Relive the Excitement of the 63rd Annual Dairy Fest Pageant and Watch Coryn Young Earn her Crown
Relive the excitement, glamor, and wonder of the 63rd Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival Pageant by checking out the video below. See how the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival came to an historical conclusion as Coryn Young earns her place on the throne to serve as our 2024 Dairy Festival Queen! Be sure to check it out, you won’t regret it!
This and That for June 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
June 18, 2024 – Bananas are great until they get overripe and turn mushy. To slow down ripening, wrap Saran Wrap around the crown to. Better, separate the bananas and wrap each one. Also, when the bananas are ripe, stick them in a refrigerator to greatly slow the overripening! Grass-fed beef only requires one days of eating grass. They can eat corn or other products the rest of their lives. Grass-finished beef means it had to eat grass for 80% of its life.
Shucking corn is always messy and a problem. To ease the process, cut off the base and put the ear, shuck and all, in your microwave for two minutes. Let it cool somewhat, and then stand it vertically grasping the hush and silk. Now, lift the husk and silk right off the ear.
You just realized you’ve got room for a couple more tomato plants? Pick a leader stem from an existing tomato plant that’s at least a foot long. Cut it off, trim all the leaves except the uppermost, and plant it (hopefully deep!). It may look like a failure for a week or more, but it should come back and provide produce in the early fall.
Fire ants aerate soil and do little to no damage. If you can’t stand them, spread non-toxic diatomaceous earth or dried molasses on and around the mound. They’ll leave. Milk will last longer if you keep it in the back of the refrigerator. Temps are colder and more consistent
Hang an overripe banana in your garden to attract beneficial insects (bees, butterflies, ladybugs & other predatory insects + hummingbirds) and repel non-beneficials (aphids & gnats). A
Wive’s tale that works. Pennies are made from copper, which is a natural fungicide. Try planting a couple around each plant in the garden to protect them.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Pivotal Institution in Supporting Dairy Industry by Mario Villarino
June 18, 2024 – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a pivotal institution in supporting the dairy industry, particularly in North Central Texas. It focuses on providing research-based education and innovative solutions to enhance dairy farming efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. AgriLife Extension’s efforts encompass various aspects of dairy production, from improving cow comfort and nutrition to addressing environmental challenges associated with dairy farming.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
One significant area of focus is dairy cow comfort. For example, at the Southwest Regional Dairy Center, cows are milked three times daily using a 24-cow rotary milking parlor, which enhances efficiency and creates a stress-free environment for the cows. The center ensures cows have constant access to high-quality feed and clean water, essential for maintaining high milk production levels. Another critical aspect of AgriLife Extension’s work is nutrient recovery from dairy waste. Research led by Dr. Eunsung Kan explores the use of biochar enhanced with metal oxides to recover nutrients from dairy effluents. This innovative approach not only recycles nutrients back to crop fields but also prevents nutrient runoff into the environment, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices
Furthermore, AgriLife Extension addresses soil and forage management. Dr. Jim Muir’s research on high-phosphorus soil phytoremediation involves using cool- and warm-season forages to recycle phosphorus from dairy manure back into the soil, improving soil fertility and crop. This research is crucial for maintaining productive and sustainable dairy farms.
In addition to research, AgriLife Extension provides extensive educational resources through programs like “Texas Dairy Matters.” This initiative offers dairy producers access to recent events, fact sheets, and management strategies, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to improve their operations. The program covers various topics, including manure management, animal welfare, and emerging technologies in dairy farming.
AgriLife Extension also engages in community outreach and education through conferences and seminars, such as the High Plains Dairy Conference. These events facilitate the exchange of knowledge among dairy producers, researchers, and industry experts, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement in the dairy. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service plays a crucial role in advancing the dairy industry through comprehensive research, innovative practices, and extensive educational outreach. By focusing on cow comfort, nutrient recovery, soil management, and community engagement, AgriLife Extension helps dairy producers enhance their operations sustainably and efficiently. 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]. By combining different management strategies, pond owners can maintain healthy, productive ponds and minimize the negative impacts of invasive and excessive aquatic vegetation. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are key components of a successful pond weed management program. 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].
Ninth Paris Junior College President Begins his Tenure
June 18, 2024 – Dr. Stephen Michael Benson, the ninth president to serve Paris Junior College as it enters its 100th year, began his tenure on Monday, June 3. His first two weeks have helped him craft a short-term listening plan.
“It is an incredible honor to be serving at the ninth president of Paris Junior College,” said Benson. “PJC plays an important role in the life of the communities that it serves, not only to educate the student of these communities, but as a partner for economic development and as a community resource.”
While this is his first serving in the role of president, Benson has a twenty-seven year career as an administrator at a variety of higher education institutions. He came to McLennan Community College in April 2017 after serving three years as the Vice President for Business Services at Florida Gateway College in Lake City, Florida.
