Paris District Road Report for Week of June 30, 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 June 30, 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 were converted to one-way traffic on Tuesday, May 27th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to FM 121. 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. 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. All other sections of frontage roads in the Van Alstyne area will be converted to one-way 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-turns at the US 82 frontage road intersection are closed to traffic to allow crews to begin work on a portion of the new US 75 mainlane 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.
The northbound US 75 frontage road exit to SH 91 is closed to allow for construction of the pavement of the new US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91. During this closure, traffic is asked to stay on the northbound frontage road to Taylor Street and take Taylor Street back to SH 91.
Eastbound and westbound US 82 will have a left lane closure to allow for construction of drilled shafts and columns for the new US 75 bridge over US 82. Traffic should expect delays as US 82 will be reduced to one lane.
The northbound and southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) will be reduced to one lane to allow for construction of the new intersection. An all-way stop will be in place at the southbound US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to control traffic. Westbound SH 91 traffic is reduced to one lane and will be required to stop at the southbound US 75 intersection.
The westbound SH 91 access to US 75 northbound frontage road will be closed to facilitate the next phase of construction in this area. Northbound motorists intending to access eastbound SH91 will need to take the N. Travis St Exit (Exit 60), follow the frontage road to Taylor St, turn right and follow Taylor St to SH91. A detour sign will be posted to guide traffic.
The southbound frontage road to northbound frontage road U-Turn at SH 91 will be closed to facilitate the next phase of construction in this area. US 75 Southbound frontage road motorists intending to access the US 75 northbound frontage road will need to continue to N. Travis St, and utilize the U-Turn at Travis St. A detour sign will be posted to guide traffic.
The US 75 northbound exit to SH-91 will be closed to facilitate the construction of the ultimate ramp connection. Motorists intending to access SH-91 will be required to take Exit 60 for N. Travis Street/Taylor Street. Detour signs will be posted along the frontage road at N. Travis Street, Taylor Street, and N Loy Lake intersections.
The US 75 southbound frontage road from Lamberth Rd. to Taylor St. will be closed from July 2, 8:00 PM to July 3, 5:00 AM for paving works.
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 overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. 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.
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.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
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 289, in Dorchester at the FM 902 intersection. This project will widen SH 289 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 this intersection. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SH 289 main lanes as well as on FM 902. The new signal light at the SH 289 and FM 902 intersection was activated on Thursday, May 29. The signal has started normal operation, and drivers should pay attention to this new signal as they approach the intersection.
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 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.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County. 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.
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 901, from US 82 to US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up 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 is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
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.
FM 274 is closed to thru traffic at the Sandy Creek Bridge in order for the contractor to replace the bridge and approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 78 and FM 1753 to detour around the closure.
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.
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. Traffic will be required to detour onto CR 2815 & CR 2865 while the bridge structure is being replaced.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 904, from FM 1550 to FM 64. 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.
FM 151, from US 69 to White Wright. 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 rehabbing the existing road. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: FM 1870, from SH 11 to Mine Haul Road Bridge. Crews will be constructing turn lane and hauling in roadway materials. Watch for construction vehicles entering and leaving travel lanes.
Hopkins County: FM 71, S Sulphur River. Crews will be boring to collect soil samples. Roadway will be closed during these operations.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be improving drainage structures and trimming trees along the roadway to prep for rehabbing the existing road.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
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.
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.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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.
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.
