Paris District Road Report for October 20, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting October 20, 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: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne were converted to one-way traffic on Wednesday, June 11th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from FM 121 to Blythe/Farmington Road. Lane closures will be in place in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. There will be a section of frontage road near Northridge Road and Simmons Loop that will be reduced to one lane in order to construct the new u-turn bridge over US 75.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to FM 121 are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
US 75 frontage roads in Howe will be converted to one-way traffic on October 23. This one-way conversion will happen on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Blythe Rd to Hanning St. Currently, the frontage roads are two-way roadways. Beginning October 23, these frontage roads will be converted to one-way. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. Before converting the lanes, the Contractor will install “ONE WAY” and “DO NOT ENTER” signs to inform motorists of the new condition. Message boards will also be in place to notify drivers about the change.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road u-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 mainlane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
The northbound and southbound frontage road from Taylor Street to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) will be switched to the new pavement, Sunday October 12, 2025. The frontage road will remain one lane to allow for construction of the new intersection. Westbound SH 91 traffic is reduced to one lane.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to December 1, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Eastbound/Westbound Taylor St. will remain closed until April 2026.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. 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, or traffic can continue along the northbound frontage road through the Loy Lake Road intersection and take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
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.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
US 75 full depth concrete repair, from the Collin County line to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working each night from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Lane closures will be present at night for crews to replace failed concrete sections. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. This work will extend from the Collin-Grayson County line to the Oklahoma State line.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 121, from Main Street in Van Alstyne to SH 160. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures as crews work to finalize the rehabilitation and widening of the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers may be directing traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the 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 and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377 in Tioga, from South of FM 922 to North of Mc Knight Rd. and from Hinton St. to Shawnee Dr. This project will widen US 377 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 the intersection of US 377 & FM 121 and at the intersection of US 377 & FM 922. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 377 main lanes as well as on FM 922. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The Contractor demolished the bridge and started replacing it. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Frog Pond Rd & Spalding Rd or Klas Rd & Hazelwood Rd.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safety treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Sister Grove Rd., Contractor closed the bridge on Sister Grove Rd at West Prong Sister Grove Creek to replace the existing bridge. The bridge will remain closed until the new bridge is constructed. Drivers can use Cates Rd, FM 121 and Hynds Ranch Rd or N Lincoln Park Rd., Knob Hill Rd., and Stone Marshal Rd as an alternate route.
US 377 Southbound lane in Whitesboro and south of Collinsville. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform base repair operations on the roadway surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 between SH 289 and US 377. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 377 between Whitesboro and Denton County Line. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform tree removal operations on the sides of the road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and/or pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 69/FM 160/SH 11/FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform tree removal operations on the sides of the road. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and/or pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge replacement is completed and the bridge is open to traffic. However, construction crews will continue working on the remaining bridge structure and roadway final works. During this final stage, traffic is asked to watch for workers and equipment and drive slowly when going through the work zone.
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 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. The bridge is now completed and opened to traffic.
SH 78, from US 69 to Collin County line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform overlay operations 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: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be performing surfacing operations. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: FM 1870, at Thermo Mine Road. Crews will begin striping operations for the existing road. Watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting roadway. Expect slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties)
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
US 82 / Lamar Avenue, from 42nd street in Paris to Division Street in Blossom. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews perform pavement repairs and resurfacing.
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.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 271, Lamar & Red River Counties: from FM 196 North to SH 37. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews remove tree and brush from within right of way.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Delta County:
SH 24, at Doctor’s Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance on the northbound structure.
FM 195, at Six Mile Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
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.