First serving as Vice President for Finance and Administration at New River Community and Technical College in Beckley, West Virginia, Benson then became Director of Administrative Services at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1997, a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Keiser University in 2016.
Benson has been actively engaged in professional organizations, including Community College Business Officers groups in West Virginia as the Vice President, in Florida, and now as the Secretary for the Texas Association of Community College Business Officers. His community involvement included serving on boards for the United Way, Creative Waco, Youth Chorus of Central Texas, McGregor Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, and church committees.
At McLennan Community College, Benson was responsible for the preparation and control of an annual budget exceeding $61 million and overseeing Financial Services, Purchasing/Auxiliary Services, Human Resources, Technology, Campus Safety/Police, Emergency & Risk Management, Physical Plant, Admissions and Recruitment, Records and Registration, Enrollment Systems, Financial Aid, and Marketing and Communication, involving over 200 employees.
Directly responsible for strategic enrollment management at McLennan, Benson led many initiatives that stabilized, then grew enrollment. Under his financial leadership, MCC added over $14 million to its unrestricted fund balance and enhanced employee salaries and benefits by $6 million. A champion of collaboration, Benson routinely used committees and task forces representing all employees to best implement change.
While at Florida Gateway College, Benson provided leadership for planning multiple construction projects, developing a facilities masterplan, establishing a public safety office, and opening a campus-operated food service. Similarly, in his Vice President role at New River Community and Technical College, he was instrumental in providing leadership for the separation of the financial operations from Bluefield State College and establishing a business office, financial aid office, and purchasing department. His leadership allowed New River to drastically expand its facilities footprint on five campuses.
In addition to his professional roles in higher education, Benson has used his musical training to serve as the music director for First United Methodist Church of Buckhannon and as the director of the Buckhannon Choral Society. Most recently he served as the Music Director of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco. Music plays a major role in the life of the Benson family.
Benson is married to Christy and they have one daughter, Kiersten. Christy is the Financial Manager for MPL Corporation, a computer software company that is based in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Kiersten graduated this spring from Midway High School in Waco, Texas and will attend the University of Texas in Austin this fall to study chemistry.
With his first two weeks complete at the College, Dr. Benson is looking forward to increasing his outreach.
“It is important for me to learn about our communities and hear from everyone,” Benson said. “I plan to spend a considerable amount of time listening to our Board of Regents, Foundation Board, employees of PJC, alumni, College friends, and the communities at large. These conversations will help me develop a clear and strategic vision and plans for the future of the College. That future is bright, and I look forward to many years at Paris Junior College.”
Tumbleweed’s New One-Man Show to Premier at The Independence Day Festivities in Fort Davis July 5th
June 18, 2024 – TUMBLEWEED SMITH WILL PREMIER HIS NEW ONE-MAN SHOW OUTLANDISH TEXANS AT 4 PM JULY 5TH DURING THE INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES IN FORT DAVIS.
HE WILL ALSO PRESENT HIS POPULAR FAVORITE A TEXAS ODYSSEY AT 2PM, SATURDAY, JULY 6TH.
HIS 30 MINUTE SHOWS ARE LIKE A MINIATURE FOLK LIFE FESTIVAL AND FEATURES THE VOICES OF SOME OF THE BEST STORY TELLERS IN TEXAS. THE SHOWS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE FORT DAVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE. THERE IS NO ADMISSION FEE.
IT IS THE SECOND TIME TUMBLEWEED HAS PREMIERED A NEW SHOW IN FORT DAVIS. HE PRESENTED OUTRAGEOUS TEXAS WOMEN OF CHARACTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2022.
TUMBLEWEED’S RADIO PROGRAM, THE SOUND OF TEXAS AND HIS NEWSPAPER COLUMN; ROLLING ACROSS TEXAS ARE SYNDICATED TO NEWSPAPERS AND RADIO STATIONS IN TEXAS.
Tupperware Brands Moving All Production South
June 18, 2024 – Tupperware, the brand renowned for its plastic food containers, is closing its last US manufacturing plant in Hemingway, South Carolina. The 78-year-old company plans to relocate production to Lerma, Mexico to capitalize on cheaper labor costs.
Layoffs will begin in September. The last US plant will close for good in January 2025.
Tupperware said in a statement that it sold the Hemingway plant last year and plans to transition operations to Lerma, Mexico, noting that most of its products sold in the U.S. and Canada are already made at that plant.
“It’s important to note this decision is not a reflection of the performance of the Hemingway team,” Tupperware said in the statement. “We appreciate each of our valued team members and the many years of service they have dedicated to our salesforce and to the Company.”
Founded in 1946 by chemist Earl Tupper, the company revolutionized household food storage with its airtight plastic containers. Tupperware quickly became a household name, especially through its innovative sales strategy of home parties, where suburban housewives would gather to buy and sell the products. The Hemingway plant, opened in April 1976, has produced billions of Tupperware products over its 48-year history.
