Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn April 22nd
April 17, 2026 – Our “Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites individuals interested in genealogical research to attend. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal, and join us – and bring a friend. This event is free and open to the public!
This month we are excited to offer to you a talk by our president John Sellers about an often overlooked source of research information. He is going to tell us about the collections often available at colleges and universities, and in our case East Texas A&M specifically. This brief talk will be followed by a Q & A period which will allow you to ask him more about that subject or about any research issue you may be having.
It is not often we have the privilege of having John as our speaker and it is certainly not often we have the opportunity to address questions to him directly. So, between now and then, think about what you might like to ask and have your questions ready because he is a tough one to tie down!
See you then.
Unprecedented Level of Support Coalesces Behind Dr. Susan Ballabina as Sole Finalist for Texas A&M President
April 17, 2026 – BRYAN, COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Five of Texas A&M University’s leading affiliated organizations have publicly backed Dr. Susan Ballabina as sole finalist for president, marking an unprecedented level of support across the Aggie Network.
The joint letter is signed by the leadership of The Association of Former Students, the 12th Man Foundation, the Corps of Cadets Association, the Texas A&M Foundation and the George & Barbara Bush Foundation.
Together, these organizations represent generations of Aggies and the full breadth of the university’s mission. They support students, fund scholarships, sustain traditions, strengthen the Corps and advance the university through philanthropy and lifelong engagement.
In their words, Dr. Ballabina is “uniquely suited to lead Texas A&M at this important moment.”
They point to what they have seen firsthand. Steady leadership. Deep institutional knowledge. A clear understanding of how to move a complex university forward while staying grounded in its purpose.
They highlight her engagement with affiliate leadership, her respect for the Aggie Network and her ability to bring people together to get results.
Their conclusion is direct. As Texas A&M approaches its 150th year, this is a moment that calls for experienced, principled and steady leadership. They are confident she is the right choice.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the alignment speaks for itself.
“This is not routine,” Hegar said. “This is an unprecedented level of support from the very organizations that help carry this university forward every day. They know this institution. They know what it takes to lead it. And they are speaking with one voice.”
Board of Regents Chairman Robert L. Albritton said the support reinforces the Board’s decision.
“We conducted a national search and selected the leader we believe is best prepared to guide Texas A&M into its next chapter,” Albritton said. “This kind of alignment across the Aggie Network affirms that choice.”
The letter was signed by:
- Porter S. Garner III ’79, President and CEO, The Association of Former Students
- Travis Dabney ’96, President and CEO, 12th Man Foundation
- Bruce Hamilton ’78, President and CEO, Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association
- John Huser ’89, Vice President and CFO, Interim Leader, Texas A&M Foundation
- Alice Gonzalez Yates ’99, CEO, George & Barbara Bush Foundation
Dr. Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Her appointment is subject to the state’s required 21-day waiting period before final action by the Board of Regents.
Clothing Donations and Consequences: The Global Trade Few Donors See
April 17, 2026 – Millions of Americans drop off used clothing each year at thrift stores, charity bins, and donation drives, often assuming their items will go directly to people in need. But the reality is far more complex—and increasingly controversial in parts of the developing world.
Approximately 45% to over 80% of donated clothing is shipped overseas, as charities can only sell a small fraction—often only 10–20%—in local thrift shops. Much of this exported clothing is sold to markets in the Global South, though a significant portion becomes waste, creating environmental crises, such as in Ghana.
Organizations such as Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army receive far more clothing than they can sell domestically. Only a fraction ends up on local thrift store racks. The majority is sold in bulk to textile recyclers and exporters, entering a global secondhand market that ships used garments—known in the trade as “mitumba”—to countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Mitumba is a Swahili term for “bundles,” referring to the massive trade of imported second-hand clothing in East Africa, particularly Kenya. These clothes, often donated or sold in Western nations, are shipped in compressed bales.
In countries like Ghana and Kenya, these imports are a major part of the clothing economy. Vendors buy tightly packed bales of secondhand clothes and resell individual items in open-air markets at affordable prices. For many consumers, used clothing provides access to brands and styles that would otherwise be out of reach.
But the influx has also raised concerns about its impact on local industries. Critics argue that a flood of cheap, imported clothing undercuts domestic textile production, making it difficult for local manufacturers to compete. In the 20th century, several African nations had thriving garment sectors, but many have struggled to maintain them in the face of global competition and secondhand imports.
In Ghana, high volumes of imported second-hand clothing from Western nations are known as ‘obroni wawu’, which translates from the Twi language to “dead white man’s clothes”. The term originated because locals initially believed that such a vast abundance of donated clothing could only come from deceased individuals.
