Marvin Nichols Reservoir On Hold
January 30, 2026 – The Texas Water Development Board has voted to keep the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir in the state water plan while placing the long-discussed project on hold, a decision that preserves the reservoir as a future option without advancing it toward construction.
Board members approved the action during a recent meeting, signaling that while the project remains part of Texas’ long-term water supply strategy, no immediate planning, funding, or development steps will move forward. The reservoir, proposed for Northeast Texas, has been a source of controversy for years due to concerns over land acquisition, environmental impacts, and opposition from local communities.
By keeping the project in the state water plan, the board allows it to remain eligible for future consideration should water supply needs increase or alternative options prove insufficient. However, placing the project on hold reflects continued uncertainty about its feasibility and public support.
Supporters of the Marvin Nichols Reservoir have argued that the project could provide a significant new water supply for fast-growing areas of North Texas over the coming decades. Critics counter that newer water conservation measures, reuse strategies, and smaller-scale projects could meet demand without the disruption associated with a large reservoir.
Water officials emphasized that the decision does not represent an endorsement or rejection of the project, but rather a pause. The board said it will continue to monitor population growth, water demand, and regional planning efforts before determining whether the Marvin Nichols Reservoir should advance, be revised, or ultimately be removed from the state water plan.
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration to Prevent New World Screwworm Fly Infestation
Austin, Texas — January 29, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a statewide disaster declaration aimed at preventing the potential spread of the New World screwworm (NWS) fly into Texas, authorizing additional state resources to protect livestock, wildlife, and the state’s agricultural economy.
Although the destructive parasite is not currently present in Texas or elsewhere in the United States, state officials warn that its continued northward spread from Mexico toward the southern border poses a serious risk. The New World screwworm fly lays eggs in open wounds on animals, and the resulting larvae feed on living tissue, often causing severe injury or death if left untreated.
“Although the New World screwworm fly is not yet present in Texas or the U.S., its northward spread from Mexico toward the U.S. southern border poses a serious threat to Texas’ livestock industry and wildlife,” Abbott said in a statement. “State law authorizes me to act to prevent a threat of infestation that could cause severe damage to Texas property, and I will not wait for such harm to reach our livestock and wildlife.”
The disaster declaration allows the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team to fully deploy state prevention and response resources, including interagency coordination, surveillance, and emergency measures if an outbreak were detected. Abbott said the declaration ensures Texas can act quickly and decisively to prevent the parasite’s re-emergence.
“With this statewide disaster declaration, the Texas NWS Response Team can fully utilize all state government prevention and response resources to prevent the re-emergence of this destructive parasite,” Abbott said. “Texas is prepared to fully eradicate this pest if need be.”
As part of the state’s preemptive efforts, Abbott has directed the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission to establish a joint Texas New World Screwworm Response Team. The state has also partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to develop a new $750 million Domestic Sterile NWS Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas. The facility would play a key role in eradication efforts by producing sterile flies used to disrupt the pest’s reproduction cycle.
Texas officials say the declaration underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding its multibillion-dollar livestock industry and preserving wildlife populations through early action and aggressive prevention strategies.
Foundation’s Special Gala Auction Pre-Sale Starts Monday
January 29, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is holding a special Gala Auction Pre-Sale following the postponement of its 20th Anniversary Gala for the safety of the public during winter storms.
The online auction will feature a selection of unique and popular items originally planned for the anniversary Gala that are just too good to wait for! Bidding will open on February 2 at 8:00 a.m. and close on February 8 at 9:00 p.m. All available items may be previewed exclusively online at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The online auction will function similarly to other online auctions, such as eBay, including the capability to set a maximum bid and enable outbid notifications.
Supporters are encouraged to participate, place bids early, and help make this milestone year a success despite the change in plans. Additional auction items will be available at the in-person celebration, newly rescheduled for May 9.
Proceeds from the auction will contribute to the overall Gala goal of donating $250,000 to outfit the newly expanded surgical suite in CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
The Foundation is more grateful than ever for the strong support of the community through the setback of the postponement.
To preview items and to register to bid, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Pictured here are Sarah and Don McCann of Clayton Homes browsing the Silent Auction items from the 2019 Vegas-themed Gala.
