The local area has a lot to be proud of

ust two years removed from the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, it is safe to say that the local communities have weathered the storm.

In mid-2020, it seemed that small towns like Daingerfield, Lone Star, Hughes Springs, Avinger, and more would see a sharp decrease in businesses. It seemed inevitable that more businesses would shutter than hold grand openings. However, as the area continues to move even more normalcy, it appears that the previous statement couldn’t be further from the truth.

Daingerfield has seen a changes over the past year: the old Jones Shopping Center was sold and demolished, the abandoned building in downtown is being cleared out, and previously empty building have been sold and have been (or are being) renovated. Tractor Supply has opened in the city, and there are development plans for several area lots that have sat empty for varying lengths of time.

Lone Star saw the opening of a water activity area on Lone Star Lake, and the increased traffic to the area has surely provided an uptick for area businesses. Hughes Springs saw little to no shuttering of businesses during the pandemic, and new events are constantly being planned and implemented to increase traffic into the town’s businesses.

New businesses and development are not the only thing this area has to be proud of. The people in the area are what truly gives a sense of pride. The helpful nature of area residents was evident during recent tornadic storms that ripped through the area, as anyone and everyone who had a side-by-side, chair saw, or tow ropes, could be seen loading up and heading south towards Highway 155 and Ore City or east towards Linden and Avinger. It is the same type of community pride that caused local residents to head south after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Harvey, and the same type of spirit that leads them to organize fundraisers and donation drops for families affected by fire at Christmas time.

In order for community pride to continue to grow, area residents need to continue doing what they doe best: reach out and help each other. Attend or participate in fundraisers for local fire departments, ball teams, or civic groups. Patron small, local businesses to help those business owners put food on their table and stay in business. Attend festivals and events hosted by the local chambers of commerce, and offer to volunteer where needed.

The local area towns may not have much compared to bigger towns or cities, but there is still a lot to be proud of, if you simply take a look around.