 City of La Marque The City of La Marque will hold the 2026 General Election on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Voters will elect representatives for Council District B and Council District D, each serving a three-year term. Candidate Packet Pickup and Filing Deadline Individuals interested in running for office may pick up a Candidate Packet beginning January 14, 2026, from La Marque City Hall, 1111 Bayou, La Marque, Texas. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 13, 2026. Key Voter Dates January 14, 2026: Applications open for a place on the ballot February 13, 2026: Last day to file as a candidate (by 5:00 p.m.) April 2, 2026: Last day to register to vote April 20–28, 2026: Early voting period May 2, 2026: Election Day For additional election resources, visit the City of La Marque website’s Municipal Elections page or contact the City Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 409-938-9259. 
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Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast Marks 25 Years as One of Texas’ Most Imaginative Desert Retreats1/12/2026  Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast Marks 25 Years as One of Texas’ Most Imaginative Desert Retreats Marathon, Texas — On the edge of Big Bend National Park, in a town of fewer than 300 residents, stands one of the most unconventional and beloved lodgings in the American Southwest. In 2026, Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast celebrates its 25th anniversary with a yearlong slate of events that reflect what has always defined the property: creativity, sustainability, and genuine human connection. Founded in 2001 by artist and sustainable-building pioneer Kate Thayer, Eve’s Garden is far more than a place to sleep. It is a living artwork—hand-built from recycled materials, shaped by desert light, and infused with a spirit of hospitality that has drawn travelers, artists, and adventurers from around the world. Often described as the world’s largest house of paper, Eve’s Garden is constructed primarily from papercrete, an experimental building material made from recycled paper, sand, clay, cement, and repurposed styrofoam. Over the past 25 years, more than 100 tons of recycled paper have been transformed into sculptural walls, whimsical rooms, and garden structures that feel organically grown rather than conventionally built. Though Guinness World Records has yet to weigh in, guests and architects alike agree: there is nowhere else quite like Eve’s Garden. A Creative Legacy Rooted in Art and Experimentation Kate Thayer’s artistic lineage runs deep. She is the great-granddaughter of Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849–1921), one of America’s most influential painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose works reside in institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Crystal Bridges, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. That creative DNA is evident throughout Eve’s Garden, where color-saturated walls, curving forms, and lush desert gardens create a sanctuary that feels both playful and deeply intentional. Thayer’s vision was never about perfection or finality. Eve’s Garden has always been—and remains--a work in progress. Buildings evolve, gardens mature, and systems are refined over time, embodying a philosophy of sustainability that values adaptability over polish. Celebrating 25 Years with 25 Events To mark its 25th anniversary, Eve’s Garden will host 25 events throughout 2026, welcoming longtime guests, first-time visitors, and the local Marathon community. Two cornerstone celebrations anchor the year: June 26–29, 2026Founder’s Celebration: Kate Thayer’s 80th Birthday Bash A joyful weekend honoring the founder herself, featuring live music, shared stories, cakes, and a community-wide celebration that reflects the warmth and creativity Kate has fostered for decades. September 18–20, 2026 Eve’s Garden Official 25th Anniversary Celebration A milestone weekend highlighting 25 years of hospitality and experimentation, complete with the launch of the long-anticipated Eve’s Garden Cookbook, hands-on cooking workshops, and time to reminisce with old friends while welcoming new ones. Beyond these marquee events, the anniversary year will include seasonal gatherings tied to holidays, moon cycles, and Marathon traditions—Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, an April New Moon Fest, Marathon’s annual Independence Day celebration, summer birthdays, and festive December holiday events. Food, Community, and the Heart of the Experience At Eve’s Garden, food is not an afterthought—it is central to the experience. Under the care of co-owner Alaine Berg, breakfasts are crafted as expressions of place and season, featuring scratch cooking, house-made breads and preserves, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Meals often double as community gatherings, where guests linger, stories unfold, and strangers become friends. The upcoming Eve’s Garden Cookbook, slated for release in 2026, captures this philosophy, blending recipes with reflections on desert living, hospitality, and creativity. A Deep Connection to Big Bend—and BeyondLocated just minutes from Big Bend National Park, Eve’s Garden serves as a welcoming home base for exploring one of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes in the lower 48 states. While the park’s Chisos Basin lodge area is scheduled for renovation beginning in May 2026, the park itself will remain open. Eve’s Garden is partnering with trusted local outfitters—including Hidden Dagger Adventures and Big Bend Backyard—to help guests discover quieter trails, guided excursions, and the region’s internationally renowned dark skies during this period. The property is also expanding its commitment to inclusivity, with plans to open a new ADA-accessible guest suite in fall 2026, broadening access for travelers seeking to experience the Big Bend region. A Family Effort, A Community Anchor Today, Eve’s Garden remains family-owned and operated, stewarded by Kate Thayer alongside co-owners Alaine Berg and Noble Baker. All three are hands-on caretakers—builders, hosts, problem-solvers—deeply involved in the daily rhythms of the property. Their work extends beyond the inn itself. Eve’s Garden is an active supporter of Marathon’s local businesses, artists, musicians, and organizations, frequently collaborating with the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, regional creatives, and neighboring establishments such as The French Company Grocer. In a town where community matters, Eve’s Garden is both destination and gathering place. Looking Ahead“Eve’s Garden has always been about creativity, sustainability, and genuine connection,” says co-owner Alaine Berg. “This anniversary year is a celebration of the people, the place, and the community that have shaped us over the past 25 years.” To thank loyal guests and invite new ones, Eve’s Garden will offer special mid-week and low-season rates, along with a $25 anniversary discount available throughout 2026. A full calendar of events and updates will be posted at www.evesgarden.org, with announcements shared via Eve’s Garden’s social media channels. After 25 years, Eve’s Garden stands as a rare example of what happens when art, architecture, hospitality, and community are allowed to grow together—patiently, imperfectly, and with heart. 
