Atmos Energy to Perform Routine Natural Gas Maintenance in Sulphur Springs
SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas – March 17, 2025 – Atmos Energy will perform routine maintenance resulting in the safe removal of natural gas on Wednesday, March 19 through Friday, March 21, from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 154 County Road 2319 in Sulphur Springs. Atmos Energy remains focused on its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, and this system modernization work demonstrates a continued investment in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and our communities.
Atmos Energy is committed to protecting and preserving the environment, and this procedure is a necessary, safe, and standard industry practice used to extract natural gas from an isolated section of pipeline by burning it rather than allowing it to escape directly into the atmosphere. This routine practice reduces fugitive greenhouse gases and diminishes the mercaptan odorant to lessen the smell of natural gas in the air.
This process will result in a controlled flame and moderate noise, and Atmos Energy has advised city staff, public officials, 911 operators, and emergency responders.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, a natural gas-only distributor, is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas. We safely deliver reliable, affordable, efficient and abundant natural gas to more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states located primarily in the South. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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Pedestrians, Bicyclists most Vulnerable on Texas Roads
March 17, 2025
PARIS – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Peterzen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.
Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019-2023.
Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”
- In the Paris District in 2023, there were 42 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 10 pedestrian fatalities and 15 pedestrian serious injuries.
- In the Paris District in 2023, there were 16 traffic crashes involving bicyclists, resulting in 3 bicyclist fatalities and 2 bicyclist serious injuries.
TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.
Know the rules. Save a life.
If you’re driving:
- Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
- Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
- Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.
If you’re walking:
- Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.
If you’re biking:
- Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
- Use hand signals for turns or stops.
- Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
Junior Waverly Club 100th Year Anniversary Reception to be Held March 29th
March 17, 2025 – The Junior Waverly Club in Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold their 100th year anniversary reception March 29, 2025. Past Presidents plus current members will be in attendance. A celebration of the Club and all of its incredible members will be from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th, Pacific Park, Grays Building. John Sellers was originally scheduled to present, but is unable to attend, but there will be a special presentation from Past Presidents.
Paris Junior College Holding job Fair on April 17
March 17, 2025 – Graduating Paris Junior College students will have an opportunity to meet with local employers at a Job Fair to be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 in the Student Center Ballroom. Job-seeking members of the community are also welcome to attend.
Companies and organizations registered to date include Bodyguard Bumpers, Brentwood Terrace Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Campbell’s, Choctaw Nation, Denison Police Department, First Federal Community Bank, Hunt Regional Healthcare, Harper Corporate Services, Northeast Texas Farmers Co-Op, PalletOne, Paris Junior College, RPM Staffing Professionals, Inc., Sulphur Springs Police Department, Team Select Home Care, Texas Highway Patrol, Visiting Angels, Universal Fabricating, and Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas.
The Student Center is located in the center of the PJC campus at 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas.
Tables and electricity will be provided upon request. Employers wishing to reserve a table should contact Sherry Bell at [email protected], no later than April 1, 2025.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
The SSHS Wildcats Took on Paris in Baseball Action March 14th
March 16, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats took on the Paris Wildcats in baseball action on March 14, 2025. The fierce game was played at Wildcat Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of this exciting game. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin called Play by Play and provided Color Commentary for this thrilling game. Be sure to check out the action below!
Paris Junior College Drama Holding PlayFest Auditions Thursday and Friday
March 16, 2025 – Auditions for the Paris Junior College Drama Department’s 10th Annual Pyro PlayFest, “Where There is a Will, There is a Way!” will be held Thursday and Friday, March 20 and 21, at 6:00 p.m. They will be held in the on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater in the Administration Building on the Paris campus, 2400 Clarksville Street in Paris.
“We’re excited to announce open auditions for the 10th Annual Pyro PlayFest,” said PJC Drama faculty William L. Walker, “a thrilling celebration of new works and emerging talent. We are seeking actors ages 16 and up to bring to life twelve brand-new short plays written by playwrights from around the world.”
All are welcomed to audition, whether they are a seasoned performer or stepping onstage for the first time. The PlayFest offers opportunities to develop acting skills, collaborate with a dynamic creative team, and be part of an exciting theatrical experience. The theme was inspired by the Bard, William Shakespeare, but the call for plays stated the theme could be interpreted anyway the playwright chose.
“This is your chance to be part of a bold, innovative festival that celebrates storytelling in all its forms,” Walker said. “If you’re ready to step into the spotlight and bring new characters to life, we want to see you at auditions!”
