AgriLife Extension Agent Lisa Sprague Visited Again on A Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down again with Texas A&M AgriLife Hopkins County Family and Community Health Extension Agent Lisa Sprague. The two discuss 4H, the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” program, and more. Give it a view and gain new insight into living healthier.
The Next Lady Cats Area Playoff Softball Game is Friday, May 3rd, in Commerce
April 29, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats meet Quinlan Ford in Commerce, Texas, on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, in an area Playoff game. Game is scheduled to start at 5:00pm. KSST, 1230am, will carry the game, live. We will also video the game for playback at a later date and time. So, if you can’t come on out to the ball park in Commerce, Texas, and cheer on your hometown Lady Cats, then tune in to KSST and catch the action, live, with our broadcast team, John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin! Below is the Lady Cats second game against Brownsboro in Athens, Texas.
Choral Society to Present Next Concert May 4th and 5th
April 29, 2024 – The North East Texas Choral Society will present their next concert, “I Saw The Light”, Saturday, May 4th, 2024, beginning at 7:00pm, and Sunday, May 5th, 2024, beginning at 2:00pm. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children age 6 thru 12, and free for kids younger than 6. The performances will be held at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium, 1200 Houston Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. You can purchase tickets online at singerscount.org, or from Alliance Bank, CNB, or Guaranty Bank and Trust.
Joining the North East Texas Choral Society for one of their concerts is a one of a kind expierence. They sum it up perfectly with the following attitude…
“Attending a live performance of any kind is a unique experience in and of itself. When you visit a NETCS concert, your gift is hearing rich, quality choral arrangements presented by 100 voices in an artistically designed manner that allows for an exchange with the audience. This interaction of performance and reception gives life to music in a way no recording can. Expect to lose your breath with the melody. Prepare to connect with the music. Watch for surprises! Following concert, we often hear from first-time audience members, ‘I’ll never miss another show.’ We think you will agree.”
Come see for yourself how true this expression is. Join the North East Texas Choral Society for this one of a kind concert experience May 4th and 5th at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium!
Come And Get It Auction This Weekend
April 29, 2024 – The Come And Get It Auction Company of Sulphur Springs is holding their first ever auction this weekend.
Doors open at 5 for preview and auction starts at 6PM May 4th, 2024. You can view a sample of the items up for grabs on their Facebook page.
- Funiture
- Collectables
- Wall hangings and framed posters
- and more
Just head south of Sulphur Springs to 4163 Highway 19.
PJC Reminds Supporters That Tuesday is East Texas Giving Day
April 29, 2024 – PJC joins East Texas Giving Day to support student success
Paris Junior College is proud to announce its participation in East Texas Giving Day on April 30, 2024, joining over 195 nonprofit organizations across north and east Texas in a collective effort to raise critical funds for the local community.
East Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour online event that unites the region in support of local needs, providing an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to come together and make a difference in the lives of others.
Dr. Jerry King, Interim President of Paris Junior College, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
“East Texas Giving Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to rally together and support the educational aspirations of our students,” said Dr. King. “Every donation, no matter the size, has a meaningful impact on their journey to success.”
From 6:00 a.m. to midnight on April 30, PJC alumni, former students, friends, and supporters are encouraged to visit www.easttexasgivingday.org/pjc to make a contribution directly benefiting PJC students. Gifts can be made securely online using any internet-enabled device, or by mailing a check to Baleigh McCoin, PJC East Texas Giving Day, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460-6258.
“This is always such an exciting day for our students, faculty, staff, and the entire community,” said Baleigh McCoin, Director of Advancement at PJC. “The support we receive on Giving Day demonstrates the incredible generosity and commitment of our PJC family.”
Gifts made during East Texas Giving Day are tax-deductible, and supporters are encouraged to spread the word through social media channels, sharing messages and forwarding emails to help raise awareness for the campaign.
For more information on how to donate or get involved, please contact Baleigh McCoin at 903-782-0276 or [email protected].
Paris District Road Report for week of April 29, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 29, 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: Speed Limits
How fast should I drive?
Texas posts speed limits so you know how fast you should drive under normal conditions. Speed limit signs encourage you to travel at safe speeds to arrive at your destination safely in the shortest possible time. Texas speed limits are the law and they are strictly enforced across the state.
Adjust your speed to driving conditions
Observing speed limits means more than driving faster or slower than the posted speed. When you encounter icy roads, drive through rain or fog, and approach heavy traffic or constructions zones, follow these tips:
Slow down and allow for more distance to stop.
Look out for flashing beacons warning of intersections.
Look for pavement markings to guide you.
Watch for signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.
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 work and frontage road lane closures within the project.
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.
Watch for lane closures on eastbound and westbound Spur 503 while crews build temporary detour pavement sections.
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.
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.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. 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 69, from SH 56 in Bells to FM 151 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs in the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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. Watch for daytime lane closures on eastbound US 82 between Frisco Road and FM 1417 as workers install a center median concrete barrier.
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.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform the final punch list work on this project to overlay the roadways within the Park. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers 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.
Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek. Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek has been reopened to traffic as construction of the new bridge is complete.
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 perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, from Center Avenue to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: 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. During the project there will be road closures at the Cottonwood Creek bridge and the Sandy Creek bridge as the contractor replaces the existing bridge. Message boards will be placed in advance of the road closures to alert local traffic of the upcoming closure.
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 56, from FM 1743 to FM 2077. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling 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 crews performing tree trimming operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing drainage work and traffic shifts in the work areas.
