This and That for April 2024 From Master Gardener David Wall
April 9, 2024 – For those who, for whatever reason, choose to cut the corn off the cob after cooking and before eating, holding on without burning or scalding you hand is always a problem. Fortunately, a simple, easy, and mess-free solution is to use an angel food cake pan. Simply place the stem end in the center hole and then slice downward with a knife to remove the kernels.
Plants don’t just emit water vapor to the sky, they send up the nucleus for future rain drops. Rain drops don’t just condense in the sky. They have to condense on something, whether it be microscopic grains, bacteria & fungal spores, plus other things. The plants are sending up future water drops for the sky to bring them back down.
Foliar sprays are known to improve the efficiency of photosynthesis and thus the sugars produced, 1/3-1/2 of which will become root exudates feeding the soil biology, which will return needed minerals to the roots. All this results in a continuing cycle of increased efficiency, growth, and fruit production. Healthy plants are better able to defend themselves without the need for fungicides and/or insecticides. Don’t spray if plants are drought stressed, due to stomates being closed.
Plant heat stress is continuing to grow as summer temperatures continue to increase. Crop losses during intense heat periods can cause up to a 60% reduction in produce. Using some sort of plant shielding may help reduce heat stress, but the potential loss in photosynthesis will also reduce produce totals.
A redbud unfamiliar to most is the Heart A’fire redbud. While it flowers like other redbuds, the subsequent foliage starts out as burgundy, red, tangerine and gold. They mature in mid-summers as reddish green. Unfortunately, growers don’t want to sell seeds. Negatively, a 2-gallon tree brings anywhere from $120-200!!!
Dinner Bell for April 10th, 2024
The Kiwanis Club of Sulphur Springs is part of the Texas Ramp Project and constructed more then 50 wheelchair ramps for all ages with restricted mobility in Hopkins County in 2023. What the Kiwanis Club is famously “known for” is the Pancake Breakfast held each year at the Civic Center. A Pancakes Breakfast of pancakes, sausage and bacon with milk, coffee and juice is the fundraiser that supports the charitable programs of the club. They also award two scholarships, one for a graduating senior of Sulphur Springs High School and the other for a graduating senior at a high school in Hopkins County.
The High School Key Club is a student led, service focused organization with advisors from the Kiwanis Club. A recent successful project was the Easter Egg Hunt with fun and games for Headstart Preschoolers.
Thank you Kiwanis Club for partnering with Dinner Bell.
GRAB and GO with a meal from the distribution area under the covered driveway (porte cochere) on the Northeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus starting around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
MENU
Barbecued Chicken Thighs
Baked Beans
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Garden Salad
Yellow Cake With Chocolate Icing
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BY FOLLOWING SAFE HEALTH PRACTICES AS FLU AND COVID ARE STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
Commerce Church of Christ to Hold Fish Fry for First Responders April 11th
April 9, 2024 – The Commerce Church of Christ, located at 1900 Culver Street in Commerce, Texas, wishes to invite all First Responders to a Fish Fry in their honor Thursday, April 11, 2024, in their Fellowship Hall. They will be serving fried fish from 11:00am to 1:00pm. First Responders please join Commerce Church of Christ and let them show you their appreciation for all that you do.
Stolen Boat From Lewisville May Be in Hopkins County
April 9, 2024 – A report from local Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Todd Evans details that a stolen 2023 Malibu Boat & Trailer may be in the Hopkins County area and a huge reward is being offered for information about the wayward watercraft. A picture and description is provided below from a San Diego, California company that specializes in stolen boat investigations. The vessell was hijacked September 15, 2023 from Lewisville, Texas and now a $10,000 reward is offered by the insurance company for information leading to the safe return and recovery of the boat and trailer. No word on how or why the boat may be tracked to any local areas, but if you have any information about the location of the Missing Malibu, you could be $10,000 richer by contacting Investigator Todd Evans at the following email: [email protected] or by calling (903) 558-0031. Full details of the reward offer and the boat can be viewed below.