Hunt County:
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570: This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Contractor will begin setting barricades July 7th. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24: This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch work. Contractor is performing base work on the main lanes and working on driveways. Contractor will begin preparing to lay hot mix on the southbound shoulder. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor completed cement treatment on last section of project. Ride testing and cover prime scheduled for next week. New guardrail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Backfill, slope around bridge, and riprap are completed. Driveways, signage and mailboxes will be ongoing next week. 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 storm sewer. Contractor is working to switch traffic to new pavement on the north by July 11th. Contractor will be starting work on Phase 2 after traffic switch. 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: The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has completed temporary seeding and subgrade widening. Construction on culverts and grading of ditches, seeding and driveways is ongoing. 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 currently prepping right-of-way and installing erosion control within the project limits. Contractor is removing existing 18” pipe and replacing with 24” pipe on the southbound. Contractor is performing structure work. 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. Barricades and work zone traffic signs installations are ongoing. Contractor is laying driveway pipes. 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 in place. Contractor will be performing temporary drainage work at FM 1903. Grading will be performed on east and west sides of FM 1903. Prime coat will be applied to main lanes at FM 1903. Hot Mix Asphalt will continue to be laid on the west side at FM 1903, during night. Contractor will be performing flexbase work on EB and WB frontage roads, and at Monty Stratton. Contractor will be setting deck panels and over hangs on FM 1903 bridge at night which will require lane closures. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36: Detour paving will be happening on eastbound main lane near 2511 area. Detour paving will be performed at 2511 area on WBFR. At FM 36 contractor will be performing for hot mix on detour paving along EBFR and EBML, as well as WBFR and WBML. Temp wall work at FM 36 is ongoing Utility relocations are ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
District Wide Lighting / Safety Improvement:
Boring and trenching for conduit has started on I-30 at FM 513. 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.
Vegetative edge spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Debris pickup will be performed on IH30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. Ditch cleaning will be taking place throughout the county. Maintenance contractor will be performing guardrail repair in various locations.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing fog sealing on FM 2874, FM 513, and FM 2737. Crews will be performing work on FM 1565 from I-30 to Kaufman County line. Litter pickup will be performed at various locations for picnic areas and boat ramps. Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Right of Way mowing and tree trimming will be ongoing in various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir Hits Minor Obstacle
June 29, 2025 – The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has officially declared an interregional water conflict between Region C (the Dallas–Fort Worth metro area) and Region D (East Texas) regarding the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir.
The proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is a planned water supply reservoir in the Sulphur River Basin in Titus, Red River, and Franklin counties about 100 miles northeast of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Background & Decision
- In April 2025, Region D formally notified the TWDB that including Marvin Nichols in Region C’s 2026 initial plan could inflict substantial adverse economic, agricultural, and natural-resource impacts on Region D.
- Region C countered in May, asserting the reservoir would not only avoid significant harm to Region D, but could yield local economic gains—estimating $5 billion during construction, $120 million in annual revenue, and $325 million in annual tourism and public usage, while impacting only a small percentage of timber and farmland.
- The TWDB opened a public comment portal (May 8–June 9, 2025) and received over 370 responses—most opposed the reservoir echoing Region D’s concerns.
Marvin Nichols served on statewide water planning commissions and boards at the request of five governors. He was the first chair of the Texas Water Development Board in 1957, a position he held for six years.
Board Action & Mediation
- On June 27, 2025, after hearing testimony from TWDB Executive Administrator Brian McMath—as well as leaders from both regions—the board ruled unanimously that an interregional conflict does exist.
- McMath recommended facilitated mediation with up to four designated representatives from each region, to be selected by July 14, 2025, with mediation to conclude by July 31, 2025.
Next Steps
- If mediation succeeds, both regions will collaboratively resolve the dispute.
- If not, the TWDB will render a binding decision based on public input and organizational recommendations; this will be final and non‑appealable.
The TWDB’s declaration marks the third formal interregional conflict under Texas’ five‑year water‑planning framework—all involving Regions C and D. The mediation process now underway is pivotal in determining whether the Marvin Nichols project can move forward, be redesigned, or ultimately shelved. The board’s decision’s timing—mediation by end of July, final resolution thereafter—will significantly influence the future of water supply strategy for North Texas.
Texas Gun Law Changes Coming September
June 27, 2025 – Over the weekend, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law a series of bills aimed at strengthening Second Amendment protections and curbing local efforts to implement stricter gun control policies. The newly enacted legislation, which takes effect on September 1, 2025, makes it easier for Texans to own certain firearms while limiting the power of local governments to enforce gun restrictions.
Among the most significant provisions is a statewide ban on so-called “red flag” laws—court orders that allow authorities to temporarily confiscate firearms from individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Abbott and legislative supporters argue that such measures infringe on due process rights and can be abused. Under the new law, no Texas court or locality will be permitted to enact or enforce red flag-style gun confiscation.
Another bill signed by the governor prohibits local governments from using public funds to host or operate gun buyback programs. Proponents of the measure argue that buybacks are ineffective and symbolic at best, often collecting unwanted or non-functional firearms while doing little to curb violent crime. Cities and counties that attempt to initiate such programs after the law takes effect could face legal consequences.
