Camp County • US 271 - From FM 3417 to SL 179, resurfacing road. Lane, shoulder closures Cass County • SH8–AtSulphurRiver,replacingbridges.Possiblelane closures Morris County • I-30 – Eastbound at Exit 178, US 259, ramp rehabilitation, lane closure Titus County • US271–AtDicksonCreek,BigSloughCreek,White Oak Creek & White Oak Creek Relief, replacing bridges • US 271 - From FM 3417 to SL 179, resurfacing road.

The Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College is pleased to announce that it has added a special performance by the popular a cappella country music group Home Free to its 2024 lineup. The concert will be held on Tuesday, March 26th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for NTCC students with ID and children 17 and under. Ticket sales begin January 22nd at www.whatleycenter. com or by phone at 903-434-8181.

E ach new day brings the potential for change, even amid the routine of the daily grind. When people start the day with positive thoughts, it can affect how they behave and see themselves throughout the day, and may even benefit their overall health.

The Texas Railroad Commission has suspended nearly two dozen permits that allow oil and gas companies to inject saltwater into the ground, which regulators say has contributed to increased earthquakes of greater magnitude in West Texas. The Austin American Statesman reported the 23 disposal wells hold hundreds of thousands of barrels of produced water, which is a toxic brine.

The Adult Education Department at Northeast Texas Community College is accepting new and returning students for its GED (General Educational Development) and ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. Those interested in participating in either of these free educational programs should call to make an appointment for registration beginning January 8, 2024. While classes are offered in various convenient locations around the area, all registration will be held at the Community Resource Center ( formerly MPISD Administration Building) at 105 N. Riddle Street in Mount Pleasant. Please call 903-434-8341 for an appointment. In-person, remote, and online self-paced options will be available. For more information and updates, like Adult Education Program at Northeast Texas Community College on Facebook. Classes are scheduled to begin January 22, 2024.

If you are a bit anxious due to next week’s severe winter predictions from the National Weather Service for East Texas, you’re not alone. Be prepared. Winter storm Uri in February 2021 resulted in over 500,000 insurance claims and tens of billions of dollars in storm-related expenses due to power loss, infrastructure damage, and other economic factors according to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office. While natural disasters and severe weather often inspire people to help those in need, unfortunately, they also bring out dishonest individuals and disreputable businesses who attempt to take advantage of those who need assistance. Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds people to watch out for people who make a living by taking advantage of others.

The City of Mount Pleasant has launched a new QR code-based emergency communication program called SCAN: Safe Citizens Alert Network. While the City urges residents to sign up for the free Civic Ready alert system, SCAN is in place to quickly distribute emergency information that is specific to City of Mount Pleasant citizens without reliance upon third party sources.

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Linda Alston, Mike Clifton and Melissa Bratton Robinson were the first inductees to Chapel Hill ISD’s Hall of Fame. See page 2 for more.