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
$18 Billion Tax Cut For Property Owners Heading To Greg Abbots Desk
An $18 billion tax cut for property owners in the state is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk late Thursday.
Both chambers adjourned on Thursday evening, ending the second special session Abbott had called this summer to hammer out an agreement on property tax relief.
A cheer went up on the chamber floors upon the passage of the three bills that make up the package: Senate Bill 2, which details the proposed property tax cuts; Senate Bill 3, a franchise tax relief bill; and House Joint Resolution 2, a constitutional amendment required to authorize the tax cuts.
The package puts $12.6 billion of the state’s historic budget surplus toward making cuts to school taxes for all property owners, dropping property taxes an average of more than 40% for some 5.7 million Texas homeowners, and offering brand-new tax savings for smaller businesses and other commercial and non-homesteaded properties. The voters would need to approve the package in November for the cuts to take effect this year.
It also offers additional cuts for seniors and property owners with disabilities, averaging about $170 more per year, Bettencourt said.
The most novel part of the plan, an idea introduced publicly for the first time on Monday, is a first-ever temporary 20% cap on appraisal increases for properties valued at $5 million or lower that aren’t considered homesteads. Those would include second homes, vacation properties, rental houses, or commercial retail or business properties.
Including more than $5 billion approved four years ago, the legislation also allocates nearly $12.6 billion to reduce the school property tax rate by 10.7 cents per $100 valuation for all homeowners and business properties.
Lawsuit Filed in Franklin County Opposing Solar Plant
July 15, 2023 – Residents of Franklin County have filed the first of several contemplated lawsuits attempting to halt the “proposed assault on nature and man in Franklin County, Texas”.
The petition, filed in Franklin County District Court on June 29, 2023, is provided below.
Reception and Discussion
A reception and panel discussion with leaders from statewide environmental groups will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 (12:00 noon — 2:00 p.m.) at Penelope’s Coffee, 405 Tx Hwy 37, Mt. Vernon, Tx.
Topics will include:
- Please attend as we report on opposition to mine our natural resources and leave devastation.
- Questions regarding clean up, damage and destruction and nothing resolved; land ruined, trees bulldozed and burned and water polluted.
“We will do better by our land and people, share the petition as you see fit.” Petition provided by BF Hicks.
Governor Abbott Unveils Texas Fentanyl Data Dashboard
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the launch of the Texas fentanyl data dashboard by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as part of the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign. This dashboard, available on Texas Health Data, reflects the expansion of data on fentanyl and other drug poisoning deaths published by DSHS online. Texans can now access information that includes fentanyl-related deaths from 2014 to 2023 and lets users view them over time, by demographics or by geography.
“More than five Texans die every day from deadly fentanyl, and Texas continues to ramp up our efforts to combat the growing fentanyl crisis plaguing our state and the nation,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans must come together to raise awareness of this deadly opioid to our family, friends, and communities, and the data published on this website will help Texans lead the fight against this deadly drug. I thank the Texas Department of State Health Services for their hard work to make this data more accessible to those who are working hard every day to keep fentanyl off our streets and educate Texans about the strategic manufacturing and distribution of this horrific drug.”
“Measuring a problem is an important step in understanding and improving it,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. Jennifer Shuford. “DSHS is in a unique position to analyze and share information about fentanyl-related deaths as part of Governor Abbott’s One Pill Kills campaign. I hope making this data easily accessible will allow Texas experts and leaders to continue to craft solutions to this deadly crisis.”
Information on fentanyl and other drug poisonings comes from death certificates, which DSHS maintains, and will be updated four times per year. It shows that fentanyl-related deaths have exploded over the last few years, increasing more than 575 percent over a four-year period from 317 in 2019 to 2,161 in 2022. The numbers also reveal that every region of Texas is affected by this fentanyl crisis.
DSHS has added the new fentanyl dashboard to existing substance use data on Texas Health Data, including information on opioid-related emergency room visits, overall drug-related deaths, and student surveys on drug and alcohol use.
