RACA Program Expands Public Fishing, Paddling Access With New Sites
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is increasing public fishing and paddling opportunities in the state thanks to the addition of two leased river access sites through the River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) program. The new sites are located on the Brazos and San Marcos rivers, giving the public more options and flexibility to access these incredible waterways.
The new site on the Brazos River is in Milam County near Calvert and features two access areas downstream of FM 979. The new RACA site on the San Marcos River is at the Scull Road Bridge near Martindale.
“Both rivers are just a short drive away from major urban areas like Houston, San Antonio and Austin,” said John Botros, TPWD river access coordinator. “Historically in Texas, recreation on rivers has been limited by a lack of public access points. These new sites are an important step in expanding the public’s options for safe, legal and high-quality fishing and paddling access on rivers.”
Brazos River site: Area 1 of the TPWD River Access site in Milam County (10794 FM 979) offers a complimentary parking area for TPWD leased access users. Through this access point, visitors can access the Brazos River to paddle and fish. Area 2 (5988 County Road 259) offers a parking area along with access to the Brazos for paddling and/or fishing purposes. However, a landowner-provided shuttle is required to get from the parking lot to the access point.
Access to these site areas is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for wade fishing and launching non-motorized boats, canoes or kayaks to paddle or fish on the river. Visitors are asked to call 979-219-4808 prior to arrival to get the necessary gate codes and check site conditions. Shuttle services must be prearranged with the landowner.
This segment of the river offers ample opportunities to cast for largemouth, spotted and white bass while channel catfish, freshwater drum and sunfish are also prevalent. Anglers and paddlers should note that current water levels at these areas are extremely low and these river conditions pose additional challenges.
San Marcos River site: TPWD has established a new parking area 0.16 miles southwest of the Scull Road Bridge access site for leased access users. Access is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset for launching non-motorized boats, canoes or kayaks to paddle and/or fish. Angling opportunities are abundant on this segment of the San Marcos River for largemouth bass, Guadalupe bass and channel catfish.
Visitors are asked to text 512-787-5574 before arrival to acquire the correct gate code and ensure that parking is available. The immediate area around the bridge is for loading and unloading only. Bank fishing and parking at the access site is prohibited.
River Access and Conservation Areas are currently funded by a combination of sources, including donations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, grant awards from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture – Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, as well as sales of the Texas Rivers Conservation License Plate.
To learn more about the RACA program and meet members of the team, watch Accessing Our Rivers: The RACA Team.
Alba Police Sergeant Arrested
July 18, 2023 – Hopkins County Sheriff Deputies responded to a Disturbance with Weapon call this week. When they arrived at the rural Cumby address, they found David Reed Tipps, age 46, standing in the front yard of his residence. For the safety of deputies, Tipps was directed to walk backwards toward them with his hands on his head. Tipps was handcuffed, mirandized, and informed that he was being detained while an investigation was performed.
At the residence, Deputies spoke with Tipps’ wife. She advised that there were additional assault victims. Tipps allegedly admitted that he had accidently struck the other victims’ vehicle on CR 1149. The spouse also reported that she was assaulted by Tipps.
When deputies contacted the owner of the vehicle, accidently struck by Tipps, they received a different version of the event. They claimed that Tipps’ wife contacted them for a ride, after Tipps began to assault her. The man and woman did drive to the residence, and the spouse was successfully picked up and the three individuals drove away.
A short distance from the residence, still on CR 1149, the man, woman and Tipps’ spouse saw a white Chevy rapidly approaching them. They tried to avoid the vehicle by driving into the ditch. However the approaching vehicle struck their vehicle. Tipps reportedly exited his vehicle brandishing a firearm. Tipps reportedly struck the driver and forced open the drivers side door. With a firearm in hand Tipps said “You’ve got it coming”. Tipps then forced his wife out of the ditched vehicle, back into his pickup then drove away.
