Austin College Associate Professor of Public Health and Public Health Department Chair Dr. Saritha Bangara has received her third grant for research on “Educating Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) on Women’s Health Issues (WHIs) and IPV-associated Risk Factors using Data Driven and Trauma Informed Education Modules at the Grayson Crisis Center in Sherman, Texas.”

The Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site will celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday with a special program, “America250 with Time-Traveling Quills”, offered March 13 at 2:00 p.m., coinciding with Paris ISD’s Spring Break. During this interactive program, children will craft their own quill pens before using ink and parchment to write or draw as early Americans once did. Creative prompts such as “Write a message to a child 250 years in the future” will encourage participants to reflect on the nation’s past while imagining its future. Participants will also learn about the history of quill pens, how they were made and used, and why they eventually declined in popularity.

Registration is now open for Camp Dragonfly, a weekend grief and loss camp for children ages 7-12, who have suffered the loss of a loved one. All activities at Camp Dragonfly are designed to help children heal and learn coping skills to use after a loss. During the weekend, campers have the opportunity to participate in art activities, games, nature hikes, discussions, and a campfire with s’mores! Registration closes March 6.

Application deadlines are as follows:
Leadership Launch — April 5, 2026
Cattle Raisers Roundup — May 3, 2026

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site will be celebrating goats and gardens on March 19 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Enjoy learning about goats and their dairy products as well as the benefits of maintaining your own garden at this free come-and-go event during Spring Break.

Attendees with 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Melissa Evon. The Department of Educational Instruction and Leadership will host a similar event on the Durant campus Wednesday, March 11.

UNT team of Hamilton Hayers, Victoria Saucedo and Andrew Brown ranked No.13 in the nation

Entries for the 2026 contest will be accepted through March 10! K–12 schools and organizations located in communities Sparklight serves are eligible to enter.

March 1-13, donations of new and gently worn dresses and accessories may be dropped off at Albion Fit, located at 7601 Windrose Avenue, Suite F120, in Plano at Legacy West.

The fairy godmothers of The St. Andrew Prom Closet announce that the 17th Annual Prom Closet is scheduled for March 7, 2026, at St. Andrew Methodist Church in Plano. Girls from ANYWHERE in need of a prom dress are invited to select a dress and accessories - all at no cost.

Austin College will welcome Nathan Carlin, Ph.D. as the speaker for the 2026 Allen-Head Lecture. The event will take place on Thursday, March 5 in Wright Campus Center with a reception at 4:30 p.m. in the Johnson Art Gallery and the lecture, titled “The Secularization of Medicine,” starting at 5:30 p.m. in Room 231 of the same building. The event is free and open to the public.

Associate Professor of Media Studies Dr. Erin Copple Smith will present a lecture titled “Dr. Sabbatical Or: How I Learned to Stop Burning Out and Love Ice Hockey” at Austin College.

Motor Vehicle Crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for children 3 and up. Child safety seats, including boosters, are proven to be effective in preventing injuries and deaths, but 43% of children killed in crashes are found to be unrestrained. Studies show that booster seats can reduce the risk of injury by nearly 60% in children ages 4-7!

Braxton Keith will be putting on a country music concert to kick-off ETAMU's new Spur Expo. |photo courtesy of Braxton Keith

In an incredibly tight margin, Oklahoma State University claimed the championship of the 2026 Safety Olympics hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s department of Occupational Safety and Health.

Stars & Stripes FireWorks Building, 2014, archival inkjet print | photo by Chaddy Dean Smith

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the winners of its 2025 Photo and Poster Contests during the 80th NACD Annual Meeting, held in San Antonio.