Texas Teens Urged to Take the Pledge to Always Buckle Up
February 19, 2026 – TxDOT partners with UIL on high school seat belt challenge
PARIS – Skipping seat belts isn’t a flex—it’s a deadly risk. The new “Saved by the Belt” competition challenges Texas teens to wear a seat belt every seat, every ride.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are calling on high school students to pledge to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle, and always drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
Our future is on the line
Teens and young adults ages 15–20 make up nearly 9% of the Texas population, yet they were involved in 19% of all motor vehicle crashes in 2024. Tragically, 132 of the young people killed in those crashes weren’t wearing a seat belt.
“Teens will shape our communities for years to come, but the simple choice to buckle up—or not—can be the difference between a bright future or a young life cut short,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “By instilling these habits now, we can help the next generation of Texas drivers make safe driving decisions for the rest of their lives.”
- In 2024, there were 11 motor vehicle traffic crashes in the Paris District in which unrestrained occupants ages 15–20 sustained fatal or serious injuries. These crashes resulted in 1 fatality and 11 serious injuries.
What TxDOT is doing
TxDOT’s partnership with the UIL is part of its annual teen-focused Click It or Ticket campaign. Students at more than 1,500 high schools across Texas have been invited to compete in the “Saved by the Belt” challenge. Through Feb. 27, students can go to TexasFootball.com to take the pledge to buckle up every time they get in a vehicle. The UIL will provide a grand prize of $5,000 to the school that gets the most pledges.
Seat belts save lives
The real winners in the contest will be the students who are safer on the road because they always wear their seat belts, the best defense in a crash. If you’re not buckled up, you could be ejected from the vehicle or even thrown into other passengers. When you buckle up, you protect yourself–and your fellow passengers–from serious injury or death.
Although “Saved by the Belt” is specifically aimed at teens and young adults, it’s important to remember that Texas law requires all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt. Unbuckled drivers and passengers—even those in the back seat—face fines and court costs of up to $200.
The Click It or Ticket campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
TxDOT Seeking Public Feedback for Paris District Area Bicycle Plan
February 19, 2026 – Public invited to participate, complete the survey and provide comments
| WHEN: | Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 – Tuesday, March 24, 2026 |
| WHERE: | Virtual public meeting on txdot.gov |
| MEDIA: | Meeting will feature a pre-recorded video presentation highlighting the Paris District Bicycle Plan. Participants will be invited to submit a survey to provide comments. |
PARIS – Now’s the time to let us know what you think about the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) plans to improve access to bicycles in the Paris District area.
TxDOT is looking for feedback on a new plan to address bicycle mobility. This regional framework is vital to help TxDOT identify gaps and prioritize locations where bikeway improvements could provide the greatest benefit. This virtual public meeting will help TxDOT effectively plan for the future and provide a consistent framework for understanding bicycling conditions and needs on Texas roadways.
The meeting will be available online starting Tuesday, Feb. 24, by 5 p.m. and lasting until Thursday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. An interactive web map and survey will be available to gather input on existing bicycling conditions and priorities for improving safety, comfort and connectivity across the region.
The meeting will be posted on txdot.gov and participants can access it at any time during the public comment period.
For more information, contact [email protected] or (903) 737-9213.
Jay Hodge Chevrolet Leads the Charge for the Health Care Foundation’s Mingo
February 19, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – And they’re off! Jay Hodge Chevrolet is taking the lead as the first Big Daddy sponsor of the year for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s 2026 Mingo, set for Thursday, April 9. The event offers epic prizes like grills, coolers, guns, speakers, tech-gear, and other must-haves — all benefiting the Foundation’s local free men’s clinic.
To learn more or become a sponsor, visit Mingo2026.GiveSmart.com or email the Foundation at [email protected].
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 privately funded disaster relief program administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The fund provides recovery grants to eligible agricultural producers to help repair or rebuild damaged infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers.
“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” Miller said. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses, and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber, and fuel supply.”
In addition to activating the STAR Fund, TDA is promoting its Hay and Feed Hotline at (877) 429-1998, a free service connecting ranchers in need of hay with available suppliers, including donated resources during emergencies.
The agency is also highlighting the AgriStress Helpline, available 24/7 at 833-897-2474, offering mental health support from professionals familiar with rural communities and agricultural challenges.
“Panhandle families are reeling from these fires, but Texas stands united,” Miller said. “We are activating every tool to get our agriculture heroes back in action.”
