Start Planning Gardening Experiments in 2025 From Master Gardener David Wall
November 17, 2024 – Many gardeners tend to plant the same gardening crops every year. Hopefully, they’re at least rotating crops to prevent problems caused by practicing monoculture, which puts gardens in decline. One of the fun aspects of gardening is the ability to experiment with new species? I experiment every year with something, and the results ranging from dismal to exceptional.
I stick with the basics of okra, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes. For okra and peppers, I no longer experiment. Spineless okra and either beit alpha or Socrates cucumbers are my standards. They produce well, and the cucumbers produce 2-4 times the number of other cucumber species.
My produce goes to the battered women’s shelter, so I’m more interested in quantity rather than weight. I’ve tried jalapeno, cayenne, habanero and some other peppers, but this year I found some new standards. Jalapeno jedi plants produce very well and are both large & fat. Two new peppers, Thai hot and Thai mini, have proven very successful,
Thai hot (60-100K scoville) grow vertically, produce a crop, restart and produce a second crop. In a long season, a third crop is possible. Hai minis are another matter. The plants exceed 4’ tall, have extremely large foliage, and will produce an unbelievably large amount of produce, up to an exceeding 1,000 fruit ranging in size from little bigger than a pencil dot to ½”, and they also have the 60-100K scoveille heat rating.
A third 50-100K pepper is the xiêm rừng pepper, is also known as Vietnam Birds Eye Pepper. It’s a 3-4’ tall plant producing a heap of 1.5-2.5” fruit.
For tomatoes, I really like F1 Juliet. Yes, I have to buy seeds every year, but this is a heavy producer, and for whatever reason, violates the rule of not producing in the heat of summer.
Paris District Road Report for Week of November 18, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Nov. 18, 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.
Safety Message: Football Season
Football season is a chance to make great memories cheering for your team and tailgating with family and friends. That’s why TxDOT is reminding fans to celebrate football season responsibly by always finding a sober ride through its Drive Sober. No Regrets. statewide impaired driving campaign. The campaign aims to reduce the number of DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, especially as fans gather across the state to support their favorite teams.
Too often, a designated driver is chosen during the course of the evening and is often considered the least drunk person in the group. The designated driver should always be a sober driver who has not consumed any amount of alcohol. Designating a driver, calling a taxi, using a rideshare service, staying where you are, calling a friend or family member, and using mass transit are the safest ways to ensure you do not drive under the influence.
One regrettable decision to drink and drive could turn game time into a DWI costing up to $17,000 in fines and fees, the loss of a license, jail time or worse. It just isn’t worth it. Visit SoberRides.org to learn about the real costs of drunk driving. Follow the hashtag #DriveSoberNoRegrets to keep up with the campaign on social media.
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.
The southbound US 75 main lanes will be closed to traffic in order to set bridge beams for the new Spur 503 overpass beginning at 9:00 pm on the night of November 18th. Traffic will be required to exit at North Loy Lake Road and continue on the frontage road past the construction area and will be able to enter back onto the main lanes before FM 691. Police will be on sight to flag traffic through the Loy Lake Road intersection. The main lanes are expected to be reopened to traffic by 5:00 am on the morning of November 19th.
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 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. Work for the construction of the new US 75 northbound frontage road Iron Ore Creek bridge and northbound frontage road pavement is currently in progress. 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.
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 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. Watch for lane closures on the US 82 main lanes between FM 131 and SH 91 as crews complete the median barrier work.
FM 697, at Choctaw Slough Creek. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
US 377, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closures on US 377 as crews work to perform pavement repairs, milling, and an overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as pilot cars and flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1417, from US 82 to SH 56. 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.
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 Mustang Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at FM 901.
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 Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
Spur 503, from SH 91 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 901, from US 377 to US 82. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. 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.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning on December 2, 2024, as crews will remove and replace 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 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.
SH 56, from SH 78 to FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews blade level the roadway with hotmix. 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 full depth reclamation of 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.
Franklin County: SH 37, from BU 37 to FM 71. Crews will be performing repairs and resurfacing the existing roadway. Watch for traffic shifts and slow-moving traffic.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Watch for crews performing road rehabilitation operations and traffic shifts in the work areas.
Hopkins County: Bridge at Timber Creek. Crews will begin installing detour for Timber Creek Bridge in preparation for replacement of the existing bridge.
Hopkins County: FM 2653, at IH 30. Crews will begin resurfacing the bridge deck. Traffic will be detoured during resurfacing operations.
Hopkins County: SH 19, Railroad Crossing on N Hillcrest. Crews will begin railroad replanking to take place November 8 through 12.
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.
