Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested May 13
May 13, 2025 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
Boil Water Notice for Shirley Water Supply
May 13, 2025 – As a safety precaution since the water system lost pressure, We are issuing a BOIL WATER NOTICE, until our pressure is restored and water samples are taken.
You will need to boil your water prior to consumption (washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking etc.) Children, seniors, and persons with weakend immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for 2 minutes. In leiu of boiling water, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from another suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system will issue a notice to that rescind the boil water notice. We are issuing this notice as a precautionary measure. If you have questions you may call the office at 903-485-5811.
Texas Education Agency Says Less Than Half of New Texas Teachers are Certified
May 13, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has raised concerns over a troubling trend: a significant decline in the number of certified teachers in Texas classrooms. For the 2024–2025 school year, Texas schools hired approximately 43,800 new teachers, but only 45% of them were fully certified. This marks a sharp drop in the proportion of credentialed educators entering the profession, a development that officials say could impact classroom quality and student outcomes.
The remaining 55% of newly hired teachers are working under alternative certifications, emergency permits, or are uncertified entirely. Education experts point to a variety of contributing factors, including high turnover rates, low pay, and increasingly difficult working conditions. Many school districts, particularly in rural or under-resourced areas, are struggling to attract and retain experienced, certified educators.
TEA officials stress that while alternative pathways to teaching help fill urgent staffing gaps, certified teachers have undergone rigorous training that prepares them for the classroom in ways others may not. The trend raises long-term questions about teacher preparation, support, and retention.
State lawmakers are being urged to address the shortage by investing in teacher training programs, raising salaries, and reducing barriers to certification in order to ensure every Texas student has access to a qualified educator.
Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson Chats About an Event May 15th on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. John Mark and Ronnie chat about what wildflowers are in bloom during this time of year, what mulch you should use, a program on lawns Ronnie Wilson will present at the Extension Office on May 15th, 2025, and so much more. Be sure to check out this interesting segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn more about gardening and more.
STAAR Test On The Chopping Block
May 12, 2025 – House Bill 4, passed by the Texas House of Representatives on May 12, 2025, represents a sweeping reform of the state’s public school accountability system. Aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about overreliance on standardized testing, the bill significantly overhauls the current assessment framework, particularly the STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), and introduces broader performance indicators to better reflect student learning and school effectiveness.
A major feature of HB 4 is the reduction of standardized testing. The bill proposes replacing the STAAR exam with shorter, instructionally supportive assessments administered throughout the academic year. These new tests are intended to align more closely with classroom instruction and provide faster feedback, allowing educators to respond to student needs in real time.
The bill also restricts the authority of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) by requiring legislative approval for any significant changes to the A-F school rating system. This measure is designed to ensure greater transparency and oversight in how schools are evaluated.
In addition, HB 4 introduces new metrics into the accountability framework. Schools will now be assessed on factors such as the quality of teacher training in math and literacy and student participation in workforce training programs. These indicators are intended to better reflect both academic preparedness and career readiness.
Another innovative component is the creation of a grant program to support districts in developing their own local accountability plans, tailored to the specific needs and goals of their communities.
If approved by the Texas Senate, House Bill 4 could mark a major shift in how Texas measures educational success—emphasizing instructionally meaningful assessments and broadening the definition of school performance beyond standardized test scores.
Opinion: No Hospital, No Hope: The Fight for Rural Health Care in Texas.
An Editorial by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
May 12, 2025 -As we recognize National Hospital Week, it’s important to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities healthy. From the nurses who provide compassionate care to the doctors who offer life-saving expertise, our rural hospitals are staffed by incredibly committed individuals who often perform multiple roles to keep everything running smoothly, and it’s important we also recognize the challenges Texas’s rural hospitals face. Rural Texas is worth fighting for, and the healthcare providers who keep them healthy are worth celebrating.
In rural Texas, a hospital isn’t merely a place to seek care; it is the heart of a community. Whether it’s a farmer who has had an accident in the field, a rancher battling heart disease, or a child with a high fever in the middle of the night, rural hospitals are always there, ready to serve.
From hardworking ranchers in the Hill Country to cotton farmers in West Texas, one thing remains constant: Texans take pride in their small towns, the unique culture they represent, and the rural hospitals that serve them. Dozens of hospitals serve primarily rural areas across the vast expanse of Texas. These hospitals are more than just a place for medical treatment; they are a pillar of strength, offering healthcare and contributing to rural life with jobs, support, and stability.