New Date for Postponed Gala
January 29, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – You can’t keep a good Foundation down! The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation postponed its 20th anniversary Gala for the health and safety of the community. That means the Foundation will have more time to share the history of the Foundation, the Gala, and the people who were instrumental in both.
The new date for the Gala will be Saturday, May 9. The Foundation would like to express its appreciation for the vendors, all of whom were very kind to us about the postponement.
Though there was no good date that would work for all, this particular date has some definite advantages. The Civic Center’s busy calendar requires the Foundation to book this event a year or more in advance, since setup and breakdown take almost a week. Luckily, May 9 was available for the block of dates required. And, most of the original vendors were available as well.
In the meantime, the Foundation has decided to hold a special Auction Pre-sale from Monday, February 2 to Sunday, February 8. The auction will be online only and will feature unique and coveted items that deserve to be enjoyed before the spring. Preview all available items by visiting Gala2026.GiveSmart.com and get ready to bid. If you placed a bid on one of these items before the postponement, your bid still stands.
The Gala celebration will only get bigger and better due to the rescheduling! We anticipate a full crowd to be in attendance and to dance the night away.
Thank you to all of the sponsors, donors, underwriters, volunteers, and attendees for being patient with the postponement. This is the first time in twenty years this has happened due to weather.
And, the community can rest assured that the Foundation will continue to provide its free programming and services as always.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, provides free clinics, educational programs, and a room full of free breast cancer supplies for the community. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group.
Here, Jackie Thornton and Brian Toliver are pictured dancing at the 2017 Gala, appropriately themed “And the Beat Goes On”. That was the first Gala to be held after CHRISTUS Mother Frances assumed the operations of the local hospital.
Pictured here are Wanda and Wayne Galyean at the 2007 Gala posing in front of a wintery backdrop. Wanda served as the chairperson that year. Funds raised were added to the proceeds of the 2006 Gala and were used to establish the beautiful gardens on the hospital grounds.
The new date for the 2026 Gala will be Saturday, May 9. To participate in the Gala Auction Pre-Sale, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
East Caney Missionary Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs to Hold Their 36th Pastoral Pre-Musical and Anniversary Observance February 1st
January 29, 2026 – East Caney Missionary Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will observe their 36th Pastoral Pre-Musical event January 31st, 2026, beginning at 6:00pm, and Anniversary February 1st, 2026, beginning at 2:30pm. The public is invited. East Caney Missionary Baptist Church is located at 6133 County Road 2310, Sulphur Springs, Texas, 75482.
East Texas A&M News Release: President’s Gallery Showcasing Professor Emeritus’ Photography
January 29, 2026 -The University Gallery at East Texas A&M University is pleased to announce Chaddy Dean Smith: A Retrospective. The exhibition will be on view January 12- May 15, 2026, in The President’s Gallery, located in the McDowell Business Administration Building across from room 295. The gallery is open weekly, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrating the work of photographer Chaddy Dean Smith, the exhibition features his evocative explorations of the American landscape, which have garnered international recognition. Smith was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus of Art by the A&M System Board of Regents at the August 2025 board meeting.
About the Artist
A respected figure in the fields of art and photography education, Smith’s work has been exhibited at prestigious venues worldwide, including a solo exhibition at the Manifest Creative Research Gallery in Cincinnati, the Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills, and the Pingyao International Photography Festival in China. Smith has work in the collection of the Southeast Museum of Photography in Daytona Beach, and his recent accolades include a Juror’s Pick from the LensCulture Black & White Photography Awards and a Grand Jury Award Finalist at Manifest’s Exhibition Season at the Creative Research and Drawing Center in Cincinnati.
Due to his extensive experience, dedication, and passion for teaching, Smith received the Honored Educator Award from the Society of Photographic Education in 2015 and the Star of Texas Award from the Texas Photography Instructors Association in 2023. Smith holds three degrees from East Texas A&M: a Bachelor of Science in Photography, a Master of Science in Art and a Master of Fine Arts, which he completed in 1993.
Smith taught at East Texas A&M University from 2003 to 2024.
About East Texas A&M University Art Galleries
The East Texas A&M Department of Art aims to inspire and prepare students to excel in various art professions and foster a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.
The university has three exhibition spaces: the University Gallery located in the Art Building, the President’s Gallery in the Business Administration Building, and the Wathena Temple Project Space on the second floor of the Wathena Temple Fine Arts Building.
