Officials to Break Ground for a new Texas A&M Forest Service Facility in McGregor, Texas
February 15, 2026 – WHO: Texas A&M Forest Service, City of McGregor, Texas A&M University System
WHAT: Agency, System and City officials will ceremoniously break ground for a new Texas A&M Forest Service facility in McGregor, Texas.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
10:30 a.m.
WHERE: 6521 Bluebonnet Parkway, 403D, McGregor, Texas
(on the grounds of the current Texas A&M Forest Service office)
WHY: The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has made a significant capital investment to fund the construction of new regional facilities for Texas A&M Forest Service. The new facilities will serve as strategic hubs for wildfire suppression, incident management and forest stewardship.
By modernizing its physical footprint, the agency aims to decrease response times and provide a sophisticated operational environment for its multidisciplinary teams.
The new building in McGregor is the second of six planned groundbreakings for new facilities. Texas A&M Forest Service broke ground in February on construction in Fredericksburg for a new office building and equipment shop. The agency will also construct new facilities in Smithville, Clarksville and San Angelo, as well as a new building in Nacogdoches.
VISUALS: Officials breaking ground with shovels before a Command Post and firefighting bulldozer backdrop.
CONTACT: Kiley Moran, Public Information Officer, [email protected], 254-457-8075
Communications Office, [email protected], 979-458-6606
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Every Friday Through Lent
February 15, 2026 – The first KoC Fish Fry of 2026 will be this Friday. With so many options, no one goes away hungry. Service starts at 5PM and goes till 7pm. Right here in Sulphur Springs at St. James Catholic Church.
Originating from early Church tradition and codified by Pope St. Gregory 1400 years ago, this practice has evolved into a popular community, fish fry culture.
Plenty of USA catfish, hush puppies, fries, coleslaw, okra, desserts, tea and don’t forget about those special beans.
KSST will be giving away passed to the event. Check back on our website next week for more details.
Paris District Road Report for February 16, 2026
February 13, 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 16, 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 were converted to one-way traffic on February 04. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Hanning St to FM 902. 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.
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.
Lamberth Dr. Eastbound and westbound to be closed from January 17 to September 2026.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from US 82 is closed.
US 75 Southbound/Northbound mainlanes from N. Travis to Loy Lake Rd to be closed from 02 Feb – 28 Feb from 8:00 pm – 5:00 am. Various lanes will be closed for mobile operation.
Westbound/Eastbound Frontage Road from 300-ft East of NBFR to 300-ft West of SBFR. Various lanes will be closed for mobile operation from 02 Feb – 28 Feb from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
US 75 Northbound/Southbound Frontage Road from Lamberth to Loy Lake Rd. Various lanes will be closed for mobile operation from 02 Feb – 28 Feb from 8:00 pm – 5:00 am.
US 75 Northbound/Southbound Frontage Road from Lamberth to N of Westbound frontage road. Various lanes will be closed for mobile operation from 02 Feb – 28 Feb from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Eastbound/Westbound Frontage Road from 300-ft E of Northbound frontage road to 300-W of Southbound frontage road. Various lanes will be closed for mobile operation from 02 Feb – 28 Feb from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
US 75 Northbound Frontage Road from Loy Lake Rd (Sherman) to Fallon. There will be alternating Lane Closures from 02 Feb – 02 Mar from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
US 75 Southbound Frontage Road from FM 691 to Fallon Dr. Right lane will be closed from 03 Feb – 24 Mar from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
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 safety 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.
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.
SH 56 from FM 901 to US 82. Watch daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level upon the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 in Bells. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews clean out the drainage structures by the railroad crossing. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in 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 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.
Watch daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform pothole repair work at various locations. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 897 north of US 82. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform hot mix asphalt work on the roadway surface. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
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 sidewalk 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 79, at Little Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
BU 82 H (Bonham St.), from Loop 286 to 11th Street NW. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
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. Contractor will continue to set up for private driveways paving on SB pavement. Contractor will also be setting inlet tops. 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 will be performing prep work for prime coat on roadway from 1000 ft. west of Gardner Rd. to the intersection of FM 512 and FM 2655. 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 on reworked westbound 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. Contractor attempted to seal, but material didn’t perform well due to low temperatures. Contractor is waiting for warmer weather before applying first layer seal coat. 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. Expect one lane closures this week. 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 temp and permanent walls at both CR 2511 and FM 36. 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 performing pothole and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on SH 24 from FM 2736 to Loop 178, and on FM 2358 from SH 34 to End of Maintenance. Flaggers will be present at both locations. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repairs at various locations. Crews will also be on FM 36 from SH 66 to US 380 finishing prep work for seal coat on the construction project.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 2946 from FM 515 to FM 514. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Texas Farm Bureau Supports ‘Farm Bill 2.0’ Introduced in Congress
February 13, 2026 – The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President following today’s introduction of “Farm Bill 2.0” bill by U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson.
