Fire Event Encourages Young Women to Explore a Career in Wildland Firefighting
October 2, 2023 – PALO PINTO, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service hosted the third annual Sisters in Fire event Sept. 30 at Worth Ranch, a Longhorn Council BSA property. Thirty-five young women between the ages of 13 and 18 from 22 Texas counties and one Oklahoma county attended the event.
“The Sisters in Fire program was created to introduce young women to wildland firefighting and natural resource careers,” said Emily Mitchell, Sisters in Fire Incident Commander. “This year we had women from across the state of Texas and one from Kansas who are introducing their professions and passions to the young women of Texas.”
Participants were split into squads, or teams, for the day and rotated through four stations. Each station introduced them to various topics and skills relating to the wildland firefighting profession, including how to suppress wildfires with fire engines, bulldozers, chainsaws and hand tools. They also learned leadership and communication skills that are critical for wildland firefighting crews.
“My favorite part of the day was meeting new people and getting to take on a leadership role,” said Emma, Sisters in Fire participant.
At this year’s event, a Fire Boss from Dauntless Air, an amphibious aircraft frequently used on Texas wildfires, made two water drops, helping demonstrate the coordination needed between aerial firefighting resources and ground personnel during a wildfire incident.
“The Fire Boss (AT-802F) aircraft is an essential part of our air operations during wildfire season,” said Cassidy Ince, Texas A&M Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft System Program Coordinator and Sisters in Fire squad boss. “This was a great opportunity for our participants to witness this incredible aircraft and skilled pilot perform a water drop.”
Participants put everything they learned to the test during the final event of the day, a prescribed fire demonstration. While the instructors burned a small area of grass, the young women answered questions and applied what they learned to a real-world scenario.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, women account for a small percentage of career firefighters, including 5% of all career firefighters, 11% of volunteer fire service and 12% of federal wildland firefighters.
“Our program introduces young women to a variety of career opportunities associated with wildland firefighting that some may have not even realized were available to them,” said Mitchell. It also provides our leadership team opportunities to network, build relationships with other women and develop personally through training opportunities.”
The Sisters in Fire event was hosted in cooperation with Texas A&M Forest Service, USDA Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, University of Texas LBJ Wildflower Center, and Kansas Forest Service
“Having all of these agencies here shows that we are all doing similar things, and we all have a role to fill with wildfire and land management, said Ashley Samberson, United States Fish & Wildlife Service. We want to support each other during wildfire suppression and outside of wildfires on programs like this and others.”
For event photos, visit https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAX3kn.
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Barbara Bush Primary Will Host a Halloween Carnival October 6th
October 2, 2023 – Barbara Bush Primary School invites Students and Family to their Annual Halloween Carnival Friday, October 6, 2023, beginning at 5:30pm, at the Barbara Bush Primary Campus. You can expect Carnival Games, a Silent Auction, snacks, and more. Cost is $1 for two tickets, $5 for ten tickets, and $10 for an unlimited wristband.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 09-25-2023 – 10-01-2023
Arrests:
Wilson, Brandi, 49 years of age, of Mt. Vernon, was arrested on 09-30-2023 for Criminal Trespass and Public Intoxication.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 85 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 24 citations and 17 warnings during this reporting period.
2023 Cattleman’s Classic & Ribeye Roundup – Event Schedule
October 3, 2023 – It all happens on Celebration Plaza on Saturday October 7, 2023. Dinner starts at 6:30PM.
Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Report – October 2, 2023
October 2, 2023 – Hopkins County Chamber Connection submitted by Butch Burney
Stew Goody Bags
Businesses who want to get their message out to 400 stew cooks and judges have until noon Friday, Oct. 6, to bring their promotional items to the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 110 Main St. Our goody bags will go out to about 350 cooks and almost 50 judges for stew, appetizer and campsite contests. There is one catch – you must be a Chamber member to participate in the goody bag promotion. Good thing is, we can sign you up as a Chamber member in just a matter of minutes. For more information, contact [email protected] or call us at 903-885-6515.
Eclipse News
After three great meetings last week with restaurants, churches and schools regarding the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting with retail business owners and managers at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the Chamber’s Conference Room. We will talk about the Eclipse, which will happen on Monday, April 8, 2024, and their role in preparing for the thousands of visitors that will be in Hopkins County. So, if you own or manage a retail store, please make plans to attend the meeting.
