This and That for October From Master Gardener David Wall
With tomatoes still ripening on the vine next month and a frost on the near horizon, consider pulling the whole plant up and bringing it inside. Find a warm place to hang them up, and the tomatoes will finish
ripening. Increasing organic material content greatly increases sol ability to retain water. A goal of increasing organic content to 5% will quadruple the soil’s ability to store water. Healthy soil provides
healthy plants which have a higher ability to resist pests and disease. This means a lowered need for harmful pesticides.
Hopefully your vegetable garden has LOTS of earthworms in it. Earthworms love natural and organic fertilizers and soil amendments a LOT more than synthetic items.
Next spring, when transplanting tomatoes, cover the stem with soil all the way up to the first set of leaves. You can do this by digging a deeper hole or by laying the plant horizontally and covering. The plant will grow vertically, and any part of the stem covered by soil will grow roots, making a stronger, healthier plant.
Over watering is worse than under watering. It is easier to revive a dry plant than try to dry out drowned roots.
Next month, we’ll get our first frost. Interestingly some vegetables do quite well after that first frost. These include Brussel sprouts, kale, carrots, parsnips, and cabbage.
For the best peas next spring, start them indoors. You’ll get a higher germination rate than if direct sown in the garden, and the seedlings will be healthier and better able to fight off pests and disease. If
you want a really good slicing cucumber next spring but one that is smaller, grow a straight 8 cucumber plant and simply pick the fruit at 5-6”.
Get cover crops or shredded leaves over your bare garden soil this winter.
Paris District Road Report for week of October 23, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Oct. 23, 2023. 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.
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.
The intersection of North Travis Street with US 75 will close temporarily at 7:00 a.m. Oct. 23 to allow for the construction of the new northbound US 75 overpass at North Travis Street. While the intersection is closed, traffic on west- and eastbound North Travis Street will be able to turn right only onto the frontage road and detour to the next available intersection. State Highway 91, Taylor Street, Washington Street and the U-turns at Washington Street will remain open during this temporary closure.
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.
The eastbound entrance ramp to US 82 at the US 75 intersection is closed to traffic. This ramp serves as the entrance ramp to eastbound US 82 at US 75. This closure is needed to complete the construction of the US 82 eastbound frontage road and new entrance ramp. Motorists are advised to use the eastbound frontage road and continue east through the Loy Lake intersection and use the eastbound entrance ramp from Loy Lake Road to gain access to US 82.
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.
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.
SH 11, from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers replace guardrails, backfill the pavement, and seed the project. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers 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, the bridge location 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.
US 75 full depth concrete repair. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 902, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. 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.
SH 34, from FM 64 to FM 1550. Watch for traffic shifts and traffic-signal-controlled lane closures as workers build the bridge approaches for the new SH 34 roadway at the future Lake Ralph Hall.
FM 1550, from SH 34 to CR 3544. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work on building the connection of the realigned FM 1550 to the existing roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56, from SH 78 in Bonham to SH 34 in Honeygrove. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Franklin County: 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.
Spur 423, at I-30 N Frontage Road. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews install traffic signal.
Hopkins County: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews begin road widening 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.
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.
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 begun milling for overlay operations to begin this week. The contractor has placed hotmix for turn lanes and intersections, curb work and sod placement will begin soon. This project is a traffic calming project and pedestrian improvements on SH 11. 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. This contractor will perform detour work and begin backfilling soon. The contractor has begun demolition of median on the north end of I-30 intersection.
SP 302, from SH 34 to FM 499; from FM 499 to I-30; from US 69 to SH 34; from O’Neal Street to US 69. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Milling and paving operations have finished. Embankment and sidewalk work is completed. Striping of the spur has been completed. The contractor will begin seeding and vegetative watering soon. Utility work by others is ongoing in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. The contractor is on mile five of this eight-mile project and will continue widening, cement treating the subgrade and placing geogrid in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has reopened the CR 1032 and CR 2132 bridge. The contractor has begun work CR 1031. The contractor has placed the bridge deck and riprap. The detour has been removed and private fence reinstalled. The contractor plans to rework the side slopes and establish vegetation. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue Bridge: Greenville. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signage. The contractor has demolished the existing structure and poured the abutments. Bridge beams are currently being set and deck work will begin soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be performing eastbound main lane widening and embankment placement. FEC and ATT utility work is ongoing in the area. The contractor plans to place more barrier and perform main lane widening work soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Rains County: FM 2946, from FM 515 to FM 279. Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor is performing base repair work and widening work. Seal coat work and ditch work will be ongoing in this 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. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout both counties.