The statement added that eligible employees impacted by the layoffs will be offered severance packages and early retirement, as well as the opportunity to connect with other businesses at an upcoming job fair.
Tupperware, based in Orlando, Florida, has faced a series of struggles in recent years.
In 2020, the company initiated a turnaround plan and has been trying to execute goals including improving profitability, strengthening its balance sheet and restructuring its debt, ever since.
However, in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing in April 2023, Tupperware said that “The Company has concluded that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the expected issuance date of its Form 10-K financial statements.”
Tupperware appointed a new CEO, Laurie Ann Goldman, in October.
Texas Power Grid Energy Sources Today
June 17, 2024 – Here is a snapshot (10:30 AM) of the energy sources powering the Texas Grid today. Wind and solar are producing more power than fossil fuels this morning.
Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Now Back in Custody
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities arrested Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Perci Newman on June 4 and Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Louis Keeton on June 6. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either arrest.
Perci Jerome Newman, 31, was taken into custody in Midlothian, Texas, by members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, including DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents. The Midlothian Police Department assisted in the multi-agency investigation.
Newman’s criminal history includes arrests for aggravated sexual assault of a child, aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while intoxicated and tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. Newman had been wanted out of Dallas County since October 2023 for aggravated sexual assault of a child. More information on Newman’s capture can be found here.
Louis Ray Keeton, 40, a high-risk sex offender affiliated with the Bloods gang, was taken into custody in Beaumont, Texas, by DPS Special Agents assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center in Houston. DPS Special Agents coordinated with members of the U.S. Marshals Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force in Beaumont to locate and arrest Keeton.
In 2018, Keeton was convicted of sexual assault following an incident with a 19-year-old female and sentenced to five years confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison. Keeton had been wanted out of Harris County since December 2023 for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. More information on Keeton’s arrest can be found here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. In 2024, DPS and other agencies have arrested 21 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 8 sex offenders, 9 gang members, and 2 criminal illegal immigrants.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
- Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
- Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
- Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous—regardless of how they are submitted—and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS Special Agents work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists—with photos— on the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous
History Made June 15th, 2024 As Coryn Young Crowned as the First African American Dairy Festival Queen
June 16, 2024 – The hugely successful 2024 Dairy Festival came to an awesome conclusion Saturday night, June 15, 2024, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Auditorium when, after fierce competition from nine very talented contestants, Coryn Young was crowned as the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen. Coryn Young made history as being the first African American to earn the crown. Coryn Young is the daughter of Shandis and Cory Young, and will be attending Sulphur Springs High School in the Fall as a Senior. The theme for this year’s Dairy Festival, which celebrates and acknowledges the rich heritage of the dairy industry, was “Night at the Moo-Seum.” The theme and the spirit was carried out throughout the Festival from the hot air balloons, the parade with all of it’s wonderful floats, the Jr. Dairy Show, Milking Contest, Ice Cream Freeze Off, and Carnival finally concluding with the 63rd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant!
The Dairy Festival Pageant began with the Posting of the Colors by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron SWR-TX450. A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Brad Cummings followed, and then Carolyn McKinney took to the mic to welcome everyone and to introduce the evening’s Emcee, Israel Lewis. Lewis then approached and began his excellent Master of Ceremonies duties of the night, starting with introduction of the 2024 Dairy Festival Queen Contestants. Each contestant took to the stage, which was impressively decorated as a museum to carry on the theme, “Night at the Moo-Seum,” as Israel Lewis shared some details about each young lady. Next, the 2023 Dairy Festival Queen, Caroline Prickette, daughter of John and Gena Prickette, was introduced and she took to the stage. Caroline Prickette then helped out as Israel Lewis introduced the “Moo-Seum Minis.” The young kids took the stage and strutted their stuff, waving and smiling. Caroline Prickette handed each kid a trophy, and then Lewis announced the winners of the “Moo-Seum Minis” floats. Earning Second place recognition were Ellis Chenault, son of Eric and Cecily Chenault, and Harper Adams, daughter of Neal and Courtney Adams. Their parade float won them $50 and a plaque. And, the first place winners were Payton Fatland, son of Cameron and Ashten Fatland, and Jaxson Roan, son of Cole and Jacy Roan. Their parade float won them $100 and a plaque.
Israel Lewis then introduced the Judges of the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen competition as the 2024 contestants prepared to show off their talents in the Talent Competition. The 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Contestant Competition Judges consisted of Missy Lyda, Denita Young, Terry McGonigal, Jeff Cochran, and Ana Lemons. And standing in as Auditor was Emily Glass. Next, each Queen Contestant took to the stage to show off the best of their talents. The competition was impressive. You could tell each young woman was giving it all their best, and it showed. Each example of talent was inspiring. There was no doubt that each contestant had worked hard and prepared for this moment, giving it all of their best efforts. The examples of great talent ranged from dancing to singing, from artistic speech pieces to archery, piano playing to comedy. The judges had quite the challenge in front of them. Once the Talent Competition was concluded, the night’s activities took a break as the Pageant went into a brief intermission.
