PJC Nursing Students Help Meal-A-Day with ‘Project Chicken’
July 25, 2024 – Five lovely volunteers from the Paris Junior College Nursing Program arrived at the Senior Center bright and early Thursday morning. They cheerfully went to work on ‘Project Chicken’.
The PJC students are required to perform community service hours as part of their academic program. Meal-A-Day is grateful they chose to give back here in Sulphur Springs. Their service was exceptionally well timed as a sizeable donation of raw chicken was made this week.
Meal-A-Day received a large donation of fresh chicken this week. To make sure the donation would not be wasted, MAD volunteers have cooked and processed birds every day. The windfall has either been served for lunch, or deboned for later use. By Friday the refrigerator and freezer will be back to normal.
Meal-A-Day director Amanda Dietlin is working with her crew to make sure clients don’t get tired of chicken. They are reviewing the menus, and making changes to keep things a fresh as possible. Seniors can expect chicken in their lunches frequently until room is made in the refrigerator. Frozen birds will be kept for meals later in the year.
If you would like to volunteer to cook or deliver meals, give Amanda a call at 903 885 1661.
Winnsboro ISD Facing Lawsuit Over Alleged Bullying
July 24, 2024 – A family is suing the Winnsboro school district over what they say are ignored reports of verbal and physical sex-based and disability-based harassment of their child by two Winnsboro ISD students.
K-L-T-V television reports the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, was brought because of “actions and omissions” of Winnsboro ISD and the board of trustees. The suit alleges they failed to comply with legal mandates under federal law when the family made complaints of serious bullying, harassment, discrimination, stalking and retaliation committed toward their child.
The suit alleges that the child was subjected to the abuse on at least six different occasions. The parents say they made complaints about the incidents to the district and the school board on at least twelve occasions, by phone, in person, by email, and through public comment at school board meetings. However, the suit states that the district failed to investigate and resolve the incidents of bullying or abuse.
The suit further alleges that the Winnsboro I-S-D retaliated against the family by making up stories about each parent and the student, and shared the stories verbally and in writing, in the child’s permanent record and in the mother’s permanent employment record. She was an employee of Winnsboro ISD at the time. Allegedly, the mother was suspended from employment and her contract was not renewed.
Texas A&M Commerce Highlights Money Management Center
July 24, 2024 – Financial literacy is essential to higher education, and the new Blue to Gold Money Management Center at Texas A&M-Commerce is already making an impact. Opened on May 1, the center aims to help students successfully navigate money matters in college and beyond.
The center, funded partly by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, is staffed by trained money coaches. It supports students in many ways, from helping them decipher their financial aid packages to teaching them techniques for budgeting money.
Empowered through financial wellness
Christina Yoakum, assistant director of the Blue to Gold Money Management Center, said money centers are part of an upward trend in higher education, and research reflects they are a much-needed resource.
A 2020 Study on Collegiate Financial Wellness revealed that around one in three students (out of almost 25,000 respondents) considered dropping out of college due to financial concerns. Nearly 75% reported feeling stressed about their finances in general. The study also points out that financial stress is linked to lower academic performance and diminished mental and physical health.
Niki Pettit, also an assistant director of the Blue to Gold Money Management Center, explained that students often feel overwhelmed by large student account balances for tuition, fees, housing and more. Feeling hopeless and confused, many students stop attending college altogether.
“It’s easy to give up when you aren’t sure what to do or have been restricted from registering for future terms until the past due balance has been paid off,” Pettit said. “We all have a tendency, if something is overwhelming and we don’t understand it, to just kind of freeze.”
The money center can reduce overwhelm by helping students understand their student account charges and create a plan to pay. The center can also help students understand the impacts of financial aid, learn to use monetary assistance to its greatest advantage, and explore options for reducing debt load.
In addition, the center provides personal finance coaching, teaching students how to plan for income, track expenses and savings, establish an emergency fund, build credit, and read credit reports. Yoakum explained that these skills are transferable from college into life after graduation.
In a nutshell, money coaching can give students a sense of confidence and control as they build financial literacy, empowering them to stay on track through graduation and beyond.
Making financial literacy accessible
Historically, financial literacy has been out of reach for many students in the U.S. At A&M-Commerce, around 67% of students are first-generation, which means their families may not be familiar with the economic aspects of higher education and, therefore, cannot provide information or support in that area.
“Many students are potentially coming from households that don’t understand the federal aid system and don’t understand higher education, and so students don’t have that knowledge base to make good, informed decisions … ” Pettit said.
The money center brings financial education within easy reach of every A&M-Commerce student, helping them feel confident as they develop an understanding of and sense of control over their college finances. The sessions are free for enrolled students.
