Growing Vegetables In 5 Gallon Buckets From Master Gardener David Wall
April 3, 2024 – Whether lack of garden room, sick of a large garden, unable to bend over to pick fruit, or just want a few peppers, tomatoes or cucumbers, consider growing the plants in 5-gallon buckets. They’re low maintenance (easy watering and fertilizing), higher above ground, and virtually weed free.
The depth and circumference can support the roots for any pepper plant. A stake, trellis or cage is still necessary, but you probably already have those items.
Peppers don’t do well in cool soil, but the above ground bucket warms quickly in the sun, meaning you can get started sooner. If an unexpected cold front is due, simply move the bucket into the garage!
OK, some preparatory work is needed. First, make sure the bucket contains no contaminants. Then, drill 5-6 ½” holes in the bottom and two in the lower inch of the side in case the bottom holes get plugged. If the bucket is plastic, don’t use much pressure, or you’ll crack it. Get 3-4 small bricks or other suitable material for the bucket to sit on. Drainage often becomes a problem when the buck sits directly on the ground.
Some like to add wood chips or pea gravel in the bucket first to help drainage. With bricks mentioned above, I’ve never had a drainage problem. Now fill the bucket to within 1” from the top with quality growing medium. Do NOT tamp it down! The are numerous products available, but since I grow in pure compost, I just use that.
Buckets require regular watering more often than usual, and fertilizing is mandatory unless you’re using pure compost. Bucket color is your choice, no dark colors are recommended, as their heat absorption can cause soil overheating during mid-late summer.
At end of season, the soil is depleted. Get rid of it.
Trash Collection Scheduled Early for Eclipse Monday, April 8, 2024
April 2, 2024 – City of Sulphur Springs staff urge those residents that are normally scheduled for trash collection on Mondays to have their trash to the curb by 5:00 am this coming Monday morning as trash crews will be running early that day in advance of the eclipse that afternoon. Other trash collection companies in the county may be running early as well to avoid getting tied up in any extra traffic that may be on the roadways as the total eclipse time approaches. All should be back to normal on Tuesday, April 9th as trash crews resume normal operations and pick-up times.
Cooper Lake State Park – April 2024 Events
April 2, 2024 – Cooper, Tx – The total eclipse is just over the horizon and will be here on April 8th . Cooper Lake State Park is completely sold out of day passes and campsites. If you can’t make it out to Cooper Lake State Park for the eclipse, don’t worry. There will be many more wonderful programs going on throughout the month of April. Our events this month are meant to celebrate the natural beauty and wonder found at Cooper Lake State Park.
The total eclipse on April 8 th will be a once in a generation event that Texans from across the state will be able to see. At Cooper Lake State Park, we are currently sold out of day passes and campsite reservations. The whole eclipse will last just over two and a half hours beginning at roughly 12:26pm. Totality will begin at 1:43pm, reach maximum at 1:45pm, and end at 1:47pm. Visitors at either unit can attend an eclipse preparedness activity to learn some tips and tricks for viewing the April eclipse.
Other events include Art in the Park, supplies will be provided, and nature will be your inspiration. There will also be a guided hike going down the Coyote Run Trail at South Sulphur and the Cedar Creek South Loop at Doctors Creek. There will also be Earth Day celebrations where you can come out and learn about pollinators and why they are so important. South Sulphur will also be hosting an astronomy activity. We will have telescopes out to view a planet or two. Feel free to bring a lawn chair, binoculars, or a personal telescope! Doctors Creek’s final event of April will be the returning Festival of the Fish! The festival is a celebration of the recreational sport of fishing and its impact on local communities. There will be information tables, activities like backyard bass and fishing with the ranger, and some fishing poles and tackle will be available to be lent out. It will be a great event to bring out the kids where they can catch their first fish!