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. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour 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.
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. Temporary seeding operations have begun on segments of the project and will be ongoing. Hotmix operations have begun and will continue on left Northbound shoulders. 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 performing reclamation work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID in the 2nd mile of project limits. Cement treatment and culver riprap will be upcoming. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Bridge column work has been completed. 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. The contractor is placing sidewalk and backfilling curb in the area. Site Grading work is ongoing. Paving operations are in progress in areas north of FM 35. Railroad coordination is underway near FM 2642 and SH 66, work will begin soon in this area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractor has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. The contractor is performing punchlist work in the project limits. 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 workzone traffic signs. The contractor has begun repair work on base and subgrade failures. The contractor has begun replacing culverts and bridge structures. The first 1.5 miles of reclamation work is underway and the 1st lift of flexbase has been placed along several stations. GEO GRID operations will be upcoming. 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 begun excavation at FM 1903 (West side) and working on placing wire wall at FM 1903 (East side) and soil nail walls at FM 1903.The contractor is also placing embankment & Wire walls east of 1570.along with form work for Bent #3 Cap at FM 1570. Columns are being constructed at FM 1903 and FM 1570 along with the placing of backfill for retaining walls at FM 1570. Pipe/Inlets work for drainage FM 1570 is ongoing. 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 is currently grading and placing embankment between the frontage roads and mainlanes. Continuing grading EB between 1565 and FM36.The contractor will be placing hot mix for shoulder rehab at night and Milling at night along WB and EB for shoulder rehab. Grading at FM 1565 intersection and embanking along WBML 2511 area. Contractor plans to remove FM 36 North exit ramp, the next exit ramp is 3.5 miles back near FM 1903. Travelers will need to use either the FM 1903 exit or exit at FM 1565 and travel back to FM 36. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County MNT will be performing overlay from on SH 224 from FM 118 to SH 34 and overlaying on FM 1737/ FM 2358 in various locations. Detour set for RR work on SP 302 from FM 118 to Johnson St. in Hunt County. Travelers will need to use SH 224 or FM 118 to access downtown Greenville.
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north and repaired drainage issues and patched the bridge approach on FM1564.
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures $83 Million Settlement for Texas
AG Holds Kroger Accountable for Role in Opioid Epidemic
November 14, 2024 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an $83 million statewide opioid settlement with Kroger to resolve claims by the State of Texas and its Political Subdivisions for practices that contributed to the opioid epidemic in Texas.
The settlement is the latest in a series of agreements Attorney General Paxton has negotiated to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable for worsening the national trend of overdoses and deaths from prescription opioids. To date, Attorney General Paxton has obtained over $3 billion in legal settlements with drug manufacturers and other entities for their roles in the national opioid epidemic. Funds from statewide opioid settlements are dedicated to opioid abatement and overseen by the Texas Opioid Council.
Affected Political Subdivisions in Texas—such as local governments and county governments in the Texas Opioids Multidistrict Litigation—are encouraged to sign on to the settlement to ensure that Texas citizens and entities may receive all benefits and opioid remediation funds to which they are entitled. To sign on to the settlement, Subdivisions may visit the OAG’s website here for more information.
Joining the settlement allows for Subdivisions to receive direct payments and grant money in the form of opioid abatement funding from the Texas Opioid Council. The deadline for all Texas Political Subdivisions to sign on to and receive benefits from the settlement is December 29, 2024.
“We’ve worked relentlessly to hold major pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies accountable for their role in the national opioid epidemic that has created so much suffering in our State,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This settlement is an important step in our ongoing efforts to securing justice for Texas.”
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Volunteer Auxiliary Sponsoring Health Care Foundation’s Gala
November 14, 2024 – The CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs Volunteer Auxiliary is once again sponsoring the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala slated for January 25, 2025.
Photographed with the Auxiliary members are (holding the check from left to right) Joe Bob Burgin, Julie Burgin, and Brad Burgin who, along with other family members, are chairing the 19th annual Gala.
To learn more about the Gala visit LOLGala2024.GiveSmart.com.
Chamber Connection – November 13, 2024
By Butch Burney
The annual Economic Development Conference is back, and we have an experienced speaker and college professor, Mick Normington, to present information on jobs, housing, unemployment and education for our area.
Mick has two master’s degrees, co-authored the book “Working Texas Style,” previously worked at the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Labor Market Department of the Texas Workforce Commission, and is now a business professor at Lee College in Huntsville. He is a skilled presenter who has spoken to numerous Economic Development Councils.
