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<![CDATA[BAY AREA ENTERTAINER - articles]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:45:15 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Hitchcock Lady Bulldogs Make History with First-Ever State Championship]]>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:39:35 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/hitchcock-lady-bulldogs-make-history-with-first-ever-state-championship

HITCHCOCK, TEXAS — History has officially been written in Bulldog Nation.
The Hitchcock High School Lady Bulldogs have captured their first-ever state championship, defeating Shallowater 60–46 in the UIL 3A Division I State Championship Game and bringing home the title to Hitchcock.
The victory marks a milestone moment not only for the basketball program but for the entire Hitchcock Independent School District community.

A Championship PerformanceFrom the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, the Lady Bulldogs displayed the discipline, teamwork, and determination that carried them through a remarkable season.
Facing a strong Shallowater team on Texas high school basketball’s biggest stage, Hitchcock controlled the momentum with relentless defense, confident shooting, and a unified team effort.
The 60–46 final score sealed a historic win — one that will be remembered throughout the district for years to come.

Tournament MVP: Taryl “Sookie” JonesA standout performance throughout the tournament earned Taryl “Sookie” Jones the prestigious honor of Tournament MVP for UIL 3A Division I.
Jones’ leadership on the court, combined with her scoring ability and defensive presence, played a pivotal role in Hitchcock’s championship run. Her performance throughout the state tournament helped propel the Lady Bulldogs to the top of Texas high school basketball.
The recognition reflects both her talent and dedication, as well as the strength of the entire Hitchcock team that supported the championship effort.

A Victory for the Entire CommunityThe championship victory represents more than just a game — it’s a proud moment for Bulldog Nation.
Students, alumni, parents, and community supporters have rallied behind the team throughout the season, and the state title now stands as a symbol of what dedication and belief can accomplish.
For Hitchcock, this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in school athletics, one that future generations of Lady Bulldogs will look back on as the year history was made.

Bulldog Nation CelebratesThe excitement across Hitchcock and the surrounding community has been overwhelming, with supporters celebrating a team that showed heart, resilience, and unity throughout their championship journey.
For these athletes, the title is the result of countless hours of practice, sacrifice, and teamwork — all culminating in the ultimate reward: STATE CHAMPIONS.
And for Bulldog Nation, it’s a moment of pride that will echo for years to come.

🏆 Final Score:
Hitchcock Lady Bulldogs – 60
Shallowater – 46
❤️🖤🤍 STATE CHAMPIONS – Hitchcock Lady Bulldogs
#BulldogNation
#StateChampions
#OurTime
#HitchcockISD

]]><![CDATA[The Lady Coogs Powerlifting team had a magnificent showing at the Regional Meet in Palacios!]]>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:11:20 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/the-lady-coogs-powerlifting-team-had-a-magnificent-showing-at-the-regional-meet-in-palacios

The La Marque High School

The Lady Coogs Powerlifting team had a magnificent showing at the Regional Meet in Palacios!
Top 5 Finishers!!!
Tamia Carlisle
Makaylah Davis
Headed to State
Aiyana Spoons
Jordyn Oliphant
Jayden Wilburn
Congrats to all athletes and coaches!
#Believe2Achieve_LM
Texas City ISD City of La Marque City of Texas City

]]><![CDATA[La Marque Cougars Celebrate the Future: New High School Dedication and “Last Prowl” Set for March 21]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:52:38 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/la-marque-cougars-celebrate-the-future-new-high-school-dedication-and-last-prowl-set-for-march-21

LA MARQUE, TEXAS — A historic moment is approaching for the Cougar community as Texas City Independent School District prepares to celebrate both the future and legacy of La Marque High School.

On Saturday, March 21, alumni, students, families, and community members are invited to take part in a once-in-a-generation celebration marking the opening of the new La Marque High School campus while also saying farewell to the halls that have shaped Cougar history for more than five decades.
The event will bring together generations of Cougars to celebrate the past, experience the future, and share memories that have defined the La Marque community for over 50 years.