A wraparound approach
Uniquely, the money center at A&M-Commerce is part of a set of wraparound services that provide student support in several areas. When it relocates to the library in August, the center will be next to the Academic Advising Team, Student Transition and Support, and the Office of Student Career Preparedness, providing a complete set of supportive services in one accessible location.
“All of these programs are considered wraparound services that we’re putting together in the same area of the library to create a more holistic approach for our students,” Yoakum said. “The shared space will create a culture of collaboration among key student support units.”
Scheduling a coaching session
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to schedule coaching sessions at tamuc.edu/Blue-to-Gold-Money-Management-Center. Face-to-face, phone and Zoom options are available.
During the 30-minute appointment, a trained money coach will assist the student with money-related questions or concerns in a confidential, one-on-one session. Students are encouraged to schedule a session, even if they don’t know what they need help with or what to ask.
Expanding financial literacy at TAMUC
Both Pettit and Yoakum are excited about the future of the Blue to Gold Money Management Center and have plans for future expansion. For one, they plan to invite financial experts to campus for student-centered presentations on various money-related topics. They also plan to introduce a peer mentorship program where certified student mentors provide supplemental support.
The center promises to enrich students’ lives, empowering them to take control of their financial futures and equipping them for their college years and life beyond graduation. As financial literacy grows at A&M-Commerce, the university will foster a new generation of financially savvy and confident Lions.
Chamber Connection – July 23, 2024
By Butch Burney
Even if you think you know Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, you are sure to learn a lot through Leadership Sulphur Springs, which is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
You can also have an application mailed to you by emailing me at [email protected]. The deadline is Aug. 9, so get your information in as soon as possible.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Stew Contest
The anticipation has been growing and now it is time for the actual preparation. We are looking forward to a fantastic 55th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest on Oct. 26, and it’s time for stew cooks to start registering.
Registration for last year’s cooks are going out in the mail and email this week, so be looking for it in your mailbox and inbox. You can also register online at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks.
We are keeping the registration fee the same as in past years at $100 per stew site, with the sponsor asked to provide $150 to each cooking team for ingredients.
If you have been a Stew Cook in the past, we look forward to seeing you again and tasting your delicious stew. If you have won the contest in the past, you are eligible to enter the Super Stew competition.
Each returning stew team will have the option of keeping their 2023 site. These sites will be reserved until Monday, September 30, and then on Tuesday, October 1, the “unclaimed” stew sites will be open to “new cooks” and to returning cooks who would like a new site location. After Sept. 30, all sites will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. As in 2023, we will have sites open on both the north and the south side of Connally Street, where we will have a serving tent and market vendors.
We will have a Stewcomers meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15 for any new cooks or those who are thinking about entering. You can get all the information you need to start planning for the largest annual single-day event in Hopkins County.
If you need more information, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
The theme for this year’s stew contest is Stewper Heroes, and we would love for you to participate and be a Stewper Hero!
Cocktails and Conversation
Join us for our main networking monthly event when Heritage Home Health and Hospice hosts our Cocktails and Conversation on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Chamber office.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is free to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Please make plans to attend to enjoy some cocktails, snacks and great conversation.
Back to School Fair
CANHelp in Sulphur Springs is gearing up to host their annual Back-to-School Fair, which assists children in low-to-moderate income families prepare for the new school year, by providing school supplies, haircuts and other needs. The fair is on August 1, but pre-registration is required for students to receive school supplies.
You can pick up an application at CANHelp (613 Gilmer Street).
Businesses may also register to participate as a vendor.
Designer Handbag Bingo
The Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation’s extremely popular Designer Handbag Bingo event is coming Aug. 8, and tickets will go quickly.
Tables of eight for the event are currently on sale, and individual tickets will be up for grabs on July 13.
The link to access sponsorship and ticket information is handbagbingo24.givesmart.com
Quilt Show
The Lone Star Heritage Quilt Show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22 at the ROC on Putman Street. Numerous projects will be on display, and one special quilt will be up for raffle during the event.
If you’re interested in entering your own quilt project, those arrangements must be made by July 31. To request entry, email [email protected].
Ribbon Cutting
Data Point Surveying will host a ribbon cutting at their office on Dabbs Street at noon Wednesday, July 24. Please make plans to attend.
Birthright Midwifery will host a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., on Friday, July 26, at noon. Everyone is invited to attend this event.