The Spring season brings nature to life and there is no better place to get in touch with it than Cooper Lake State Park! The wildflowers are already starting to bloom, and songbirds will migrate through the park during the month. A walk through the trees at South Sulphur will help anyone working their way through the birding check list. Going through the trails at Doctors Creek will give you glimpse of the past native Texas prairies. Fish are biting and you can catch them at many locations like the Bluebonnet area at Doctors Creek and Heron Harbor area at South Sulphur. Don’t have a rod and reel? No worries, you can rent one for free at headquarters at both park units.
All programs are free with your entrance permit. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctors Creek (903)395-3100).
Doctors Creek Unit
Saturday, April 6 – DC
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 10 a.m. Meet at the Pelican Point Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7 – DC
Art in the Park – 10:30 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8 – DC
Total Solar Eclipse!! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.
Saturday, April 13 – DC
Go Take a Hike – 2 p.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion parking lot. Join a Ranger on a short leisurely hike on Cedar Creek South Loop getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Saturday, April 20 — DC Earth Day Celebration
Pollinators – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion. Why are pollinators important? Do you know which foods depend on pollination? Learn the answers to these and more.
Saturday, April 27 – DC
Festival of the Fish – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lone Pine Boat Ramp Parking Lot. Fishing with the Ranger, Fishing Knots and Tackle Tips, Backyard Bass, Gyotaku Fish Painting, Native Net making, and many other fun activities.
South Sulphur Unit
Friday, April 5 – SS
Astronomy – 8 p.m. Meet at the far north end of the Gulls Bluff fishing parking lot. We’ll
have the telescopes out to view a planet or two. Dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair and
binoculars if you have them.
Saturday, April 6 – SS
Are You Ready for the Eclipse? – 2 p.m. Meet at the Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Discuss sun safety, tips, and tricks for viewing the upcoming 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Sunday, April 7 – SS
Art in the Park – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Calling all artists! All art supplies provided. Nature is our inspiration.
Monday, April 8 – SS
Total Solar Eclipse!! Join us as we marvel at the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Must have a pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation. Present your pre-purchased Day Pass Reservation at the gated entry.
Saturday, April 13— SS
Go Take a Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at Coyote Run trail head. Join us on a short leisurely hike on Coyote Run trail getting a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the park.
Saturday, April 20 — SS Earth Day Celebration
Pollinators – 2 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion. Why are pollinators important? Do you know which foods depend on pollination? Learn the answers to these and more.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 3-25-2024 – 3-31-2024
Arrests:
CLARK,TRAVIS, 18 years of age, of Winnsboro, TX, was arrested on 3-31-2024 for DWI
JOHNSON,JAMES, 32 years of age, of SEAGOVILLE, TX, was arrested on 3-25-2024 for THEFT OF PROPERTY, ASSAULT OF PUBLIC SERVANT
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 159 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 53 citations and 67 warnings during this reporting period.
Marigolds and Tomato Plants Together From Master Gardener David Wall
March 31, 2024 – Growing marigolds with your tomato plants is one of the best ways to keep tomatoes happy, healthy, and productive. Marigolds are considered to be one of the best companion plants for many vegetables, but especially for tomato plants. Unlike other annuals, marigolds stay with you under the lousiest of conditions, including drought, bright sunlight, and strong winds without damage while they deter many of tomato plants’ worst enemies.
While providing protection from damaging insects, they also repel animals, as deer, rabbits and squirrels that don’t care for the taste or smell. On top of this, they attract beneficial pollinator insects to your garden, including butterflies, wasps, honeybees, and bumblebees. Insects which lay eggs that produce the tomato hornworm don’t care for the marigold smell. For those few who lay eggs, paper wasps lay eggs on the hornworms which kill them before they can consume both the plant and its fruit.
Marigolds also attract ladybugs and lacewings which consume aphids and whiteflies before they damage or kill tomato, cucumber and other vegetable plants. Also, mosquitos don’t like the marigold smell!