The legislative package also includes new clarifications making it easier for law-abiding citizens to transfer or inherit certain types of firearms, including modern sporting rifles and collectible handguns, without additional red tape.
Governor Abbott stated that the new laws reaffirm Texas’s commitment to gun rights and individual freedoms, saying, “Texans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms, and our laws should reflect that. We will continue to stand strong against overreach from any level of government.”
COMMISSIONER MILLER PRAISES TEXAS LEGISLATURE FOR PUTTING A FORK IN LAB-GROWN MEAT
The bill banning lab-grown meat safeguards Texas agriculture and consumers
AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today celebrated that Texas officially became the seventh state in the nation to ban the sale and production of lab-grown meat. The legislation, recently signed by Governor Greg Abbott, is now set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The measure will ban the sale of cell-cultured protein products for human consumption across the Lone Star State for two years.
“This ban is a massive win for Texas ranchers, producers, and consumers,” said Commissioner Miller. Texans have a God-given right to know what’s on their plate, and for millions of Texans, it better come from a pasture, not a lab. It’s plain cowboy logic that we must safeguard our real, authentic meat industry from synthetic alternatives.”
SB 261, authored by Senator Perry and sponsored by Rep. Stan Gerdes, ensures that only beef and other animal proteins raised with natural and traditional methods are sold to consumers. This marks a decisive move in support of real Texas food and real Texas ranchers.
“I tip my hat to Senator Perry, the Texas Legislature, and Governor Abbott for taking a bold stand for our ranching families,” Miller concluded. “Texans feed the world with real food from real animals raised by real people. Not only that, but Texas raises the best beef and poultry products in the world. Lab-grown meat just doesn’t belong in Texas, and now, it doesn’t have a place on our tables.”
Check out KSST’s Coverage of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Summer of healthy fun Kick-Off
June 27, 2025 – Below is KSST’s coverage of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Summer of healthy fun Kick-Off. The exciting event was held June 23rd, 2025, in the Medical Plaza Conference Room in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Take a look at this interesting event and see what you might learn! Find out what the Health Care Foundation has in store for the near future for Hopkins County!
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $4 Million for Community Forestry Projects
June 26, 2025 -COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Eighteen Texas municipalities, schools and non-profit organizations were awarded grant funding through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Community Forestry Grants program this month, totaling over $4 million.
Established in 2022, the Community Forestry Grants program provides funding to help Texans address local challenges through urban forestry investments and develop nature-based solutions that support healthier, more resilient and livable communities.
“Texas has 1.2 million acres of urban and community tree canopy, directly impacting the health and wellbeing of Texans,” said Alison Fulton, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Urban Ecologist. “With these grants, communities are able to strategically expand tree canopy coverage to help reduce heat related health risks, improve air and water quality and strengthen local infrastructure.”
Texas urban and community tree canopies generate over $6.1 billion in annual ecosystem services and provide vital support for local economies and residents.
“These projects will also support economic growth by creating jobs, increasing property values and reducing public costs through stormwater management and energy savings,” said Fulton.
The 2025 Community Forestry Grants program awarded grants across six categories. Each category addresses community needs through expanding and maintaining tree canopy.
One of the largest grant categories is the community greening transformation grant, aiding recipients in tree planting and giveaway events to provide at least 5,000 trees for their community to create placemaking through canopy expansion. This grant also provides tree care training to residents to better manage canopy on their properties and raise the collective community knowledge of forest management.
Awarded in the category of community greening transformations was Region One Education Service Center, Edinburg, $1,181,667; City of Pharr Parks and Recreation, $1,181,666; and City of Longview, $1,181,667.
Awarded in the category of community resiliency was Austin Independent School District, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of human health improvement and accessibility was El Centro de Corazon Community Health Center, Houston, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of workforce development was TreeFolks, Del Valle, $50,000; and Partners for Education, Agriculture, & Sustainability, Austin, $50,000.