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.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
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
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.
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 LP 286 to Bowie County Line. 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 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.
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 begun the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. This work will continue for the next several days. The contractor will then begin mill and overlay work to improve ride condition this week. 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 in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. 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. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations and performing concrete median work and placing signal drill shafts on University Street and signal box controller pads at various locations. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final striping and signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. 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 project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. 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. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor was placing and repairing pavement due to potholes and base failures on FM 2642. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have 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 sugbgrade 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.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has completed placing beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek and has placed concrete railing and installed riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Final clean up. 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 will shift westbound frontage roads to one-way, this will require northbound FM 1570 traffic to turn right and go east on the eastbound frontage road and follow the detour to the U-turn at Monty Stratton to continue northbound on 1570 north of I-30. The underpass will remain open and northbound FM 1570 traffic will still be able to take a left to go west on the westbound frontage road. Southbound FM 1570 traffic will be able to operate as usual. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now open. 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: Work has begun converting the frontage roads to a one-way configuration. The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. 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 and finishing up seal coat prep work. Crews will work on FM 1532 performing rebase work and replaced a culvert on US 69. Rains crews worked on FM 513 and addressed complaints on various roadways .Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones in the areas.
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Expired Registration Leads to Two Arrests
April 26, 2024 – A Hopkins County Sheriff’s officer noticed a 1999 white Honda with expired registration near the corner of Houston and Church Streets. As the car turned into a mearby parking lot, the officer noticed the passenger of the Honda tossing something out of the vehicle. The officer approached the vehicle and asked the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle as a strong odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle. A pat down of the driver produced a small baggie of marijuana. The officer retrieved the item that was tossed out of the window, that item was identified as a chocolate bar containing psilocybin mushrooms. The driver, Seth William Albright, 21, claimed ownership of the chocolate bar and was charged with possession of a controlled substance penalty group 2 4<400 grams. The passenger, Lynox Michael Newell, 22, was charged with tampering of evidence for throwing the chocolate contraband out of the vehicle’s window. Both suspects remain in the Hopkins County jail awaiting bond to be set on the matters.
Trihalomethanes? What are they? Where are they?
April 24, 2024 – You may have seen a message about trihalomethanes on the back of your water bill. This notice is required by Federal Law. It is mandatory for all municipal water districts to notify customer when levels reach a certain threshold. Trihalomethanes can occur any time of the year, but most commonly appear in Spring and Summer months.
Where do these chemicals come from?
These carbon based compounds are formed when, during water disinfection, free available chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. This organic matter is natural and occurs seasonally in lakes and rivers. When municipal treatment plants draw water from these natural sources, these compounds tag along. Water drawn from wells and aquifers do not contains these compounds.
There are several sources of similar molecules including:
- Water treated with bromine, in hot tubs or pools, can react in the same way.
- Chloramines, a groups of chemical similar in structure and production. They have a nitrogen atom at their center. They are responsible for the ‘Chlorine Smell’ associated with pools. The smell they produce is similar to Chlorine gas, but are harmless. Chloramines are the product of Ammonia (mainly from urine) and chlorine. So yes, when you smell that ‘Chlorine Smell’ at your favorite pool, it means that people are indeed ‘peeing’ in the pool.
Chlorine has been used for centuries to make water safe for use. It’s what makes bleach work, and keeps your backyard pool clear and safe to use. (Unless your use ozone or another method.)
The current maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs are 0.080 milligrams per liter (mg/L) which is equal to 80 parts per billion. These levels are established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & regulated by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Do I need to be worried about these molecules in my water?
Some members of the trihalomethane family have been linked to bladder and lower GI cancer. Other studies have included birth defects as a possible result of long term exposure. At this time, it is impossible to know exactly what exposure might trigger cancer.
What can I do?
The easy solution to this concern can be as easy as using a activated carbon filtration system for your drinking water, like a filter pitcher. Using one could also protect you from other potential pollutants like lead and arsenic. A reverse osmosis system will also remove these chemicals, and many other potential contaminants.
It’s also important to remember that the use of chlorine to treat drinking water has saved innumerable lives over the decades. It remains the primary means to ensure safe drinking water reaches your tap every day.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Provides Resources on Managing Buttercups by Mario Villarino
April 25, 2024 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides resources on managing buttercups, particularly in pasture and forage management. Buttercups are toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities, so effective control is important for animal health and pasture productivity.
AgriLife Extension typically recommends a combination of cultural practices, such as maintaining good pasture health, and chemical control methods, including selective herbicides. It’s essential to consult with me at the Hopkins County Extension Office or specialists for specific recommendations tailored to your region and circumstances.
Controlling buttercups can be challenging, as they spread rapidly. One approach recommended by AgriLife Extension is to maintain healthy pasture conditions to outcompete them. Herbicides can also be used, but it’s essential to choose the right one for your situation and follow the application instructions carefully. Additionally, rotational grazing can help reduce buttercup infestations by allowing grass to recover and compete with the weeds.
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].
Miller Grove FFA Banquet to be Held May 9th
April 25, 2024 – The 2024 Miller Grove FFA Banquet is scheduled for May 9th, 2024. The will will be Miller Grove’s 90th FFA Banquet, which will begin at 6:00pm. Established in 1934, this year’s Miller Grove FFA Banquet will take place at the Miller Grove ISD Multipurpose facility. Don’t miss out.
