Ginn Takes Oath For Hopkins County Court At Law Judge
January 3, 2024 – Local attorney John Ginn made his committment official to Hopkins County by taking the oath at a swearing in cermony as the new Hopkins County Court at Law Judge. That positon was recently vacated by Clay Harrison, as Harrison wishes to enter private practice. 8th Judicial District Judge Eddie Northcutt presided over the ceremony as John Ginn’s wife, Eydie observed.
Green Acorns and Cattle by Mario Villarino
January 2, 2024 – The howling winds of cold fronts and rainstorms often knock green acorns from oak trees in a pasture. Most cattle like the taste of acorns and tend to seek them out. But hungry cattle that consume too many green acorns will get sick. Their gastrointestinal tracts will be upset; they will develop diarrhea, become dehydrated, constipated and emaciated; and they might die.
Acorn poisoning is caused by chemicals called tannins. It generally occurs when acorns fall off trees in the immature green stage, followed by overconsumption by cattle. This usually occurs in pastures where there is not much grass left nor hay fed. Poisoning from oak tannins also can occur when cattle eat buds and young leaves of oaks (shrubs and trees) in early spring. Sickness starts 8 to 14 days after the cattle have started eating acorns.
The amount tolerated by an animal is influenced by the protein content of its diet. If the protein intake is high, the animal can consume more acorns without having poisoning symptoms. Cattle affected by acorn poisoning have a poor appetite, appear dull, become constipated, suffer weight loss and look gaunt or “tucked up.” They also may pass blood in the manure and/or bleed from the nostrils. Profuse diarrhea may follow after the constipation.
Affected animals drink large amounts of water and void excessive amounts of clear urine (urine may also contain blood). Many animals go down and cannot rise after 3 to 7 days of clinical signs of acorn poisoning. If these affected animals do not die, it may take as long as 2 to 3 weeks before they start to recover. Producers suspecting such a problem should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
To correct the protein and energy deficiencies of a stressed, thin cow herd, provide plenty of good-quality hay. When feeding hay, consider both the quantity and quality fed, and supplement it if needed with the proper amounts of protein and/or energy supplements. Providing hay that is of poor quality—even in large amounts—might provide adequate energy, but the cattle will be deficient in protein. Providing good hay but not enough of it can improve the protein deficiency but leave the cattle lacking in energy.
Treatment is of little value in severely affected cattle. However, for the other cattle remaining on the “poor” oak tree pasture, provide supplemental feed containing hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) and protein, which are “antidotes” for the tannins. Mix and cube the following feed formulation for breeding cattle (4 pounds per head per day) and use it as a meal creep feed for calves (free-choice lime limits consumption like salt): Cottonseed meal: 1,040 pounds (52 percent) Dehydrated alfalfa leaf meal: 600 pounds (30 percent) Vegetable oil: 160 pounds 8 percent) Hydrated lime: 200 pounds (10 percent).
Obviously, acorn poisoning can be prevented by removing cattle from areas with oak trees when acorns have recently fallen. Reserve these pastures for grazing in late fall or winter, when the acorns have had a chance to age, turn brown and become somewhat less toxic. No matter when the cattle are turned onto “poor” oak tree pasture, remember that they still could be affected if they eat too many acorns.
Baylor Emmitt Gregory is First Baby of 2024
January 2, 2024 – Sulphur Springs can say hello to the first baby born in 2024 at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. Baylor was born at 12:43 pm on the 1st day of January and entered this world at 8 pounds, 13.8 ounces. Baylor also measured 21.5 inches long. Proud parents of the new baby are Kenneth Gregory, Jr. and Cortnie Robbins. Baylor also has three older siblings, Ferris (4), Karter, (2), and Piper (1). The first baby delivered in 2024 was Dr. James Doughtie.
Garden Seeds for Your 2024 Garden From Master Gardener David Wall
December 31, 2023 – It’s time to start thinking about what vegetables, herbs, and flowers you want to grow in 2024. Do you want basics, exotics, heirlooms, hybrids, organics or combinations of these?
Let’s start with the basics of onions, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and okra. Where will you get seeds? This can be very simple or as complicated as you want. On the simple side, go to your local nursery, country, or hardware store. They’ll have just about anything you want such as cucumbers from 4” to 36” long, tomatoes from grape to 2 pounders, and peppers from mild to scorching. Okra might be available in only one species, but other sources are available. Flowers and herbs will be available in abundance. The biggest purchasing advantage is price. They’re less expensive than ordering and have no shipping costs.