Awarded in the category of tree planting and maintenance was City of Harlingen, $20,000; Gardopia Gardens, San Antonio, $20,000; Sewa International, Inc., Houston, $20,000; The Trail Conservancy, Austin, $17,968; Greens Bayou, Houston, $20,000; Tarrant Regional Water District, $20,000; El Paso County, $20,000; City of Burleson, $20,000; The Alief Super Neighborhood Council, Houston, $20,000; and City of New Fairview, $9,000.
Grants are reimbursement-based, and recipients will begin their projects in August 2025.
Funding for the grants program is provided in part through the USDA Forest Service Community Forestry Program.
The Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Program helps build local capacity for communities to develop sustainable programs that provide Texans with healthy trees and forests. This program offers training, workshops, online courses and assistance to local governments to help manage urban and community forests.
Learn more about community and urban forestry in Texas here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/forest-land/community-forestry/.
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Dinner Bell for July 2, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Credit Union of Texas
The doors to Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church will open at 11:00 a.m. Meal service begins at 11:30 a.m. and doors will close at 12:45 p.m. Please come join us to share fellowship and a meal.
Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) established a branch in Sulphur Springs in 2024. It is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, a small group of Dallas teachers applied for a Credit Union Charter with assets of $65. That small amount then has grown to over $1.6billion in assets today, serving more than 165,000 members in all 50 states!
Not only does CUTX offer checking and savings accounts, it also provides loans (auto, home, student) and other financial products common to banking institutions. This non-profit credit union focuses on serving its members and communities and their critical needs and not maximizing profits for shareholders. Thank you Credit Union of Texas for helping Dinner Bell alleviate hunger in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
- Open-face hot dogs with chili
- Jalapeno potato salad
- Pickle spears
- Apple Pie
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF!
Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Big Changes Ahead for the Winnsboro Historical Museum
June 26, 2025 – Tucked inside the beautifully restored 1908 Winnsboro Depot, the Winnsboro Historical Museum is a treasured local gem. Operated by the Winnsboro Historical Association, its mission is simple yet vital: to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Winnsboro, passing it on to future generations.
More Room for History
Exciting things are happening behind the scenes. Thanks to recent permission from the City of Winnsboro, the museum now has access to use the entire Depot building. This expansion means more room to showcase the town’s rich history, including items that had previously been in storage or displayed off-site.
New Exhibits
While the museum already features several beloved displays, plans are underway for new exhibits. The museum will be part of an event in August and more information will be announced soon.
A Website for the Future
The museum’s website, winnsborotxmuseum.com, has been rebuilt on a new platform designed for growth. The updated site will now accept online donations and volunteer sign-ups, with even more functionality to come.
“In the next few years,” James Pickering notes, “we hope to have access to a searchable digital database of Winnsboro’s history — including photos, documents, and family stories. That effort is already underway, thanks to the previous work of town historian the late Bill Jones and many dedicated volunteers.”
Become a Donor or Sponsor
As the museum grows, so does its need for community support. A new donation page has been added to the website with expansion into donation levels and packages in the near future. “There will be several giving levels,” says Pickering, “and we plan to add perks along the way. Supporting the museum means helping a community understand its past and its identity.”
Donations can be made in person at the museum Wednesday through Saturday, or online through the donor page using credit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and other digital options.
Volunteers: The Heart of the Museum
The museum is also seeking volunteers of all ages (16+) and skill sets. From leading tours to identifying people in old photographs, and from assembling exhibits to office and tech work, there’s a place for everyone.
“You don’t have to be a history expert,” Pickering explains. “Many of our most valuable volunteers bring other skills — photography, data entry, design — that help us grow in ways we couldn’t otherwise.”
Technology Meets Mystery
With new scanning tools and the help of online technology (including AI), the museum is digitizing documents and building a detailed database that will aid in research. This work has already led to a few surprises.
“One mystery we’re still working on involves an event reported in a Texas newspaper a full year before it happened in Winnsboro,” Pickering says with a smile. “We’ll be inviting the community to help solve these mysteries by sharing what they know.”
Future plans include open house days where locals can record their stories, share family photos, and help piece together the town’s untold stories.
Come Visit, Come Connect
The museum is free and open to the public, and Pickering encourages everyone to stop in — whether they have a photo to share or just want to spend an hour exploring.
