Native Grasslands by Mario Villarino
September 23, 2024 – Native pastures are vital ecosystems for livestock, wildlife, and land conservation, and the **Texas A&M AgriLife Extension** provides extensive resources for their effective management. Native pastures consist of indigenous grasses, forbs, and shrubs that naturally thrive in local climates and soils, without the need for human intervention. These lands are key to sustaining livestock, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing soil and water health. AgriLife Extension offers guidance in several critical areas to help landowners maximize the value of native pastures.
Native Grass Identification and Preservation: AgriLife Extension offers detailed information on identifying native grasses like little bluestem and switchgrass. These native species are resilient, drought-tolerant, and well-suited to Texas’s environmental conditions. Maintaining these pastures through proper grazing practices—such as rotational grazing—ensures that native grasses remain productive and healthy. By resting pastures and allowing grasses to recover, landowners can prevent overgrazing and extend the lifespan of native plants.
Grazing and Stocking Rates
AgriLife recommends strategies for grazing management, focusing on appropriate stocking rates and rotational systems to prevent pasture degradation. By carefully managing livestock movements, ranchers can avoid overgrazing, which leads to soil erosion and the spread of invasive species. AgriLife helps ranchers assess their pastures’ carrying capacity, ensuring that livestock density matches the forage available, protecting the longevity of the ecosystem.
Restoration of Degraded Lands For landowners dealing with overgrazed or invasive species-infested pastures, AgriLife provides guidance on pasture rehabilitation. This can include the re-seeding of native grasses, controlling invasive species through prescribed burns, and implementing mechanical or chemical removal methods. These strategies help restore the natural balance of the ecosystem, ensuring long-term pasture viability.
Soil and Water Conservation: Healthy native pastures improve soil structure and reduce erosion. AgriLife promotes practices like minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining plant cover to enhance soil health and water retention. Native grasses, with deep root systems, are particularly effective at retaining moisture, promoting groundwater recharge, and preventing runoff.
Wildlife Habitat Management: AgriLife also highlights the importance of native pastures for wildlife conservation. Properly managed native grasslands support a variety of wildlife species, including pollinators, birds, and large game. By balancing livestock production with wildlife-friendly practices, landowners can foster a more diverse and sustainable ecosystem.
AgriLife Extension offers educational programs, workshops, and expert resources to guide landowners in sustainably managing their native pastures. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Dinner Bell for September 25, 2024
i Focus Vision celebrated its fourth birthday in business on September 1 under the helm of two qualified and personable optometrists: Dr. Andrew Yoder and Dr. Daniel Ewing. Their services include bifocals, cataract care, contact lenses, diabetic eye services, emergency ophthalmology care, eye exams, eyeglasses and much more. Plus, they have an eye glass store. In the month of September, their large inventory of eye catching sunglasses is on sale at a discount of 25%. This summer the business ran a special for children before the start of school at $175 for an eye exam and single vision glasses.
Dr. Daniel Ewing is a recent addition to the practice. He specializes in fitting contact lenses for corneal disease and abnormal reflective errors.
Although this practice has recently celebrated its fourth anniversary, its history runs deep to Drs. James and John Crawford who relinquished their practice, dating from 1934, to Dr. William Bryant and Dr. Keith Allison. From them, the mantle in ophthalmology excellence in Sulphur Springs was passed onto Dr. Yoder and Dr. Wilemon.
Grab and Go with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (Porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU:
5 Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole
Seasoned Mixed Vegetables
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Do Nothing Cake
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst!
Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Biden Administration Over Attempt to Undermine Texas Oil and Gas Industries by Weaponizing Environmental Law
September 23, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Biden Administration officials for unlawfully classifying the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species in violation of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”).
The Wildlife Service failed to rely on the best scientific and commercial data available when making its designation as required by law and therefore made inaccurate and arbitrary assumptions about the current and future status of the species. Further, the regulation classifying the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered did not take into consideration the ongoing voluntary conservation efforts already in place at a local and state level. Because of this, the federal government’s action would unduly undermine vital economic development in the Permian Basin, subjecting Texas industries and private landowners to regulatory uncertainty and ambiguity about what they can do with their own land.