Deadline for Timely Payment of 2025 Property Taxes !
Cheryl E. Johnson Galveston County Tax Assessor Collector Only days remain for timely payment of 2025 property taxes ( with the date extended from January 31 to February 2 since the deadline falls on a weekend). Th e Galveston County Tax Office hopes to make it easy for you to check that chore off the “to do” list. Sen iors, disabled persons , disabled veterans (or their unmarried surviving spouses) and partially disabled vets with homes donated by charitable organizations (and their unmarried surviving spouses) may split their 2025 homestead taxes into four equal installments with the first one - fourth payment due February 2 ( second due March 31, third June 1 and final one - fourth due July 31 ) . Disaster installments are available ONLY to those with an appraisal district approved disaster exemption . Installment payees will receive coupons for the remaining payments near the end of February this year . For those waiting until the last minute and paying in person at any county tax office location , you will be competing for a place in line with more than 20,000 others renewing vehicle registrations , so be prepared! All options are listed below : 1. I n person at GCTO branches in Galveston, League City, Santa Fe, Texas City or satellite offices in Friendswood and Crystal Beach . Our hours have changed as follows: Galveston, Texas City and Santa Fe Monday through Thursday 7 : 3 0 to 5: 3 0 and Friday 8:00 to Noon. League City hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Friendswood satellite office is open Thursday and Friday also from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed one hour for lunch Noon to 1 pm). The Crystal Beach satellite is open the third Tuesday (January 20 th ) from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and is also closed one hour for lunch. 2. Drop in yellow payment boxes at parking lot of all full - time offices ( picked up at 8:30 am daily and stamped received prev ious business day ) or in black payment box at side drive of Friendswood City Hall . 3. US mail – NOTE - all local mail is delivered to regional distribution centers and no longer receive local postmarks . To ensure timely postmark, mail no later than January 30 th ! This is due to a federal government rule change that took effect in December . 4. Online ( www.galcotax.com ) via electronic check ($ 0.50 fee) or credit /debit card (2. 2 % fee) 5. Credit and debit card via telephone free 1 - 800 - 420 - 1663 . Bank convenience fees also apply . If online banking is your preferred method of payment, expect a 3 – 5 - day delay for paper check to be prepared and mailed to our office which could result in penalty and interest if the bank does not mail payment the same day . For directions to off ice locations call (toll free) 1 - 877 - 766 - 2284 or email [email protected] Those with property tax questions should ask to talk to a Property Tax Specialist or call the department directly at (409) 766 - 2481  📍 Historic Maison Rouge Unearths Galveston’s PastGalveston, Texas — January 2026 In 2026, an exciting collaboration between a heritage organization and Texas A&M University students is breathing new life into Galveston’s storied past. At the historic Maison Rouge site on Harborside Drive, archaeologists and students are literally digging into centuries of island history. 📜 A Site With Layers of History The Maison Rouge site — located near Harborside in Galveston — is believed to have ties reaching back at least to the era of Jean Lafitte and other early historic periods. Records and past archaeological work suggest that fragments of Spanish ceramics and other artifacts once recovered from the area may be linked to early European and pirate-era activity in the Gulf region. Today’s excavation is not merely academic; it is an active archaeological field school that provides hands-on experience for students from Texas A&M University at Galveston. The effort is a partnership with LX Heritage, a public-facing archaeological nonprofit dedicated to preserving and interpreting local history. 🎓 Students at the Helm For many A&M Galveston students enrolled in maritime and historical studies, this project goes beyond textbook learning. It offers real-world exploration into how historical societies lived, worked, and interacted with their environments — especially in coastal regions where floods, storms, and human settlement overlap. Annalise Dempsey, representing LX Heritage and Texas A&M, explained that the site’s richness spans multiple eras and cultural influences. Artifacts uncovered so far include iron shot possibly dating to the Civil War, butchered animal bones indicating settlement activities, and remnants of 19th–20th century daily life. 🧱 Why It Matters This archaeological work is part of a broader resurgence in community-driven history research across Texas, especially in areas where maritime and coastal heritage blend with early colonial and American settlement narratives. At a time when universities — including the Texas A&M University System — are emphasizing historical engagement and student-led discovery, projects like Maison Rouge help foster academic growth and deeper public appreciation of regional heritage. In addition to enriching students’ academic experiences, such projects highlight the cultural tapestry of Galveston — from indigenous and European contact layers to 19th-century settlement life — ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform our understanding of Texas history. 📌 References
