Paris District Road Report for week of February 5, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Feb. 5, 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: Motorcycle Safety Campaign
TxDOT’s statewide “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urges motorists to look twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections, where motorcycle collisions most commonly occur.
Why should drivers be aware of motorcyclists when traveling Texas roads?
On average, one motorcyclist dies in a crash on Texas roads every day. In 2022, 562 riders lost their lives and 2,422 were seriously injured in crashes. More than half of fatal motorcycle crashes result from collisions with other vehicles. Drivers simply don’t see the motorcycle or misjudge its distance and speed. The small size of motorcycles can make them appear farther away when they’re actually closer. The combination of congested roadways, distracted driving and the difficulty of seeing motorcycles in traffic has led to many preventable fatalities each year.
What are some tips for safely sharing the road with motorcycles?
Take extra care when making a left turn. It is safest to let the motorcycle pass to avoid turning in front of the rider.
Pay special attention at intersections. Nearly one in three motorcycle fatalities happens at a roadway intersection.
Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction, such as answering a phone call or changing the radio station, can have deadly consequences.
Look twice when changing lanes. Check mirrors, blind spots, and always use turn signals.
Give motorcycles room when passing them. Move over to the passing lane and don’t crowd the motorcyclist’s full lane.
Stay back. If you’re behind a motorcycle, always maintain a safe following distance. When a motorcyclist downshifts instead of applying the brake to slow down, it can catch drivers off guard since there are no brake lights to signal reduced speed.
Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive to conditions.
Grayson County: 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.
Mainlane traffic has been switched from the old mainlanes to the existing frontage roads to allow for construction of the new mainlanes and bridges between South Travis Street and Center Street. During this operation, northbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street and transition back to the existing mainlanes at Middleton Street. Southbound US 75 mainlane traffic will shift onto the existing frontage road approximately one-half mile north of Park Avenue and transition back to existing mainlanes approximately one-half mile north of South Travis Street. This operation will allow for reconstruction of the proposed US 75 mainlanes and bridges at Post Oak Creek. During this phase, US 75 frontage road traffic will be reduced to a single travel lane while US 75 mainlane traffic will maintain two travel lanes. Both mainlane and frontage road traffic will be separated by concrete barriers.
All eastbound and westbound lanes of Park Avenue under US 75 are closed to traffic. This closure is necessary to allow for construction of the new overpass at Park Avenue. To detour, eastbound Park Avenue traffic will continue on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on South Travis Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue. Westbound traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to Park Avenue.
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 new frontage road lanes.
Lane closures of the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage roads at the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage roads in Sherman are scheduled beginning at 7am on Wednesday February 7. Traffic will remain in this configuration for five weeks while this phase of construction is performed. For this phase, the lanes for the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be shifted to the outside onto the newly constructed widening and traffic will be routed onto the new US 82 overpasses. Eastbound and westbound frontage roads of US 82 between the northbound and southbound frontage roads of US 75 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in both the eastbound and westbound directions. This operation will allow for the construction of under pavement drainage structures and constructing one half the width of the permanent pavement. Drivers are advised to be aware of road crews on the highway, expect some delays, and plan their commutes in advance.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Watch for lane shifts and shoulder closures between US 82 and SH 56 while crews construct the new roadway pavement. The ultimate roadway will be a four-lane divided section with turn lanes.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for lane closures 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. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform base repairs on the roadway and then overlay the roadway with a hot-mix surface. 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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 69, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 406, from SH 289 to FM 84. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417, from FM 691 to FM 120. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from Gunter Rd.to MCGEEHE Rd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to Willy-Vester Rd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: 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 3210 at Bullard Creek. CR 3210 at Bullard Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 3200 as a detour.
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 78, from FM 68 to FM 1629. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 816, from SH 78 to Hunt County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform potholing and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1491, from SH 78 to Simmons Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews overlay cold mix 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.
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 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.