“Texas farmers and ranchers have been calling on Congress to finish its work on the farm bill for too long now.
“Texas Farm Bureau is proud to support House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT” Thompson’s ‘Farm Bill 2.0,’ which will provide needed certainty for farm and ranch families.
“We call on all members of the House Committee on Agriculture to vote yes to move the bill out of committee when it is marked up.
“We also ask congressional leaders to support this critical piece of legislation when it is brought to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It is time for Congress to prioritize the men and women who produce the food and fiber of our country by completing the farm bill.”
Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held February 26th
February 13, 2026 – A reminder! This month we will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month instead of the third.
Jim Thornhill will be our speaker on Thursday, February 26, 2026. We will meet at 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs, TX., at 7:00 p.m. or you may join us via Zoom that evening. (See the Zoom link below).
In Jim’s presentation, “Runaway Scrape,” he will relate events that began in Coahuila y Tejas in 1835, which led to the mass exodus of Texas refugees toward the Louisiana border. He will be giving a brief overview of the events in Mexico that caused the panic in Texas. He will tell the story of the people of Texas and their difficult escape to the safety of the United States, and their return back home. You will learn how studying this and similar events can reveal information about your easily Texas ancestors.
Jim Thornhill has been researching his family’s history for 20 years, six of those as a professional genealogist. He is chief researcher for Heroes of the Past, a company that seeks to delight clients, provide context in our ancestor’s lives, and show how we all have Heroes in our Pasts. He is a past president of the Dallas Genealogical Society, an author for Srirpes, the Journal of the Texas State Genealogical Society, and has spoken for the Narional Genealogical Society, the Texas State Genealogical Society, and many local societies in North Texas.
Jim is a native Texan who has been living in the Dallas area his entire life and has roots in pre=vivil war Texas and Mississippi.You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Feb 26, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/whnp9FL_SoSQticbugoHig
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Drug Trafficking Location Shut Down on Nicholson St.
February 13, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX – On the evening of February 12, 2026, the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Joint SWAT team, in coordination with local narcotics investigators, executed a high-profile search warrant at 216 Nicholson. The operation was the culmination of an investigation into suspected drug distribution at the property.
Two individuals located inside the residence were taken into custody without incident:
Jaylon Dugan: Charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Man/Del) and Possession of Marijuana (POM).
Brandon Frazier: Charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Man/Del).
Two others were arrested on lessor charges when they came to the address to buy narcotics at the location during the operation.
Department Acknowledgments
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the Hunt County Narcotics Investigators and the Sulphur Springs / Hopkins County Joint SWAT Team for their professional assistance and seamless collaboration in removing these substances from our community.
Chief Deputy Tanner Crump
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office
298 Rosemont St.
Sulphur Springs Tx, 75482
903-438-4054
Ken Paxton Backs Mary Talley Bowden in Legal Fight Against Medical Board
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action to support Houston physician Mary Talley Bowden in her lawsuit against the Texas Medical Board, arguing the board violated her constitutional rights by issuing an administrative penalty and public reprimand.
Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Bowden heavily promoted the use of ivermectin for early treatment of COVID-19, often criticizing federal health guidelines.
The dispute stems from a 2021 case in which the family of a hospitalized first responder sought a court order directing Bowden, or a nurse under her supervision, to administer ivermectin to a COVID-19 patient who was on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma. A state district court granted the order, but an appeals court later blocked it. Bowden has said she was unaware of the stay and continued efforts to provide treatment in good faith. Hospital staff ultimately refused entry to the nurse and contacted law enforcement.
Major health organizations, including the FDA, WHO, and NIH, advise against using ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 outside of clinical trials. Numerous large-scale, well-designed clinical trials have concluded that ivermectin provides no clinically meaningful benefit for COVID-19 patients.
Despite Bowden’s claim she relied on a court order and legal advice, the Medical Board issued a public reprimand. Bowden has sued to overturn that action.
Paxton has declined to represent the Medical Board in the case and has filed an intervention in support of Bowden. He is also declining to represent the board in another related lawsuit brought by her.
“I will not stand by as Dr. Bowden has her constitutional rights trampled,” Paxton said, calling the reprimand illegal and procedurally flawed.
Paxton’s filing argues the board ignored medical expert testimony, failed to consider Bowden’s reliance on legal guidance, and denied her due process.