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Dinner Bell Menu For October 25, 2023
Alliance Bank, its officers and employees, is the Community Partner for this meal. This is that entity’s fourth appearance in 2023. It is a delight to see the bank personnel joyfully work to fill the food boxes and distribute them to the persons in the cars at the distribution area.
Dinner Bell appreciates Alliance Bank for supporting this food ministry since it’s the beginning.
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
Luchious Lasagna
Roasted Brown Sugar Carrots
Garden Salad
Garlic Buttered French Bread Slices
Caramel Buttermilk Sheet Cake
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC AND FLU ARE STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Education is Paramount at Paris Junior College, no Matter the Subject
TEACHING MOMENT
Welding Instructor John Plemons, right, and Lab Facilitator Karl Jansson, center, work closely with Abraham Diaz, a student at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Welding Shop. The structural welding student is learning the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process.
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.
Prevent the Spread of Invasive Pests and Diseases
October 20, 2023 – Don’t move firewood, prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans, and especially outdoor enthusiasts, to help reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects by taking preventive measures and being cautious when collecting, transporting and purchasing firewood.
As Texans travel for hunting or camping trips, they may unknowingly be bringing deadly, invasive pests and diseases along for the ride if they bring firewood with them.
“Many devastating, tree-killing pests present in Texas forests live and breed inside firewood,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “Some wood borers, such as the invasive emerald ash borer and redbay ambrosia beetle, have already caused devastating impacts, practically wiping out entire tree species from some regions of the country.”
The emerald ash borer, present in North Texas, has killed millions of ash trees across the eastern U.S. The redbay ambrosia beetle continues to spread west from the southeast, killing redbay and sassafras trees along the way. Similarly, native pathogens such as oak wilt, have killed oak trees in Central Texas in epidemic proportions.
Since insects like the emerald ash borer do not travel extreme distances naturally, it is presumed that firewood transportation was the origin of the emerald ash borer introduction in Texas which also intensified its rapid spread in the last few years. Since its introduction to Texas, the emerald ash borer has been detected in 14 counties, making it essential that firewood users display extreme caution.
Forest pests and diseases cause severe ecological and economic impacts over time. While they can spread on their own, accidental transport by humans is one of the main ways they move greater distances, sometimes quickly jumping state and county lines. Firewood is the common way many of these pests are moved, regardless of how seasoned or old the firewood is. Even wood that looks clean and healthy may still have insect eggs or fungal spores that can start new infestations.
“We can limit the spread of invasive tree pests,” said Gomez. “The best rule of thumb is to burn the firewood near where it’s bought or picked up. Moving firewood can easily introduce insects and diseases to new areas, particularly during hunting and camping seasons.”
For diseases like oak wilt, this is critical. Transporting and storing infected wood from red oaks can spread oak wilt fungal spores to previously uninfected neighborhoods and properties. Because live oaks tend to grow in large, dense groups, oak wilt spreads quickly, and one infected tree can lead to large patches of dead and dying trees.
Even after letting firewood season for one to two years, firewood users should refrain from transporting the wood as it is still capable of spreading these diseases and insects.
While firewood is an important commodity in the fall and winter, Texans can help prevent the spread of these pests and diseases by purchasing, collecting and burning firewood locally.
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Is it OK to Switch Between AC and Heat During the Fall?
October 20, 2023 – Warm fall days can turn chilly once the sun goes down—enough that you might be tempted to run your air conditioning during the day and then turn on the heat at night.
If it’s hot enough during daylight hours for the AC and cool enough over night for the heat, there’s really no harm in using both on the same day. However, it’s a good idea to ease one system off before switching on the other. Here are a few tips for a good transition:
- Air conditioning systems run in cycles. Once the house reaches the temperature you have set on your thermostat, it will cycle off. You’ll hear it when that happens. Before you turn your AC off, listen for it to complete its cycle. Short cycling can cause the AC compressor to lock up.