On July 25, Attorney General Paxton notified the Biden Administration that the listing violated the ESA and that he would sue if the error was not reversed. As the improper classification has not been retracted, the Office of the Attorney General filed suit, asking the court to find that the agencies acted arbitrarily and capriciously in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act and the ESA.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s unlawful misuse of environmental law is a backdoor attempt to undermine Texas’s oil and gas industries which help keep the lights on for America,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I warned that we would sue over this illegal move, and now we will see them in court.”
North Texas Food Bank and State Fair of Texas Announce “Feed the Need” Food Drive with Special Discounts
Fairgoers can receive discounts on opening day and each Wednesday of the Fair while giving back to the community.
DALLAS, TX, September 23, 2024 –As the State Fair of Texas prepares to open its gates on Friday, September 27, it is teaming up once again with the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) for the annual “Feed the Need” food drive, presented by Kroger. This collaboration aims to support those facing hunger across North Texas.
Since 2010, the State Fair of Texas has partnered with NTFB to collect over 3.5 million pounds of canned food through this initiative. “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the North Texas Food Bank, which last year resulted in approximately 218,000 pounds of canned goods – equivalent to 181,000 meals,” said Jennifer Schuder, Senior Vice President of Customer Engagement for the State Fair of Texas. “We’re excited to offer fairgoers an opportunity to contribute to a great cause while enjoying the Fair’s many attractions.”
Special Discounts for Food Donations
Opening Day – Friday, September 27
Visitors who bring two 16-ounce plastic jars of peanut butter to donate will receive a $10 admission voucher. Donations will be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are part of NTFB’s Peanut Butter Drive.
Feed the Need Every Wednesday
On Wednesdays throughout the Fair, attendees who donate five full-size canned food items will receive a $5 admission voucher. Donations will be collected from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities
NTFB is seeking volunteers for these events. Those interested can sign up at www.ntfb.org/statefair. Volunteers will receive a special “Feed the Need” shirt and a State Fair voucher for future use.
“The ‘Feed the Need’ drive is our largest canned food event, and we are grateful to the State Fair of Texas and Kroger for their support,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of NTFB. “With 1 in 5 children in our service area facing hunger, this event plays a crucial role in providing meals to those in need.”
Kroger has been a dedicated partner of NTFB for over 40 years, contributing significantly through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program. Last year, Kroger provided 4.6 million nutritious meals to the food bank.
“Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program is focused on creating a hunger-free community,” said John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs at Kroger. “We are proud to support the State Fair of Texas and North Texas Food Bank in this important effort.”
For more information on how to get involved or to volunteer, visit www.ntfb.org/statefair.
The SSHS Wildcats took on the Mt. Pleasant Tigers in Football Action on September 20th at Mt. Pleasant
Below is KSST/Channel 18’s video of the SSHS Wildcats Football game against the Mt. Pleasant Tigers. The game was played in Mt. Pleasant on September 20th. Check out the exciting game below. Game action is called by KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin.
Protect Your Tomato Plants from Nematodes From Master Gardener David Wall
September 22, 2024 – As we move into this year’s fall season, it’s time to consider root knot nematode (RKN) protection for next year. RKNs are tiny roundworms living in the soil and common in your area. They penetrate tomato plant roots and feed on the nutrients. The results are knots ranging from tiny up to one-inch-thick, all of which interfere with nutrient transfers.
RKNs can only travel about one meter a year, so they stay in the same area, and they overwinter very well. Tomato plants attract them the first year, although damage is extremely difficult to see. Planting in the same spot the following year may result in some visible plant damage, with plant deaths likely the third year. While tomatoes are a prime target, RKNs can also attack peppers, okra, carrots and perhaps other vegetable plants. With the problem occurring beneath the soil, it’s difficult to spot damage early on, as leaf yellowing and perhaps stunted growth can be attributed to several causes.
