Breyers Ice Cream Settles Class Action Lawsuit
September 30, 2024 – If you have purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream over the past eight years, you may be eligible for a cash payment as tha company has agreed to an $8.85 million settlement without admitting any wrongdoing. The settlement was reached in response to a class action lawsuit against the owner of Breyers and Conopco, Inc, an advertiser. The lawsuit alleged the ice cream was labeled “vanilla” as if its flavor came only from the vanilla plant, but the ice cream also contained flavoring from non-vanilla plant substances.
Although the two companies named in the lawsuit deny any wrongdoing, they have set up a settlement fund containing $8.85 million to compensate customers.
Cash settlements will be awarded to anyone who submits valid claim forms by February 19, 2025. Valid claims with proof of purchase will receive $1 per product (no limit), and valid claims without proof of purchase will receive $1 per product (limit 8 per household). Click on the link below for a claim form.
Vanilla Ice Cream Settlement Claim Form
The court also ruled that the companies must develop a new product formula that does not include vanilla derived from non-vanilla plan sources within 12 month of the settlement’s finalization.
Coast Guard Interdicts 5 Lancha Crews, Seizes 900 Pounds of Illegal Fish off Texas Coast
September 29, 2024 – CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Coast Guard interdicted five meixco based lanchas and seized 900 pounds of illegally caught fish in federal waters off southern Texas, Sunday.
A lancha is a fishing boat used by Mexican fishermen that is approximately 20-30 feet long with a slender profile, having one outboard motor.
Boat crews from Coast Guard Station South Padre Island and Coast Guard Cutter Edgar Culbertson, in coordination with Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aircrews, located and stopped a total of 23 Mexican fishermen engaged in illegal fishing north of the Maritime Boundary Line.
After interdicting the lanchas, Coast Guard personnel seized 900 pounds of red snapper and shark, along with fishing gear and highflyers on board the vessels. Coast Guard crews detained the Mexican fishermen, brought them ashore, and transferred the detainees to U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel for further processing.
“Our Coast Guard crews remain committed to eliminating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in our nation’s sovereign waters,” said Lt. Shane Gunderson, commanding officer, Station South Padre Island. “Through highly coordinated response efforts with our federal and state partners, we will continue to combat this environmental and economic threat.”
A lancha is a fishing boat used by Mexican fishermen that is approximately 20-30 feet long with a slender profile, having one outboard motor, and is capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 30 mph. Lanchas are frequently used to transport illegal narcotics to the U.S. and illegally fish in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone near the U.S./Mexico border in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you witness suspicious activity or illegal fishing in state waters (from land to 9 miles offshore), please contact “Operation Game Thief” at 1-800-792-GAME (4263). For all suspicious activity or illegal fishing occurring in federal waters (out to 200 miles offshore), please contact the U.S. Coast Guard at 361-939-0450.
Paxton Will Continue Defending Texas Election Integrity Law Even After Ruling Blocks Investigating Vote Harvesting Schemes
September 30, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will immediately move to block a ruling that struck down a major element of Senate Bill 1, a key Texas election integrity law passed in 2021. A federal district court ruled Friday that a portion of the law was unconstitutional.
SB 1 increased safeguards to prevent ballot harvesting and instituted additional protections ensuring free and fair elections. However, a federal district court judge ruled that such provisions of the law violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The judge also banned the Office of the Attorney General from opening investigations into instances of election fraud under the portion of election code enjoined by the decision.
“I will immediately move to block this unacceptable ruling so Texas can continue to defend its elections from bad actors seeking to undermine the ballot box,” said Attorney General Paxton. “A ruling—weeks prior to an election— preventing my office from investigating potential election violations is deeply troubling and risks undermining public trust in our political process.”
Governor Abbott Calls For Statewide Day Of Observance To Honor Victims Of October 7th Terrorist Attacks In Israel
September 30, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation calling for a statewide moment of silence at 7:00 AM CDT on October 7, 2024, to honor the victims whose lives were tragically taken due to the acts of war committed by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas and in remembrance for those who are still held hostage to this day. Additionally, the Governor will lower the Texas and U.S. flags to half-staff on Monday, October 7th, 2024, and asked religious leaders to light a candle at their next service in observance of this solemn day.
