RFK Jr. Now Endorses Measles Vaccine
April 6, 2025 – Texas is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 500 reported cases and two child fatalities. The most recent victim was 8-year-old Daisy Hildebrand from Lubbock, who succumbed to measles-related complications despite having no underlying health conditions; she was unvaccinated.
In response to the escalating situation, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., previously known for his anti-vaccine stance, has publicly endorsed the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective means to prevent the disease’s spread.
Health officials are also investigating potential exposure at popular public venues. An individual diagnosed with measles visited Great Wolf Lodge and Grapevine Mills Mall in Grapevine between March 28 and 30, potentially exposing others to the virus. Authorities advise anyone who was at these locations during that period to monitor for symptoms and consult healthcare providers regarding their vaccination status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses and remains the best defense against measles. Health experts continue to urge vaccination to prevent further spread and additional fatalities.
Blue Cross/Shield Reaches Agreement With Hospitals
April 6, 2025 – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has reached a new agreement with Southwestern Health Resources, marking the return of Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern hospitals to the insurer’s in-network provider list. This move restores access for BCBSTX members to receive care at these prominent health systems at in-network rates, which typically involve lower out-of-pocket costs for patients. The announcement follows a period during which these hospitals were out-of-network, leading to concerns from patients and providers about coverage and costs.
BCBSTX stated that any out-of-network claims incurred during the contract lapse will be reprocessed to reflect in-network benefits, offering financial relief to members who may have faced unexpected charges. However, the insurer did not disclose specific details of the negotiation or terms of the new agreement.
This development is a significant win for patients across North Texas, where Texas Health Resources and UT Southwestern play a major role in providing both routine and specialized care. The agreement helps ensure continuity of care and minimizes disruption for thousands of patients who rely on these facilities. accessible, affordable healthcare coverage.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 26th
April 6, 2025 – [SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX] – On Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.
Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at close to 5,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office/Posse
Where: Atwoods, 817 Gilmer St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. 75482
In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
For more information,visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
Topping Your Pepper Plants From Master Gardener David Wall
April 6, 2025 – Topping or pruning for plants such as peppers and cucumbers has been around for many years, but some aspects are seldom followed. Basically, it’s a good practice for getting more and bigger peppers.
Topping is cutting off the topmost portion of the plant not long after transplanting. This stops the plant from putting most of its energy into upward growth, and directs that energy into putting out lateral growth. The result is a bushier plant with more foliage to shade and protect fruit in high temperatures and bright sunlight.
There’s also increased protection from high winds and heavy rains. Finally, the increased shade helps prevent weeds and aids in retaining soil moisture! The ultimate result from a bushier plant is increased fruit.
Something that goes hand in hand with topping is removing the first plant flowers, the ones that show up soon after transplanting. Removing these early flowers will force the plant into producing more flowers, necessary for increasing fruit quantity.
When should pepper plants be topped? The literature suggests shortly after transplanting, but this worries me. Strictly my opinion, but I wait until the plant is 12” tall. Sharp, clean scissors are recommended, but topping can be done by pinching off the top with your fingers. The top portion itself is usually just above or may include a small cluster of newly developing leaves.
Some of you are wondering whether this practice really increases fruit production. My jalapeno jedi hybrid plants, left on their own reach 6’ in height, with some branches being 3’+ long with a handful of fruit on them. Toping them considerably increases fruit production.
Still have doubts? When you transplant your pepper plants, choose two of the same variety. Top one and leave the other alone. Now, keep track of fruit production for both plants.
Paris District Road Report for Week of April 7, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 7, 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: Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased 30 percent in Texas from 2018 through 2022 and now account for one in five of all roadway deaths. In 2022, there were 5,766 crashes involving pedestrians in our state, resulting in 830 deaths. Another 1,526 people were seriously injured.
The top factors contributing to traffic crashes in Texas involving pedestrians are:
- Pedestrians failing to yield the right-of-way to vehicles.
- Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Driver inattention.
- Speeding.
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users because they aren’t equipped with protective equipment such as airbags, seat belts, and bumpers. All of us share a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and bring the number of pedestrian fatalities to zero. TxDOT offers the safety tips below to prevent a deadly encounter.
For pedestrians
- Cross the street only at intersections or crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
- Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
- Use the sidewalk. If there is not one, walk on the left side of the roadway or shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic, unless the left side of the shoulder of the highway facing oncoming traffic is obstructed or unsafe.
- When walking, put away electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
- Stay visible. Wear reflective materials and use a flashlight at night.