Producers seeking aid and Texans wishing to donate can find information through the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast This Saturday
February 19, 2026 – The annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is happening this Saturday. Get your fill of Kiwanis Pancakes, bacon, sausage and various beverages. The Civic Center will once again host the event.
All you care to eat service will be from 7AM till noon. Be sure to meet up with friends and family and socialize for a bit.
Kiwanis helps kids around the world. We look out for our community and focus on changing the world by serving children, one child at a time.. We are generous with our time. We are creative with our ideas and passionate about making a difference.
Great Things Ahead for the Health Care Foundation’s Gala
Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is excited to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Gala. This observance is more about the donors and volunteers who have kept the Gala going and the thirty-five healthcare projects the Gala has funded.
At a time when many balls and galas seem to be slowing down, the Foundation’s Gala is getting its second wind. This is in part due to the growth of the local hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS. As these two organizations continue to be recognized for their quality and service, and since they are both adding ways to serve the community, it is no wonder residents take pride in local healthcare.
Not only is the upcoming Gala a wonderful night to mark this milestone, but, in the bigger picture, it is a chance to look ahead to the growth of interest in local healthcare and the responses from the hospital, hospital District, and the Foundation to meet these needs.
As our community continues to grow, and the Metroplex seems farther away, access to quality medical providers is a necessity. More providers mean we need more facilities, equipment, patient beds, ambulances, etc.
That means the Foundation needs to provide more programs to educate and assist the community with their health needs and to help its healthcare partners, CMF-SS and the District/EMS, with their financial needs to keep up with equipment, technology, and facilities.
Why does this matter to the average citizen? Because none of us know when we or someone we love will have a health emergency or need a physician. So often, speed in getting to the hospital or seeing a provider is so important that it could mean the difference between life and death.
Together, CMF-SS, the District/EMS, and the Foundation are working hard to make sure Hopkins County residents have the local access they need to quality healthcare.
If you care about your health and that of your family and friends, won’t you join the Foundation in its efforts to raise funds for Hopkins County healthcare? A Gala ticket or Gala gift is a great way to start. You will hear what is going on locally in healthcare. Not only is the room filled with business leaders and philanthropists, but also with medical staff and providers. And, it is a really fun evening!
A few tickets are available for the May 9, 2026, Gala! Tickets and other forms of support are detailed on the website, Gala2026.Givesmart.com.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, provides free clinics, educational programs, and a room full of free breast cancer supplies for the community. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group.
The 2015 Foundation Gala was enjoyed in Jazz Age style with the theme The Great Gatsby. Chairs for the year were Leesa and Brian Toliver, and the projects funded by the evening were 3 flex coils, 3 telemedicine units, and EMS vehicles.
Underwriting opportunities for the 2026 Gala are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call
the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
2015 Gala Chair Leesa Toliver and her friends gather for a photo at the event. Shown left to right, Denise Booher, Leesa, Peggy Walker, and Debbie Booker.
You won’t want to miss the 20 th anniversary Gala celebration! The Foundation will take you on
a walk down memory lane while celebrating this community and local healthcare. Find ways to
participate at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
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 and indirectly through environmental contamination.
The congregation of waterfowl and other migratory birds around food, water sources and backyard flocks increases the potential spread of the disease.
The public can assist in interrupting HPAI transmission by limiting all unnecessary contact with wild birds. In areas that currently have a higher number of HPAI detections, TPWD discourages the public from feeding wildlife, which includes the use of bird feeders. Staff also recommends the hazing of wildlife away from food and water sources.
The public should take general precautions by not handling any sick or dead wildlife and by not allowing pets to interact with sick or dead wildlife. If a pet frequents areas with wildlife, they should make sure their pets are up to date on vaccinations.
If you encounter a wild animal with signs consistent with HPAI, contact your local TPWD wildlife biologist.
What is Avian Influenza:
Avian Influenza, caused by influenza type A viruses, is a contagious viral disease that poses a major threat to the poultry industry and animal health. Migratory waterfowl and other waterbirds are a natural reservoir for this disease as they congregate on wintering grounds
There are many strains of the virus that vary in severity based on the species affected. These strains are put into two general classifications— low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI). LPAI generally causes only minor illnesses and occurs naturally in migratory birds. HPAI spreads rapidly and has a high death rate in birds.
Additionally, select mammal species are highly susceptible to HPAI including domestic cats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, mountain lions and black bears.
