Paris Junior College Isn’t All Work and No Play
September 7, 2023 – Students at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center were treated to a hamburger day at the campus Wednesday. The free burgers brought smiles to their faces.
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.
Making a Historic Investment to Provide Statewide Connectivity
September 7, 2023 – Texas has a lot to offer which includes over 80,000 highway lane miles. We also have worldclass rail and air facilities for freight and passengers. Nearly 2,000 people move here every day. That’s one of the reasons why the Texas Transportation Commission made history this month by approving a record $142 billion total investment for Texas’ transportation infrastructure, including the $100 billion 10-year Unified Transportation Program (UTP).
TxDOT works to provide the needed infrastructure to help move people and products across the state. The historic 2024 UTP reflects an unprecedented level of projected funding and estimates $34.2 billion in development costs and $7.5 billion in routine maintenance contracts.
This 10-year plan provides for the development of a network of rural highways to improve mobility, connect major activity centers, provide access to ports of entry into Texas, and address safety by building four-lane divided roads.
Since our mission at TxDOT is “Connecting You With Texas,” we’re working hard to make sure every region of the state stays connected. Since fiscal year 2015, we’ve completed more than 258 rural connectivity projects. We have another 120 projects — $7 billion worth — under construction.
We’re planning to invest a historic level of $19.2 billion in our rural areas over the next 10 years through the 2024 UTP. It demonstrates TxDOT’s commitment to building and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system, not only in our most populous areas, but also in those rural areas that are so vital to our state’s economic success.
Alvin New, Commissioner, Texas Transportation Commission
New Nurse Honor Guard Commemorates Deceased Fellow Nurses in East Texas
September 7, 2023 – (East Texas) – At a recent memorial service, a group of nurses dressed in a traditional nurse’s uniform – white scrubs, white shoes, white cap, and blue cape – approached the casket.
A burning candle led them down the aisle where they delivered a card to the family, extinguished the candle, read a tribute and placed a rose on the casket. The ringing of a triangle followed the saying of the deceased name three times.
They are nurses from the CHRISTUS Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard, paying their respects to their fellow nurse in a short but powerful tribute.
“We liken the service to that of a military tribute, where we officially release the nurse from their nursing duties,” said Anitha Sanderson, chief nursing officer at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
Sanderson is one of the founding members of the new Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard, created in February. Their mission: To honor nursing colleagues who have died and to provide comfort to their families by reading the Nightingale tribute at their services.
The Nightingale tribute is named for Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, and includes the reading of a poem titled, ‘She Was There.’
“I got the idea from a sister hospital CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth in Beaumont and I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part and extend the opportunity here in Northeast Texas,” Sanderson said.
The Nurse Honor Guard is not limited to CHRISTUS Associates. Any active or retired registered nurse (RN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in the state of Texas is eligible to join.
Currently, there are 168 members in the Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard, with more than 30 nurses committed to participate in memorial services in the following counties: Hopkins, Delta, Wood, Rains, Franklin, Lamar, Cass, Fannin, Camp, Titus and Upshur.
The Nurse Honor Guard can be requested by the funeral home and/or families.
“Nursing is a calling, and we want to do what we can to recognize those who answered the call,” Sanderson said. “It means the world to us to be able to express to the families that, by being a nurse, their loved one made a difference.”
For those interested in the Northeast Texas Nurse Honor Guard, call 903.439.4049 or email [email protected]
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Sarah Mills, Anitha Sanderson, Alyssa Flatt, Tanna Holland, Cassidy Cameron, and Kari Froneberger
Paris Junior College Continues to Shape the Minds of The Future
CDL TRAINING
September 5, 2023 – Truck driving instructor Todd Vanderhart, in back, visits with a class of future truckers at the PJC-Sulphur Springs Center. They will receive CDL certification upon completion of the course.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 08-28-2023 – 09-03-2023
Arrests:
Marks, Cory, 35 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 8-31-2023 on 3 Winnsboro Municipal Court warrants for Impersonate Public Service, Terroristic Threat, and Harassment.
Petrick, Seth, 30 years of age, of Gilmer, was arrested on 8-31-2023 on a Parole Board Violation.
