TxDOT Work in Hopkins/Franklin Counties for Week Beginning August 27th
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Franklin, Hopkins, and Hunt Counties during the week of Aug. 27, 2018. 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.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
I-30 rest areas, Hopkins County: on north and south service roads east of Cumby. Watch for work zones while workers are constructing and completing new rest areas for travelers on I-30.
I-30 restriping, Hopkins County: from the Hunt-Hopkins County line to the Hopkins-Franklin County line. Watch for mobile work zones as workers apply new roadway striping at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Aug. 31.
SH 37, Franklin County: southernmost section of SH 37. Watch for lane closures and short traffic delays as crews perform repairs to drainage structures; flaggers will direct traffic.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties): Watch for crews performing slope repair on SH 11 east of Commerce near the Hunt-Hopkins County line. Temporary traffic delays may occur.
FM 2642 bridge/underpass project at I-30, Hunt County: from FM 1565 westward to the Hunt-Rockwall County line. Watch for work zones and traffic shifts while workers construct a new underpass/bridge to route FM 2642 across I-30. Temporary traffic signals are being placed at FM 2453 and FM 35 to aid detoured traffic.
SH 19 pavement project, Rains County: from US 69 and SH 19 south to the Van Zandt County line. Watch for narrow traffic lanes.
ADA ramp construction, Hunt County: SH 11 in Commerce. Watch for workers installing ramps, sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, handrails, pedestrian push buttons and other pedestrian elements to aid the mobility of disabled citizens.
I-30 restriping, Hunt County: from the Hunt-Rockwall County line to the Hopkins-Hunt County line. Watch for mobile work zones as workers apply new roadway striping at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Aug. 24.
Sheriff’s Department Places Speed Trailers on State Highway 19N
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum and crew put in place two Stalker Speed Trailers along State Highway 19 North Friday afternoon. Tatum calls this two more signs that Hopkins County Officials are working together for the safety of the citizens of Hopkins County. The trailers were purchased by Commissioners Danny Evans, and Commissioner Wade Bartley.
These trailer were purchased as just another tool to assist in the 19 north coalition and the Hopkins County Sheriff’s office to try and combat the growing number of wrecks that have recently happened on Hwy 19 north. These trailers will also be used throughout Hopkins County.
Local PJC Students Receive Nursing Program Associate Degree in Fall Pinning Ceremony
Paris Junior College held its first fall pinning ceremony recently for students who completed the associate degree nursing program. The program revamped to conclude at the end of the summer semester, rather than the end of the spring semester.
Along with receiving their pins, several awards were presented to some deserving students. The Academic Achievement Award for highest grade point average in all classes throughout the program went to Amber Sewell of Bonham.
The Clinical Achievement Award, chosen by the faculty for the student who is willing to help their peers, has an excellent bedside manner and is very good in skills performance, went to Taylor Slagle of Chicota.
Casi Mobley of Sulphur Springs was selected by her peers for the Student Choice Award as the student who best exemplifies the nursing profession.
The Metamorphosis Award is for the student who has made the most improvement in the clinical setting, changing from an unsure student to a confident caregiver. This year it was presented to Landon Dorner of Dike.
Associate degree perfect attendance awards went to Shawna Bryant of Paris, Yolanda Ndawana of Lewisville, Pamela Spier of Brookston, and Caleb Wiler of Sulphur Springs.
Students receiving pins at the ceremony include:
Cumby: Karli Emmons
Dike: Landon Dorner, Holland Willis
Sulphur Bluff: Taylor Reed
Sulphur Springs: Laura Archer, Kasie Brantley, Debbie Coker, Michala Davis, Jennifer Harrington, Meagan Livsey, Karla Martinez, Casi Mobley, Caleb Wiler
Wolfe City: Madison Skinner
Yantis: Stephanie Teer
SSISD Board Approves Budget Amendments, Personnel Changes
In a brief meeting Friday at noon, the Sulphur Springs School Board approved budget amendments for the General Fund and Food Services budgets for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018. They also approved personnel changes.
Personnel changes include:
Resignation
Nichole Petty-Cooks SpEd Intervention/Resource Teacher SS Elementary
New Personnel
Eric Buck Instructional Aide Bowie Primary
Megan Chaney SpEd Aide Travis Primary
1st Annual Jake Wilson Amateur Open Bass Tournament Set for August 25 to Benefit Sky Ranch
Jake Wilson was a husband, father and son; conducted a prison ministry; was a singer/songwriter of Christian music; was a pastor and children’s minister at New Frontier Cowboy Church at Wills Point and an avid fisherman when he passed away in Mexico on August 30, 2017. His memory is being celebrated this weekend on Lake Fork with the first annual Jake Wilson Memorial Amateur Open Bass Tournament at The Minnow Bucket Marina . His mother, Diane Wilson of Terrell, Texas, has organized this first annual event as a fundraiser for the Jake Wilson Memorial Foundation. Proceeds will benefit the children’s camp at Sky Ranch.
