Texas Christmas tree industry sees growth in demand, farm acreage
Texas Crop and Weather Report An increase in farm acreage, coupled with ongoing consumer demand and opportunities for new seed-improvement programs, signals a positive outlook for the Texas Christmas tree industry, according to a Texas A&M Forest Service expert. Christmas tree farms are growing in popularity across Texas. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife) Fred Raley, Ph.D., Texas A&M…
Read MoreUT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center Pioneers World’s First Clinical Application of Lumin Fitness for Rehabilitation
Dallas, TX – December 1, 2025 – Lumin Fitness, the leader in responsive, AI-infused training environments, announced a groundbreaking partnership with the UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center in Tyler, Texas. The innovative collaboration brings the immersive training technology of Lumin Fitness into a clinical setting for the first time anywhere in the world. UT…
Read MoreA Loophole Allows Ranchers to Renew Grazing Permits With Little Scrutiny of the Environmental Impact
Once every 10 years, ranchers must renew the permits that allow their cattle, sheep and other livestock to graze on the West’s public domain. These renewals are the government’s best opportunity to address how those livestock are harming the environment. The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service, the federal agencies that manage the majority…
Read MoreKC student Ruddy Morales named Oberndorf Scholar by PTK
Kilgore College student Ruddy Morales has been named an Oberndorf Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and has received a $1,500 scholarship. The Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship helps PTK members overcome unexpected financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their first college credential, associate degree or certificate. The scholarship is named…
Read MoreGroundwork nears completion for 6 soccer fields, ballpark expansion of Gilmer’s Yamboree Grounds
GILMER, Texas (KLTV) – Progress is moving right along for the expansion of Gilmer City Park and Yamboree Grounds. The project began as a $5.9 million bond and is continuing to morph as the city welcomes community input into the plans. Read more: Groundwork nears completion for 6 soccer fields, ballpark expansion of Gilmer’s Yamboree…
Read MoreState Sales Tax Revenue Totaled $4.5 Billion in November
(AUSTIN) — Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today said state sales tax revenue totaled $4.5 billion in November, 5.4 percent more than in November 2024. The majority of November sales tax revenue is based on sales made in October and remitted to the agency in November. “State sales tax collections showed strong growth last month compared…
Read MoreRed Cross Partners with Give United to Match Community Donations in Smith County
TYLER, Texas, Dec. 1 — Celebrate Giving Tuesday on December 2 as the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter joins the Give United campaign, with United Way matching every donor dollar up to $100,000 for Smith County-area non-profits. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year, donors…
Read MoreTexas Resilient Landscapes Initiative offers $3.2 million in reforestation funding
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas forest and woodland landowners are eligible to receive up to $80,000 for reforestation practices on their property. The Texas Resilient Landscapes Initiative is offering $3.2 million in cost-share funding over the next four years. The initiative is focused on supporting reforestation efforts in areas vulnerable to risk of loss from disaster or…
Read MoreTEXAS LOTTERY CALLS ON PLAYERS TO ‘GIFT RESPONSIBLY’
Annual campaign raises awareness of youth gambling risks AUSTIN — The Texas Lottery is taking part in the 2025 Gift Responsibly Campaign, joining more than 200 lotteries and community organizations across North America and around the world to raise awareness about the risks of underage lottery play. The campaign is organized by the National Council on…
Read MoreTexas Preservation Trust Fund benefits historic tavern, dance hall, log courthouse, more
Texas – A nearly 170-year-old log courthouse in Comanche County, a notorious tavern and dance hall on the Devil’s Backbone, and nine other recipients of the FY2026 Texas Preservation Trust Fund (TPTF) grants have all benefited from this Texas Historical Commission (THC) program that connects endangered historic places with preservation funding. The TPTF provides smaller,…
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