Top Ten Unexpected Benefits of Gardening From Master Gardener David Wall
March 2, 2025 – Every once in a while, a gardening article is published that is so good, it’s better to just print the article, giving credit where credit is due. So, with a couple extra items at the end, here are some unexpected benefits of gardening written by Steven Chamblee
1. Discovering first-hand how Mother Nature operates … the good, the bad, and the painful. 2. The indescribable feeling of actually being a part of Mother Earth, not apart from her. 3. A true understanding that “Input = Output” … most of the time. 4. That irrational, illogical, ridiculous giddiness you get the first time your Epiphyllum blooms … will return every single time it flowers, for the rest of your life. 5. Realizing that the little cutting your grandmother gave you before she passed is probably the most precious thing you will ever possess.
6. Understanding that the only real way to keep your grandmother’s cutting is to give it away. 7. Learning that failure is a teacher, not an enemy. Same goes for success. 8. It finally dawns on you that by helping others, you actually help yourself as well. 9. Truly comprehending that this little blue dot is the only place within a billion light years to grow tomatoes. Tread lightly. It doesn’t get any better than sharing your love of gardening with a youngster. 10. Witnessing a child experiencing any or all of the above.
Do your cucumbers ever start curving instead of growing straight? You’re either watering too much or (more likely) too little! Stop additional curving by watering the correct amount. Unfortunately, whatever curvature is already there will remain.
Regarding gardening requirements for soil water, temperature, and sunlight, soil is the most important. Get a garden soil test to find out how to best improve the soil.
Veterans Honored at 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima Landing
March 2, 2025 – On Friday February 21, 2025, several veterans were honored at the National Museum of the Pacific War located in Fredricksburg, Texas. The timing coincides with the 80th anniversary of American troops landing on Iwo Jima, eventually overtaking the Japanese in one of the most pivotal battles in the South Pacific during World War II.
The Greatest Generation
A large crowd of more than 100 made up of veterans, museum staff, family, and guests gathered inside the Admiral Nimitz Theater as retired Brigadier General Steve Salazar led the program as the CEO and President of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. Inclement weather prevented an outdoor ceremony, but a commemorative plaque was dedicated by Salazar that will forever honor those soldiers that fought during the Battle of Iwo Jima between February 19, 1945 and March 25, 1945. The crowd rose to their feet with a standing ovation as Iwo Jima veteran Bill Lozano was introduced to the attendees. Lozano, who will turn 100 this year, was on the USS Washington during the battle, with his Navy ship supporting the Marines as they landed. Lozano spent much of his time watching the action from his work position in the crow’s nest of the ship. Bill Lozano continued his service to his country 80 years later by entertaining the crowd that had gathered as he recounted his personal account of the battle.
Another WWII veteran was recognized for his service in the South Pacific. Norm Miller, did not participate in the battle of Iwo Jima, but spent a lot of time in other areas including on one of the ships just off the coast of Japan ready to strike Tokyo as the American fleet progressed toward taking Japan. The use of the atomic bomb quickly ended World War II, thus cancelling the need for a land invasion of Tokyo. Norm Miller, a resident of Fredricksburg, volunteers at the National Museum of the Pacific War at 99-years-old.
Presentations and Proclamations
Current Fredricksburg Mayor, Jeryl Hoover, read a proclamation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The city of Fredricksburg and the National Museum of the Pacific War have a wonderful relationship as the city was chosen to house the museum as it is the birthplace of Chester Nimitz, Chief of Naval Operations during WWII in South Pacific. The museum, expanding over the years now houses many exhibits in different buildings and areas scattered throughout downtown Fredricksburg. The museum first opened in 1968 as the Admiral Nimitz Museum inside a hotel owned by Nimitz’s grandfather Charles Henry Nimitz. In 2000, the complex was renamed Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site – National Museum of the Pacific War and is dedicated exclusively to the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. On December 7, 2009, the museum hosted the Grand Reopening of the newly expanded George H. W. Bush Gallery where the second floor houses the Nimitz Education and Research Center. Former President George H. W. Bush his wife Barbara, along with Texas Governor Rick Perry, cut the ribbon.
One Picture Solidifies American Military Resolve
Many can agree that one picture remains the most famous war photo of all time, the photo depicting the Raising of The Flag on Iwo Jima. It took much longer to agree who was actually in the photo raising the flag. To complicate matters, the famous photo was actually from the second flag raising on Mount Suribachi just a few hours after the first flag was planted atop the highest point in Iwo Jima. U.S. Marines scaled the 550-foot mountain to plant the first flag on the morning of February 23, 1945 to signal to the more than 800 ships in the bay that the mountain had been captured. There was still a lot of fighting ahead for troops to overcome all of the Japanese on the rocky island, but Lieutenant Colonel Chandler W. Johnson ordered a Marine captain to send a platoon to the top of the mountain and plant a flag in a show of force. Pictures were taken of the first flag raising, but Colonel Johnson wanted a larger flag flown from the mountaintop, so a larger flag was located, and another group of soldiers were dispatched up the steep terrain. More photographers accompanied the group but it was a chance photograph taken by Joe Rosenthal from the Associated Press that quickly became a symbol of American military strength. As the photo was sent back to the United States within less than a day, and distributed through Associated Press quickly appearing on newspapers across the country. Once President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the photo he knew of the importance of using the photo to help bolster the war effort through the upcoming Seventh War Loan Drive (the sale of war bonds).