   PRCelebrity.com Celebrates Seven Years of Amplifying Iconic Talent By James C. Graves In an entertainment industry that evolves at lightning speed, longevity is not accidental — it is earned. This year marks seven years since PRCelebrity.com quietly emerged as a boutique public relations and talent-focused marketing platform. Today, it stands as a respected name in celebrity representation, particularly within film, television, sci-fi, and fan-driven culture. Founded in 2019, PRCelebrity.com has carved out a unique lane: one that blends traditional public relations with direct fan engagement, digital branding, and event-driven visibility. While many agencies chase volume, PRCelebrity.com has built its reputation on precision, authenticity, and long-term relationships. A Platform Built With Purpose PRCelebrity.com is privately owned and managed, operating with a hands-on leadership approach that prioritizes talent needs over trends. The company’s management has remained intentionally behind the scenes — a rarity in an industry often dominated by self-promotion. What is clear, however, is that the leadership understands the ecosystem of celebrity branding in a digital age and has built a lean, responsive operation around it. Rather than functioning as a traditional talent agency, PRCelebrity.com positions itself as a visibility and engagement partner — helping celebrities maintain relevance, strengthen public profiles, and connect meaningfully with audiences across platforms. Representing Legends and Fan Favorites One of PRCelebrity.com’s most distinguishing features is its client roster, which includes an impressive lineup of actors and creatives whose work spans decades of pop culture history. Among the many notable figures represented are:
This balance of on-screen and creative talent speaks to the platform’s respect for the full spectrum of entertainment artistry. A Modern Approach to Celebrity PR PRCelebrity.com’s services extend well beyond traditional press outreach. The platform supports:
Talent is not passed through layers of junior staff. Instead, campaigns are built collaboratively, ensuring that each public appearance or online initiative aligns with the celebrity’s long-term image. Trust Earned Over Time Event organizers, promoters, and partners consistently point to PRCelebrity.com’s reliability and professionalism. In an industry where reputation travels fast, the company’s seven-year track record reflects an ability to deliver — quietly, efficiently, and without spectacle. That trust has allowed PRCelebrity.com to maintain relationships with talent who value consistency over hype, and fans who appreciate genuine interaction over manufactured publicity. Looking Ahead As PRCelebrity.com enters its eighth year, its future appears firmly grounded. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, the company continues to refine what it does best: helping established names stay visible and emerging voices gain credibility. In an era of fleeting attention spans, PRCelebrity.com has proven that thoughtful representation still matters. Seven years in, the platform’s story is less about celebration and more about confirmation — that sustainable success in entertainment PR is built on respect, strategy, and restraint.   🥤 Steak ’n Shake Rolls Out $2.50 “Patriot Milkshake” for America’s 250th BirthdaySteak ’n Shake is getting an early jump on America’s 250th birthday celebration with a sweet, nostalgic nod to red-white-and-blue pride. The iconic burger-and-shake chain has announced a limited-time $2.50 “Patriot Milkshake,” created in honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial — marking 250 years since the nation’s founding in 1776. The shake features classic vanilla ice cream topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles, a swirl of whipped cream, a bright red cherry, and a miniature American flag — a visual throwback to old-school diners with a patriotic twist. The price point, $2.50, mirrors the historic milestone and makes it one of the most affordable celebratory treats on the menu. According to the company, the Patriot Milkshake is designed to be a family-friendly, budget-friendly way for Americans to join in on the lead-up to the 250th anniversary celebrations expected to roll out nationwide through 2026. Social media buzz around the shake has already taken off, with customers sharing photos and praising both the nostalgic look and the throwback pricing — something rarely seen in today’s fast-food landscape. 🇺🇸 Why This Promotion Matters
📍 Steak ’n Shake Locations in the Houston AreaAs of now, Steak ’n Shake operates select locations in and around the Greater Houston region. Availability may vary, so customers are encouraged to confirm participation before visiting. Houston-Area Locations (Commonly Visited)