No photo has been provided for Tipps. The arrest report shows Tipps to be an Alba, TX police officer. The Alba Police website lists a David Tipps employed as a police officer. Tipps is charged with:
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
1 22.02(A)(2) AGG ASSLT W/DEADLY WEAPON
1 22.02(B)(1) AGG ASSAULT DATE/FAMILY/HOUSE W/WEAPON
1 22.02(B)(1) AGG ASSAULT DATE/FAMILY/HOUSE W/WEAPON
1 20.04(B) AGG KIDNAPPING W/ DEADLY WEAPON
Around 10AM Tuesday the Hopkins County Sheriff released this statement.
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.
Jay Hodge Chevrolet Orders 15 Meals
July 17, 2023 – Members of the Jay Hodge Chevrolet Team will be well fed on Saturday as General Manager Bill Owens has already placed an order. Proceeds of this event support Meal-A-Day Sulphur Springs and Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center.
You can order ahead of time just like Bill, call 214 604 8005 starting Wednesday.
Mexico Files Diplomatic Complaint Over Gov. Gregg Abbotts New Border Buoy Border Barrier
Mexico’s incoming secretary of foreign affairs, Alicia Bárcena, said Friday that Texas’ deployment of buoys on the Texas-Mexico border to prevent migrants from crossing the Rio Grande are a violation of water treaties between the U.S. and Mexico.
Texas has been installing the buoys over the past week, along with razor wire on the Rio Grande river near Eagle Pass.
Those measures are the latest in Gov. Greg Abbott’s aggressive border security initiative Operation Lone Star, which launched in March 2021. Abbott has also deployed the Texas National Guard, built new sections of border wall and bused more than 20,000 migrants from Texas to big cities led by Democrats.
The new barriers haven’t just ruffled diplomatic feathers. Jessie Fuentes, owner of Epi’s Canoe & Kayak Team, an Eagle Pass-based kayak rental business, has filed a lawsuit against Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The lawsuit alleges the installation of a buoy system had harmed his business and that Abbott did not have the authority to regulate cross-border traffic.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 07-10-2023 – 07-16-2023
Arrests:
McKenzie, Bobby, 42 years of age, of Austin, was arrested 7-15-2023 on a Wood County Warrant for Failure to Identify Fugitive from Justice.
Morgan, Richard, 40 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 7-13-2023 on a Wood County Warrant for Violation of Bond Conditions.
Adams, Tatum, 23 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on 7-10-2023 for Possession of Controlled Substance PG 1/1-B>=1G<4G.
Morseth, Zachary, 26 years of age, of Quitman, was arrested on 7-10-2023 on a TDCJ Parole Warrant and 3 Winnsboro Municipal Court Warrants.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 133 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 26 citations and 40 warnings during this reporting period.
Enjoy State Park Views Indoors At The Houston Museum Of Natural Science
AUSTIN — Want to appreciate the beauty of Texas State Parks and stay indoors? Visit the The Art of Texas State Parks traveling exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science this summer to stay cool while enjoying the views and vistas found in parks. The exhibit, created in honor of the Centennial Celebration of Texas State Parks, will remain in Houston until October 1.
The exhibit features paintings of more than 30 parks by some of Texas’ finest artists. Along with the traveling exhibit, the project also includes a commemorative book published by Texas A&M Press. Proceeds from book sales and the sale of the artwork through Foltz Fine Art in Houston will be donated to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) to benefit Texas State Parks.
The project was several years in the making. In anticipation of the 2023 Centennial Celebration of Texas State Parks, TPWF partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University and the Bullock Texas State History Museum to present The Art of Texas State Parks. H-E-B, presenting sponsor for the Texas State Parks Centennial Celebration, provided additional support for the project.
“We hope that in displaying these extraordinary pieces, visitors will be inspired to get out and enjoy and explore the stunning natural landscapes we’re fortunate to have right in our backyards,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “We are grateful for the collaboration that is bringing The Art of Texas State Parks to museums across Texas, spreading the message about these natural treasures that belong to us all.”
