Attorney General Paxton Uncovers Illegal Activities by EPIC City Developers
October 14, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the identification of evidence that entities connected to the East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”) land development project violated federal and state securities laws and regulations. Attorney General Paxton has formally requested that the Texas State Securities Board (“TSSB”) immediately review the findings and refer the matter back to the Office of the Attorney General in order to file a lawsuit against those who broke the law.
“After a thorough investigation, it has become clear that the developers behind EPIC City flagrantly and undeniably violated the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The bad actors behind this illegal scheme must be held accountable for ignoring state and federal regulations. In accordance with state law, the TSSB should review our findings and refer this matter to me for further legal action.”
In March, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into EPIC City. He then expanded the investigation and requested documents from local municipalities and other entities that may have coordinated with those involved in the unlawful development. This thorough investigation revealed that certain people and entities affiliated with EPIC City violated state and federal securities law.
In order to sue and hold the parties behind EPIC City accountable, the Office of the Attorney General must receive a referral from the Texas State Securities Board. Attorney General Paxton has invited Chairman E. Wally Kinney and Commissioner Travis J. Iles to examine the initial findings and corresponding evidence that demonstrates the EPIC City development project violated the law and subsequently refer the matter back to the Attorney General’s office for further legal action if the TSSB agrees with the office’s findings.
Data Center Water Use in Texas Remains Unclear Amid Limited Reporting
October 14, 2025 – State officials say Texas still does not have a clear picture of how much water its rapidly growing data center industry is consuming, raising concerns about resource management in one of the nation’s most drought-prone states.
A spokesperson for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) confirmed that the state lacks a comprehensive list of data centers, though estimates place the total between 350 and 400 facilities. In 2024, the agency sent about 70 surveys to data centers requesting monthly water-use data and supplier information. Only 18 companies responded.
While data centers are legally required to complete the TWDB survey, failure to do so carries a modest penalty—up to $500 per violation. The agency has not disclosed how many fines, if any, have been issued.
Data centers, essential to powering cloud computing and artificial intelligence, rely heavily on water for cooling. Many companies have adopted closed-loop cooling systems to reduce usage, but others cite proprietary technology and business confidentiality to withhold details about their operations.
With drought conditions frequently affecting Texas, accurate water data is vital for long-term planning and conservation. Without improved reporting, experts warn that state officials could be underestimating industrial demand in areas already facing tight water supplies.
Governor Abbott Honors Fentanyl Victims At 3rd Annual Fentanyl Awareness Walk In San Antonio
October 14, 2025 | San Antonio, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott yesterday honored the hard work of Texas families and community members raising awareness of the nationwide fentanyl crisis at the 3rd Annual “Soles 4 Souls” Fentanyl Awareness Walk.
“We will continue to grow this movement until we purge fentanyl forever in the United States of America,” said Governor Abbott. “There’s an unfortunate fact that we all must understand—there’s more work to be done. All I can ask is that you take the message you learned today and expand it tenfold around San Antonio, around Texas, making our city and our state an ever safer place.”
The Governor was joined at the annual walk by San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones, “Soles Walking 4 Souls” Directors Kathy Drago and Christina Villagrana, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, San Antonio Police Department Chief of Police William McManus, KSAT-TV News Anchor Courtney Friedman, and other fentanyl poisoning awareness advocates.
Since the Texas Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law House Bill 3144 in 2023, Governor Abbott has proclaimed every October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month to raise awareness and educate Texans about the dangers of fentanyl to save more lives. The Governor also issued a proclamation designating October 12-18, 2025, as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Week to teach Texas children about deadly fentanyl and live-saving lessons to protect their lives and their futures.
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott announced the launch of an online interactive map by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that pinpoints where Texans can acquire for free or purchase life-saving Naloxone (NARCAN) as part of the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign. This tool will help Texans locate over-the-counter NARCAN to prevent fentanyl poisonings and help save lives.
Since the launch of Texas’ “One Pill Kills” campaign, the state has seen a positive impact in the lives of Texans. New data published by DSHS on the Texas fentanyl data dashboard shows that fentanyl poisoning deaths from July 2024 through June 2025 decreased by more than 42% when compared with the previous 12 months. The decreases come after five straight years of increases, which saw fentanyl-related poisoning deaths in Texas rise over 600% from 2019 to 2023, taking the lives of more than 7,000 innocent Texans in just four years.