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.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from FM 2655 to SH 24. This project added shoulders and replaced drainage structures. Work zone signs and barricades are in place. This project is near completion, with punch list items being completed. 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 widened the existing roadway. The contractor has work zone signs and barricades in place. This project is near completion. Contractor is completing punch list items. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is performing flex base work on the south end of the project, and asphalt paving on the north end of the project. Contractor is also performing maintenance on driveways. Please slow down and be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor is currently working base material. Contractor will be fog sealing this week. One-way flagger operations are currently set up through the work zone. Expect minor delays. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor is performing excavation and embankment work. Expect delays in the workzone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Contractor is laying driveway pipes and installing culverts. Contractor is performing full-depth reclamation. Flagger controlled traffic control is in place during construction operations. Expect slight delays and follow pilot vehicle. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. Left lane closures on both EB and WB for FM 1903, FM 1570, and Monty Stratton from 7PM to 6AM. EB traffic is switched to the new FM 1570 bridge over the weekend. Drill shafts are installed at FM 1903. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor will be performing cement treatment and hot mix paving for detours around FM 36 area frontage roads. They will be setting and moving barrier at night. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
District Wide Lighting / Safety Improvement. Contractor is setting light poles and electrical services on SH 24 and FM 1528, and SH 24 at BU 24. 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 and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing pavement overlay on FM 272 and FM 1565. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repair and ROW mowing in various locations.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 1565. Right of Way vegetation management will be taking place in various locations. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Federal Government Orders Texas To Delay November SNAP Benefits
October 18, 2025 – MISSOURI CITY, Texas — Millions of Texans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could face delays in receiving their November benefits after the federal government instructed states to temporarily hold payments amid the ongoing shutdown in Washington.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, told state agencies this week to pause early benefit issuance while Congress negotiates a funding bill. Without new appropriations, the agency cannot authorize the usual disbursements that help feed more than 3.6 million Texans each month.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) officials said they are awaiting further guidance from the USDA but confirmed that November benefits “will not be released on the normal schedule” unless the shutdown ends soon. SNAP funds are typically distributed between the 1st and 15th of each month, depending on household eligibility and case number.
The federal directive echoes what happened during the 2018–2019 government shutdown, when SNAP recipients received early February benefits in mid-January to prevent a lapse in service. That shutdown lasted 35 days, the longest in U.S. history, and strained food banks and grocery retailers as families rushed to stretch limited aid.
Anti-hunger advocates warn that even short-term interruptions could create hardship for working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. “People plan their entire household budgets around when SNAP arrives,” said one Houston food pantry director. “Any delay can mean empty cupboards and more pressure on local charities.”
The USDA said it is committed to restoring payments retroactively once funding resumes. In the meantime, HHSC is urging Texans to conserve their current benefits where possible and to seek assistance through YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.
If Congress reaches a budget agreement before mid-October, officials say benefits could still be issued on time. If not, Texans may have to wait until late November for their next round of assistance — the first such disruption in more than six years.
17 Propositions On The Ballot November 4, 2025
October 17, 2025 – On November 4, Texas voters will head to the polls to decide the fate of 17 constitutional amendments, appearing as statewide propositions at the top of the ballot. Among the most closely watched measures are proposals tied to billions of dollars in property tax cuts for both homeowners and businesses.
Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature approved the package with a two-thirds majority, authorizing the amendments to appear before voters. The Legislature also passed the state’s two-year budget, which allocates $51 billion specifically for property tax relief.
The funding comes largely from recent budget surpluses, driven by inflation and temporary federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars. Lawmakers have increasingly turned to these surpluses in recent years to finance major tax relief efforts.
Supporters of the measures, including Governor Greg Abbott, argue the tax cuts will strengthen Texas’ reputation as a business-friendly, competitive state, encouraging investment and long-term economic growth. Abbott and other proponents also stress that lowering property tax burdens directly benefits homeowners while creating a more attractive environment for employers.
Voter approval is the final step in the process, and November’s outcome will determine whether these tax cuts and other amendments become part of the Texas Constitution. For Texans, the election represents not only a decision on property taxes, but also a broader choice about how the state leverages its surpluses and shapes its fiscal future.
On November 4, Texans will decide on 17 constitutional amendments, each presented as a statewide proposition. These amendments range from tax relief measures to funding priorities and constitutional clarifications.
- Proposition 1 (SJR 59): Funding for Texas State Technical College.
- Proposition 2 (SJR 18): Ban on a state capital gains tax.
- Proposition 3 (SJR 5): Bail reform.
- Proposition 4 (HJR 7): Water infrastructure funding.
