Here’s what’s up in SETX, 

February is wrapping up fast, but we're going out with a bang. A Beaumont WWII hero is finally coming home after 80 years. A Texas native just won Olympic gold in hockey (yes, hockey in Texas). Pokémon Day is hitting the library. And the Odd Couple is bringing peak 80s energy to Southeast Texas Stages. Also: a local tamale icon is closing, so get your order in while you can. 

Today's newsletter is brought to you by Tailored Lawn Care. spring is sneaking up and Frederick Taylor's crew has your yard covered. 

Let's get into it. 👇

Welcome Home, Lieutenant

Eight decades. That’s how long it took for Lt. Frank Alfred Johnstone to make it back to Beaumont. 

The young navigator never made it home from his last mission in February 1945 as his bomber went down over Austria and for generations, his family waited. His parents even purchased a burial plot, hoping he’d return someday. Last year, advances in DNA technology finally made that possible.

On Friday, a procession of police, veterans and Patriot Guard Riders brought him down Highway 90 and into the city he left as a young man. This Thursday, he’ll finally be laid to rest in the plot his parents set aside all those years ago.

⛪ Services: Thursday, Feb 26, at 11 a.m. | Forest Lawn Memorial, Beaumont

Read the full story

🤠 Did you have family who served in WWII from SETX? We'd love to hear their story — hit reply.

🥇 Texas Native Wins Olympic Gold in Hockey — Coppell's Hannah Bilka led Team USA to victory in Milan, becoming the first Texan to win Olympic gold in ice hockey. She made the All-Star Team and shutout Canada 5-0. From Dallas Stars superfan to Olympic champion. 🏒

🚀 NASA Artemis II Gets March Launch Window — Not SETX-specific, but too cool to skip: NASA's Artemis II mission — the first crewed trip around the Moon in over 50 years — has a March launch window. We've got deep aerospace roots in this part of Texas, so we're watching this one closely. Read more →

🏠 HELOC Rates Hit 3-Year Low — If you've been thinking about tapping your home equity — for renovations, debt consolidation, or that addition you've been planning — rates just dropped to their lowest point in three years. Worth a look if you're a homeowner. Read more.

💧 China, TX Gets $500K for Wastewater Upgrades — American Rescue Plan funds approved for infrastructure improvements. Good news for the small community.

🎭 The Odd Couple Gets 80s Makeover — The local theater scene is alive and well. Southeast Texas Stages is bringing The Odd Couple with an '80s twist to the stage. Support live theater in SETX — these productions are community-built from the ground up.

⚠️ Orange Police Warn of Email Scam — If you get a suspicious email claiming to be from local authorities, delete it. Don't click links. Report to OPD. Read more →

Quick rule of thumb: If an email demands money or threatens arrest, it's a scam. Always.

🏆 Beaumont Nonprofit Celebrates 20 Years — A Beaumont nonprofit marked its 20th anniversary banquet by honoring 20 individuals making a real impact in the region. A well-deserved spotlight on the people doing the work behind the scenes.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.

THIS WEEK

MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE

THIS WEEKEND

Which event are you hitting up? Reply and let us know! And if there's an event we missed, send it our way for next week's issue. 🎉

If you haven't made it to Marisela's Tamales on Walden Road, put it on your list now. The beloved Beaumont tamale spot is planning to close at the end of 2026 after nearly a decade of serving scratch-made, authentic Mexican food. The Ahumada family brought recipes from Mexico and built a loyal following here. Get those tamales while you still can.

📍 5760 Walden Rd, Suite 216, Beaumont | 📞 409-299-9710

🤤 What's your go-to tamale order? Pork, chicken, or something else? Reply and let us know.

Spring is right here, neighbor and your yard is about to remind you.

Whether you need weekly mowing, seasonal clean-ups, or just want someone reliable to handle it all, Tailored Lawn Care has you covered. Owner Frederick H. Taylor runs a tight operation: best service, fair prices, free estimates.

📞 Call or text: (409) 365-4887

🚨 They're also hiring — if you want steady outdoor work this spring, reach out.

This section is sponsored by Tailored Lawn Care. Want your business featured here? Email us at [email protected].

Spring planting season is almost here, and the Jefferson County Master Gardeners are gearing up for their annual vegetable sale. This is one of the best ways to start a garden in SETX — you're getting locally-adapted plants from people who know this soil and climate inside and out.

Whether you're planting your first tomato or filling out a backyard plot, the Master Gardeners can point you in the right direction.

Get the details.

🏠 Are you a local business owner or entrepreneur? We're always looking for Business Spotlight features. Reply with your story, we'd love to share it with the neighborhood.

Get Outside This Week, SETX 🤠 The weather is turning and the Golden Triangle is calling. 

Here's your outdoor lineup:

🎣 Fly Fishing Film Tour — Thursday, Feb 26 | Beaumont
Even if you've never picked up a fly rod, this is a great night out. The Fly Fishing Film Tour lands at 345 Fannin in Beaumont (doors at 5:30 PM, show at 6). It benefits Heroes on the Water, an organization that provides healing outdoor experiences for veterans and first responders. Great films, great cause, great evening. More info →

🌿 Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center (Orange)
February is when the early spring blooms start appearing along the boardwalk, and the wetland trails are some of the most peaceful walks in all of SETX. Free admission. Pack a coffee and just breathe.
📍 2111 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630

🦅 Cattail Marsh Wetlands Boardwalk (Beaumont)
900 acres of constructed wetlands inside Tyrrell Park. February is still prime for wintering bird species — bring binoculars. The boardwalk is stroller- and bike-friendly, and sunrise visits are unmatched.
📍 Tyrrell Park, Beaumont

🎣 Sabine Lake & the Jetty at Sabine Pass
Water temps are climbing and the speckled trout and redfish are waking up. Whether you're a kayak angler or fishing from the shore, this is the pre-spring window you've been waiting for. Pro tip: incoming morning tides have been producing.

🏕️ What's your favorite outdoor spot in the Golden Triangle? Reply and tell us — we'll feature the best ones in a future issue.

Entry-level civil service examination. Application deadline: March 20, 2026 by 5PM. Must be certified/enrolled in fire protection or EMT program. Veterans get 5 preference points. Contact: Shanetra Hinton at 409-983-8215.

Paid summer work for high school juniors and seniors. Earn $10-$17/hour. Program runs June 8 - July 31. Application deadline: March 31. Apply at paedc.org.

Looking for work this spring? Tailored Lawn Care is actively hiring. Outdoor work, local routes, steady gig.

How to apply: Call or text Frederick: (409) 365-4887

💼 Hiring in SETX? Send us your job listing and we'll include it — free for local businesses. Just reply to this email.

Every week, we ask a few questions because this newsletter is a two-way street. Hit reply — we read every single one.

See you in a few days neighbor 📍,

The What’s Up SETX Team