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can handle an infestation, as well as a few more steps you can take to prevent root knot nematodes from ruining future crops. First, to control/reduce RKN populations, rotate your crops, hopefully on a 3–4 year scale. This can also help control other soil borne pests. This is extremely important if you have raised bed gardens. Tilling, by the way, spreads RKN populations.
Marigolds are a great RKN defensive plant, as their roots are toxic to, so plant a LOT of marigolds (NGT 12” apart), particularly French marigolds. They also provide protection from a host of other pests. Using non-leguminous cover crops in winter helps eliminating the food supply and prevents bare soil.
Finally, when purchasing tomato seeds check for VFN resistance on the label. The N stands for RKN.
A&M-Commerce Unveils Student Services Building and Welcome Center: The New Front Door to Campus
The 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce.
COMMERCE, TX, Sept. 19, 2024—Texas A&M University-Commerce celebrated a major milestone on Wednesday, September 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center. Dubbed the university’s “front door,” the 29,115 square-foot facility is designed to welcome prospective students and their families to A&M-Commerce while highlighting the university’s many resources and opportunities.
The building is located at the university’s main entrance on Highway 24. Construction began in January 2023 and was completed in August 2024 by contractors Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Company.
The ceremony
Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony featured special guest speakers Sarah Butler, regional director representing U.S. Senator John Cornyn; Natalie Steinsholt, deputy district director representing U.S. Congressman Keith Self; Roxanne Turner, district liaison representing Texas House Representative Jill Dutton; and Estefania Olivas, president of the Student Government Association for A&M-Commerce.
Kicking off the event, University President Mark Rudin expressed pride in the newly completed facility. “I can’t tell you how proud I am, not only of this building but for everything it stands for. It enables us to really showcase our university in the best and most positive way possible,” he said.
Following Rudin’s remarks, Steinsholt delivered a letter on behalf of Congressman Self, who praised the new center. “The addition of this facility will undoubtedly foster a welcoming environment for prospective students and further enrich the campus community. I commend your vision and leadership in making this project a reality as it reflects the forward-thinking spirit of Texas A&M-Commerce,” he wrote.
Next, Turner added a special touch to the event by presenting Dr. Rudin with a Texas flag that had previously flown over the Texas Capitol building in Austin—a meaningful symbol of pride and connection to the state.
To bring the ceremony to a close, Vice-President of Enrollment Management Nechell Bonds reflected on the exciting possibilities the Welcome Center will create. “We are most excited about the opportunity to connect with our future Lions in a modern new way,” she said. “Representing the best of who we are as an institution that transforms lives, we can’t wait to hear the roar of our visiting future Lions and their families as we welcome them into the Pride.”
Extending the metaphor of the Welcome Center as the university’s “front door,” Bonds ended by distributing key replicas to each guest. “We are presenting each of you with your very own key, but there is one condition…,” she added. “You will share your key by inviting more guests to visit, to stay awhile, and to make themselves at home.”
Special guests
In addition to the guest speakers, special visitors at the ribbon cutting included:
- Isaiah Vance, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advising, The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS)
- Don Montgomery, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett Cumpton, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Jeffery Herring, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Brett McCully, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Michael Campbell, Facilities Planning and Construction, TAMUS
- Reese DeWoody, District Director for Texas Senator Brian Hughes
- Mayor Teddy Reel, City of Commerce
- Former A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland and Nancy McFarland
Designed to engage
Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and experienced the Welcome Center’s ability to bring the Lion spirit to life. Every detail throughout the first-floor gallery area is designed to engage, inspire, and inform, immersing potential students and their families in the spirit and pride of A&M-Commerce. The space offers hands-on experiences that showcase what it means to be a Lion.
One of the gallery’s standout features is a collection of six Engagement Pillars. Each pillar represents one of the university’s colleges. Digital displays on the front of the pillars showcase videos highlighting each college, and hidden lockers behind the pillars contain hands-on activities and artifacts. For instance, the College of Science and Engineering pillar houses a 3D printer that creates miniature lion heads.
