The Alamo Letter Society Announces Essay Contest for 7th and 8th Graders as Part of Plaque Dedication Event
September 8, 2025 – An important artifact of Texas History will be celebrated when a bronze replica of the famous “Liberty or Death” letter, written by Alamo Commander, William B. Travis, is unveiled on Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs, Texas, in a celebratory ceremony held at 2:00pm on October 18, 2025. This sure to be a grand event with music, fellowship, and more. As part of this awesome event, the Hopkins County Alamo Letter Society committee is conducting an essay contest for 7th and 8th graders of Hopkins County. Each participant will receive a special certificate, and one winner will receive a monetary award, a commemorative medal, and a certificate. Also, the winning essay will be read by the student (or representative if the student is not available) during the October 18th celebration.
Each essay submitted must be approximately 220 words (the same length as the Alamo letter), and explore the topic, “What can we learn from the example set by William Barrett Travis at the Alamo?” All entries may be sent to Johanna Hicks, Committee member and Extension Family & Community Agent, Emeritus via email or postal mail. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of something amazing. To help celebrate a very inspiring page in Texas History.
Johanna Hicks contact information is as follows…
Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed
Committee member and Extension Family & Community Agent, Emeritus
903-243-0425
[email protected]
Head Start Ruling Keeps Doors Open for Children
September 15, 2025 – A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction blocking a Trump administration policy that sought to bar children living in the U.S. illegally from enrolling in Head Start, the federally funded early childhood education program. The directive, announced earlier this year, would have required families to provide proof of lawful immigration status for their children to qualify.
Head Start associations in multiple states quickly challenged the rule, arguing that it violated federal law, exceeded the administration’s authority, and would irreparably harm vulnerable children and families. They emphasized that Head Start was created in 1965 to serve children from low-income households, regardless of immigration status, and that stripping eligibility would undermine its mission of preparing young learners for school success.
In his ruling, the judge sided with the plaintiffs, stating that the policy placed an unlawful burden on school districts and community organizations administering the program. He also noted that excluding children based on immigration status could cause long-term damage, not only to the families directly affected but also to local communities.
Immigrant advocates and education leaders praised the decision, saying it preserves access to critical early education, nutrition, and health services for thousands of children nationwide. The Biden administration, which opposed the Trump-era directive, welcomed the ruling as a victory for equity in education.
For now, the ruling ensures that Head Start remains open to all eligible children, regardless of immigration status, while legal challenges continue to play out in court.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Traveled to Bullard, TX, For Football Matchup September 12th
September 15, 2025 – Your Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Bullard High School in Bullard, Texas, to compete against the Bullard Panthers in football action. Below is KSST’s coverage of this exciting game. KSST”s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flippin provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this thrilling game!
Governor Abbott Signs Law Banning Sharia Compounds In Texas
September 15, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today ceremonially signed House Bill 4211 into law to ban residential property developments, like EPIC City, from creating Sharia compounds and defrauding and discriminating against Texans.
“One of the issues at stake is the freedom of religion,” said Governor Abbott. “Another issue at stake is what’s called the right to contract. The fact is, religious freedom is a central part of the Texas Constitution. But bad actors like EPIC and EPIC City tried to use religion as a form of segregation. We will ensure that we have the laws and law enforcement in place to prevent attempts to build such discriminatory compounds in the state of Texas.”
“Epic City” refers to a controversial, Muslim-centric community proposed by the East Plano Islamic Center, a development that is planned to include a mosque, school, and residential homes, though the plan is currently facing legal challenges and public opposition. While initially reported as being in Collin County, the developer purchased land near Josephine, Texas, which sits in both Collin and Hunt counties. The project is a subject of ongoing investigations into possible consumer protection violations and alleged ties to Sharia law, sparking public controversy and requests to delay development decisions.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott explained how those behind EPIC City sought to create an entire “city” open only to Muslims, subject anyone who lives there to Sharia law, and restrict a landowner’s ability to later sell property. The Governor also noted that the legislation he signed into law preserves religious freedom, a bedrock value of our great state, while also protecting against efforts to forcibly impose Sharia law onto Texans.
The Governor was joined at the bill signing by Congressman Keith Self, Senator Angela Paxton, Representative Jeff Leach, Representative Candy Noble, Representative Katrina Pierson, Representative Keresa Richardson, Representative Matt Shaheen, and other state and local leaders.
House Bill 4211 (Noble/Hughes) regulates business schemes that create housing developments (like EPIC City) to ensure that they do not engage in discriminatory housing arrangements or create unfair investment practices that harm Texans.
Paris District Road Report for September 15, 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 September 15, 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.
