Sr. Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey April Fools Day
April 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator, Dawna Pryor, was a guest on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey on April Fools Day. While on the program, Dawna and John Mark discussed the new “Crafting Through the Calendar” at the Senior Center, the 90 Plus Bridges Banquet being held April 11th, 2026, the next “Silver Saturday Night” scheduled for April 11th, 2026, and plenty more. Be sure to check out this interesting episode below and find out what’s going on at your Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center.
Paris District Road Report for April 6, 2026
April 3, 2026 – Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting April 6, 2026. 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.
Safety Message: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
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 the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne and Howe on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to Haning St. are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic except at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. The sections at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. will have only one lane open. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
The US 75 frontage roads in Howe were converted to one-way traffic on February 04. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Hanning St to FM 902. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road U-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 main lane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
US 75 southbound exit ramp to Loy Lake (Sherman) will be closed on the nights of April 6 and April 7 from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. This schedule depends on weather or mechanical/material issues.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from FM 691 will be closed on the nights of April 6 and April 7 from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. This schedule depends on weather or mechanical/material issues.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to April 26. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Lamberth Dr. Eastbound and westbound to be closed from January 17 to September 2026.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from US 82 is closed.
US 75 main lanes and frontage roads at various locations will be closed for short duration during daytime and nighttime due to mobile operations from April 01 to April 30. These closures are short duration closures that will happen between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm or between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am.
US 75 northbound frontage road between Loy Lake Rd (Sherman) and FM 691 will be closed from March 30, 2026, at 7:00 am to February 26, 2027. This is a long-term full closure.
The north-south U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed during the day from April 01 to April 30 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The south-north U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed from April 01 to April 30.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. Westbound traffic will travel to the intersection of Spur 503 and the northbound frontage road and will go north on the new frontage road to access northbound US 75. Motorists wishing to go south will follow the northbound frontage road to Loy Lake Rd, and take the U-turn and continue south until the next available entrance ramp to southbound US 75.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Occasional lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm at night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
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.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The bridge replacement is completed and opened to traffic on December 03. Construction crews will continue working on the remaining minor items and motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safely treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Prescott Rd, Southmayd. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. The bridge on Prescott Road was closed in both directions on December 01. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. Road closure signs will be installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Johnny Watson Road, Jelley Road and Southmayd Road as an alternate route.
Calf Creek Ln. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on Calf Creek Ln bridge located at Calf Creek. The bridge will be closed in both directions beginning March 10, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Jim Lamb Rd and Whitney Rd. as an alternate route.
US 75 from Ray Bridge to Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the north and southbound frontage roads. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82 mainlanes from FM 901 to FM 1417 (west side of Sherman): Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be occasional daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and at Caney Creek. Watch for lane closures as crews perform bridge repair work. The temporary signals are removed. However, motorists should expect delays as there will be occasional daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is completed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2105. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on CR 2105 bridge located at Robert Springs Tributary. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning March 05, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use CR 2110 and CR 2100 as an alternate route.
CR 2410 at Tanyard Creek. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the CR 2410 bridge located at Tanyard Creek. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning January 22, 2026, and will remain closed until May 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use FM 100 and FM 2216 as an alternate route.
SH 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2216. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1550. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform repair work with cold laid asphalt on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform herbicide application on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform sign work & mailbox installation along the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be grading ditches. Watch for construction vehicles near roadway.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: SH 19 at SH 11. Crews will be working on the pavement joints in the intersection. There will be daily lane closures during the repair process.
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:
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalks on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
1st ST SW & South Main St., Lamar County: from Hearne St. in Paris to Kaufman ST. in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install a bike lane and perform pavement and curb repairs.
FM 79, at Little Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
BU 82 H (Bonham St.), from Loop 286 to 11th Street NW. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
Delta County:
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. 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. Traffic on north end of project (SH 66 to I-30) is now switched to new phase. Please slow down, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor will be setting signs and mailboxes. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor is now excavating in the south bound shoulder. Flagger operations in place while work is being performed. Expect delays in the work zone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Final pavement surface is complete. Pavement marking operations will continue. Flagging will be present while work is being performed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night for pavement repairs. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor is working in the median and on frontage roads. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties:
Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on FM 36 from FM 2194 to FM 1562. Base repairs will be performed on FM 903 from US 69 to various locations. Flaggers will be present at both locations. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed on SH 66 at FM 36 to add a Right Turn Lane.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 275 from Hopkins County Line to FM 514. Base repair will be performed on FM 47 from SH 276 to Van Zandt County Line. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Phones Down, Eyes Up, Texas
April 3, 2026 – Distracted driving a leading cause in Texas crashes
PARIS – Whatever’s on the phone, it can’t be as important as what’s in front of you on the road. Pay attention behind the wheel — it can save a life.