Next to the pillars, the Social Tower features a ring of display screens that highlight student life at A&M-Commerce. The videos showcase everything from campus events to student organizations, giving prospective students a glimpse into the vibrant community they could soon join.
Another key feature is the interactive Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall, which honors alumni Sandra and Gary Fernandes, who generously committed more than $2 million to A&M-Commerce. Mr. and Mrs. Fernandes’ gifts include the establishment of the first $1 million scholarship fund for first-generation students, along with an additional $200,000 to create and produce engaging content for the Fernandes Family Scholars’ Wall. The wall includes a dynamic screen where students can scroll through donor-funded scholarships available to them. Next to the screen, the “Lion Inside” display spotlights current students whose lives have been transformed by donor-funded scholarships. Each profile includes a QR code leading to videos of students sharing their educational journeys, which will help prospective students envision their path as future Lions.
The gallery also features a button station where visitors can create custom flair to commemorate events like Mane Event and Admitted Student Day. It’s a fun, interactive way to introduce new Lions to the A&M-Commerce spirit. Surrounding the gallery, several glass-walled huddle rooms offer comfortable meeting spaces where prospective students and families can sit, relax, and discuss their futures at A&M-Commerce.
On the gallery’s south side, the Presentation Theater is where prospective students can learn about A&M-Commerce. Dynamic presentations will showcase A&M-Commerce’s academic programs, student life, facilities and more. The room can be opened to the gallery for larger events, creating a seamless space for receptions and other gatherings.
Supporting student success
Beyond the Welcome Center gallery, the building will also house several student support services to ensure success at every stage of the student journey:
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions recruits and admits prospective students, hosting events and promoting the university across the region.
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students fund their future. The team helps future Lions access quality education at A&M-Commerce, which offers some of the most competitive tuition rates in Texas.
- New Student and Family Programming helps new students smoothly transition to the university, fostering connections and introducing campus resources.
- The Office of the Registrar manages academic records, registration and graduation services.
- For military-affiliated students, the Office of Veterans and Military Services builds and maintains a community with individuals who have served in the U.S. military to support a seamless transition from military to civilian college life.
Inspiring future lions
With its modern amenities and student-centered focus, the new Student Services Building and Welcome Center will inspire future Lions and create a positive first impression of the university. Whether through interactive exhibits or personalized guidance, this facility will ensure that every visitor walks away with a sense of what it means to be part of the Lion family.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn September 25th
September 22, 2024 – The Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn will be held this coming Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites anyone who wants to learn more about doing genealogical research to come on in. Bring your sack lunch, salad or drive-through meal and your tablet or laptop, if you wish.
Last month we viewed a presentation by Amy Crow Johnson of Generations Connections, entitled “Understanding Land Records – Using Land Records Effectively.” We learned a lot about land deeds and other legal land documents and how to apply them to our genealogical research.
However, the past few weeks we have been consistently asked questions about creating and managing a family tree on familysearch.org, which is the website that allows you to do that for free. Plus there appears to be some confusion about how to interpret the Generation Genealogy Fan Chart. So this month we are going to see a virtual presentation on how to create a family tree and how to read a fan chart. We are particularly excited about this month’s lessons because they answer so many of our questions about our family trees.
We hope you will take the time to join us!
Paris District Road Report for Week of September 23, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 23, 2024. 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: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
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 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.
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 entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool 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 nighttime 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 lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
As the US 75 project continues to move into the final stages there will be nightly lane closures on both north- and southbound lanes as construction crews perform pavement marking and sign installation. Drivers should expect delays.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts 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 construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from 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, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to backfill the overlay and place striping and rumble strips on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
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 Elba Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Deaver Creek.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week 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.
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 901, from US 377 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 121 to FM 922. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
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 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
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 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.
FM 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. 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 78, from SH 56 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. 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.
Franklin County: IH 30, Truck Parking Area. Crews will be constructing concrete paving on the new eastbound truck parking area.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: I-30, at FM 269. Crews will be performing tree trimming and tree removal operations on the westbound and eastbound side.
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 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
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. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour 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.
