Candidate forum postponed due to weather

Jace Tobias of the Alto Area Republican Club announced late Sunday that a Jan. 26 candidate forum in Rusk hosted by the Alto Area Republican Club and Cherokee County Republican Women has been postponed until further notice.
Widespread power outages, downed trees and electric lines, and ice-covered roads during the past couple of days due to a winter storm system blasting much of the country has created unsafe driving conditions for residents of Cherokee County and surrounding areas.
“After careful consideration and ongoing monitoring of the weather and local conditions, the have decided – out of an abundance of caution – to postpone tomorrow evening’s (Jan. 26) joint forum at the Rusk Civic Center,” Tobias said.
“We really tried to hold off on this announcement, watching the forecasts closely hour by hour and hoping the winter storm would ease up enough for safe travel and participation,” he added. “Unfortunately, the impacts from this ongoing weather event continue to create serious hazards across Cherokee County and much of East Texas …. With sub-freezing temperatures, wind chills in the teens, and these combined risks, it’s simply not safe for many of our members, speakers, attendees, and families to be out on the roads or gathering tonight/tomorrow evening. Our highest priority is your safety – no event is worth anyone risking injury, getting stranded in the cold, or dealing with unnecessary hardship.”
Organizers will announced the rescheduled date on social media, and “truly appreciate your understanding during this tough weather stretch,” he said. “East Texas is resilient, and we’ll come together soon to discuss the important issues facing our county and state in a safe, warm setting.”