Governor Abbott Announces $30,000 Reward For Information On Commissioner Betancourt Shooting
January 8, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Reynaldo Mata-Rios. Eddy Betancourt was found deceased on December 27, 2025, and on the following day, the McAllen Police Department issued a warrant for Mata-Rios’ arrest for murder. Betancourt was the vice chairman of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors. He was appointed by Governor Abbott to serve on the Texas Facilities Commission.
Eddy Betancourt
Commissioner
The Texas Department of Public Safety has added the suspect to their 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.
“Cecilia and I mourn the tragic loss of Commissioner Eddy Betancourt, and we pray for his family and loved ones,” said Governor Abbott. “The State of Texas remains in regular coordination with local law enforcement to provide all necessary resources to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions and the full weight of the law for this heinous crime. I encourage Texans with information relating to this crime to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. With the public’s help, we will capture those responsible and put them behind bars.”
The suspect, Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 195 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Mata-Rios was seen crossing the U.S. – Mexico border in a red truck on December 28, 2025. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information using one of the following methods:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit a web tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website
- Submit a tip online.
Callers’ anonymity is guaranteed by law regardless of how tips are submitted, and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name. Fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Texans should never try to apprehend a fugitive.
Sulphur Springs City Managers Report January 6, 2026
January 8, 2026 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday January 6, 2026, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: SULPHUR SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – There were no workers’ compensation, liability, or property claims filed in December. A notice of lawsuit was received related to Ordinance No. 2884 regulating skill-based gaming devices. The matter has been forwarded to TMLIRP and city legal counsel.
Thermo 18″ Water Line (Capital Construction)
Crews installed 40 feet of 18-inch water main in December, bringing the total installed to 16,297 feet. Two tees and 40 feet of 12-inch line were installed east of the Thermo buildings for future use, along with one new fire hydrant. All installed water line was loaded and placed into service. Materials for the Thermo 21-inch sewer line are fully received and staged.
City Hall Site & Parking
City Hall parking-lot sidewalks are complete. Engineering staff continued civil-site design and underground utility tracing for the City Hall addition.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) & 2026 PLANNING –
Routine street maintenance continued while staff finalized planning work for the 2026 Street Improvement Program. The tentative street list has been prepared and coordinated with Water & Sewer and Streets. Contract extension paperwork has been executed, and IWorQ street-condition updates and shapefiles for new streets have been completed.
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 | |
Development Projects
Staff continued to support multiple development efforts, including final work at Stonewood Phase I, utility extensions for SSISD Elementary School #2, and ongoing water-main installation along Trinity Parkway. Engineering staff also advanced planning and utility coordination for future developments.
Departmental Activity
Public Works
• Repaired 139 potholes and cleaned storm drains twice.
• Repaired pavement following 12 water or sewer repairs and completed one major street repair on Como Street, including correction of a storm-drain failure that caused a sinkhole.
• Continued the citywide program to trim trees to maintain 14-foot roadway clearance.
• Replaced 200 feet of failed 36-inch storm drain between MLK and Fuller Streets and repaired bridge railing on Jackson Street.
• Repaired or replaced three stop signs and one “No Trucks” sign.
• Hauled street-sweeping spoils to the Maloy Landfill and coordinated milling and paving of the 7th Street railroad crossing.
• Mulched overgrown vegetation along Veterans Drive, Maxwell Street, Holiday Drive, and creek areas between MLK, Maxwell, and Beckham Streets.
Utilities — Water
• Repaired 12 city water-main breaks (1″–2; 6″–9; 8″–1).
• Replaced 14 three-quarter-inch meters and two 2-inch meters; no dead meters reported.
• Located over 1,800 feet of water mains and services for contractors and replaced three broken meter boxes.
Utilities — Sewer (City Lines Only)
• Responded to 16 city sewer calls.
• Repaired one 4-inch and two 6-inch city sewer lines.
• Washed over 83,000 feet of city sewer mains as part of the F.O.G. program.
• Located approximately 1,810 feet of sewer mains for contractor coordination.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Achieved a monthly average effluent TSS of 1.2 mg/L.
• Hauled 552 tons of sludge to the Maloy Landfill.
• Completed routine and preventative maintenance, including blower troubleshooting, chlorine-hoist inspection, electrical work, and clarifier and pump maintenance.
Community Development — Inspections & Permits
• Conducted 58 building inspections, 18 electrical inspections, 17 plumbing inspections, and 6 mechanical inspections.
• Issued 25 building permits and 62 trade permits.
• No Planning & Zoning or Zoning Board of Adjustment applications were received during the month.
Fire Department
• Responded to 185 total calls, including three structure fires, one vehicle fire, and six non-structure fires.