For other desired varieties, you can go online, and search. A slight problem is that growers tend to name their own varieties, so you have to spend considerable time reading the specifics or each variety. Product catalogs are usually free. Two of the best include multiple vegetables/herbs/flowers, although they specialize in tomatoes and to a lesser extent, peppers. They are Totally Tomatoes and Tomato Growers. Tomato Growers, for example has enough tomato varieties (329!) that you would need over ten 100’ rows just to plant one of each variety! For dreamers, perhaps the best catalog is the baker seed catalog, which retails for around $14, but has information you just won’t find anywhere else. It’s often called the dreamers or droolers catalog!
Then, you can go online and type vegetable seed catalogs which will give you an exhaustive list. Again, they are nearly always free. PS. Don’t waste your time/money buying organic vegetable seeds. They have no advantage and exist primarily to fatten organic grower profits!!!
Paris District Road Report for week of January 1, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Jan. 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: Talk. Text. Crash
Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas. In 2022, nearly one in six crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver in which 487 people died and 2,824 were seriously injured. TxDOT’s annual Talk. Text. Crash. campaign is a crucial call-to-action encouraging drivers to keep their heads up and pay attention when behind the wheel.
All distractions – whether texting, eating, grooming, or having a conversation – can be dangerous. Every driver and every passenger, regardless of age, can be impacted by distracted driving. Since Sept. 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving in Texas. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can include anything from texting and talking on a mobile phone to eating and drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, reading, programming a navigation system, watching a video, and even adjusting the radio.
What if I need to text or call someone immediately?
Research shows that regardless whether you use a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect your driving. TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket, or worse, a crash:
Always give driving your full attention
Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text
Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send auto reply texts while you are driving
Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel
Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel
Grayson County: US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). 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. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project.
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.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. 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. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project.
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 ongoing.
Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm. Crawford Road at the Tributary of Big Mineral Arm has been reopened to traffic.
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 75 northbound frontage road. from Shepherd Drive to the BNSF overpass. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Exit 55 will be closed during the daytime hours while this work is underway.
SH 56, in Sherman from Tolbert Street to Harrison Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway.
FM 902, from US 377 to US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs 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 edge repairs 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.
FM 2029, from FM 1396 to FM 273. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform edge repairs 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.
Work on these projects is suspended through the Christmas holiday. Drive safely, drive friendly.
Franklin County: I-30, from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
Delta County: FM 64, from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
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.
FM 410, from US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to FM SH 37. 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 set signal poles at Live Oak Street and placed drill shafts for signal poles at University Drive. Signal work is ongoing at the various locations. The contractor is backfilling and 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 and placing driveways and driveway safety-end-treatments and cross culvert work in ongoing. The contractor is currently working on a culvert extension and preparing to perform 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 performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie-ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. The contractor has shifted traffic to the West to begin removals of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will begin soon. 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 and lime treatment of the subgrade near mile 6 of the 8-mile project. Riprap and Erosion control work is ongoing in the area The contractor 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 begun demolition of the Shelby Ave existing structure and has begun work on abutments and riprap. The contractor has been placing beams on Bledsoe Creek in Fannin County and placing riprap in locations along abutment. 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 mainlane widening and embankment placement. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now opened. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform mainlane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains Counties will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects.
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Man Laying on Side of Highway Found With Stolen Credit Card
December 30, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Highway 19 South in Hopkins County on Friday morning in response to a call received for a welfare check.
Responding officers found a Fruitvale man laying on the side of the highway. The 25 year old male identified as Thomas Warren Masters Johnson consented to a search and was found to be in possession of a credit card with a name that did not match his own identity. Johnson first said the credit card belonged to a friend, then stated he had found the card in a parking lot. Johnson also admitted to using the credit card recently. HCSO deputy advised the suspect of his rights by reading him a Miranda Warning. Johnson continued to answer questions regarding the credit card, while being mirandized, admitting that he had used the card but could not remember where he had used the card. Thomas Warren Masters Johnson was placed under arrest and transported to the Hopkins County Jail.
A subsequent search by jail personnel of Johnson proved to refresh the suspect’s memory of where he had used the credit card as receipts were found from a local fast food restaurant and a movie theater. Johnson was charged with one count of Credit Card Abuse as well as one count of Fraudulent Possession of Credit Card, both charges are state jail felonies. Bond has been set for $10,000 on each charge for a total of $20,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Hopkins County Unemployment Continues Downward Trend
December 30, 2023 – The latest unemplyment numbers are in and Hopkins County continues to report the lowest percentages in the immediate North East Texas area. Hopkins County reported an unemplyment rate in November 2023 of 2.8% dropping from 3.2% in October 2023. The new November number was also much lower than one year ago as the November 2022 percentage was reported as 4.1%. Only 533 Hopkins County work hopefuls reported to be unemployed last month out of the labor force total of 18,972 yielding the percentage of 2.8.
