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A public meeting was held Thursday at the courthouse in La Grange related to numerous efforts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year. Among the events are: a historical play performed by the La Grange High School Drama Club on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center, 656 East Travis St. exploring the bond between Gen. George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, big parties on the courthouse lawn on Sunday June 14 (Flag Day) and Saturday July 4 (Independence Day) and the planting of 250 Liberty Trees this fall.

Footprints Of Fayette Fayette County is one of the most historic counties in Texas. In this weekly feature from the County Historical Commission, a rotating group of writers looks back at local history.

Friends of the Weimar Public Library will offer a new experience in its 2026 programming. Get ready for…”Graceful Glam”, a program on the art of makeup through helpful techniques and skin care tips.

The Bluebonnet Master Gardener Lunch-N-Learn educational program is a series of nine informational meetings designed to provide gardening or general landscaping for homeowners. Fayette County Master Gardeners plan and present a variety of information from experts in the area and across the state. This series is designed with the professional in mind. Bring your lunch and learn about a variety of topics that help you have a more productive garden, prettier flower beds, or how to better understand your landscape ecosystems.

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DOPTABLE They shelter is still full of bully breeds waiting for their second chance. Marky and Maya (pictured) are two shining starts ready to brighten up a forever home.

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To the editor: Texas’ Slice of the $50 billion “Rural Health Transformation Fund” U. S. Senate GOP leadership had to add the $50 billion “Rural Health Transformation Fund” to the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) to get enough senators to vote for it to get it passed last July. Over the next five years, $25 billion will be distributed equally among the 50 states, meaning each state gets $500 million. The other $25 billion is allocated to the states based on current or proposed state policies that improve access to and quality of care in rural communities and have the greatest potential impact on those communities. On Dec. 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it had made funding awards for 2026 to all 50 states. Texas was awarded $281,319,361 for 2026. Texas will receive $281 million each year for five years ($1.4 billion).

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