DSHS’ Texas fentanyl data dashboard comes after Governor Abbott directed state agency leaders last fall to ramp up efforts to respond to the fentanyl crisis, including coordinating efforts to raise awareness of fentanyl’s lethality and prevalence. The dashboard will support Texas’ coordinated “One Pill Kills” campaign launched by the Governor in October to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis.
Visit the Texas fentanyl data dashboard.
HC Health Care Foundation Board Of Directors Votes To Fund Free Mammography Clinic
Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Director’s held its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on July 11. As part of the agenda, the Board discussed how to utilize the funds earned through the 4th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo slated for August 3.
The annual Free Mammography Clinic will be funded with proceeds of the event. In October, two Saturdays will be designated to conduct the clinic which provides mammograms to uninsured Hopkins County women over 40 years of age. Women must sign up in advance for the limited number of appointments.
Designer Handbag Bingo raised over $38,000 last year and is on target to net even more this year. Additionally, last year’s attendees made donations to help fund the clinic.
Handbag Bingo quickly sells out each year to dismay of many. To allow more women to participate, even if not attending, a mystery handbag raffle was added this year. Tickets are still available for the raffle at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com.
Jordan’s Place Pediatrics provided funding for the luxury designer mystery bag, which is valued at almost $3,000. The winning ticket will be drawn at the bingo event.
To learn more about the event or to get your raffle ticket, visit the Designer Handbag Bingo website at handbagbingo23.givesmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit that is now in its 26 th year of serving Hopkins County. Although the Foundation supports the work of the Hopkins County Hospital District as well as CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, the Foundation is not affiliated with either of the two organizations.
Several Car Manufacturers Announce Recalls Of Vehicles
Several car manufacturers have announced recalls of multiple models of vehicles due to faults within said vehicles. Some of these manufacturers are as follows Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Lincoln, BMW and Porsche.
Honda has issued a recall on over 124,077 vehicles including five models from 2020 to 2023 due to brake issues. The issue lies in a loose fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder. This could cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly, possibly causing loss of brake function and risk of a crash.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2020-2021 Civic
- 2020-2023 Ridgeline
- 2021-2023 Passport
- 2021-2022 Pilot
- 2020 Acura MDX vehicles
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall on 8,178 of its 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 sedans, produced between June 24, 2021 and Sept. 27, 2022, because the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating. The transmission wiring harness may be the incorrect length, which can result in harness damage and a loss of drive power, and increase the risk of a crash.
Additionally Mercedes-Benz is recalling 1,552 of its 2022-2023 C300 and 2023 AMG C43 sedans, produced between July 9, 2021 and June 6, 2023, because the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness may not be secured properly, which can result in the electrical wiring harness overheating. That can lead to a fire.
Dealers will inspect and repair the ground connections for the electrical wiring harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 29, 2023; owners may also contact Mercedes-Benz USA customer service at 1-800-367-6373.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43
- 2022-2023 Mercedes-Benz C300
Ford is recalling 14,452 of its 2019-2020 Fusion Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) because the battery energy control module (BECM) may become damaged due to excessive voltage and current flow. A damaged BECM can result in a loss of drive power or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury, the company said in a report to NHTSA.Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles until the remedy, currently under development, is completed. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 10, 2023 and second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S33.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2019-2020 Fusion
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 366 of its 2023 Lincoln Nautilus vehicles because the rear shock absorbers may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in damage to the rear brake hose, rear axle half shaft, wheel speed sensor, as well as stabilizer bar end links. A damaged brake hose can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rear shocks, rear brake hoses, rear wheel speed sensor, and rear half shafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 23S32.
The realled vehicles are as follows:
- 2023 Lincoln Nautilus
Porsche is recalling 700 of its 2022-2023 911 GT3 Touring vehicles because a software error in the rear spoiler control unit may allow both the vehicle and spoiler center high-mounted brake lights to activate simultaneously when the rear spoiler is manually deployed at speeds below 56 mph. Simultaneous activation of both lights may cause confusion for other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash, the company stated.