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. The contractor has finished placing sod at various locations. 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 begun preparing the right of way: placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work is underway. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and performing subgrade widening work and base 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 been filling potholes due to previous inclement weather. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue. 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. 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 placed beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue. The Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County project has completed the backwalls and prep right-of-way work. Bridge beams will soon be placed. 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 be performing eastbound main lane barrier shift work, placing low profile traffic barrier at FM 1903 and excavation / embankment for detour placement. Excavation work on Gilstrap will begin soon and some work zone striping will be performed east bound near FM 1570. 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 will overlay on FM 3427 from US 69 to SH 34. 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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Former NHL Player Ribeiro Found Not Guilty on 2 Sexual Assault Charges by Franklin County Jury; Deadlocked on 3rd Related Charge
February 2, 2024 – A Franklin County jury concluded that former NHL player, Mike Ribeiro, was not guilty of sexual assault. Ribeiro, who played for the Dallas Stars from 2006 to 2011, had been charged with and found not guilty on two counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted sexual assault. The jury deadlocked on the count of attempted sexual assault. Whether or not Mike Ribeiro will be retried on the third charge is not known as of the writing of this story. His trial began in Franklin County January 23, 2024. Since closing arguments were presented Thursday, February 1, 2024, the Franklin County jury had been deliberating for over 11 hours.
Bright Star Republican Women Meet February 13th
The Bright Star Republican Women will meet again February 13, 2024, at 6pm, at 115 Putman Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas. The program for this meeting is entitled, “How to attend The Texas State Republican Convention as a Delegate.” The speaker for the February 13th meeting is Donnie Wisenbaker, Hopkins County Republican Chairman and State Republican Executive Committeeman. All Republican Women are invited to attend. For more information, please call 903-348-1614.
Poll: Top Issues for Sulphur Springs City Council
February 2, 2024 – KSST gathered input from the community on what voter’s top issues are. With two seats open on the City Council and elections coming up soon, now is a great time to get the discussion started.
Here are the top issues suggested by participants. They are listed in no particular order. Please consider voting for the issue you are most concerned about.
This poll is no longer accepting votes
Hopkins County Records – January 2024
Daily Instrument Register For 1/4/24 Thru 1/5/24
- Aaron Singh and Shannon Singh to PPA Global Energy LLC; Tract in the P Venables Survey
- Eva M Froneberger and Johnny William Froneberger to Bright Star Enterprises Holdings LLC; Tract in the Nacogdoches Univ Survey
- Melissa Womack and Shannon Womack to Catalan Bardo Aguiree; Tract in the J Brown Survey
- Levi Velasco and Bertha Velsasco to Alejandro Velasco; Tract in the Thomas Tobar Survey
Daily Instrument Register For 1/8/2024 Thru 1/10/2024
- Nita Rhoadex to Tyler Rhoades; Tract in the Sara H Norris Survey
- Barbara Hunt and Harry Keith Hunt to Andres Gomez, Anthony Gomez, and Rosa E Ortiz; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Linda Marie Cross, Pyyllis Jan Edmonds, and Allan Wayne Melton to Alan Screws, Kim Screws, Nathan Crouch, and Liz Dawson; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Juana Jennings and Van Jennings to Eva Ortiz and Ruben Ortiz; Tract in the M Ticer Survey
- Juana Jennings and Van Jennings to Maria Gricelda Torrez Diaz Also Known As Jose Manuel Huerta Gonzalez, and Maria Huerta; Tract in the M Ticver Survey
- Kelly Pope and Ryan Pope to Aaron Mathis and Abigail Mathis; Tract in the Neil Ard Survey
- Derick Boyd and Jamie G Boyd to Donna G Boyd and Dueward Wayne Boyd; Tract in the Green Lane Survey
- Sonia Cortez and Pedro Natanael Aguilar Iglesias to Cassandra Elaine Gregory and Frank Ray Gregory; Tract in the Sheffield and Smith Addn Survey
- Jeffrey Stephen Oppenheim and Martha Haire Oppenheim to Savannah Michelle McCarty; Tract in the Agaton Caro Survey
- Jeffrey Stephen Oppenheim and Martha Haire Oppenheim to Micah Wayne McCarty; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Jeffrey Stephen Oppenheim and Martha Haire Oppenheim to Marcus Errol McCarty; Tract in the M A Bowlin Survey
- Juan Barcenas to Damaris Dulude; Tract in the M A Bowlin
- Elizabeth Dale, Tammy Demery, Linda Hutchins, Mary Neal, Barbara Perry, Manly Sims, and Toleia Sims to James Sims; Tract in the Levi Landers Survey
- Carbajal Enciso and Reynaldo James Enciso to Diana Garcia; Tract in the James Gahagan Survey
- Amanda Wallis to Hunter Wallis; Tract in the Ocela Barb Survey
Report of Marriage Documents for Hopkins County 1-26-24 Thru 1-31-24
- Jovel Jonathan Ex Colocho and Mendez Gloria Eliza Lopez
- Ryan Austin Peel and Tosha Nicole Birchfield
- Elisha Daniel Calhoun and Emily Ruth Verseckes
- Lyle Dylan Ely and Jessica Ann Kilpatrick
- Dawson Lane Sears and Taylor Marie McElfresh
Not Just a Game: TAMUC Esports Club Impresses with Early Success and Substantial Growth
February 1, 2024 – COMMERCE, TX—It’s no secret that video gaming has exploded in popularity since its early days. Likewise, the Esports Club at Texas A&M University-Commerce has experienced rapid growth and success in its first semester of existence, with even more growth expected.