“If you only have time for one room,” he says, “don’t miss our developing train and depot display. It includes a working train and rich history about the building itself.” To stay updated, visit winnsborotxmuseum.com or follow the museum on Facebook at Winnsboro Historical Museum. Plans are also underway to launch a newsletter for supporters.
Overview of the 89th Regular Texas Legislative Session
June 26, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas legislators allocated approximately $630 million in new funding, above current base funding, for Texas A&M Forest Service over the next two fiscal years.
The 89th Texas Legislative Session ended June 2, 2025, and the governor signed the budget on June 22.
The budget funds more volunteer fire department grants, the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft, motor vehicle purchases and more.
New funding to Texas A&M Forest Service above the current base funding includes:
- $257,000,000 – For the purchase and operation of wildfire suppression aircraft
- $192,291,000 – Volunteer fire department grants for outstanding unfunded requests
- $124,754,143 – Wildfire and natural disaster expenses incurred during 2023-2025
- $44,000,000 – Additional funding for volunteer fire department grants
- $2,056,918 – Motor vehicle purchases
- $2,044,444 – Volunteer fire department insurance from Fund 5066 increases
- $2,004,148 – Additional funding for group insurance
- $4,000,000 – Certified and insured prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool
- $500,000 – Database of wildland firefighting equipment in the state
Other bills related to Texas A&M Forest Service that passed (bill lookup):
- SB 34 (Sparks) Relating to funding for certain volunteer fire departments, to the preparation for and the prevention, management, and potential effects of wildfires, and to emergency communications in this state.
- SB 767 (Sparks) Relating to creating a database of firefighting equipment in the state available for use in responding to wildfires.
- SB 868 (Sparks) Relating to the allocation of money appropriated to the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
- HB 2563 (Ashby) Relating to the establishment of the temporary prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool; authorizing a fee.
- HB 4464 (Gonzalez) Relating to removing the requirement of provision of workers’ compensation insurance coverage for Texas Task Force 1, TIFMAS, and regional IMT members.
- HB 4945 (Ashby) Relating to a study conducted by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas on the feasibility of offering alternative service retirement benefits to Texas A&M Forest Service wildland firefighters who are members of the retirement system.
Read more about how the legislative session impacted members across The Texas A&M University System.
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CHRISTUS Health Patient Shares Story of Wound Recovery Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
June 26, 2025 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – After seeking a remedy for an open wound on his foot for more than a year, a Sulphur Springs man is now walking unaided and back to work, thanks to treatment received at the wound care clinic at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
In recognition of Wound Healing Awareness Month, CHRISTUS Health is highlighting the recovery of Johnnie Stone, 56, who visited multiple specialists in East Texas and Louisiana in search of a treatment plan for an open wound on his foot.
“I had a callous on my foot that would just not go away. Even after a specialist removed the callous, the wound itself would not heal,” Stone said. “I saw several specialists, even some that were talking major surgery, and eventually I realized that I wasn’t getting the options I needed.”
Stone had a condition called “diabetic foot,” in which high blood sugar levels can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, pain and a loss of feeling. This can make it difficult to feel minor injuries, like blisters or cuts, which can then become infected and make healing much more difficult.
After more than a year of seeking answers, Stone booked an appointment with the wound clinic at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
He would receive weekly and even daily treatment from the wound care team, which included cleaning of the wound and dressing changes.
During this time, Stone also underwent Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a medical
treatment where a patient breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, increasing the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues. This enhanced oxygen delivery can help wounds heal faster, fight infection, and reduce swelling.
“The oxygen increase in the blood creates new capillaries which supplies more blood to the wound and stimulates faster healing,” said Leta Jolley, a registered nurse who worked on Stone’s case. “We start every patient on a 30-session plan and then re-evaluate.”
Stone completed his first 30 sessions and was recommended for 30 more.
But after an additional 20 sessions, Stone’s wound healed.
“I was just so excited to be wearing shoes again,” Stone said. “I was so impressed by what the therapy did for my foot, how the staff treated me and how everything played out. The only thing I regret is that I did not come here sooner.”
Jolley said that she hopes more people will inquire about advanced wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and that Stone’s recovery can serve as motivation to do so.
“Watching him get better, knowing all he had been through, was so exciting,” she said. “We have a full range of wound care treatments here in Sulphur Springs and we want people to know it’s available and it really does work.”
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