• Conducted 30 inspections, maintained 76 fire hydrants, and logged 178 hours of continuing education training.
• Responded to 15 fire alarms and provided mutual aid assistance on two county calls.
Police Department
• Recorded 1,752 total calls for service.
• Investigated 35 traffic accidents resulting in seven injuries and no fatalities.
• Issued 480 citations, recorded 56 offenses, and made 58 arrests during the month.
• Animal Control
• Responded to 125 complaint calls.
• Picked up 19 dogs and cats, accepted nine owner drop-offs, and handled four wild animals (two released).
• Released 13 animals to owners and facilitated 20 adoptions, resulting in an 89% adoption rate.
• Issued 11 citations, responded to one bite report, picked up three deceased animals, euthanized four animals, and ended the month with seven animals in the shelter.
Library
• Recorded 3,651 visitors, checked out 3,165 items, and logged 241 public computer sessions.
• Served 204 eBook users with 808 digital checkouts.
Parks & Recreation
Downtown/Plaza
• Completed routine maintenance, seasonal banner changes, irrigation repairs, and assisted with multiple community events.
Parks & Facilities
• Maintained Coleman Lake and Buford Park, cleaned the plaza fountain wet vault, striped the Imagination Mountain parking lot, and completed multiple irrigation and equipment maintenance tasks.
Grays Building & Senior Center
• Prepared the Grays Building for 17 rentals.
• Assisted with 124 senior activities, hosted a chili cook-off with 60 attendees, and a Christmas party with 85 attendees.
Airport & Tourism
• Recorded 1,710 aircraft operations (average 55 per day).
• Sold 3,496 gallons of AvGas and 10,050 gallons of Jet-A fuel.
• Tourism staff continued distributing visitor information and assisted with Christmas events and local organization support.
Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held January 15th
January 8, 2026 – We are starting out the new year with a bang by having our very own society president, John A. Sellers, as our speaker on Thursday, January 15, 2026. We will meet at 611 N. Davis at 7:00 p.m. or you may join us via Zoom that evening. (See the Zoom link below). You are encouraged to attend this meeting at no cost to you despite his “professional speaker” status. We promise you will enjoy it!
John is a multigenerational native of Sulphur Springs but ventured off during his college years to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where he graduated with a bachelor’s in public relations and advertising. Following his time at Tech, John moved to the big city of Dallas to pursue a career in advertising at the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Business Journal and General Telephone (now Verizon). He decided to return home to Sulphur Springs to attain a Texas teaching certificate so he could share his love for history with students. A few years later, back in his hometown, he was summoned to be a banker.
In his spare time, amidst his various responsibilities, he finds enjoyment in delving into family history research. He enjoys the opportunity to share his expertise through speaking engagements and seminars on genealogy, providing guidance on effective research methodologies. In his presentation, “Wood and Shingles; Brick and Mortar – Discovering the History of Your Home or Building,” he will talk about researching homes and buildings, with an emphasis on Sulphur Springs structures. You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 15, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Y0CWnsIBQ5GS_SX840ezMg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
January Gardening List by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
January 8, 2026 – Gardening in January can be cold and uncomfortable, but in Hopkins County we are usually gifted with many pleasant winter days. Planning, planting, transplanting, pruning, and other general garden maintenance can all be accomplished during this time when many plants are dormant. Here are a few ideas to help gardeners get off the couch and be productive until spring arrives!
January is a perfect time to prune trees and shrubs. For trees, remove dead limbs by cutting them close to the trunk, as well as those limbs that cross or rub against other branches. Removing dead wood reduces the chance of disease and insect infestation, while removing the branches that rub on another prevents future problems.
For shrubs, trim and re-shape the plant as needed to achieve a balanced, symmetrical shape. Electric hedge trimmers work quickly on large jobs, while hand-held cutters are great for small shrubs and finer, more detailed trimming.
Transplant any shrub, bush, or perennials now. It is also a good time to plant new trees. While these plants are dormant is the best time to re-locate them to a better growing environment. Try to keep as much of the roots and soil ball as possible when digging and moving so that the plant has a better chance of success in its new home. Dig the new hole a little larger than the soil ball, plant at the same depth, and water deeply.
Planting in January can be successful with the right plants for the cold! Pansies, violas, and pinks (Dianthus) are hardy throughout the winter, and will add color to the garden from now until the heat arrives. Some protection may be needed outdoors if temps become truly frigid, but 40s should be OK. The local nurseries will have a variety of plants for sale that are winter hardy and suitable for the season.