The Art of Texas State Parks is intended to increase public awareness of Texas parklands and heighten their popular appeal through the elegant and inspired works of Texas’ best contemporary painters. While the national park system has benefitted from its chroniclers in art, no such artistic record had been undertaken for state parks.
“The Centennial Celebration offers the perfect occasion to create a lasting visual record of Texas State Parks in art and, at the same time, memorialize the past and ongoing development of the distinctive collection of Lone Star parks and natural areas,” said Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin.
Participating artists include: Randy Bacon (Abilene); Mary Baxter (Marfa); David Caton (Utopia); Charles Criner (Houston); Margie Crisp (Elgin); Ric Dentinger (San Antonio/Santa Fe NM); Fidencio Duran (Austin); Janet Eager Krueger (Encinal); Joel Edwards (Waco); Malou Flato (Austin); Gordon Fowler (Austin); Pat Gabriel (Fort Worth); David Griffin (Lubbock/ Dallas); Brian Grimm (Fredericksburg); Clemente Guzman (San Antonio); Karl E. Hall (Houston); John Austin Hanna (Fredericksburg); Billy Hassell (Fort Worth); Hailey Herrera (Bryan); Lee Jamison (Huntsville); Denise Mahlke (Whitehouse); Jim Malone (Fort Worth); Talmage Minter (Waco); William Montgomery (Elgin); Kermit Oliver (Waco); Noe Perez (Corpus Christi); Jeri Salter (Hutto); Jim Stoker (San Antonio); Bob Stuth-Wade (Dublin); and Terri Wells (Austin).
The exhibit can be seen at the Houston Museum of Natural Science until October 1. It will then be exhibited at the Panhandle Plains Museum in Canyon from Oct. 27 through Feb. 18, 2024. The exhibit will also be displayed later in 2024 in College Station, Albany and Tyler. The commemorative book is available online through several sources, including Texas A&M Press and Amazon.
“It was a real pleasure to see the passion these artists brought to this project, and we’re thrilled these works will be on display at prestigious museums across Texas,” said Andrew Sansom, co-author of the commemorative book, founder of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University and former TPWD executive director. “It is our fervent hope that these works of art will inspire present and future generations of Texans to forever appreciate and protect their parks.”
TPWF has partnered with TPWD to celebrate Texas State Parks all year long. H-E-B donated $1 million to help Texas State Parks engage all Texans in discovering and exploring their parks. For more information on the Centennial Celebration, including special community events at all Texas State Parks, the history of Texas State Parks and how to make a day visit or overnight reservation, visit TexasStateParks.org/100years.
Replant cucumbers NOW!
By David Wall, Mount Pleasant Master Gardener
Those who started cucumber plants from seed or bought transplants from various stores have been getting great results. The problem with cucumbers, and similarly tomatoes, is that they have a definite production limit. Most regular cucumbers species such as marketmore, straight8 and numerous others will usually produce under good conditions somewhere 15-25 fruit. After the production limit is reached, you can leave them until frost or immediately remove them.
There are a few exceptions to the production limit. Socrates can produce anywhere from 40 to 100 fruit. These and other beit alpha species produced more than regular species, but their seeds cost a lot more and they will still reach a productive limit. SO, what are we to do?
It’s getting close, but it still not too late to plant some new seeds. The variety is unimportant, because frost will probably kill the plant before production limit is reached. Nevertheless, you’ll have home grown fruit until frost. Also, fruiting occurs faster with summer planted cucumbers.
Many plant cucumbers on the first of May, not realizing that spring weather is not kind to such plants. Mid-summer plants usually germinate faster and have fewer problems with regard to slugs and cucumber beetles, as well as fewer disease problems.
Watering is a little more critical with mid-summer planted cucumbers. Seeds must be watered daily until the plants germinate and produce the first true leaves. Afterwards, 1-2 inches of water a week are needed. Mulching, of course helps keep soil from overheating as well as retaining water. Global warming is coming, and a major factor is soil overheating.
