Rockwall County, TX - Commissioners Court

TxDOT is finishing the main lane striping between Bass Pro and Dalrock beginning Monday night July 29.

All lanes of east and westbound I-30 will close and traffic detours to the Frontage Road bridges between Bass Pro Drive and Dalrock Road at:
9pm Monday, July 29 through 5am Tuesday, July 30
9pm Tuesday, July 30 through 5am Wednesday, July 31
9pm Wednesday, July 31 through 5am Thursday, August 1
9pm Thursday, August 1 through 5am Friday, August 2

The Horizon Bridge Partial Demolition is scheduled for Friday night August 2 and Saturday night August 3. They will remove part of Horizon Bridge (right shoulder and adjacent lane) above I-30 eastbound lanes on Friday night and then remove the rest of the right shoulder and adjacent lane above I-30 westbound lanes on Saturday night.

The partial demolition graphics show the new lane markings have already been completed across Horizon Bridge.
- Access to Lakefront Trail and Shoreline Trail will be closed (near EXIT 67A from EB I-30) from 9pm Friday Aug 2 through 9am Aug 3. This also means traffic from Lakefront Trail and Shoreline Trail will be unable to access the Frontage Rd during these times.

- All lanes of eastbound I-30 will close and detour at Horizon Rd (EXIT 67A) from 10pm Friday, Aug 2 through 9am Saturday, Aug 3 to allow for Horizon bridge partial removal. TxDOT plans to maintain one westbound I-30 lane during this time.

- All lanes at westbound I-30 (EXIT 67) will close and detour before Horizon Road from 10pm Saturday, Aug 3 through 9am Sunday, Aug 4 to allow for Horizon bridge partial removal. TxDOT plans to maintain one I-30 eastbound lane during this time.

- The TxDOT detour map for Friday, Aug 2 and Saturday, Aug 3 shows that Horizon Rd and Ridge Rd traffic will be detoured before I-30.

The Horizon Rd interchange is scheduled to be completed in late 2026.

CASA volunteers can advocate for children’s education by helping teachers, coaches, counselors and school administrators understand a child’s foster care status and the unique challenges they face as a result.
Join us this Thursday July 24th at 12pm via Zoom and learn how you can become part of the CASA family.

Please RSVP to [email protected] for the Zoom link.

We have entered a phase of road construction on I-30 that is affecting travel throughout Rockwall County, especially over the bridge into Dallas County. The cities of Rockwall, Fate and Royse City along with the County will keep you informed of everything we are provided by TxDOT regarding this ongoing project. Please continue reading our updates via social media. Pay attention to detours and follow the directions on the digital message boards and signs along the roadways. If you would like to receive Nixle Alerts on your cell phone about road closures, please send a text message from your phone with the keyword "RCOEM" to the number 888777. Road closure messages are only sent between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Stay Alert! Stay Patient!

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: I-30 DETOURS NIGHTLY AT BASS PRO DRIVE AND HORIZON ROAD IN ROCKWALL STARTING JULY 29

ROCKWALL COUNTY – Weather permitting, the following closures are scheduled as part of the ongoing I-30 corridor improvement project in Rockwall:

• All lanes of east and westbound I-30 will close and traffic will detour to the frontage roads between Bass Pro Drive and Dalrock Road from 9 p.m. Monday, July 29 through 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 30 and again Tuesday through Thursday nights.

• Access to Lakefront Trail and Shoreline Trail will be closed at I-30 from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 through 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

• All lanes of eastbound I-30 will close and detour at Horizon Road from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug 3 to allow for bridge removal.

• All lanes of westbound I-30 will close and detour at Horizon Road from 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 through 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 to allow for bridge removal.

There will be limited access from local streets to the frontage roads during these times. Drivers should plan ahead for delays and extra travel time on both the local road and I-30 detours.

After these closures, traffic will stay in a similar configuration before construction. The Horizon Road interchange is scheduled to be completed in late 2026.

As progress continues, check drivetexas.org for daily lane closures. Any major scheduled closures will be announced in advance, and there is an option to sign up for text alerts.