Esports, the general term for competitive video gaming, has found a home in higher education over the last decade, with colleges and universities big and small beginning to field competitive teams in a variety of games. A growing number of institutions officially sanction Esports programs like they do for other sports programs, such as football and basketball, with scholarships on offer to top-tier players.
The Club’s Beginnings
The story of Esports at A&M-Commerce began with founding members Adam Morris, current club president, and Timothy Cooper, vice president. Morris said he and Cooper came up with the initial idea for the club in fall 2022.
“The fascinating part of this entire endeavor is the efficiency and how quick it moved along,” Morris said. “Tim is very connected on campus, and I am very connected with the Esports industry. He excels in player relations, and I have the knowledge and resources to help us in the competitive scene.”
Morris, Cooper and treasurer Ethan Waldschmidt make up the officers for the club.
Morris works professionally as an event contractor in the Esports industry while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies at A&M-Commerce. He said the overall market value of professional Esports is estimated to hit $30 billion in 2024.
“Esports is all-inclusive; anyone can do it,” Morris said. “It can bring a lot of attention to the university, and we are already seeing some of that.”
Cooper, a senior majoring in Computer Science, had previous experience organizing monthly gaming tournaments in the Baptist Student Ministry at A&M-Commerce, which he says brought him and Morris together.
“I had interest in creating an Esports team at A&M-Commerce, but I knew it wouldn’t be something I could accomplish on my own,” Cooper said. “After Adam and I met, we were able to put our expertise together and jumpstart this idea.”
Waldschmidt, a senior majoring in Computer Science, met Morris through a mutual friend. He has been instrumental in coordinating with Campus Recreation, which oversees club sports at A&M-Commerce, to organize meetings and events.
“Adam and I hit it off pretty quickly,” Waldschmidt said. “He learned about my previous experience with Esports teams. I was really glad to be a part of the early conversations surrounding Esports at A&M-Commerce and help in any way I could.
Hitting the Competitive Circuit
The club is available to all A&M-Commerce students and currently boasts nearly 100 members after just one semester. While membership is open, the club holds selective tryouts for its competitive teams.
One facet of Esports that sets it apart from other sports leagues is the variety of games that are played competitively. While major sports leagues pertain to a single sport, such as the NFL for football or the NBA for basketball, dozens of different games are played on the competitive stage. Finding a game to focus on can be a part of the challenge in forming a competitive team.
During the Fall 2023 semester, the A&M-Commerce Esports Club chose “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” as its game of choice for competitive play. Released in 2018, Smash Ultimate is the latest entry in Nintendo’s crossover fighting game series that sees classic Nintendo characters from across their many franchises—as well as characters from rival game publishers such as Sega, Capcom and others—duke it out in combat. Wildly successful, the series has sold more than 70 million copies since the original entry was released in 1999.
At A&M-Commerce, the club’s competitive teams are split into two squads – The Gold and Blue teams – led by team captains Bradley Pallan and Matthew Luebbert, respectively.
TAMUC’s Esports club has seen plenty of early competitive success. They took home a second-place finish at a Midwestern State University Tournament in September, and most recently won the team competition at High Noon, a Smash Ultimate tournament hosted by Oklahoma State University from December 2-3.
The club has also joined the National Esports Collegiate Conference, a sanctioning body for Esports competitions at the college and university level.
Leveling Up
The Esports Club is growing by leaps and bounds. The club has partnered with the Division of Student Affairs, Campus Recreation and the Center for Information Technology Excellence at A&M-Commerce to transform space in the Journalism Building to create a dedicated hub in the hopes of developing it into a full-fledged, scholarshipped program.
