Enhanced DWI enforcement on Texas roads ahead of July 4
Posted by KSST Webmaster on 10:33 am in Featured | Comments Off on Enhanced DWI enforcement on Texas roads ahead of July 4
June 24, 2024 – Law Enforcement agencies across Texas are stepping-up their efforts to catch drunk drivers as Independence Day nears with all of its celebrations that often include alcohol.
State troopers, sheriff’s deputies, local police officers, and other lawmen began their enhanced DWI enforcement on Friday, and it will remain in place until July 7.
At the same time, the Texas Department of Transportation is rolling out its Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign ahead of July and August, the two months that TxDOT says are the deadliest when it comes to drunk driving.
The awareness campaign includes testimonials from the families of victims of drunk driving crashes including Shenica Trammell from San Antonio.
A drunk driver hit her 20 year old son Charles Trammell III as he changed a tire on a friend’s car in the Dallas area in August of 2022.
The impact sent the Texas Wesleyan University football player flying 60 feet off of an overpass to his death.
“He didn’t get a chance to live out his dreams of becoming a football coach and working in sports medicine,” Trammell said. “He didn’t have a chance to have kids or even get married all because someone made a thoughtless choice to drink and drive.”
TxDOT is featuring her family’s story in its Faces of Drunk Driving exhibit that’s part of the Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign.
The agency says the exhibit is, “traveling across Texas to showcase powerful first-person testimonial videos by survivors, offenders and those who’ve suffered the loss of a loved one due to a drunk driver.”
Texas Power Grid Energy Sources Monday
Posted by KSST Webmaster on 10:18 am in Headlines | Comments Off on Texas Power Grid Energy Sources Monday
June 24, 2024 – Here is a snapshot (10:30 AM) of the energy sources powering the Texas Power Grid today. Fossil fuel use is ahead of Solar and Wind.
A heat dome is a high-pressure system that, because physics, traps heat and keeps it there. That pressure system’s atmospheric energy is hard to bust up: The high pressure above is met with the rising heat below, which makes the system especially stubborn and slow-moving. A heat dome often suppress wind during the summer months, and make wind power generation difficult.
Majority of Texans Say an Electrical Grid Failure Could Come This Summer
Posted by KSST Webmaster on 10:00 am in Featured | Comments Off on Majority of Texans Say an Electrical Grid Failure Could Come This Summer
Nearly three years after Winter Storm Uri, Texans have little faith that the state’s electrical grid can weather the coming summer months.
Luca Cacciatore|June 21, 2024
A new poll from the University of Texas at Austin’s Texas Politics Project found that a majority of Texans believe an electrical grid failure could occur this summer.
Conducted between May 31 and June 9,the pollshowed that 17 percent of Texans think a grid failure this summer is likely, with 34 percent saying it is somewhat likely. Another 29 percent of respondents said it was not too likely, nine percent said not at all, and 10 percent were unsure.
The results come roughly three years after Winter Storm Uri rocked Texas, causing power outages across the state. During the peak of the crisis,at least 4.5 millionresidents were left without electricity.
Now, some lawmakers, trade groups, and industry giants are sounding the alarm over the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, an organization that operates Texas’ unique independent electrical grid covering most, but not all, of the state.
During aJune 10 hearingin the Texas House, Association of Electric Companies of Texas President and CEO Mark Bell defended ERCOT’s preparedness heading into this summer season but warned about future stressors.
“Already, we have seen a tremendous amount of storm activity, causing outages in every corner of our state,” explained Bell, “and we’re due for the most active Atlantic hurricane season that the NOAA [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] has ever predicted, with as many as 25 named storms and 13 hurricanes.
“Data centers in the DFW [Dallas-Fort Worth] area; semiconductors in Central Texas; industrial electrification in the Houston, Beaumont, and Port Arthur areas; oil and gas electrification in the Permian [Basin]; and population and commercial growth throughout our state present significant challenges for generation, transmission, and distribution,” he added.
The accompanying legislative debate primarily centers on how Texas can strengthen the grid and whether Texas should incorporate its independent electrical grid with the rest of the United States.
On one side is U.S. Rep.Greg Casar, a Democrat from Congressional District 35, who hasproposedfederal legislation to nationalize the grid. State Sen.Bob Hall(R-Edgewood), meanwhile, has vocally opposed nationalizing the grid and has instead suggestedother methodsof ensuring its reliability and security.
