East Texas A&M Receives $8 Million Gift from Rene’ Griffin, Largest in University History
February 5, 2026 – COMMERCE – East Texas A&M University is proud to announce a historic $8 million gift from alumnus Rene’ Griffin, marking the largest single philanthropic contribution in the history of the university and to Lion Athletics.
In recognition of this transformational gift, the new event center, currently under construction on the campus of East Texas A&M, will be named the Rene’ Griffin Event Center. The naming was approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents earlier today. The gift from Griffin is now the largest naming rights gift in the Southland Conference’s 63-year history.
“For more than half a century, Rene’ has poured his heart into East Texas A&M and its people, and his latest gift represents the culmination of a lifetime of extraordinary generosity to our university,” said East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin. “Rene’ truly embodies the Lion spirit, and it is both fitting and deeply meaningful that the new event center will bear his name.”
A 1975 graduate of East Texas A&M University and native of Commerce, Griffin has been an unwavering supporter of the university and the athletics department since moving here as a child in 1960. He has proudly attended every Lion Football homecoming game over the past 65 years. Griffin has supported countless university initiatives and has been a member of numerous university boards, including his current service on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and as president of the Delta Tau Delta Education Foundation.
“I hope this gift inspires others whose lives have been positively impacted by their time at East Texas to invest in the future of this great university,” said Griffin. “By giving back, we support similar opportunities for the next generation of students and continue building upon the extraordinary legacy of East Texas.”
Construction of the Rene’ Griffin Event Center is expected to be completed in early 2027 and when it opens, the center will instantly become the premier multi-use event space across all of Northeast Texas. In addition to being the home of Lion basketball, the new facility will also serve as a central hub for student life and community engagement, and as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region.
“Rene’ has been a mainstay of this community and this university for over 65 years, and it’s only fitting that his name adorns the new event center at East Texas A&M,” said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. “The impact of this transformative and historic gift cannot be overstated. We are grateful for his decades of support and for believing in the unbounded vision of East Texas A&M and Lion Athletics.”
The new event center will bear Griffin’s name for the next 20 years, and his commitment will support multiple new projects and programs across the university. The gift will primarily support the establishment of a new athletics unrestricted fund benefitting student-athletes and competitive excellence initiatives. It will also create an endowment for the operations and maintenance of the Griffin Event Center and kickstart a new fund to support students’ academic and social experiences on campus.
“It is a joy to work with Rene’ and witness firsthand his love for the Lion family, especially our students and student-athletes. He gives to others with a spirit of joy, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to make a difference,” said Vice President for Philanthropy and Engagement Devin Girod. “This investment will make a lasting impact on East Texas A&M and Lion Athletics, and we are inspired by his generosity. We hope that our alumni and partners will be inspired to step forward and join our Lion donors in educating and preparing the next generation of leaders for our region and beyond.”
Read more about Griffin’s journey at East Texas A&M and his longtime support of the university on East Texas A&M’s news page.
Chamber Connection – February 5, 2026
By Butch Burney
The cutoff to get your tickets for the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s 99th Annual Banquet and Community Awards is fast approaching. We will celebrate Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs as we recognize our 2025 Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Caregiver of the Year, Community Pride Award, Agriculturist of the Year, Growth and Renewal, Outstanding Professional Educator, Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator, Outstanding Auxiliary Educator Large Business of the Year, and Small Business of the Year.
We like to celebrate the great things about Hopkins County, and the best time to do it is at this annual event, which will have a Rhinestones and Rodeo theme. The banquet is Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
To reserve your spot, tables of 10 are $500 each and individual tickets are $30. To get reservations or tickets, call the Chamber at 903-885-6515 or email at [email protected]. A sponsorship table includes advertisement of your business at the banquet and reserved seating. You have until Feb. 13 to reserve your table.
Shop at our local retailers to get your boots, hats, belts and anything else you might need for the Rhinestones and Rodeo theme.
Come and help us celebrate Hopkins County!
Lunch and Learn
If you own a small business and want to learn about grants and loans, make a reservation for our Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
We will feature guests from the Small Business Development Center at Paris Junior College and the ArkTex Council of Governments to talk about small business loans and grants.
The luncheon will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Please call 903-885-6515 or email [email protected].
Pancakes and More
Get your fill of pancakes, bacon and more at the Kiwanis Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Cost is $8 per ticket and can be purchased from any Kiwanis Club member.
Candidate Forum
The Hopkins County Republican Club will host a President’s Day Candidate Forum and Dinner, starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center
The keynote speaker is Bryan Hughes, Texas Senate District 1. There will be a catered barbecue dinner and live auction. Tickets are $25.
For more information, contact Donnie Wisenbaker at 903-439-4591.
UPRA Spring RodeoThe Hopkins County Rodeo Association is hosting the 46th UPRA Spring Rodeo on April 17-18 at the Hopkins County Civic Center. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Oscar Aguilar at 903-243-0446 or [email protected].