A Day of Celebration and ReflectionThe celebration will take place at the new La Marque High School campus, located at:
📍 3401 FM 1765, La Marque, Texas
The morning will begin with an Open House, allowing visitors to explore the state-of-the-art campus designed to support the next generation of Cougar students.
Event Schedule📅 Saturday, March 21
🏫 Open House – New Campus
🎉 Dedication Ceremony – 10:00 a.m.
✂️ Ribbon Cutting & Campus Tours – Immediately following the ceremony
🏫 Tours of the new campus will continue until 12:00 p.m.
Community members will have the opportunity to walk through classrooms, learning spaces, and facilities that will soon become the heart of Cougar pride for decades to come.

“The Last Prowl” — A Farewell to Cougar HistoryAfter celebrating the new campus, attendees are invited to return to the current La Marque High School campus for a final walk through a building that holds countless memories.
🐾 The Last Prowl
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Current La Marque High School Campus
(Entry through the Duroux entrance only)
For more than 50 years, the existing campus has served as the backdrop for:

Lifelong friendships
Championship victories
Graduation milestones
School traditions
Generations of Cougar pride

This final walk through the building gives alumni, former teachers, and community members one last opportunity to revisit the halls that played such an important role in their lives.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the FutureThe dedication ceremony symbolizes an exciting new chapter for Texas City Independent School District and the La Marque community.
The new campus represents a commitment to modern education, expanded opportunities, and innovative learning environments that will support students for generations to come.
At the same time, the event honors the legacy of the original campus and the countless Cougars whose stories were written within its walls.

A Call to All CougarsTexas City ISD officials are encouraging alumni, current students, and community members to attend the celebration and be part of this historic moment.
Whether you graduated decades ago or are part of the current Cougar family, this day is about coming together as one community to celebrate where La Marque High School has been — and where it is going.

Event Information📍 New La Marque High School
3401 FM 1765
La Marque, Texas
📅 Saturday, March 21
🎉 Dedication Ceremony – 10:00 a.m.
🏫 Campus Tours – Until 12:00 p.m.
🐾 The Last Prowl – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Current campus – Duroux entrance only)

More Information🌐 Texas City ISD
https://www.tcisd.org

For Cougars past and present, March 21 will be more than a ceremony — it will be a celebration of legacy, pride, and the bright future ahead for La Marque High School.
So tag your fellow Cougars, gather your classmates, and make plans to walk the halls one last time. 🐾💙💛🤍

]]><![CDATA[Volunteers Remove Thousands of Pounds of Trash from Clear Creek 28th Annual Clear Creek Cleanup Brings Community Together]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:20:50 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/volunteers-remove-thousands-of-pounds-of-trash-from-clear-creek-28th-annual-clear-creek-cleanup-brings-community-together

LEAGUE CITY, TEXAS —

Community volunteers, city crews, and environmental advocates joined forces once again to help protect one of the region’s most important waterways during the

28th Annual Clear Creek Cleanup.
Over the course of two months, more than 200 volunteers participated in the annual cleanup effort, working together to remove thousands of pounds of trash and debris from the banks and waters of Clear Creek. The final cleanup day alone brought 107 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to tackle litter and bulky debris that had accumulated along the creek.

By the end of the event, volunteers had filled three large roll-off dumpsters with debris ranging from everyday litter to large waterlogged items pulled from the waterway.
A Community EffortThe cleanup was supported by multiple departments from the City of League City.

The city’s Public Works Department assisted by providing heavy equipment, including an excavator and operator, along with the dumpsters needed to haul away the debris. Meanwhile, the Parks Department supported the volunteers by setting up portable restrooms at the staging area to accommodate the large turnout.
Volunteers worked both along the creek banks and from boats, collecting bags of trash, discarded furniture, scrap metal, and other debris that had made its way into the water.

Nearly Three Decades of Environmental StewardshipThe cleanup event has become a longstanding community tradition led by the Clear Creek Environmental Foundation.

Since the first cleanup was organized in 1999, the mission has remained the same:

Preserve, protect, and enhance Clear Creek and Clear Lake for future generations.

Each year, the event brings together residents of all ages who are committed to protecting the region’s natural resources and keeping the waterways clean for recreation, wildlife, and future generations.

Local SupportAfter a hard day of work removing debris from the waterway, volunteers were treated to lunch provided by Esteban's Cafe and Cantina, which sponsored the meal for participants.
City officials extended their appreciation to the volunteers who helped make the event successful.

