MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

Texas Wildfires Update

Firefighters are continuing to battle wildfires that ignited on Monday, causing widespread devastation in the Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has engulfed over one million acres and is 15% contained as of Sunday afternoon. The Windy Deuce and Grape Vine Creek fires are over 50% contained.

While the cause remains uncertain, homeowners and insurance company investigators have pointed fingers at a local electric company, Xcel Energy, alleging one of their power utility poles fell and sparked the blaze. Local and state authorities are investigating the matter further.

Multiple organizations and people have volunteered their time and resources to help those affected. H-E-B donated $1 million to the Texas Agricultural Relief Fund and various nonprofits. Additionally, U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage to wildfire victims.

Here’s another list of ways to help the Panhandle.

Angela Chao’s Death Investigated as a Crime

The recent death of Angela Chao, sister-in-law of Mitch McConnell, is now under a criminal investigation following her accident on February 11. Chao, age 50, was found dead in a car that had gone into a pond on a private ranch in Johnson City, Texas.

After emergency crews pulled her body from the car around 12:56 am and attempted 43 minutes of revival efforts, she was declared deceased. One of her husband’s business associates owns the ranch in question.

The Blanco County Sheriff’s Office is now treating the incident as a potential criminal case, pending further evidence. County authorities haven’t released sensitive information yet but did admit that Mrs. Chao’s death was not “a typical accident.”

Top Ten State Parks to Visit in Spring

Texas is home to great people, great food, and great state parks! If you’re seeking an outdoor excursion this spring, weather permitting, then check out these top 10 most popular parks in the Lone Star State.

If you want to camp next to real dinosaur tracks and bones, then Dinosaur Valley is the spot for you. Nestled in the small town of Glen Rose, this park can awaken your inner archaeologist.

In west Texas, you’ll find Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Ranked as the second-largest canyon in the U.S., this massive park provides a closer alternative to the Grand Canyon.

Check out the whole list to see if there’s a Texas park calling your name.

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The only knives you’ll ever need!

A Dynasty knife is yours for life! Hand-forged by professional blacksmiths, the Dynasty series features four premium-quality kitchen knives that you’ll be proud to pass down for generations.

Impress your guests — and yourself — with these ultra-sharp, masterfully crafted knives!

Dynasty Knives are designed to stay sharp for longer, making life in the kitchen safer and easier.

➤ El Paso: Caitlyn Bowen, a fifth-grade teacher from Socorro ISD, has been called a hero after saving a first grader from choking by using the Heimlich maneuver. The board of trustees and the child’s parents honored the elementary coach. (Video)

➤ San Antonio has been ranked as the nation’s third-best city for new homebuyers, according to Creditnews Research. The study covered 50 metro cities and applied five key metrics, including employment growth and market access. (More)

➤ Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is partnering with Omni Hotels to host a Solarbration sweepstakes. Two winners and their guests will be awarded a ‘path-of-totality’ flight and a two-night Omni Hotel stay in an eclipse-themed room. (Photos)

➤ Lufkin: Woodland Heights Medical Center officials showcased nine new labor delivery rooms that were added to their improved neonatal ICU. It was part of last July’s $13.5 million expansion project. (Video)

➤ Texas schools dominated Big 12 men’s basketball this weekend, with all but one Lone Star squad securing victories in Saturday’s conference matchups. Baylor beat Kansas, Houston and Texas bested both Oklahoma schools and Texas Tech outdueled West Virginia. TCU was the only loser of the weekend, falling to BYU. (More)

➤ Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith may hit free agency this summer due to a hefty price tag, according to a report from ESPN. Owner Jerry Jones seemed bullish on getting a deal done, however, saying, “We’ll get in there in the right way…and work out something good for both of us.” (More)

➤ Central Texas: Rockin’ H4 Enterprises, a ranch equipment company based out of Lorena, is gathering donations sent north as wildfires ravage Panhandle ranchers. Donations include food, water, and ranch supplies such as hay and cattle feed. (More)

➤ Houston: Billionaire Tilman Fertitta spent $450M to buy a mall in Houston’s wealthiest neighborhood, the River Oaks District. Fertitta, also the owner of the Houston Rockets, is worth over $11 billion. (More)

You’ll never guess how these shockingly affordable kitchen knives are made!

The Dynasty Series is a new set of knives from The Cooking Guild, a knifemaking startup that is dedicated to helping everyone enjoy the safety, convenience and pride that comes with owning premium-quality kitchen knives.

The beautiful stainless steel knives are created with a 1,100-year-old Samurai technique called San Mai, which helps them stay sharper longer.

➤ Mont Belvieu: A local couple is looking for answers after they were trapped inside an urgent care clinic. The clinic staff allegedly forgot about the couple and locked them in for the night. Police let the couple out and they have sought legal counsel. (Video)

➤ Fort Worth: The world’s largest honky tonk, Billy Bob’s, received a much-needed facelift to the 100K sq ft venue. Renovations include stage view improvements, sound modification, repainted interiors, and upgraded bathrooms. (Video)

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1. Rare
2. Medium Rare
3. Medium
4. Medium Well
5. Well Done

Friday’s Results:

Which Texas ranch would you like to visit?

1. King: 31.5%
2. The 6666: 23.1%
3. W.T. Waggoner: 13.1%
4. Brewster: 11.2%
5. Other: 10.7%
6. Longfellow: 10.3%

Show me the answer