Three of the soldiers believed to have been part of the second flag raisers were whisked back to Washington D.C. The remaining three flag raisers were believed to have been killed in action during the later days of the Iwo Jima Battle. As it turned out, the original six flag raisers were incorrectly identified and the ensuing mystery would take more than 75 years to solve with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During a presentation at the National Museum of the South Pacific War, Keil Gentry who is the Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps laid out a timeline and the many investigations into the flag raisers identities which culminated in the FBI using film footage and photographs from both flag raisings to ultimately identify the following Marines as the flag raisers in the iconic photograph: Harlon Block (KIA), Harold Keller, Franklin Sousley (KIA), Michael Strank (KIA), Harold Schultz, Ira Hayes.
Black Dragon
Several authors, historians, and World War II experts spoke during a forum on Saturday, February 22, 2025. World War II Author Steven McCloud gave an account of how the Marine rifle companies were challenged with the terrain of Iwo Jima and split up into smaller groups to advance against the Japanese. McCloud’s book tells the story of a single rifle company instrumental in battles in the South Pacific. His book, Black Dragon, recounts the experiences of a single Marine rifle company (F-23 Fox Company) as they make their way through the central pacific during World War II. The title, Black Dragon, referring to the nightmares some Marines endured over the years from their experiences. McCloud enhances the validity and detail of his book by painstaking research of battlefield reports and extensive interviews with surviving members of Fox Company. The author was invited into the inner circle of Fox Company through correspondence and reunions to be able to repeat the first-hand accounts of these brave Marines. Surviving members of Fox Company were able to slay their black dragons by sharing their stories. The author’s detail accounts for the lengthy 576-page historic read published by Texas A&M University Press. The book is available in hardcover and Kindle through Amazon by clicking here.
Conclusion
As surviving World War II veterans diminish daily, it remains even more important than ever to take the chance to honor these heroes as well as hear their stories. As most of these veterans reach the century mark, we will soon lose the ability to hear first-hand stories of this pivotal time in our history. The quote, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue” is attributed to Chester Nimitz as he spoke about the bravery of Marines who fought at Iwo Jima. The same can be said of all soldiers involved in World War II. I recommend a visit to the National Museum of Pacific War in Fredricksburg. As a side note, if your car journey takes your through Llano during the morning time, consider a stop at Chrissy’s Homestyle Bakery. The fresh baked items were phenomenal and the service was equally impressive.
Weekly Senior Center Activities with Meal A Day Menu for the Week of March 3rd
February 28, 2025 – Check out what the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center has in store for the community this week, this month, and upcoming months! This post also includes the Meal A Day Menu for March 3rd, 2025 through March 7th, 2025.
Paris District Road Report for Week of March 3, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting March 03, 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 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.
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.
There will be a freeway closure on the southbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at Exit 67 and going to the entrance ramp near FM 691 the night of March 6th. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on March 6, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on March 7, 2025, to pour the Spur 503 bridge deck.
There will be a freeway closure on the northbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at FM 691 and going to North Loy Lake Road the night of March 14th. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on March 14, 2025, until 5:00 a.m. on March 15, 2025, to pour the Spur 503 bridge deck. Drivers wishing to continue Northbound on US 75 will follow the detour which directs traffic to the U-turn at Spur 503 to head westbound on the Katy Memorial Expressway frontage road, which will guide them back toward US 75. They will then re-enter US 75 at the next available entrance ramp.
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 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.
US 69, in Whitewright at the SH 11 and SH 160 intersection. This project will install traffic signals at this intersection. The traffic signal will be become operational on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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 occasional daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. 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 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.
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.
FM 1417 Proposed (East side of Sherman), from SH 56 to US 82. 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 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.
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 signals 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.
FM 1629, from SH 78 to SH 121. 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.
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: IH 30, from SH 154 to Hunt County Line. Watch for crews performing concrete pavement repair during nighttime operation. Expect slower moving traffic at night.
Franklin County: BU 67, from SH 37 to City Limits. Watch for crews performing pavement surfacing operations. Watch for flaggers and slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: BU 37, from SH 37 to BU 67. Watch for crews performing pavement surfacing operations. Watch for flaggers 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:
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 lane closures 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 work. Ongoing items weather permitting are driveway pipes and culvert work, excavation and embankment, moving barrier and striping.
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. Back fill and slope completed near bridge structure 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 completed the 2nd section of reclaiming and placing a second lift of flex base down station. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area. Temp seeding, flex base and geogrid are upcoming in a few weeks.