Bid for the Ride of a Lifetime: Firetruck Expedition including Donuts
February 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Sirens, smiles, and sprinkles are hitting the auction block in the online Gala Auction Pre-Sale. The private firetruck ride to school for four, complete with fresh donuts, is one hot package! The winner will enjoy an unforgettable ride aboard an authentic fire engine, making memories with friends or family while supporting a great cause.
Not normally available to the general public, this unique experience blends hometown charm, hands-on excitement, and a sweet treat — perfect for families, friends, or anyone who’s ever dreamed of joyriding in a firetruck. Place your bids now through Sunday, February 8 by 9 p.m., on Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
“My grandson thought the firetruck was the most exciting way to ride to school,” shared Foundation Board Chair Pam Black. “The firefighters really added to the experience and made him feel like the coolest dude in town. I enjoyed being able to treat him to something so memorable.” Black purchased the package at a previous Gala.
Make a memory with your kids or grandkids, or embrace your inner child with this one-of-a-kind experience. Bid now until 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 8 at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has improved local healthcare since 1997. Governed by a local board of directors who live and work in Hopkins County, the Foundation offers free clinics, programs, and educational resources. To learn more and support, contact the Foundation at (903) 438-4799.
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Cancer Support Group to Meet Monday, February 9
February 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on Monday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd. The group welcomes ladies who have or have had any type of cancer and is not limited to breast cancer.
February’s guest speaker will be Markeda Fisher, retired librarian and avid reader. She will share her top book recommendations across many genres in hopes of offering something for everyone. Bibliotherapy is a great way to provide a mental escape while helping to manage pain and anxiety. Markeda’s taste and insight are sure to inspire.
The group has welcomed a variety of speakers in the past such as nutritionists, counselors, medical providers, survivors, and even cookie decorators! If you are interested in serving as a guest speaker, please call the Foundation at (903) 438-4799. Solely promotional or sales visits will not be considered.
The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) IRS-designated nonprofit dedicated to improving local healthcare since 1997 through its free clinics, educational resources, and programs. The Foundation also funds equipment, programs, and construction for both the local nonprofit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs and the state special district Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. To learn more about the Foundation, call (903) 438-4799.
Sulphur Springs City Managers Report February 3, 2026
February 5, 2026 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday February 3, 2026, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: SULPHUR SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – We had one workers’ compensation claim in January when a Wastewater Plant Operator slipped and fell at a lift station, resulting in a contusion to his right wrist. The employee was treated and released to limited duty, and a first report of injury was submitted to TMLIRP.
We also received a liability claim related to a broken water main on Commercial Services Drive that flooded a building. The notice of claim advised suspected damages exceeding $8,000,000. TMLIRP denied the claim in its entirety after investigation, stating the City has no legal liability.
Thermo 18″ Water Line (Capital Construction)
Crews installed 1,500 feet of 18-inch water line in January, bringing the total installed to 17,797 feet. Phase 1 is now fully installed. Remaining work includes installing concrete pads around valves, pressure testing, and final ditch-line cleanup.
For the Thermo 21-inch sewer line, staff began laying out the alignment and mulching the path for installation.
City Hall Site & Parking
City Hall parking lot sidewalks are complete. Engineering continued civil-site design revisions and underground utility tracing for the City Hall addition.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) & 2026 PLANNING –
Routine street maintenance continued while staff advanced SIP 2026 planning. The list remains prepared and coordinated with Water & Sewer and Streets. Contract extension paperwork has been executed, IWorQ street-condition updates are complete, and shapefiles for new streets have been prepared and sent.
TENTATIVE 2026 SIP LIST
| 2026 SIP LIST | ||
| Street | Between | Length |
| Asphalt/Conc. Repair | various soft spot repairs | 1000 |
| Hodge | League to Barbara | 1130 |
| Colorado | Longino to Jackson | 401 |
| Fleming | Church to Rosemont | 428 |
| Putman | Carter to Como | 2360 |
| Mulberry | Park to Glover | 1299 |
| League | Connally to Houston + curve | 1316 |
| Moore | Main to Connally | 1193 |
| Gaines | Fuller to Putman | 422 |
| Raintree | Loop 301 to Loop 301 | 2978 |
| N. Lake Rd. and ramp | Peerless Hwy to ramp | 3200 |
| Towne | Hinnant to Robertson | 412 |
| Lemon | Bill Bradford-McGrede to Sprite | 1088 |
| Able and Ava | Putman to Fuller | 820 |
| Davis St. | South Davis from RR to Kyle | 2149 |
| Southland | Davidson to end | 898 |
| Simms | Freeman to end | 400 |
| Cranford | Austin to Hodge | 891 |
| Total Feet | 22385 | |
| Total Miles | 4.24 | |
Miracle League Field
Texas Parks and Wildlife has approved the construction plans for the project. We will now start seeking bids for each of the subcontracts; the city will act as general contractor on the project.