- Wait five minutes after you turn the AC off before you switch on the heat. This grace period will give the refrigerant in the AC a chance to normalize, which can prevent circuits from tripping if the transition to the heater is too abrupt.
- Avoid drastic thermostat changes. Once the AC is off, raise the temperature just a few degrees and then wait for the heat to rise to that temperature before raising it anymore. This prevents your heating system from overworking, which is inefficient.
- In the morning when it is cool, open the blinds to let the daylight naturally warm rooms but block the sun before it gets too warm, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard.
- Anticipate the evening temperature drop and stop running your air conditioner before the weather cools down.
- Put extra blankets on your bed to feel warmer and try to avoid having to run the heater overnight. If the morning is chilly, wear extra layers and slippers until the temperature warms up.
Farmers Electric Cooperative serves Northeast Texas with safe and reliable power. With more than 80,000 members, Farmers EC strives to be recognized as an exceptional cooperative by our members, employees, and communities.
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SSISD Wildcats Face the Paris Wildcats Tonight
October 20, 2023 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats travel to Paris, TX tonight to face the Wildcats at Paris High School. The SS Wildcats are 6-1 and the Paris Wildcats are 3-4. This is a District Game. KSST will interrupt the Texas Rangers, if needed, to broadcast this entire game.
Click here for a map to Paris High School.
Game Starts at 7:30PM. You can listen live on KSST AM 1230. We will stream the game via YouTube.
Crimestoppers Looking For Murder Suspects
October 20, 2023 – The Red River County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help finding Keari McCain, 28, Quentence Doolittle, 23, and Jack Galbert, 29, who are all wanted for murder.
The Red River County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding three men wanted for murder. Red River County shared fliers from the Lamar County Crimestoppers describing murder suspects Keari McCain, 28, Quentence Doolittle, 23, and Jack Galbert, 29. Harvest Hines, III, 26, a fourth wanted man, has been captured. Anyone with information that leads to the arrest of any men can anonymously contact Lamar County and Red River County Crimestoppers for a cash reward of up to $1,000 at 903-785-TIPS or 903-427-TIPS.
Celina ISD Wins Ag Mechanic Build-Off
October 20, 2023 – The students of Celina ISD won the 2023 Help-A-Child Welding Competition this year.
The student team from Cumby ISD placed 8th over all, just behind Sulphur Springs ISD.
Twenty four schools entered 36 teams this year. Due to continued demand, Help-A-Child was forced to set the limit at 36 total teams. “This event, and Help-A-Child is getting bigger every year. And that helps more kids.” said Michael Bowen Como Picton FFA Advisor. “It’s great to see these student, helping area children through Help-A-Child.”
The top 3 entries will be actioned off on Saturday, and the proceeds will go to Help-A-Child efforts.
Help-A-Child kicks off early Saturday morning at the Civic Center.
Texas A&M University-Commerce Is Growing
October 19, 2023 – As of today, Fall 2023 enrollment stands at 11,983 students, which is a 7% increase in overall enrollment compared to the same time last year. This represents one of the highest enrollment percentage increases in The Texas A&M University System. The biggest enrollment jump was among first-time freshmen, with a remarkable 22.1% increase over last year.
What’s fueling this upward trend? According to Nechell Bonds, Vice President for Enrollment Management, it’s the university’s dedication to providing high quality educational opportunities that prepare our students for success, including those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds.
Bonds explained that the university makes an exceptional education accessible through affordable tuition, generous scholarships, comprehensive advising and support services, flexible online programs, and other innovative solutions.
“We will continue to offer high-demand, high-quality degree programs while keeping higher education within reach for all families,” Bonds said.
Bonds also mentioned that Fall 2024 application numbers are already up 15% from pre-pandemic levels. She encourages students to submit their applications by the December 1 priority deadline as the university predicts continued record growth.
A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin emphasized that rising enrollment numbers reflect the university’s commitment to the students it serves.
“We don’t just talk about transforming lives; we live by those words,” Rudin stated. “Our growing enrollment numbers reflect our dedication to meeting students’ needs and demonstrate that we are, without a doubt, a destination institution in Northeast Texas and beyond.”