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne were converted to one-way traffic on Wednesday, June 11th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from FM 121 to Blythe/Farmington Road. Lane closures will be in place in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. There will be a section of frontage road near Northridge Road and Simmons Loop that will be reduced to one lane in order to construct the new u-turn bridge over US 75.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne were converted to one-way traffic on Tuesday, May 27th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to FM 121. Lane closures will be in place in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road. All other sections of frontage roads in the Van Alstyne area will be converted to one-way traffic.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road u-turns at the US 82 frontage road intersection are closed to traffic to allow crews to begin work on a portion of the new US 75 mainlane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
The northbound US 75 frontage road exit to SH 91 is closed to allow for construction of the pavement of the new US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91. During this closure, traffic is asked to stay on the northbound frontage road to Taylor Street and take Taylor Street back to SH 91.
Eastbound and westbound US 82 will have a left lane closure to allow for construction of drilled shafts and columns for the new US 75 bridge over US 82. Traffic should expect delays as US 82 will be reduced to one lane.
The northbound and southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) will be reduced to one lane to allow for construction of the new intersection. Westbound SH 91 traffic is reduced to one lane.
The westbound SH 91 access to US 75 northbound frontage road will be closed to facilitate the next phase of construction in this area. Northbound motorists intending to access eastbound SH91 will need to take the N. Travis St Exit (Exit 60), follow the frontage road to Taylor St, turn right and follow Taylor St to SH91. A detour sign is posted to guide traffic.
The southbound frontage road to northbound frontage road U-Turn at SH 91 will be closed to facilitate the next phase of construction in this area. US 75 Southbound frontage road motorists intending to access the US 75 northbound frontage road will need to continue to N. Travis St, and utilize the U-Turn at Travis St. A detour sign is posted to guide traffic.
The US 75 northbound exit to SH-91 will be closed to facilitate the construction of the ultimate ramp connection. Motorists intending to access SH-91 will be required to take Exit 60 for N. Travis Street/Taylor Street. Detour signs are posted along the frontage road at N. Travis Street, Taylor Street, and N Loy Lake intersections.
The US 75 northbound and southbound main lanes from Travis St. to Loy Lake Rd. will have alternate lane closures for mobile operations. This is a moving lane closure that will last for short duration at each location. This closure is scheduled from September 02 to September 30 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
The US 75 northbound and southbound frontage road from Travis St. to Loy Lake Rd. will have alternate lane closures for mobile operations. This is a moving lane closure that will last for short duration at each location. This closure is scheduled from September 02 to September 30 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM.
Eastbound & westbound frontage road from Loy Lake Rd to Travis St. will have alternate lane closures for mobile operations. This is a moving lane closure that will last for short duration at each location. This closure is scheduled from September 02 to September 30 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
US 75 Northbound mainlanes from Taylor St. to north of US 82, right shoulder will be closed from September 3 to September 30 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM to install high mast.
US 75 Northbound mainlanes from Taylor St. to north of US 82, right shoulder will be closed from September 3 to September 30 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to install high mast.
Eastbound mainlanes from Travis to Loy Lake Rd, right shoulder will be closed from September 02 to September 30 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM to install high mast.
US 75 southbound mainlanes from Loy Lake (Town Center) to Lamberth Rd will have full nightly closures from September 22 to September 24 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM for deck concrete pouring.
Southbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at Exit 63 (US 82). The closures are scheduled to begin nightly from 8:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on September 23, 2025. And repeated nightly until on the night of the September 23rd and September 24th. These closures are due to the paving of the new US 82 overpass bridge.
US 75 northbound exit to Lamberth Rd will be closed beginning August 20 to allow construction of the frontage road and intersection south of exit. Drivers can take exit 60 or go north and make a U-turn at US 82.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to October 20 from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
SH 289, in Dorchester at the FM 902 intersection. This project will widen SH 289 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at this intersection. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SH 289 main lanes as well as on FM 902. The new signal light at the SH 289 and FM 902 intersection was activated on Thursday, May 29. The signal has started normal operation, and drivers should pay attention to this new signal as they approach the intersection.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County 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.
Contractor will start paving on the week of September 08. Temporary traffic signal will be installed on the north and south ends of the project and traffic will be reduced to one lane. There will be pilot car to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers should expect delay and slow down in the work zone.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The Contractor demolished the bridge and started replacing it. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Frog Pond Rd & Spalding Rd or Klas Rd & Hazelwood Rd.
FM 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 bridge will remain closed until the new bridge is constructed. Drivers can use Cates Rd, FM 121 and Hynds Ranch Rd or N Lincoln Park Rd., Knob Hill Rd., and Stone Marshal Rd as an alternate route.