“In observance of the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks, I ask all Texans to join me in a moment of silence to remember the men, women, and children who were brutally murdered or injured during acts of war committed by Hamas and for the seven Americans still held hostage,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas will always stand with the State of Israel and the Israeli people as they continue to defend their freedoms in the face of pure evil. Cecilia and I continue to pray that this war will be brought to a swift, victorious conclusion for the Jewish community and the State of Israel.”
View the Governor’s proclamation.
Stay Safe, Hunt Smart: Texas Game Wardens Provide Archery Season Tips
Sept. 27, 2024 – AUSTIN – Texas’ 2024 archery-only hunting season for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and mule deer is set to begin Sept. 28 and will run through Nov. 1. Before Texans start filling their freezers, Texas Game Wardens have some tips for hunters to keep in mind before they hit the woods, high plains or fields.
Safety is Paramount
Hunters should always make safety a top priority for hunters, no matter the season.
While bows and crossbows are not firearms, they should still be treated like they are when an arrow is on the bow’s string or a bolt is cocked on a crossbow. Always keep them pointed in a safe direction and remember while handling that arrow broadheads are very sharp.
“The number one injury we see with archery hunters is people falling out of tree stands,” said Kurt Kelley, Wood County game warden. “I recommend anyone hunting off the ground wear a safety harness, use a safety line while climbing and maintain three points of contact.”
Licensing, Hunter Education and Archery-Specific Requirements
In addition to having a valid hunting license, hunters must have an archery endorsement to hunt during the archery-only season. Hunters 17-years-old or older must have completed their hunter education certification, unless they have elected to participate in the one-time deferral or were born before Sept. 2, 1971. Hunters under 17 may hunt alone if they have completed their hunter education certification. If not, they and anyone using the deferral, must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is hunter education certified or exempt.
Hunters must have proof of a valid hunting license and hunter education while hunting.
Species Identification and Antler Restrictions
If hunting in an area where mule deer and white-tail deer are present, species identification and knowledge of regulations for each is very important. Some Texas counties have antler restrictions while others don’t (13-inch spread or wider for white-tail deer; 20-inch spread or wider for mule deer). Hunters may also harvest antlerless white-tail deer during the archery-only season but may not harvest antlerless mule deer.
“Mule deer in some areas of the Panhandle offer hunters a pretty high percentage of success due to lack of pressure,” said Ryan Hunter, Potter and Randall County game warden. “With them being fairly common to see, I encourage hunters to do their research ahead of time. Know the bag limits, restrictions and be able to distinguish between the two deer species open for hunting.”
Public Land Hunting
There are multiple types of public land available for archery hunters. The managing authority for each property sets specific requirements, so be aware of those before going hunting.
To hunt on property owned or leased by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), an Annual Public Hunting Permit is required in addition to standard licensing requirements.
Those hunting on TPWD property are required to wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material, including orange headwear and at least 144 square inches appearing on both chest and back during daylight hours. Even if hunter orange is not required to hunt other public property, it can be beneficial to wear as other seasons can run concurrent with archery season and additional hunters can be in the woods.
Hunters should also be aware of other regulations surrounding baiting, hunting blinds, alcohol consumption and more.
Archery-Only Counties and County-Specific Ordinances
Hunters need to know which county they are hunting in and follow all state, local and federal regulations.
Texas has four archery-only counties: Collin, Dallas, Grayson and Rockwall. These counties allow crossbows to be used during the general white-tailed deer season, Nov. 2 — Jan. 5, but hunters may only use a compound, recurve or longbow during the archery-only season.
Hunters should also keep in mind that county and city municipalities may set their own ordinances such as no archery hunting within city limits or on property smaller than 10 acres.
“Regulations are updated from time to time and can sometimes be complex, especially in counties with unique requirements,” said Daron Blackerby, Grayson County game warden. “If there’s anything you’re unclear on after reviewing the regulations in the Texas Outdoor Annual, call the game warden for the county you will be hunting in. We’re here to help.”
Preparation and Equipment Maintenance
It’s a good idea to carry basic survival gear like a first-aid kit, tourniquet, GPS, compass, zip ties, rain gear and enough water and food to get you through a day or two in case you get lost.