Due to the ease of transmission, TPWD recommends wildlife rehabilitators remain cautious when handling wild animals with clinical signs consistent with HPAI and quarantining animals to limit the potential for HPAI exposure to other animals within the facility. Backyard poultry may infect or be infected by contact with wild birds. If a wildlife rehabilitator suspects HPAI in an animal, contact TPWD within 24 hours of intake.
Clinical Signs and Transmission:
Clinical signs include neurological disease such as incoordination or stumbling, lethargy, trembling, seizures, lack of fear of people, coughing and sneezing and sudden death, though birds infected with HPAI may not always have outward signs of infection. The virus may spread in a variety of ways, including through contact with infected wild and domestic birds as well as by contaminated equipment, clothing and shoes of caretakers.
For mammals, transmission occurs primarily through the consumption of infected animal carcasses and contaminated equipment.
Currently, the transmission risk of avian influenza from infected birds to people remains low, but the public should take basic protective measures if contact with wild animals cannot be avoided. Public and health care professionals can find more information about HPAI in humans from the Texas Department of State Health Services. If you develop signs of illness after you have been in contact with an HPAI-positive animal or animal with clinical signs suspicious for HPAI immediately contact your healthcare provider and let them know about the exposure.
Prevention:
TPWD currently suggests discontinuing the use of bird feeders but if they are left up in areas with higher detections numbers then the bird feeders and water sources should be cleaned at least every two weeks with a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water. Change water in birdbaths every few days and regularly remove wet feed and seed from feed and water sources.
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.
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 facility, were joined by faculty, staff, students, donors and community members at the construction site to sign and celebrate the placement of the final steel beam atop the structure.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
In his remarks, Dustin Moore, project executive at Hoar Construction, explained what a topping-out ceremony represents:
“This signals a major milestone in the construction process; it signifies that the steel erection is complete…and the next phase of construction begins. It also allows you to see the bones of the building that will forever transform the landscape of your campus.”
Alumnus Rene’ Griffin was a VIP guest at the topping out event. On February 5, East Texas A&M announced a historic $8 million gift from Mr. Griffin, marking the largest single philanthropic contribution in the history of the university and to Lion Athletics.
Griffin addressed the crowd at the topping out ceremony, stating, “This whole gift is all about relationships and giving back. People gave to me; it’s time to give back.”
He added: “I hope this gift can help out the students of today and students way into the future. Students who aren’t even born yet will hopefully benefit from this. And if those folks get just a small percent of the benefit that I did, the university will have done its job…”
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
During the topping out ceremony, Rene’ Griffin signed a ceremonial $8 million check in support of the project, underscoring his transformative investment in the university’s future.
After the ceremonial check signing, the final steel beam was signed by Griffin and President Mark Rudin, along with members of the university’s executive team, deans, coaches, Student Government Association President Estefania Olivas, student-athletes, Traditions Council representatives and other members of the Lion community. Each signee left a personal mark on a project that will shape campus life for generations.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
About the Rene’ Griffin Event Center
Located on the south side of campus along State Highway 24 in Commerce, Texas, the multi-use Rene’ Griffin Event Center will primarily serve as the home for East Texas A&M’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. Beyond athletics, the venue will host major university and community events, including graduations, concerts, conventions and special gatherings. Designed to anchor a future campus event district, the center will serve as a central hub for student life and community engagement in Northeast Texas.
The Rene’ Griffin Event Center is expected to be completed in early 2027, with a grand opening anticipated shortly thereafter.
Photo: Jason Connel, East Texas A&M Office of Marketing and Communications
Greg Abbott Touts Record Demand for Texas School Choice Program
February 17, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott on Monday celebrated what he called record-breaking interest in Texas’ new school choice initiative, with more than 100,000 families applying to the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program in less than two weeks.
State officials say the surge represents the largest launch of a new school choice program in the nation’s history. The program allows eligible students to direct state-funded education dollars toward approved education providers, including private schools and other educational services.
“The TEFA program receiving more than 100,000 applications in less than two weeks proves that families overwhelmingly want school choice,” Abbott said. “Through this program, families will receive funds to send their children to a school that is the best fit for them.”
The TEFA program was created under Senate Bill 2 and includes $1 billion in funding for families seeking alternatives to traditional public schools. It is administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock.
Abbott praised Hancock for his role in launching the program and said the initiative gives parents more control over their children’s academic success regardless of income or geographic location.
Families began applying on February 4. Applications will remain open through March 17, and officials emphasize the program is not first-come, first-served. All Texas children who live in the state and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.
Approved families may use TEFA funds for tuition, transportation, and other qualifying education-related expenses.