Mixing some compost in with the garden soil before planting seeds will aid in speedy growth. It also reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which, in the long run, do not do your soil any good.
Paris District Road Report for July 17, 2023
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting July 17, 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.
The westbound US 82 exit ramp to US 75 has been permanently closed to traffic. All traffic wishing to access US 75 will take the existing Loy Lake Road exit, which will serve as the new permanent US 75 exit, too.
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.
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.
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.
FM 121, Grayson County: in Gunter from SH 289 to near 2nd Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then overlay the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 289, Grayson County: in Gunter from near Sharp Road to the Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then overlay the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75 southbound frontage road, Grayson County: in Sherman at the Choctaw Creek Bridge. Watch for occasional daytime lanes closures while crews perform bridge maintenance. Motorists will encounter occasional lane closures through the work zone.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Grayson County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: FM 121 from US 377 to SH 289; SH 289 from FM 120 to SH 56; and SH 5 from US 75 to Redden Road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11, Grayson County: from FM 697 in Sherman to US 69 in Whitewright. Work on the pavement overlay project has begun. 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.
South Travis Street, Grayson County: in Sherman at Post Oak Creek. The bridge replacement has been completed and the bridge has been opened to traffic for both lanes. During the final project cleanup, the bridge will be occasionally be reduced to one lane with traffic signals controlling traffic through the project.
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. Construction is ongoing on this new-location roadway which is west of SH 289 approximately four miles. The new roadway will be two lanes with shoulders and will be an extension of the frontage road of the Dallas North Tollway. Local traffic on CR 60 (Marilee Road) and Stiff Chapel Road should expect occasional road work at those intersections, with flaggers present to control traffic. Work on FM 121 at the FS 121 intersection (formerly Scharff Road intersection) is ongoing as crews work to widen the pavement to add turn lanes. Motorists on FM 121 should expect lane shifts while crews widen the pavement and install a culvert.
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 2729, Grayson County: from FM 697 to SH 11. 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.
The annual seal coat contract to place a chip and seal treatment on the roadways in Fannin County has begun. The following roadways will receive a seal coat: US 69 from the Grayson County line to the Hunt County line, and FM 409 from FM 2029 to FM 100. 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. Beginning on August 1, crews will close FM 100 to through traffic between US 82 and SH 56 in order to replace a culvert under the roadway. The signed detour will be to use US 82, FM 1396, and SH 56 to get around the closure.
CR 1320, Fannin County: at the Caney Creek Bridge is closed to traffic in order for crews to replace the bridge structure and approaches.
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 1550, Fannin County: from FM 271to FM 1743. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews apply a seal coat surface on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, Fannin County: from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures and shoulder closures as maintenance crews perform repair work on drainage structures.
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 / 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.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
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. The contractor has completed performing work at night in downtown Greenville near the square due to ongoing city infrastructure repairs. Guardrail work on State Spur 302 and BU 69 is ongoing. Full depth repairs and concrete mow strip and sidewalk installation to begin 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. J.M. Yanez 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 worked on driveway and driveway pipe and safety end treatment’s. 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. The contractor has begun placing driveway safety ends and concrete pipe. Cross culvert work, reworking the roadway, widening and cement treatment to the subgrade, and reworking the roadway base material is ongoing. Contractor has begun placing prime coat on areas near the beginning of the project. 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 will begin work on CR 1031 once conditions in the area are dry, by preparing the right of way and placing the detour. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30, Hunt County: Interchange Improvements: The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. Grading and prepping temporary ramps is underway on east-bound and west-bound to get ready for hot mix this week. Monte Stratton ramp will be closed this week for hot mix operations for temporary ramp. The contractor will be excavating on permanent ramp east-bound between SH 36 and FM 1903. AT&T and Zayo contractors are doing utility relocations on FM 1570. Temporary drainage for the frontage roads on- and off-ramps work is ongoing. 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.
