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Hi Victoria, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Cliburn gold medalist plays Beethoven’s emperor, murder at the wild west saloon, a long-awaited mental hospital breaks ground, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
A legacy of helping others: Victoria celebrated Rafael De La Garza on Jan. 25 for a half-century in emergency service, honoring a career that began in 1976 and helped shape local EMS and fire departments — read the full tribute.
New chapter for historic site: Presidio La Bahía in Goliad has been officially transferred to the Texas Historical Commission after a ceremony with state officials, and major projects are planned — read about the transfer and plans.
Major health project moves forward: Victoria County’s long-awaited Behavioral Health and Mental Hospital advances after officials hired SpawGlass to manage construction. Work will start in March with local subcontractors, and completion targeted for November 2027 — read the full construction update.
State-level leadership opportunity: Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller was appointed to a legislative role in the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas, giving him a voice in policy and local decisions — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Handmade compassion on display: Earlier this month, Victoria College’s Fine Arts Department hosted its annual Empty Bowls event, serving a simple meal and raising funds for local hunger relief. Students crafted bowls that highlight food insecurity, turning art into awareness and support for families across the Crossroads community. Read the full story.
Meeting emergencies with resolve: Victoria Fire Department has been juggling multiple fires this season and has leaned on volunteer departments and state partners for help. Equipment like ambulances and engines are costly, but the department says fire protection remains strong across the city and surrounding areas. See how they maintain protection.
Olive orchard hangout: J Welch Farms Restaurant & Winery is an easy local escape with Texas wine and craft beer, charcuterie, pizza, and a full kitchen, plus a legit olive orchard out back. When you want low-key fun that still feels a little special, this relaxed spot quietly delivers.
Upgrade your sink game: If your faucet’s got more drip than your teen’s playlist, City Plumbing Supply has the cure, with Delta, Moen, Kohler, and more, plus a team that helps you choose without the guesswork. One quick stop turns that kitchen refresh into a done-and-dusted task.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
✂ Craft Class Week 4 2026 @ The Texas Zoo | Friday (2/27) at 12:00 PM – Need a little heartwarming without the Hallmark movie? Adopt-A-Heart brings a laid-back craft class in Victoria where you build a mini stuffed animal, tuck a felt heart inside, and make a card, all supplies included. Cheaper than therapy, and you get a cuddle.
🧘 Yoga Fridays @ Ballet Academy of South Texas | Friday (2/27) at 12:00 PM – Take a breather from the weekday churn and stretch it out at free, all-levels yoga on Fridays, hosted at the Ballet Academy of South Texas in Downtown Victoria. Zero pretense, maximum reset. Bring a mat, a friend, and those shoulders you keep wearing as earrings.
🤠 Murder at the Wild West Saloon @ Power Avenue Warehouse | Friday (2/27) at 7:30 PM – This annual Wild West murder-mystery fundraiser lets you swap small talk for sleuthing, cowboy hats, and a cause. Expect playful accusations, a few suspicious mustaches, and more laughter than a line dance. Come for the whodunit, stay for the community bragging rights, and donate generously.
🎲 Presence Over Pixels Game Day @ Northgate Church of God | Saturday (2/28) at 12:00 PM – Park the tablets and bring your crew to a screen-free game day that gets everyone talking. Think board and card games for all ages, group challenges, snacks while they last, and blessed AC, Victoria style. Bring a favorite game, patience, and a competitive grin.
⛪ Mission History Tour @ Goliad State Park & Historic Site | Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 PM – Trade errands for a guided stroll at Mission Espiritu Santo, where Spanish colonial life, Native culture, and CCC handiwork meet, politely argue, and make up. Meet behind HQ under the live oak, wear comfy shoes, bring water, $4 to get in, first come, first served.
🐄 Guns & Oil Band @ Community Center, Victoria Tx | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 PM – Guns & Oil Band is firing up the Beer Garden at Victoria Livestock Show with a set that makes your boots remember their purpose. Bring your crew, grab a cold one, and sing along, because bedtime can wait and dust looks good on jeans.
🎸 The Crossroads Troubadours @ Dodge City Saloon | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 PM – Craving a no-fuss night out? The Crossroads Troubadours are back at Dodge City Saloon, hitting your Country, Classic Rock, Pop, and Blues sweet spots, the kind of covers you actually want. The Armadillo Cafe serves proper late-night grub, and it’s a $5 cover.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Victoria report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 87°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny. High near 87, with temperatures falling to around 83 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 89. South southeast wind around 9 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 59°F – Precip: 1%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. East southeast wind 2 to 9 mph.
This house is wild
This 4-bed, 3.5-bath northside Victoria home blends timeless curb appeal with smart function. Two primary suites, one up and one down, offer flexibility for guests or multigenerational needs. An oversized utility room elevates laundry duty. The kitchen features warm neutrals, soft-close drawers, and a walk-in pantry. Oversized walk-in closets, a spacious backyard, and a Brushy Creek setting complete the package.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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