As a part of the $313 million I-30 corridor expansion project, new frontage road bridges will be constructed across Lake Ray Hubbard from Dalrock Road and SH 205. Other projects will widen I-30 and add continuous frontage roads throughout Rockwall County. The work is part of TxDOT’s Texas Clear Lanes effort to relieve congestion in major metropolitan areas.

Figure 1: The detour map for Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3. Horizon Road and Ridge Road traffic will be detoured before I-30. Access to Lakefront Trail and Shoreline Trail will be closed at I-30 from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 through 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

Please see below for planned lane closures on the referenced project on IH 30 for this week:

The contractor will be performing several lane closures this week to place temporary markings and remove temporary barrier on the project. The focus area will be the eastbound (EBML) and westbound main lanes (WBML) of IH 30 between FM 2642 and FM 548 in Royse City.

Monday, July 22:
(1) IH 30 WBML Various lanes will be closed from the FM 2642 Exit Ramp to the westbound frontage road to Exit 77A, the off ramp to FM 548. Re-striping. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Tuesday, July 23:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure over FM 548. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Wednesday, Jul 24:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure before FM 548 and ended at FM 35. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Thursday, Jul 25:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure over FM 35. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Friday, Jul 26:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure starting east of FM 35 and ending before exit to FM 2642. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Sunday, Jul 28:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure starting east of FM 35 and ending before exit to FM 2642. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Not July-like this week.

But July-like next week.

UPDATE: DART SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPACTED DUE TO ACCIDENT IN DOWNTOWN DALLAS’ CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

DART’s team is working to restore service following a major accident that occurred early on July 21, 2024 where a fire engine fell from the highway onto the DART tracks below near Interstate 345 and South Good Latimer Expressway. DART’s team mobilized quickly implementing 14 shuttle buses to replace train service in the area. We will increase the number to 21 buses, tomorrow, Monday, July 22, to serve passengers as train service will not resume in the Downtown Dallas’ Central Business District due on ongoing repairs.

Because of this ongoing work, customers should expect substantial delays during their morning commute. These delays could potentially extend into the afternoon rush hour depending on the extent of the repairs needed.

There will be bus shuttles available for passengers who are travelling within the Central Business District at the following locations:

• Cityplace/Uptown
• Deep Ellum
• Pearl/Arts District
• West End
• EBJ/Union
• Victory

These buses will service the stations listed above in place of the usual light rail service and will help passengers make connections to light rail trains. Passengers who are serviced at St Paul and Akard stations will have a shuttle service that connects them to the bus bridge.

Passengers are asked to look for DART personnel and signage as they travel through the Central Business area, add in additional time for their travel, and when possible: utilize alternate forms of transportation.

For passengers who use the Orange line between City Place/Uptown and Parker Road stations, please note that you should board Red Line trains to make your connections. Once in the Central Business District, board the bus bridge to your final destination. Please note passengers going to DFW airport should board the shuttle to get to Victory station and then board the orange line to get to the airport.

DART will continue to monitor this incident and work as quickly and safely as possible to resume regular services. To stay informed, please contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, find service updates on the DART GoPass app, or sign up for DART Service Alerts at DART.org.

Construction is underway for the new County Annex Building on Yellowjacket Lane. This will cause some traffic disruptions as they tie in utilities. Signage will be in place warning of the traffic pattern changes. By the way, there is an alternative entrance/exit off TL Townsend to the Courthouse and Library.

Phase 1 Anticipated:
Fourth week of July-August 6, 2024, 9:00AM to 3:00 PM- The Traffic Control Plan will be in place during these hours and will be set aside with road plates installed overnight.

Phase 2 Anticipated:
August 7-August 10, 2024, 9:00AM to 3:00 PM- The Traffic Control Plan will be in place during these hours and will be set aside with road plates installed overnight.

Phase 2 Anticipated (School in Session):
August 12-August 19, 2024, 9:00AM to 3:00 PM- The Traffic Control Plan will be in place during these hours and will be set aside with road plates installed overnight.

The Rockwall Police Department has been made aware of scammers calling residents posing as officers and threatening them with arrest unless payment is made for outstanding traffic warrants.
To be clear, most of the legitimate correspondence violators receive will be in the form of US mail or a door hanger. If you are called, the warrant officer will never ask for payment over the phone, but will instead direct you to call the Rockwall Municipal Court directly at 972-772-6478 and ask for the warrant clerk.
Additionally, we will not ask for payment in the form of bitcoin or gift cards.
If you are ever suspicious about a caller, hang up and dial the court directly at the number above to get proper help regarding outstanding warrants.