The Co-Chairs of the 2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way Dropped by for a Chat on This Second Cup Of Coffee
October 13, 2025 – The Co-Chairs of the 2025 Hopkins County United Way, Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, sat down with John Mark Dempsey to chat about the United Way campaign on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Learn how your local United Way is helping your community, see what’s new with them this year, and find out how you can help them out on this interesting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee.
Halloween Candy Prices Seem Scary This Year
October 13, 2025 – Halloween candy is noticeably more expensive this year compared to 2024, driven largely by soaring cocoa and ingredient costs. The price of chocolate has more than doubled since early 2024, and the Consumer Price Index for candy and gum is up roughly 8 percent.
Retailers are passing these costs onto consumers, and shoppers may encounter “shrinkflation” — smaller bags or fewer pieces in familiar packaging at similar prices. Many manufacturers are also shifting emphasis toward less expensive non-chocolate sweets like gummies and licorice, which have smaller price bumps.
Is “fun size” is really all that ‘fun’? It’s subjective, as some people appreciate the convenience and portion control for a modest treat, while others find them disappointing because they are smaller and sometimes perceived as being of lower quality. The name itself is a marketing term, and the appeal often depends on individual preference, the specific candy, and the context of consumption.
In 2024, a 48-count box of full-size chocolate bars cost around $40, while this year similar boxes are selling for more than $50. Fun-size chocolate bags have also risen roughly $5 over last year.
To stretch Halloween budgets, many households are turning to alternatives. Bulk buys, generic or store-brand candy, and non-chocolate treats can be solid cost-saving options. Some plan to mix in more gummies, fruit chews, or novelty non-candy items. Others are shopping earlier to lock in lower prices before costs climb further.
This year, candy lovers may have to accept fewer chocolates or experiment with sweeter—but cheaper—alternatives in their Halloween hauls.
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Traveled to Celina, Texas, October 10th for Football Action
October 12, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Celina, Texas, to play football with the Celina Bobcats on Friday, October 10th, 2025. Below is KSST’s coverage of this intense game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Before the game started, four experts parachuted onto the football field. This was Celina’s Homecoming game. Be sure to check out this intense high school football game below.
St. Philip’s Fall Fest and Hot Dog Cookout to be Held October 22nd
October 12, 2025 – St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will host a Fall Fest and Hot Dog Cookout on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The event will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, in the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church parking lot located at 1206 College Street, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Hot Dogs and drinks will be provided along with music and games. Everyone is welcome.
Paris District Road Report for October 13, 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 13, 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.
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. 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, 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. 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.
FM 697, from Cave Rd to Crews Rd. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up operations on the roadway surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 from Huff Rd to Gibbons Rd. 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.
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.
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 lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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.
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.
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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Ladies-Only Breast Health Event, Celebrate “the girls” to be Held October 13th
October 12, 2025 – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation invites the public to our ladies-only breast health event, Celebrate “the girls”, on Monday, October 13th. The party will be from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Road. There will be refreshments, door prizes, and educational resources for breast health.
Johanna Hicks will lead a demonstration of self-exams using a prosthetic breast model allowing ladies to learn how to detect lumps by touch and Stefany Walton from the Ruth and Jack Gillis Women’s Center will talk a bit about the importance of mammograms. The ladies of the Breast Cancer Support Group are the hostesses.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation and the Ladies of the Breast Cancer Support Group hope to teach ladies how to monitor their breast health and show them there is a future beyond breast cancer.
Chamber Connection – October 8, 2025
By Butch Burney
Now’s the time to avoid the lines and get your tickets for the 56th Annual Hopkins County Stew Contest, with title sponsor Alliance Bank, on Oct. 25.
Tickets are available online at HopkinsChamber.org, at the Chamber of Commerce office at 110 Main Street, and at our local lending institutions (banks and credit unions).
Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to keep tickets prices for the Stew Contest the same as the last several years — $8 for adults and teenagers, and free for all children 12 years and under!
Signature Solar is providing the Kids Eat Free sponsorship, so thanks to them for being such a great community partner.