Cost to enter the tournament is $80 person or $160 per 2-person team. Registrations will be accepted on the morning of the tournament. Starting time is 6:30 am on Saturday August 25, 2018. There are ten cash prize categories with $6,000 overall payout. There will be a free Kid Fish event on the shore from 10 am til noon sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife. A free BBQ meal at the end of the tournament will wrap up the day. Tournament host is Applied Consultants Inc, Jake’s former employer, host marina is The Minnow Bucket, and numerous sponsors have assisted the effort. Proceeds from the 2018 tourney will go toward helping children in need to attend summer camp at Sky Ranch at Van, Texas. Call for tournament details at 972-567-5215.
According to Ms. Wilson, the Jake Wilson Memorial Foundation was formed in 2018 to honor his memory and to provide funds for children to attend Christian camps. Through the Foundation, annual tournaments will be organized and funded through entry fees, donations and sponsorships. These sporting events will serve as a way of giving and a celebration of Jake’s life and legacy. Find out more at jakecwilson.com.
County Court Meets Monday; Burn Ban Back on Agenda
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
DATE: Monday, August 27, 2018
PLACE: In The Commissioners’ Courtroom On The First Floor Of The Hopkins County Courthouse Located At
118 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX.
I. Invocation
II. Pledge Of Allegiance To The Flag
A. AMERICAN FLAG:
B. TEXAS FLAG:
The Following Items Will Be Considered By Commissioners’ Court For Discussion And/Or Action:
The Court May Go Into Executive Session To Discuss Legal And/Or Personnel Matters.
ORDER OF BUSINESS:
1) The Court To Declare A Quorum
2) Consent Agenda.
i) Approve Previous Meeting Minutes.
a) Special Meeting – 8-20-18 Work Session – 8-20-18
3) The Court To Consider Citizens Comments.
4) Other County Business. i) The Court To Consider Approving A Burn Ban For Hopkins County. ii) The Court To Hold A Second Public Hearing On The 2018 Proposed Property Tax Rate. iii) The County Extension Agent(s) To Report On The Activities Of The Agri-Life Extension Office. iv) The Court To Review The Monthly Report From County Offices. v) Pursuant Texas Local Government Code 83.005, The Court To Consider And Approve The Temporary Appointment Of An Uncompensated Deputy In The County Treasurer’s Office. vi) The Court To Consider Or Approve Accepting The Following Roads, Nicklaus Dr., Nelson Dr. And Hogan Dr. Located In The
Country Club Estates Subdivision That Are Now Up To County Standards And To Add Them To The County Road Inventory. vii) The Court To Consider Approving An Order Setting The Salary Of The Official Shorthand Reporter Of The Sixty Second Judicial District Of Texas. viii) The Court To Consider And Approve Financing For The Civic Center Roof. ix) The Court To Consider And Approve Financing Of A Brush Cutter For Precinct 1.
5) The Court To Consider Approving Budget Amendments And Line Item Transfers.
6) The Court Will Consider And Act On Payment Of Bills, Revenues And Expenses, Payroll And Financial Statements.
7) The Court To Consider Approving Grants.
8) The Court To Consider Accepting Donations.
9) The Court To Consider Contracts.
10) The Court Will Consider And Act On Personnel Matters.
11) The Court To Consider Disposal Of Asset Request.
12) The Court To Approve Resolutions And Proclamations.
13) The Court To Adjourn.
NOTICE OF WORK SESSION(S): Monday, August 27, 2018, beginning immediately after the regular Hopkins County Commissioners’ Court Meeting. Work sessions will take place in the meeting room on the third floor in yhe Hopkins County Courthouse located at 118 Church St. Sulphur Springs, TX
ORDER OF BUSINESS
- The Court To Discuss The Construction Of The Courtroom Annex Adjacent To The Law Enforcement Center.
- The Court To Discuss Health Care Concerning The Inmates Of The Hopkins County Jail.
- The Court To Meet With The General Manager Of The Hopkins County Civic Center, To Discuss The Civic Center
Events, Repair And Improvements And A Review Of Revenues And Expenditures. - The Court To Meet To Discuss Environmental Concerns.
- The Court To Meet To Discuss Subdivision Regulations In Hopkins County.
- The Court To Meet To Discuss Maintenance Of County Buildings.
- Budget Work Session(s).
Hearts of Life Animal Rescue Presents Cecilia for Adoption
Cecilia is still waiting for a home to call her own. Cecilia is full grown and medium in size. She loves to go for rides and walks well on the leash. Cecilia is a little picky with other four legged companions. We truly believe that with a lot of love, patience and training, she would be the perfect dog.
Cecilia’s adoption fee is $100.00 which includes all previous vetting, shots, worming, spay and rabies. Please contact us to meet her in person! Call Hearts of Life Animal Rescue at 903-439-5019, email [email protected], facebook.com/heartsoflife or find them on Petfinder.com.