Aunt Myrta’s Little Friends Visit the post for more.

Cars for CASA 2024

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the Metro East Division of the Dallas Builders Association hosted its 19th annual Cars for CASA auto show at the Rockwall County Courthouse to raise money for Lone Star CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). At a luncheon on Thursday, July 18, 2024, Metro East presented CASA with a check for $88,000.00!

That money will help Lone Star CASA volunteers to continue to advocate in the courtroom, school and other settings for the best interest of the child they are representing, help them stay connected with their families and communities, and work towards family reunification whenever safe and possible.

According to CASA Program Manager Elizabeth Mosman, in Fiscal Year 2023, Lone Star CASA served over 200 children across Rockwall & Kaufman Counties.

Registration has opened for Lone Star CASA’s 9th Annual Clays for CASA which will be held at Texas Gun Ranch in Terrell, TX on August 16th. All of the proceeds from this event benefit Lone Star CASA to ensure that 100% of children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties have an advocate by their side.
For more information go to: https://lonestarcasa.org/clays-for-casa/

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a CASA volunteer or other ways to get involved, visit: https://lonestarcasa.org/volunteer/

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ROCKWALL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL MEET ON JULY 23, 2024, AT 9:00 A.M. AT THE ROCKWALL COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE, 101 EAST RUSK, 3rd FLOOR, ROCKWALL, TEXAS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING THE FOLLOWING:

A) INVOCATION; Commissioner Macalik
B) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG; Commissioner Stacy
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE TEXAS FLAG; Commissioner Stacy
D) RECOGNITION OF GUESTS;
RECOGNITION/PRESENTATION:
a) Recognition of Terry Fisher American Legion Post 117 - 2024 Boys/Girls State participants – Judge New
b) Employee of the Quarter/Second Quarter 2024: Danni Montgomery – County Clerk’s Office
c) Employee of the Quarter/Second Quarter 2024: Zachary Stimson – Sheriff’s Office
d) Recognition of Chad Fogg - Deputy Constable of the Year 2024 – Judge Russo
e) Presentation – Doni Green – Rockwall County’s representative to the North Central Texas Council
Of Governments Area Agency On Aging (NCTCOG) – Commissioner Stacy

