By Johanna Hicks While providing an individual with my business card recently, I contemplated the Vision and Mission of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Our vision is “Helping Texans Better Their Lives.” Our mission is “Through applying science-based knowledge; we create high-quality, relevant continuing education that encourages lasting and effective change.” …

They dropped the mask mandate for airlines, and the decision is now up to passengers. Dr. Jason Bowling with the University of Texas Health System says some groups should still be covering their faces. And, he says if you’re flying to see an elderly relative, you should still wear a …

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki says that student loan debt forgiveness is still possible. That’s music to the ears of a group of professors who have been pushing the President to act. At UTEP and 1,000 other educators from across the country, Professor Gina …

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Task Force on Concert Safety had released their final report, which includes recommendations and strategies to ensure the safety of concertgoers in the Lone Star State.  Governor Abbott launched the task force on November 10 in response to the tragedy at Astroworld Festival in …

The Paris ISD Board reviewed a new health insurance program for district employees at this week’s meeting and approved a district contribution of $421 per month for each employee in the district. That’s about double what the school district is required to contribute. The state also contributes $75 per month …

The East Texas Giving Day will be Tuesday, April 26, where residents can give online to more than 290 non-profits throughout East Texas that help others. The website www.easttexasgivingday.com will be open from 6:00 am to midnight. Lamar County organizations that will benefit include CitySquare Paris, St. Joseph’s Community Foundation, …

They canceled the Lamar County Summit on Homelessness scheduled for April 22 a few months ago. However, once the new Red River Valley Homeless Coalition is up and running, organizers will reschedule a Summit or schedule another event to share awareness about homelessness in our area.

The Prairiland ISD is hosting a public informational meeting Thursday evening about the proposed $16 million bond issue election on May 7. The meeting will be at 6:00 pm in the High School Gym. Money raised if the bond passes will fund a new Career and Technology Center.

The Farm Service Agency has made emergency loans available to ten Texas counties due to physical damage and losses caused by the winter storm from February 2 through February 28. Locally, those counties are Hunt and Fannin. In addition, They named 36 Texas counties contiguous where eligible family farmers may …

Life will never be the same for a Northeast Texas man caught in the crossfire of a gunfight at a shopping center in Texarkana. Hugo Chavez of Texarkana is recovering but is paralyzed from the chest down. He was hit by a stray bullet on March 25 while using a …