Burn Ban Continues
February 12, 2026 – Donna Goins, the Administrative Assistant to Hopkins County Judge Newsom, reached out to KSST to inform the public of the following.
The Hopkins County Commissioners Court declares an urgent public necessity; and whereas, an emergency exists only if immediate action is required of a governmental body because of an imminent threat to public health and safety or a reasonable unforeseeable situation; the Commissioners Court finds that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor buming; and IT IS HEREBY ORDERED by the Commissioners Court of Hopkins County that all outdoor burning is prohibited in all areas of the county for 90 days from the date of adoption of this Order, unless the restrictions are terminated earlier based on a determination made by: (1) the Texas Forest Service that drought conditions no longer exist; or (2) the County Judge and the County Fire Marshal based on a determination that the circumstances that required the Order no longer exist.
See below for more details.
PJC African American Club Invites Community to Attend Informational Session with Texas Ranger Gregory Wilson
February 12, 2026 – Paris, Texas — The Paris Junior College African American Club invites students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to attend a special informational session featuring Texas Ranger Gregory Wilson, a Paris native and distinguished member of the Texas Rangers.
The event will take place on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Math and Science room 101 on the Paris Junior College campus.
During the session, Ranger Wilson will share insight into his career with the Texas Rangers, discuss the role of the Texas Rangers within the Texas Department of Public Safety, and offer guidance for those interested in careers in law enforcement and public service. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear firsthand about Ranger Wilson’s journey from Paris to one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in the state.
“This event is an opportunity not only to learn about the Texas Rangers, but also to engage with a hometown leader who represents service, dedication, and excellence,” said representatives of the PJC African American Club. “We are proud to welcome Ranger Wilson back to our community and campus.”
The event is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate.
For more information, please contact Paris Junior College or the PJC African American Club.
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ETAMU Adds Elite King Ranch Cattle to University Herd
February 12, 2026 – University collaborating with one of the largest ranches in the nation
COMMERCE, TX, February 12, 2026— East Texas A&M University’s cattle herd got a significant upgrade recently as the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) accepted delivery of 30 American Cruz heifers from the King Ranch elite herd.
Introducing the American Cruz
The American Cruz is a composite breed developed by King Ranch with a focus on maternal traits, efficiency and feedlot performance. The breed combines genetics from the historic King Ranch Santa Gertrudis herd with superior individuals in the Red Angus Breed.
According to King Ranch, annual production costs for American Cruz cattle are consistently below the industry average, with feed costs 28% lower while still producing calves that grade USDA Choice+ or Prime.
“These American Cruz heifers represent our most progressive genetics and come from the same herd we use for our own replacements,” said Darrell White, King Ranch cattle manager.
He added that the American Cruz cattle were developed to thrive with minimal inputs while still producing high-quality beef.
“These cattle were bred to be efficient and maintain carcass quality without sacrificing fertility and longevity,” White said.
Integrating Into the Herd
The 30 heifers will replace underperforming cattle that were recently sold from the university’s herd. Dr. Bryan Rank, dean of CASNR, said there are several future possibilities for the new livestock.
“First and foremost, we need to focus on education and research. These cattle were developed with a focus on economically important traits,” Rank said. “Tracking the efficiency of these cattle under real-world conditions, as well as marketing their offspring as breeding stock or beef, are fantastic learning opportunities for our students. This herd, as well as our registered Angus herd, will give us many new avenues for teaching and research.”
The university’s registered Angus program, still in its infancy, is focused on developing elite breeding stock.
The King Ranch: A National Heritage
With this collaboration, East Texas A&M is working with one of the leading names in U.S. cattle ranching. Established in South Texas in the 1850s, King Ranch has grown to become one of the largest ranching operations in the United States, spanning 825,000 acres across six Texas counties. Considered the Birthplace of American Ranching, King Ranch has a storied history of combining innovation with tradition and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Rank said the decision to do business with King Ranch made sense on several levels.
“King Ranch and I both thought there would be some great opportunities to work together. This initial purchase is a first step that I hope will lead to future collaboration,” he said.
Heath Grigg, vice president and general manager of the Home Ranches, added that, “The direction that East Texas A&M is taking with their cattle is a real-world industry focus. We are looking forward to finding more opportunities to work together.”
What’s Next for Ag at ETAMU?
For now, the new King Ranch cattle will serve East Texas A&M students as research and educational tools for degree programs such as Animal Science and Agribusiness, as well as interdisciplinary research and teaching that will involve all majors in CASNR.
“These American Cruz cattle provide experiential learning opportunities across the college when we consider economically important traits such as efficiency, longevity, and other real-world variables in the cattle industry,” Rank said.
For more information on the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, visit the college’s webpage.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