Stew service starts at 10:45 a.m. the morning of the contest and we have more than 170 sites at Buford Park signed up to cook and serve you stew!
But wait, that’s not all you’ll get for your ticket. We also have 28 vendors who will have merchandise and baked goods for you to shop. Thank you, Red River Credit Union for being our market sponsor
But wait, that’s not all. We also have a Fun Zone, sponsored by One Church, where kids can play Gellyball and other games next to Kids Kingdom.
But wait, that’s not all. Come out Friday night for our concert from Dubb and the Luv Machines, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Friday night activities are sponsored by City National Bank.
For stew cooks, bag pickup is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the Chamber office, and our Stewcomers Meeting (for first year cooks) will be 5:30 p.m. at the Buford Park pavilion.
Window Decorating Contest
The Chamber is hosting a window decorating contest for the Stew Festival. There is no charge to enter, just let us know that your business is competing so it can be judged.
The theme for the Stew Contest this year is the Wizard of Oz and There’s No Place Like Hopkins County. The contest began on Sept. 15 and windows will be judged on Oct. 16.
If you’d like to take part in this fun contest, call us at 903-885-6515 or email us at [email protected].
The winner of the contest will get, among other things, the opportunity to ring the dinner bell on stage at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, to signal the start of the stew service!
Uncorked: Wine, Art and Music Festival
Come downtown on Saturday, Oct. 11, for Uncorked, a wine festival that is more than just tasty spirits. The festival will also include more than 30 vendors, food trucks and live music.
There will be 11 wineries downtown for tasting and bottle purchases, as well.
Visit uncorkedsstx.org for all the ticket options. The festivities start on Friday, Oct. 10, with events that include a chef’s dinner and happy hour festival kickoff.
On Saturday, in addition to general admission tickets, you can purchase tickets for a history walk, boozy brunch, flower art, mural painting and picnic, a mimosa bar, gourmet picnic and reserved tables, Main Street Theatre comedy, and a silent disco.
Help-a-Child Benefit
The 18th annual Help-a-Child Benefit is set for Oct. 17-18 at the Hopkins County Civic Center with chili, brisket, raffles and other activities.
The ag team competition build off is set for Friday, Oct. 17, at the Equine Pavilion parking lot.
On Saturday, the day opens with a chili and brisket contest. The livestock show starts at 9 a.m., followed two hours later by the ag mechanic show and silent auctions.
Chili and brisket will be served starting at 11:30 a.m. at $10 all you can eat, and auction for the project show begins at 12:30 p.m.
You can also buy chances to win a Kubota RTV X with trailer.
All proceeds benefit the NET Child Advocacy Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, Hunt County CASA, Lake Country CASA and Masonic Lodge Scholarship Program.
Sunrise Social
Join us for a networking event when Jasmine Lemons hosts a Sunrise Social on Friday, Oct. 10, at Holiday Inn Express, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is free to everyone, and a prime time to make friends and contacts.
Please make plans to attend to enjoy some breakfast foods and great conversation.
Alamo Letter Dedication
A ceremony to mark the establishment on the downtown plaza of a monument for Travis’ Letter from the Alamo will take place the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 18. Starting at 2 p.m., the ceremony will unveil the bronze plaque placed at the base of the Texas flag in front of the Courthouse.
The ceremony will feature keynote speaker Rosser Coke Newton, co-chairman of the Texas Alamo Letter Society, playing of El Deguello by Kelly Fletcher, and reenactment of the recruitment of the Gonzales Rangers (the Immortal 32) who answered Travis’ call for help.
William Barrett Travis, commander of the forces at the Alamo, sent the letter on Feb. 24, 1836 to “The people of Texas and all Americans in the world,” asking for reinforcements. He ended the letter with the famous vow, If this call is neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor & that of his country – Victory or Death.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Ribbon Cutting
Glow and Go Lighting will have a ribbon cutting at the Chamber office, 110 Main St., at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. Please join us for this event.
Rich Cavaness will have a ribbon cutting for his American National insurance office at the Chamber office at 110 Main St., at noon on Friday, Oct. 17.
Jimmy Houston Outdoors Big Bass RV and Boat Storage will have a ribbon cutting at their facility, 3944 State Highway 154 in Yantis. The event is set for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, part of their grand opening.