Departmental Activity
Public Works
- Repaired 111 potholes and cleaned storm drains 2 times.
- Repaired streets following 15 water or sewer repairs.
- Installed 120 feet of curbs at Gaines and Fuller Streets for the SIP list and began setup work for valley gutter at Gaines and Putman Streets.
- Began setup for new curbs at Robertson and Towne Streets for the SIP list.
- Continued the program to check every street and trim trees within 14 feet of the roadway.
- Repaired/replaced 2 stop signs and mulched overgrown trees along Houston Street.
- Repaired a ditch along 7th Street by installing fill dirt and compacting.
- Prepared trucks and equipment for winter weather operations and worked the winter weather event by applying 25 loads of sand/ice melt mixture.
Utilities — Water
- Water breaks repaired (by size): ¾″–2; 1″–1; 6″–5; 12″–2.
- Water meters replaced: ¾″–13 (with 3 meter boxes replaced). Dead meters: 0.
- Located over 8,600 feet of water mains and services for contractors and installed one new 1inch tap.
Utilities — Sewer (City Lines Only)
- Sewer calls answered: 39 city calls (private 26 and grease 13 excluded from totals).
- Sewer mains and services repaired: 4″–1; 6″–2.
- Washed over 80,000 feet of city sewer mains under the F.O.G. program, plus over 8,600 feet while locating mains for contractors.
- Located 8,600 feet of city sewer mains and services and made one 4-inch tap and one 6-inch tap.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Monthly average effluent TSS = 2.87 mg/L.
- Hauled 245.75 tons of sludge to Maloy Landfill (0 tons to Pleasant Oaks).
- Completed multiple maintenance items, including belt press bearing replacement, PLC troubleshooting and repair, filter media cleaning, and replacement of a VFD drive on sludge pump #2.
Community Development — Inspections & Permits
- Inspections: 68 building; 9 electrical; 12 plumbing; 11 mechanical.
- Permits: 23 building; 36 trade.
- Planning & Zoning approved a replat request (PL#260101) for Rock Creek Addition to create two lots (Approved).
- No Planning & Zoning or Zoning Board of Adjustment applications were received for February.
- Engineering handled 27 development inquiries in January involving multiple corridors and infill locations. Staff continued work on the Coalmine project utility revisions and master planning, ongoing water main installation along Trinity Parkway, and final inspections and mapping updates for Stonewood Phase I and Stonecreek Phase 2.
Fire Department
- Responded to 210 total calls; conducted 38 inspections; maintained 76 hydrants; and logged 178 CE training hours.
- Incident detail: 3 structure fires; 4 vehicle fires; 12 fires not in structure; 14 alarms; 1 county mutual aid.
Library
- Recorded 3,973 visitors, 3,497 checkouts, and 233 public computer sessions.
- Served 214 eBook users with 854 eBook checkouts.
Parks & Recreation
Downtown/Plaza
- Completed daily maintenance and cleaning, changed banners to Celebration Plaza, cleaned leaves, top-dressed beds with mulch, cleaned the Plaza fountain wet vault 2 times, removed Christmas décor, applied deicer to sidewalks, and mowed downtown areas multiple times.
City Park Areas
- Completed work at Pacific Park where the new pavilion has been finished, prepared parks for freezing temperatures, trimmed trees in Buford Park, performed preventative equipment maintenance, and mowed the airport terminal area 1 time.
Grays Building & Senior Center
- Made repairs at Grays Building (oven and water heater) and prepared the facility for 13 rentals.
- Assisted with 82 senior activities and hosted a New Year’s Eve party (75 attendees) and Silver Saturday Night (50 attendees).
- Continued SECO grant work for LED light replacement at Coleman Fields and coordination with architects and TPWD on Miracle League Field design revisions.
Police Department
- Personnel: Silas Whaley was promoted to Investigator.
- Recorded 1,625 total calls; investigated 36 accidents resulting in 5 injuries and 1 fatality; issued 373 citations; recorded 49 offenses; and made 45 arrests.
Animal Control
- Responded to 132 complaint calls.
- Picked up 20 dogs and cats and accepted 2 owner drop-offs.
- Released 7 animals to owners and facilitated 6 adoptions, resulting in an 87% adoption rate.
- Issued 3 citations, responded to 2 bite reports, and euthanized 2 animals. Animals in shelter at month end: 14.
Airport & Tourism
- Sold 2,912 gallons of AvGas and 5,647 gallons of Jet-A fuel.
- Recorded 2,173 operations (average 70/day).
- Tourism staff continued distributing local information and assisted local organizations with event planning and execution.