But while rural hospitals are a source of pride, many are facing serious challenges that threaten their ability to continue providing care. Over the last decade, many rural hospitals in Texas have closed their doors, and more struggle to stay afloat. The reasons are clear: rising costs, a shortage of healthcare workers, and cumbersome federal regulations that consume precious time and talent that could be devoted to patient care.
Unlike their urban counterparts, rural hospitals operate in a much more challenging environment. They treat fewer patients but serve a significantly larger geographic area, sometimes covering hundreds of square miles, and are expected to provide everything from emergency care to routine check-ups with limited resources and staff.
It’s critical to recognize that rural hospitals are not just medical institutions—they’re economic engines for small towns across Texas. These hospitals are significant employers in rural counties, providing good-paying jobs that support families and drive the local economy.
That’s why we can’t afford to let rural hospitals fail. For rural Texas to remain strong, we must ensure rural hospitals have the resources necessary to continue serving and thriving. This means supporting rural health infrastructure, expanding access to telemedicine, and making sure bureaucratic red tape doesn’t hinder access to the care rural Texans need and deserve.
Texas must invest in our rural healthcare system and ensure these hospitals are equipped to continue serving the people who depend on them every day. When a rural hospital closes, it’s not just a loss for healthcare; it is a loss for the entire community. Local businesses suffer, families and seniors may be forced to travel long distances for care, and the community loses a vital piece of its identity.
During National Hospital Week, the Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to stand behind our rural hospitals. Through our State Office of Rural Health and other programs, we’re working hard to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in place.
Our small towns are a tremendously important part of what makes Texas the best state in the nation. Texans know we are only as strong as the communities we build, and rural hospitals play a key role in developing those communities. This National Hospital Week, let’s come together to celebrate their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to keeping them strong.
These hospitals are lifelines for rural Texans, and as your Agriculture Commissioner, I’ll keep fighting to make sure folks in small towns get the care they need without having to drive hours to find it. Let’s work together to ensure the rural hospitals of Texas remain a vital part of our future, for our families and our Texas way of life.
EPIC City Now Under Federal Investigation
April 12, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Justice has joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott in launching a federal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its proposed development project, EPIC City—a 402-acre planned Muslim community near Josephine, Texas. The planned city will occupy land in Collin and neighboring Hunt County. The probe follows mounting controversy and public concern surrounding the scope, purpose, and legal implications of the project.
There is no federal law that prohibits the application of Sharia law in the US.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a key figure in prompting federal scrutiny, sent a letter last month to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting immediate review. Citing allegations of religious discrimination, questions about the possible application of Sharia law, and potential violations of federal and state law, Cornyn called for decisive legal action. “Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State,” he stated. “Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and I know under the Trump administration, they will be.”
While EPIC maintains that EPIC City is a private, faith-based community project designed to serve the needs of Muslim families, critics argue that it may operate outside of constitutional and municipal frameworks. The project has sparked heated public debate, particularly in conservative circles, over religious freedom, community zoning, and the role of Islamic institutions in American life.
The Department of Justice has not yet detailed the scope of its investigation, but legal analysts suggest the probe will examine zoning practices, financial transparency, and civil rights compliance. The involvement of both state and federal officials underscores the political weight of the controversy and raises broader questions about religious liberty, cultural integration, and the limits of local control.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome could have lasting implications for how religious communities build and govern private developments in Texas and across the nation.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Historic $1.375 Billion Settlement with Google Related to Texans’ Data Privacy Rights
May 11, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $1.375 billion settlement in principle with Google, delivering a historic win for Texans’ data privacy and security rights and marking the highest recovery nationwide against Google for any attorney general’s enforcement of state privacy laws.
In 2022, Attorney General Paxton sued Google for unlawfully tracking and collecting users’ private data regarding geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data. After years of aggressive litigation, Attorney General Paxton agreed to settle Texas’s data-privacy claims against Google for an amount that far surpasses any other state’s claims for similar violations. To date, no state has attained a settlement against Google for similar data-privacy violations greater than $93 million. Even a multistate coalition that included forty states secured just $391 million—almost a billion dollars less than Texas’s recovery.
“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy and tells companies that they will pay for abusing our trust. I will always protect Texans by stopping Big Tech’s attempts to make a profit by selling away our rights and freedoms.”
Attorney General Paxton has led the nation in ensuring Big Tech companies do not violate the law or illegally use Texans’ personal data, founding the largest data privacy and security initiative of any state. In July, Attorney General Paxton secured a $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas with Meta (formerly Facebook) for unlawfully collecting and using facial recognition data—the largest settlement ever obtained from an action brought by a single State. Previously, Attorney General Paxton reached $700 million and $8 million settlements with Google for anticompetitive and deceptive trade practices. Attorney General Paxton thanks Norton Rose Fulbright, which served as outside counsel to the Office of Attorney General.