Fulmer, Elizabeth, 43 years of age, of Daingerfield, was arrested on 9-01-2023
for Possession of Marijuana >2oz.<=4oz.
Alsobrook, Dyann, 24 years of age, of Saltillo, was arrested on 9-01-2023 for Possession of Marijuana >2oz.<=4oz.
Alsobrook, Joseph, 22 years of age, of Natchitoches, LA was arrested on 9-01-2023 for Possession of Marijuana >2oz.<=4oz.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 143 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 47 citations and 58 warnings during this reporting period.
Paxton Trial Begins
September 5, 2023 – The impeachment trial for embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton begins on Tuesday. Support for or against the impeachment has mostly followed party lines, although the Republican was impeached in May of this year by the Republican led Texas House of Representatives.
The trial is expected to hinge on his relationship with a real estate investor and political donor Nate Paul.
The Austin real estate developer is perhaps the most central figure to the allegations pending before Paxton in the articles of impeachment. All but four charges are tied to his relationship with Paul in some form.
Allegedly Nate Paul bribed Paxton by funding a remodel of Paxton’s home as well as giving a job to Paxton’s mistress.
Dinner Bell Menu For September 6, 2023
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
Chicken Sour Cream Enchiladas
Mexican Corn Salad
Tortillas
Crumb Cake
Watering During Current Drought From Master Gardener David Wall
As global warming continues to increase (yes, global warming is real),
our summers are becoming unreal. Summers are drought times, with the
only question being when in May or June are rains going to cease until
sometime in September. Temperatures get into the hundreds and stay there
for longer periods. Pollen hardens, and pollination becomes difficult if
not impossible, all of which combine to cause vegetable plants to either
greatly reduce or totally cease fruit production, waiting for cooler
weather in mid to late September.
Temperatures at 104° under bright sun can easily raise soil temperatures
anywhere from 150° to 160° and beyond, quickly drying out the soil, even
if you’ve just watered. Plant roots near the surface don’t last very
long under such conditions. It’s so bad this year, our okra plants which
were 10’ tall last year stopped growing a 6’ this year and pod
production is only 20% of last year, this from plants that love heat.
With the heat and drought conditions this summer, drip irrigation is not
the answer. It tends to cause wet spots and drain water away from areas
that really need it. A spray system gets better coverage. Also, forget
the myth and don’t buy into the argument that moisture on the leaves
leads to disease, particularly if you’re into organic gardening. Just
use a sprayer. Drip systems might save some water, but if the plants
die, what have you accomplished? Right now, we’re more interested in
plant survival and present/future fruit production.
Normally, for lawn and garden, you weekly put down an inch of water
slowly, taking 15-30 minutes to do so. In this heat, add at least
another inch and water considerably faster. Even more waterings, such as
multiple waterings per week won’t hurt. I’m watering 5-6 times per week.
Steven Lynn Culbertson Arrested, Charged with Indecency
September 4, 2023 – STEVEN LYNN CULBERTSON, age 66, was arrested over the Labor Day weekend. He is charged with three counts of Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact.
His bond is set at $225,000.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Paris District Road Report for week of September 4, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 4, 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.
US 75, Grayson County: 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.
Lamar Street and Houston Street under US 75 are closed to through traffic with detour signs in place to guide motorists around these intersections.
Eastbound Lamar Street traffic will turn right on the southbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Center Street, and turn left on the northbound US 75 frontage road to return to eastbound Lamar Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/5LrCpdOA8OQ
Westbound Houston Street traffic will turn right on the northbound US 75 frontage road, turn left on Washington Street, and turn left on the southbound US 75 frontage road to return to westbound Houston Street. Video animation of this detour can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/7jCatnI3Oq4
These switches will allow crews to reconstruct the proposed US 75 mainlanes and the bridge over Lamar and Houston Streets. The US 75 northbound frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for northbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the northbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/y_uO0UmpCzk
For southbound US 75 the frontage road traffic is reduced to one travel lane, but two travel lanes remain for southbound US 75 mainlane traffic. A concrete barrier separates the southbound frontage road and mainlane traffic. Video animation of this alignment can be seen at the following link.
https://youtu.be/k2EG2W9rFJY
US 75, Grayson County: at the US 82 intersection. Watch for shoulder closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street as crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the eastbound and westbound US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on building new exit and entrance ramps. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts for the frontage roads at the US 75 and US 82 intersection as 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, Grayson County: 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.
