TxDOT Replacing Three Hopkins County Bridges
TxDot logo
The Texas Department of Transportation recently authorized Highway 19 Construction LLC to replace three bridges and their approaches in Hopkins County in Northeast Texas. The work is scheduled to begin on June 22.
TxDOT officials granted the contractor 207 working days, weather permitting, to complete this project at an estimated cost of more than $1.5 million. Work will proceed as weather permits, but should be completed by May 2016.
The contractor will replace these bridges: West Greenwood Creek at FM 900, Little Caney Creek at FM 69, and at CR 528-1 (HCR 4734) at a tributary of the Sulphur River. TxDOT officials said some of these repairs will require temporary closures at times, and detours around these road bridges.
Wherever possible, motorists are urged to use alternate travel routes. If that is not possible, please approach work zones cautiously, observe and obey all traffic controls and barricades, and travel through work zones at reduced speed while this work is underway. Flaggers will be present along these routes to alert drivers to changing road conditions and detours, and guide motorists through the areas safely.
Days or Weeks Before Celebration Plaza’s Fountain is Repaired
“When will the fountain on Celebration Plaza be working again?” That question seems to be a top ten citizen’s query for Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell. Ksstradio.com reported the fountain’s drought Monday morning in an article stating “KSST reached out to the City of Sulphur Springs regarding the ‘Out-of-Order’ sign in the fountain. The City is not sure what really happened to the fountain, and is not exactly sure when it will be back in order. The City of Sulphur Springs is working diligently to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible so everyone can enjoy their hot summer in the water.” Wednesday morning, Maxwell said it will be several days or it could be several weeks before the foundation can be repaired.
Maxwell told KSST News, “It has been one problem right after another.” The fountain was knocked out by an electrical surge caused by a thunderstorm. That problem was fixed. Then, a pipe in the control box burst and filled the control box with water knocking out the electrical controls, the motors, and other components. “Thank God we had insurance on it,” Maxwell said.
The motors were saved but not all the electrical controls could be salvaged. The city is awaiting the needed controls. Maxwell also said that the city is seeking a better way of piping water to the control box. The piping in the unit met the manufactures specifications. However, there are some changes that could help safe guard the control box.
If the main control panel must be replaced, the cost will be $19,000 and will create a five to seven week wait. Insurance will cover much of the cost. Maxwell said the city will have the fountain up and running as soon as humanly possible.
“updated” Commissioner Wisenbaker Will Not Seek Reelection
County Commissioner Precinct 1 Beth Wisenbaker announced she will not seek reelection during a press conference Wednesday morning at the Hopkins County Courthouse. In stating her intention, Wisenbaker stated that she is convinced there is something great in her future. However, she added, she needed to shut this door first.
Wisenbaker said her decision came after she had “thought long and hard about it and I prayed about it.” She wants everyone to know in a timely manner regarding her decision. When she completes this term, she will have served as Commissioner Precinct 1 for 20 years. She said she has made a lot of good friends and her work has “truly been a joy being a public servant.”
Asked about the low point of her time in office, she said that one cannot build a stable road without continual funding for that road. Pointing out that only one-fourth of her constituents live in the county on county roads, she said no one wants to increase taxes for one fourth of the population to drive. The high point of her term is the reconstructed courthouse, the county jail, and the road crew with whom she has worked.
Her announcement Wednesday was planned to give others the opportunity to consider the office. Sign up for the primary election opens in November according to Wisenbaker.
$1,000 Reward; No Questions Asked
‘Tyler’
Tyler, a grey and white Schnauzer, is missing and his best friend wants to find him. Earlier in the week, Tyler disappeared in the Shooks Chapel Community on State Highway 154.
Should you locate Tyler, call 903-885-8866. No questions will be asked in the safe return of Tyler.
Flood Advisory for Hopkins County
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued an urban and small stream flood advisory for: Hopkins County, Northern Hunt County, Delta County, Southwestern Lamar County, and Fannin County until 12:15 p.m.
