Campbell Man Arrested at Airport; Returned to Hopkins County Jail
September 26, 2023 – A Campbell, Tx man was arrested at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport this week. He had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Hopkins County.
ALEXANDER GRANT STEVENS, who lists himself as unemployed, has a bond set at $100,000.
He was arrested in May of 2023 and charged with:
1 22.05(B) DEADLY CONDUCT DISCHARGE FIREARM
On the morning of May 21, 2023, Hunt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to calls of a person shooting a gun out the window of a grey Dodge Charger or Challenger in Campbell, Texas. Multiple houses and vehicles had gunshot damage. Stevens’ motive for shooting at houses and vehicles was undetermined.
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.
Oncor Power Lab for Electrical Engineering Opens at A&M-Commerce
September 25, 2023 – COMMERCE, TX—The College of Science and Engineering Power Lab at Texas A&M University-Commerce received a brand-new name this month: the Oncor Power Lab. The designation honors a 70-year partnership between Oncor Electric—Texas’s largest energy delivery company—and A&M-Commerce.
Building on the longstanding partnership, Oncor recently entered a new gift agreement with A&M-Commerce to support the university’s electrical engineering program.
A portion of Oncor’s $150,000 gift will fund operating costs and equipment needs of the Oncor Power Lab. The lab is a training system in the Department of Engineering and Technology at A&M-Commerce designed to teach students the basics of electricity, including direct current (DC), single- and three-phase alternating current (AC), transformers, generators and motors. The system operates at low voltage for student safety. Equipped with the essential equipment and software to conduct real-world experiments in electrical power systems, the lab provides students with comprehensive coverage of various topics related to electrical power systems.
The College of Science and Engineering hosted an unveiling ceremony at the Power Lab on September 21. Representatives from Oncor, A&M-Commerce and the community were on hand to dedicate the facility.
At the event, A&M-Commerce President Mark Rudin emphasized the benefits of Oncor’s partnership for engineering students.
“It’s a great day to be a Lion and it’s a great day to be affiliated with Oncor,” Rudin said. “I can’t think of too many things that are more impactful than, not only the valuable resources you all have gathered to help us build out this Power Lab, but your willingness to reach out to our students, embrace them, and create internship opportunities for them.”
In addition to the Power Lab, Oncor’s gift will fund the university’s first endowed student research fellowship for electrical engineering. The Oncor Student Engineering Fellowship will support students and faculty as they contribute to research initiatives in the Oncor Power Lab and beyond.
Dr. Andrea Graham, dean of the College of Science and Engineering, expressed appreciation for Oncor’s support.
“The College of Science and Engineering is immensely grateful for this generous gift honoring our longstanding partnership with Oncor,” Graham said. “This transformative gift will help empower our students with an exceptional educational experience enriched by an innovative and experiential STEM-forward curriculum.”
Oncor Area Manager Larry Willis said his company hires many A&M-Commerce graduates, and Oncor is dedicated to supporting the next generation of electrical engineers.
“Our team is not only dedicated to helping meet the power needs of Texas communities but also to encouraging the engineering students who may someday work alongside us,” Willis said. “It’s an honor to join A&M-Commerce in announcing this next level of our decades-long partnership. It’s our shared hope that the Oncor Power Lab and Student Engineering Fellowship will provide today’s students with the opportunities and preparations they need to succeed within the electric industry of the future.”
The partnership between A&M-Commerce and Oncor was born in the mid-20th century with its predecessor company, Texas Power and Light. Since then, several university alums at Oncor have held leadership roles on A&M-Commerce’s Foundation Board and Alumni Association Board. Oncor has also generously supported annual events and contributed to scholarship funds for students and faculty at A&M-Commerce. In addition, the company advocated for and enabled A&M-Commerce to launch a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree and has subsequently hired several new graduates from the program.
Oncor’s gift will also support the A&M-Commerce Alumni Association’s annual Sam McCord Alumni Golf Tournament, which raises funds for student scholarships.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 09-18-2023 – 09-24-2023
Arrests:
Albrightson, Brandon, 46 years of age, of Crowder, OK., was arrested on 09-21-2023 on a Winnsboro JP Warrant for Injury to a Child.
Raley, Ashley, 39 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 09-21-2023 Winnsboro JP Warrant for Injury to a Child.
Smith, Jessica, 35 years of age, of Sulphur Springs, was arrested on 09-22-2023 Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B <1G.
