Governor Abbott Celebrates United States Marine Corps’ 250th Birthday
November 10, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today joined Texas Marines, service members, and veterans to celebrate the United States Marine Corps’ (USMC) 250th birthday during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol.
“We must remember that we are the mightiest country in the world because we have the mightiest military in the history of the world,” said Governor Abbott. “Marines play a crucial role in the story of our people, protecting our rights and liberties for a quarter of a millennium. On this momentous 250th birthday, we salute our Marines past and present who embody their timeless motto, semper fidelis.”
During the celebration, Governor Abbott presented USMC Retired Colonel Joe McPhail with a Texas flag that was flown over the Texas Capitol and a proclamation celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. The Governor then joined Colonel McPhail in the cake-cutting ceremony, cutting the USMC 250th birthday cake with a Marine Corps Officers sword. At 104, Colonel McPhail is the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot, having served two deployments to the Pacific during WWII and one to the Korean War and earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses.
The Governor was also joined at the ceremony by USMC Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Dawsley, Texas Veterans Commission Secretary and Marine veteran Chuck Wright, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman and Marine veteran Joe Esparza, Round Rock High School JROTC Marine Color Guard, singer Monty Warden, and Fox 7 Austin anchor Mike Warren.
Good News Celebrates 35 Years
November 10, 2025 – Good News! is celebrating 35 years in business in Sulphur Springs, TX! From the humble 900 square foot building on Main Street to the 10,500 square foot building in the Spring Village Shopping Center on Broadway, God has certainly blessed Good News! It was originally called Words of Life and then Thee Christian Bookstore. Since 2004 the name of the Christian bookstore has been Good News! Through a fire in Windsor Plaza in 2003 to a flood in The V F Outlet Mall in 2021, two of the bookstore’s other locations, God has continued to sustain His work!
On November 15th, 2025, Good News! will have the 35 year celebration! There will be drawings for up to 35 % off your purchases and Free Giveaways throughout the day! There will also be 5 authors in Good News! signing their books and free refreshments will be served! Everyone is invited and so welcome to come!
God Bless you.
Sens. Cruz, Hyde-Smith, Capito Push to Restore Trust in USPS Amid Rising Mail Theft
November 10, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of Republican senators is renewing efforts to crack down on nationwide mail theft and restore public confidence in the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
As of July 13, 2025 the cost of postage increased to 78 cents for first class mail.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R–Texas), along with Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R–Miss.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R–W.Va.), introduced the Upholding a Secure Postal System (USPS) Act, legislation that would direct the U.S. Comptroller General to deliver annual reports to Congress on mail theft trends and the security of postal property. The reports would continue for five years and be shared with the Senate Homeland Security and House Oversight Committees.
Cruz said the move responds to a growing concern among Texans who rely on dependable mail delivery. “Mail theft has become a growing concern for Texans who depend on a reliable postal service,” he said. “This bill will bring us one step closer to restoring trust in the USPS.”
Hyde-Smith emphasized that postal theft has moved beyond casual porch piracy to organized schemes targeting USPS infrastructure. “This legislation will force the Postal Service to truly assess losses and threats to the sanctity of our postal system,” she said.
Sen. Capito echoed that sentiment, saying the measure would “increase accountability at the Postal Service” and help protect residents frustrated by theft and delivery delays.
Rep. Randy Weber (R–Texas–14) introduced companion legislation in the House, citing mail theft in his Houston-area district — even calling it a “persistent problem” and “sometimes an inside job.”
The bill marks Cruz’s continued focus on USPS oversight after raising alarms in 2023 over theft reports in the Galveston area. If passed, it would compel the Postal Service to report publicly on both mail theft trends and its prevention measures — a step back toward transparency and reliability in one of the nation’s oldest public institutions.
SSHS Wildcats Took on Panther Creek in Football Action at The Star in Frisco, Texas November 7th
November 10, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats played the Frisco Panther Creek Panthers in a fierce football game at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Both teams were playing for second place in the District. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this nail biting game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play and Tony Flippin provided Color Commentary. You don’t want to miss this thrilling, action packed, game! Go Wildcats!
The Magic and Chemistry of Fall Foliage Color
November 9, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The transition of trees’ colors from lush green to a variety of warm tones annually marks the changing of seasons, often inducing strong anticipation for a chance to catch a glimpse of the magic.
The chemistry
While fall colors appear as magic to our eyes, it is really a product of color and chemistry.
Trees’ leaves contain pigments that play critical biological roles while also reflecting colors like green, yellow, orange and even brown.
“During a tree’s growing months, chlorophyll dominates the color makeup of the leaf, creating various shades of green,” said Kimberlee Peterson, Texas A&M Forest Service Woodland Ecologist. “Beyond its color and perception to the human eye, chlorophyll is an essential molecule in the photosynthesis process.”