Marigolds produce a compound that kills root-knot nematodes in the soil. For me, this is a biggie, because I’ve had root-knot nematodes kill tomato plants by mid-summer.
Marigolds grow easily from seed, but since they are so inexpensive at nurseries, why bother. Just transplant them in the ground. They grow fast and do well in most soils. There are numerous varieties, and most provide varying levels of protection. The best variety, however, are French marigolds.
A somewhat preferred method is to plant marigolds along the garden edge. In raised beds, this may not be practical. Planting them among tomato plants works just fine. Due to the needed spacing between tomato plants, there is plenty of room to put marigolds between plants.
Jennings Cruises Right Into Jail as Vacation Ends
March 30, 2024 – More details have emerged about the latest arrest of Everett Jennings. The ongoing investigation uncovered that Jennings may have tampered with his monitoring device and the last known location of the monitor was a cruise ship parking area in Galveston, Tx. Investigators located a car belonging to Jennings in the parking area near the cruise ship port. Investigators waited for the returning cruise ship and arrested Jennings once he ended his vacation. Several new charges were levied against Jennings as he was transported to the Galveston Jail. Bond was set at $2,250,000 across four charges.
The following press release was received by KSST News in relation to the ongoing investigation.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office first launched an investigation in early January in response to stolen luxury cars located in Hopkins County, Texas. During the initial investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for the arrest of Everett Jennings. Mr. Jennings was later arrested on this warrant. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigators have been working diligently since the inception of the investigation.
Recently, Investigators have obtained additional evidence of witness tampering, online impersonation, additional stolen property, and a deeper understanding of the volume of property stolen, changing identification numbers, and then posting the items for sale online via at least one stolen identity. Investigators have learned Mr. Jennings has been in possession of this person’s credit cards and driver’s license. These identification and financial items were left in the individual residence when he was arrested. The individual was a tenant of Mr. Jennings at the time of his arrest and was never able to return to the property.
New evidence has resulted in several search warrants for local properties being issued and executed in the last few days at properties associated with Mr. Jennings. During these searches two stolen UTVs (side by sides) were found with swapped identification numbers, however, the true identity of the vehicles was discovered. These vehicles were confirmed stolen. Investigators found two trailers with altered identification numbers that were also identified and confirmed stolen. These items were stolen from around North Texas including from Sulphur Springs.
During the recent flurry of information and recoveries, the monitoring company of Mr. Jennings’s court-ordered GPS also reported getting numerous “back plate tamper” alerts from his GPS device. When they attempted to find its location they reported the last known location in the parking lot of a cruise ship terminal in Galveston, Texas. Hopkins County Investigators located a vehicle belonging to Mr. Jennings on Galveston Island parked in Port Authority Parking lots used for cruise ship passengers. This new information was presented to the appropriate court and they determined Mr. Jennings’s bond was insufficient and issued arrest warrants. Additionally, Texas Rangers sought and received an arrest warrant for tampering with a witness.
Mr. Jennings was arrested this morning in Galveston, Texas after returning to the port on a cruise ship. He is currently being held in Galveston County Jail. This investigation is ongoing.
Jennings Back in Jail in Galveston
March 30, 2024 – New Details on this Case.
Everett Jennings was picked up in Galveston on 4 Hopkins County warrants and sits in a Galveston jail with bail set at over $2,250,000. Jennings awaits transport back to Hopkins County. Jennings has been arrested in Hopkins County for evading arrest as well as originally for possession of stolen vehicles.
Paris District Road Report for Week of April 1, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 1, 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.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Solar Eclipse
With the upcoming solar eclipse happening in north Texas around 1:40 pm on April 8, TxDOT is encouraging people to be safe while viewing the solar eclipse. Ensure you properly plan for this event. Most importantly, please protect your eyes by wearing eclipse glasses that are designed for looking directly at the eclipse. While most people are aware of proper eye safety, many have not thought about a safe location for viewing the eclipse. If you are away from home during the event, please park in a safe location away from TxDOT roadways, such as in a parking lot or open field. TxDOT asks people to not park on the side of a roadway or stand near a roadway during the event.