At 9:10 a.m. CST, radar indicated moderate to heavy rain that will cause urban and small stream flooding in the advisory area. Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth be too great to allow your car to cross safely.
Tropical Depression Produces Wind Advisory
As Tropical Depression Bill continues to move north along The I-35 corridor…strong and gusty winds will occur mainly over areas north through southeast of its center. Winds of 20 to 30 MPH with higher gusts up to 45 MPH are likely in these areas through late afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a wind advisory, which is in effect until 7pm CST this Evening. The winds will create a hard driving rain and low visibilities for motorists. Those driving high profile vehicles should take precautions. Outdoor objects might be blown around. Small to medium branches may break.
Alliance Bank, Grocery Supply Underwrites Independence Concert
Alliance Bank and Grocery Supply made donations to the Sulphur Springs Symphony League Tuesday for this year’s Independence Concert on the Plaza coming up June 27. Tom Sellers with Alliance Bank and Mickey McKenzie with Grocery Supply presented checks to Kayla Price with the Symphony League. Ms. Price said they could not do the concert without these sponsors.
Fresh Produce & Farmers’ Markets – a Great Partnership!
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
Oh, the joy of perusing brightly colored fruits and vegetables at a Farmers’ Market! These goodies are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and fiber. The Sunrise market in downtown Sulphur Springs each Saturday is the perfect place to find tasty and colorful foods. However, there are some safe handling tips to assure that you protect yourself and your family from food poisoning. It is important to be consistent in practicing safe food handling once you get home with your produce.
1) Check: Be sure that the fresh fruits and vegetables you buy are not bruised or damaged. When choosing pre-cut fruits & vegetables at the grocery store (such as packaged salads and sliced melons), check that the product is refrigerated or on ice.
2) Rinse: Just before use, rinse under running water only the fruits and vegetables you plan to eat, including those with skins or rinds that are not eaten. Firm-skinned fruits and vegetables should be rubbed by hand or scrubbed with a clean brush while rinsing under running tap water. Packaged fruits & vegetables labeled “ready-to-eat”, “washed”, or “triple washed” should not be washed. Dry fruits & vegetables with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not use soap or bleach. These products are not intended for consumption.
3) Chill: Fresh produce that has been cut should be refrigerated or put on ice within two hours to prevent bacteria growth. Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F.
4) Clean: Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables. Clean all surfaces and utensils with hot water and soap, including cutting boards and knives, before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
5) Separate: In your shopping cart and in bags at checkout, separate fresh fruits and vegetables from household chemicals and raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. When preparing food, keep fresh fruits & vegetables, do not use the same cutting board or utensils without cleaning with hot water and soap before and after preparing fresh fruits and vegetables.
6) Throw away: Throw away any fresh fruits and vegetables that have not been refrigerated within two hours of cutting, peeling or cooking. Remove and throw away bruised or damaged portions of fruits and vegetables when preparing to cook them or before eating them raw. Throw away any fruits or vegetables that have touched raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. If in doubt, throw it out!
For more information on food safety, visit the Partnership for Food Safety website at www.fightbac.org
Tomato Recipe Contest
The 2015 Dairy Festival Recipe Contest was cancelled due to low participation, but you still have a chance to enter the 2015 Tomato Festival! Two contests are being offered: the Tomato Growing Contest and the Tomato Recipe Contest. The Tomato Recipe contest is so simple to enter! Simply bring a prepared dish containing tomatoes (canned, fresh, or frozen) to the City Hall Courtyard between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, along with a copy of the written recipe.
Entries will be judged at 6:00 p.m. with announcement of results at the conclusion of the judging. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each of the three age divisions (12 & under, ages 13 to 18, and ages 19 & up). Entry classes for the Tomato Recipe Contest are Main dish, Side dish, and salsa/jelly/relish.
While you’re downtown, stake our your spot on the square for the Independence Day Concert and fireworks show to take place later that evening. What better way to spend a Saturday evening that with good fun, good music and a good fireworks display!
Closing Thought
Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone – Zig Ziglar
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
