Crawfish Season Could Arrive Early in East Texas, With Hopes for a Longer Run
January 12, 2026 – LONGVIEW, Texas — If you’ve noticed crawfish popping up on menus earlier than usual, you’re not imagining it. Crawfish season in East Texas appears to be getting an early start this year, raising hopes among restaurant owners and seafood fans for a longer and more productive season. At Crawfish Cove in Longview, preparations are already underway as suppliers begin delivering early batches of crawfish. Warmer...
Proposal Would Increase Hemp License Fees
January 11, 2026 – Texas state health officials have proposed sweeping changes to hemp regulations that include dramatic increases in licensing fees, prompting warnings from industry members that the rules could effectively shut down small, in-state businesses while favoring large, out-of-state operators. Under proposed rules published by the Texas Department of State Health Services, manufacturer licenses would rise from $250...
A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, January 11, 2026
Hey friends! So I’ve been thinking about this New Year stuff and I realized how heavy last year felt. As I was praying asking the Lord about today’s message, it was really on my heart to ask you l, friends, what it is you’re still carrying from the past? Our past is an anchor to our soul. It doesn’t have to be. We can lay it down and let the Lord heal it. We can seek and give forgiveness to...
Joe Schumacher
August 29, 1977 — January 7, 2026 Sulphur Springs Graveside service for Joe Schumacher, age 48 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 2:00P.M. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Arbala Cemetery with Buddy Wiggins officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:45 P.M. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Mr. Schumacher passed away on January 7, 2026. With our condolences.
Joe Douglas
August 24, 1933 — January 8, 2026 Keller Joe was born on August 24, 1933 in Ft. Towson, Oklahoma to Walter Lee and Ellie (Legget) Douglas. He married Shirley Ann Warrell on July 14, 1961 in Dallas, Texas. Joe was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from being a mechanic, where he specialized working on trucks and trailers. Joe was a member of the Southside Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Troy...
Toby Boatman
Funeral service for Toby Boatman, age 63 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with B.J. Teer officiating and Daryl Roach assisting. Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery with Will Smartt, Jeff Caldwell, Wendel Grimes, Monte Gibson, Jerry Riley, and Walt Gamblin serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held form 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, January 12, 2026...
City of Cumby Issues Emergency 7-Day Burn Ban Due to Elevated Fire Danger
January 9, 2026 – Cumby, Texas — January 9, 2026 — The City of Cumby has issued an emergency 7-day burn ban, effective immediately, due to elevated fire danger and ongoing dry weather conditions. The burn ban was issued on January 9, 2026, to protect lives, property, and public safety within the city limits. Burn Ban Restrictions During the duration of the emergency order, the following activities are strictly...
Neighboring Hunt County Institutes Burn Ban
January 9, 2026 – Hopkins County has yet to issue a burn ban this fall, but our neighboring county to the west issued one today. Residents of Hunt County are now prohibited from outdoor burning. Hunt County residents are asked to be particularly mindful of any equipment or outdoor work that may cause a spark or ignition source that could go unnoticed. High winds can cause grassfires to spread very quickly and can cause...
Governor Abbott Announces $30,000 Reward For Information On Commissioner Betancourt Shooting
January 8, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Reynaldo Mata-Rios. Eddy Betancourt was found deceased on December 27, 2025, and on the following day, the McAllen Police Department issued a warrant for Mata-Rios’ arrest for murder. Betancourt was the vice chairman of the Hidalgo...
Commissioner Sid Miller Praises Texas Fluoride Settlement Protecting Children
January 9, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is applauding a recent settlement secured by Attorney General Ken Paxton that requires clearer and more responsible marketing of children’s fluoride toothpaste. In a statement released January 9, 2026, Miller praised Paxton for prioritizing children’s health and standing up for Texas parents. The settlement requires Procter & Gamble, the maker of Crest...
