Covington proclaims 'America 250' year; council shares community updates and events

Mayor Mark Johnson presented a city proclamation designating Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2026 as the 'Year of America 250' and asked residents to join commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Janet Pittman, regent of the Wharton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the chapter and described its aims to promote patriotism, education and historic preservation. She said the chapter will display the proclamation at meetings and helped place 'America 250' banners around the city.

Council members used district reports to highlight upcoming programs and city improvements: Councilman Inman cited library "book buddies" events for kindergarten through fifth grade on Jan. 15, 22 and 29; other members praised recent infrastructure work on Gibson Street and sidewalks; one council speaker reported food-bank statistics for 2025 (a 10% increase in households served to 2,200, roughly 5,200 individuals served and more than 1,000,000 pounds of food distributed). Mayor Johnson also reminded attendees about the city’s January–February newsletter and a yearlong events calendar available in giveaway boxes around town.

The council adjourned after the reports; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.