Cocktails and Conversation
We will kick off our Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, with The Tipsy Oak Lounge, a great new spot inside The Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Oak Avenue. Cocktails and Conversation will last from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, so drop by for a casual networking event. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
Stew News
Tickets and shirts are now on sale, so get yours now! Tickets are $8 each for those 13 and over. Children 12 years and younger will eat free this year, thanks to Signature Solar’s sponsorship, but they still need a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at HopkinsChamber.org or at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at our financial institutions which include Alliance Bank, City National Bank, First National Bank of East Texas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Red River Credit Union, and Texas Heritage National Bank T-shirts are now available at the Chamber office for just $25 in adult sizes S-XXL. We will also be getting in other merchandise as the Oct. 28 stew date draws closer. The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families. Signature Solar and the Chamber announced that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship. Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. One Church announced last week that they will sponsor the Fun Zone, which includes Gellyball, bounce houses and kids’ games. That means free fun for children, thanks to One Church’s generous sponsorship!
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, which will include our appetizer contest and concert by Dubb and the Luv Machines! Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival comes to downtown on Oct. 14, from 1-7 p.m. Enjoy wine from some of the best Texas wineries, shop local vendors and enjoy talented musical artists. Jeb Brooks Band will perform from 1-3 p.m., and Nevermind will be on stage from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are available at MainStreetUncorkedSS.com from $10. Tickets at the door are $15.
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is coming in October. The Homecoming Carnival is Oct. 11-15, while the parade (from Buford Park to Brookshire’s) will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Trade and vendor booths, a kids’ zone, creative art contest and craft show will all be conducted Friday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Oct. 28. Ribeye Roundup Bet your appetites ready for the NetBio Cattleman’s Classic Ribeye Roundup, back on Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 7. The steak dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., with a concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at Texas Heritage National Bank. VIP tickets are $100 each.
Homecoming Parade
The Dial Study Club Homecoming Parade, presented by Triple Crown Roofing, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. All SSISD student organizations and sports teams are encouraged to join. If your business would like to sponsor, contact any Dial member or call 903-243-4138.
Ribbon Cutting
Studio 9 Hair Designs will host a ribbon cutting at their new location, 416 Hillcrest Drive South, at noon Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please join us for their event.
Texas Legislative Special Session To Begin October 9th
October 2, 2023 – Governor Greg Abbott made good on his promise to keep ordering special sessions of the Texas Legislature until an agreement could be reached on some sort of “school vouchers” program.
A September 26th letter signed by Governor Abbott and addressed to Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan, did not indicate the focus of this special session. But the governor has said repeatedly the next special session would focus on public education, including the issues of school vouchers and public school funding.
Abbott’s decision comes nearly four months after lawmakers failed this year to either allocate new money to help school districts make ends meet amid rampant inflation and a volatile economy, or reach an agreement on “school choice,” a moniker for proposals that would allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to pay for their children’s private schooling. School choice has been one of Abbott’s top legislative priorities this year.
Lawmakers are to return to Austin on Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. This year’s regular legislative session ended in a stalemate between the House and Senate over education savings accounts, a voucher-like program that would allow parents access to a state-managed account to pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses.
The relationship between the House and Senate was also further strained after the Senate acquitted Attorney General Ken Paxton on impeachment charges brought on by the House, which could make it even more difficult for the chambers to reach an agreement on school vouchers. But Abbott recently said that if lawmakers fail to pass a school choice proposal, he won’t hesitate to bring lawmakers back. And he promised political consequences for those who get in the way.
“If we do not win in that first special session, we will have another special special session and we’ll come back again,” Abbott said last week in a tele-town hall about the issue. “And then if we don’t win that time, I think it’s time to send this to the voters themselves.”
Paris Junior College Fall Enrollment Up; Regents Meet
October 1, 2023 – The Paris Junior College Board of Regents received good news from a report on Fall student enrollment at their meeting held Monday, Sept. 25.
As part of the President’s Report from Dr. Pam Anglin, regents learned that contact hours for the fall semester are up 3.5 percent from a year ago and seven percent from two years ago. Student head count rose 1.8 percent from one year ago and four percent from two years ago.
Regents also learned that the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute is donating a substantial library of watchmaking books to the College, and PJC Watchmaking faculty Stan McMahan will pick those up as part of his trip, escorting 13 students, to the AWCI Fall Symposium in Ohio.