Out-of-State Travel
- None
Wildcats Commited to Play College Football at Texas A&M University- Texarkana
February 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs Wildcat football players Jaxson Haire, Tre Pannell and Jeff Stevenson have commited to play college football at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, which is starting a new program with play to begin in 2027.
Haire rushed for over 1,000 yards, caught 48 passes for 485 yards and scored 24 touchdowns in his senior season for the 10-2 Wildcats. He was District 7-4A’s Utility Player of the Year.
Defensive end Pannel had 41 tackles and three tackles for loss. Center Stevenson was a three-year starter on the offensive line. Pannel and Stevenson were first-team all-district players.
A&M-Texarkana announced last fall that it wil play in the NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference starting in the 2027 season.
They also revealed a partnership with Red River Credit Union for the naming rights for a future Eagles’ football stadium. The stadium is in early planning stages, with a planned capacity of 6,000, aiming to be ready for the new team by 2028. Joshua Eargle has been named the program’s first head coach. He has 20 years of coaching and head coaching experience at the collegiate and high school levels, most recently serving as the tight ends coach and offensive run-game coordinator at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Your Chance to Win in More Ways Than One in the Online Gala Auction Pre-Sale
February 4, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Winning doesn’t get sweeter than this! Every person who bids
in the Online Gala Auction Pre-Sale is entered to win $500 cash! The auction is live on Gala2026.GiveSmart.com with something great for everyone and will close Sunday, February 8 at 9 pm.
The cash drawing will take place during the Gala on May 9 and is typically reserved for attendees only. This auction provides a rare opportunity to participate from home or to earn an extra entry if you are attending the Gala. The prize money is sponsored by Chris Voorheese, Financial Advisor – Edward Jones.
Pictured here is Julia Wilhite celebrating a win during the 2019 Vegas Gala.
Paxton Demands Documents in Investigation of Austin ISD Over Student Walkouts
February 3, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has demanded documents from the Austin Independent School District as part of an investigation into whether district officials improperly facilitated student protests against federal immigration enforcement activities.
The inquiry follows a series of student walkouts on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, when students from 14 AISD campuses left class during the school day to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. According to the Attorney General’s Office, district personnel were aware of the planned demonstrations and, in some cases, helped students leave campus.
In a letter sent to the AISD community that day, Superintendent Matias Segura stated the district is not responsible for keeping students on campus and disclaimed responsibility for the protests.
Dear Austin ISD community,
Today, students at 14 campuses participated in student-led protests related to immigration enforcement activities. While many of our students participated in walk-out demonstrations on campus, some students left our schools and gathered at the Texas Capitol.
It is important to note that this event is not sponsored or endorsed by Austin ISD or any of our schools. In alignment with our practices, our campuses communicate with families if and when they learn about the possibility that students may participate.
It is always our desire to have our students in our classrooms during instructional hours. During the school day, our students are our responsibility and we’re committed to the safety of our students in our community, regardless if they are on our campus. That is why our administrators and Austin ISD Police remain with our students during protest activities during school hours.
That being said, our ability to ensure student safety is limited when they attend non-school-sanctioned events. For this reason, we encourage families to talk with their children about the family’s expectations during these types of events.
To help families make informed decisions, please keep the following in mind:
- Our staff cannot physically prevent a student from choosing to leave campus. Support from families is essential in helping students navigate and understand their family’s expectations.
- If a student leaves campus and does not return by the end of the school day, we will be unable to facilitate a return to the campus or their safe return home.
- Leaving campus during the school day to participate in a protest is considered an unexcused absence.
Our goal is to ensure that all students are accounted for and safe. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us maintain a secure and focused learning environment for every student.
Sincerely,
Matias Segura, PE, MBA
Superintendent
Austin ISD
“Parents expect our public schools to educate and keep their kids safe during the school day, not encourage them to attend a protest field trip designed to villainize brave law enforcement officials,” Paxton said in a statement. He accused district leaders of advancing a political agenda and potentially using taxpayer resources to do so.
Paxton has requested records related to campus exit policies, excused absences, security protocols, and internal communications surrounding the walkouts. His office will examine whether public funds were used improperly and whether any state laws were violated.
AISD officials have not publicly responded to the document demand.
The 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Awards Ceremony was Held January 19th
February 3, 2026 – The 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Awards Ceremony was held January 19th, 2026, at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Dr. H.B. Nash is the Pastor. Master of Ceremony for the event was Deacon Ricky Godbolt. The Keynote Speaker was Stephanie Conley. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this joyous event.
Alert from Gafford Chapel WSC: Check Your Meter
Date: Feb 02, 2026
The water tower at Ridgeway cannot fill up. This usually means we have a large usage of water or a major leak. Please go check your meter and see if it is spinning like a large amount of water is being used. Also check with your neighbor and look for any unusual amounts of standing water.
Call Daniel Romans at 903-439-5049 to report leaks.