“Events like this show what can happen when a community comes together for a common cause,” city representatives said. “The dedication of our volunteers plays a vital role in protecting Clear Creek and maintaining the beauty of our waterways.”
Why Clear Creek MattersClear Creek flows through several Gulf Coast communities before emptying into Clear Lake and ultimately connecting to Galveston Bay.

The waterway is widely used for:

Boating
Fishing
Kayaking
Wildlife habitat
Coastal recreation

Protecting the creek from pollution and debris helps safeguard the larger coastal ecosystem.
How Residents Can HelpCommunity members who want to help protect local waterways can:
• Participate in future cleanup events
• Properly dispose of trash and bulky items
• Avoid littering near waterways
• Support environmental organizations working to protect local ecosystems

References & ResourcesCity of League City
https://www.leaguecitytx.gov
Clear Creek Environmental Foundation
https://www.clearcreekcleanup.org
City of League City News & Updates
https://www.leaguecitytx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx

]]><![CDATA[LaMarque holds beautiful memories, the town, the people, the schools, the teachers, the students… all of it!]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:27:42 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/lamarque-holds-beautiful-memories-the-town-the-people-the-schools-the-teachers-the-students-all-of-it

In the 50’s and 60’s fun was putting your cereal bowl in the sink, telling your mom you would see her at lunch, and heading out the door to see what kind of excitement you could create for yourself!
The summers were spent riding bikes with neighbor kids or playing games of chase or red rover.
If you had been inside with only books to take you places, a ditch full of water and frogs made the perfect diversion!
We often got together with a few families and spent the entire day at the beach which was mom’s favorite place on earth!
Mom said they would pack hot dogs to roast, chips, marshmallows to roast, put cokes on ice, load the car with kids and dachshunds and head to Galveston!
They never thought about mom roasting in the Texas sun all day too!
She said she could not count the times she came home looking like a freckled cooked lobster!
It is said the proof is in the pudding and when she developed a Stage IV melanoma in her early 40’s I guess it made that statement true.

Truth be told, mom said there was really only one true favorite thing in her life…standing on the docks in Galveston waiting to see the familiar outline of her dad waiting to descend the gangplank to return to the loving arms of his family after months and months of traveling the world!
Richard C. Lieban was mom’s hero and favorite human!
He taught her everything about baseball, took her to Colt 45 games where they discussed the intricacies of the game.
He taught her Pinochle and how to play Poker like a pro!

Mom said her world changed with the Viet Nam War.
The days of waiting on the docks for her dad to come home were much less frequent.
There were letters from him talking about his ship being shot at in port as all its trips were back and forth to Viet Nam.
Mom told me she worried all the time something bad would happen to him.
On Father’s Day, June 15th 1969, at the age of 47, Richard C. Lieban died and was buried in the Pacific Ocean on his way home from Viet Nam. Mom was 17 and it was the summer before her senior year at LaMarque High School.
In one day, mom’s entire life changed, turned upside down.
With his belongings was a letter mom had written him he never got to read, her last I love you, daddy, he never got feel.
I think more than any other day, mom saw the heart and beauty of living in LaMarque, Texas. Neighbors as broken by the news as family, Mr Macik, bringing a box of groceries, not saying a word but shaking mom’s older brother’s hand and gently hugging mom.
It was clear their sorrow was palpable, heartfelt, and based in a feeling of family.

Mom and I think there is an absence of that in towns, cities and neighborhoods these days. There is a great sadness about that.
LaMarque holds beautiful memories, the town, the people, the schools, the teachers, the students… all of it!
Time may change all things, but memories are written in books that have already been read! We love you to chicken bits…Lenny

]]><![CDATA[Next phase of pavement preservation project to begin in March]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:53:19 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/next-phase-of-pavement-preservation-project-to-begin-in-march