In other business, the Regents:
• Received the Annual Title IX Report which must annually be posted on the College’s website and provided to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
• Voted to continue the formula for setting Continuing Education course tuition. The formula requires annual approval, and has demonstrated it gives the College flexibility to set individual fees based on the cost to offer each course.
• Approved an increase of $5 for the HESI testing cost, from $50 to $55. HESI testing is required for several health occupations programs, and the new amount will cover a cost increase to the College.
• Received an update on the Quality Enhancement Plan from Government faculty and QEP Director Brandon Langehennig. A new 50-computer lab is up and running in the Rheudasil Learning Center and 25 more computers have been installed at the PJC-Greenville Center for students to use. Another change is the inclusion of basic computer skills in the Learning Framework course required of all new students. The QEP was developed to address the lack of basic computer skills such as saving documents or attaching files to emails. Such skills are required for most of today’s jobs.
• Accepted the employment of Financial Aid Veteran Specialist Matt Dillon, Associate Degree Nursing Faculty Kelly Merritt and Rebecca Scott, and Nursing Simulation Laboratory Coordinator Randa Parris; the resignation of Licensed Vocational Nursing Faculty Madelyn Loschke; and the resignation of Dr. Pam Anglin, President, at the end of 2023.
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.
Paris District Road Report for week of October 2, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Oct. 2, 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 turn right 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.
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. The southbound FM 1417 exit ramp to SH 56 will be closed Oct. 6-7, in order for crews to change the exit ramp to the new alignment.
South Loy Lake Road at US 75, at the Loy Lake Road bridge over US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge maintenance work on the bridge.
FM 120 at US 75, in Denison at the FM 120 bridge over US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge maintenance work on the bridge.
Randell Lake Road at US 75, in Denison at the Randell Lake Road bridge over US 75. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge maintenance work on the bridge.
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, pave driveways, 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 and occasional 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 691, from FM 1417 to FM 131. 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.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. 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.
Fannin County: SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Construction on this safety improvement project begins Oct. 9. 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.
FM 2077, from SH 56 to FM 1550. 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.
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.
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.
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 been placing Type “B” hot mix for the roadway widening and turn lane at the intersection of SH 11 and Culver Street. Work on curb and gutter and drainage flumes is ongoing. 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. 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 156. 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 has finished placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. The contractor is currently working on mile five of this eight-mile project. 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, they are currently preparing the ROW and preparing to demo the existing bridge. The contractor poured both abutments for the proposed bridge this week and will be awaiting cure time. Bridge deck placement and riprap will be scheduled soon. 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 begun demolition of existing structure and will begin work on abutments. 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.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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Gala Live Auction Always Offers Exciting Items
September 30, 2023 – Each year the items offered as part of the Gala live auction cover the gamut of options. From trips and sporting excursions to a lady’s luxury package and one-of-a-kind items. These unique offerings are all for a good cause…improved Hopkins County healthcare.
Though Gala silent auction items may be bid on in person or online, bidders must be present (or have a friend in attendance willing to bid) in order to participate in the live auction.
This annual change-over keeps items fresh and bidders eager to take home special pieces or experiences.
2024 Gala Chairs Kim and John Sellers have some clever ideas in mind as well, which are sure to delight the crowd.
“We have some really fun things in the works and hope to have those come together in the next couple of months,” said John.
Kim added, “We really want guests to have an opportunity to bid on some unusual items as well as the fan favorites from the past.”
The live auction is conducted by an auctioneer, usually Tanner Ragan and/or Don Sapaugh. Volunteers act as spotters pointing our bids to the auctioneers. The crowd enjoys watching the lively auction to see who wins.
Live auction items will be featured on the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Facebook page, local media outlets, in the Gala program, and on the 2024 Gala website LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com.
The committee hopes to earn $65,000 from the live auction to help cover the overall Gala goal of $265,000.
The deadline to submit live auction items is November 1 so that the maximum amount of advertising of the donors and items may be secured.
Those wishing to donate a unique item or experience may contact the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Gifts may be tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS. All funds raised are used to improve healthcare in Hopkins County.
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Photo: Auctioneer Tanner Ragan warms up the Gala crowd before selling items/experiences to
the high bidders at the 2019 Gala.
Winners of the Hopkins County Junior Commercial Heifer Show 2023
September 30, 2023 – The record books are examined and the interviews complete. The livestock judging finished around 11 AM on Saturday. The winners of the 2023 show are as follows.
Bidding for this quality cattle starts at 6PM.