This and That for May 2025 From Master Gardener David Wall
Raw onions are delicious but can really can cause strong odors in the house and on your breath. Soak the slices or chopped pieces in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain. The onion flavor will stay without the strong odor.
Diluting bleach with water is great for cleaning garden tools. Vinegar is great for removing rust from tools. Beer is a great fertilizer for garden plants, but use it sparingly. Too much attracts pests. Water used to cook vegetables such as corn, potatoes, rice, etc., contains many nutrients your plants need. Used coffee and tea grounds provide valuable nutrients such as nitrogen for your plants. The used grounds are at or very close to a neutral pH. Consider a small handful of powdered milk (great calcium source) on the ground when transplanting and perhaps a couple more times during the growing season.
To reduce soil alkalinity, consider a cup of vinegar diluted with a gallon of water. Use sparingly. Use trap crops to protect your vegetable plants. Plant radishes around cucumber plants. Plant sunflowers among other vegetables, particularly tomatoes. In years past, I’ve counted as many as 21 leaf footed and stink bugs on a single sunflower plant with none on the tomato plants.
Club soda has numerous readily available nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium your vegetable plants love. Try once cup for each plant every other week. When watering, deep watering once a week as slow as possible is best. If you have raised bed gardens deep watering more often is required. If using 5-gallon containers, watering daily may be required.
Including a teaspoon of sugar around each plant perhaps every other week will be greatly appreciated by the soi microbes. The liquid from Banana peels in water for 2-3 days will provide phosphorus for plants.
Paris District Road Report for Week of May 12, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties for the week starting May 12, 2025. 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.
Safety Message: Work Zone Safety
Every day, crews across Texas work to build and maintain the state’s roads, sometimes separated from high-speed traffic by only a few feet. In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21-25, 2025, TxDOT calls on motorists to make driving safely a priority when passing through the state’s active work zones. In 2024, nearly 28,000 traffic crashes occurred in work zones in Texas, resulting in 215 deaths and another 825 serious injuries.
Most of the people killed in work zone crashes are drivers and their passengers. They made up 81% of the fatalities in 2024. Speeding, driver inattention and unsafe lane changes were among the top contributing factors in work zone crashes.
Driver safety
Work zones present a different and sometimes challenging environment for drivers to navigate. Motorists may encounter uneven pavement, narrow lanes, concrete barriers, slow-moving heavy equipment, and vehicles that make sudden stops. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign offers five tips for safely driving through work zones:
- Slow down. Follow the speed limit and pay attention to road conditions. What’s safe for normal conditions may not be safe in a work zone.
- Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions, and put your phone away.
- Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry, should you need to. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
- Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers want to get home safely too. Always follow instructions and be mindful of construction area road signs.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Plan ahead so you are not tempted to speed.
More work to do
TxDOT continues to work on increased safety measures and public outreach efforts to educate motorists about driving in work zones. We encourage everyone, from engineers and planners to drivers and pedestrians, to take responsibility for work zone safety. As part of this outreach, we remind drivers of the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. It requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT, emergency, law enforcement, tow truck, or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside or shoulder. Violation of this law can result in a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Stricter penalties for drivers who cause serious injuries by failing to follow these rules now include possible jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
There will be nighttime lane closures on southbound US 75 between FM 121 in Van Alstyne and Haning Street in Howe the week of May 12th in order for the contractor to place concrete traffic barrier. The lane closures will begin each weeknight at 8:00 pm and all lanes will be reopened to traffic by 5:00 am the following morning.
There will be daytime lane closures along the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage roads between County Line Road and Farmington Road the week of May 12th in order for the contractor to perform base repairs on the roadway. All traffic will be reduced to one lane and flaggers will be present to control traffic. Motorists should expect delays while this work is underway.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road u-turns at the US 82 frontage road intersection are closed to traffic to allow crews to begin work on a portion of the new US 75 mainlane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
The northbound US 75 frontage road exit to SH 91 is closed to allow for construction of the pavement of the new US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91. During this closure, traffic is asked to stay on the northbound frontage road to Taylor Street and take Taylor Street back to SH 91.
Eastbound and westbound US 82 will have a left lane closure to allow for construction of drilled shafts and columns for the new US 75 bridge over US 82. Traffic should expect delays as US 82 will be reduced to one lane.
