West Texas Wildfires Continue to Impact Texas Ag
February 19, 2026 – Sid Miller Declares Agricultural Emergency Amid Texas Wildfires AUSTIN, Texas — As wildfires continue to devastate parts of the Panhandle and West Texas, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has declared an agricultural emergency and mobilized state resources to assist affected farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses. Miller is urging Texans to support the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund, a...
Wildlife Health Alert: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detections Continue in Portions of North Texas
February 18, 2026 – AUSTIN —Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges caution as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to circulate among wild birds in Amarillo and Lubbock. Detected in all 50 states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, HPAI is a highly contagious zoonotic virus (meaning that humans can catch the virus) that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. It can spread directly between animals...
Local Author Sharon Feldt Had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to Share Details About an Event on February 21st
February 18, 2026 – Local author and small business owner, Sharon Feldt, had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to share details about a couple of books, and the event, “Ducky’s Book Pond” event being held at The Book Nook on Main on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Be sure to check out this informative episode and learn about some new books on the shelves at your local bookstore. A Second Cup of...
East Texas A&M Celebrates Topping Out of Rene’ Griffin Event Center
February 17, 2026 – COMMERCE, TX, East Texas A&M University marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, February 17, with a topping out ceremony for the new Rene’ Griffin Event Center. A topping out ceremony is a longstanding construction tradition that signals the completion of a building’s structural framework and the transition into its next phase. Representatives from Hoar Construction, who are building the...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Illegal Voting Tipline to Stop Unlawful Voting Activity Ahead of March Primary
February 17, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an email tipline where the public may report suspected violations of Texas election law and issued a legal advisory on election integrity. Attorney General Paxton will thoroughly investigate any suspected voter fraud and protect the integrity of our elections. In his legal advisory, he notes that, “Significant growth of the noncitizen population in Texas and a pattern of...
February Gardening can be a Challenge by Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
February 15, 2026 – February gardening can be a challenge, but it is possible! Most gardening chores in February involve preparation for the spring season–pruning, transplanting, and garden clean up. Start by finishing pruning shade trees, fruit trees, blueberries, and other perennials. Bush roses can be pruned by about 50%, always cutting above an outward-facing bud. Wait to prune climbing roses until...
Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn February 25th
February 15, 2026 – Our first “Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn” of 2026 (our January meeting was canceled due to inclement weather!) is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites individuals interested in genealogical research to attend. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal, and...
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, 202610:30 a.m. WHERE: 6521 Bluebonnet Parkway, 403D, McGregor, Texas(on the grounds of the current Texas A&M Forest Service...
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...
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...