FM 697, from JP Cave Rd to Key Rd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up operations on the roadway surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 from Dagnan Rd to just east of FM 1417. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. The bridge is completed and opened to traffic.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 904 from FM 1550 to FM 64. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform fog seal operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1550, from SH 34 to FM 824. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform fog seal operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from FM 1753 to FM 898. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform fog seal operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 897, from US 82 to SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform fog seal operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1629, from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform fog seal operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
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:
Loop 286, from FM 1497 around the north loop to FM 1507. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and drainage structures and perform bridge maintenance.
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 42nd street in Paris to Division Street in Blossom. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform pavement repairs and resurfacing.
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
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 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.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. Contractor will be installing milled rumble strips and pavement markings. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655. This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor is performing striping and seeding ROW. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is installing storm sewer. Contractor is now in Phase 2 of the project. 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 will be performing seal coat this week. 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 working on drainage structures and leveling up shoulders. Expect delays in the work zone. 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. Contractor is performing base repairs. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs in place. Expect night and day single lane closures Sunday (9/14) through Friday morning (9/19). Lane closures both EB and WB. FM 1903 Intersection will be closed Friday (9/19) to Sunday (9/22) for EBML bridge demolition. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. FM 36 Exit Ramp is now opened. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor will be performing cement treatment and hot mix paving for detours around FM 36 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 1566. Crew will be performing bridge 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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CANHelp Director Brian Crump Chatted About the Fire at CANHelp on This Second Cup Of Coffee
September 11, 2025 – The Executive Director of CANHelp, Brian Crump, had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey recently. Brian and John Mark chatted about the fire CANHelp experienced in the beginning of September, the successful Back to School Fair that was held in the previous month, the upcoming coat drive, and much more. Be sure to watch this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee and learn how CANHelp is giving back to your community.
A Word of Thanks From the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation
September 11, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS non-profit organization, has a message for the Hopkins County community…thank you! As one of the oldest charities in Hopkins County, we feel we can speak for all local non-profits when we express our appreciation for the generosity of our community.
Since the International Day of Charity was recently celebrated, it is appropriate to share how grateful we are to Hopkins County. It is your donations that keep our doors open and our services in operation.
This is not something new. Think of the Hopkins County United Fund, founded in 1955, which is now United Way. It was a group of local residents who, as Bill Bradford would say, thought our community should “put all its ask-its in one basket.”
If you have been around Hopkins County for a while, you will remember all the Metroplex news coverage Sulphur Springs received in the early 2000s due to the various wooden yard signs that raised money and awareness for local children with illnesses. The focus was on how supportive and benevolent Hopkins County was to one another.
Though much has changed in our community, the practice of neighbors helping neighbors has not been lost.
Another wonderful thing about Hopkins County is that there is a local non-profit for most needs. Many of these organizations are like the Health Care Foundation in that they are powered by a group of local volunteers who donate their time and money to ensure services and support are available to those who need it.
As the Foundation heads toward another milestone, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Health Care Gala fundraiser, we want to celebrate this community for its generosity, wisdom, and mercy. We realize our success, and that of our fellow local charities, is only possible due to this community. For that we are grateful.
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Texas Farm Bureau Encouraged by MAHA Commission Strategy Report
September 11, 2025 – The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening regarding the Sept. 9 release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission strategy report.
“Texas Farm Bureau is encouraged by the final ‘Make Our Children Healthy Again’ strategy report and appreciates the commission’s responsiveness to the concerns of farmers and ranchers.
“We share the goal of improving Americans’ health, and it starts with healthy farms.
“The MAHA Commission’s strategy report recognizes the vital role of U.S. agriculture in delivering the world’s safest food supply and advancing national health outcomes.
“We thank the commission for taking time to come visit with Texas farmers as it compiled the final report, and we look forward to our continued work with the Trump administration.”
A Plea For Food Donations for Hopkins County Community Chest
September 11, 2025 – Keri Osborne is once again organizing a food drive to support the Hopkins County Community Chest in Sulphur Springs.
Governor Abbott Orders Flags Lowered To Honor Charlie Kirk
September 10, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today directed all state government buildings to lower the United States and Texas flags to half-staff, in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s proclamation honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk.
Flags should be returned to full-staff at sunset on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
The Governor released the following statement earlier today after the news of Kirk’s death.
“Cecilia and I are heartbroken by the assassination and passing of Charlie Kirk,” said Governor Abbott. “Charlie’s voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction. This senseless act of violence has no place in America. Our prayers are with Charlie’s family and his loved ones, especially the two young children he leaves behind. Texas stands with them in mourning and in honoring Charlie’s enduring legacy.”