- Proposition 5 (HJR 99): Tax exemption on animal feed.
- Proposition 6 (HJR 4): Ban on a state securities tax.
- Proposition 7 (HJR 133): Tax exemption for surviving spouses of veterans.
- Proposition 8 (HJR 2): Ban on an inheritance tax.
- Proposition 9 (HJR 1): Inventory and equipment tax exemption.
- Proposition 10 (SJR 84): Property tax exemption for homes destroyed by fire.
- Proposition 11 (SJR 85): School tax exemption for elderly or disabled homeowners.
- Proposition 12 (SJR 27): Changes to the State Judicial Conduct Commission.
- Proposition 13 (SJR 2): Increased school tax exemption for homeowners.
- Proposition 14 (SJR 3): Funding for dementia research and prevention.
- Proposition 15 (SJR 34): Codifying parental rights.
- Proposition 16 (SJR 37): Clarifying citizenship requirement for voters.
- Proposition 17 (HJR 34): Property tax exemption for border security infrastructure.
Together, these propositions reflect Texas lawmakers’ focus on property tax relief, infrastructure investments, and constitutional safeguards. Voter approval will determine whether these measures take effect.
Ballot Language for the November 4, 2025
Constitutional Amendment Election
Proposition 1 – SJR 59 – “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the permanent technical institution infrastructure fund and the available workforce education fund to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System.”
Proposition 2 – SJR 18 – “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of a tax on the realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual, family, estate, or trust.”
Proposition 3 – SJR 5 – “The constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail under certain circumstances to persons accused of certain offenses punishable as a felony.”
Proposition 4 – HJR 7 – “The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”
Proposition 5 – HJR 99 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.”
Proposition 6 – HJR 4 – “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from enacting a law imposing an occupation tax on certain entities that enter into transactions conveying securities or imposing a tax on certain securities transactions.”
Proposition 7 – HJR 133 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a veteran who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed under federal law to have been service-connected.”
Proposition 8 – HJR 2 – “The constitutional amendment to prohibit the legislature from imposing death taxes applicable to a decedent’s property or the transfer of an estate, inheritance, legacy, succession, or gift.”
Proposition 9 – HJR 1 – “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the market value of tangible personal property a person owns that is held or used for the production of income.”
Proposition 10 – SJR 84 – “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of the appraised value of an improvement to a residence
homestead that is completely destroyed by a fire.”
Proposition 11 – SJR 85 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of the market value of the residence homestead of a person who is elderly or disabled.”
Proposition 12 – SJR 27 – “The constitutional amendment regarding the membership of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the membership of the tribunal to review the commission’s recommendations, and the authority of the commission, the tribunal, and the Texas Supreme Court to more effectively sanction judges and justices for judicial misconduct.”
Proposition 13 – SJR 2 – “The constitutional amendment to increase the amount of the exemption of residence homesteads from ad valorem taxation by a school district from $100,000 to $140,000.”
Proposition 14 – SJR 3 – “The constitutional amendment providing for the establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, establishing the Dementia Prevention and Research Fund to provide money for research on and prevention and treatment of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders in this state, and transferring to that fund $3 billion from state general revenue.”
Proposition 15 – SJR 34 – “The constitutional amendment affirming that parents are the primary decision makers for their children.”
Proposition 16 – SJR 37 – “The constitutional amendment clarifying that a voter must be a United States citizen.”
Proposition 17 – HJR 34 – “The constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property located in a county that borders the United Mexican States that arises from the installation or construction on the
property of border security infrastructure and related improvements.
Data Centers Transforming Texas’ Electricity Market
By Paige Feild | October 16, 2025 | With electricity prices climbing nationwide and state regulators warning of “lower system stability,” Texas is confronted with the high costs of serving data centers while protecting local communities and resources.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) spokesperson Trudi Webster told Texas Scorecard that the Public Utility Commission of Texas has started rule-making “with the purpose of implementing the SB6 performance requirements for data centers’ and other large loads’ response during emergencies.”
Signed into law in 2023, Senate Bill 6, Webster explained, “creates performance requirements for new large loads during emergency conditions.”
