Application Window for Texas’ New School Choice Program Starts Next Month
January 2, 2026 – Senate Bill 2, approved by lawmakers in 2025, set aside $1 billion to establish the Education Freedom Accounts program. The initiative allows eligible families to use state-funded accounts to help pay for approved education expenses, including private school tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, and other qualifying services outside the traditional public school system. State officials say applications...
Commissioner Miller Applauds USDA Payment Rates for Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
January 1, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement of payment rates under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, calling the move a timely boost for producers facing rising costs and market uncertainty. In a statement released Tuesday, Miller said the program provides much-needed clarity and support as farmers plan for the 2026 growing season. The USDA,...
Toyota ShareLunker Program Launches 40th Anniversary Season on New Year’s Day
January 1, 2026 – ATHENS – New Year’s Day 2026 will launch the 40th season of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, another major milestone for Texas’ highly acclaimed and storied largemouth bass selective breeding and stocking program. Since 1986, anglers from throughout the state and nation have gone fishing on Texas lakes and cast their lines in hopes of landing a Legacy Class largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more. During the...
Johnnie Rex Martin
June 7, 1936 — December 27, 2025 Como Johnnie Rex Martin, age 89, of Coke TX., passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Rock Creek Health and Rehab. Family-led memorial service is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Rockhill Baptist Church in Quitman, TX. Johnnie was born on June 7, 1936 in Leesburg TX., to Fletcher and Emma (Gibson) Martin. He married Lyndia G. Langford on September 5, 1975 in Tyler TX. Johnnie was a...
Nancy Gail (Campbell) Swint
December 28, 1954 — December 30, 2025 Celebration of life service for Nancy Campbell Swint age 71, of Paris, Texas will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Trinity Harvest Church of God in Sulphur Springs, Texas with Mark Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove North Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1:00 PM at Trinity Harvest Church of God. Nancy passed away at Medical City Heart Hospital in...
Staying In and Turning In Early Gains Popularity on New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2025 – As New Year’s Eve approaches, more Americans are choosing to celebrate quietly at home and head to bed early, a trend many say offers practical and personal benefits over late-night outings. Avoiding crowded parties and packed bars reduces stress and lowers the risk of accidents, particularly on roads where impaired driving increases during the holiday. Safety experts note that staying home eliminates the...
Steve Parks
September 25, 1946 — December 22, 2025 Dike Steve Parks, age 79, of Dike, Texas passed away on December 22, 2025, at Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler TX. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Steve was born on September 25, 1946, in Kankakee, Illinois to Calvin Parks and Dorothy Baechler. He married Dianna Lynn Moore on October 17, 1975, in...
Commissioner Miller Statement on the Passing of Tony Zaweski
December 31, 2025 – The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Miller: Tony Zaweski was a true champion for Texas agriculture and a tireless advocate for the grain and feed industry. His leadership of the Texas Grain & Feed Association helped shape a strong and effective voice for producers and agribusiness across our state. Tony understood that agriculture thrives when good people are willing to serve and...
Paxton Secures $1.25 Million Settlement With Hyatt Over Hidden Hotel Fees
December 31, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $1.25 million settlement with Hyatt Corporation after the company was accused of violating Texas consumer protection laws by advertising hotel room prices that did not reflect the full cost paid by customers. According to the attorney general’s office, the lawsuit alleged Hyatt used deceptive pricing practices by marketing rooms at attractive daily rates...
Harry James Vogler
April 30, 1949 — December 24, 2025 Emory Harry James Vogler, age 76, of Emory TX., passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Christus Mother Frances hospital in Sulphur Springs TX. A family-led memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Vogler was born on April 30, 1949, in Hereford, TX., to Ewald and Anna (Drager) Vogler. He was a retired farmer who loved to spend his time on the lake fishing. Harry is survived by his...