“We are expanding to a full lab with supercomputers and next-generation consoles for competition and practice,” Morris said. “It’s surprising but also reassuring to see the amount of support we have gotten from the university in this endeavor in such a short time.”
He added that the club is planning to open tryouts for teams to compete in new games as well.
“The time is now to jump in,” Morris said. “Any student has the opportunity to try out, and if they can compete, we’ll welcome them in.”
Cooper believes that the best is yet to come for Esports at A&M-Commerce.
“I’m really excited for the future,” Cooper said. “We’re getting a lot of support from the university. We’re excited to welcome even more new faces to help us build this program.
Waldschmidt echoed those sentiments, touting the buy-in from the club’s members.
“Our players are so energetic and willing to do whatever they can to grow the program,” Waldschmidt said. “People like the idea that we’re bringing something big and exciting to campus.”
Interested in learning more about Esports at A&M-Commerce? Contact Adam Morris or search for the club on ManeSync.
For the Love of Nature and Everything Outdoors, Experience Cooper Lake State Park in February
February 1, 2024 – Cooper, Texas – Step away from the daily grind and embrace the love of nature at Cooper Lake State Park this February. Located in the heart of Northeast Texas, this natural gem offers a serene retreat for those yearning to recharge in the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking to break free from the screen’s glare, work stressors and the strain of city life, or just eager for an adventure, Cooper Lake State Park is your gateway to exploration. With two unique parks encompassing over 3000+ acres of parklands and a 20,000-acre lake, you can engage in a host of activities designed to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. It’s the perfect spot for families and groups to gather, explore, and create lasting memories amidst nature’s backdrop.
Spending time outdoors, especially in the serene and natural settings provided by places like Cooper Lake State Park, has profound health and wellness benefits. Immersing oneself in nature is not just a breath of fresh air but a vital contributor to physical and mental health. Research has consistently shown that outdoor activities can significantly reduce stress, enhance problem solving, and improve mood and overall mental well-being. The natural sunlight, fresh air, and physical movement involved in exploring the outdoors, work together to boost energy levels, improve sleep, and increase vitamin D synthesis, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Moreover, the tranquil surroundings and scenic beauty of natural landscapes promote mindfulness and a sense of peace, helping individuals to disconnect from the digital world and the stresses of daily life. By participating in the programs at Cooper Lake State Park, visitors are not only engaging in enjoyable recreational activities and learning but also investing in their long-term health and wellness, fostering a deeper connection with nature and themselves.
In February 2024, Cooper Lake State Park will host a series of engaging programs at both the Doctors Creek and South Sulphur Units, designed to connect visitors with the natural world and inspire creativity. At Doctors Creek, the month kicks off on February 3rd with an early morning “Winter Birds of Cooper Lake State Park” walk, where enthusiasts can explore the shoreline and surrounding areas in search of varied bird species. The following week, on February 9th, the night sky will take center stage with a “Stargazing” event, complete with telescopes for planet viewing. The exploration continues on February 10th with the “Skins and Skulls” program, offering a closer look at local wildlife, and on February 17th, a “Guided Hike” will reveal the natural wonders of the park. Wrapping up the month on February 24th, “Art in the Park” invites budding artists to capture the beauty of the upcoming eclipse, with all supplies provided.
Over at South Sulphur, bird watchers can gather on February 3rd for a “Winter Birds” walk, this time exploring the area around Heron Harbor. Archery enthusiasts, both novices and experienced, are invited to join “Archery 101” on February 10th, with pre-registration required for this limited-space event. Another “Guided Hike” is scheduled for February 17th, promising more opportunities to immerse in the park’s natural beauty. The month concludes on February 24th with another “Art in the Park” session, once again focusing on the upcoming eclipse providing a creative outlet for all participants.
Each event is thoughtfully designed to encourage outdoor exploration and appreciation, offering something for everyone, from avid birders and stargazers to artists and hikers of all skill levels. Visitors are reminded to bring binoculars where applicable and dress appropriately for the quite variable February weather, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience in the great outdoors.