As heat stress or cool temperatures occur, the chlorophyll and green appearance of leaves are destroyed, allowing other pigments to emerge. Although these pigments begin to appear under changes in the environmental conditions, they were present in the leaf all along.
When pigments such as carotenes, xanthophyll and anthocyanin emerge, they often create the notable fall colors of red, orange, yellow, crimson and purple.
Some Texas-native species contain anthocyanin, a key compound in shading chlorophyll later in the growing season to prevent excessive light energy absorption. The formation of this pigment is dependent on an accumulation of carbohydrates in the tree, the genetic properties of the tree and environmental factors.
Texas-native trees containing anthocyanin include sassafras, sweetgum, bigtooth maple, red oak, Tupelo and sumac. The fall colors produced by anthocyanin are often more vibrant because the red pigment is intentionally produced to block sunlight.
Some trees do not contain anthocyanin but instead have carotenoids which are responsible for helping trees absorb light energy for dormancy and protect leaves from sun damage after the photosynthesis process is complete in autumn. They can create red, orange and occasionally yellow pigments in the fall.
Carotene and xanthophyll are subcategories of carotenoids.
Carotenes produce fall colors of red, orange and occasionally yellow. Texas-native trees like black hickory, pecan and elm have contain levels of carotene.
Xanthophyll typically produces yellow and orange pigments; however, red, pink and purple pigments may also develop. Texas-native trees like ash, American beech and river birch contain high levels of xanthophyll.
Timing and conditions
As any fall color enthusiast knows, a tree’s fall colors are never promised—some years they may produce a swatch of perfect mosaic patterns while other years they suddenly drop their leaves with little to no transition.
“Fall colors are nearly unpredictable,” said Peterson. “The destruction of chlorophyll and transition into the emergence of fall pigments closely depends on environmental factors including temperature, light and water. Fall colors can even be influenced by environmental factors from six to nine months prior to fall.”
Where to see fall colors in Texas
While Texas’ fall may not resemble that of an east coast fall, there are still many opportunities to view trees’ chemical magic.
“East Texas is characterized by soft and hardwood trees, which can offer a patchwork of fall colors,” said Peterson. “Central Texas water basins, however, are comprised of bald cypress, cottonwood and sycamore trees, which often display a more unified transition to fall.”
For Texans farther west, Peterson recommends destinations such as the Lost Maples State Natural Area, home to a protected stand of Uvalde bigtooth maples. As of Oct. 31, 2025, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported that fall colors will emerge at the Lost Maples State Natural Area soon.
While the rest of the country is at or past its peak fall, Texas’ peak fall foliage remains one of the latest in the nation. The Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction map provides resources for tracking fall foliage across the country.
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Texas Streak Reaches Tragic 25 Years of Daily Deaths
November 9, 2025 – DPS to hand out tip cards to help #EndTheStreakTX
PARIS – Every single day for the past quarter century, a mother, father, son or daughter has died in a crash in Texas.
There are many wonderful things Texas is known for, but the 25-year streak of daily deaths is one thing we need to change – and we can’t do it alone.
Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roads, and since then the state has lost more than 91,000 people in traffic crashes. None of us wants our great state to be known for this deadly streak. So, on this tragic anniversary, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking everyone to help #EndTheStreakTX of daily deaths.
“It’s devastating thinking of all the families and communities that have lost loved ones in the last 25 years,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “It’s time to end this deadly streak, but it’ll take all of us to do it. We can engineer improvements. Law enforcement can patrol roads. And everyone needs to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe, to prevent crashes.”
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 6,216 traffic crashes, resulting in 103 fatalities and 448 serious injuries.
Law enforcement partnership
TxDOT and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are working together to share safe driving messages. During traffic stops for the next two weeks, DPS troopers will hand out a tip card listing safe driving behaviors that reflect the top causes of crashes.
“Through engineering and collaboration with law enforcement, we’re working to improve safety,” Texas Transportation Commission acting chair Alvin New said. “Education and innovation can help, but it’s the everyday choices people make—driving safely and buckling up—that will truly end the streak.”
Engineering safety
It’s not just a saying — safety is truly TxDOT’s top priority. TxDOT currently has $60 billion worth of active construction projects across the state and every single one has a safety component.
TxDOT is also using the latest technology to improve safety. This includes building innovative intersections, implementing new safe design strategies and harnessing artificial intelligence to prevent crashes.
What you can do
Ending the streak will require every single driver to consistently make safe decisions every time they get behind the wheel.
Most crashes can be prevented if drivers:
- Drive safe speeds
- Buckle up
- Get a sober ride
- Avoid distractions
- Move over or slow down for vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road
We all want to get to our destination safely. If everyone remembers who they are as Texans behind the wheel and drive kind, courteous and safe, then we can save lives.
