Commissioner Miller Praises Pause in Federal Equine Overreach
The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Miller:
“As someone who has spent a lifetime around horses and as Texas Agriculture Commissioner, I welcome USDA-APHIS’s decision to postpone implementation of the Horse Protection Act amendments. Folks who work with horses understand that animal welfare and common sense must go hand in hand.
The Horse Protection Act was created to stop abusive practices, and I’ve been clear for years that cruelty has no place in the equine world. But the rules pushed by USDA under the Biden administration went too far. They piled on new requirements without listening to experienced horsemen, state agriculture leaders, or rural communities. It threatened to burden responsible owners, trainers, and event organizers with unnecessary expenses and red tape during active show seasons.
USDA’s decision to postpone implementation is an acknowledgment that overregulation has real consequences, and I’m glad to see them take the time to get things right. Good animal welfare policy should target actual abuse, not punish responsible owners or regulate the life out of the equine industry.
You don’t protect horses by punishing the people who love them, you protect horses by focusing on bad actors.
I’ll continue to fight for a balanced approach that protects horses, respects common sense, and pushes back against federal overreach. Texas horsemen know how to care for their animals, and they deserve a system that reflects reality, not bureaucratic box-checking.”
Alert from Gafford Chapel WSC: Conserve Water
Date: Jan 31, 2026 – 8:30 AM – The water break has been repaired but please conserve water usage. The Ridgeway water tower will take time to fill up to capacity for our normal usage. We can’t all wash a load of laundry at the same time!!
Paris District Road Report for February 2, 2026
January 30, 2026 – Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting February 2, 2026. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Safety Message: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne were converted to one-way traffic on Wednesday, June 11th. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from FM 121 to Blythe/Farmington Road. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. There will be a section of frontage road near Northridge Road and Simmons Loop that will be reduced to one lane in order to construct the new u-turn bridge over US 75.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to FM 121 are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
US 75 frontage roads in Howe were converted to one-way traffic on October 23. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Blythe Rd to Hanning St. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is completed, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic.
The US 75 frontage roads in Howe will be converted to one-way traffic on February 04. This one-way conversion will happen on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Hanning St to FM 902. Currently, the frontage roads are two-way roadways. Beginning February 04, these frontage roads will be converted to one-way. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic. Before converting the lanes, the Contractor will install “ONE WAY” and “DO NOT ENTER” signs to inform motorists of the new condition. Message boards will also be in place to notify drivers about the change.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road U-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 main lane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to February 28, 2026. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Eastbound/Westbound Taylor St. will remain closed until April 2026.
Lamberth Dr. Eastbound and westbound to be closed from January 17 to September 2026.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from US 82 to be closed beginning January 18, 2026.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. Westbound traffic will travel to the intersection of Spur 503 and the northbound frontage road and will go north on the new frontage road to access northbound US 75. Motorists wishing to go south will follow the northbound frontage road to Loy Lake Rd, and take the U-turn and continue south until the next available entrance ramp to southbound US 75.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
US 75 northbound frontage road from FM 691 to Spur 503 to be fully closed from January 05 to March 18. This full closure is needed to reconstruct the frontage road.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Occasional lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm at night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from the SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
US 377 in Tioga, from South of FM 922 to North of Mc Knight Rd. and from Hinton St. to Shawnee Dr. This project will widen US 377 on each side of the roadway to allow for the addition of a center left-turn lane. This project will also install traffic signals at the intersection of US 377 & FM 121 and at the intersection of US 377 & FM 922. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 377 main lanes as well as on FM 922. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The bridge replacement is completed and opened to traffic on December 03. Construction crews will continue working on the remaining minor items and motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safely treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Sister Grove Rd., Contractor closed the bridge on Sister Grove Rd at West Prong Sister Grove Creek to replace the existing bridge. The Contractor completed the bridge replacement work and opened it to traffic on October 31. The Contractor will continue working on the remaining minor items with occasional daily lane closures. Drivers are requested to slow down, watch for construction workers and obey construction signs as they travel through the work zone.