Second Cup of Coffee with Hopkins County A&M AgriLife Extension Service Family Agent Lisa Sprague
Below is another A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey with Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Family and Community Health agent Lisa Sprague. In this episode John Mark and agent Lisa Sprague discuss the Walk Across Texas project, 4H, and other subjects. Give it a view and learn about some other activities you can participate in our community.
Second Cup of Coffee With Three Teachers from Miller Grove ISD as Guests on April 5th
You must check out this segment of A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey conducted Friday, April 5, 2024. John Mark interviews Miller Grove ISD teachers Leanne Bryant, Rolanda Hasten, and Ryann Lackey. The four of them discuss the upcoming King of Sports Championship Wrestling fundraiser being held April 13th, the collection of short videos the three teachers have been producing to promote the Wrestling event, the National Honor Society, and more. You don’t want to miss this one. Give it a view below.
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report 4-1-2024 – 4-7-2024
Arrests:
Price,Tonya, 47 years of age, of Big Sandy, TX, was arrested on 4-4-2024 for release surety theft of property.
Calls for Service:
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 127 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations:
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 32 citations and 34 warnings during this reporting period.
Richland Cemetery Association to Hold Their Next Meeting April 13th
The Richland Cemetery Association will hold their next meeting Saturday, April 13, 2024, beginning at 10:30am. The meeting will take place at the New Richland Baptist Church. The program will be given by Don Mitchell. It will feature a series of community pictures. The public is invited.
Paris District Road Report for Week of April 8, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting April 8, 2024. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Safety Message: Faces of Drunk Driving
As a part of its Faces of Drunk Driving statewide impaired driving campaign, TxDOT shares real stories to remind Texans that behind every impaired driving statistic is a person from our community — a brother, a parent, a neighbor, a friend.
Driving under the influence can have serious and often irreparable physical, emotional, and financial consequences for survivors and offenders alike. Beyond the all-too-real possibility of taking a life, a DWI/DUI can be expensive and lead to legal hassles, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones, and a lifetime of regret.
The campaign aims to challenge any notion the audience may have that they can avoid the consequences of drinking and driving. It reinforces the importance of always finding a sober ride and using the many options available.
To learn more about the real costs of driving impaired and to watch these compelling personal stories, visit Sober Rides. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to keep up with the campaign on social media.
Grayson County: 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 work and frontage road lane closures within the project.
The entrance ramp on the southbound frontage road onto US 75, north of Spur 503 and south of Loy Lake Road, is permanently closed. This closure is part of the reconstruction of US 75 from US 82 to Loy Lake Road in Denison. Motorists who wish to travel south on US 75 from its intersection with Loy Lake Road are advised to note this change. A detour is in place requiring traffic to continue on the southbound frontage road, around Spur 503, to the entrance ramp for US 75 southbound located north of the FM 691 intersection. Signs will alert travelers and guide them along this detour route.
The northbound US 75 frontage road is closed to thru traffic north of FM 691 in order to replace the frontage road bridge over Iron Ore Creek. Upon completion of the bridge demo, work will begin for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. Motorists traveling along the northbound frontage road will take the northbound entrance ramp north of FM 691 and take exit 66 to access Eastbound Spur 503. Local traffic wishing to return to FM 691 is asked to use Pool Road.
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 lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts 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 construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. A reduced speed limit of 45 mph has been set for this construction project. Travelers are advised that intermittent temporary daily lane closures will be required for both northbound and southbound FM 1417 while the contractor completes the remaining work.
SH 56, from FM 901 South to FM 901 North. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120 (Morton Street and Houston Avenue), in Denison from US 69 to Main Street. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews mill and then pave the travel lanes. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 91 in Sherman, from US 75 to Broughton Street. Watch for lane closures along eastbound and westbound SH 91 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
FM 691 from FM 131 to Theresa Drive. Watch for various lane closures along FM 691 as crews will be working on replacing failed concrete sections. The contractor plans to perform this work at night.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions. Watch for daytime lane closures on eastbound US 82 between Frisco Road and FM 1417 as workers install a center median concrete barrier.
