Paris Junior College Renews Articulation Agreement with University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center
November 25, 2024 – Opportunities for students wanting advanced careers in biology will continue at Paris Junior College after an articulation agreement with the University of Texas – MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston was renewed again.
“This has been an amazing program for a select group of students,” said Dr. Jack Brown, PJC biology faculty and Division Director of Math and Sciences. “That connection shows how strong our laboratory sciences are. At the beginning of the agreement 10 years ago, UT-MD Anderson came into our labs to make sure we had the proper equipment and were operating at the right level.
“Since then, the students we’ve sent there have all just knocked it out of the park. They’ve graduated and been at the top of their class,” Brown said. “UT-MD Anderson likes that PJC students arrive having used pipettes and done electrophoresis; they have hands-on experience that most kids just out of high school – or even at most community colleges and universities – have not had.”
ELISA lab f24: Emmi Price (left) and Catherine Smith use pipettes to insert antibody samples into wells. At the end of the experiment, the presence of a virus causes the solution to turn blue.
PJC has a huge advantage due to small classes sizes, making upper level techniques and equipment affordable. With large undergraduate classes, most universities reserve these experiences for seniors or post-graduate students.
“At PJC, you’re going to get to actually interact with lab equipment such as PCR machines that copy DNA and perform high end procedures you would not get in touch for a while elsewhere. Everyone gets their own microscope here; they don’t have to share or wait to use it,” Brown said. “It does take time to learn how to use one.”
biomedical 1: Maegan Martinez (left) and Jessica Sanchez perform gel electrophoresis. The process separates DNA fragments from a virus and results in DNA fingerprinting.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines are used in research labs and clinical diagnostics to replicate DNA, detect DNA sequences, perform DNA fingerprinting, forensic analysis, molecular cloning, and diagnose genetic diseases, and detect pathogens. Where students previously had to share one PCR machine, PJC has acquired more and now students may work with them through an app on their phone.
UT-MD Anderson’s program is strong on hands-on learning in the lab, Brown says. There are some classes, but the final year is spent entirely in the lab. Students must meet all the conditions and go through an interview process, but to date all PJC students have been accepted.
ELISA lab 2 f24: From left, Alexis Forsythe-Hill, Rebekah Flowers, and Nathallie Tarrant review produces for a new ELISA lab test. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a plate-based assay technique designed for detecting and quantifying soluble substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones.
The five programs covered by the agreement are medical laboratory science, cytogenetic technology, cytotechnology, histotechnology, and molecular genetic technology. These programs produce graduates in high demand nationwide in places such as hospitals, reference laboratories, corporations, cancer and constitutional genetic laboratories, academic or research facilities, biotechnology companies, pathology labs, chemical industry labs, pediatric and genetic counseling labs, and many more.
Graduates from UT-MD Anderson have gone on to stellar careers, according to Brown. One of the first students to finish, Madison Stripland, started her own genetic testing company at the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
Another student, Michael Edenhoffer, graduated from UT-MD Anderson’s Molecular Genetics Program in 2020, interned at Yale University, and subsequently attended Semmelweis Medical School in Budapest, Hungary.
For more information about the program, call or email 903-782-0319 or [email protected].
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.
Dinner Bell for November 27, 2024
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
WEEK OF: Thanksgiving Week—November 27, 2024
The Dinner Bell Feeding Ministry will not be preparing meals on November 27 so that our dedicated volunteers may share the Thanksgiving Holiday with friends and families.
Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and gratitude. Enjoy the time with your loved ones! See you December 4 in Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church for food and fellow ship!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
MENU:
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Texas Officials Celebrate Approval of Bluebonnet Curriculum for K-5 Students
Now approved by the State Board of Education, the materials will be available for teachers and students in the 2025-2026 school year.
By Sydnie Henry | November 22, 2024 – The State Board of Education has approved the Texas Education Agency’s Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for K-5 reading and math.
The Texas Education Agency describes the new instructional materials as Open Education Resources, which means they are owned by the state, free to everyone, and can be modified over time.
School districts can choose whether or not to use Bluebonnet Learning, and districts that decide to use the materials will receive an incentive of $60 per student.
Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the passage, stating, “The passage of Bluebonnet Learning is a critical step forward to bring students back to the basics of education and provide the best education in the nation.”
These transformative educational materials are voluntary and free for schools and teachers to use. And with parents also able to access these materials online, we will ensure young Texans have access to high-quality, grade-level appropriate curricula that will provide the necessary fundamentals in math, reading, science, and other core subjects and boost student outcomes across Texas. I thank the Texas Education Agency for working tirelessly to bolster students’ educational foundation and equip them with the knowledge they need to lead bright, successful lives in Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also signaled his support for the materials on social media.
“Improving public education has been one of my top goals since I arrived in the Texas Senate,” wrote Patrick. “In districts where high-quality curriculum has already been implemented, results have been fantastic, showcasing strong improvements in student outcomes. Today’s @txsboe vote for high-quality curriculum will ensure all students are receiving appropriate grade-level instruction and is an important step to boosting student outcomes statewide.”