The northbound and southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) will be reduced to one lane to allow for construction of the new intersection. An all-way stop will be in place at the southbound US 75 frontage road intersection with SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to control traffic. Westbound SH 91 traffic is reduced to one lane and will be required to stop at the southbound US 75 intersection.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the overpass to southbound US 75 has been removed to allow for construction of the new overpass. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection where traffic can make the U-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night 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.
SH 289, in Dorchester at the FM 902 intersection. This project will widen SH 289 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at this intersection. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound SH 289 main lanes as well as on FM 902. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, 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.
SH 91, from Martin Luther King Street to the Oklahoma State Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377, from US 82 to the Denton County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 896 at Valley Creek. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Beginning on May 19th, FM 274 will be closed to thru traffic at the Sandy Creek Bridge in order for the contractor to replace the bridge and approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 78 and FM 1753 to detour around the closure.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 is closed to thru traffic while crews perform bridge repairs. All traffic will be required to take the exit for US 69 and then will be able to take the next entrance ramp back onto SH 121. A temporary signal is in place to control traffic on SH 121 and US 69 during this closure. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has an onsite detour in place to allow for replacement of the bridge. Traffic is asked to approach the detour shift slowly and drive an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews replace the bridge structure.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary will be closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. Traffic will be required to detour onto CR 2815, CR 2840 and CR 2825 while the bridge structure is being replaced.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 64, from SH 34 to the Delta County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform a level up on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121, from SH 56 to SH 11. Watch for mobile lane closures as maintenance crews perform a sweeping operation to remove loose material from the roadway. Motorists should expect delays from the mobile operation in the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: IH 30 at Bill Bradford. Watch for crews performing repairs to concrete bridge rail. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: FM 2653. Watch for crews performing pavement repairs. Watch for flagging operations and slower moving traffic.
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.
Lamar County:
Loop 286, 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.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 33rd street to 42nd street in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures in the nighttime hours while crews improve signals, install a raised center median, and resurface the roadway.
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
FM 1487, from FM 910 to FM 412. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J at East Langford Creek. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
Hunt County:
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and is currently widening shoulders and performing ditch work. Contractor processed material and dried out material at various locations. Concrete footings poured and culverts were prepped. Contractor will be performing structure work along with seeding operations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor is currently finishing cement treatment on last section of project. Ride testing and cover prime scheduled for next week. New guard rail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Driveways, signage and mailboxes will be ongoing next week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is grading riprap, forming inlets and addressing potholes The contractor will begin prep work for PH2 traffic switch and extending drainage culverts near RC High School. Coordination with DGNO on North FM 2642 will begin next week with traffic arm modifications. Please slow down and be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, From SH 34 to FM 118. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has completed temporary seeding and subgrade widening. Construction on culverts and grading of ditches, seeding and driveways will be scheduled for next week. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609: The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor will begin prepping right-of-way. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 interchange improvements from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. The contractor has set barricades and advance warning signs. The contractor has been working on placing embankment for wire walls at FM 1903 and FM 1570 and poured the cap abutment at FM 1570. and poured the back wall at FM 1570. The contractor will be performing embankment work at FM 1570. Contractor will be excavating and performing embankment at M.S.P U-turn during nights. The contractor will be setting panels under nightly lane closures. Steel tying is ongoing on the project. Hot mix will be placed at night on EB frontage road near FM 1570. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36. The contractor will be moving barrier during nighttime lane closures and milling shoulders and adding temp paving. Contractor has ongoing box culvert work near FM 1565 plans to restore the frontage road pavement during this time. Grading work on the eastbound main lanes and westbound frontage roads will be ongoing. Grading for detour paving along EBFR and EBML between 1565 and 36 o Grading for detour paving along WBFR and WBML between 1565 and 36 Grading for detour paving WBFR 2511 area. Hot mix detour paving along EBML 1565 and 36 area. Temporary walls are being installed and dirt work with detours are ongoing throughout the project. Contractor will be pumping water and drying material throughout project.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole and sign repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt and Rains County maintenance sections will be working on mailboxes, potholes and signage. Overlay work ongoing on SH 66, FM 1570, and US 69. Edging work FM1566 from FM 118 to SH34. Vegetative edge spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Debris pickup will be performed on IH30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday. Ditch cleaning will be taking place throughout the county.
Rains maintenance section will be working on potholes, signs and mailboxes. Rains maintenance section will be working on FM 1567 addressing edges and rutting. Ranis crew will work on FM 47 and repair Tawakoni State Par. Vegetative spot spraying will be ongoing throughout the county. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
###