On Wednesday, Energy Alliance Policy Director Bill Peaco*ck penned acommentarywhere he attributed some of the state’s growing grid concerns to the costs of unreliable energy sources.
“Since 2014, the reliability of the Texas grid has collapsed as federal, state, and local subsidies for renewablesaveraged $2 billiona year,” wrote Peaco*ck. “Over the next five years, subsidies for traditional and renewable subsidies are expected to average at least $6.4 billion.”
Securing the grid is a top Republican Party of Texaspriorityfor the upcoming legislative session.
An overview of the priority specifically states the state should seek to ensure “the integrity of Texas electricity production and delivery of abundant, reliable, and resilient energy,” as well as ensure that “the Texas grid can withstand any natural or manmade threat to include weather, cyber, physical, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD).”
This article originally published here.
The Pests have Arrived From Master Gardener David Wall
Posted by Matt Janson on 12:30 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News | Comments Off on The Pests have Arrived From Master Gardener David Wall
June 23, 2024 – We’ve had our two weeks of spring while receiving Noah’s flood, both of which slowed pollinators. Now, the heat has set in, tomato pollination is slowing and insect pests have arrived. Not much we can do about the heat, but we can aid pollination by grasping the plant a few inches below the flowers and gently shaking the flowers and doing it daily. Now, what about the insect pests.
Among the worsts pest expected this year are aphids. They’re so small and inconspicuous, they’re often not noticed until damage is severe and perhaps unstoppable, thus ruining a particular crop, such as cucumbers. Fortunately, researchers discovered that an ingredient of Neem oil when sprayed on plant leaves, stops insects from feeding on those leaves. Further, it disrupts insect reproduction and is effective on some 200 insect species as well as destructive fungi and bacteria.
Additional advantages of using Neem oil are that it is non-toxic to birds, worms, mammals, bees, and plants. OK, if your garden is built over a pond, it’s toxic to fish! It has to be ingested to be effective, so insects that eat plant leaves will die.
Neem oil comes from neem trees which grow to 75’ and a 200-year life span in zones 10-12. Unfortunately, we’re in zone 8. Having said that, I’m sure some of you will get some seeds and see if you can successfully grow one. After all, numerous tree species throughout the U.S. are grown outside their natural growing zone. For the rest of us, a trip to a local nursery or store selling agricultural product will suffice.
The one big disadvantage of using Neem oil is its extremely short half-life. Users will have to reapply after every rain and/or every 7-14 days. Otherwise, it is a safe. Non-toxic product that works.
Paris District Road Report for Week of June 24, 2024
Posted by Matt Janson on 11:15 am in Headlines, News, Travel | Comments Off on Paris District Road Report for Week of June 24, 2024
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in the district for the week starting June 24, 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: Child Passenger Safety
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. While most people believe their children are properly buckled up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration points out that 46 percent of all car seats are misused. The best way to keep young children safe in your vehicle is to make sure they’re properly buckled up in a car seat. That means selecting a car seat that’s appropriate for a child’s age and size and installing it correctly.
TxDOT’s free safety seat inspections are available throughout the year. To schedule a car seat check-up with a TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist, visit SaveMeWithaSeat.organd enter your zip code to find the nearest TxDOT district office.
VisitSaveMeWithaSeat.org to find out more about how to keep your child safe. Drivers can also find out if a child should be in a rear-facing, forward-facing or booster seat and get other child passenger safety tips at the website.
Texas law requires that all children younger than eight, unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, be secured in a child safety seat whenever they ride in a vehicle. Older children who have outgrown a booster seat must be buckled with a seat belt. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250.
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 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. This work has an anticipated completion date of early August 2024. 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 lane shifts on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on building new main lanes, bridges, and retaining walls. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
Northbound US 75 traffic will be detoured onto the frontage road the night of July 1 and July 2 beginning at 7 p.m. in order to perform a traffic switch between Washington to Taylor Street. Workers will adjust the concrete barrier and pavement markings in order to move mainlane traffic into their permanent lanes. The closure is expected to be completed by 6 a.m. the following morning.
US 75, at the US 82 intersection. Watch for lane closures and lane shifts 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 construction of the new frontage road lanes and bridges.