Unfortunately, drivers sometimes forget their fellow Texans and drive distracted. The Estelle family in Tarrant County knows all too well how losing focus can lead to a deadly crash.
“The hardest thing a mother has to do is look at her children in coffins,” said Dee Davila-Estelle.
Davila-Estelle and husband Kevin Estelle were driving home with their family when a distracted driver on their phone hit them at 70 mph. Two of their three children died in the tragic—but preventable—crash.
The family is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to remind everyone to focus on the road and drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
The deadly reality of distracted driving
Distracted driving was the second-most common factor in Texas traffic crashes last year, contributing to more than 86,000. No matter how tempting it may be to reply to a text or scroll social media while driving, nothing is more important than your life and the lives of everyone else on the road.
- The number of motor vehicle traffic crashes in the Paris district in 2025 that involved distracted driving (distraction, driver inattention, or cell phone use) totaled 1,492. These crashes resulted in 12 fatalities and 85 serious injuries.
- Counties in the Paris district: Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains, Red River.
- In Paris in 2025, there were 84 traffic crashes that involved distracted driving (distraction, driver inattention, or cellphone use), resulting in no fatalities and 2 serious injuries.
Anything that takes your eyes off the road can be distracted driving, including changing a song, adjusting navigation or eating.
“When you’re behind the wheel, you should be completely focused on just one thing: driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Road hazards and obstacles require quick thinking and reaction time, and just a few seconds can be the difference between life and death. I promise that text message or bite of food can wait.”
What TxDOT is doing
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and TxDOT is reminding Texans to always stay focused on the road when driving. The agency is reaching out through commercials, billboards and a mobile exhibit featuring a driving simulator that brings the dangers of distracted driving to life.
The goal is to educate Texans not only on the dangers of distracted driving, but also on distracted driving laws. When it comes to texting behind the wheel, Texas law is clear: Anyone caught reading, writing or sending a text while driving faces a fine of up to $200.
Avoid distractions with these simple steps
- Stay focused – Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
- Stash your phone – Put your phone out of reach while driving. Use your phone’s settings to block texts or calls until you arrive at your destination.
- Pull over – If you must send a message, make a call or do anything else that might distract you, come to a complete stop in a safe place first.
Talk. Text. Crash. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Great Value Chicken Nuggets Suspected Lead Contamination
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers.
The chicken nuggets were produced on Feb. 10, 2026. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
- 29-oz. plastic bags containing approx. 36 “GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with “BEST IF USED BY” date “FEB 10 2027,” lot code” 0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag.
These items were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. FSIS is continuing to investigate this issue. Please check back frequently as additional products could be added.
The problem was discovered during routine surveillance sampling conducted by a state partner.
Lead is especially dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and young children because it can harm developing brains and nervous systems, sometimes causing lasting problems. There is no safe amount of lead exposure. Guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration provide an interim reference level (IRL) of 2.2 micrograms. The amount of lead found in these nuggets could be as much as five times higher than this IRL for children. Health experts also say these nuggets may be a risk for women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on the health effects of lead consumption.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact John Patrick Lopez, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs, Dorada Foods, at [email protected]
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF
Centennial Time Capsule Moves to Palo Duro Canyon State Park
April 3, 2026 – AUSTIN — The Centennial Time Capsule, which encompasses 100 years of Texas State Parks history, is on the move once again, as it roams the Lone Star State for 50 years on a quest to visit every park. This time, it is moving to Palo Duro Canyon State Park after its recent stop over the winter at Davis Mountains State Park.
The time capsule houses one object from every state park and support program. It has now visited four parks, each for six months at a time.
The time capsule will be on display at the state park located in Canyon to greet visitors until it is moved to its next destination.