Large loads are high electricity demand consumers, such as the newly operational Stargate data center campus in Abilene and bitcoin mining operations like the one in Rockdale, Texas.
While Texas’ regulators are imposing stricter performance standards, concerns remain over how the state can sustain these energy-hungry projects.
Stargate I campus in Abilene will have a 1.2 gigawatt (GW) power capacity, which equates to roughly 1,200 megawatts (MW), when fully completed in 2026. If the facility ran at maximum capacity when fully completed, the campus would consume 10,512,000 MWh (megawatt hours) per year. That’s enough energy to power over 1 million homes in 2025.
Data centers in Texas are forecasted by ERCOT to have a total demand of 77,965 MW in 2030. This is an increased projection from 2024, which projected a load of only 29,614 MW.
The World Economic Forum reported it is “impossible to accommodate the growth in AI data centres and maintain grid stability without prices increasing for all customers” in deregulated electricity markets like Texas.
Enverus, a publisher of energy-sector research, released a report revealing that ERCOT has “added 22.5 GW of new capacity since January 2024 … and is planning for nearly 100 GW of solar and battery additions by 2030.”
This is roughly 22,500 MW of capacity added since the beginning of last year, with planned additions of roughly 100,000 MW by 2030.
The Texas Energy Fund—overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas—provides grants and loans to finance the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric facilities in Texas.
According to the Enverus report, the Texas Energy Fund’s active due diligence process has seen four project withdrawals in March, two denials in April, four new projects advanced in April and May, and its first two loans awarded this summer.
While the electricity infrastructure projects appear to be slowing down and energy demands continue to increase, another issue exists in addition to rising utility bills.
Electricity consumption and water usage go hand-in-hand.
As previously reported, the Texas Water Development Board has explained that one of the reasons why Texas does not know how much water is actually being consumed by data centers in the state is because of “the variety of power sources that require varying amounts of water.” Additionally, there is “no state government authority that maintains a comprehensive list of data centers in the state.”
The indirect water consumption by data centers in 2023 has been estimated by researchers to be 4.52 liters per kilowatt hour (kWh) compared with the average American water intensity factor for electricity usage of 4.35 liters per kWh.
Amid uncertain water consumption further exacerbating infrastructure, drought, and aquifer concerns and high electricity demands, data center construction continues to proliferate throughout Texas.
This article originally appeared here.
Prop 4 On November Ballot Will Prop Up Texas’ Water Infrastructure
October 17, 2025 – With the November 2025 election approaching, Texas voters will consider Proposition 4, a constitutional amendment intended to steer billions into statewide water infrastructure efforts—just as the state grapples with explosive growth in data centers and their consequential water demands.
Proposition 4 would direct up to $1 billion per year of existing sales tax revenues—after the first $46.5 billion is collected—into a dedicated Texas Water Fund, beginning in 2027 and extending through 2047. The fund, administered by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), would support projects for new water supplies, aging infrastructure repair, flood control, and conservation. At least half the funds must go toward expanding water capacity—such as reservoirs, desalination, aquifer storage, and reuse systems.
Backers argue Proposition 4 provides essential, stable financing without raising taxes and helps close a long-projected water funding gap of more than $154 billion by 2050. A coalition of over 50 business, water, and civic groups has rallied in support.
The timing of Prop 4 is especially relevant given Texas’s booming data center sector, which places new pressure on water systems. Data centers—used for cloud computing, AI, and digital services—often require substantial water for cooling. In Texas’s Hill Country and Central Texas, utilities are already negotiating water rights and usage agreements for new facilities. Although some data centers use closed-loop cooling or air systems to reduce consumption, many still require water access that competes with municipalities, agriculture, and environmental needs.
If approved, Proposition 4 could give state planners a more reliable fiscal tool to invest in water infrastructure that accommodates both population growth and the water-intensive needs of digital industry. But success hinges not just on passage by voters, but on effective oversight, project prioritization, and balancing the needs of urban, rural, and industrial users.
Governor Abbott Presented With “Champion For Choice Award” Following Historic Texas School Choice Victory
October 17, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott last night accepted the John T. Walton Champion for Choice Award from the American Federation for Children in recognition of the Governor’s leadership in delivering the largest day-one school choice program in America.
