program’s mission remains the same as it was back in 1985: To provide rapid, expert, compassionate care when every second counts.
“Whether it’s in the middle of the night or in the middle of nowhere, our team is ready,” said Salter. “Forty years later, that commitment to saving lives is as strong as ever.”
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Commissioner Sid Miller: Federal Government Must Act Immediately for Farmers and Ranchers
November 14, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today reacted to the end the federal government shutdown and called on all agencies to resume federal programs and services without further delay.
“The end of this shutdown is a welcome relief for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities who’ve been carrying the load without the federal support they rely on,” said Miller. “Now that Washington is getting back to work, I expect every agency to move quickly to reopen offices, process critical programs, and clear the backlog that’s been building on the backs of hard-working Americans. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get this country moving.”
Commissioner Miller commended President Donald Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for supporting efforts to prioritize essential services and for underscoring the importance of American agriculture in the reopening plan. “President Trump has shown time and again that he’s willing to stand up for the men and women who put food on the table, and Secretary Rollins did everything possible to maintain essential services for agriculture producers who were disrupted by the Schumer shutdown.” Miller said.