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 also 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
Saturday, February 3 – DC
Winter Birds of Cooper Lake State Park – 8:30 a.m. Meet at the South Loop Trailhead next to the Pelican Point Day Use Area. We’ll go on a walk around the shoreline, pocket prairie, and a day use area looking for varied birds. Bring your binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Friday, February 9 – DC
Stargazing – 7 p.m. meet at the Pelican Point Day Use Parking Lot. Join us as we explore the night sky. We’ll have telescopes out for viewing a planet or two. Bring your binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Saturday, February 10 – DC
Skins and Skulls – 2:30 p.m. Meet at Doctors Creek Headquarters – Get an inside look at a few of the local animals. Join us for a come-and-go program featuring the mammals of the park.
Saturday, February 17 – DC
Guided Hike – 10 a.m. Meet at the South Loop trailhead next to the Pelican Point Day Use Area – Join us on a guided hike to see the wonders of nature! Dress for the weather.
Saturday, February 24 —DC
Art in the Park – 10 a.m. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion –
Calling all artists! The upcoming eclipse is our focus this month. All art supplies will be provided.
South Sulphur
Saturday, February 3 – SS
Winter Birds of Cooper Lake State Park – 11 a.m. Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use Area. We’ll go on a walk around the shoreline, grassy field and a day use area looking for varied birds. Bring your binoculars, and dress for the weather.
Saturday, February 10 – SS
Archery 101: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Meet at Buggy Whip Restroom. Registration is required, program limited to 12 participants.
No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. All equipment provided.
Reserve your spot by calling 903-945-5256 or email Alicia O’Connor Alicia.O’[email protected].
Saturday, February 17 — SS
Guided Hike – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Buggy Whip Equestrian trailhead – Join us on a guided hike to see the wonders of nature! Dress for the weather.
Saturday, February 24 – SS
Art in the Park – 1:30 p.m. Meet at Gulls Bluff Pavilion – Calling all artists! The upcoming eclipse is our focus this month. All art supplies provided.
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Soil Tests Can be Used to Help by Mario Villarino
Soil tests can be used to estimate the kinds and amounts of soil nutrients available to plants. They also can be used as aids in determining fertilizer needs. Properly conducted soil sampling and testing can be cost-effective indicators of the types and amounts of fertilizer and lime needed to improve crop yield.
The effects of adding a fertilizer often depend on the level of nutrients already present in the soil If a soil is very low in a particular nutrient, yield will probably be increased if that nutrient is added. By comparison, if the soil has high initial nutrient levels, fertilization will result in little, if any, increase in yield.
There are three steps involved in obtaining a soil test:
1) obtain sample bags and instructions,
2) collect composite samples,
3) select the proper test, and complete the information sheet and mail to the Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory at 2478 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2478 for U.S. mail or 2610 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77845 for commercial deliveries. Contact the lab at (979) 845-4816, FAX (979) 845-5958, or at the Web site http://soiltesting.tamu. edu for additional information.
Obtain sample bags and instructions. County Extension offices provide soil sample bags, sampling instructions and information sheets for mailing samples to the Soil, Water, and Forage Testing Laboratory of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Sample bags provided by the Extension service hold a sufficient amount of soil for use in most soil tests. Fill the sample bag or other suitable container with approximately 1 pint of a composite soil sample. Any suitable container can be used for the sample, but it is important to complete the information sheet and follow the instructions for collecting and mailing samples.
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].
What Issues are Important to You?
January 31, 2024 – What issues do you feel are of the highest importance for Sulphur Springs? Sulphur Springs City Council elections are coming up.
Here is a chance to anonymously voice your opinion and provide possible solutions. KSST has made a short Google Form to collect your thoughts and suggestions.
Click here to open the Google Form.
Voters Chose Dutton Over Money
Jill Dutton has narrowly defeated fellow Republican Brent Money in the special election runoff for a Texas House seat that marked an early flashpoint in the latest Texas GOP civil war.
Dutton’s win marks something of an upset after Money got the support of a who’s who of top Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, Dutton was leading Money by 111 votes, or a margin of less than 1 percentage point, according to unofficial returns. Money reportedly conceded at his election night party in Greenville, while Dutton released a statement celebrating a “resounding victory for conservatives across this district.”
The two Republicans were vying to finish the term of expelled former state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City. They will face one another again in the March 5 primary for the full term in the solidly red seat.
“While I’m excited to get to work for the people of HD 2, and while I look forward to being sworn into office in the coming days, this race is far from over,” Dutton said. “I look forward to earning your vote again in March.”
Money is a Greenville lawyer who previously served on the City Council there. Dutton is the former president of the Republican Women of Van Zandt and also was a Van ISD board trustee.