For drivers
- Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
- Pay attention and put your phone away, so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
- Follow the posted speed limit and drive to conditions.
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. Construction on this project is expected to begin on May 5, 2025. 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 further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
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 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.
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.
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.
Northbound US 75 near Washington Street will be reduced to one lane on Friday night, April 11th starting at 7:00 pm in order to perform bridge repairs. The lane closures are expected to last thru Sunday afternoon, April 13th. Traffic is advised to expect delays on northbound US 75 during this weekend period and is encouraged to seek alternate routes.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
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. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
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 Cooke County line to FM 131 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures as workers replace the bridge railing and guardrail approaches at each bridge structure and install median barrier. During construction, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at the Union Pacific Railroad overpass. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures while workers perform bridge repairs.
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.
FM 1417, from FM 691 to FM 120. 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.
SH 91, from Martin Luther King Street to the Oklahoma State Line. 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.
SH 56, from SH 289 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Fannin County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 2029 from FM 273 to FM 1396, FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 2216, FM 2216 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 898, SH 78 from US 82 to SH 56, Loop 205 from 9th Street to SH 56, SH 34 from SH 56 to FM 64, SH 11 from US 69 to the Hunt County line, FM 896 from Business SH 121 to US 69, FM 815 from Business US 69 to SH 78, US 69 from FM 896 to FM 272, and FM 1553 from SH 78 to SH 78. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has an onsite detour in place to allow for replacement of the bridge. Traffic is asked to approach the detour shift slowly and drive an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews replace the bridge structure.
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 100, from SH 56 to FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 34, from SH 50 to FM 68. 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.
SH 121, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for mobile lane closures as maintenance crews perform a sweeping operation to remove loose material from the roadway. Motorists should expect delays from the mobile operation in 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. Watch for crews performing drainage structure work. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: IH 30, from SH 154 to Hunt County Line. Watch for crews performing concrete pavement repair during nighttime operation. Expect slower moving traffic at night.
Hopkins County: IH 30 at Bill Bradford. Watch for crews performing repairs to concrete bridge rail. 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:
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.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
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.
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:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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 at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
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 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 prepared for hotmix (various locations) and removed traffic barrier at bridge. Hotmix was laid on shoulders, intersections and driveways. Concrete footings poured and culverts were prepped. Next week will be more excavation an embankment worl along with striping operations. 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 is currently finishing cement treatment work on the second mile of the project and will begin prime coat and ride test soon. New guard rail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Back fill and slope completed near bridge structure. Fog seal work on the 1st mile has been completed. 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 grading riprap, forming inlets and cleaning and patching cross culverts The contractor will also be addressing sidewalk near the DGNO RR crossing and placing asphalt for PH 1B traffic switch. Traffic switch has been completed and milling of existing roadway is underway on FM 35. 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 the 2nd section of reclaiming and placing a second lift of flex base down station. Prime coat, construction on culverts and grading of ditches will be scheduled for next week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has been working on placing embankment for wire walls at FM 1903 and FM 1570 and poured the cap abutment at FM 1570. and poured the back wall at FM 1570. The contractor will be setting panels under nightly lane closures. Steel tying is ongoing on the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36. The contractor will be moving barrier during nighttime lane closures and milling shoulders and adding temp paving. Contractor has ongoing box culvert work near FM 1565 plans to restore the frontage road pavement during this time. Grading work on the eastbound main lanes and westbound frontage roads will be ongoing. Temporary walls are being installed and dirt work with detours are ongoing throughout the project. Contractor will be pumping water and drying material throughout project.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt and Rains County maintenance sections will be working on mailboxes, potholes and signage. Crews will begin overlay work on SH 66 from Caddo Mills to Greenville. Overlay work will also begin on US 69 from Celest to Greenville in various locations. Overlay work began on FM 6 from SH 66 to Collin County line. Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county.
Rains maintenance section will be working on potholes. Work near FM 1565 and SH 276 to address bridge settlement is underway Seal coat prep work will begin on FM 513 south of IH 30 Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Wildcats Competed Against Pittsburg in Baseball Action April Fools Day
April 4, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats played the Pittsburg Pirates in a competitive game of baseball April 1st, 2025. The game took place at Wildcat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, and Tony Flippin took turns calling Play by Play and Color Commentary. Be sure to check this game out and find out how well your Wildcats did in this game!
Why Advancing from RN to BSN Matters More Than Ever – And How It’s Faster and Cheaper Than You Think
April 4, 2025 – The East Texas A&M University RN-to-BSN program gives registered nurses the advancement they need at a reasonable price.