Dealers will reprogram the rear spoiler control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is APA8.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2022-2023 911 GT3
Porsche is recalling 37 vehicles including certain 2016-2020 Macan S and 2017-2020 Macan SUVs, 2017 Panamera Turbo sedan, 2018 and 2020 Macan Turbo crossovers and Panamera 4 sedans, 2018 Macan Sport Edition SUVs, Panamera 4 E-Hybrid, and 2019 Panamera 4 Sport Turismo sedans. The reason: the screw that attaches the lower seat belt anchor to the seat frame on the outboard rear seats may not have been tightened properly. If the screw loosens over time, in the event of a crash, the seatbelt anchor could detach from the affected seat, increasing the risk of an injury, the company said in a safety report.
Dealers will replace and tighten the lower rear outboard seat belt anchor screws, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2023. Owners may contact Porsche’s customer service at 1-800-767-7243. Porsche’s number for this recall is APA9.
The recalled vehicles are as follows:
- 2016-2020 Porsche Macan S
- 2017-2020 Porsche Macan
- 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo
- 2018 Porsche Macan Sport Edition
- 2018 & 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo
- 2018 & 2020 Porsche Panamera 4
- 2018 Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
- 2019 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
BMW recalling 69 of its 2022-2023 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 SUVs, i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 coupes, and 2023 i760 xDrive hybrid electric sedan because the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU) may not have been manufactured correctly, which could interrupt electrical power while driving and result in stalling. If stalling occurred, this could increase the risk of a crash, the company stated.
Dealers will replace the high voltage battery combined charging unit (CCU), free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The recaled vehicles are as follows:
- 2022-2023 BMW i4 (54)
- 2022-2023 BMW iX (14)
- 2023 BMW i760 (1)
First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson Tout Texas’ Robust Economic Ties With United Kingdom In London
First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson yesterday met with business leaders and dignitaries to highlight Texas’ strong economic ties with the United Kingdom while in London. Joined by Texas Economic Development and Tourism Executive Director Adriana Cruz, this is the second stop in the economic development mission led by the First Lady and Secretary Nelson.
The First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation first met with executives from Drax, the United Kingdom’s largest renewable power company. The company plans to open a location in Houston next month to serve as the North American headquarters for Drax’s Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage projects across the United States and Canada. First Lady Abbott also presented Drax executives with a Texas flag and proclamation in recognition of the company’s expansion in Texas.
First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz then joined the rest of the delegation of Texas business and community partners for a meeting with executives of the United Kingdom’s Octopus Energy, which employs 4,000 people across 15 countries and has its U.S. corporate headquarters in Houston. Following a tour of Octopus’ offices and lunch with company leaders, the First Lady presented a Texas flag and proclamation celebrating the company’s significant operations in Texas.
Following the meetings with key economic leaders, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and members of the Texas delegation sat down with Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade Nigel Huddleston MP to discuss the strong economic partnership between Texas and the United Kingdom and ways to further strengthen the relationship. First Lady Abbott, Secretary Nelson, Executive Director Cruz, and the Texas delegation also met with U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Jane Hartley, who expressed strong support of the delegation’s visit and discussed the vast economic opportunities available in Texas.
In the evening, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, and Executive Director Cruz attended a reception hosted by the Texas Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in London and the Institute of Directors (IoD) for about 100 leading companies in the United Kingdom. In her remarks before attendees from business, government, and members of the IoD, First Lady Abbott emphasized the strong economic ties between the United Kingdom and Texas. In 2022, Texas trade with the United Kingdom totaled $21.2 billion, and the United Kingdom has more foreign direct investment projects in Texas than any other country.
The trip is sponsored and paid for by the Texas Economic Development Corporation, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization responsible for marketing and promoting Texas as a premier business location. Along with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, these two organizations make up the cornerstone of Governor Abbott’s economic development agenda to build the Texas of tomorrow.