The evening’s pageantries then continued with special entertainment. 2023 Queen Caroline Prickette showed off her great talent by performing a song for the audience. Caroline also had a chat with the night’s emcee Israel Lewis where she discussed her future plans. Next, the 2024 Dairy Fest Queen Contestants were escorted on stage by their fathers. One by one they walked on stage dressed in beautiful gowns for the Evening Gown Competition. Each contestant stepped up to the mic and shared a personal thought, or philosophy. A brief expression of advise and their opinion of what Hopkins County and it’s spirit means to them.. Each of the young women took a spot on stage and waited patiently. As the judges then tallied up their scores Judge Brad Cummings and his son took to the stage and performed a lively number entertaining the audience and the 2024 Queen Contestants. Once the two were finished Israel Lewis checked with Emily Glass to see if the Judges were ready to reveal the night’s winners, but they were not. So, Brad Cummings performed a couple more numbers.
The moment everyone had been waiting for all evening had finally arrived. The revealing of the winners. First, Ticket Sales Awards were rewarded. Second Place in Ticket Sales went to Zoe Reed, Daughter of Coby and Chelsey Reed, and Jennifer Smith Reed. Zoe sold $1,440.00 in tickets. First Place in Ticket Sales went to Alaina Johnson, Daughter of Matt and Karla Johnson. Alaina sold $1,510.00 worth of tickets. Each of these contestants were rewarded cash prizes. The next Award presented was the Tracey Gold Fox Miss Congeniality Award. The 2024 Contestant to win this Award was Coryn Young, Daughter of Shandis and Cory Young. Coryn won a plaque for this Award. Next, the winner of the 2024 Talent Award was announced. Coryn Young’s dance routine to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” earned her this Award, which rewarded her a $500.00 Scholarship. The announcement of the winners of the top four Awards came next. The Third Runner Up for Queen was Awarded to Aspen Mayhew, Daughter of Jeremy and Nicole Mayhew. The Award rewarded Aspen a $500 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Second Runner Up honor went to Alaina Johnson, Daughter of Matt and Karla Johnson. Alaina won a $750 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. The Award for First Runner Up to the Queen went to Contestant Sedona McCollom, Daughter of Amy Chandler. Sedona won a $1,000 Scholarship and a Silver Tray. Everyone was on the edge of their seat as Israel Lewis began to announce that the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen was… Coryn Young! … Coryn was rewarded a $1,250.00 Scholarship, and a Silver Tray. This huge win brought the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival to a climatic close. The entire Festival was one for the History books.
Save the Date! The 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival is currently scheduled to take place June 13th, 2025 through June 21st, 2025. A video presentation of the 63rd Annual Dairy Festival Pageant, “Night at the Moo-Seum” will be available to see on Cable Channel 18, and KSST’s YouTube Channel, within the next few days. Be sure to check it out once it goes live!
Paris District Road Report for Week of June 17, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 17, 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: Click It or Ticket
“Click It or Ticket” is a TxDOT campaign urging Texans to buckle up. Currently 90.38 percent of Texans buckle up. However, in 2022, the number of people who died while not wearing a seat belt increased by 2.5 percent over 2021, with 1,258 unbuckled drivers and passengers killed on Texas roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates since its inception 21 years ago, “Click It or Ticket” has saved 7,399 lives, prevented more than 129,000 serious injuries and saved Texas more than $28.5 billion in related economic costs.
Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying by 45 percent for people in the front seat of passenger cars. For those in pickups, seat belts reduce the risk of dying by 60 percent. Your seat belt is designed to keep you from being thrown into the dashboard or windshield—or even onto the road. An airbag can be a big lifesaver. But without a seat belt, it can be ineffective and even dangerous. In a crash, a seat belt ensures you’re not thrown into a fast-opening airbag—a force that could injure or kill you. You may think your airbag is going to protect you, but it’s designed to work with seat belts, not to replace them.
In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than eight years must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than four feet nine inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250, plus court costs.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project.
The 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.
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.
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 base repairs, milling, and a pavement overlay.
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.
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.
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 902, from US 377 to SH 289. 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 2729, from SH 11 to FM 121. 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.
Fannin County:
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning June 24 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 the Sandy Creek bridge will be closed to thru traffic beginning June 17 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. During the detour 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 will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of June 24, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing. 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.
FM 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. 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 shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform tree trimming 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.
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 is working on placing HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes; this operation will continue for the next several days. Contractor has placed temporary striping. 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. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. 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 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. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35 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 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 seal coat.
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