COMMERCE, TX, April 4, 2025— As the healthcare industry evolves and hospitals increasingly prefer bachelor’s-prepared nurses, advancing from a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree to an RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is more important than ever.
Whether it’s for greater job opportunities, higher salary potential or an increased likelihood of securing leadership and managerial roles, more nursing students are choosing to take the BSN route to becoming a nurse.
Why Earning a BSN Matters More Than Ever
As stated previously, hospitals and other healthcare facilities increasingly prefer or even require BSN nurses as part of their staff. This is partly due to studies showing improved patient outcomes in facilities where greater emphasis on hiring BSN nurses is established. In fact, the American Nurses Credentialing Center requires 100% of a facility’s nurse leaders and managers to have a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing to qualify for Magnet Recognition, an acknowledgement of nursing excellence in particular areas. As such, it’s no surprise many facilities offer a higher pay rate for nurses with a BSN versus those with a diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing.
Some organizations, like the Veterans Health Administration, already require nurses under their employ to be BSN-educated. And some states are considering implementing a “BSN in 10” law, which requires nurses to earn their BSN within 10 years of becoming an RN. This law is already in effect in New York.
Furthermore, nurses looking to eventually become nurse practitioners must complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and most MSN programs require a BSN for admittance.
Overcoming Concerns About Returning to College
For these reasons and more, it is no surprise that associate-degree RNs are looking to continue their education and career development journeys by earning a BSN. But the thought of returning to college triggers trepidation for many. After all, doesn’t college come with commuting to campus, sitting through lectures and staying up into the wee hours of the night studying for exams? And doesn’t college cost a lot of money?
Well, not necessarily.
How East Texas A&M Makes It Quick and Affordable
At East Texas A&M University, an RN can earn their BSN in a matter of months while avoiding many of the drawbacks of the standard college experience. With the most inexpensive RN-to-BSN program in Texas, it’s also an affordable option.
East Texas A&M offers a competency-based RN-to-BSN program, which recognizes the skills and knowledge a student has already obtained while on the job as an RN or student nurse. Competency based education (CBE) posits that learning is best measured by students demonstrating what they know and can do rather than by the number of hours spent in a classroom. CBE is student-driven and self-paced, guided by individualized feedback from an instructor and advisor.
RN-to-BSN Admissions Coordinator Anthony Ashcraft said, “Students can accelerate through the curriculum or decelerate as needed, depending on their work-life commitments.”
The RN-to-BSN program is 100% online, meaning no commuting to campus or working around a rigid class schedule. Students enroll in seven-week terms for the program, rather than the standard semester of around 16 weeks. The self-paced nature of the program allows the student to expedite through the curriculum as desired. This presents an opportunity for courses to be completed within a few weeks and provides a pathway to earlier graduation.
Two (or more) For the Price of One
Perhaps the best part of this competency-based method of earning a BSN is that students may enroll in one class or multiple classes per seven-week term, all for the same low price. That’s right—a student can take multiple classes for the same price as one.
“The RN-to-BSN track at ETAMU’s School of Nursing is the best deal in Texas!” said Dr. Jere Hammer, interim department head and director of nursing.
So, advancing from RN to BSN is not only immensely important, both for patient care and the nurse’s career, but at East Texas A&M, it can also be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time at a reasonable cost.
To meet the minimum admission requirements for the RN-to-BSN program at East Texas A&M, an individual must have an unencumbered RN license from Texas or another state or be currently enrolled in or have completed an RN program and awaiting licensure exam results.
For more information about the RN-to-BSN program, please contact Anthony Ashcraft or Dr. Jere Hammer.
All About Lawns by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
April 4, 2025 – 1. What Is A Lawn??
“A plot of grass, usually tended or mowed, as one around a residence or in a park”
“A lawn is a piece of commercial, industrial, or residential land on which grass can grow. A lawn creates a type of natural carpet on which you can relax, have picnics, or play sports.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a yard is defined as the grounds that immediately surround a house and which are usually covered with grass.
Turf refers to the actual soil on the surface of the ground that contains dense vegetation. Can be artificial, as used in sports stadiums.
2 Common Lawn Grasses in Hopkins County
Bermuda
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial grass that spreads mainly via underground stems, or rhizomes, and horizontal above-ground stems, or stolons. The grass tolerates a wide range of soil types and soil pH levels, which makes it adapted to most of the Southern U.S.
Common Bermuda grass is widely used for lawns in the Southern United States and is suitable for the region’s climate. Bermuda grass, particularly the common variety, is the most common grass in Texas due to its adaptability to the state’s warm climate and its ability to withstand heavy use. Bermuda has a light-green color and rough texture, and spreads by both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground).