#EndTheStreakTX is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Paris District Road Report for November 10, 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 10, 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.
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 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 US 75 southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 will be closed from November 11 to November 12 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM for paving work.
The US 75 southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 and exit 60 will be closed from November 14 to November 1s from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM for paving work.
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.
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 Mc Knight Rd. and from Hinton St. to Shawnee Dr. This project will widen US 377 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at the intersection of US 377 & FM 121 and at the intersection of US 377 & FM 922. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 377 main lanes as well as on FM 922. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Two new traffic signals in Tioga 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 on November 10, 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 Sherman. 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.
US 69 from Lovers Ln to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform edge work on the sides of the road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and/or 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.
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.
FM 195, at Six Mile Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
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 workzone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Contractor is 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. They will be setting and moving barrier at night. 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 pavement overlay on FM 2736. Edge work will be performed on FM 1565, from IH-30 to SH 66. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repair and ROW mowing in 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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Communities and Classrooms Across the State Celebrate Texas Arbor Day
November 9, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Foresters and staff members from Texas A&M Forest Service celebrated Texas Arbor Day on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, with school presentations, tree plantings and tree giveaways across the state.
Over 7,400 tree seedlings, all grown by Texas A&M Forest Service, were given to students, organizations and communities to celebrate the tree planting holiday.
Texas A&M Forest Service employees made Texas Arbor Day presentations at 29 schools and organizations. The presentations reached more than 3,800 students at campuses in Argyle, Austin, Bastrop, Coldspring, Direct, Driscoll, El Paso, Gladewater, Greenville, Justin, Livingston, Longview, Lubbock, Normangee, Palacios, Persall, Pflugerville, Port Lavaca, San Antonio, San Benito, Spring, Teague, Tyler and Weatherford.
“Texas Arbor Day is a special day to celebrate trees and the benefits they provide including improved health,” said Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head. “What better place to talk about the importance and value of trees than with the next generation of stewards.”
Along with presentations, staff planted 3-gallon trees on school campuses and distributed nearly two thousand Afghan, Italian stone and loblolly pine seedlings to students.
The presentations, customized to the students’ grade level, explained the life cycle of trees and the many benefits they provide to people and our economy, as well as the history of Texas Arbor Day.
Melanie Portillo, Texas A&M Forest Service Conservation Education Coordinator, said Texas Arbor Day is about more than planting trees—it serves as a reminder that we can improve our health by spending time near trees and nature.
“This year’s Texas Arbor Day theme is Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives,” said Portillo. “There’s something remarkably simple anyone can do to improve their well-being and that’s spend time near trees. Teaching students this is the best way to help them steward the trees around them for generations.”
Separately, over 5,000 Afghan pine, American elm, anacua, Austrian pine, baldcypress, bur oak, cedar elm, cherrybark oak, chinkapin oak, coastal live oak, desert willow, honeylocust, Italian stone pine, lacebark elm, Mexican buckeye, Mexican white oak, nuttall oak, osage orange, palo pinto live oak, pecan, prairie flameleaf sumac, red mulberry, shumard oak, southern magnolia, Texas ash, Texas red oak, water oak, western soapberry and willow oak seedlings were distributed at 21 Texas A&M Forest Service office tree giveaways across the state.
Texas Arbor Day partners include the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture.
For details about the history of Arbor Day in Texas, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/arborday
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The Hopkins County Genealogical Society Held Their Annual City Cemetery Walk November 2nd
November 8, 2025 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society held their “If Headstones Could Talk…” City Cemetery Walk November 2nd, 2025. The event was a guided tour through the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery as Society Members portrayed residents of the cemetery who were the pioneers of Hopkins County. One learned about what these residents did to contribute to the community they or their families before them created. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this special tour. Be sure to check it out and learn some interesting history about Hopkins County.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Roblox for Putting Pixel Pedophiles and Profits Over the Safety of Texas Children
November 7, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Roblox Corporation, accusing the gaming giant of endangering children and prioritizing profits over safety. The complaint alleges that Roblox — one of the world’s largest online gaming platforms for children — has “flagrantly ignored” both state and federal online safety laws while misleading parents about the risks their children face.
According to the lawsuit, Roblox markets itself as a creative and secure environment for young players, yet has allegedly become a “breeding ground for predators.” The filing claims that children have been exposed to explicit content, exploitation, and online grooming due to insufficient safeguards and lax content moderation.
“We cannot allow platforms like Roblox to operate as digital playgrounds for predators,” Paxton said in a statement. “Any corporation that enables child abuse will face the full force of the law.”
The case mirrors Paxton’s broader campaign against major technology and social media companies, including recent legal actions against TikTok and Meta. Roblox has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