The luncheon, which is co-sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation, will take place on December 3 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
Sponsorships are available for $500 for a table for eight, $250 for a table for four, and individual tickets for the event are $30 each. If you have any questions, please call 903-885-6515 or email me at [email protected].
Community Awards
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions. The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
When nominating a person or business, please write in the nomination letter the reasons you are presenting them for the award.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the following addresses:
Citizen of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Woman of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Caregiver of the Year—Chamber of Commerce – 110 Main Street, SS, TX 75483.
Community Pride Award—Adult Leadership Class—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Agriculturist of the Year—Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau— 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482.
Growth and Renewal—DBA—109 Jefferson St. E, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria)—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
Large Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Small Business of the Year—Chamber of Commerce—110 Main Street, SS, TX 75482.
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments and Stew Merch
Our 2024 Christmas Ornaments, featuring the Total Solar Eclipse, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $40 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2024 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and hoodies. We are located at 110 Main St.
Christmas Activities
■ The 33rd annual Sulphur Springs Symphony League live auction is brought to you by Chad’s Media on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 p.m. The event will be streamed live via the Front Porch News Facebook page and Chad’s Media YouTube page. Expect to see incredible gifts from local businesses, handmade treasures and unique local experiences, all available for you to place your bid. And remember, everything you donate goes to funding local music enjoyment and education like the Children’s Concert, the Dallas Opera and the Independence Day concert to Sulphur Springs!
■ Christmas in the Park is set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. There will be cookies, cakes and other treats for sale to benefit Lake Country CASA.
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 6 starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
Entry fee is one new unwrapped present for Blue Santa.
■ Along with the parade, the city will host the Lighted Celebration Market downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Winter Wonderland” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ The Best Christmas Pageant EVER will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, 8 and 12, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, 14 and 15.
Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
■ First Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs will present Christmas at First on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, at 6 p.m. each evening. Reserve your free tickets at SSFBC.org.
The Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held November 21st
November 14, 2024 – Join us in-person, if you can, by Zoom, if you can’t make it!
Thursday, November 21, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. @ 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs Tx– Don Easterling
Don Easterling will review his latest book, Tales of a Purple Tiger. In the book he discusses the history of football, UIL, and the history of football in Mt.Vernon. He will cover the hiring of the first coach, Herman Morgan and how he built a winning team. Also covered is the connection between Sulphur Springs, Mt.Vernon and SMU. Included will be a short summary of life after high school of the seniors on the 1938 team.
We are looking forward to this interesting and informative presentation Don will be bringing us. He will also have copies of his book available for purchase and signing!
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Nov 21, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
If you choose to join us via Zoom, you will need to register in advance for the meeting at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMlc-Gprj0qGdCMvqTK4QQv_qsm7Qal-q20
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Texas A&M Forest Service Honors Personnel and Service at 2024 Annual Meeting
November 14, 2024 – TYLER, Texas Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in Tyler, Texas. Statewide agency employees gathered to recognize the past year’s agency accomplishments and employee achievements.
“Our agency has had a successful year of overcoming many challenges,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis. “This year’s personnel meeting was a great day to reflect on our growth, improvements and employee success.”
During the meeting, Davis spoke on many agency highlights from this year including giving over $20 million through the Rural VFD Assistance Program, over $38 million through the Community Wildfire Protection grant and over $16 million to landowners and communities to improve natural resources.
“I am respectful of our past and excited about our future,” said Davis. “With the help of the Texas Legislature and our employees’ adaptability, we stand ready to conserve and protect Texas.”
During the meeting, agency leadership recognized 78 employees for five years or more of service including: Kirk Risinger, Radio Communications Specialist IV in Hudson for 25 years of service; Bryan Young, Resource Specialist V in Lufkin for 25 years of service; Michael Dunivan, Area Operations Chief in San Antonio for 30 years of service; Joel Hambright, Regional Operations Chief in Huntsville for 30 years of service; and Ricky Holbrook, Fire Coordinator V in Livingston for 35 years of service.
Employees who consistently deliver excellent service above-and-beyond regular job duties were presented with Director’s Awards.
Donna Smith, Business Assistant III in McGregor, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field. Smith is known to be an uplifting and encouraging spirit, supporting the office and her team in the field. She goes above and beyond by supporting the agency’s mission and activities through helping with Pac-testing, tree planting, administrative training, Sisters in Fire, Texas Abor Day and Smokey Bear events.
Adam DeWitt, Project Coordinator in College Station, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office. DeWitt has demonstrated excellence in project management, technical analysis and process improvement for the Capacity Building Department. His leadership in the development and implementation of FireConnect will have lasting impacts on the agency and fire department cooperators.