Know your equipment and practice with it regularly. Wardens recommend keeping bows in good working order and wearing proper safety equipment like arm guards.
“Don’t buy a new bow at the beginning of September and then hunt with it opening morning,” said Randy Stovall, Nacogdoches County game warden. “Practicing with it regularly will not only improve accuracy but can also help prevent accidents.”
Ethical Hunting Practices
Ethical hunting should be the goal of every hunter. This includes knowing the target and the area around it, avoiding rushed shots or shots outside effective range, knowing equipment and ensuring quick, humane kills. Waiting at least 30 minutes before tracking a deer is also recommended.
“While we know hunters always try to do their best, sometimes things happen and a shot doesn’t turn out as intended,” said Zack Fisher, Childress and Hall County game warden. “In those cases, it’s a good idea to have contact information for someone with a blood tracking dog. That way, if a deer runs far and you need help tracking it, you are prepared and will stand a greater chance of recovering the animal.”
Weather and Terrain Challenges
Texas weather is often unpredictable, especially during archery season. Some parts of the state may still be hot while others could experience unexpected cold snaps. Temperature swings can happen quickly, so don’t be caught unaware and without proper gear. Warmer temperatures can also be a concern post-harvest. Have a processing plan in place ahead of time to prevent meat spoilage.
Additionally, if participating in a spot-and-stalk style hunt, do your research ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the terrain and challenges that may arise.
Retrieving an Animal
It is not uncommon for deer shot with a bow to travel immediately after being shot, which can mean leaving the property you have permission to hunt. Going onto someone else’s property without permission from the landowner is trespassing, even if it is to retrieve your deer. If the deer crosses multiple properties, permission is needed from each landowner before entering the property.
“It’s a misconception that game wardens can go onto private property to retrieve a deer for you,” said Ryan McGinley, Comal County game warden. “I suggest hunters mark the fence or property line where the deer crossed and then use one of the outdoor apps that provide property owner information or go knock on the door of a house if you see one to ask for permission. Getting to know neighboring landowners preseason is also helpful.”
Harvest Reporting, Check Stations and Carcass Disposal
In certain counties, white-tail deer must be tagged and reported within 24 hours of harvest via the Texas Hunt & Fish app or online. For digital license holders, execution of a digital tag serves as completion of mandatory harvest reporting in applicable counties.
Hunters who harvest white-tail or mule deer within designated Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) areas must comply with mandatory testing requirements at a TPWD designated check station within 48 hours of harvest. Hunters that are within the voluntary testing areas are strongly encouraged to have their harvest tested so biologists can monitor the potential presence or spread of CWD.
Statewide carcass disposal requirements must also be followed to help reduce the risk of unintentional transmission of CWD.
Get Outside!
All in all, archery hunting is a unique challenge that the whole family can participate in while spending time outdoors, something game wardens also enjoy.
“I hope hunters know that as game wardens, we aren’t out to get them and are here to help,” said Kelley. “If you blatantly do something wrong on purpose, we will address that, but if you’re trying to do the right thing, we want to help educate you and help you enjoy the outdoors just like we do.”
Many of the tips above focus on regulations and the issues wardens commonly come across in the field. All hunting regulations for this year’s hunting season can be found in the Texas Outdoor Annual mobile app or at OutdoorAnnual.com.
DPS Trooper Dies After Being Struck During Crash Investigation
September 29, 2024 – AUSTIN – It is with great sadness the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the death of a Highway Patrol Trooper following a traffic crash in Ector County.
Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, 25, was investigating a traffic crash along SH 302 when he was struck by a vehicle around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Trooper Ramirez Vasquez suffered serious injuries and was taken to Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He was then airlifted to a Lubbock-area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 28.
“There are no words to ease the loss of one of our brothers in uniform,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez served this state honorably to his very last breath. His commitment to keeping the roads safe, protecting the people of Texas and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten. Today, I ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead.”
Trooper Ramirez Vasquez began his law enforcement career when he joined DPS in 2023. He was stationed in Odessa. Trooper Ramirez Vasquez lived a life of service, serving in the United States Army prior to joining the department, and he was currently serving in the National Guard. He is the 241st DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.
Trooper Ramirez Vasquez is survived by his parents and three siblings.
Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
SSHS Wildcats Played Their First District Football game September 27th Against Aubrey
September 29, 2024 – The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcats played their first District football game of the year Friday, September 27th, 2024 against Aubrey. The fierce competition took place in Aubrey, Texas. KSST broadcast the game, live, on 1230AM, and streamed it live on KSST’s YouTube Page. We also recorded it for playback on Cable Channel 18 and on YouTube. The quick play by play action was called by KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey and Tony Flippin. Check out the thrilling District game below.
Paris District Road Report for Week of September 30, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Sept. 30, 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: 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:
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 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 nighttime 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.
As the US 75 project continues to move into the final stages there will be nightly lane closures on both north- and southbound lanes as construction crews perform pavement marking and sign installation. Drivers should expect delays.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for occasional daytime lane closures for the frontage roads on the northbound and southbound US 75 frontage road lanes between South Loy Lake Road and Lamberth Street, as well as on the eastbound and westbound US 82 frontage road lanes between FM 131 and Loy Lake Road while crews work on completing the remaining work at the intersection.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 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.
US 82, from the Cooke County line to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to backfill the overlay and place striping and rumble strips on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours when lane closures are present.
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 Elba Creek, and the eastbound and westbound US 82 lanes at Deaver Creek.
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.
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.
FM 901, from SH 56 to FM 902. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 3133, from SH 5 to the Collin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from FM 121 to FM 922. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews place a fog seal on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
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 121, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform bridge repairs. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 151, from SH 11 to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform culvert repairs. 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: IH 30, Truck Parking Area. Crews will be constructing concrete paving on the new eastbound truck parking area.
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: I-30, at FM 269. Crews will be performing tree trimming and tree removal operations on the westbound and eastbound side.
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.
US 271, from LP 286 to Oklahoma State Line. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures and traffic merges while crews resurface the pavement and perform bridge maintenance.
CR 26320 at Morrison Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
FM 1497, from FM 1184 to FM 3426. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures
CR 16300 at Little Sandy Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
SH 24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from the FM 64 intersection to 1,540 feet east of FM 198. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway and perform bridge rail upgrades.
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. Watch for temporary roadway closure and detour 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. Culvert and Safety End treatments are being installed along the project and excavation and road widening is in progress. Shoulder embankment work will be ongoing. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. Final punch list items are underway. Oncor has supplied power to the signal lights and the signals are in testing phase. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 1563, from SH 50 to SH 2655: This is a 2.7-mile rehabilitation project that will widen the existing roadway. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor has completed cross culverts and culvert extensions and will be placing riprap soon. The contractor has sealed and shouldered up the first mile of the project and has placed flex base and placing geogrid at various locations. Contractor is currently performing reclamation work and subgrade widening along with placing GEOGRID. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66: The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor currently has paving operations and sidewalk operations ongoing. 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 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. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has completed placing GR4 seal course on the final section of roadway. The contractor is also backfilling turnouts, driveways and roadway edges. Roadway strip and permanent seeding will be placed today and through the weekend. 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.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. Underpass at FM 1565 will be closed for a few weeks to install Culvert from north frontage to south frontage.
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 sealcoat prep on FM 2874.
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north.
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Cumby ISD Announced Their 2024 Homecoming Court
September 29, 2024 – Front Row (Left to Right) Jaylinn Martinez (Freshman Representative), Kasandra Camargo (Sophomore Representative), Addey Owens, Senior (Queen Nominee), Carrigan Oats, Senior (Queen Nominee), Jacie Morales, Senior (Queen Nominee), Julia Hernandez ,Senior (Queen Nominee), Kinslee Dowdle (Junior Representative.
Back Row (Left to Right) Easton Elmore (Freshman Representative), Gunner Campbell (Sophomore Representative), Jarred Patterson. Senior (King Nominee), Chett Vaughan, Senior (King Nominee), Braylon Boggs, Senior (King Nominee), Zeneb Umana Fuentes (King Nominee), Jayden Evans (Junior Representative)
Food Drive for Community Chest This October
September 29, 2024 – Community Chest in Sulphur Springs is running low on food. You can help make a difference for people facing food insecurity in Hopkins County.
Something like a jar peanut butter or sack of flour will be greatly appreciated.
Drop off locations are listed below.
Find out more about Community Chest by clicking here.
