Hopkins County Judge Newsom Issues Declaration of Local State Of Disaster
DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER
WHEREAS, The County of Hopkins, Texas, beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, is under threat of widespread and severe damage, injury, and loss of property, or the imminent threat thereof, resulting from a forecasted winter storm, including but not limited to:
wintry mix, sleet, snow, recurring precipitation,
prolonged freezing temperatures, and accumulative ice; and
WHEREAS, The County Judge of Hopkins County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property; and
WHEREAS, Hopkins County is expected to experience conditions that may cause widespread and severe damage, including loss of property to the County and its citizens, including but not limited to:
damaged homes, buildings, roads, bridges, parks and playgrounds;
downed powerlines, extended power outages, food spoilage, fallen trees,
hazardous debris, and
WHEREAS, Such conditions may threaten public health, safety, and welfare and require the utilization of all available County resources;
THEREFORE, I, the County Judge of Hopkins County, Texas, do hereby authorize the use of all available and necessary public resources of Hopkins County and its incorporated cities to respond to this disaster; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF HOPKINS COUNTY, TEXAS:
- That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Hopkins County, Texas.
- That the Hopkins County Emergency Management Plan is hereby activated and
implemented.
- That this local state of disaster shall continue unless and until terminated by order of the
Commissioners Court of Hopkins County, Texas.
- That this declaration shall take effect immediately upon issuance.
UK Bans Popular ‘Jolly’ Candy
January 21, 2026 – Health officials are calling for tighter restrictions on food imports after popular American sweets, Jolly Ranchers, were found to contain potentially harmful chemicals linked to petrol.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent food safety alert warning consumers not to eat certain Jolly Rancher products sold in the UK. Tests revealed the presence of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), substances considered unsafe for human consumption. MOAH are industrial contaminants commonly associated with petroleum products and can pose serious health risks if ingested over time.
The sweets, manufactured by US-based company The Hershey Company, are not authorised for sale under UK food safety regulations. While Jolly Ranchers are not officially distributed in the UK, they are often imported and sold through independent retailers, discount shops, and online marketplaces.
The FSA said the affected products present “a food safety risk” and has instructed local authorities to take action to remove them from sale. Health officials are now urging stronger enforcement measures to prevent unauthorised confectionery products from entering the UK market in the first place.
Food safety experts warn that MOAH compounds may contain carcinogens and should not be present in food at any level. “These substances are not permitted in food products sold in the UK,” an FSA spokesperson said, stressing that consumer safety must come before commercial demand.
The alert has renewed calls for stricter import controls and clearer accountability for retailers selling non-compliant products. Campaigners argue that gaps in enforcement allow unsafe foods to reach consumers, particularly children, who are the primary market for such sweets.
Consumers who have already purchased Jolly Ranchers are advised not to eat them and to dispose of the products safely. The FSA has said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with enforcement bodies to prevent further sales.
Governor Abbott Launches Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care
Schertz, Texas — January 20, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the launch of the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, a new statewide initiative aimed at improving the quality, access, and affordability of child care and early learning for Texas families.
Speaking at an event in Schertz, Abbott said the task force was created to help parents overcome rising costs, inconsistent standards, and bureaucratic barriers that limit access to early childhood services.
“The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” Abbott said. “We must put an end to the endless bureaucracy, the unclear standards of care, and the inflated costs that make it difficult for parents to get the early childhood care and education that they need.”
The task force was established through House Bill 117, authored by Representative Alan Schoolcraft and Senator Donna Campbell. The legislation amends the Texas Education Code and directs the task force to evaluate early childhood education and care programs across state agencies, with a focus on governance and operational challenges.
Abbott was joined at the announcement by state lawmakers, education leaders, and agency officials, including Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
Peter J. Holt, CEO and general manager of the HOLT Group, was named chair of the task force. Abbott also appointed 10 additional members representing education, health, business, and early childhood care sectors from across Texas. Appointees include educators, preschool owners, nonprofit leaders, and former business executives.
Members will serve terms through September 1, 2027. The task force is expected to review existing programs, identify inefficiencies, and recommend reforms designed to streamline oversight and improve outcomes for young children and working families statewide.
Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Winter Weather Threat
January 20, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential winter weather impacts expected across the state beginning Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
According to the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and wind-chills to the state through the early part of next week. Additionally, a storm system is expected to move through the state, bringing the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and snow that could create hazardous travel conditions into the weekend and cause impacts to infrastructure. Areas most at risk of wintry weather are northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are more likely to impact areas across west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas. Cold rain is expected for areas in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
At the direction of the Governor, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support weather response operations:
- Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
- Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All-Hazard Strike Teams consisting of firefighters, engines, and equipment such as motor graders to assist with snow/ice clearance; saw crews
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Public Works Response Team): Personnel to assist with public works needs
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter and Severe Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
- Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
- Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check road conditions before any necessary travel, and follow instructions from local officials.
Texans can access winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and find general preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
20th Anniversary Gala Postponed Due to Weather
January 20, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has made the decision to postpone their 20th anniversary Gala scheduled for January 24. The Foundation has been asked by local officials to postpone the fundraiser since the Civic Center serves as a warming location for our community when needed. With that in mind as well as the Foundation’s concern for the health and safety of its donors, volunteers, and vendors, the decision has been made to postpone the 20th anniversary Gala scheduled for Saturday, January 24.
Once a new date has been identified, the Foundation will share with local media and on their social media. In the meantime, the Foundation will continue to directly communicate with those who have purchased tickets, etc. to make sure all are aware of the latest updated.
In the twenty-year history of the Gala, the date has only been postponed due to Covid-19. Though the Gala is typically a winter event, this is the first time weather has impacted the Gala. The Gala was held in December the first two years, January for the next twelve years, April for three years, with 2024 marking its return to January.