Trees play a Significant role in the Landscape by Mario Villarino
July 23, 2024 – Trees play a significant role in the landscape, specially in east Texas. There is a strong association between the east Texas and the presence of big oaks or pecans. We all have memories of our childhood playing or spending time around a big tree. Trees are, from my perspective, magnificent creatures. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides detailed guidance on tree care to help maintain the health and vitality of trees in Texas. Here are some essential practices recommended by the extension service: Tree Selection: Right Tree, Right Place: Choose tree species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil type, and available space. Consider mature size, growth rate, and water needs. Chinese Pistache, Oaks, Pecans and crape myrtle trees can be a great selection depending of the expected impact in the landscape.
Planting: Optimal Timing: Plant trees during the fall or early spring when the weather is cooler and rainfall is more likely. Dig a hole that is 2-3 times wider than the root ball and the same depth as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Watering: New Trees: Water newly planted trees regularly and deeply. For the first two years, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Established Trees: Water established trees deeply once or twice a month during dry periods. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration.
Mulching application: Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, extending to the drip line if possible. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Pruning: Timing: Prune trees during their dormant season (late winter to early spring) for most species. Avoid heavy pruning during the growing season.
Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches first. Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts just outside the branch collar. Do not over-prune; maintain the tree’s natural shape. Fertilization: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient needs. If needed, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or late fall. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Check trees regularly for signs of pests or diseases, such as discolored leaves, abnormal growths, or insect activity. Control Methods: Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which may include cultural practices, biological controls, and chemical treatments if necessary.
General Care : Keep the area around the tree base free of weeds and grass to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Stake young trees only if necessary for stability. Remove stakes after one year to encourage strong trunk and root development. Protect trees from damage by lawn equipment and animals with physical barriers or guards. For detailed guidance and region-specific advice, refer to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s tree care resources or call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Texas A&M-Commerce President Asks Board to Hold Off on Name Change
July 23-, 2024 – Current TAMU-C President, Dr. Mark Rudin, recently asked the Texas A&M System Board of Regents to hold off on making any name change at the Commerce location as the Board has an upcoming meeting July 31-August 2. There has been much discussion over the rumor from June that the A&M System Board of Regents has considered changing the name to include “Dallas” in the name as the East Texas University location in Commerce also controls a small satellite campus in the Dallas area. The reasoning behind the name change remains unclear to most, especially to alumni. Proponents of the name change suggest that “Commerce” as a city is not well known outside the metroplex, and the word “commerce” is confusing to some outsiders. With those that don’t know that “Commerce” is a city in East Texas, they may think that the “Commerce” in the name of the university is descriptive to what the university focuses on as some colleges may have “Technical”.
The recent confusion probaly stems from the last name change in 1996 when East Texas State University joined the A&M system becoming Texas A&M University – Commerce. For the previous more than 100 years, the name has contained “East Texas” as the College was first established in Cooper in 1889 as East Texas Normal College. A fire destroyed the original campus in 1894 and the college moved to Commerce where it has remained and expanded ever since. The following list shows the various names of the University over the years, always including “East Texas”.
Former Names
East Texas Normal College (1889–1917)
East Texas State Normal College (1917–1923)
East Texas State Teachers College (1923–1957)
East Texas State College (1957–1965)
East Texas State University (1965–1996)
Texas A&M University – Commerce (1996-present)
The Texas A&M University System was established in 1948. The Texas A&M System Board of Regents are scheduled for “Board Committee Meetings and Regular Board Meeting” July 31, August 1, & August 2, 2024 in College Station.
St. James Catholic Church Garage Sale Coming Up
July 23, 2024 – Sulphur Springs’ St. James Catholic Church is planning a garage sale for the first two weekends in August. The Women’s Auxillary at the local church will be hosting their annual garage sale two consecutive Fridays and Saturdays on August 2nd & 3rd, as well as August 9th & 10th. The sale times will be from 8:00am until 4:00pm each day and the items will be located inside the Education Building behind St. James Catholic Church located at 297 Texas St. in Sulphur Springs.
John Mark has Another chat with Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson on This Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this exciting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down, again, with Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. The two continue their conversation about water and watering plants from their last chat. The two also talk about lantana. In one of the pictures of lantana there is a green humming bird. And, at the end of the episode, after the credits, there is a close up at a different angle of that green humming bird. Be sure to check it out.
Murder Hornets Coming to our Area? From Master Gardener David Wall
July 21, 2024 – Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) are considered a serious danger in the United States. At 1.75” in length with a .25” stinger and a 3” wingspan, they’re well known for killing people in their native Asian environment, and unlike our European honeybees, they can sting repeatedly.
After being found in the northwestern coastal area (fortunately, only a few nests), people became concerned as to how long it would take for them to get to our area. Rumors even began about them having been seen in Oklahoma. So far, all such Oklahoma and Texas sightings have proven to be either the eastern or western cicada killer wasps; a large wasp, but not Asian hornets (AH).