Kayla Walkoviak, Business Assistant II in Conroe, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional. Walkoviak has been an integral part of the agency for seven years showing indispensable leadership in district logistics, finances, grant management, reporting and resource tracking. In addition to business functions, she actively engages in prescribed burning on the Jones State Forest and assists with education and outreach events.
Jason Ellis, District Forester IV in Jacksonville, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Information and Education Award. Ellis works tirelessly to provide sound educational experiences to visitors of the Fairchild State Forest. He teaches FFA and 4-H members and students from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University.
Michelle Moore, Staff Forester II in Lufkin, received the Director’s Award for Technical Forestry. Moore leads the agency’s Electronic Land Management Records program which supports field staff. She is also the Project Director for Texas Climate Smart Initiative’s Forest Commodity Team.
Matthew Moore, Resource Specialist IV in Palestine, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist. Moore is dedicated to servicing his district, the agency and all of Texas through wildfire response to assisting landowners. He has a wealth of knowledge and serves on the Employee Advisory Council; is an instructor for chainsaw, ATV/UTV and forklift operations; and is a member of the hand crew.
John Hawkins, District Forester IV in New Boston, received the Byron “Jeff” Durant Prescribed Fire Excellence Award. Hawkins has planned and executed prescribed burns on 6,616 acres from 2022 to 2024 in our North Region. He has strengthened partner relationships which has helped develop the next generation of prescribed burn managers, ensuring the continued success and safety of prescribed fire operations.
The Director’s Award for Team Effort – Best Interdivisional Project was awarded to a group who has elevated the Civil Air Patrol Partnership, increasing aerial fire detection and forest management. This team is comprised of Mike Sills, Staff Forester IV in Dallas; Buster Robinson, Incident Aviation Operations Officer in Palestine; James Russell, Regional Coordinator in Nacogdoches; Billy Whitworth, Area Operations Chief in Nacogdoches; and Courtney Blevins, Staff Forester V in Fort Worth.
Texas A&M Forest Service and the Civil Air Patrol have a Memorandum of Understanding to assist with aerial fire detection. This partnership helped this group facilitate Wildland Fire Behavior training for Civil Air Patrol pilots and observers.
Texas A&M Forest Service is proud to recognize agency accomplishments and employee achievements while looking forward to the future and the coming year of service.
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Paris Junior College Hosts Basketball Classic this Weekend
November 14, 2024 – The Paris Junior College Women’s Basketball Classic has seen tremendous growth, with eight teams competing on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, in the Hunt Center on the Paris campus.
“We’re excited for the Classic,” said PJC Athletic Director Clay Cox. “It’s an event that is bringing in a lot of quality teams, players, and coaches, and hopefully it’s a recruiting event for all these teams. It’s also a great, great opportunity for the city of Paris to bring in business and so we’re excited all around. We think it’s going to be a great tournament.”
“This is the second year of the classic, but our first year hosting this many teams,” said PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian. “In year one, we had a four-team field and the games were outstanding. It resulted in a lot of great feedback and interest for this year’s field.”
PJC will host Blinn College, Midland College, Seminole State College (OK), Shorter College (AR), South Plains College (ranked 18th nationally), Trinity Valley Community College (ranked 16th nationally), and Western Texas College.
“Attendees can expect to see some very high-level basketball,” said Christian. “The field contains two nationally ranked teams, with others receiving votes, and several highly ranked individual players. The games will be fast-paced, exciting and very competitive.”
A player of the game will be named for each game, and the weekend will be capped with all-classic team selections.
“Our team is excited to compete,” Christian said. “We have a young group, with a lot of freshmen playing big minutes for us. But the group is very athletic, hardworking, and hungry to learn. Our non-negotiable is to get better every time we take the floor, and this group is really leaning into their growth.”
Game schedule for Friday, Nov. 15 is Trinity Valley vs. South Plains, 1 p.m.; Blinn vs. Midland, 3 p.m., PJC vs. Seminole State, 5 p.m.; and Western Texas vs. Shorter College, 7 p.m. The schedule on Saturday, Nov. 16, is Western Texas vs. TVCC, 12 p.m.; Seminole vs. Blinn, 2 p.m., South Plains vs. PJC, 4 p.m.; and Midland vs. Shorter, 6 p.m. All games will be in the Hunt Center and concessions will be available both days. Admission is $4 per adult.
For those wanting to learn more about the basketball programs, PJC is partnering with the Paris – Lamar County Chamber of Commerce for a Tip-Off lunch. PJC Women’s Basketball Coach Brittany Christian and Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Foy will give a season preview at the lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the McLemore Student Center Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for Chamber members, $15 for non-Chamber members, and free for students with ID.
Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Announces Record Sales for GO TEXAN
Topping $1 million in sales proves the continued success of TDA’s GO TEXAN program
November 14, 2024 – Austin – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) proudly announce record-breaking sales at the 2024 State Fair of Texas GO TEXAN Pavilion, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers. This year’s Pavilion was a major success for GO TEXAN partners, achieving an impressive total of $1,114,895 in sales. This figure represents the combined sales of participating GO TEXAN partners and the Pioneer Brand General Store, showcasing the strength and support for Texas-made products.
“I’m proud to announce that the GO TEXAN Pavilion at the 2024 State Fair of Texas pulled in over a million bucks in sales this year,” said Commissioner Sid Miller. “That’s proof that folks want Texas-made and Texas-grown products on their tables and in their homes. These numbers are a big win for our GO TEXAN partners and prove that nothing beats Texas quality, Texas pride, and Texas independence.”
The GO TEXAN program is a TDA initiative dedicated to identifying and supporting Texas-based businesses and connecting them with customers across the Lone Star State and around the globe. The Pavilion’s GO TEXAN partners offer a diverse range of products, from coffee and salsa to houseware and healthcare items.
“GO TEXAN fosters growth opportunities for small businesses in revenue, marketing, and reputation,” Commissioner Miller said. “The mark is a seal of approval that Texas consumers trust, and the success of the program and its Pavilion at the State Fair is proof of that.”
Created in 1999, GO TEXAN promotes the products, culture, and communities that call Texas home. For more information on GO TEXAN, visit GOTEXAN.org.
Rep. Patterson Files Suite of Bills Aimed at Protecting Minors Online.
PATTERSON FILES SUITE OF BILLS AIMED AT PROTECTING MINORS ONLINE, IN SCHOOLS, AND EMPOWERING PARENTS TO DO THE SAME
November 12, 2024 – Austin, TX – As pre-filing began for the 89t Legislative Session, Texas State Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) filed a suite of priority bills aimed at protecting minors online, in schools, and empowering parents to do the same.
“Heavily addictive social media platforms are destroying the lives of children in Texas. Record increases in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide have coincided with the rapid rise in social media use by minors.” said Rep. Patterson. “This has been proven not only by independent third parties, but by the research conducted by the platforms themselves. Social media is the most dangerous thing our kids have legal access to in Texas.”
HB 186 filed today by Patterson restrains social media companies from conducting business with minors, requires age-verification for new users, and provides parents with the means to have a child’s account removed from the platform.
“Our kids deserve better… Last session, we made it clear that parents are the ultimate authority in charge of their child’s education. However, school district administrators have the advantage of unlimited funds for hired-gun attorneys to derail and delay efforts of parents seeking justice.” said Rep. Patterson. “Whether it’s activists pushing sexual content on Texas schoolchildren or district administrators thumbing their nose at state laws passed and supported by the People of Texas, parents will be given an equal playing field.”
Last session, Rep. Patterson passed historic legislation protecting children from sexually explicit content in public schools, named the READER Act. This law established first-ever mandatory library standards for public schools and definitions for sexual content in library materials. As legal proceedings continue on portions of the READER Act related to vendor book ratings, Rep. Patterson is doubling down by filing the following pieces of legislation.
HB 267 removes the current affirmative defense to prosecution for educational purposes known as the “obscenity exemption”. This exemption allows educators to provide sexual content to children that would otherwise be illegal to distribute to minors in Texas. Originally designed to protect educators teaching health, anatomy, biology, and for other legitimate educational purposes, the exemption is currently being used as a legal shield for groomers and activists pushing sexual content on Texas schoolchildren.
HB 183 creates a new statewide library material review process for the elected State Board of Education (SBOE). This new process provides the SBOE an ability to create rules necessary to review and approve library materials similar to how it currently approves textbooks and provides an avenue for parents to directly request a review of library materials to the state based on state standards.
HB 284 levels the playing field between parental rights and public school administrators ensuring state and federal law is followed without parents being forced to fund expensive and time-consuming lawsuits. It does so by directing the elected State Board of Education to create the position of Ombudsman. The state Ombudsman would field complaints filed by parents of public school children when state or federal law isn’t being followed and would have the authority to investigate and recommend corrective actions.
Jared Patterson represents House District 106, in Denton County. Patterson serves as Chairman of the Select Committee to Protect Texas LNG Exports and Joint-Chairman of the Study Committee on Effects of Media on Minors. He also serves on the House Committees on Calendars, Transportation, and Licensing & Administrative Procedures, and as Policy Chair of the Texas House Republican Caucus. His family resides in Frisco.
