Want Details On Your Town’s Debt? Texas Taxpayers Rejoice
January 7, 2026 – Texas taxpayers now have a new tool to track how local governments are using debt backed by property taxes, following the rollout of a statewide bond debt database aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.
The new online database, developed by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, allows residents to easily search current and historical information on property tax-backed bonds issued by cities, counties, school districts, and other local entities. Users can also review past and present property tax rates tied to that debt, giving taxpayers a clearer picture of long-term financial obligations in their communities.
The database was created in response to a law passed by the Texas Legislature last year after years of advocacy by grassroots groups seeking greater visibility into local government borrowing. Supporters argued that while bond elections are often presented as modest tax increases, the long-term costs can be difficult for voters to fully understand.
Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock praised the launch, calling it “big news for taxpayers” and a “BIG step for transparency and accountability.” He said the database empowers Texans to make informed decisions by providing easy access to information that was previously scattered across multiple agencies or difficult to obtain.
At launch, the database does not list any upcoming bond or tax rate elections for 2026. Local governments still have time to add measures to the May 2, 2026, election ballot, with a statutory deadline of February 13 to call and post elections. Officials expect new entries to appear as that deadline approaches.
Transparency advocates say the database will be especially useful as communities weigh future infrastructure projects, school construction, and other initiatives typically funded through bond debt. By allowing voters to see how much debt already exists and how tax rates have changed over time, supporters say the system helps prevent surprises for homeowners.
The database is publicly accessible through the comptroller’s website and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Hopkins County Commissioners Consider Another Solar Farm
January 7, 2026 – A work session was held at the Hopkins County Courthouse on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 to discuss the possibility of a tax break for Cobra Industrial Activites, Inc. Cobra is attempting to push forward a project by Sligsol Solar that was withdrawn from consideration near the end of 2024. The 515-acre facility would produce 81-megawatts of electricity at full capacity. Cobra representatives discussed the build out with county officials during the work session indicating that the project could be online by July 2027.
The tax incentive discussed by Hopkins County, through consultant Jeff Snowden, would involve a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to replace normal tax levies on the value of the taxable property. These PILOT agreements prove to be more lucrative for Hopkins County over the initial 10-year period to hold the payments constant for 10 years and have the payment based on the MW output of the project. Normal tax abatements would discount the current value of the propety taxed then apply the current tax rate to determine each year’s tax payment. As both of these numbers can change: (a) Hopkins County Tax Rate has decreased over the past few years, and (b) accelerated depreciation of the value of the property taxed can diminish the value sharply. The PILOT agreement provides a more constant income for Hopkins County.
Cumby ISD would benefit greatly from the project as school districts in Texas are no longer able to give any form of tax abatement on these projects. Cumby ISD would collect the full amount of taxes on the project although on a diminishing scale from years one through ten. It is believed that the value of the equipment would diminish greatly by year 11 providing taxing authorities a miniscule tax levy.
KSST News was present during the work session, and noticed that the commissioner’s court and county officials have come a long way in these past few years to deal with the multi-national companies. The discussions with Cobra (headquartered in Madrid, Spain) included impacted neighbors to the project (visual and water run-off), fire protection plans, road use during construction, and many other factors. Hopkins County also now utilizes Snowden exclusively as a consultant to tie any of the aforementioned requirements to the PILOT agreement.
The work session held this week by the Hopkins County Commissioners was just a discussion for the project and allows Cobra representatives and consultant Jeff Snowden to iron out the details of the agreement. Once proper public notice has been made, the item will show up on an agenda of a future Regular Meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Detains Fifty Illegal Aliens in Raids Throughout the Houston Area
January 7, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Criminal Investigation Division recently detained fifty illegal aliens during continued operational activity in the Houston metropolitan area and turned them over to federal authorities for deportation proceedings.
“Texas has been invaded by foreign illegals who rob Americans of their safety and opportunity,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Under the corrupt Biden Administration, tens of millions of aliens flooded our country and brought disaster, disease, and crime. Alongside the Trump Administration, my office helps round up these criminals and send them back to where they came from. My message to the illegal aliens who’ve invaded our country and are now detained is simple: Adios!”
The Texas Office of the Attorney General’s (“OAG”) Criminal Investigation Division recently conducted raids throughout the greater Houston area at locations and businesses known to promote or be connected with criminal activity. These operations led to the detention of fifty illegal aliens, who were then turned over to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”).
Attorney General Paxton became the first Texas law enforcement entity during President Donald Trump’s second term to sign a 287(g) agreement, which enabled the Office of the Attorney General to formally assist with and facilitate the mass deportation of illegal aliens.
The OAG is continuing to work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to hunt down, detain, and deport illegal aliens in order to make America safe again.
Texas Hits Historic Highs For Texans Working, Total Labor Force
January 7, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today touted the strength of the Texas economy as the state set new records for the number of Texans working and the size of the Texas labor force. Texas also continues to grow jobs at a faster annual rate than the U.S. as a whole based on November employment data.
