Learn About Houseplants on This Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With Guest CEA Mario Villarino
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had another chat with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez. This time the two tackled the topic of indoor plants. They discussed the variety of species available, how low maintenance some of them are, the benefits of having an indoor plant, and much more. Be sure to take a look at this episode and see why you need to test your green thumb!
Paris Junior College Regents Tackle Long List at January Meeting
February 3, 2025 – The Paris Junior College Board of Regents tackled an extensive agenda at a meeting held Monday, January 27, 2025. Among the items were acceptance of the annual audit, support of legislative issues, review of a facility assessment report, an overview of PJC’s nursing program, and good news on spring enrollment.
“You have a clean opinion on these financial statements,” said Teffany A. Kavanaugh, CPA with McClanahan Holmes, L.L.P., Certified Public Accounts, as she presented the 2023-2024 independent auditor’s report.
Next the regents passed a resolution supporting legislative priorities of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Community College Association of Texas Trustees. Those include continuing outcomes-based funding established by HB 8, supplemental appropriations for FY 2024-2025, FY 2026-2027 funding recommendations made by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and including students who transfer to private universities in the college funding formula.
Regents then heard a Facilities Assessment Report overview presented by Amy Holzle, AIA, with Stantec Architecture Inc. Developed through a combination of personnel interviews, facility walk-throughs and building system analysis, the report provides an inventory of PJC’s facilities, general building and grounds condition, and a condition index to allow creation of timely system-wide maintenance schedules.
“You’ve got a great campus here,” said Holzle. “Sometimes it’s about figuring out where the puzzle pieces go and making sure your buildings are efficient.”
“As we continue with strategic planning, we will work with Stantec to develop a facilities master plan,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, Paris Junior College president.
Vice President of Workforce Education Dr. Michael Erny gave an overview of the nursing program at PJC. The federal government projects about 54,000 annual openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses and 194,500.
“To address the projected shortage of registered nurses in Texas,” said Erny, “it’s important to provide licensed vocational nurses with opportunities to advance to RN status. This shortage is expected to grow from 29,000 fulltime RNs in 2020 to 57,012 or 16.3% of the workforce by 2032.”
PJC offers a one-year licensed vocational nursing program, and students may transition to the LVN to RN program in their second year for an associate degree in nursing. Texas is one of five states with the highest rate of employment for vocational and registered nurses. Vocational nurses average $56,490 and registered nurses earn $90,210 per year.
“Through grant and foundation funds,” Erny said, “we’ve been able to upgrade equipment, remodel spaces, and offer more in-house simulation experiences for the students. Part of the new testing for the next generation of nursing students is less about memorization, and more about applying knowledge to live situations and making decisions.”
As part of his President’s Report, Benson gave an update on spring enrollment. Head count is up 3.4 percent from a year ago. Registration is on-going for the second 8-week term that begins on March 17.
“We are already starting to see an increase in enrollment,” said Benson, “and the new Reboot Program, Dragon Promise and Presidential Scholarship programs will continue to make us accessible to student. The PJC Memorial Foundation is providing the funding and it is available right now, so we’re rolling these programs out.”
In other business, the Regents:
- Approved a consent agenda that included adding Vice President Keitha Carlton as an authorized representative of TexPool and as a signatory on the Alliance Bank and Guaranty Bank & Trust accounts; acceptance of TASB Policy Updates CAK (Local), CDE (Local), DHB (Local), FAA (Local); approval of a three-year contract with Modern Campus for website redesign and CMA implementation, interlocal agreement with Harris County Department of Education for purchasing products and services under the HCDE bidding umbrella, and of a Communications System Agreement Resolution with the City of Greenville allowing the PJC-Greenville Center police officer to communicate with the City’s emergency services.
- Gave the annually required review and approval of the Investment Policy CAK (Local).
What is USAID? And Will It Be Missed?
What is USAID?
USAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, is an independent agency of the U.S. government primarily responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID’s mission is to promote broad-scale human progress at the same time it expands stable, free societies, creates markets, and fosters innovation. The agency focuses on various areas such as economic growth, agriculture, health, democracy promotion, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and environmental sustainability.
USAID Is Ending
The debate over ending USAID touches on fundamental questions about America’s role in the world and the effective use of taxpayer dollars. Proponents of ending USAID argue that the agency’s programs have not consistently delivered sustainable outcomes. They claim that USAID can foster dependency among recipient countries rather than encouraging self-sufficiency. Critics also point to inefficiencies and bureaucratic complexities that sometimes delay aid, suggesting that the funds allocated to USAID might be better spent on domestic priorities like education, infrastructure, or healthcare. Some assert that U.S. foreign policy would be more effective if it relied on direct diplomatic engagement or market-based initiatives instead of large-scale aid programs.
On the other hand, defenders of USAID emphasize its historical contributions to global stability and humanitarian relief. They argue that USAID has played a crucial role in disaster response, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of democracy in fragile states. By investing in long-term development projects, USAID helps create conditions that reduce conflict and foster economic opportunities abroad—outcomes that can ultimately benefit U.S. national security and economic interests. Supporters also note that many programs have evolved to include accountability measures and evidence-based approaches, addressing past criticisms of waste and inefficiency.
Ending USAID would not only represent a major shift in U.S. foreign policy but also have wide-reaching consequences. It could lead to a gap in international development assistance that other nations or international organizations might struggle to fill. Such a move might also affect global perceptions of American leadership and commitment to humanitarian values. Ultimately, the decision to end USAID involves weighing immediate fiscal concerns and domestic priorities against long-term strategic interests in fostering global stability and prosperity.
Abbott Deputizes Texas National Guard
February 3, 2025 – The state of Texas has taken unprecedented steps in its immigration enforcement efforts by granting Texas National Guard troops the authority to detain and arrest migrants. This move, part of Governor Greg Abbott’s broader Operation Lone Star, aims to curb illegal border crossings amid what Texas officials describe as a federal failure to secure the southern border. By deputizing state guard members, Texas expands its power to enforce immigration laws, traditionally a federal responsibility.
“As the top law enforcement official in Texas, I call on all agencies and departments to join me in the fight. We will enforce the law and protect America.” — Greg Abbott
This development raises legal and constitutional questions, as immigration enforcement has historically been under federal jurisdiction. The Biden administration and civil rights groups have challenged Texas’ actions, arguing they could lead to racial profiling and violations of due process. Proponents, however, argue that the state has a right to protect its borders and communities from illegal immigration and associated crime.
The policy marks a significant escalation in Texas’ ongoing dispute with the federal government over border security. It also sets a potential precedent for other states seeking to take immigration matters into their own hands. The long-term impact remains uncertain, as legal battles could ultimately determine the extent to which states can independently enforce immigration laws without federal approval.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested February 3
February 3, 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.
Steps to Take to Prepare for Cold Snaps on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a chat with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez. John Mark and Mario discuss different steps you can take to prepare for cold winter weather when it is in the forecast. The two talk about staying informed, home preparations such as leaving your facet drip to help avoid damaging pipes, the importance of checking in on your family and other loved ones during a bad winter spell, and so much more. Be sure to check out this episode and learn what you can do to be more prepared if another cold spell blows through before the end of Winter!
TxDOT Gives Wake-up Call for Texas Teens to Always Buckle up
| Nearly half of teens killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts |
| Jan. 30, 2025 |
AUSTIN – Texas teenagers have big dreams for the future, and a simple click can help keep them alive.
TxDOT’s Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is urging all teens to buckle up—every seat, every ride. Texas has seen a rising trend in teens not wearing their seat belt in a crash, jumping up 6% from 2022 to 2023. Out of the 296 teens that died in traffic crashes in Texas in 2023, 49% were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Buckling up takes just seconds—but those seconds save lives.