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. The contractor will be setting panels under nightly lane closures. Steel tying is ongoing on the project. 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. 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 worked at FM 35 near FM 2642 on fixing pavement and base issue in area near construction. Seal Prep work on SH 34 will begin next week along with sweeping and debris removal. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area
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The Saltillo Lions Girls Basketball Team Made it to the State 1A, Division 2 Championship
February 28, 2025 – The Saltillo Lions girls basketball team made it to the state 1A, Division 2 championship game in San Antonio Thursday before losing to Nazareth, 53-31. Saltillo had downed Zavala, 42-29 to make it to the championship game. Saltillo completed the season with a 34-7 record.
Sulphur Springs High School Pole Vaulter Jaicee Masmer Broke Texas High School Record
February 28, 2025 – Sulphur Springs High School pole vaulter Jaicee Masmer broke the Texas high school record, her own SSHS pole vault record, and is now ranked #1 in the United States with a jump of 14 feet 6 1/4 inches! This is the best jump in the nation, so far this year!
Jaicee won the state championship last season and has committed to compete at the college level for the University of Louisville.
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Prepare for Wildfires as Potential Continues
February 28, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas As wildfire potential continues across Texas, prepare and keep prevention top of mind.
“Dry conditions will persist into the weekend, continuing this week’s risk for wildfires,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It’s important for Texans to prepare for wildfires, work to prevent them and heed warnings of local officials.”
Ninety percent of wildfires are caused by people and their activities, meaning most are preventable. Help prevent wildfires by being cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
Debris burning. Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Texas. Always check for and follow local burn bans and avoid burning on hot, dry or windy days.
Equipment use. Equipment use is the second leading cause of wildfires. Keep all vehicles in good working order and avoid parking and driving in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can spark dry grass.
Prepare your family for wildfire.
Create a go kit. Build a kit with people and pet supplies, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs and priceless items.
Plan evacuation routes. Identify at least two evacuation routes and pre-load evacuation routes into your vehicle or cell phone.
Follow instructions of local officials. Sign up for local alerts and notifications from local emergency response officials.
By the direction of Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service has activated state and local firefighters, support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting and helicopters with firefighting capability.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, state and local firefighters have responded to 462 wildfires that have burned 9,093 acres statewide.
Learn more about the current wildfire situation and how you can prepare at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.
Find Texas A&M Forest Service photos and video here: https://agrilife.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00004ctr0uNLkTQ/G0000SWP0ZodbSJw/Wildfire-Stock-Images-and-Videos
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New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries to Hold Free Community Wide Meal March 1st
February 28, 2025 – New Beginnings Healing and Deliverance Ministries will host their monthly “The Lord’s Supper” free community wide meal March 1, 2025, from 11am to 2pm. The March Menu includes loaded baked potato, and a dessert. The event will be held at 717 East Jefferson St., in Sulphur Springs, Texas. For more information, please call 903-335-7689.
Greenville ISD Students Tattoo Each Other While Teacher in Classroom
February 28, 2025 – A troubling incident at Travis Intermediate in the Greenville Independent School District, northeast of Dallas, has sparked concerns after multiple students were tattooed with the same needle. A parent, whose son was among those tattooed, says medical testing is now underway to assess potential health risks, including infections or the transmission of diseases.
Details surrounding how the tattoos were administered and who was responsible remain unclear, but the use of a shared needle raises serious safety concerns. Health officials warn that reusing needles can spread infections such as hepatitis and HIV, making immediate medical evaluation critical for those affected.
The school district has not yet released a full statement on the incident, but parents are demanding answers and accountability. Many are questioning how such an event could have occurred on school grounds and what measures will be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.
As medical testing progresses, families await results while urging increased oversight to ensure student safety. The incident has raised broader concerns about health education and school supervision, emphasizing the need for stricter policies to prevent unsafe practices among students. Authorities are expected to investigate further to determine the full scope of the situation.
USDA Will Now Enforce Federal Law on Illegal Aliens and SNAP Benefits
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for public benefits like SNAP.
February 28, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants receiving federal food assistance benefits, reinforcing a policy that is already part of federal law. The move aligns with broader efforts by the Biden administration to tighten enforcement of public assistance eligibility rules amid ongoing political debates over immigration and government aid programs.
Under current federal law, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. However, some mixed-status households, where U.S. citizen children or legal residents live with undocumented family members, can still receive benefits based on eligible members. The USDA’s announcement signals stricter enforcement measures to prevent any improper access to aid by ineligible individuals.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring that benefits reach only those who qualify under the law. While critics argue that the announcement is largely symbolic—since federal law already prohibits undocumented immigrants from receiving food assistance—some Republican lawmakers and immigration hardliners have called for even stricter regulations.
Advocacy groups warn that such policies may deter eligible families from seeking assistance out of fear, potentially worsening food insecurity among children and low-income households. The USDA maintains that enforcement will be focused on compliance rather than new restrictions.
As the debate over immigration and public benefits continues, the USDA’s renewed emphasis on existing rules reflects growing political pressure to address concerns over government resources and undocumented populations. However, the agency has not outlined major changes beyond reinforcing current policies, leaving many to question whether this crackdown is more about political messaging than actual policy shifts.