“Texas offers boundless opportunities for hardworking Texans and innovative entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Governor Abbott. “We see proof of that promise as more Texans are working than ever in the history of our great state. Thanks to the strength of our economy and our skilled workforce, we continue to attract new business investments and spur job growth across dynamic and diverse industries. Texas is where the future is being built.”
November labor market data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows:
- Texas reached a new high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at 15,938,500.
- Texas reached a new high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 15,264,700.
- Texas nonfarm jobs totaled 14,321,000 after adding 7,300 positions over the month.
- Texas gained 146,300 jobs from November 2024 to November 2025, more than any other state and outpacing the national annual job growth rate by 0.4 percentage points.
- The Texas unemployment rate registered at 4.2%, below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.6%.
Governor Abbott recently celebrated a year of economic triumphs for Texas, the No. 1 state in the nation for record-setting business expansions thanks to the best business climate and strongest workforce in America.
Screwworm Threat Adds New Concern to Texas’ Feral Hog Problem
January 6, 2026 – By Emmy Powell – An invasive species that already costs Texas billions each year is now tied to an even greater threat. Feral hogs, with a population that continues to explode across the state, could play a role in the spread of New World screwworm, heightening concerns for livestock and wildlife.
They cause an estimated $1.6 billion in annual agricultural losses across 13 states.
“Feral hogs destroy crops and pastureland, but they also contaminate water sources and spread diseases and pests like African swine fever and eventually New World screwworm,” Tracy Tomascik, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.
In 2024, the feral hog population totaled 2.9 million in Texas alone. They are found in nearly all counties in the Lone Star State.
The National Feral Swine Damage Management Program and the National Wildlife Research Center estimate feral hogs cause about $85 million in livestock losses each year through predation, disease exposure, veterinary costs and reduced productivity.
The northward movement of the New World screwworm has intensified monitoring efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s five-pronged strategy. The pest has not been detected in Texas, but wildlife species like feral hogs could complicate containment if the parasite moves northward into the U.S.
“The feral hog problem goes far beyond nuisance,” Tomascik said. “They influence planting decisions, strain infrastructure and expose livestock to new risks. Adding the potential spread of screwworm only magnifies the threat.”
Feral hogs also pose broad ecological challenges by killing small livestock, damaging wildlife habitat, spreading invasive plants and disturbing water systems. Their intelligence and rapid reproduction make long-term control difficult.
“If screwworm were to gain a foothold in wildlife, including feral hogs, eradication would become exponentially harder,” Tomascik said.
Due to their invasive nature, a hunting license is not required in Texas to hunt feral swine on private property with landowner consent.
Federal eradication programs, state-led efforts and improved baiting and trapping tools remain critical to managing the escalating threat.
City National Bank is Just One of Many Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation 2026 Gala Sponsors
January 6, 2026 – Dinner, dancing, and a room full of people ready to party with purpose – oh what a night! Proceeds of the Gala will help fund the surgical services expansion of local non-profit hospital CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. Save your sponsorship and seat here: Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Abbott Orders Statewide Investigation Into Possible Child Care Funding Fraud
January 6, 2026 – AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott has directed multiple Texas state agencies to launch investigations into potential fraud involving taxpayer-funded child care programs, signaling a crackdown on misuse of public funds.
In a letter sent Monday, Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission to work alongside the Health and Human Services Commission to strengthen anti-fraud efforts and investigate any indications that child care subsidies are being improperly claimed or distributed.
“Recently, the Trump Administration and independent journalists have uncovered potential systematic fraud in subsidized child care systems in states like Minnesota,” Abbott said in a statement. “Such fraud will never be tolerated in Texas.”
The governor said the move is intended to protect the integrity of the state’s Child Care Services Program, which provides assistance to qualifying families to help cover the cost of child care while parents work or attend school. Abbott emphasized that taxpayer dollars must be safeguarded and used only for their intended purpose.
Under the directive, state agencies are expected to take proactive steps to prevent fraud, improve detection systems, and pursue investigations where misuse or misdirection of funds is suspected. That may include reviewing provider billing practices, eligibility determinations, and payment oversight procedures.
The Texas Workforce Commission administers child care subsidies through local workforce boards, while the Health and Human Services Commission oversees related social services and compliance efforts. Officials have not released details on specific cases under review or the scope of potential fraud in Texas.
Abbott’s action comes amid heightened national scrutiny of public benefit programs and increased emphasis on accountability and transparency. State officials say the investigations are aimed at ensuring families who truly need assistance continue to receive support while rooting out abuse of the system.
The governor’s letter outlining the directive has been made publicly available.
Local Healthcare Visionaries: The Story of One Couple
January 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – Last year the community celebrated a magnificent milestone which was the 75th anniversary of the local hospital. Before 1949 there were several small hospitals owned by various doctors in the community. At some point, the need for one hospital to serve the community was realized with the establishment of the hospital on Davis Street.
There are many great stories available online that show what a true community effort it was to construct and outfit the first hospital in 1949. Social clubs, civic clubs, etc. sponsored rooms and donated to purchase the furnishings.