Jacobo, Rafael, 46 years of age, of Dallas, was arrested on 09-23-2023 on a Hunt County Probation Warrant.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 91 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 16 citations and 8 warnings during this reporting period.
Dockray Back in Jail; Charged With Assault
September 25, 2023 – Tobye Deleo Dockray, age 48, was arrested over the weekend and charged with:
1 22.01(B)(2)(B) ASSAULT FAM/HOUSE MEM IMPEDE BREATH/CIRCULAT
Dockray was arrested after a disturbance call was received by the Hopkins County Sheriff. Deputies responded to a Precinct 2 address and found Dockray, the victim and a witness. Dockray is accused of choking a women and hitting her face multiple times with his fist while she was on the ground. She also suffered minor cuts and bruises on arms. Photos were taken as evidence.
His bond is currently set at $50,000.
This is not the first time Dockray has been in jail. In 2019 he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felonious pointing, shooting with intent, negligent discharge, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Those charges stem from a confrontation with his then ex-wife. During that confrontation and crash involving two vehicles, she was shot in the hand.
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.
Water Main Break on Hillcrest
September 25, 2023 – A contractor apparently punctured a water main at around 11am monday morning.
City crews have arrived and are accessing the situation. Residents are urged to avoid the area. Please avoid hoarding water by filling bath tubs and sinks with water at this time.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society will Hold a Lunch & Learn September 27th
September 24, 2023 – The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites members and nonmembers who want to learn more about doing genealogical research to join them on Wednesday, September 27th. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal and meet with the Genealogical Society from 12:00PM to 1:00PM at the genealogy library, 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs, TX. Coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
This month during “Lunch & Learn”, Carol Ann Dixon will be presenting the fourth part in Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s series’ using Family Search entitled, Digital Library and Other Features.
Please join Carol Ann as she navigates through this topic. You’re welcome to bring your laptop.
Cooper Lake Celebrates 100 Years of Texas State Parks
September 24, 2023 – Celebrate 100-Years of Texas State Parks at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur on October 7th!
Sulphur Springs, TX— 100-Years of Texas State Parks is something to celebrate! Texans slowly began recognizing the value of resource conservation in the 1920’s; and at the same time, suddenly people had cars, paved roads to drive on, and destinations to explore. In 1923, Pat Neff, the governor of Texas, appointed a Texas State Parks Board to begin locating sites for the establishment of Texas’ very own state parks. Governor Neff said, “Texas is rich and diversified in climate, in scenery of natural beauty, and in the variety of its native plant and animal life…ideal for the location of public parks and recreational centers.” Well, the rest is history, 100-years of Texas State Parks history to be exact! Our Texas State Parks conserve the landscapes that makes Texas, TEXAS! Come see and explore our natural wonders numbering 88 state parks, and growing!
Cooper Lake State Park is hosting a free event in honor of this momentous occasion. On October 7th, a daylong event titled, “Legends, Lore, and Legacy” will fill the day and night with family fun, recreation, and education. The morning programs will include programs on the “Native American Fall Harvest”. Where did the millions of people in North America find their food? “Fishing with a Ranger” program is a park favorite. We will provide visitors with fishing gear, bait, and instruction. Yes, you can keep your catch! “The Buffalo Soldiers” will present a program educating everyone on Texas circa the late 1800’s and early 1900’s from the perspective of black army soldiers – Buffalo Soldiers. These brave men served our country and helped mold our Texas of today. “Prehistoric Pottery Making” will be one of the center pieces of the day’s programming. Learn how native Americans made vessels for cooking, carrying, and storing essential items. “Blue Birds” will be an educational program on this most amazing, beautiful creature. “Horse Shoeing Demo” will be enlightening for many visitors. Before Goodyear and Michelin tires, we had horseshoes to aid in transportation. Witness the art and science of shoeing a horse. “Backyard Bass” will help kids and adults hone their casting skills. “Gyotaku” a traditional form of Japanese art will be held. Release your inner artist and learn about this unusual art form. In addition, the morning programs will include Boater Education and Angler Education displays. The park will also host a booth on the local area’s history. A scavenger hunt that will last all day titled, “What’s in a Name” will direct happy visitors across the park exploring and discovering knowledge.
The park will host an evening list of programs starting at 7:30pm. These will include a program on historic and native American stories just perfect for the night. At intermission, we will roast s’mores! Follow us on a guided “Creatures of the Night, Night Hike” through the dark October woods. “Stargazing and Moongazing” will happen under the heavens led by Ranger Alicia as your celestial adventure guide. And don’t forget, in honor of 100-Years of Texas State Parks entrance fees are waived!