“These fatalities serve as a sobering wake-up call,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Every time someone gets in a car and skips buckling up, they’re taking a deadly gamble. In the event of a crash, seat belts can give you the best chance to survive, and yet far too many Texas teens are still skipping this critical safety step.”
The Teen Click It or Ticket campaign will travel the state from Jan. 30 – Feb. 15, visiting high schools and community colleges in areas with the lowest percentages of teen seat belt use:
- Jan. 30: El Paso Community College (Valle Verde campus)
- Feb. 3: San Antonio (Palo Alto Community College)
- Feb. 4: Austin (Glenn High School)
- Feb. 6: Brownwood (Howard Payne University)
- Feb. 11: Lufkin (Hudson High School)
- Feb. 13: Houston (Houston Community College-Felix Fraga Academic Campus)
The tour will include a trailer with the wreckage from a truck crash involving two teenagers who walked away with minor injuries because they were wearing seat belts. It will also include a vehicle featuring screens displaying safety information.
Buckling up isn’t just the safest choice, it’s the law. Unbuckled drivers and passengers—even those in the back seat—can face fines and fees of up to $200.
The campaign calls on parents, schools and communities to encourage teens to develop the habit of buckling up, whether they are drivers or passengers. It’s also a reminder to parents and educators that being an example matters and teens are more likely to wear seat belts when adults model the same behavior.
The Teen Click It or Ticket campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of October 8, 2024.
Paris District Road Report for Week of February 3, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting February 3, 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: Impaired driving and penalties – DUI & DWI
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.
When am I legally intoxicated?
You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08 percent, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.
What are the penalties for a DWI?
First offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
- Loss of driver license up to a year.
Second offense
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
Third offense
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- Loss of driver license up to two years.
These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.
Impaired driving with a child passenger
- You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving impaired with children under 15.
- You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
- You could be put in jail for up to two years.
- You will lose your driver’s license for another 180 days.
Driving with an open container
Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not impaired, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.
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:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Grayson County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: Spur 316 from SH 289 to FM 120, FM 120 in Denison from Houston Avenue to FM 1753, US 69 in Denison from Houston Avenue SH 56, FM 1417 from FM 691 to US 82, US 82 from FM 901 to FM 1417, US 82 frontage roads from FM 1417 to FM 1417, SH 56 from US 82 to SH 289, Spur 129 from US 377 to SH 56, FM 1417 from SH 56 to SH 11, SH 289 in Gunter from Kerfoot Road to Elm Street, FS 121 from FM 121 to the Denton County line, SH 5 in Van Alstyne from Redden Road to the Collin County line, SH 56 from SH 11 to FM 1417, SH 11 from SH 56 to FM 697, FM 902 in Tom Bean from SH 11 to King Street. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
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, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
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.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to install rumble strips, backfill the pavement and seed the front slopes. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and 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 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, bridge travel will be reduced to one lane while crews replace the bridge railing. Currently, the contractor is working on the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at SH 56, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at the Union Pacific Railroad overpass. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures while workers perform bridge repairs.
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 56, from US 69 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform spot milling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417, from FM 691 to FM 120. 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.
Fannin County:
The annual crack seal contract to place sealant in the pavement cracks on roadways in Fannin County is underway. The following roadways will receive a crack seal: FM 2029 from FM 273 to FM 1396, FM 100 from FM 273 to FM 2216, FM 2216 from FM 100 to the Lamar County line, FM 1752 from US 82 to FM 898, SH 78 from US 82 to SH 56, Loop 205 from 9th Street to SH 56, SH 34 from SH 56 to FM 64, SH 11 from US 69 to the Hunt County line, FM 896 from Business SH 121 to US 69, FM 815 from Business US 69 to SH 78, US 69 from FM 896 to FM 272, and FM 1553 from SH 78 to SH 78. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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 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.