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 perform base repairs, milling, and a pavement overlay.
Enterprise Road at Tributary to Harris Creek. Enterprise Road at the Tributary to Harris Creek is closed to through traffic as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use Wright Road, SH 289 and Plainview Road as the detour route.
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.
US 82, from SH 91 to FM 1417 in Sherman. Watch for a lane closure on westbound US 82 between Texoma Parkway and Loy Lake Road as workers install a center median concrete barrier to help prevent crossover head-on collisions.
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 westbound US 82 lanes at Harris Creek and on the eastbound lanes at Post Oak Creek. On this project, the contractor is also installing a center median concrete traffic barrier between FM 1417 and FM 131. Motorists should expect lane closures while this work is underway.
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 902, from US 377 to SH 289. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 2729, from SH 11 to FM 121. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
FM 2990, at the North Sulphur River bridge. Beginning on July 8 the FM 2990 bridge at the North Sulphur River will be closed to traffic permanently for removal as part of the new Lake Ralph Hall project. Traffic is asked to use SH 34 as the alternate route to FM 2990. Changeable message signs will be onsite to warn motorists of the upcoming closure.
FM 1753, at the Brushy Creek bridge. FM 1753 at the Brushy Creek bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning June 24 as crews remove and replace the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use FM 2645, FM 898, US 82, and FM 1752 as the detour route.
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. FM 274 at the Sandy Creek bridge is closed to thru traffic while the contractor replaces the existing bridge. During the closure traffic is asked to use FM 1753 and SH 78 as the detour.
SH 56 at Bois d’Arc Creek. SH 56 at Bois d’Arc creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of June 24, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing. Motorists should expect delays as signals control traffic through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and Caney Creek. SH 56 at Hutchins creek and Caney creek will be reduced to one lane with a signal in place to control traffic beginning the week of June 24, as crews will work to remove and replace the bridge railing as well as perform bridge repairs. 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 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 2554, from FM 273 to CR 2125. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform blade leveling on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 897, from US 82 to FM 1396. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform base repairs and blade leveling 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.
Franklin County: SH 37, from US 67 to FM 71. Watch for shoulder closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway as crews perform tree trimming operations.
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: IH 30. Watch for nighttime lane closures as crews perform repairs to concrete pavement.
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.
Loop 286, from US 271 North going west to FM 79. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures, lane shifts, crossing closures and merging traffic while crews place a bonded concrete surface and perform asphalt paving operations.
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.
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.
FM 2675, from Lamar County line to FM 128. Watch for temporary lane closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
SH 19 at South Sulphur and South Sulphur Relief. Watch for temporary shoulder closures while crews perform bridge maintenance.
Red River County:
CR 2127 at Scatter Creek. Watch for temporary roadway closure and a detour while crews replace existing bridge structure.
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.
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 34, from FM 1570 to FM 2101. The contractor has set barricades and work zone signs. The contractor has completed the flexible pavement repair on the main lanes and shoulders. The contractor is working on finishing the placement of HMA overlay on the northbound and southbound lanes. Contractor has placed temporary striping and is backfilling pavement edges throughout the project. 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 will add shoulders and replace drainage structures. The contractor has set barricades and has begun some prep right of way work in the area. SW3P devices will be installed soon. The contractor is waiting on soil conditions to dry out. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 11, from Culver Street to Live Oak. The contractor has placed work zone signs and barricades. Fencing installation and grate work is ongoing. Final signal work is underway, barrels and barricades have been removed to open lanes. Final punchlist items are underway. Oncor is working to supply power to the signal lights. 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 been working on cross culverts and culvert extensions on the project and placing flexbase and placing geogrid at various locations. Driveways are ongoing and are being completed by section of work. Contractor is waiting on dryer soil conditions. 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. Excavation work for the detour is ongoing. The contractor has been working on the placement of storm sewer and culverts will continue along FM 2642 north of I-30 towards SH 66 with embankment and excavation work. The contractor is placing geogrid and flexbase on FM 2642 near Royse City high school moving north. The contractor placed barrier and crash cushions on FM35. Contractor will perform night work on June 24 for proposed culvert placement. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2649, from I-30 to FM 1567. The contractors has set barricades and work zone traffic signs. Cross culvert work is complete. The contractor has begun work on the final section of roadway, this work will begin with subgrade widening and treating the subgrade and vegetation establishment. Driveway pipes were being installed along with striping for the completed section. Grading and seeding will be completed soon. 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 westbound I-30 main lanes have been realigned to detour paving around the existing westbound I-30 main lane bridge over FM 1570. This detour will remain in place until the new FM 1570 overpass is constructed. During the realignment, all I-30 westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and diverted to the frontage road from Exit 89 (FM 1570) to FM 1903. The westbound frontage road at FM 1903 is one-way only along with the frontage roads along the project corridor. Traffic on FM 1903 from north of I-30 will have to turn right on the westbound frontage road and travel to State Highway 36 in order access I-30 east. The contractor plans to place more barriers and perform main lane widening and drainage work in the area. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Intersection Improvements from CR2511 to FM 1565: The contractor has begun prep right of way work and will begin setting barrier and low-profile barricades soon. Contractor is working on excavating and widening of the shoulders for phase 1 and placing RCP for temporary drainage on detours. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair work throughout Hunt and Rains County. Both crews are working on various roads in Hunt and Rains Counties placing seal coat.