👉 Customers can verify participating stores using the official store locator: https://www.steaknshake.com/locations  🚂 Big Boy Steam Locomotive Returns: A Texas Tour to Remember in 2026 The legendary Union Pacific steam locomotive Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam engine — is gearing up for an epic coast-to-coast tour in 2026 that may include stops in Texas, delighting railfans and history lovers alike. Originally built in 1941 to haul heavy freight across mountainous terrain, Big Boy locomotives were engineering marvels of their time. Of the 25 built, only eight survive today — and No. 4014 is the only one still in operating condition. After being retired in 1961 and later restored, she steamed back into service in 2019 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. In 2026 — a year of national celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary — Union Pacific Railroad plans to send Big Boy on a historic tour across the United States. While exact dates and route details are still being finalized, rail enthusiasts are hopeful the locomotive will roll through Texas again as part of the journey. Big Boy’s presence in Texas is not unprecedented. On its Heartland of America Tour in 2024, No. 4014 made several stops in the Lone Star State — including Houston, Fort Worth, Big Sandy, Mexia, Navasota, Hempstead, Bryan, Marlin, and West — offering free public viewing and whistles that echoed for miles. For rail enthusiasts, historians, and families looking for a nostalgic trip through industrial history, Big Boy’s 2026 tour promises not just a glimpse of mechanical might, but a chance to experience one of America’s greatest engineering achievements in motion. 📌 Why Big Boy Matters
🔗 Helpful Resources & LinksHere are official and useful pages where you and your readers can follow Big Boy’s journey and history: 👉 Union Pacific Steam Program / Schedule (official): https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam/schedule 👉 Union Pacific News – Big Boy Tour Announcement: (Use the source on Union Pacific’s press site or UP.com) 👉 Union Pacific Steam Club (updates & alerts): https://www.up.com/SteamClub 👉 Local Coverage – Chron story about Big Boy in Texas https://www.chron.com/news/article/union-pacific-big-boy-locomotive-texas-21286078.php 👉 Nationwide Tour Announcement (news) https://www.kctv5.com/2026/01/09/union-pacific-announces-coast-to-coast-tour-famous-big-boy-steam-engine-2026/    City of Santa Fe City Hall Galveston County Drainage District #1 (GCDD1) will host a virtual public meeting to review and discuss the District’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Residents are invited to join the meeting on January 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST. The District will share updates on the draft plan and gather community input. Before the meeting, GCDD1 encourages residents to complete a brief survey to help shape the plan. The survey is available on the District’s website and can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCCRSSD    Moore Memorial Public Library A New Year, a New Start - - - er: Sourdough 101 Saturday, January 24 at 11 a.m. (Registration Required) Kick off 2026 with a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your very own sourdough starter and learn how to keep it healthy with proper feeding, storage, and care. Highlights: - Create your own starter to take home (each participant will leave with an active sourdough starter and care instructions) - Learn proper feeding ratios, schedules, and storage methods to maintain a healthy starter - Identify signs of a healthy vs. unhealthy starter - Explore basic sourdough baking techniques and troubleshoot common problems Register in person at the information desk or call 409-643-5977 to sign up.  Texas City Police Department About a dozen years ago, he bought a used car...never imagining that it would help lead him to the moment this morning, when he was sworn-in as a captain at Texas City Police Department. Brandon Shives is a Texas City local. After graduating from TCHS, he began working at the City's Lowry Fitness Center while he attended classes at College of the Mainland, and he bought a vehicle from a local dealership. Not long afterwards, Texas City police officer Ira Fowler recognized the vehicle as one he had traded in and still had a spare key to. So, he pulled up to Shives' vehicle to give him the extra key. The two began talking and struck up a fast friendship. Officer Fowler also played basketball at the Lowry Center, and the more he talked to Shives, the more he inspired him. It proved to be a life-changing friendship, as Shives was inspired so much that he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. He began taking criminal justice classes and attended the COM police academy while still working at the Lowry Center. After graduating with an associate degree in Criminal Justice and graduating from the police academy, Shives joined Team TCPD as a police officer. His Field Training Officer? None other than Officer Fowler. Since joining the department, Captain Shives has served in a variety of assignments, including Patrol Officer, S.W.A.T. Operator, Field Training Officer, Criminal Investigations Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. He currently serves as the S.W.A.T. Commander and Patrol Commander. He holds a Master Peace Officer License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and has completed more than 4,200 hours of advanced law enforcement training. His training includes Tactical Operations, Crisis Intervention, Basic Instructor Certification, ALERRT (Active Shooter Response), Crime Scene Investigation, Supervision and Leadership, Firearms Instructor, Advanced S.W.A.T., and Executive Protection. His love of the field of law enforcement that started all those years ago with a spare key, basketball and friendship has only continued to grow. He is always continuing his professional development and is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Leadership at East Texas A&M University. Congratulations, Captain Shives! We are proud to have you as part of Team TCPD and appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for our community   |
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