A busy week in Cooke County brought a hospital award, a regional pest alert, a major downtown reconstruction project, new retail permits, and a look ahead at the holiday calendar. Here's what you may have missed.
NTMC earns national cardiovascular care recognition
North Texas Medical Center has received recognition from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association under the Get With The Guidelines program, which certifies that a hospital's cardiovascular and stroke care aligns with the latest science-based guidelines.
The designation puts NTMC alongside a select group of hospitals nationwide that have demonstrated consistent, evidence-based care for heart and stroke patients. The award was reported in the Gainesville Daily Register this week. NTMC serves as Cooke County's primary hospital and the region's main emergency care facility.
Cooke County vets keeping an eye on screwworm migration
New World screwworms — parasitic flies that burrow into the wounds of live animals — have not yet appeared in North Texas, but Cooke County veterinarians say they are watching the situation closely as the pest has been spreading northward from the U.S.-Mexico border region in recent months.
Screwworms are a serious threat to cattle and other livestock. If an infestation reaches a cow or horse with even a minor wound, the fly's larvae can cause severe tissue damage and death if untreated. The USDA and Texas animal health officials have been issuing alerts and asking livestock owners to check their animals regularly. Cooke County producers with concerns should contact their local veterinarian or the Texas Animal Health Commission.
Medal of Honor Boulevard set for $681K rebuild
Downtown Gainesville's Medal of Honor Boulevard is in line for a full reconstruction, a roughly $681,700 project that would rebuild the corridor from the pavement down to the water and sewer lines underneath it. The project scope, outlined in city documents and taken up by the Parks and Recreation Board on June 23, covers about 1,300 linear feet of roadway.
Plans call for reinforced concrete pavement, new curb, five- and ten-foot concrete sidewalks, raised crosswalks, curb ramps, pedestrian lighting, wayfinding signage, and landscaped medians. Beneath the street, aging utilities would be replaced — including a 15-inch sanitary sewer line swapped for a 24-inch PVC line. Engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates is providing professional services. A construction contractor has not yet been selected and no firm start date has been set.
County commissioners still weighing employee health plan options
Cooke County commissioners reviewed five employee health insurance alternatives this week but made no decision, agreeing to keep studying options at upcoming meetings. The Texas Association of Counties presented the choices as potential replacements for the county's current plan, but at least one commissioner said the options didn't match what he had originally asked for.
Commissioner Jason Snuggs noted the county has seen "consistent 8.9% increases" over eight years with the TAC plan. Commissioner Gary Hollowell cautioned that a cheaper plan isn't always better for employees. Commissioners approved a $10,000 survey to examine additional alternatives. The discussion is unfolding as the county heads into budget season, when health coverage costs rank among the largest recurring expenses.
TJ Maxx coming to East Hwy 82
A building permit filed with the City of Gainesville shows a TJ Maxx location is being built out at 900 E. Hwy 82, Suite 1104 — a space that is part of the shopping center east of downtown along the highway corridor. The permit is for a mechanical contractor on a "new TJ Maxx" remodel. No opening date has been announced, but the permit is active in the city's EnerGov system.
New Mavis Tire Supply planned for N Grand Ave
A $685,000 commercial permit for a new Mavis Tire Supply Store was filed at 302 N. Grand Ave., according to city building permit records. Mavis Discount Tire is a national retail chain specializing in tires, oil changes, and auto service. The permit adds to a string of new retail and commercial activity Gainesville has seen along its main corridors in 2026.
Christmas Parade locked in for December 3
The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the 92nd Annual Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. downtown. Parade registration will open Monday, October 12. The Chamber has not yet announced this year's theme. More details, including entry applications, will be posted at the Chamber's website when registration opens.
Lindsay cheerleaders win award at Lubbock camp
The Lindsay High School Varsity cheerleaders attended the Lone Star Cheer UIL Prep Camp in Lubbock from June 26–28 and came home with a camp award. According to a post on the Lindsay ISD website, the squad represented Lindsay "with immense pride, exceptional athleticism" over the three-day competition. No further award details were listed, but the recognition adds to a strong end-of-year showing for Lindsay student activities programs.