Concrete repairs begin July 8 to US 75 and US 82 Howe Youth Football signups online

PARIS – The Texas Department of Transportation today announced that O Trevino Construction LLC will begin full-depth concrete repairs July 8 at the southeast and northeast frontage road intersections of US 75 and US 82 in Sherman

TxDOT officials expect the contractor to complete this work in about one week, weather permitting, at an estimated cost of more than $105,000. The contractor will perform full-depth concrete repairs in four stages at these intersections

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes while this work is underway, and avoid these areas if possible This work will require several temporary lane closures and ramp closures Ramp 642A for westbound US 82 will be closed, and traffic will detour to Ramp 642B The contractor will conduct the work on weekdays only, all lanes and ramps will be open for traffic Friday afternoon and on the weekend.

Motorists who travel in these areas frequently are asked to pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, obey flaggers and reduce their speed They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems

Howe Youth Football Commissioner Chris Campbell announced that those interested in signing up to play youth football this fall can now register at www.leaguelineup.com and searching for Howe Youth Football.

Registration is $90 for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Budget

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Shephard says that the new full time position in the utility department will free up Bert Dowlen in the code enforcement department to spend more time in that area instead of utilities.

In the budget, the solid waste charges went up by $15,349 Shephard explained that it was due to three new houses that are currently being built and that expense will actually wash due to the new homes being charged that amount

Haigis said that the best thing that's been done in Howe recently is going to the new progressive trash pick up system Shephard says that he's seen the trash driver go above and beyond to pick up trash around the city.

"We do get some complaints, but for the most part, that guy really does try hard." said Shephard.

The trash contract goes through 2017 and at that point will be sent out for bid

Shepard said that Howe has the highest water rates in the county and will be for a long time City Secretary Joy Stevens did a rate study with different cities

"We're not too far off from some other cities." said Stevens.

"The monthly bill for citizens here are higher than anywhere else. We know that and we're not denying that." said Shephard.

The city utility bill not only includes water, but solid waste, and sewer Shephard said that there is no plans to raise the bill in the future

Mayor Stanley said that it would take a year before seeing what the results are from the apartments taking on some relief of the citizens' water bill and spreading out the totals

"I would like to go on the record to say that someday I would love to see us be able to lower our water rate." said French. "I don't know if it can be done. I think if the city administration ever wants to look like heroes to the senior residents of this town, a water reduction would do that Anything in that direction would help "

In conclusion, the council showed no objections to the budget and it is scheduled to be approved in September should all of the tax revenue be confirmed If formally approved, the two jobs that are currently part-time would go fulltime as of October 1