Next phase of pavement preservation project to begin in March

GALVESTON, TX – March 2, 2026 –

The City of Galveston will begin the second phase of its ongoing pavement preservation project in the next two weeks, with more than 20 roadways scheduled for resurfacing across the island.
This project is designed to repair and treat streets, keeping them smooth, safe, and durable for residents.
In 2023, the City completed a comprehensive pavement assessment of all roadways and developed a multi-year plan to address necessary repairs.
The first round of improvements was completed in 2024.
This next phase includes streets located across the island.
Residents who live on streets scheduled for repaving will receive advance notice via door hanger prior to the start of construction on their roadway.
The project is expected to continue through June at an estimated cost of approximately $1.5 million.
The contractor will apply a pavement preservation treatment known as micro-surfacing, which helps extend the life of existing roadways and improve driving conditions.
The project will be completed in a multi-step process consisting of asphalt patching, crack sealing, scrub sealing, micro-surfacing, and pavement marking.
There will be an anticipated gap of approximately 30 days between completion of the first two steps
(asphalt patching and crack sealing)
and the start of scrub sealing, micro-surfacing, and pavement marking, so please note that the initial results are not the final product.
Drivers may experience minor traffic delays during construction.

The City appreciates the public’s patience as we work to maintain and improve roadway conditions across Galveston.
Locations:
12 Mile Road (Buccaneer): FM 3005 to Stewart Road
Pabst Road: FM 3005 to beach
John Reynolds Road: Pabst Road to West End
Rachel Road: John Reynolds Road to beach
8 Mile Road: FM 3005 to beach
Schwartz: 8 Mile Road to East End
Reagor Way: 8 Mile Road to East End
Beard Drive: 8 Mile Road to East End
Bernice: 8 Mile Road to East End
Avenue P: 53rd to 55th Streets
Avenue P ½: 53rd to 54th Streets
Avenue M ½: 30th to 33rd Streets
Avenue N ½: Alley between 31st & 32nd Streets to 33rd Street
32nd Street: Avenue M ½ to Avenue N ½
Avenue N ½: 18th to 21st Streets
19th Street: Avenue N to Avenue O
Avenue N: 16th to 17th Street
Winnie: 11th to 13th Streets
12th Street: Ball to Church
10th Street: Broadway to Winnie
St. Mary’s Boulevard (8th Street): Broadway to Winnie
7th Street: Broadway to Church
Ball: University (6th Street) to 10th Street

]]><![CDATA[Spring Break is almost here in Galveston, and Moody Gardens is ready with live shot opportunities, interviews, and streaming-friendly content now through March 22.]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:47:28 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/spring-break-is-almost-here-in-galveston-and-moody-gardens-is-ready-with-live-shot-opportunities-interviews-and-streaming-friendly-content-now-through-march-22

Spring Break is almost here in Galveston, and Moody Gardens is ready with live shot opportunities, interviews, and streaming-friendly content now through March 22.
We’re happy to come to your studio or provide B-roll for your convenience.
Streaming segments and digital content are welcome and ready to go.
Segment Opportunities Include:
New Interactive Exhibit – “Skeletown”

Inside the Discovery Pyramid
Hands-on skeleton exploration and kid-friendly science demonstrations
Perfect for live walk-throughs or studio discussion

New 3D Film – “Penguins: A Love Story”

Opens March 7 in the MG 3D Theater
Conservation, family fun, and educational angles
Theater visuals + on-camera interviews with staff

Hotel Spring Break Fun & Renovation Reveal

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center newly renovated guest rooms
Daily mascot appearances, poolside treats, s’mores, movie nights
Weekend DJ, karaoke, and live music

Additional Options:

Animal Ambassador appearances for live shots
Interviews with General Manager Steve Kalbaugh
B-roll of pyramids, aquariums, and resort amenities

Available Now: Flexible for live shows, taped segments, or streaming/digital coverage.
Contact to Schedule:
Jared Schaller
Public Relations Manager
409-771-3891
www.moodygardens.org

]]><![CDATA[Congratulations to the La Marque High School Cougarettes!]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:20:30 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/congratulations-to-the-la-marque-high-school-cougarettes

Texas City ISD

Congratulations
to the
La Marque High School Cougarettes!

The Cougarettes earned a Superior Division 1 Rating at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Dance/Drill Team Assessment Competition held at Clear Falls High School!

This outstanding achievement reflects their hard work, discipline and dedication to excellence.