There are also environmental consequences. Not all donated clothing is wearable. In fact, exporters acknowledge that a significant share of garments—sometimes described as “waste” even before shipment—ends up in landfills or informal dumping sites abroad. In Accra, mountains of discarded textiles have become a visible symbol of the problem, clogging waterways and contributing to pollution along the coast.
Supporters of the secondhand trade say it creates jobs and provides affordable clothing in low-income regions. Market sellers, transport workers, and sorters all depend on the industry for their livelihoods. Some economists also note that the decline of local textile industries cannot be attributed solely to used clothing imports, pointing to factors such as trade policies, infrastructure challenges, and the rise of ultra-cheap fast fashion.
The debate has reached policymakers. In recent years, regional blocs like the East African Community have considered restrictions on secondhand clothing imports to protect local manufacturing. However, such efforts have faced pushback over concerns about consumer prices and international trade relations.
For donors, the takeaway is less straightforward than it may seem. While giving away clothes can extend their life and reduce waste at home, it also feeds into a global system with uneven benefits and consequences.
As the volume of textile waste continues to grow worldwide, experts say the challenge will be finding solutions that balance affordability, sustainability, and the economic futures of countries on the receiving end.
ERCOT Now Warning Texas About Planned Data Centers’ Power Demands
April 17, 2026 – Texas’ main power grid operator is warning regulators that electricity demand could surge dramatically over the next decade, fueled by rapid growth in data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and large-scale industrial projects.
At a hearing scheduled this week, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is expected to present projections showing that peak electricity demand—currently at a record 85,508 megawatts—could more than triple by 2032. The forecast reflects an unprecedented wave of new, energy-intensive developments seeking to connect to the grid, particularly in fast-growing regions of the state.
But ERCOT officials are also emphasizing a key caveat: the projections carry significant uncertainty. Many of the proposed projects driving the forecasts are still in early stages, and some may be delayed, scaled back, or never completed. Factors such as financing challenges, changing market conditions, and evolving technology could all affect how much of the anticipated load ultimately materializes.
The warning places the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) in a difficult position. Regulators must decide how aggressively to plan for future demand, balancing the risk of overbuilding costly infrastructure against the possibility of falling short and jeopardizing grid reliability.
The issue comes amid heightened scrutiny of Texas’ power system following the devastating February 2021 winter storm, which caused widespread outages and prompted major reforms aimed at improving grid resilience. Since then, state leaders have prioritized ensuring that supply keeps pace with the state’s rapid population and economic growth.
Data centers, in particular, have emerged as a major driver of new demand. The facilities, which support cloud computing and artificial intelligence applications, require vast amounts of electricity to operate and cool servers. Similarly, cryptocurrency mining operations—drawn to Texas by relatively low energy costs and a deregulated market—can consume large amounts of power, often with fluctuating usage patterns.
ERCOT’s message to regulators is clear: while the scale of potential growth is enormous, planning based solely on high-end projections could lead to unnecessary costs for consumers. At the same time, underestimating demand could strain the grid and increase the risk of shortages during extreme weather.
As the PUC considers its next steps, the challenge will be crafting policies that are flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions while ensuring that Texas remains prepared for a future that could bring both explosive growth and significant uncertainty.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Houston Officials for Adopting Sanctuary City Policies
April 17, 2026 – Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against officials in Houston, alleging the city adopted an unlawful “sanctuary” policy that restricts local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The lawsuit centers on a recently approved city ordinance that limits how Houston police can act on administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the filing, the policy prevents officers from stopping, arresting, or continuing to detain individuals based solely on ICE administrative warrants while in the field.
Paxton argues the ordinance violates Senate Bill 4, a state law passed in 2017 that prohibits local governments from adopting policies that “materially limit” the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The measure, often referred to as the “sanctuary cities ban,” was designed to require cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
The lawsuit names Houston Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and other officials as defendants. It seeks to block the ordinance and ensure that local agencies comply with state law.
“I will not allow any local official to push sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe,” Paxton said, calling on the city to repeal the measure immediately.
Supporters of SB 4 have long argued it is necessary to maintain public safety and consistent enforcement of immigration laws. Critics, however, say such policies can strain relationships between immigrant communities and local police, potentially discouraging crime reporting.
The legal challenge marks the latest clash between state and local leaders over immigration enforcement in Texas, a state that has frequently been at the center of national debates on border security and federal authority.
Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit
April 17, 2026 – Greg Abbott highlighted the state’s workforce development efforts during a visit to Crosby on April 16, promoting the newly launched Texas Jobs Council as a key driver of future economic growth.
During the visit, Abbott toured the International Training & Education Center, the flagship facility of the International Union of Operating Engineers, where workers receive hands-on training for high-demand careers in construction and industrial operations. The governor praised the center as an example of how industry partnerships can prepare Texans for well-paying jobs.