“This May, I signed into law the largest day-one school choice program in America, empowering parents, not bureaucrats, to decide what is best for their children,” said Governor Abbott. “This historic legislation levels the playing field and expands educational opportunities for students across our great state. With this in full effect, Texas will become No. 1 in education and prove to the world the critical value of school choice.”
This historic movement was driven by Texas families who want educational freedom for their children, including:
- The Aly family, who watched their daughter fall behind during COVID and longed for a better option.
- Eric Richerson, a father frustrated that his child’s teacher refused to work with him to meet his son’s needs.
- Hillary Hickland, a mom who was outraged by a woke agenda being pushed in her daughter’s classroom – and who went on to run for and win a seat in the Texas Legislature.
- The family of Jeremiah Kimmel, a student with Autism from Bell County who wasn’t receiving the attention he needed in his public school.
Thousands of families like these will now have the option to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs.
The Governor closed by thanking the American Federation for Children, parents, and educators for their vision, hard work, and dedication to ensuring the next generation has the education and skills needed to succeed.
Delta County Enacts Burn Ban This Week
October 16, 2025 – County Fire Marshal
DELTA COUNTY IS CURRENTLY UNDER A BURN BAN.
The County Fire Marshal’s office is responsible for ensuring fire and life safety and to reduce the risk of fire loss to the lives and property of the citizens of Delta County. The County Fire Marshal’s office, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 352, is responsible for conducting investigations of fires that occur in the unincorporated areas of Delta County for origin and cause. This same statute provides for the inspection of various facilities in the unincorporated areas of Delta County for fire and life safety hazards. The Fire Marshal’s office, along with other law enforcement agencies in the county, enforces environmental protection laws found in the Texas Health and Safety Code as well as the Texas Water Code.
Burn Ban Status
Delta County is currently under a burn ban.
Visit the Texas Forest Service’s website to determine the burn ban status for your county.
Outdoor Burning
Prior to outdoor burning, call Delta County 911 Dispatch at (903) 395-2146 to log your controlled burn and to determine if weather conditions permit outdoor burning.
RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSEQUENCES FOR OUTDOOR BURNING
View the State Law in regards to responsibility for consequences of outdoor burning.
Outdoor Burning in Texas Guide
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 352, Subchapter D, Outdoor Burning
2025 Hopkins County United Way Held Their 3rd Campaign Report Meeting October 14th
October 15, 2025 – The 2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way officials held their 3rd Campaign Report Meeting October 14th, 2025. They met at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. KSST/Cable Channel 18 was present at this meeting and below is our coverage of that meeting. Check it out and learn how much United Way has collected so far in their 70th year of operation.
Use or Skip the Marigolds? By Master Gardener David Wall
October 15, 2025 – I’ve grown French marigolds with tomato plants for years. They’re great companion plants and can combat gardening pests. For me, they’ve always done great. Besides, everyone else uses them, so they must work; right? Unfortunately, we’re starting to learn that when planted in mass (not once every three feet) they do work, although not as successfully as we’ve always thought.
There’s a new plant to consider that apparently works far better than marigolds. The plant called Sweet Alyssum (lobularia maritima). Many of you use it in your flower beds. It’s little more than a ground cover, but acts as an emergency signal to any and all beneficial insects nearby. Its flowers are full of nectar to act as an attractant. Further, they bloom from spring well into the fall. Some say it creates an all-you-can-eat buffet!
Sweet alyssum attracts ladybugs, which love aphids, hoverflies, which love thrips and spider mites, lacewings which love caterpillars and mealybugs, parasitic wasps, which go after hornworms, and more. The long-term flowers are critical in keeping a food supply for the beneficial insects.
An additional benefit of Sweet alyssum is that it’s low maintenance. Also, it doesn’t need deadheading like marigolds. Once established, it’s drought tolerant, which shouldn’t be needed if you’re watering your tomatoes on a regular basis. It grows fast and will continue to grow and spread throughout the growing season. As a low ground cover, it can act as a living mulch.