January Veggies can be planted from transplants, but it is too early to plant seed. Onions, both bulbs and onion “sets”, can be planted in mid-January, as well as broccoli, ornamental cabbage. and kale. Seeds of summer vegetables can be started indoors in late January and early February in order to have vigorous young transplants ready for the spring season.
General Chores in January may include perusing seed catalogues for new varieties of flowers and vegetables. An “always useful-no matter the season” chore involves watching houseplants for insects, and keeping a regular indoor watering and feeding schedule. And as always, keep outdoor garden areas mulched to prevent weeds, retain moisture, and to protect and help warm the soil.
Enjoy gardening in January! All too soon summer will return with its 100 degree days, and the brisk, chilly, sweater weather will be a distant memory!
Delta County Enacts Burn Ban This Week
January 7, 2026 – DELTA COUNTY IS CURRENTLY UNDER A BURN BAN.
An emergency 7-day burn ban is in effect for unincorporated areas of Delta County, Texas, as of January 7, 2026, due to elevated wildfire risk
The Commissioners Court will review this ban on January 13, 2026, to decide on extending or lifting it. Open burning is prohibited, though some exceptions for contained, non-commercial cooking may apply.
Key Details:
Penalty: Violation is a Class “C” misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500$
Location: Unincorporated areas of Delta County, Texas.
Effective Date: January 7, 2026.
Review Date: January 13, 2026.
Restrictions: No outdoor burning, including trash or brush piles.
RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSEQUENCES FOR OUTDOOR BURNING
View the State Law in regards to responsibility for consequences of outdoor burning.
Outdoor Burning in Texas Guide
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 352, Subchapter D, Outdoor Burning
‘Cedar Fever’ Time Once Gain
January 8, 2026 – North Texans battling runny noses, itchy eyes, and relentless sneezing may have a familiar culprit to blame this time of year: mountain cedar.
Often mistaken for a lingering cold or the aftermath of holiday gatherings, mountain cedar allergies typically peak during the winter months, especially from December through February. The tree, also known as Ashe juniper, releases large amounts of pollen that can travel hundreds of miles on windy days, blanketing much of North Texas.
Allergy specialists say recent dry conditions and periodic strong winds have helped spread cedar pollen more efficiently, worsening symptoms for many residents. Common complaints include congestion, coughing, headaches, sinus pressure, fatigue, and sore throats — symptoms that can feel especially severe for people with asthma or chronic sinus issues.
Unlike spring pollen allergies, mountain cedar often strikes suddenly and intensely. Many sufferers report waking up feeling fine, only to experience rapid symptom onset after spending time outdoors. Even brief exposure can trigger reactions, as cedar pollen grains are small and easily inhaled.
Doctors recommend limiting outdoor activities on high pollen days, keeping windows closed, and using air purifiers indoors. Showering and changing clothes after being outside can also help reduce pollen exposure. Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and saline rinses are commonly used to manage symptoms, though those with severe reactions are encouraged to consult a physician.
While “cedar fever” may feel like an illness, experts stress it is not contagious. Relief typically comes with sustained rainfall or the end of the pollen season. Until then, many North Texans will continue reaching for tissues and allergy medications as winter allergies take their annual toll.
Paxton Secures Agreement with Crest Manufacturer to Protect Children from Excessive Fluoride Exposure
January 8, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a major agreement with Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, the maker of Crest toothpaste, aimed at protecting children from potential health risks linked to excessive fluoride exposure.
The agreement requires P&G to update the marketing and packaging of Crest children’s toothpaste to accurately depict the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for young users. State investigators found that misleading images showing overly large amounts of toothpaste could cause parents to use more fluoride than recommended when helping children brush their teeth.
“When parents are teaching their kids the basic habit of brushing their teeth, they shouldn’t have to worry about deceptive marketing endangering their children,” Paxton said. “Misleading images that show excessive amounts of fluoride toothpaste put children’s health and brain development at risk.”
Under the terms of the agreement, P&G began rolling out updated packaging on January 1, 2026. The company is required to maintain compliance with the updated standards for the next five years, ensuring that images and instructions clearly reflect pediatric dental guidelines.
Health experts note that while fluoride is beneficial in preventing cavities, excessive ingestion by young children can lead to health concerns, including dental fluorosis and other potential developmental risks. Clear labeling and accurate visual guidance are considered critical for parents of young children who may swallow toothpaste while brushing.
The agreement follows Paxton’s earlier settlement with Colgate, which marked the first enforcement action of its kind targeting children’s toothpaste marketing. That settlement set a new industry standard and prompted broader compliance across manufacturers.
Paxton’s office said the Crest agreement reinforces Texas’ commitment to consumer protection and holding large corporations accountable when marketing practices may mislead families or place children at risk.
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.