January has been the preferred date for the Gala since vendor costs are generally lower and there is less competition for scheduling with participants. But as we all know about Texas, the weather is not predictable.
Though this is the Foundation’s main source of event fundraising, the Foundation wants the citizens who have come to depend on the free clinics, educational programs, and breast cancer services such as In My
Closet and the support group to know, the Foundation will continue its free programming in the new year.
The 28-year-old Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that exists to create more local healthcare opportunities for our community.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society Has Cancelled Next Lunch & Learn January 28th
January 27, 2026 – Because we are not yet comfortable with the level of safety offered by our highways, roads and city streets, we are opting to close again tomorrow, January 28, 2026. Hopefully, we will reopen at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
We are normally closed for research on Wednesday anyway, but this means we will not be able to hold a Lunch & Learn this month. An email will be sent to our members with the link to the video that we were going to present, so that you can be enjoyed from the warmth of your home. Anyone else wishing to view it can send a request for the link to [email protected], (which we can be access remotely) and it will send it to you as well.
Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative for our February 2026 “Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn” presentation by the Society of Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans. More information will follow, but you may want to mark your calendar.
Courtney Carr
WWII Veterans Legacy Programs Manager
Pedestrian Killed in Sulphur Springs
January 20, 2026 – A 71-year old man from Mena, Arkansas was struck and killed on a service road to Interstate 30 on Monday January 19, 2026 at approximately 6:45pm. Michael Wayne King was crossing the south service road while carrying a spare tire when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling westbound on the frontage road.
King was attempting to reach a car on Interstate 30 which had a flat tire near the 118-mile marker. Texas Department of Public Safety reports that the investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.
ERCOT Confident in Grid for Upcoming Winter Storms
January 20, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — As forecasts point to the possibility of severe winter weather this week in Texas, state power officials are reassuring residents that the grid is prepared — even as underlying risks remain. Meteorologists are warning of an arctic blast bringing snow, sleet and freezing rain, prompting heightened attention to potential strain on the energy system.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the grid serving about 90% of the state’s electricity demand, says Texas has strengthened its system in recent years since the devastating 2021 winter outages. Experts point to greater generation capacity and improved infrastructure that have lowered the chance of emergencies under most weather conditions this winter.
For Hopkins County, Texas from Friday through Sunday, the forecast calls for a significant change in weather with colder temperatures and a chance of winter precipitation.
As a cold front moves in Friday, temperatures will be cool with periods of rain expected early in the day before turning colder overnight. Saturday looks very cold, with freezing rain and possibly sleet or snow at times, raising the risk of icy travel conditions and slick roads. Sunday will remain chilly, with low temperatures and lingering clouds as conditions slowly improve. Overall, residents should prepare for wintry conditions Saturday into Sunday and much colder air late in the weekend.
Still, energy officials have warned that rapid population growth and surging demand from new data centers and other developments could elevate winter grid risks if extreme cold arrives.
ERCOT typically issues a “weather watch” ahead of intense cold events to monitor grid conditions and coordinate with utilities and emergency agencies. Even with preparations underway, Texans are being reminded that severe winter storms can sharply increase electricity demand, and residents should stay alert for any grid updates.
State Fair of Texas Pauses Pre-Fair Horse Shows for 2026 Season
January 20, 2026 – DALLAS — The State Fair of Texas has announced it will pause both the pre-Fair horse shows and the State Fair Rodeo for the 2026 fair season this coming fall, citing the need for careful evaluation and long-term planning.
In a statement, fair officials said the decision was made after extensive consideration and review of operations, facilities, and resources required to host the events. Organizers emphasized the pause is temporary and intended to allow time to assess how the horse shows and rodeo fit into the future of the fair.
“These events are important traditions for the State Fair of Texas, and this was not an easy decision,” officials said. “Pausing them allows us to focus on planning, improvements, and ensuring the highest standards moving forward.”
The pre-Fair horse shows and rodeo have long been staples of the annual fair, attracting competitors and spectators from across Texas and beyond. Fair officials acknowledged the impact the pause may have on participants, fans, and partners involved in the events.
Other major attractions, including livestock shows, concerts, food vendors, and midway rides, are expected to continue as scheduled for the 2026 season at Fair Park in Dallas.
Officials have not announced when the horse shows and rodeo could return but said updates will be shared as future plans are developed.
Less To Love At The 2026 State Fair of Texas
January 19, 2026 – DALLAS — The State Fair of Texas has announced it will pause its rodeo for the 2026 fair season, a decision officials say comes after careful review and planning.
Fair officials confirmed the rodeo will not be held during the 2026 run, citing the need to evaluate long-term operations, facilities, and overall programming. The rodeo has been a long-standing attraction at the fair, drawing competitors and spectators from across the state.
KSST could not find any credible reporting showing that the 2025 State Fair of Texas rodeo itself had major safety problems or a specific incident that prompted the pause of the 2026 rodeo.
In a statement, organizers said the pause will allow the fair to focus on improvements and future planning to ensure the event can return in a way that aligns with safety standards, operational needs, and the overall fair experience.
The 2025 State Fair of Texas put strong emphasis on safety planning and security protocols, and no major safety incidents were widely reported at the fair itself during its 24-day run.
“We understand the rodeo is an important tradition for many fairgoers,” officials said. “This decision was not made lightly, but it gives us the opportunity to assess how the rodeo fits into the fair’s future.”
Other popular fair attractions, including live music, livestock shows, and food vendors, are expected to continue as scheduled for the 2026 season.
Officials have not announced when the rodeo could return but said updates will be shared as plans move forward.
The State Fair of Texas typically runs in the fall at Fair Park in Dallas, drawing millions of visitors each year.