Cooper Lake State Park is just one of 88 Texas State Parks open and ready to host your next outdoor adventure. Let’s get out there and experience a natural Texas! Happy 100 -Year Anniversary to Texas State Parks!
For more information on this or other events and programs, please visit and like our Facebook pages Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903-945-5256), and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903 395-3100) and visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
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The Hopkins-Rains Hay Show is Soon on the Way
September 24, 2023 – The Hopkins-Rains Hay Show is soon on the way for those who want to learn more about the quality of their hay. The goal of the hay show is to provide agricultural producers an opportunity to test the quality of their forages and raise scholarships funds for area youth who want to study agriculture.
Hay samples will be accepted from Monday, September 25th through Friday, September 29th. In Hopkins County, the samples can be dropped off at the Hopkins-Rains Soil & Water Conservation District located at 530 N. Hillcrest, Suite 2. In Rains County, the samples can be dropped off at the Agrilife Extension Office located at 410 Tawakoni Drive in Emory.
The Soil and Water Conservation district will host a BBQ lunch at 11:30 at the Civic Center in Sulphur Springs on Thursday, October 26th. The top 10 lots will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. All proceeds and donations to the show are tax deductible.
For more information, please contact the Hopkins-Rains Soil and Water Conservation District at 903/885-4433 ext. 3.
Paris District Road Report for week of September 25, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 25, 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 were reopened to through traffic on Sept. 18. Watch for one lane closures along Houston Street and Lamar Street while crews complete storm drainage work.
US 75, Grayson County: 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, 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.
SH 91 at Spur 503, Grayson County: in Denison at the SH 91 bridge over Spur 503. 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 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, 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.
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 902, Grayson County: 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, Grayson County: 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.
SH 78, Fannin County: 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, 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.
FM 1743, Fannin County: from US 82 to SH 56. 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 2077, Fannin County: 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.
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.
Spur 423, Franklin County: at I-30 N Frontage Road. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews install traffic signal.
FM 900, Hopkins County: 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.
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 has placed geogrid and flexbase for the roadway widening and turn lane at the intersection of SH11 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. 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 been performing saw cutting edge lines of the existing roadway for detour tie ins. Crews worked on fine grading flex base. This week the contractor will perform detour work and backfilling. The contractor has begun 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 is completed. Striping of the Spur has been completed. Contractor will begin seeding and vegetative watering soon. 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. The contractor is performing prime coat work currently and will schedule a ride test soon. Temporary striping in this section and subgrade widening on the next two miles will begin soon. 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. The 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. 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, Hunt County. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signage. 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 (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 I-30 main lanes, watering temporary seeding and maintaining erosion control devices. The frontage road speed reduction signs and low-profile traffic barrier on frontage roads have been installed. Temporary ramp & detour striping, mainlane embankment and barrier placement will be ongoing. 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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Twig Girdler Beetles are Back From Master Gardener David Wall
Twelve or so years ago, a local rancher brought in a small twig and had a question. He couldn’t figure out how the twig, had a girdling circle cut nearly all the way through it. Further examination confirmed the perfect girdling circle. Finally, someone with more experience recognized the damage being caused by a twig girdler beetle. They haven’t been a real problem since then until now. I’m currently losing 4-6 twigs a week,
A twig girdler beetle (Oncideres pustulatus LeConte) is a small (.5”-.75”) beetle in our area that does its work during the August to October Time period. There are several girdlers named after the species they attack. In our area, however, the common name is used as the beetles like oak, pecan, hickory, hackberry, elm, honeylocust, dogwood, and other hardwood species.
A female beetle selects a small twig up to roughly the size of a pencil, girdles it, lays an egg under the bark and then moves on. In the tree or on the ground, the egg hatches, and the beetle larva overwinters in the twig. Where is dependent on what you do with the twig, such as leaving it alone, moving it to a burn pile, or putting in trash. Next July, the new adult emerges to start the cycle all over again.
So, how do we control this pest? The best way is to stop the repeating cycle. When you notice damage, your first step in controlling them should be a thorough clean-up of the yard. If you pick up and dispose all the twigs on the ground beneath trees that have been attacked, you are affecting twig girdler control. Many of the twigs you destroy will contain eggs or larva. Removing the fallen twigs is by far the best way toward eliminating the problem.