A special shoutout to their director, Ms. Tiffany Hill, for her incredible leadership and commitment to her students. We are so proud of Ms. Hill and the Cougarettes for all they have accomplished!

#CougarPride #LMHSExcellence #SuperiorRating #TogetherWeSucceed #EndlessOpportunities

]]><![CDATA[A Rare Planet Parade? What’s Really Happening in the Sky on February 28]]>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:36:27 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/a-rare-planet-parade-whats-really-happening-in-the-sky-on-february-28

A viral post is making waves across social media claiming that on February 28, every planet in our solar system will gather in the sky for a rare parade that won’t happen again until 2040.

It sounds spectacular.
But what’s the truth?
Let’s break it down.

🌠 What Is a “Planet Parade”?In astronomy, a planet parade (also called a planetary alignment) refers to multiple planets appearing relatively close together in the sky from Earth’s perspective.
However, here’s the key detail:
➡️ The planets are not actually lined up in space
➡️ They simply appear in the same general region of the sky along the ecliptic (the Sun’s path)
Because all planets orbit the Sun on roughly the same flat plane, they often appear somewhat aligned from our viewpoint.

❗ Will Every Planet Be Visible?The claim that every planet will gather in the sky is misleading.
In reality:

Mercury and Venus are often difficult to see due to their proximity to the Sun
Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope
Not all planets rise at the same time
Visibility depends heavily on your geographic location and local weather

While there are periods when several planets are visible in the same evening or morning sky, a perfect “all planets clearly visible at once” lineup is extraordinarily rare — and the viral graphic exaggerates what observers will actually see.

🔭 What You May Be Able to SeeDepending on your location, you could potentially observe:

A grouping of 3–5 visible planets
Bright planets like Jupiter, Venus, or Saturn
A nice stargazing opportunity shortly after sunset or before sunrise

But it will not look like the dramatic straight-line graphic circulating online.
Astronomy is beautiful — but social media sometimes enhances it for excitement.

🌌 When Is the Next Major Planetary Alignment?Planetary alignments happen periodically.
There are:

Small alignments (3–4 planets) every few years
Larger groupings occasionally
Extremely rare full alignments spanning decades

While 2040 may reference a future notable alignment event, the idea that February 28 is a once-in-15-year “all planets parade” is not scientifically accurate as described in viral posts.

✨ Why These Events Still MatterEven if the graphic oversimplifies the event, February is still a great time to:

Go outside and look up
Teach kids about the solar system
Use a stargazing app to identify planets
Visit a local observatory
Experience the awe of the night sky

Because here’s the real magic:
You don’t need a viral alignment to witness something incredible.
The universe is already putting on a show every night.

🔎 Trusted Astronomy ResourcesFor accurate sky event information, use:
• NASA Sky Events Calendar
https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching
• NASA Solar System Exploration
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov
• Space.com Skywatching Guide
https://www.space.com/skywatching
• EarthSky Astronomy Updates
https://earthsky.org
• Sky & Telescope Observing Guide
https://skyandtelescope.org
• Time and Date Astronomy Tools
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy

]]><![CDATA[MOODY GARDENS TO HOST 40th ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:19:18 GMThttps://www.bayareaentertainer.com/articles/moody-gardens-to-host-40th-annual-mardi-gras-ball-for-special-people

MOODY GARDENS TO HOST 40th ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BALL FOR SPECIAL PEOPLE

GALVESTON, Texas — Moody Gardens will celebrate the 40th Annual Mardi Gras Ball for Special People on Sunday, March 1, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition of providing an inclusive Mardi Gras experience for individuals with special needs and their families.
This year’s event features an “Out of This World” space theme, and attendees are encouraged to dress in space-inspired, carnival or Mardi Gras costumes. The event will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moody Gardens Convention Center.
The Mardi Gras Ball for Special People provides food, dancing, live music and entertainment for individuals with intellectual, cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as their immediate families and caregivers. The event is also open to special needs group facilities.
Online pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will not be permitted.
The event relies heavily on volunteer support. Volunteer applications are currently open, with opportunities including event setup, decorating, ushering and assisting with activities.
For event information, registration and volunteer opportunities, visit www.moodygardens.com/get-involved/mardi-gras-ball-for-special-people.

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