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Posted by Matt Janson on 3:15 pm in Headlines, Hopkins County News, Lifestyle, News, Video Interviews | Comments Off on Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino sat Down with John Mark Dempsey on the Latest Second Cup of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup of Coffee with John Mark Dempsey, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Mario Villarino visited with John Mark. The two discussed the rainfall amounts we have been experiencing, the importance of the 4H program, fish that help with weeds in ponds, and more. Be sure to check it out below.
Tables Go on Sale for Designer Handbag Bingo
Posted by Matt Janson on 2:30 pm in Community Events, Featured, Headlines, Lifestyle, Medical News, News | Comments Off on Tables Go on Sale for Designer Handbag Bingo
June 21, 2024 – Sulphur Springs, TX –
Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 22 as that is the day tables for Designer Handbag Bingo go on sale. Tables, which are reserved, cost $575 and seat 8 players.
Each player will receive a packet that includes cards for the 10 rounds of regular play, a drink ticket that can be used for a soda, wine, or margarita, a drawing entry for the door prizes, a Plain & Fancy sandwich with chips, and water.
The event is held at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Doors open at 5 pm and play begins at 6 pm.
This event is likely to sell out well in advance. Players must be 21 or over to play. Tickets are not sold at the door.
Proceeds fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women over 40 years old.
To purchase a table, visit handbagbingo24.givesmart.com, and for more information, email [emailprotected] or call 903-438-4799.
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Picture is from a previous Handbag Bingo event.
Registration is now Underway for Hopkins County Genealogical Society Genealogy Lock In July 13th
Posted by Matt Janson on 2:15 pm in Community Events, Headlines, Hopkins County News, Hopkins County Records, Lifestyle, School News | Comments Off on Registration is now Underway for Hopkins County Genealogical Society Genealogy Lock In July 13th
June 21, 2024 – Registration is now underway for the next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Genealogy Lock In event which will be held July 13, 2024. Space is limited. Register now for the opportunity to perform after-hours genealogical research with access to computers, books, volunteer assistance, and more. Cost is a $15 donation. There will be door prizes! A lite complimentary supper will be offered. For more information, or to register, please call 903-885-8523.
Texas to begin construction this year on seven new psychiatric hospital projects
Posted by KSST Webmaster on 9:59 am in Headlines | Comments Off on Texas to begin construction this year on seven new psychiatric hospital projects
By Stephen Simpson, The Texas Tribune
June 20, 2024
Texas will begin building seven new state psychiatric hospital projects this year as it continues to attempt to address the mental health crisis.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission projects are funded by $1.5 billion, which lawmakers approved in 2023 to expand, renovate and build new facilities across the state. The agency owns and operates nine state hospitals and one residential treatment center for youth.
Gov. Greg Abbott detailed the plans in a press release Thursday.
“Last year, I signed a law to provide crucial funding to expand and build new, modern mental health facilities throughout Texas,” Abbott said. “These new state hospital projects will help ensure that Texans experiencing a mental health issue have access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments to address their needs.”
A majority of these funds will be used to construct the new Panhandle State Hospital in Amarillo and the Lubbock Psychiatric Center, as well as a 250-bed replacement for the Terrell State Hospital and a 200-bed replacement for the North Texas State Hospital in Wichita Falls.