This article was written for tomato plant and fruit protection, but it’s great for virtually any vegetables you want to grow in your gardens. It can also be used to provide protection for potted vegetables and flowers. Using it is a win-win situation.
So, where can you get Sweet alyssum? Check your local garden supply stores and/or Google it on-line.
Looking Back at the Early Years of the Foundation Gala in Advance of its 20th Anniversary
October 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The year was 2006, and the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation was relatively new, having begun in 1997. Jackie Voss Thornton had returned to her hometown to care for her mother a few years earlier and had been selected to serve the Foundation as its second director.
If you know Jackie, you know that she came back to town with tons of energy and a friendly personality, but she also had many years of Dallas area fundraising experience in her arsenal. Seeing how well the annual Lights of Life Christmas tree fundraiser (now known as the Snowflake Campaign) was doing, she thought back to her experiences with the annual balls and galas in the Metroplex.
Jackie recalls, “I thought a gala would be a great way to expand on the Lights of Life campaign’s success and was thinking of how we could expand on that. The Crystal Charity Ball and other Dallas fundraising balls and galas seemed like a way to have a fun event and give money to the hospital (then known as Hopkins County Memorial Hospital and operated by the Hopkins County Hospital District)”.
Sharing some of the early challenges to that idea, Jackie laughed as she recounted how some people were concerned that tickets would cost $100 each, and she planned to serve beer and wine at the event! Nevertheless, the community supported the Gala and loved it.
She also shared fond memories of Mickey Masters Barnett who worked with Jackie as the first volunteer chair. Mickey and Jackie designed the stylized tree logo that local citizens all associate with the Foundation Gala and the Lights of Life Campaign.
The first two events were held in December 2006 and 2007 at the Lodge. The successful community response necessitated a move to the Civic Center for the third Gala. It was also moved from December to January. This meant there was no Gala held in the calendar year 2008, but the January 2009 event filled the Civic Center’s exhibit hall.
Wanda Galyean served as the volunteer chair for the second Gala, Peggy and Dr. Bill Dietze chaired the third, and Pam and Tom Sellers chaired the fourth.
“The whole thing was a God thing. I asked ladies from my Church and Pilot Club to help us with the committee, and I asked everyone in town to sponsor. I asked everybody and anybody to help,” shared Jackie.
She saw herself in the cheerleader role, asking committee members to lean into their strong suits with their Gala volunteer contributions. She let them do their thing while she shared the importance of the Gala with the community.
“If someone asked why we needed to raise money for the hospital, I told them it was because we wanted to keep the hospital here. We need the hospital here and ready to help them when they need it,” shared Jackie with as much enthusiasm today as she had in 2006.
“Everybody’s heart is to make a difference for someone else today or in the community. The Gala allows them to see tangible results of their donations and efforts.”
Jackie expressed how those who have followed her in the staff role with the Foundation have continued to add and strengthen the Gala and Foundation. She was happy to know about the event’s longevity and to learn about its positive impact on Hopkins County’s healthcare, which has included funding 35 projects that cost over $3.3 million.
The 20th Gala will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with the theme, A Celebration of Twenty Years. Proceeds will be used to advance local medical offerings with $250,000 going to the Spreading Our Wings campaign to help purchase new medical equipment for the surgical wing expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
A few special throwback moments are in the works to celebrate the people and outcomes of two decades of the Gala. Jackie has made plans to be there and hopes to see lots of folks from past Galas in attendance. She is also excited to meet some new community members as well!
The Hopkins County Heath Care Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. In addition to funding its own free clinics and educational programs, the Foundation also raises money for special projects at the local non-profit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and the State special district, the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. The funds are used by these two entities to purchase equipment or provide services that a community the size of Hopkins County would not normally have available. The Foundation does this because they believe each and every community member deserves great local health care.
For more information on the Gala, visit the website at Gala2026.Givesmart.com.
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The Foundation will celebrate its next Gala, A Celebration of Twenty Years, on January 24, 2026. Sponsorships, underwriting, and ticket information are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com. Please join the Foundation as they continue to improve local healthcare opportunities.