Taylor Street Bridge over US 75, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Taylor Street bridge over US 75 between the US 75 frontage roads. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge maintenance work on the bridge.
FM 121, Grayson County: 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, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Watch for daytime lane closures as workers mill 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.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park, Grayson County. 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, Grayson County: 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, Grayson County: 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.
FS 121 (Grayson Parkway), Grayson County: from the Collin County line to FM 121. Farm Spur 121 (Grayson Parkway) opened to traffic on Sept. 1. This roadway is a new two-lane roadway that connects FM 121 to the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway in Collin County. Motorists should expect occasional lane closures and shoulder closures as workers complete punch list items.
US 75 debris pickup, Grayson County: 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 901, Grayson County: from FM 902 to SH 56. 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.
US 75, Grayson County: in Van Alstyne from FM 121 to the County Line Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews backfill the pavement and grade the ditches. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 100, Fannin County: 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, Fannin County: 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, Fannin County: 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, Fannin County: 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.
Recreation Road 3, Fannin County: from FM 273 to CR 2610. 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 273, Fannin County: from SH 78 to FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. 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.
I-30, Franklin County: from SH 37 to County Road 3050. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform pavement widening for truck parking area.
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.
SH 37, Red River County: from US 82 to Texas-Oklahoma state line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
FM 38, Lamar County: from US 82 to US 82. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures and upgrade bridge rail and metal-beam guard fence.
Loop 286, Lamar County: 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, Lamar County: 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.
Loop 286 at FM 79, Lamar County: State Loop 286 westbound exit ramp at FM 79. Watch for ramp closure while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
Loop 286 / US 271 South Interchange, Lamar County: from Dawn Drive going south to the North Loop 286 turn around. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, and traffic merges while crews improve guardrail and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 64, Delta County: from FM 128 to SH 1532. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 2675, Delta County: from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
BU 271 (North Main Street), Lamar County: from Santa Fe Street to one-quarter mile north of Stone Avenue. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews install sidewalk
US 82, Lamar County: at the FM 1502 intersection. Watch for temporary lane closures, and traffic and lane shifts as crews widen the roadway to install a left-turn lane and improve drainage structures.
Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), Red River County: at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street in Clarksville, Texas. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
FM 410, Red River County: From US 82 to FM 3281. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk and improve drainage.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), Lamar County: from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
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.
FM 2068 at E Fork Jernigan Creek, Delta County. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek, Lamar County. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek, Red River County. 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.
SH 11: Hunt County (From Culver St to Live Oak). The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor will begin excavation and saw cutting and pouring curb and gutter and setting forms near University Drive. 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. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642: Hunt County (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 completed culvert extensions for Phase 1A and removed concrete median on the South end of I-30 intersection at westbound service road. The contractor has begun the demolition of median on the north end of I-30 intersection.
SP 302: Hunt County (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 being completed. Striping of the Spur has been completed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2946, Rains County (From FM 515 to FM 2795): Contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor prepared and mobilized to set temporary shoring for box culvert near the end of project. The contractor is performing cross culvert work and culvert extensions at various locations on the project. The contractor has begun base repair work at various locations and subgrade/ shoulder widening. Subgrade work for the first three miles is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, Hunt County (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 has finished placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. Contractor has begun work on the next two miles, flex base, geogrid subgrade widening are ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
CR 1032, 1031 and 2132 bridge replacement project, Hunt County. 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. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
IH-30 (From Monte Stratton to FM 1903), Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor will be excavating for IH30 main lanes, watering temp seeding and maintaining erosion control devices. The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Both sections have been working on bridge maintenance projects throughout Hunt and Rains Counties. Herbicide operations are ongoing throughout the counties.
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