“Having the Texas State Parks Time Capsule here at Palo Duro Canyon State Park is something we’re really excited about,” said park Superintendent David Fischer. “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect the canyon’s deep natural and cultural history with the future of our State Park system. The canyon has always been a place where stories are shared and passed down, and this capsule adds a new chapter to our legacy. We are proud to serve as stewards, share this piece of history with park visitors, and see the future generation open it in 2074 to see what we have left behind.”
Guests are invited to view the capsule and make their own memories while it’s at Palo Duro, leaving a piece of their story for the generations who will one day view its opening.
“The Centennial Time Capsule has been a treasured presence at Davis Mountains State Park, serving as a symbol of the legacy and future of Texas State Parks,” said Superintendent Torrey Bonham. “During its time here, it has done more than commemorate history—it has inspired it. Visitors of all ages, from young stewards experiencing the parks for the first time to those connected to the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, have engaged with the capsule and reflected on their role in preserving these special places.”
The five-foot-tall wooden time capsule weighs more than 300 pounds and was made from pecan trees harvested at Mother Neff State Park, the site widely accepted as the first Texas State Park opened to the public. It is made from solid wood and bronze and is large enough to hold more than 100 items. Sitting atop the capsule is a sculpture in the shape of Texas with all park locations marked. Additionally, there are 100 name plates recognizing all contributing parks and programs, six regional bas relief panels and a plaque on the front with a message to the future.
For the contents of the time capsule, park staff had to choose an item that would tell a story about that site, fit in a box the size of a coffee mug, survive 50 years and be strong enough to travel the roads of Texas.
“Time capsules are usually buried in the ground and forgotten until it’s time to open them, but ours will remain on display, so we wanted it to be a work of art and showcase the excellent craftsmanship of our exhibit team,” said Stephen Garrett, Exhibits Manager for Texas State Parks. “This is something totally unique and I don’t think anyone’s ever made a time capsule quite like this before. I’m proud of the thought, care and work that went into the capsule’s creation and hope park visitors enjoy seeing it as much as we did creating it.”
Memory Shortage Threatens Timeline for New Texas Data Centers
April 3, 2026 – A surge in artificial intelligence infrastructure is creating a global shortage of memory chips, raising new concerns about whether proposed data centers—including those in rural Texas—can be fully built and operational in the near term.
Industry estimates indicate that major technology companies such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Meta, Alphabet (Google Cloud), and Apple have already secured roughly 70% of the global supply of NAND and DRAM memory, committing inventory several quarters in advance. That leaves a limited share of available components for smaller cloud providers, managed service firms, and enterprise-level projects now competing for the remaining supply.
HBM most commonly refers to High Bandwidth Memory, a high-performance, 3D-stacked DRAM technology for GPUs, AI accelerators, and servers that provides massive data throughput and efficiency. It uses vertical interconnections (TSVs) to stack chips, reducing the distance data travels.
The imbalance is being driven largely by the rapid expansion of AI systems, which require significantly more memory than traditional computing. As hyperscale data centers race to build out capacity, supply chains are tightening across the semiconductor sector.
High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) is primarily needed by industries and technologies requiring extreme data processing speeds, specifically AI accelerator manufacturers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), cloud service providers (AWS, Google, Microsoft), and high-performance computing (HPC) centers.
For Texas, where communities have increasingly pursued data center developments as economic opportunities, the shortage could complicate those plans. Even if projects receive local approval and infrastructure is in place, industry experts warn that access to critical hardware—particularly memory—may delay timelines or limit operational capacity.
Prices have also risen sharply. Memory costs have climbed between 15% and 20% in recent months, disrupting what had historically been a more predictable pricing cycle. At the same time, lead times for orders have nearly doubled, stretching from about 12 weeks to more than 22 weeks, with no clear indication of when supply will stabilize.
Investment opportunities may have dried up along with the memory shortage as well. It’s one thing to construct a data center, but without the storage hardware inside, there won’t be any data.
Our HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) business has posted many quarters of strong growth. In fiscal Q4, our HBM revenue grew to nearly $2 billion, implying an annualized run rate of nearly $8 billion, driven by the ramp of our industry leading HBM3E products. We are pleased to note that our HBM share is on track to grow again, and be in line with our overall DRAM share in this calendar Q3, delivering on our target that we have discussed for several quarters now. – MICRON Fiscal Q4 2025 Earnings Call Prepared Remarks
Unlike past shortages tied to shipping or manufacturing slowdowns, analysts say this is a structural shift in demand, not a temporary disruption. The scale of AI investment is fundamentally reshaping how semiconductor resources are allocated.