While some have raised concerns about the incorporation of materials such as biblical stories about the Golden Rule and Good Samaritan in the curriculum, this has given cause for others to celebrate.
Pastor Richard Vega, an advocate for ensuring children’s educational materials are age-appropriate, wrote, “The Bluebonnet curriculum represents an opportunity to revitalize public education, honor our nation’s heritage, and support both students and teachers.”
The SBOE members initially approved the curriculum on Wednesday in a preliminary vote of 8-7. Today’s vote remained the same, with Republican members Evelyn Brooks, Patricia Hardy, and Pam Little joining the four Democrats in voting against the materials.
The curriculum will be available to teachers and students in August 2025.
This article originally appeared here.
Texas Expands Floating Marine Barriers To Secure The Border
November 22, 2024 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 526,600 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 48,700 criminal arrests, with more than 41,900 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 553 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico combined during this border mission.
Texas has decreased illegal crossings into the state by over 86% due to our historic border security mission. Fewer illegal crossings into Texas means fewer migrants to transport to sanctuary cities. Since the start of Texas’ transportation program, the state has transported:
- Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
- Over 45,900 migrants to New York City since August 2022
- Over 36,900 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
- Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
- Over 19,200 migrants to Denver since May 2023
- Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 2023
Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps created by the federal government’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to open border policies.
CEA Mario Villarino Visits with John Mark Dempsey on this Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Hopkins County Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez stopped by the KSST studios and visited with John Mark Dempsey on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee… The two talked about such topics as fire ants and how to deal with them, the amount of rainfall we have had in Hopkins County and how it’s effecting the area, hay in Hopkins County and how the amount of rain has affected it’s growth, and so much more. Give this episode a viewing and see what you learn!
Diatomaceous Earth for Vegetable Plant Protection From Master Gardener David Wall
November 24, 2024 – When searching for organic ways to control vegetable garden pests without harming the plants or soil, an effective tool is diatomaceous earth (DE). For those not familiar with it, DE is a chalky rock made from microscopic sea algae plants called diatoms that had silica-lined cell walls.
After death, the silica cell walls didn’t decompose, allowing them to be mined forever after, thus providing gardeners with a worry-free and non-toxic way to fight insect invasions into your garden. DE works by being abrasive on a microscopic level. Rub some between your fingertips, and it’ll feel like chalk dust or even talcum powder. It isn’t harmful to birds, animals, or fish.
The DE silica acts like tiny shards of glass which “chew” into insect exoskeletons and get into joints. The resulting “cuts” remove the exoskeleton protection, causing dehydration, and death, usually with 24 hours.
There are several types of DE. The ones you want in your garden and in your home is food grade or house grade DE. They don’t contain unwanted additives such as chemical pesticides in them.
DE is effective against fungus ants, slugs, spider mites, gnats, aphids, ants, beetles and more. It works on leaves and the soil surface for crawling insects.. Since DE doesn’t discriminate between good and bad insects, it should not be used around the flowering portions of vegetable plants. It’s fine on flowering plants in your home.
To use DE dry, make a salt-type shaker using a jar with holes in the lid, fill with DE and shake on the plant leaves and soil. For wet use, mix one tbsp of DE in a quart of water and put in a spray bottle. Weekly spray on leaves and soil or just the soil. While wet DE is ineffective, it works great when it dries.
Paris District Road Report for Week of November 25, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting Nov. 25, 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 northbound US 75 main lanes will be closed to traffic in order to place bridge beams for the new Spur 503 overpass beginning at 9:00 pm on the night of December 4th. Traffic will be required to exit at Exit 66 and continue onto Spur 503, then directed to exit for Theresa Drive, then take the westbound frontage road back to the Loy Lake Road intersection and then onto the northbound entrance ramp to US 75. Officers will be in place at Therese Drive and Loy Lake Road to assist traffic through these intersections. The main lanes are expected to be reopened to traffic by 5:00 am on the morning of December 5th.
Beginning on December 8th at 9:00 pm the westbound Spur 503 overpass to southbound US 75 will be closed to allow for demolition of this bridge in order to continue working on building the new overpass and roadway approaches. During this closure traffic on westbound Spur 503 will be required to detour onto the frontage road at the temporary exit ramp west of Theresa Drive and continue along the frontage road to the Loy Lake road intersection where traffic can make the u-turn to continue south on the US 75 frontage road to the entrance ramp before the FM 691 intersection.
The southbound US 75 main lanes will be closed to traffic in order to perform bridge demolition of the old Spur 503 overpass beginning at 9:00 pm on the night of December 8th. 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 December 9th.