AGENDA
1. PUBLIC FORUM: (This is the public’s opportunity to address the Commissioners Court about County matters. During
this meeting, the Commissioners Court will not discuss, consider or take action on any item not included on this
meeting’s agenda. We respectfully ask that anyone stepping forward to speak during the Public Forum to please limit
remarks to three minutes or less.)
2. Discuss/Act on hiring the Law Firm, Scott, Ray, Pemberton & Goll, PLLC to perform the duties of
the Rockwall County General Counsel, and all related issues; (Judge New)
3. Discuss/Act on the Flood Control Structural Repair Grant Program for flood control structural
repair for FY2025, which is due 8/30/2024, and all related issues; (Commissioner Bailey – Owen Cantrell)
4. Discuss/Act on awarding contract for Cedar Creek Site 3, Structural Repair of Dam, Rockwall
County, Texas, and all related issues; (Commissioner Bailey)
5. Discuss/Act on approving a Crossing Agreement with Farmers Electric Cooperative (FEC) for overhead utility lines across Kuban Road, pole is 60 feet northeast from Kuban Road and is 850 feet
southeast of the intersection of Kuban and Gage Drive, which is located in Rockwall County to install new pole to provide service, and all related issues; (Commissioner Bailey)
6. Discuss/Act on decorating the Historic Courthouse property with lights for the Christmas Holiday, and all related issues; (Commissioner Macalik)
7. Discussion of the Rockwall County Strategic Plan 2050, and all related issues; (Commissioner Macalik)
8. Discuss/Act on updates and progress related to the Courthouse Courtroom additions 3rd floor project, and all related issues; (Commissioner Sevier)
9. Discuss/Act on reviewing bids and selecting a firm for the 3rd Floor Courtroom Infill Project, and all related issues; (Auditor - Commissioner Sevier)
10. Discuss/Act on updates and progress related to the American Rescue Plan monies and the planned County Annex project, and all related issues; (Judge New - Auditor)
11. Discuss/Act on approving Change Order # 02 with Broaddus and Associates to make an administrative change to their original fee for the Rockwall County Annex Project, and all related
issues; (Auditor – Judge New)
12. Discuss/Act on the Sheriff’s remodel project, and all related issues; (Commissioner Sevier – Commissioner Stacy)
13. Discuss/Act on authorizing Human Resources and Gallagher Benefit Services to advertise and accept proposals for individual specific and aggregate stop-loss reinsurance (in conjunction with
its self-insured group medical benefit plan), and all related issues; (HR – Commissioner Stacy)
14. Discuss/Act on reviewing bids and selecting a firm for Food Services for the County Jail Detention Center, and all related issues; (Auditor – Judge New)
15. Discuss/Act on approving a grant request for reimbursement through FEMA Public Assistance for the May 28th, 2024, windstorm event, and all related issues; (Auditor – Judge New)
16. Discuss/Act on adopting a special budget of grant money in the amount of $775,000 from the Senate Bill 22 grant pursuant to Section 111.0106 of the Texas Local Government Code, and all
related issues; (Auditor – Judge New)
17. CONSENT AGENDA:
a. Minutes of previous meeting(s);
b. Judge New – Acknowledge Rockwall Central Appraisal District Reappraisal Plan Proposed Tax Years 2025-2026;
c. J.P. Pct. 1 - monthly judicial activity report(s);
d. J.P. Pct. 2 - monthly judicial activity report(s);
e. J.P. Pct. 3 - monthly judicial activity report(s);
f. J.P. Pct. 4 - monthly judicial activity report(s);
g. Commissioner Macalik - Acknowledge STAR Transit June 2024 Ridership Report;
h. Auditor - Acknowledge the Settlement Agreement approved by Commissioners Court on June 25, 2024;
i. Auditor - Acknowledge the Memorandum from Baker Tilly regarding the Rockwall County 2050 Strategic Plan Project Invoices for FY2024;
j. Auditor - Acknowledge out of state travel for Emergency Management Coordinator to attend the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference in Colorado
Springs, Colorado, November 15-20, 2024;
18. PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS/DISPOSITIONS:
Discuss/Act on approving the following property acquisitions and dispositions of fixed assets:
a. County Sheriff to purchase from Capital Outlay: (5) 2023 Ford Explorers @ an estimated cost of $248,772.75.
b. County Sheriff to purchase from Capital Outlay: (6) 2024 Chevrolet Tahoes @ an estimated cost of $313,452.86.
c. County Sheriff (SB22) to purchase from Capital Outlay: (10) Road Spike Systems @ a quoted cost of $6,704.65.
d. County Sheriff (SB22) to purchase from Capital Outlay: (6) Body Worn Cameras @ a quoted cost of $10,440.
e. County Sheriff (SB22) to purchase from Capital Outlay: (10) Mobile Radios including associated equipment and accessories @ a quoted cost of $56,450.
19. NON-EMERGENCY BUDGET TRANSFER(S):
2024-20 Transfer $22,050 within the Cities Readiness Initiative Grant Fund budget TO Capital Outlay > $500 < $5000 @ $13,950 & Capital Outlay > $5000 @ $8,100 FROM Software @ $2,000
& Dues & Subscriptions @ $10,000 & Travel @ $10,050 resulting from reallocation of funds.
20. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS, BILLS, CLAIMS, AND PAYROLL(S):
21. EXECUTIVE SESSION: The Commissioners Court of Rockwall County reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any of the matters listed in this agenda item, in the order deemed appropriate, as authorized by Chapter 551, Open Meetings, Subchapter D, Texas Government Code, or to seek the advice of its attorney.
a) Pending or Contemplated Litigation and Attorney-Client Information: Discuss status and response to potential subdivision litigation.
b) Real Estate Matters:
c) Personnel Matters:
d) Advice of Counsel:
e) Security Related Matters:
f) Contract Deliberations:
g) Economic Development Prospects:
22. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION: Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section 551.001, et seq., the Commissioners Court will reconvene into Open Session to take any action necessary on matters discussed in Executive Session.
23. COMMISSIONERS COURT REPORTS:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0415, the County Judge and the County Commissioners may report on the following items: (1) expression of thanks, congratulations or condolences; (2) information about holiday schedules; (3) recognition of individuals; (4) reminders about upcoming County events; (5) information community events; and (6) announcements involving an imminent threat to public health and safety.
24. ADJOURN