The result is growing uncertainty for smaller data center developers. While Texas remains an attractive destination due to its energy capacity and available land, the ability to secure the necessary technology may become the limiting factor.
As demand continues to outpace supply, the question is no longer just where data centers can be built—but whether they can be fully equipped to run.
Your Sulphur Springs Lady Cats Took on the Paris Lady Wildcats in Softball Action March 31st
April 2, 2026 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Lady Cats took on the Paris Lady Wildcats in softball action March 31st, 2026. The game was played at Lady Cat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this softball game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, and Tony Flippin, called Play by Play and provided Color Commentary.
Debate Emerges Over Islamic Content in Texas Social Studies Curriculum
April 2, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — A renewed debate over what should be taught in Texas classrooms is taking shape as the State Board of Education (SBOE) prepares to review potential updates to social studies standards.
Muslim advocacy groups are expected to push for expanded inclusion of Islamic history and perspectives, arguing that current curriculum proposals do not adequately or accurately represent the role of Islam in world history. At the same time, conservative activists are mobilizing opposition, raising concerns about what they describe as ideological influence in public education.
The discussion centers on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state standards that guide what students learn in public schools. Because Texas is one of the largest textbook markets in the country, decisions made by the SBOE often have national ripple effects.
At a recent forum hosted by the Texas Coalition on Human Rights and the River Oaks Islamic Center, speakers argued that proposed curriculum standards risk promoting what they called “exclusionary and Islamophobic narratives.” Organizers encouraged community members to engage with the SBOE process and advocate for what they view as a more balanced and inclusive approach.
On the other side, groups like the True Texas Project are urging Texans to oppose any changes they believe go beyond objective historical instruction. Fran Rhodes, a leader with the organization, warned that upcoming agenda items could open the door to what she characterized as increased lobbying for Islamic-related content in classrooms.
Patriot Mobile, a Texas-based company known for supporting conservative causes, is sponsoring transportation for residents to travel to Austin and testify at the SBOE meeting. Company leadership says the goal is to ensure that curriculum decisions remain grounded in what they consider factual, unbiased history.
Debates over curriculum content are not new in Texas. Past SBOE discussions have included disputes over how topics such as religion, race, and American history are presented in classrooms. These debates often reflect broader cultural and political divisions.
The SBOE is expected to hear public testimony before making any final decisions. As the process unfolds, both supporters and critics of the proposed changes are preparing to make their case, underscoring the continuing influence of education policy in shaping public discourse.
Dallas Native Serves Aboard Future Navy Warship
April 1, 2026 – By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Seaman Apprentice Dante Hannans, a native of Dallas, Texas, serves aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
PCU is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning. As one of the Secretary of the Navy’s priorities, America’s shipbuilding industry is a national security asset that strengthens deterrence, enhances global readiness, and keeps the fleet forward. Modernization efforts are creating American jobs, revitalizing communities, and fueling innovation.
Hannans graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dallas.
“I learned that you are the artist of your life’s portrait,” Hannans said. “You have the paintbrush in your hand and if your work isn’t valued, change the gallery.”
Hannans joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Hannans serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy for career opportunities and the chance to travel around the world,” Hannans said.
This is the second ship named in honor of the Bougainville World War II campaign. As a large-deck amphibious assault ship, Bougainville is nearly three football fields long, with a crew of more than 1,200 that can support up to 1,800 troops and their equipment.
Hannans has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“In my short time in the Navy, being named Sailor in the Spotlight when I was temporarily assigned to another command has been my proudest accomplishment,” Hannans said.
As Hannans and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is having the bravery to do what so many others cannot or will not do,” Hannans said.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Hannans is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my little brother, Tre, for being one of my biggest supporters and for being a second opinion when I need help in life,” added Hannans.
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Texas Rangers Broadcast Time Delayed Today
April 1, 2026 – The Texas Rangers Broadcast for the game on Wednesday April 1th will be slightly delayed. KSST will join the Rangers already in progress, just after the noon news, at 12:56 PM.