Around $120 million will be used to add a 50-bed maximum-security unit at the Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen, and $15 million will be used to add a 40-bed maximum-security unit at the San Antonio State Hospital. The state is also planning to buy land to expand the current El Paso Psychiatric Center by 50 non-maximum-security beds.
State hospitals treat mostly forensic patients — people transferred from county jails or the state prison system because they were determined to be incompetent to stand trial or because a jury found them not guilty by reason of insanity.
In 2023, a little over 60% of adults treated inside state hospitals came from the criminal justice system, either from county jails or the prison system.
Over the past two decades, the state has reported a 38% increase in people who are found incompetent to stand trial. And as of last year, more than 2,300 people were waiting in Texas county jails for months and sometimes more than a year for the kind of intense therapy and medication treatment available only through the state’s psychiatric hospital system.
At the urging of county jail officials, state lawmakers undertook a massive funding operation to repair or build new state psychiatric facilities. Since 2017, lawmakers have provided $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas.
Replacement hospitals in Austin and San Antonio have already had their grand openings, and both are expected to be up in running later this summer.
“We are extremely proud of the transformation of our state hospital system and the opportunities being created,” said Deputy Executive Commissioner for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Health and Specialty Care System Scott Schalchlin in a news release. “These projects will improve the well-being of even more people across the state. We’re not just building hospitals — we’re rebuilding lives.”
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/06/20/texas-hospitals-mental-health/.
Texas State Parks Offers Seven Summer Heat Safety Tips
Posted by KSST Webmaster on 9:54 am in Headlines | Comments Off on Texas State Parks Offers Seven Summer Heat Safety Tips
June 20, 2024
AUSTIN – Rising temperatures and the month of June signal the arrival of the dog days of summer. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, Texas State Parks is sharing seven tips to help Texans beat the heat and enjoy their time in the outdoors safely.
Last year, 48 state parks reported 156 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets, but this year could well eclipse that. State parks have already fielded 51 heat-related incidents since Jan. 1, compared to 32 reported by this time last year.
Here are the top seven heat hacks recommended for park visitors:
Hydrate-It’s important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour to prevent dehydration. Don’t forget to bring enough for your four-legged family members too.
Block the Rays-Apply a generous amount of sunscreen or sunblock before heading outdoors. Be sure to reapply every couple of hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Dress Smart-Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing; a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen and wet bandanas to keep you cool while in the sun. For pets, protect paws against blistering by hitting the trails during cooler times of the day when the ground isn’t hot or by putting booties on pets to help shield paws from the hot ground. Touch the pavement or ground with the back of your hand. If you cannot hold it there for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Stay Salty-Food helps keep up energy and replace salt lost from sweating. Eating snacks such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit is a fantastic way to nourish your body while on the trails.
Buddy System-Two brains are better than one. It’s beneficial to have someone with you in hot conditions so you can look after each other on the trail. With high temperatures hitting Texas, heat-related illnesses are common and having a friend around to help recognize the early symptoms can save you from getting sick.
Plan Ahead-Study the map and have it with you. Avoid relying on your phone for maps since service may be unavailable in back-country areas. Average hikers move at two miles per hour, so allow yourself plenty of time to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Make sure to rest in a cool or shaded area to recover from the heat if necessary. It is also a good idea to let someone know your plan before you hit the trails and what time you should be back. That way, if you become lost, people know where to look.
Pup-Safety-Dogs are as susceptible to heat as their humans are, so it is good practice to ensure that you bring enough water and snacks for four-legged hiking buddies to last the entirety of the trip.
Additionally, visitors should heed notices posted at trailheads about site-specific conditions before setting out for the day. The park websites and staff are also a valuable resource for folks wanting to know about trail and forecasted conditions before starting their walk. Park alerts on the website are updated regularly and are a valuable resource for visitors prior to arrival at the park.
For more information aboutheat safety, visit the TPWD website.
Texas State Park reservations can be made by calling the Texas State Park Reservation Center at (512) 389-8900 on weekdays during normal business hours. You can also reserve a campsite or day pass anytimeonline. Overnight reservations can be made up to five months in advance, and day passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park as we do expect parks to reach capacity limits.
Find a park in your area athttp://texasstateparks.org/.
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