SH 276, Hunt County: from FM 36 to SH 34 (Quinlan Bypass). The contractor was able to complete opening of SH 276 all lanes to traffic. Minor grading and repairing of driveways is ongoing. Installation of small signs, foundations and make corrections for punch list items. Please be aware of lane closures and changes to current traffic configuration and watch for work zones and workers when traveling in this area.
Maintenance crews for both Hunt and Rains County will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads. Rains County crews will be performing safety mowing on SH 276. Both Hunt and Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 1563 near Fairlie and FM 2194 near Merit in Hunt County. Rains County crews will be fog sealing on FM 2947 and FM 3299. Please be careful when traveling in these areas, watch out for workers and maintain a safe distance from work crews.
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Ward Back in Hopkins County Jail; Bond Denied
July 15, 2023 – Nikolaus Kayne Ward, a resident of Brashear, is back in Hopkins County Jail. Sheriff’s Deputies retrieved him from the Byrd Unit in Huntsville, TX. According to online inmate listings, he was serving time for:
2020-05-28 EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH 2023-05-11 ROCKWALL 2-21-0262
2020-05-28 POSS CS PG1 1-4G 2023-05-11 ROCKWALL 2-21-0261
Ward was arrested in 2021 and charged with multiple counts of theft. See that story here.
Also in 2021, Ward was arrested in Hunt County and charged with:
THEFT PROP >=$2,500<$30K (THREE COUNTS)
ROS/EVADING ARREST DET W/VEH-2018
ROS/POSS CS PG 1 >=1G<4G
ASSAULT CAUSES BODILY INJURY FAMILY VIOLENCE
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
THEFT PROP <$100 W/PREV CONVIC
THEFT PROP >=$100<$750
In 2020, Ward was arrested after the mini-bike he was operating was determined to be stolen. See that story here.
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.
Friday From The Chamber July 14th, 2023
Ribbon Cutting – TODAY
We hope you’ll join us for a ribbon cutting at East Texas Surgery Center on Friday, July 14th, at Noon! Details for their Open House celebration are below.
Business After Hours
Join us for a fun and interactive Business After Hours next month at Red River Credit Union from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 20.
Business After Hours is a great way to interact and network with other business professionals and members of the community. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend and there is no cost.
Red River Credit Union is located at 822 Gilmer St.
Adult Leadership Applications Due AUGUST 1ST!
Leadership Sulphur Springs is back on this year, with applications online!
The leadership class is for Hopkins County men and women who want to learn and become more invested in their local community. It’s an intensive nine-month program that immerses the participants in the business and government of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County.
The tentative dates for this year’s program are attached to the application, which can be accessed at HopkinsChamber.org.
The registration fee is $500 and that covers the cost of the food, drinks, transportation, etc. for the year.
Now Accepting Stew Market Vendors!
We are now accepting applications for this year’s Stew Market!
Booths are $100 each or $75 for Chamber members.
A few things to keep in mind: we do not allow food vendors or food trucks (other than baked goods and these spaces are fully booked).
Spaces are 10×15, outdoor and located on the south side of Buford Park with no access to power.
This year we have chosen to no longer accept marketing / promotional booths other than our “Market Sponsor.”
For more information or to apply visit: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stew-market/
Please email [email protected] or call 903-885-6515 with any questions.
Stew Cook Registration is NOW OPEN!
Register here: https://www.hopkinschamber.org/stewcooks/
Mark these important dates on your calendar because before you know it, the festivities will be upon us:
August 8 – “Stewcomers” meeting (for anyone interested in learning more about cooking in the competition – no registration required)
September 29 – Stew cook registration deadline
October 6 – Goody bag deadline for sponsors
October 17 – Goody bag pickup and New Cooks meeting
October 27 – Friday Night Appetizer Contest
October 28 – Game Day! The Stew Contest