In 1968, the hospital moved to the current location with a brand-new building. Two local citizens that helped to spearhead the move were Johnnie and Jim Masters. Johnnie was the original Pink Lady, for whom the hospital’s gift shop, the Johnnie Masters Memorial Gift Shop, is named. She had really hoped there could be a gift shop on the hospital grounds. Her granddaughter, Leslie Masters Grant, said Johnnie had said that “if folks could just buy a get-well card or get a little snack, she (Johnnie) would be happy.”
Jim, who started Jim Masters Western Store and later Cannon Craft, saw the need for the new hospital. He served as the President of the Hopkins County Hospital District which had been established in 1963 to help build a new structure north of town.
A public subscription campaign was established in May, 1968 to raise the final $100,000 needed to complete the funding of the new building. Businesses, medical personnel, local churches, clubs, and citizens were asked to donate. Lone Star Gas provided the first donation of $6,000.
Later in the year, the Hospital District added the funding option to furnish patient rooms in the hospital. A private room could be furnished for a donation of $650 and a double room for $1,000. Local citizens helped to pay for the structure and the furniture.
The Masters put their time, effort, and donations into making the new hospital a reality. It is said that Jim even challenged fellow citizens to donate to the fundraising campaign, and he offered to match every dollar raised. Based on a photo from the May 27, 1968 Daily News- Telegram, Jim not only gave funding, but was also willing to donate blood to offset the local deficit of blood.
It has taken an entire community many decades to create the excellent healthcare system we have in Hopkins County. The Masters are two people who gave tirelessly to build what we have available today. From the emergency services available through the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS, the quality healthcare offered by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, to the free programs and educational offerings provided by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, we have many resources here that are not available in larger counties. We owe a debt to all those, past and present, who have worked to keep healthcare a priority in Hopkins County!
Help carry on the tradition by attending or donating to the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 20th Gala which will donate $250,000 to the local hospital to purchase medical equipment for the new surgical wing expansion. Go to Gala2026.GiveSmart.com for more information.
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To attend the 20th Gala to be held on January 24, go to Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Photo provided courtesy of Lesley Masters Grant.
Shown here at the 2006 Winter Fantasy Gala are Micky and husband Bill Barnett.
Tickets, sponsorships, and donation opportunities are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Johnnie and Jim’s granddaughter, Lesley Masters Grant, is donating the use of columns through her company Simply Eventful to the January 24 Gala to keep the tradition of support going.
Bill Barnett, Micky Masters Barnett, and Chad Young are photographed at the 2007 Gala.
To join in the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Gala, get your tickets at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Shining Star Productions Bringing Hello, Dolly! to Sulphur Springs
January 5, 2026 – Shining Star Productions presents, Hello, Dolly! on stage at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium, January 16th through the 18th, 2026! 
“Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and join Shining Star Productions for this classic, feel-good musical comedy! Shining Star Productions is thrilled to bring the beloved story of meddling matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi to the SSISD Auditorium.
This is sure to be an evening filled with laughter 
, lively music by Jerry Herman 
, and show-stopping production numbers led by a talented cast of performers from across northeast Texas! 
Show Times:
Friday, January 16th @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, January 17th @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 18th @ 2:00 pm matinee
Location: SSISD Auditorium 
Tickets: $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets are required for ages 2 & up. 
How to Purchase: Get your tickets today at Alliance Bank or conveniently online at bit.ly/ssp-tickets!
U.S. Lawmakers Eye “Privateer” Authority to Target Cartel Boats Under Proposed Legislation
January 5, 2026 – WASHINGTON — A controversial new proposal being floated in Congress could open the door for private American citizens to legally seize cartel ships and assets on the high seas, reviving a centuries-old constitutional power and sparking debate over enforcement and legality.
A privateer is a private ship owner or seaman authorized by a government’s letter of marque during wartime to attack and capture enemy vessels for profit, blurring lines with piracy but operating legally under state sanction, sharing spoils with the government, and providing states with naval power without direct cost, with notable examples including figures like Sir Francis Drake.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced legislation late last year that would authorize the president to issue letters of marque and reprisal, a rarely used constitutional authority that historically allowed private citizens — known as privateers — to attack or capture enemy vessels on behalf of the United States. Under the proposed bill, these letters could be extended to target drug cartel ships or other vessels tied to transnational criminal organizations outside U.S. territorial waters.
The concept, rooted in Article I of the Constitution, hasn’t been exercised by the U.S. since the War of 1812, when privateers were commissioned to disrupt British shipping. The current proposal aims to adapt that idea to combat modern maritime trafficking and cartel operations, offering licensed private parties the authority to intercept and seize property from entities the president designates as acting against U.S. interests.
Supporters of the idea argue it could provide a novel, cost-effective tool in the fight against drug smuggling and organized crime without relying solely on military deployments. However, critics warn of serious legal and international law implications, noting that privateering was largely abolished under customary international norms long ago and that such actions risk violating maritime law and provoking diplomatic conflicts.
Experts emphasize that, unless and until Congress enacts clear legislation, private citizens have no legal authority to pursue or attack cartel vessels, and unauthorized actions at sea would constitute piracy under current law.
The bill’s future remains uncertain, as lawmakers debate both its constitutional basis and the risks of sanctioning armed private actors in international waters.