When AH find a honeybee hive, they secret an aroma that attracts other AH. The group of as many as 50 then attack the hive and can wipe it out in less than two hours. They take as many bodies as they can carry back to their nest to feed their youngsters.
Support for eradicating AH has been very aggressive. All sightings are immediately tracked down and the nest eliminated. Eradication has been so successful that since November 2022, there have been no confirmed sightings.
One serious danger to our honeybee population, is they have no defense against AH. In Asia, their honeybees work together to trick, trap, and kill AH before they can signal fellow AH. If this doesn’t work, they can no notice abandon their hives to get away.
One preventive measure is to install a narrow opening to our honeybee hives that are two small for AH to get through. Another is using glue sheets that trap a single hornet which signal others who get stuck and signal others…..
For now, AH are not here now and probably won’t be in the future.
Paris District Road Report for Week of July 22, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 22, 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: Drive a Safe Speed.
No one wants to get pulled over for speeding but getting a ticket could be the best possible outcome if you drive too fast on Texas roads. Speeding is the number one contributing factor in traffic crashes in our state. In 2023, 1,456 people were killed in speed-related crashes on Texas roadways and another 5,980 were seriously injured.
Speeding increases the distance you’ll need to stop to avoid a crash and increases the risk that a crash will result in severe injuries or death. When you speed, you can also face an expensive fine, court costs, and your insurance rates can go up.
To remind motorists that driving too fast can be dangerous and expensive, TxDOT is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the Lone Star State as they step up their efforts to enforce speed limits during Operation Slowdown July 19 through August 4, 2024. In addition to writing tickets, law enforcement vehicles will spend extra time driving the roads, reminding motorists what a safe speed looks like.
Smart, safe driving means more than following the speed limit. TxDOT has these safety tips for motorists:
- Match your speed to road conditions if there’s bad weather or you’re driving through a work zone.
- Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy, or roads are slick.
- Watch for road signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.
- Remember that fines double if you speed in a school zone or a work zone when workers are present.
- Always buckle up—drivers and passengers—day and night. It’s your best protection in a crash.
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:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on July 22. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include FM 120 from FM 1753 to Carpenter’s Bluff Bridge; FM 691 from FM 131 to the airport; and FM 902 from US 377 to US 75. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. 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 lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp (Exit 57) for Park Avenue will close for two weeks beginning July 22. Motorists traveling southbound are asked to use the southbound exit for State Highway 91 and North Travis Street, and continue along the southbound frontage road to Park Avenue. They may also use the southbound exit for South Travis Street/FM 1417, which is scheduled to open to traffic on July 22.
The southbound US 75 exit ramp (Exit 58) for Houston Street will also close for two weeks beginning July 22. Motorists traveling southbound are asked to use the southbound exit for North Travis Street and continue southward to Houston Street and on to Center Street. They may also use the southbound exit for South Travis Street/FM 1417, which is scheduled to open to traffic on July 22.
Also, next week, the northbound exit for Center Street is scheduled to open to traffic on July 25.
Message boards for these planned temporary closures will be posted along US 75 to alert travelers to these changes.
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.
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 perform a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
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.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
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 westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
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 SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Annual Seal Coat. The annual seal coat program is scheduled to begin work on July 22. Roadways receiving a seal coat surface this year include Recreational Road 3 from FM 273 to end of maintenance, and SH 78 from SH 56 to SH 11. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. The FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River is closed to traffic permanently for removal of the bridge as part of the new Lake Ralph Hall project. Traffic is asked to use SH 34 as the alternate route to FM 2990. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorists of the closure.
FM 409, just east of FM 2029. Workers will start setting signs and barricade to replace the cross drainage structure. FM 409 at this location will be closed beginning July 29 for about two weeks until the work is completed. Traffic is asked to use FM 273 as the alternate route. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorist of the closure.
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 at Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek is reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic as crews work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of July 8, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. 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.
US 82, from FM 121 to Grayson County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on Mill & Inlay on the westbound lane. Motorists should expect delays for the next two weeks as they drive through work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs 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.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform paving operations.
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: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
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.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
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.
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.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor has finished the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. Contractor has placed temporary striping and is backfilling pavement edges throughout the project. Guard fence and mow strip work is underway and seeding to begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work and has begun road widening and ditch grading in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is placing SW3P devices and prepping the right of way. Culvert work has begun on the project. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. 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 been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the first mile of the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. 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. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. 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 flexbase on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. 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 begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. 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 westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. 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 repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing fog seal on inhouse seal coat roads.
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