NOTE: THE COMMISSIONERS COURT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER AND TAKE ACTION ON THE ABOVE AGENDA ITEMS IN ANY PARTICULAR ORDER. THE ROCKWALL COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT COMPLIES WITH A.D.A. REQUIREMENTS. THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE IS ACCESSIBLE TO INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES VIA THE EMPLOYEE’S ENTRANCE LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE. PARKING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IS LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE COURTHOUSE AT THE EMPLOYEE’S ENTRANCE. IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS PUBLIC MEETING AND YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT REQUIRES SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS AT THE MEETING, PLEASE CALL AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE MEETING AT (972) 204-6000.

TxDOT Lane Closures on Interstate 30 From SH205 to the Hunt County Line

The contractor will perform several lane closures this week to place temporary markings and remove temporary barriers on the project. The focus area will be the eastbound (EBML) and westbound main lanes (WBML) of IH 30 between FM 2642 and FM 548 in Royse City.

Monday, July 22:
(1) IH 30 WBML Various lanes will be closed from the FM 2642 Exit Ramp to the westbound frontage road to Exit 77A, the off-ramp to FM 548. Re-striping. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Tuesday, July 23:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure over FM 548. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am

Wednesday, Jul 24:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure before FM 548 and ended at FM 35. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Thursday, Jul 25:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure over FM 35. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Friday, Jul 26:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure starting east of FM 35 and ending before exit to FM 2642. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Sunday, Jul 28:
(1) IH 30 EBML Left Lane Closure starting east of FM 35 and ending before exit to FM 2642. Setting Barrier. Nighttime – 9:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Crews will work with EMS, fire, and police to allow access through the closure should emergencies occur.

City of Heath implements Stage 2 water restrictions Heath, TX (July 17, 2024) – City of Heath Stage 2 water restrictions are effective immediately for all commercial and residential properties due to excessive watering. Watering with an irriga…

Message from the City Manager: Building Permits & Water

The enactment of Stage 2 water restrictions yesterday has spurred some good questions and suggestions regarding halting new building permits until our water supply issues can be resolved.

It's not a bad suggestion, and the City did in fact enact a temporary residential and commercial building moratorium on November 14 through March 13, 2024.

The purpose of the pause was to provide time to develop ordinances that support water conservation including landscaping suggestions and irrigation system requirements before any new plats were submitted.

However, there is a statute at the state level called “Local Government Code, State of Texas, Chapter 245.” Chapter 245 that prohibits Texas cities from withholding permits for any project, whether residential or commercial, for which a development permit has been submitted. Note that I’ve only said submitted, not approved.

The state refers to these types of projects as being “vested.” Simply put, the moratorium enacted last fall, or any new moratoriums, cannot not by law apply to any property development already submitted or in progress.

For example, the moratorium implemented last fall did not apply to 900 residential lots that were already classified as being vested.

Many of these higher density lots became vested prior to the adoption of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, which limits home density to an average of one home per acre.

The City is now trending at approximately a 3% growth rate per year, which comes to about 100 – 125 new homes being built each year. The 900 homes vested prior to the moratorium represent a nine-year supply of lots for the houses here in Heath.

Had the City taken action to apply the moratorium to these vested projects, it would have subjected itself to many lawsuits from the property owners.

Read the statute: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/lg/htm/lg.245.htm

Hey Fate!
This Water Conservation Wednesday we are looking at Native Plants which can be great for your yard and for local wildlife. There are many benefits of choosing to brighten up your yard with these beautiful native plants for example they adapt to the local climate so they can withstand the heat with less watering over the summer. Also included in the graphic above are some common Texas plants that are great starters for your own lawn projects!

