Royse City ISD student selected as Texas All-State Musician

Royse City ISD student selected as Texas All-State Musician

Royse City, TX (February 11, 2026) – Matthew Harris, a member of the Royse City High School Band and Percussion Section, has qualified to rehearse and perform with the 2026 Texas All-State Bands and Orchestras. Matthew will perform on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Convention Center, during the 2026 Texas […]

Built on Belonging: The Life & Legacy behind the Rene’ Griffin Event Center at East Texas A&M University

Built on Belonging: The Life & Legacy behind the Rene’ Griffin Event Center at East Texas A&M University

Rene’ Griffin received a commemorative football at a homecoming game. Photo credit: ETAMU Marketing and Communications Commerce, TX (February 11, 2026) – Rooted in community and shaped by a lifelong sense of home, Rene’ Griffin’s journey reflects the purpose of the event center that now bears his name. Rene’ Griffin’s life is a testament to […]

How I Met My Mate | He Swept Me Off My Skis: Garth and Cindy Horne

How I Met My Mate | He Swept Me Off My Skis: Garth and Cindy Horne

ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX (Feb. 11, 2026) I met my husband, Garth, in 1991 while living in Germany, where he was a young lieutenant stationed with the U.S. Army. Our paths crossed on a ski trip to an Austrian mountain, the kind of carefree weekend adventure you imagine in your twenties—until I tore my ACL. What should […]

How I Met My Mate | Two Directions, One Destiny: Mark and Becca Holland

How I Met My Mate | Two Directions, One Destiny: Mark and Becca Holland

ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 11, 2026) Mark and I met while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail stretches more than 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Mark started in Maine hiking south to Georgia. I started in Georgia hiking north to Maine. Our paths crossed in New York where we shared what the trail ahead […]

City of Fate announces Emily Goodrum as New Economic Development Director

City of Fate announces Emily Goodrum as New Economic Development Director

Fate, Texas (February 10, 2026) — The City of Fate is proud to announce the hiring of Emily Goodrum as its new Economic Development Director. Emily will officially begin her role on February 24. Emily brings extensive experience in downtown revitalization, retail development, public art, and placemaking. She most recently played a key role in the […]

Leadership Rockwall Builds Momentum at Agri-Innovation Barn Day

Leadership Rockwall Builds Momentum at Agri-Innovation Barn Day

Rockwall, TX (Feb. 10, 2026)  With barn doors open and community spirit on full display, Leadership Rockwall Class of 2026 officially kicked off its service project with Agri-Innovation Barn Day at the Rockwall ISD Ag Barn, marking an energizing first step toward meaningful upgrades to the district’s agricultural education facilities. Held February 7th at the […]

Rockwall High School Senior Cheer Spotlight: Brooke Marsh

Rockwall High School Senior Cheer Spotlight: Brooke Marsh

Rockwall, TX (February 10, 2026) – Brooke Marsh is a proud senior at Rockwall High School and the daughter of CeCe and Tracy Marsh. A dedicated student and athlete, Brooke has been a 4-year member of the Rockwall Cheer Team, where she has shown leadership, spirit, and commitment to excellence. Throughout her high school career, […]

How I Met My Mate | When the Cute Waiter Left his Number: Tim and Jennifer McCallum

How I Met My Mate | When the Cute Waiter Left his Number: Tim and Jennifer McCallum

ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 10, 2026) Tim and I met in June the summer of 1992. I was 17 and he was 19. My best friend at the time and I walked into a restaurant to grab some dinner and he was our waiter. We ordered some food to-go, and in the to-go order he left me […]

East Texas A&M receives $8 Million gift from Rene’ Griffin, largest in university history

East Texas A&M receives $8 Million gift from Rene’ Griffin, largest in university history

Commerce, TX (February 10, 2026) – East Texas A&M University is proud to announce a historic $8 million gift from alumnus Rene’ Griffin, marking the largest single philanthropic contribution in the history of the university and to Lion Athletics. In recognition of this transformational gift, the new event center, currently under construction on the campus of […]