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 roadway closure and detour 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 has begun some prep right of way work and has begun road widening and ditch grading in the area. The contractor has placed SW3P devices and prepped the right of way. Culvert and Safety End treatment are being installed on the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Shoulder embankment work is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. Final punch list items are underway. Oncor has supplied power to the signal lights and the signals are in testing phase. 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. The contractor has completed cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor has sealed and shouldered up the first mile of the project and has placed flex base and placing geogrid at various locations. Contractor is currently performing reclaim work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. 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 has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. Nighttime operations are currently being used for several cross-culvert locations. The contractor is placing geogrid and flex base on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Paving operations are in progress in areas north of FM 35 Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed placing GR4 seal course on the final section of roadway. The contractor is also backfilling turnouts, driveways, and roadway edges. Roadway strip and permanent seeding will be placed today and through the weekend. 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 begun excavation at FM 1903 (West side) and working on placing wire wall at FM 1903 (East side) and soil nail walls at FM 1903.The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with Form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570.Pipe/Inlets work for drainage FM 1570 is ongoing. 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 is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Continuing grading EB between 1565 and FM36.The contractor will be placing hot mix for shoulder rehab at night and Milling at night along WB and EB for shoulder rehab. Grading at FM 1565 intersection and embanking along WBML 2511 area. Underpass at FM 1565 will be closed for a few weeks to install Culvert from north frontage to south frontage.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Hunt County MNT will be overlaying FM 118 and US 69 and IH 30 FR near SH 34. Rains County MNT will continue to perform seal prep and patch on FM 513 from US 69 to IH30 and perform culvert work on FM 1564.
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Child and Adult CARE Food Program Extends Access
Program sponsors serve nutritious meals and snacks for childcare and adult day care participants
AUSTIN- Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller encouraged Texans to explore the benefits of accessing nutritious meals in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers this federally funded program operating at approximately 13,000 sites in Texas, including adult day care centers, childcare centers, home-based day cares and afterschool programs. TDA and these partners are working to promote healthy lifestyles by ensuring eligible children and adults can enjoy nutritious free or reduced-price meals and snacks in CACFP.
“Texas families can rely on TDA’s CACFP partners to provide the essential nutrition that young children and older adults need to stay healthy and active,” Commissioner Miller said. “Each year, CACFP delivers around 200 million nutritious meals and snacks across Texas. I encourage families to take advantage of this valuable resource and support the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure healthy food is available through CACFP.”
This October, schools and CACFP providers can take Commissioner Miller’s Farm Fresh Challenge and earn recognition for serving more Texas products and providing agricultural education opportunities. The Challenge helps CACFP sponsors and Texas school nutrition teams promote Farm Fresh practices and connections to Texas agriculture. For more information about the Challenge, visit SquareMeals.org/Farm Fresh Challenge and for more information about CACFP, visit SquareMeals.org/CACFP.
Benefits
CACFP meals are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and meet specific nutrition standards. Participants receive a balanced meal that can include Texas products.
At centers and day care homes that include meals as part of tuition, meals will be available to enrolled participants at no separate charge. Meals served at eligible at-risk afterschool programs are free to all participants in the program.
At centers and day care homes where meals are charged separately from tuition, the following groups automatically qualify for free meals:
- Children in households getting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits; or who are enrolled in Early Head Start; Head Start or Even Start Programs; or who receive Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits automatically qualify for free meals through participating CACFP providers.
- Foster children placed with a caregiver by the state or courts are eligible for free meals. If you have foster children living with you and wish to apply for free meals for your foster child, contact your participating childcare center or day care home for assistance.
- Adults who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits, Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for free meals.
The following groups may qualify for free or reduced-price meals depending on their eligibility information as indicated in their application:
- Children in households that do not receive any of the above assistance may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income. See the chart below for income eligibility guidelines.
- Parents or guardians who become unemployed may apply for free or reduced-price meals on behalf of their children at any time during the period of unemployment.
- Children and adults in households participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Adults who do not receive any of the above assistance may qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income. See the chart below for income eligibility guidelines.
Meals are made available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
