Happy weekend, Victoria! In today’s edition: New farmers market rules, a meteorologist’s on-air Parkinson’s breakthrough, Winterfest 2026, and more.

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Why flying local pays: Late last year, Victoria Regional Airport reported near-record passenger numbers despite runway construction, and offered a $100 rebate for Victoria County residents flying round-trip between Victoria and Houston — see who qualifies for rebate.

New direction for beloved market: This year, the Victoria Farmers Market will raise vendor fees while keeping membership rates the same. New rules require handmade goods and food grown within 100 miles, sparking mixed reactions — get all the details.

Personal health milestone shared: Victoria TV meteorologist Trey Meynig showed how deep brain stimulation is helping his Parkinson’s, switching his device on and off live on air after undergoing the surgery earlier this month — read the full story.

Beloved ambassador earns distinction: Victoria’s own Brother Gary Moses received congressional recognition for decades of volunteer service, with remarks entered into the House record honoring his community impact that locals know so well — get details on the award.

Greener future takes root: Victoria added five new trees to Pine Street Park with Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers, thanks to an H-E-B Trees for Texans grant, bringing more shade and habitat for the neighborhood — see what was planted.

Changes aimed at safety: Fire inspection fees for Victoria County businesses are now in effect, starting January 1, to support the Fire Marshal’s Office with added staff, facility upgrades, and stronger fire prevention — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. 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.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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✂ Crafting with Veronica @ Goliad County Senior Citizens | Monday (1/19) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from doomscrolling and make something with your hands. Veronica, owner of The Vintage Whale, hosts a relaxed crafting hangout that’s more fun than sorting the junk drawer. Expect friendly guidance, easy laughs, and a finished piece you’ll actually brag about.

❄ Winterfest 2026 @ Victoria Community Center | Tuesday (1/20) at 11:00 AM – Winterfest 2026 is back, which means bundling up, seeing half the town, and pretending we actually like the cold. Expect cozy vibes, local flavor, and the kind of simple, seasonal fun that pairs perfectly with sensible boots, a warm coat, and neighborly gossip.

🍎 Agrilife Kids: Healthy Food Choices @ Victoria Public Library | Tuesday (1/20) at 4:00 PM – Whether your kid thinks ketchup counts as a vegetable or already lectures you about sugar, this hands-on class gets them moving, cooking, and tasting real food. Expect active games, simple snack prep, and healthy habits that actually stick, plus a nap-worthy energy burn.

🐶 Bow Wows & Bow Ties @ The Pet Resort on Main | Wednesday (1/21) at 9:00 AM – Yes, your dog is going to prom, and yes, there will be photos. Expect bows, a boogie, and a crown, all supporting Night to Shine; donate men’s dresswear to help local promgoers, waive the $19.95 with a full outfit, and score raffle entries per item.

🏃 FIT4MOM Crossroads Grand Opening @ Ethyl Lee Tracy Park | Wednesday (1/21) at 9:30 AM – This stroller-friendly workout is throwing a grand opening at Ethel Lee Tracy Park, so you can get your squats in while the tiny CEOs ride along. Raffle with local goodies, kids’ obstacle course after, free first class, and a founding discount.

❄ Polar Bear Scene @ Mitchell School | Thursday (1/22) at 4:30 PM – Bring the kids to create their own polar bear scene, Arctic vibes, no ice bath required. It’s included with Monthly Youth Memberships, or pay for a one-time drop-in. You get a few quiet minutes, they get glue, glitter, and bragging rights.

⚾ VWHS Baseball’s Red & White Ball @ Club Westerner | Friday (1/23) at 6:00 PM – Feel like supporting West baseball without freezing on the bleachers? The Red & White Ball at Club Westerner is semi-formal dinner and dance for adults, with a drawdown game, DJ John Padierna, a silent auction, and players serving like champs. VIP tables are limited.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Victoria report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 59°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny. High near 59, with temperatures falling to around 55 in the afternoon. North northeast wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North wind 3 to 14 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 62. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 38. South southwest wind 2 to 6 mph.

Most popular house this week

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