Other November 2023 numbers in the immediate area include:
Franklin County 3.2%
Lamar County 3.4%
Titus County 3.4%
Delta County 3.6%
Red River County 3.9%
Bond Set For Suspects in Fentanyl Overdose Murder Case
December 29, 2023 – Two suspects have been arraigned on murder charges stemming from a suspected fentanyl overdose. Recent Texas law that went into effect September 1st allows murder charges to be levied against those supplying fentanyl that results in death and enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl. Bryson Lacy, a 2021 SSHS graduate and standout athlete, was charged along with Xavier Hill for supplying the illegal contraband that led to the overdose death of Brayden Wooten. Lacy was charged with tampering with evidence pertaining to deleting text messages during the investigation into Wooten’s death. Lacy was also charged with first degree felony murder for his involvement in supplying the contraband that officials believe led to Wooten’s death. Bryson Devonte Lacy remains in the Hopkins County Jail with bond set at $1 million on the murder charge plus and additional bond of $50,000 on the tampering charge.
Xavier John Hill was also charged with first degree felony murder by local authorities based on Hill’s suspected involvement in the death of Brayden Wooten. Hill’s bond on the murder charge was set at $1 million. Hill also had bond set on a previous Possession of a Controlled Substance Charge Penalty Group 1/1-B >=1G<4G. bond on that charge is set at $100,000. The previous possession charge stemmed from a traffic stop in October of 2023 when a Sulphur Spring Police officer stopped Hill for speeding and during a license check the officer confirmed four active warrants. During the search of the vehicle a blue pill was observed on the ground at the suspect’s feet. Hill denied ownership of the pill, which later tested positive for fentanyl. As the suspect moved to the front of the vehicle, more blue pills fell from the suspect’s pants leg. During a pat down of Hill, the SSPD officer found a clear plastic bag containing more pills. Hill was also previously arrested in 2021 on two other Hopkins County warrants. That story can be found here: Previous Hill Arrest
What is Beeswax From Master Gardener David Wall
December 29, 2023 – Beeswax. What is it? How is it made? Well, we start with a beehive. The hive is built from nothing, and when constructed, serves as a home, a giant food storehouse, and a nursery.
All three items are built from beeswax. So, what is it and how is it made? Basically, it’s a wax made (secreted) by eight honeybee abdomen glands and produced in scale form. To produce wax, the bees consume honey. During the 40 some-odd days of a honeybee’s life, they have a series of tasks. The task during days 12-20 is to produce wax. Afterwards, the glands atrophy, but can still make wax if necessary.
As wax is produced, other honeybees chew it and mold it into shapes. Next, the wax is used to build the hexagon shaped combs for use as a nursery and food storage container. It takes some 1,100 scales to make one gram of wax. Incidentally, 8.4 pounds of honey is needed to create one pound of beeswax. This hexagon shape requires the least amount of wax, holds the most honey, and takes up the least amount of space, while providing an ideal space for eggs to metamorphosize into a bee.
Beeswax is composed of many compounds (at least 248) which vary depending of the pollen and nectar sources. In order to be produced, hive temperature has to be 91°-97° F. In that temperature range, bees can produce wax on demand.
Bees have two stomachs; one for personal use and the other for storing honey collected. When she returns to the hive, the honey is put in a waiting cell which is then air dried down a water content of les than19% to prevent spoiling and then capped. Later, some of the honey will be fed to wax producers for conversion into beeswax.
Recent New Texas Law Allows Murder Charges For Fentanyl Distribution
December 29, 2023 – House Bill 6 submitted during the 88th Texas Legislature was eventually signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in June of 2023 becoming enforceable September 1, 2023. This bill along with three others were touted by Abbott as “representing a significant step in the state’s fight against the deadly opioid that will prosecute fentanyl deaths as murder, ensure death certificates reflect when people are poisoned by fentanyl, provide more life-saving NARCAN to Texas colleges and universities, and educate young Texans about the dangers of fentanyl.”
The four bills signed into law were:
- House Bill 6 (Goldman/Huffman) creates a criminal offense of murder for supplying fentanyl that results in death, enhances the criminal penalty for the manufacturing or delivery of fentanyl, and requires deaths caused by fentanyl to be designated as fentanyl toxicity or fentanyl poisoning on a death certificate. Current law does not require such classification on a death certificate, with most fentanyl-related deaths currently classified as an overdose.
- House Bill 3144 (Lujan/Campbell) establishes October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to help increase awareness of the dangers of fentanyl.
- House Bill 3908 (Wilson/Creighton), also known as Tucker’s Law, requires public schools each year to provide research-based instruction on fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students grades 6 through 12. The bill also requires the Governor to designate a Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week.
- Senate Bill 867 (West/Rose) allows the distribution of opioid antagonists, including life-saving NARCAN, to Texas colleges and universities to prevent opioid poisonings.