The auditions will include cold readings from selected scripts, group and individual scene work, and a fun and supportive environment. The PlayFest will be performed from April 23 to April 27, 2025.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Historic Bridge Available For Adoption
Adopt a Piece of Texas History Through the TxDOT Historic Bridge Legacy Program
March 14, 2025 – PARIS – The Texas Department of Transportation oversees a Historic Bridge Legacy Program to facilitate the adoption of historic bridges that outlive utility for vehicular service. All bridges available under this program are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The bridges are owned by TxDOT, cities, or counties and merit special consideration of their potential for preservation in the community. The primary emphasis of the program is to find a new public use for the bridges, such as along a hike-and-bike trail or in a public park.
A historic bridge in Grayson County at Craft Road crossing Choctaw Creek Tributary is currently available for adoption. For more information, please contact TxDOT Paris District Public Information Officer, Kristen Prater at [email protected] or 903-737-9213 or visit www.txdot.gov, keyword search “adopt a bridge.”
The Craft Road bridge is a Camelback pony metal truss bridge built in 1920. The bridge originally carried a railroad, but it was relocated to its current spot in 1950 and widened. The bridge is significant for its engineering history as a local example of a truss bridge. The bridge is in poor condition but with needed repairs and overall painting, the truss could be repurposed as a pedestrian bridge. At a minimum, cleaning, painting, and sealing of deformed members would be required. An engineering analysis for the allowable load rating and desired pedestrian bridge width would be required to determine if more extensive repairs are needed.
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Dust Storms and Distant Fires Created a Colorful Sunset on Friday
March 14, 2025 – A massive dust storm swept across Texas on Friday, creating a dramatic and hazy sunset as strong winds carried thick clouds of dust across the sky. The storm, combined with smoke from distant wildfires, cast an eerie orange and red glow over the horizon, reducing visibility and affecting air quality.
Residents experienced gusty winds and dry conditions, making travel difficult in some areas. The unusual combination of dust and smoke created a surreal atmosphere, with many capturing stunning yet ominous photos of the scene. Officials advised people to stay indoors if sensitive to poor air quality and respiratory issues.
Ag Commissioner Miller Touts Texas’s Farm to School and Farm to Food Bank Programs
March 14, 2025 – “I recognize that the USDA’s budget cuts are intended to eliminate fraud, abuse, and waste. However, even well-functioning programs that deliver real results are undergoing reviews to ensure fairness. These changes also provide an opportunity for states to assume greater responsibility in shaping their own programs.
Texas and the Texas Department of Agriculture do not depend on this funding to maintain a strong program. We’ve been at the forefront for years, developing sustainable initiatives. Texas will continue to effectively operate successful Farm to School and Farm to Food Bank programs. Eighty-eight percent of Texas child nutrition programs purchase local foods, and prior to this grant, over $257.8 million was spent by Texas schools on local foods.
I support a fair and consistent approach, which is precisely what the Trump Administration is implementing. This is not a final decision—it’s a reassessment. There’s always room for refinement, and we may see a revised version of the policy down the road that is even better for agriculture producers.
I want to thank our farmers and ranchers, local food banks, school nutrition departments, and Farm Fresh Network members for their dedication to providing fresh, nutritious meals to Texas students and families. Your hard work is building a healthier, more sustainable future for our state.”
Have Hummingbirds Arrived at Your Feeder Yet?
March 14, 2025 – Hummingbirds are expected to arrive in Hopkins County, Texas, in mid to late March as they migrate north for the spring and summer seasons. The first arrivals are typically ruby-throated hummingbirds, which travel from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. These tiny birds follow the blooming of flowers and warmer temperatures, seeking nectar and insects to fuel their journey.
To make hummingbird nectar, mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool completely. Do not add red dye or honey, as they can harm birds. Fill clean feeders with the nectar and change it every few days to prevent spoilage.
Weather conditions and food availability play a significant role in their migration timing. A mild winter and early spring blooms can bring hummingbirds earlier, while cooler temperatures may delay their arrival. Birdwatchers in Hopkins County can attract these vibrant visitors by putting out nectar feeders filled with a simple mixture of four parts water to one part sugar. Keeping feeders clean and providing native flowers such as salvia, trumpet vine, and bee balm can help sustain hummingbirds throughout the season.
By April, more hummingbirds should be seen across Northeast Texas as migration peaks. These fascinating birds will remain in the area through the summer before heading south again in the fall. Watching for the first arrivals has become a beloved spring tradition for many Texans, signaling the change of seasons and the return of these energetic pollinators.