Texas is expected to see a large increase in visitors during the eclipse, so please plan travel accordingly to your viewing destination by planning to get there early. Please plan on heavy traffic along Texas roadways after the solar eclipse has ended and remain patient as you travel back home.
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. Upon completion of the bridge demo, work will begin for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement. 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.
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.
Spur 503 in Denison, from US 75 to SH 91. Watch for lane closures along westbound Spur 503 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
FM 691 from FM 131 to Theresa Drive. Watch for various lane closures along FM 691 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
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 is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use County Line Church Road and West Line Road as a detour.
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 Monday 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 2729, from FM 902 to FM 121. 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.
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.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
SH 121, 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.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing tree trimming and removal.
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, ramp closures at LP 286, 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 the 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.
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: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
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 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. Signal heads and Hawk system are currently being placed. Final striping 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. 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. 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 completed subgrade widening, cement treatment, flex base, and geogrid of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. Contractor is currently performing finish work and grading ditches at this location. Section ride test will begin soon along with prime coat. Riprap and erosion control work is ongoing. 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 is placing concrete railing and installing riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Flex base and asphalt will be placed soon at Bledsoe Creek location. 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 FM1570 traffic will still be able to take a left to go west on the westbound frontage road. Southbound 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.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing work on FM 3211 and overlaying on FM 3427, and working on culverts on US 69 and Patterson Street. Crews also addressed the railroad crossing at FM 1565 near SH 66. Rains County maintenance crews have been working on FM 36. Both maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads, and fixing potholes on FM roads and state highways.
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Dinner Bell for April 3rd, 2024
At Christus Health, helping you achieve your best health is more than a goal. Christus Health is a Catholic not for profit health system comprised of more than 600 centers, hospitals, clinics, and urgent care facilities in Texas. Christus Mother Frances is one of its centers and is located in Sulphur Springs. As Dinner Bell feeds and nourishes those who need a meal and Christus with its goal to improve nutrition and the availability of food sources have been natural partners for years
with six appearances yearly.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Classic Stew
Seasoned Rice
Garden Salad
Buttered French Bread Slices
Lemon Cake To Die For
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Paris Junior College Doubles Down on Graduating High School Senior Scholarships
March 29, 2024 – Paris Junior College is doubling down on scholarships this summer for graduating high school seniors from the PJC service area. The summer scholarship will cover tuition and fees for any two courses offered in Summer I, II, Long, or Extended terms.
“These free summer classes enable our students to continue their academic journey, gain new skills and stay on track towards their goals,” said PJC Institutional Advancement/Alumni Affairs Director Baleigh McCoin. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the unwavering support of the PJC Foundation Board, we’re able to provide this invaluable opportunity to our students.”
This is a great opportunity to take two college courses that would either transfer to university or allow a student to gain workforce skills. The scholarship covering tuition and fees for two classes is available to high school students graduating this year in the Paris Junior College service area. That includes Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Red River, and part of Fannin (Fannindel and Honey Grove ISDs) counties.
Many of the classes offered during the summer are from the Texas State Core Curriculum and transfer to Texas public universities or are part of a workforce program that provides career training in two years or less time.
Summer Long begins on May 16 and ends on August 15; Summer I and Summer Extended both begin on June 3 and end, respectively, on July 9 and August 15; Summer II starts July 15 and ends on August 15. Summer registration begins on Monday, April 1, and the deadline to fill out the summer scholarship application online is May 31.
To reach the online application, go to www.parisjc.edu/scholarships. Select the first green button for the 2024 graduating high school senior scholarship. It only takes a few minutes to fill out.
Those planning to attend another school in the fall may still take advantage of the free class offer. For more questions about the summer scholarship, contact Director of Student Records and State Reporting Amie Cato at [email protected].
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