The University Gallery is reserved for exhibitions featuring artworks by East Texas A&M students and nationally and internationally recognized artists and designers. The gallery also hosts graduate critiques, thesis reviews, and the Annual Juried Student Art Show held every spring. The Wathena Temple Project Space and the President’s Gallery feature solo and group exhibitions created by currently enrolled students.
Como-Pickton CISD to Have a Late Start Friday
January 29, 2026 – Como-Pickton CISD Assistant Principal, Wilke Howard, reports…
Weather Update
We will try another late arrival on Friday, with school beginning at 10:00 a.m. and doors opening at 9:30 a.m. Please continue to monitor Facebook and text alerts for updates. Most importantly, stay safe out there, Eagle Nation.
Hopkins County GOP President’s Day Candidate Forum to be Held February 16th
January 29, 2026 – The Hopkins County GOP will hold a President’s Day Candidate Forum and Dinner February 16th, 2026. The event will be held at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Program begins at 6:00pm. For more information, please call 903-439-4591.
Attorney General Paxton Announces Investigation Into H‑1B Visa Abuse, Starting With Three North Texas Businesses
January 29, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a wide sweeping investigation into abuse of the H-1B visa program by Texas businesses. As part of the investigation, he has issued Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to three North Texas companies suspected of engaging in fraudulent activity—including entities identified in videos that were widely-circulated online.
The H-1B visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa allowing employers to temporarily hire skilled foreign workers in “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree, such as tech, engineering, and medicine, capped annually at 65,000 with an extra 20,000 for advanced U.S. degrees.
Reports have indicated that the businesses under investigation have likely engaged in illegal activity to scam the H-1B visa program by setting up sham companies featuring websites advertising nonexistent products or services to Texas consumers in order to fraudulently sponsor H-1B visas. For example, evidence has suggested that one of the businesses under investigation registered a single-family home as its office address and, on its website, listed its worksite address as that of an empty, unfinished building. These companies have allegedly sponsored numerous H-1B visas in recent years despite a lack of evidence that they actually provide any of the products or services advertised.
“Any criminal who attempts to scam the H-1B visa program and use ‘ghost offices’ or other fraudulent ploys should be prepared to face the full force of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Abuse and fraud within these programs strip jobs and opportunities away from Texans. I will use every tool available to uproot and hold accountable any individual or company engaged in these fraudulent schemes. My office will continue to thoroughly review the H-1B visa program and always work to put the interests of Americans first.”
As part of the investigation, Attorney General Paxton has demanded documents identifying all employees working for these companies, records detailing the specific products or services provided, financial statements, and communications related to company operations of the three North Texas businesses.
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $44 Million in Grant Funding for Rural Hospitals
January 28, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will make $44 million in grant funding available to eligible hospitals serving rural communities across the state, an effort aimed at stabilizing facilities facing financial challenges and expanding access to health care in underserved areas.
The funding will be distributed through the Rural Health Financial Stabilization Grant, which is designed to support rural hospitals identified by HHSC as being at moderate or high risk of financial instability. Award amounts will vary based on each hospital’s demonstrated need, according to state officials.
“Texas relies on hardworking rural communities to keep our great state thriving,” Abbott said in a statement. “This grant will strengthen qualifying rural hospitals with the financial assistance they need to support their fellow Texans. Together, we will expand access to rural healthcare and build a healthier, stronger Texas of tomorrow.”
HHSC administers the grant program as part of its broader Rural Hospital Services Strategic Plan, which focuses on maintaining hospital services in rural areas where closures and staffing shortages have increasingly threatened access to care. State officials say the funding can be used to help hospitals address operating shortfalls, improve service delivery, and maintain essential health care infrastructure.
HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth praised the investment, calling rural hospitals a critical component of the state’s health care system. “Rural hospitals are an integral part of the Texas health care infrastructure,” Muth said. “These grants will strengthen long-term stability while expanding access to care and improving health outcomes in rural communities statewide.”
Eligible rural hospitals must complete the Rural Health Financial Stabilization Grant form by February 5 to be considered for funding. HHSC officials encouraged facilities to apply promptly, noting the time-sensitive nature of the application process.
Additional details about the grant program and other rural hospital assistance initiatives are available on the HHSC Rural Hospital Finance Assistance webpage.