Prescott Rd, Southmayd. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. The bridge on Prescott Road was closed in both directions on December 01. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. Road closure signs will be installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Johnny Watson Road, Jelley Road and Southmayd Road as an alternate route.
CR 2410 at Tanyard Creek. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the CR 2410 bridge located at Tanyard Creek. The bridge will be closed in both directions beginning January 22, 2026, and will remain closed until May 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use FM 100 and FM 2216 as an alternate route.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge replacement is completed and the bridge is open to traffic. However, construction crews will continue working on the remaining bridge structure and roadway final works. During this final stage, traffic is asked to watch for workers and equipment and drive slowly when going through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect occasional delays as the contractor performs the final minor activities in the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is completed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. The bridge is now completed and opened to traffic.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be performing surfacing operations. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties):
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalks on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19. Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
1st ST SW & South Main St., Lamar County: from Hearne St. in Paris to Kaufman ST. in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install a bike lane and perform pavement and curb repairs.
FM 195, at Six Mile Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
Delta County:
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. The contractor is installing rebar on the south end of the project from I-30 to FM 35. Contractor is preparing the medians for concrete pour and drilled shafts are being installed along FM 35. Contractor is also performing maintenance on driveways. Buc-ee’s driveway on FM 2642 is now closed as the project prepare to enter the final construction phase. Buc-ee’s can be accessed from Shaw Rd. The intersection of FM 2642 and Shaw Road is temporarily a 4-Way Stop until the final phase of construction is complete. Look for traffic signs and limit distractions. Please slow down, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor is performing cement treatment flex blase. One-way flagger operations are currently set up through the work zone. Expect minor delays. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor will be paving the shoulder. Expect delays in the workzone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Contractor is performing patch repairs. TxDOT is assisting the contractor with seal coat prep. Flagger controlled traffic control is in place during construction operations. Expect slight delays and follow pilot vehicle. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. FM 1903 intersection under the bridge will be closed for the deck pour on Sunday night, January 25th (7PM to 6AM). There will be daily one-lane closures in the EB right lane during January 26th through January 30th. Contractor will be repairing damage to pavement caused by the winter weather. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. Contractor is working on overpass at CR 2511. Contractor will be repairing damage to pavement caused by recent winter weather. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties:
Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be patching potholes from winter weather.
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Alert from Gafford Chapel WSC: Ridgeway Water Outage
Date: Jan 31, 2026 – 8:30 AM – We have an 8 inch water main broken in the Ridgeway area. Customers in that area will not have water for several hours while repairs are made. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension Following Winter Storm
Austin, Texas — January 30, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Friday announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to extend the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during the January winter storm.
The extension gives Texans additional time to recover from freezing temperatures and power outages that caused widespread food spoilage across the state. Under the new timeline, SNAP recipients have until February 23, 2026, to request replacement benefits.
“Thanks to our partners in the White House, Texans affected by the recent winter storm have more time to apply for SNAP benefits to replace any food they lost,” Abbott said. “By extending the replacement benefit deadline, Texans are better equipped to feed their families and recover from the effects of the freezing weather.”
Abbott also thanked HHSC and the Trump administration for their role in securing the extension, emphasizing the importance of rapid assistance following severe weather events.
HHS Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said the extension will help families still facing challenges after the storm. “The winter storm and power outages left many communities in difficult situations,” Muth said. “We are thankful that we can offer this support to families who are still recovering from the storms.”
Once a request is approved, replacement SNAP benefits are expected to be added to recipients’ Lone Star Cards within two business days, according to HHSC.
To apply, SNAP recipients must visit a local HHSC office in person to request replacement benefits. Office locations can be found at YourTexasBenefits.com by selecting “Find an Office” at the bottom of the page.
HHSC officials noted that additional disaster-related assistance information is available on the agency’s Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage. Texans in need of local resources such as food, shelter, or other emergency services can also dial 2-1-1 and select option 1 for assistance.
State leaders encouraged eligible households to apply as soon as possible to ensure timely access to replacement benefits.
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 Sulphur Springs Hold 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.