While common Bermuda grass will thrive in Hopkins County, managing its growth and preventing its spread can be difficult. It can spread quickly and become invasive, posing a threat to other plants and reducing the lawn’s overall appeal.
St. Augustine grass is a warm-season lawn grass that is popular in Hopkins County. It is a medium- to high-maintenance grass that has bluish-green leaves with 1/3-inch wide, flat blades. It has a low, creeping habit and spreads via stolons, forming dense mats that outcompete weeds. It is a popular lawn grass, rivalling bermudagrass, although St. Augustine is somewhat less drought-tolerant. St. Augustine can grow in a wide range of soil types with a pH between 5.0 and 8.5. St.Augustine may perform better in the shade than other warm-season turfgrasses, but to thrive, it still needs 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.
Care of Your Lawn ——
Sunlight—Both Bermuda and St.Augustine lawn grasses need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. St.Augustine can sometimes survive in shady areas, but it will not thrive, becoming weaker each year, eventually dying out over a few seasons.
Water —-
St.Augustine flourishes in humid coastal regions, and needs more watering attention during our hot, dry summers.
Usually, 1 inch of water a week will suffice, but keeping the soil moist to a depth of 2”-3” is advisable, and it may take more water during the dry months to keep the root zone moist.
One inch of water a week is also recommended for Bermuda lawns. Bermuda is more drought-tolerant, since it has the ability to go dormant in prolonged dry spells, and will “come back to life” after a good soaking rain.
Always water the soil deeply, as frequent, shallow watering will not result in deep roots, making the grass more susceptible to stress during a drought.
Feeding —–
All lawn grasses will benefit from regular feedings of fertilizer. Generally, a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) fertilizer is common, although 21-0-0 is also used for lawns. Having your soil tested is absolutely necessary to discover what your soil actually needs.
A common fertilization schedule is to feed the lawn April 1, May 1, and June 1, skipping the hot months of July and August, and a final feeding on September 1.
Mowing —-
Recommended heights for mowing–
Bermuda — 1”-2”
St. Augustine – 2.5”—3.5”
For optimal health, aim to cut your grass regularly, striving for a consistent height. The goal should be for the grass to spread and grow sideways (horizontally), rather than tall (vertically). Shorter grass encourages lateral growth. Longer grass can help keep your soil cooler, reducing the need for watering. Keep in mind that you want to avoid cutting more than 1/3 of the leaves at one time, nor mowing during periods of extreme heat or drought, as doing so can stress your lawn.
Always keep your mower blades sharp, as dull blades will tear the leaves instead of cutting them cleanly. Mowing wet grass will also result in leaves being torn and damaged.
Beautiful, lush, green lawns do not happen without regular care. Enjoy your time working in your landscape, on the mower, and while watering, so that the end results will make you the envy of your entire neighborhood!
45th Annual Spring UPRA Rodeo Will be Held April 18th Through 19th
April 4, 2025 – Nottingham’s Sulphur Springs Dodge, and the Hopkins County Rodeo Committee present the 45th Annual Spring UPRA Rodeo April 18th and 19th, 2025. Tickets are $12 for Adults, $5 for children age 13 and younger. Kids age 5 and younger get in free. The rodeo will be held at the Hopkins County Indoor Civic Center Arena. Doors open at 6:00pm, Rodeo starts at 7:30pm.
Accused Texas Lottery Director Missing
April 4, 2025 – Reports have surfaced suggesting that Gary Grief, the longtime former executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, is missing, though his attorney insists he has not “fled.” Grief, who retired abruptly in February 2024 after 14 years as executive director, has recently been under intense scrutiny following revelations that he authorized illicit lottery resellers to operate in Texas.
His tenure at the commission has been marred by controversy, particularly an investigation that uncovered a foreign gambling syndicate manipulating the lottery system, ultimately walking away with a $95 million jackpot. Some Texas legislators have even described the situation as akin to “money laundering.” Additionally, the Texas Rangers have been investigating Grief’s role in the illegal online lottery sales, which have also been the subject of legislative action in the Senate.
Despite reports from state sources claiming authorities have been unable to locate Grief, his legal team is pushing back. While one of his attorneys declined to comment, another later stated that Grief was “at home,” disputing the claim that he had disappeared. However, independent verification of his whereabouts remains elusive.
As investigations into the Texas Lottery Commission continue, Grief’s apparent absence only adds to the intrigue surrounding one of the biggest scandals in Texas’ gambling history.