“The training and skills learned by workers like those behind me are helping ensure Texas has the best workforce in the nation,” Abbott said, emphasizing the importance of career-focused education pathways.
The Texas Jobs Council, launched last month, aims to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by aligning education and training programs with employer needs. The initiative will focus on reducing regulatory barriers, expanding apprenticeships, and developing policy recommendations ahead of the next legislative session.
Abbott noted that Texas has invested more than $7 billion in career training over the past two years, including expanded career and technical education programs through recent legislation. The state has consistently ranked among the top in business relocations and economic expansion, bolstered by its reputation for a favorable business climate.
Workforce leaders and lawmakers joined the visit, underscoring collaboration between government, industry, and labor groups. The council is expected to deliver a final report in November outlining strategies to further strengthen Texas’ workforce development system and support long-term economic growth.
Give ‘em a Brake: Drive Smart in Work Zones
April 16, 2026 – 203 people were killed in traffic crashes in Texas work zones last year
PARIS – Highway work is dangerous work, often just inches away from speeding traffic. Help keep our workers and everyone on the road safe by slowing down in work zones and driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
A growing state means more Texans on our roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting that increased demand with roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state. This month, TxDOT is highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers.
The data
In 2025, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers.
- In the Paris District in 2025, there were 647 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 7 fatalities and 20 serious injuries.
And while workers are at risk doing their jobs to keep us safe, most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers. Driving with caution through work zones is as much for your protection as it is for the people working.
Work Zone Awareness Week
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, TxDOT is raising awareness about how to be safe and drive smart in work zones to avoid crashes and fatalities.
“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”
Stay safe in work zones with these Be Safe. Drive Smart. tips
- Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.
- Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.
- Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.
Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
SSISD Supt. Dr. Steeber was John Mark’s Guest on This Second Cup Of Coffee From April 14th
April 16, 2026 – Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent, Dr. Deana Steeber, was the guest on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, from April 14th, 2026. Dr. Steeber and John Mark chatted about the students that competed in the UIL Competition, and how well they did. They also talked about the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2026… And they talked about so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode of Second Cup Of Coffee and learn how well your community’s students are doing.
Camp Mystic Owners Ordered to Leave Flood Site Undisturbed After Deadly Disaster
April 16, 2026 – Authorities have ordered the owners of Camp Mystic to leave the site of a recent deadly flood untouched as investigators work to determine what led to the tragedy. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over safety conditions and emergency preparedness at the camp, where multiple children lost their lives after sudden floodwaters swept through the area.
Local officials say the order is necessary to preserve critical evidence. Investigators from state and regional agencies are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the grounds, including drainage systems, building placement, and any warning measures that may—or may not—have been in place before the water surged. Disturbing the site prematurely, they say, could compromise the ability to reconstruct exactly what happened.
The flood struck with little warning, according to early reports, rapidly inundating cabins and low-lying areas of the property. Survivors described chaotic scenes as staff and campers scrambled to reach higher ground. Emergency responders faced difficult conditions as they carried out rescue operations, with debris and strong currents complicating access.
Camp Mystic’s owners have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said they are cooperating fully with authorities. In a brief statement, they acknowledged the order and emphasized their commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, questions are mounting about whether proper risk assessments were conducted, particularly given the camp’s proximity to waterways prone to sudden flooding. Officials have not yet indicated whether charges or penalties could follow, noting that the investigation is still in its early stages.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Authorities say a full report will be released once investigators complete their work, though that process could take weeks or longer.
UPRA Rodeo Tickets Up For Grabs
April 16, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — Excitement is building in Hopkins County as the community prepares to host the 46th annual Nottingham’s SS Dodge UPRA Rodeo later this month. The long-running event, organized by the Hopkins County Rodeo Committee, will take place at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Arena over two nights.
The rodeo kicks off on Friday, April 17, 2026, followed by a second performance on Saturday, April 18, both starting at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to attendees ages 13 and older, offering a traditional rodeo experience that continues to draw crowds from across the region.
Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, with a discounted pre-sale option available for $10. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets early, as the annual event is known to attract strong turnout.
The rodeo will feature a range of classic competitions under the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), showcasing skilled riders and livestock in events that highlight the sport’s heritage and athleticism.
Now in its 46th year, the Nottingham’s SS Dodge Rodeo remains a staple of local culture, blending entertainment, tradition, and community spirit. Event organizers say they look forward to welcoming both longtime attendees and first-time visitors for another memorable weekend of rodeo action.
To enter to win: send an email to [email protected]. In the subject line type: Rodeo Tickets.