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.
Park Road 20 in Eisenhower State Park. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures within Eisenhower State Park as workers perform the final punch list work on this project to overlay the roadways within the Park. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers 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 westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek. Lynch Crossing Road at Jordan Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use County Line Church Road and West Line Road as a detour.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Crews will be working on US 75 each week from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
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 Monday and Thursday during the nighttime.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 120, from Center Avenue to Carpenter’s Bluff Road. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County: 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. During the project there will be road closures at the Cottonwood Creek bridge and the Sandy Creek bridge as the contractor replaces the existing bridge. Message boards will be placed in advance of the road closures to alert local traffic of the upcoming closure.
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 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 271, from SH 78 to FM 68. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1020 at Caney Creek. CR 1020 at Caney Creek is closed to through traffic to allow for replacement of the bridge. During the closure, traffic is asked to use CR 1030 as a detour.
SH 56, in Bonham at Bois D’Arc Creek. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews remove drift at the bridge. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Business SH 121, in Randolph from SH 11 to SH 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through 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: FM 900, from I-30 to FM 3019. Watch for single lane closures and delays as crews perform surfacing operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing drainage work and traffic shifts in the work areas.
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.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, ramp closures at LP 286, and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
FM 1507 (Jefferson Rd), from SH 19 to 0.8 MI North of Loop 286. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour 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
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from the 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.
Delta County:
FM 2068 at East Fork of Jernigan Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County: Cedar / Church Street (Clarksville, Texas), at the intersection of Cedar and Church Street. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
Locust Street (Clarksville, Texas), at Delaware Creek. Watch for road closure while crews remove and replace the existing bridge.
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
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 Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has been working on signals at various locations and performing concrete median work and placing signal drill shafts on University Street and signal box controller pads at various locations. The contractor has been pulling wire to service the signals at the HAWK locations, University Drive and Culver Street. Final striping and signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. 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. The contractor has been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. 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. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has shifted traffic to the west to begin removal of asphalt, concrete and some existing driveways. Placement of storm sewer will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor was placing and repairing pavement due to potholes and base failures on FM 2642. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors have set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed subgrade widening, cement treatment, flex base, and geogrid of the subgrade near mile six of the eight-mile project. The contractor is currently performing finish work and grading ditches at this location. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek Bridge: The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs at both locations. The contractor has completed placing beams and poured the concrete deck on Shelby Avenue and Bledsoe Creek and has placed concrete railing and installed riprap at Bledsoe Creek. Final clean up and guardrail installation will be 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 will shift westbound frontage roads to one-way, this will require northbound FM 1570 traffic to turn right and go east on the eastbound frontage road and follow the detour to the U-turn at Monty Stratton to continue northbound on 1570 north of I-30. The underpass will remain open and northbound FM 1570 traffic will still be able to take a left to go west on the westbound frontage road. Southbound FM 1570 traffic will be able to operate as usual. Utility work is ongoing. Temporary ramps are now open. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: Work has begun converting the frontage roads to a one-way configuration. The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low profile barricades soon. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County maintenance crews will be performing work on overlaying on FM 3427 and working on culverts on US 69 and Patterson Street. Rains County maintenance crews have been performing base repairs on FM 513 and herbicide treatments at various locations. Both maintenance crews will be performing various sign and mailbox installations on various roads, and fixing potholes on FM roads and state highways.
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Northeast Texas Children’s Museum to Hold Annual Freda Mae’s Bridge Day Fundraiser April 15th
April 5, 2024 – The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum in Commerce, Texas, will hold their annual “Freda Mae’s Bridge Day” fundraiser Monday, April 15, 2024, beginning at 1:30pm. Tickets are $25 per person. You can expect bridge, dessert, and more. This event is open to seasoned players, and beginners. Purchase tickets at the museum, or by phone by calling 903-886-6055. The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum is located at 100 Maple Street, Commerce, Texas.