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 4020 at Caney Creek. CR 4020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use CR 4025 as a detour.
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 100, 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.
FM 1550, from SH 34 to CR 3610. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform base repairs on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2815, from FM 1629 to SH 11. 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 daytime 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.
US 82, from the Grayson County Line to the Lamar County Line. Watch for daytime 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. Watch for crews performing drainage structure work. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: Timber Creek Bridge. Watch for crews performing work on the roadway approach to the newly constructed bridge.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for crews performing joint sealing at bridge and guardrail locations. Watch for flaggers and slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: IH 30 Truck Parking. Watch for crews performing paving operations for the entrance and exits of the newly constructed Eastbound truck parking area. Expect 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.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
FM 38 at West Fork of Sanders Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1184 at Robertson Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. The roadway is now reopened. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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 roadway closure and detour while crews perform bridge maintenance operations.
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 grading in the area. Contractor is working on Hotmix throughout the project (LT NB Shoulder) & Intersection, cutting out edge lines, and working on shouldering up. Contractor will be working on Safety end treatments and placing drainage pipe near CR4509. 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 work on the second mile of the project and will begin prime coat and ride test soon. New guard rail placement is completed and work on mow strip is ongoing. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. 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 currently has paving operations and sidewalk operations ongoing. Contractor is forming rebar and working block outs for driveways near Peppergrass. Inlet prep work and installation are ongoing. Railroad coordination is underway near FM 2642 and SH 66, work will begin soon in this area. Traffic switch coordination is ongoing and signs will be placed soon alerting the traveling public. Please 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 begun replacing culverts and bridge structures. Contractor graded ditches and set driveway and culvert pipes along with SET’s. Reworking of base material is ongoing and drainage structure work is ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 intersection 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. Rip rap is being placed at various locations. Contractor plans to bring in cranes for beam placement, nighttime lane closures will be needed this week and next week. Contractor will be pumping water and drying material throughout project.
I-30 Improvements from CR2511 to FM 36: The contractor will be moving barrier during nighttime lane closures and milling shoulders. 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. 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 opening roadways and removing barricades due to rain and flooding. Both Hunt and Rains sections will be working on SH 66 and FM 36 in Caddo Mills, TX to resurface a section of the highway by milling and inlay. Later a striping crew will restripe this area to add a left turn lane This work will be to aid travelers in this area at the intersection during peak travel times.
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Lone Oak Native Serves Aboard USS Wayne E. Meyer
January 31, 2025 – U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere. Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Ricardo Vasquez, from Madera, California, and Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Tyler Williams, from Lone Oak, Texas, heave mooring line on the foc’sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) while departing Naval Base San Diego, Jan. 25, 2025.
Wayne E. Meyer is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet conducting routine operations.
Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Ricardo Vasquez, from Madera, California, and Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Tyler Williams, from Lone Oak, Texas, heave mooring line on the foc’sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) while departing Naval Base San Diego, Jan. 25, 2025. Wayne E. Meyer is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet conducting routine operations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles J. Scudella III)
KSST respects our service men and women and thanks all of them for their service. God bless America!
Measles Cases in Texas Town; Not seen in 20 Years
January 31, 2025 – In January 2025, Texas reported at least four confirmed measles cases within a two-week span, marking the state’s first occurrences of the disease since 2023. Notably, two of these cases involved school-aged children, underscoring concerns about the vulnerability of younger populations. In Lubbock, two cases were identified, representing the first instances of measles in that community in over two decades.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through direct contact with infectious droplets or airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, and, in severe cases, death.
Health officials emphasize the importance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in preventing outbreaks. The CDC recommends that children receive the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at 4 to 6 years. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Unvaccinated individuals are at a significantly higher risk of contracting the disease and experiencing severe complications.
The recent cases in Texas highlight the critical need for maintaining high vaccination rates to protect public health. Health authorities urge individuals to ensure they and their children are up to date with vaccinations to prevent further spread of this preventable disease.