For more information please visit:
https://www.fatetx.gov/186/Water-Conservation

Have you ever heard of the "Cycle & Soak" method? This way of watering your lawn breaks up your watering time into smaller cycles, allowing the water to better soak into the soil. Cycle and soak helps prevent runoff and promotes deeper roots and healthier plants. Give it a try and let us know how it's working for you!

For more information on how to program your irrigation controller and efficient watering practices, visit www.waterisawesome.com.

Thank you for attending our Economic Development Forum, Part 2, on July 16, 2024.

The input gathered gives us a better understanding of the desires and needs of community members looking ahead.

The Rockwall County Strategic 2050 planning process and the resulting policies will focus on promoting and managing growth, protecting and enhancing key areas, and helping the county adapt to future trends.

Thank you for your participation in helping us shape the future and maintain the quality of life and stability of Rockwall County.

TxDOT invites the public to attend an in-person and virtual public meeting of TxDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee quarterly meeting TxDOT invites the public to attend an in person and virtual public meeting of TxDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

City of Heath Stage 2 water restrictions are effective immediately for all commercial and residential properties, due to excessive use. Watering with an irrigation system or manual hose sprinkler is now limited to once per week. See the schedule and use trends at: www.heathtx.com/water-wise

The Royse City ISD School Board held a regularly scheduled meeting last evening. Learn more about the activities of the board and district. >>> https://www.rcisd.org/article/1674256

Speeding can kill. In fact, speed was a factor in a third of all traffic deaths in Texas last year. TxDOT launched its summer "Be Safe. Drive Smart." initiative alongside Operation Slowdown to encourage motorists to always drive a safe speed. Read more about the campaign and the real costs of speeding at https://ow.ly/XwQW50SCvFs

Upcoming Construction on Horizon Bridge, planned closure of I-30 main lanes overnight

TxDOT will begin work on an extensive construction project on Horizon Bridge, which crosses Interstate 30. The bridge will be closed Friday, August 2nd and Saturday, August 3rd from 9pm-9am.

Friday Night (August 2nd, 2024): At 9pm, all eastbound lanes on I-30 will be closed at Horizon Road. All eastbound traffic will exit at Horizon Road, continue on the frontage road and re-enter I-30 just past the Home Depot Store. Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane starting east of 205. All lanes are expected to be open at 9am Saturday morning.

Saturday Night (August 3rd, 2024): At 9pm, all westbound lanes on I30 will be closed from exit 67 to Horizon Road. All westbound traffic will exit at exit 67/ Ridge Road in front of Walmart, and will continue on the frontage road to re-enter I30 on the Horizon Road entrance ramp. Eastbound I-30 traffic will be reduced to one lane starting at Horizon Road. All lanes are expected to be open at 9am Sunday morning.
Additionally, the underpass on Ridge Road will also be closed, making Goliad Street/205, John King Blvd, and FM 3549 the only roadways allowing north and south bound traffic during this time.

We want to stress the careful planning being done by our Police, Fire, and EMS teams to ensure this project goes smoothly and with minimal disruption. All affected businesses will be contacted to ensure they are aware of the upcoming closures and can make necessary arrangements. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience as TxDOT works to improve our infrastructure. Specific information about traffic control plans to come.

Thank you for your cooperation.

On Friday, August 2nd from 4PM to 7PM, the Royse City Police Association and the Royse City Police Department will be holding a drive thru “Fill The Bus” School Supplies Drive!✏️📘

The Fill The Bus Event will take place in the parking lot of the Royse City Police Department at 100 W. Main.

Please come drop off new backpacks and/or school supplies for local students. All the supplies will be given to the RCISD Education Foundation and Trinity Baptist for their annual Back to School Bash.🎒

If you can’t come by that day, you can drop them off at the PD any day before August 2nd!

Rockwall County is currently accepting applications for a Public Information Officer (PIO). If interested, please apply on the county’s website at

Current Career Opportunities at Rockwall County, Texas See current career opportunities that are available at Rockwall County, Texas

An art contest was also held to commemorate Rockwall County’s 150th Anniversary. 1st Place: Elliott Self, 2nd Place: Ellie Featherston, 3rd Place: Xava Boehm, Honorable Mentions: Jameson Brisco, Angel Chavira-Acosta, Melisa Hernandez Vera, and Andie Wilson