Tira News, August 24th, 2018
By Jan Vaughn
The quarterly Tira City Council meeting has been moved to Monday, August 27 th at 6:00 p.m. We are saddened to learn that Powell Vickery and Sherry Smiddy are resigning from the Council, due to Powell’s current health condition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. The Council will be discussing the changes at the meeting on Monday. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Council would like to express appreciation to the anonymous donor for the generous contributions to the Tira Food Pantry. The Pantry is in need of donations on a regular basis. Canned meat is especially needed at this time. You are welcome to bring donations to the quarterly meetings or contact a member about contributing anytime.
Shelia Boyd reports, “Anytime you get to see all three children is a good weekend! We visited with Colton earlier on Saturday, as the guys were spending time together. Then Jeremy and Jessica brought the kids out and we cooked burgers.” She comments, “My Saturday morning wasn’t as nice though, we attended my aunt’s funeral, Linda Brantley. She was a great aunt. My love to my cousins and all the family. Remember to cherish your time that you are given.” We want to express our sympathy to Shelia and her family at this time. Please keep them in your prayers.
Yvonne Weir shared, “Eli and Elise had a big birthday bash on Sunday, the 12th , with both sides of the family and lots of friends.” It was a swim party at Mike and Dacy (Weir) Campbell’s home. She added, “Wesley had his Senior Pictures taken on Wednesday, then we went to the Children’s Museum in Commerce. Dustin, Natalie, and Maria stopped in on Saturday. We had a late lunch at Juan Pablo’s and then they came out to get ready for their good friend Clarissa’s wedding. Between the drought and the grasshoppers our garden is gone.”
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected] .
Fundraiser for Local Kids: This Saturday
The Lil 4’s club is hosting a fundraiser garage sale tomorrow, August 25th from 7am to 3pm. They are hoping to raise the needed $15,000 to be able to purchase their building. The fundraiser will be located at 200 Lee street. Come out and support your community!
Fall Armyworms By Mario Villarino
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a common pest of bermudagrass, sorghum, corn, wheat and rye grass and many other crops in north and central Texas. According to Dr. Allen Knutson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomologist, the larvae of fall armyworms are green, brown or black with white to yellowish lines running from head to tail. A distinct white line between the eyes forms an inverted “Y” pattern on the face. Four black spots aligned in a square on the top of the segment near the back end of the caterpillar are also characteristic. Armyworms are very small (1/8 inch) at first, cause little plant damage and as a result often go unnoticed. Larvae feed for 2-3 weeks and full grown larvae are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. Given their immense appetite, great numbers, and marching ability, fall armyworms can damage entire fields or pastures in a few days.
Once the armyworm larva completes feeding, it tunnels into the soil to a depth of about an inch and enters the pupal stage. The armyworm moth emerges from the pupa in about ten days and repeats the life cycle. The fall armyworm moth has a wingspan of about 1 1/2 inches. The front pair of wings is dark gray with an irregular pattern of light and dark areas. Moths are active at night when they feed on nectar and deposit egg masses. A single female can deposit up to 2000 eggs and there are four to five generations per year. The fall armyworm apparently does not overwinter in north Texas, but survives the winter in south Texas. Populations increase in south Texas in early spring and successive generations move northward as the season progresses.
Management. Fall armyworm outbreaks in pastures and hay fields often occur following a rain which apparently creates favorable conditions for eggs and small larvae to survive in large numbers. Hay fields with a dense canopy and vigorous plant growth are often more susceptible to armyworm infestations than less intensely fertilized and managed fields. Irrigated fields are also susceptible to fall armyworm infestations, especially during drought conditions. Also monitor volunteer wheat and weedy grasses in ditches and around fields which may be a source of armyworms that can move into the adjacent crop.
Look for fall armyworm larvae feeding in the crop canopy during the late evening and early morning and during cool, cloudy weather. During hot days, look for armyworms low in the canopy or even on the soil surface where they hide under loose soil and fallen leaves. A sweep net is very effective for sampling hay fields for fall armyworms. When fields are wet with dew, armyworms can stick on rubber boots worn while walking through the field. Small larvae chew the green layer from the leaves, creating a “window pane” effect and later notch the edges of leaves. The key to managing fall armyworms is frequent inspection of fields to detect infestations before they have caused economic damage. Once larvae are more than ¾ inch long, the quantity of foliage they eat increases dramatically. During their final 2-3 days of feeding, armyworms eat 80% of the total foliage consumed during their entire development.
The density of armyworms sufficient to justify insecticide treatment depends on the stage of crop growth and value of the crop. Seedling plants can tolerate fewer armyworms than established plants. Infestations of more than 2-3 armyworms (1/2 inch or longer) per square foot may justify an insecticide application. If practical, apply insecticides early in the morning or late in the evening when armyworm larvae are most active and therefor most likely to come into contact with the insecticide spray. If the field is near harvest, an early harvest, rather than an insecticide treatment, is an option. Always read and follow all label instructions on pesticide use and restrictions.
