Howdy folks! Today, we’re turning our attention to those in need in the Panhandle.
The largest wildfire in state history has scorched one million acres of land, burned hundreds of homes and other structures, and killed tens of thousands of cattle. Two Texans have lost their lives, and many are wondering how they will recover from losing all they have.
We want to help rally support for Texans in need. Would you consider digging deep and donating to the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund? There are many wildfire victims who need our help, and The Texas Flyover will be matching the first thousand dollars donated by our readers.
Here’s a list of more relief funds and organizations to consider donating to. Thanks for supporting Texans in need!
Houston ⛈️ 76/68° | El Paso ⛅ 72/56° | DFW ☁️ 78/67° | Amarillo ⛅ 71/48° | Austin 🌩️ 78/67° | San Antonio 🌩️ 78/67° | Corpus Christi 🌦️ 78/69°
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.
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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➤ Houston: NASA Johnson Space Center has agreed to lease 240 acres of land to the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation for 20 years. AMCI plans to establish a robotics research facility for NASA’s ongoing missions. (More)
➤ 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)
➤ Longhorns’ wide receiver Xavier Worthy ran the fastest 40-yard dash in the history of the NFL combine this weekend, with an official time of 4.21. The previous record was set by John Ross, who went 9th overall in the 2017 NFL draft. (More)
➤ 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)
➤ Governor Greg Abbott just won his 12th consecutive Governor’s Cup from Site Selection Magazine, which awards a state’s economic development and job growth. The report also ranked Houston as the third-best metro area in the country for attracting new businesses. (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)
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➤ Leander: A high school teacher held back joyful tears after one of his students turned his inspirational “Be Fearless in Life” message into a tattoo. The student credited the teacher as someone who helped her overcome depression. (Video)
➤ 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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Texas Wildfires Update
