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White crepe myrtle shows full white blooms while being trained as a tree. This crepe myrtle is young - almost six years. Photo by Letitia Estep

White crepe myrtle shows full white blooms while being trained as a tree. This crepe myrtle is young - almost six years. Photo by Letitia Estep

Texas Crepe Myrtle is “Queen of the South”

Wed, 01/28/2026 - 4:40pm

Is it spelled “Crepe Myrtle” or “Crape Myrtle”? The flower is named after the blooms, which resemble crepe paper, and because of that, I have always spelled it as “crepe”. Historically, though, “crape” has been preferred, and either spelling is accepted.

Student of the Month Amira Lowe with Grandmother Sonja Gilbert and Marlin ISD Board President Byrleen Terry. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Richardson

Student of the Month Amira Lowe with Grandmother Sonja Gilbert and Marlin ISD Board President Byrleen Terry. Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Richardson

Marlin ISD Teacher of the Month Debbie Brusen with School Board President Byrleen Terry.

Marlin ISD Teacher of the Month Debbie Brusen with School Board President Byrleen Terry.

Marlin ISD 2026-2027 Calendar to be Announced

Wed, 01/28/2026 - 4:40pm

The Marlin ISD Board of Managers (BOM) met January 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm in the MISD Boardroom, Board President Byrleen Terry, presiding. Attendees were Rosalyn Dimerson, Billy Johnson, Winnette Outland, Marsha Ridlehuber, and Superintendent of Schools Alphonso Bates. Dr. Rolando Trevino, TEA School Conservator, was not in attendance.

Photo courtesy of Letitia Estep

Photo courtesy of Letitia Estep

Rotary Club of Marlin Offers Gifts and Conversations

Wed, 01/28/2026 - 4:40pm

On January 21, 2026, the Rotary Club of Marlin delivered two pairs of noslip socks to each of the 44 residents of the Golden Years Rehabilitation Center in Marlin. While the hymn “Amazing Grace” played, gift bags were presented individually to residents by Rotary Club Scholarships Chair Jimi Lynn and Rotarian Beth Mullins, Member Nominee Chelleye Crow, Rotary Club President Chip Parmer, Rotary Public Image Chair Letitia Estep, and Rotary Special Projects Chair Mark Pedersen.

For a chicken-fried steak the size of your head, visit Lakeview Drive-Inn, located in Marlin. Photo by Alexandra Montoya

For a chicken-fried steak the size of your head, visit Lakeview Drive-Inn, located in Marlin. Photo by Alexandra Montoya

Falls Co. Food Spots: Lakeview Drive-Inn

Wed, 01/28/2026 - 4:40pm

Editor’s Note: I am eagerly starting the task of eating through all the local, non-fast-food eateries in Falls County, as part of my goal to get more familiar with the area. I’ve started compiling a list of places to visit, but please, feel free and encouraged to email me at publisher@marlindemocrat. com with restaurant suggestions, and your favorite menu items! I plan to rotate between Marlin, Rosebud, and other places in the county, highlighting one location per week until I’ve tried them all.

Downtown Marlin was covered in a blanket of icy white snow that made for frightening driving conditions on Sunday and into the new week. Photo by Jay Kirkland

Downtown Marlin was covered in a blanket of icy white snow that made for frightening driving conditions on Sunday and into the new week. Photo by Jay Kirkland

A few helpful locals kindly assisted drivers who slid off the road during the icy weekend weather. Photo by Jay Kirkland

A few helpful locals kindly assisted drivers who slid off the road during the icy weekend weather. Photo by Jay Kirkland

Posted by Rhonda Ebert

Posted by Rhonda Ebert

Highway 6 outside of Marlin, heading toward Waco Posted by Lock D SdBrown

Highway 6 outside of Marlin, heading toward Waco Posted by Lock D SdBrown

Posted by Lock D SdBrown

Posted by Lock D SdBrown

Posted by Belvin Hayes-Lewis

Posted by Belvin Hayes-Lewis

Icy Snowdays Photo Collection

Wed, 01/28/2026 - 4:40pm

We encouraged those who follow us on Facebook to share photos of their winter views over the weekend, and several locals responded by posting an image or two. Residents were encouraged by city leadership and law enforcement agencies to stay off roads if possible, due to the dangers of driving on icy roads, especially with limited experience.

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