The northbound US 75 main lanes will be closed to traffic in order to perform bridge demolition of the old Spur 503 overpass beginning at 9:00 pm on the night of December 9th. Traffic will be required to exit at Exit 66 and continue onto Spur 503, then directed to exit for Theresa Drive, then take the westbound frontage road back to the Loy Lake Road intersection and then onto the northbound entrance ramp to US 75. Officers will be in place at Therese Drive and Loy Lake Road to assist traffic through these intersections. The main lanes are expected to be reopened to traffic by 5:00 am on the morning of December 10th.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
The westbound Spur 503 ramp to northbound US 75 is closed to traffic. A temporary detour is in place to divert this traffic onto the frontage road. Traffic will exit Spur 503 onto the frontage road using the new detour, continue along the Spur 503 frontage road which runs into the US 75 frontage road to the Loy Lake Road intersection. Traffic can continue along the frontage road through Loy Lake Road and then take the next entrance ramp to northbound US 75.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for 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.
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 install rumble strips, backfill the pavement and seed the front slopes. 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.
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: No construction projects ongoing during this week.
Hopkins County: No construction projects ongoing during this week.
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. Work on intersections and driveways will be ongoing 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 work on bridge columns and placing asphalt on bridge. Contractor continues to perform 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. 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 grading for a detour near Verandah and Baylor Scott and White and placing sidewalk and backfilling curb in the area. Contractor is forming rebar and working blockouts for driveways near Peppergrass. Inlets placement and driveways are ongoing. 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. Cross culvert work is complete. 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. Contractor poured culvert B headwall and footing, Grading at FM 1565, EB 2511 for temp wall installation and setting barrier on Eb an WB mainlanes from 1565 to end of project limits. Culvert installation is ongoing and detour pavement will be placed throughout the project.
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, Assisting DPS with lane closure on US 380 and Overlaying on FM 1737/ SH34 in various locations
Rains County MNT will continue to address pavement issues SH 19 south and north and repair drainage issues on FM 1564.
###
Here’s Some of the Exciting Activities Scheduled for end of November at the Senior Citizens Activity Center
November 21, 2024 – Some notes from Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor…
I have certificates for any vets that gave me their info a couple weeks ago. Thank you for your service.
Monday is our Thanksgiving Dinner at 11am. Please bring a dish to pass. We are having turkey and ham! Also some live entertainment and a door prize !
Special days this week………….
Trivia Time is TUESDAY this next week at 11
LCR is also TUESDAY at noon
Monthly Birthday Party and Blood Pressure Clinic is Wed right after Bingo
Wed afternoon we are decorating the new center for Christmas and putting up the trees……..yes ….2 trees this year, also the golden agers will be up and ready to “adopt” We are also having a hot cocoa bar and snacks.
We are closed Thursday and Friday
Meal a Day will also be closed, but they are sending out extra food next week to cover the missed days so no one goes hungry.
Also we are down to the wire on the chili cook off sign ups, I have a few spots left if you would like to participate, It’s a great way to interact with our senior community.
Please note: the senior center has a new phone number 903-439-3720 and Meal A Day’s number is the same as before 903-885-1661
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues the City of Dallas for Ballot Measure Prohibiting Police from Enforcing Marijuana-Related Offenses
November 21, 2024 – Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the City of Dallas and local officials for adopting a city charter amendment that would illegally decriminalize marijuana-related offenses and prohibit police from enforcing Texas law.
Earlier this month, the City of Dallas adopted Proposition R, which “prohibits the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for marijuana possession or considering the odor of marijuana as probable cause for search or seizure.” However, municipalities cannot refuse to enforce Texas drug laws concerning possession and distribution of marijuana—an illicit substance that psychologists have increasingly linked to psychosis and other negative consequences. Texas Local Government Code forbids any political subdivision from adopting “a policy under which the entity will not fully enforce laws relating to drugs.” Further, the Texas Constitution makes it unlawful for municipalities to adopt ordinances that are inconsistent with the laws enacted by the Texas Legislature (Article XI, Section 5).
Attorney General Paxton said, “Cities cannot pick and choose which State laws they follow. The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them. This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.”
Attorney General Paxton has taken numerous actions to ensure that cities and political subdivisions follow the law and enforce prohibitions against illicit narcotics. In January 2024, he sued five cities for adopting illegal marijuana decriminalization policies that promote crime, drug abuse, and violence.
Everett Van Jennings Accumulates Additional Charges While in Jail
November 21, 2024 – Hopkins County resident Everett Van Jennings has accumulated three additional charges while in custody. The bond on these new charges total $1,125,000.
Jennings ran afoul of the law when several sports car where found in his garage. Those cars were reported as stolen. See the details by clicking here.
He was also arrested in connection with a stolen watercraft. See that story here.
A female associate of Jennings, Chelsea Clark, was also arrested for her involvement. See that story here.
Richard “Richie Rich” Lopez, another associate of Jennings, was arrest for his involvement. See that story here.
The most recent charges are as follows:
- Criminal Solicitation Capital Murder 1st Degree, $1,000,000 bond.
- Online Impersonation, $75,000 bond.
- Fraudulent Use or Possession of a Credit or Debit Card, $50,000 bond.
Jennings remains in Hopkins County Jail on a total bond just over 2 million.
The relevant penal code for his most concerning charge is 19.03(A)(3). Here is an excerpt from that code.
Anyone convicted of capital murder in Texas faces the possibility of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
