Good morning, El Paso. It’s looking like another sunny day here in El Paso. And to think it was snowing around a month ago. 😅

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Clear Your Tickets Fee-Free

• Scary Circus Coming To Town

• EPISD Has Surplus Auction

Let’s get to it. But first, I have a question for you…

Around Town

UTEP Has Record Enrollment 🎓

UTEP just hit a new record with 23,861 students enrolled this spring, a 5% increase from last year! University leaders credit the growth to strong student support, better advising, and retention programs. Undergraduate enrollment jumped 4.1%, while graduate programs saw big gains, especially in doctoral students (up 10.5%).

UTEP’s "undergraduate persistence" rate is now 89%, meaning nearly 9 out of 10 students from fall stuck around for spring. UTEP says this proves their efforts are helping students stay on track and graduate. While spring enrollment is usually lower than fall, this semester shows the university is growing strong!

Clear Your Tickets Fee-Free 💳

From Feb. 17 to Mar. 8, El Paso drivers can clear outstanding traffic and parking tickets without paying additional warrant or collection fees. During this amnesty period, the City allows payments online, by phone, in person at municipal court bond offices, or by mail.

Payments must be made in full to avoid penalties, and warrants will remain active until resolved. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, mobile pay, and credit/debit cards (with a 4% fee). Don’t miss this chance to settle your citations hassle-free! More info at www.elpasotexas.gov/municipal-courts. 🚦💳

School Board Seats Up For Grabs 🏫

El Paso County voters will choose school board members on May 3, with 40 candidates running across EPISD, SISD, YISD, Anthony ISD, San Elizario ISD, and EPCC. These unpaid trustees make big decisions, including hiring superintendents, setting budgets, and handling school closures.

EPISD’s race is heating up after the board voted to close eight elementary schools, while Socorro ISD faces leadership changes as three trustees, including two under indictment, didn’t file for re-election. Early voting runs April 22-29, and the last day to register is April 3. You can view the full list of candidates here.

Free Microchips For Your Furry Friends 🐕

This Valentine’s season, show your pet some love with a free microchip! Microchips help lost pets find their way home—90% of missing pets without one never return! Get there early to assure you get your chip. Check out the post below for more info.

Things To Do

Scary Circus Coming To Town 🤡

Paranormal Cirque is rolling into town, and it’s bringing a whole lot of eerie, jaw-dropping entertainment with it! This adults-only spectacle blends circus, cabaret, and horror for a night full of mystery, thrills, and mind-blowing stunts. Expect acrobatics, illusions, and a few surprises lurking in the shadows—if you dare!

📅 Date & Time: February 21-24, 2025 (Various showtimes)
📍 Location: The Shoppes at Solana, 750 Sunland Park Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
🎟 Tickets & Info: paranormalcirque.com/tickets

EPISD Surplus Auction 🏫

Need some budget-friendly finds? The El Paso ISD Surplus Auction is your chance to snag classroom furniture, electronics, kitchen equipment, vehicles, and even portable classrooms! Whether you're looking for a deal or just love a good auction, get there early—items are first-come, first-served! Admission is free.

📅 Date & Time: February 18, 2025, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
📍 Location: 4900 Woodrow Bean Transmountain, El Paso, TX
📞 More Info: Contact Neil Waxman at (915) 373-3887

STEM Day For Kids 🧪

Join us for a hands-on Children’s STEM Day packed with exciting experiments and interactive activities designed to spark curiosity in young minds! This free event is open to all ages and a great way to introduce kids to science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way.

📅 Date & Time: February 18, 2025, 5:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.
📍 Location: Valle Verde Flexitorium [AST 150] EPCC
🔎 More Info: Call (915) 305-4835 or email [email protected]

Soccer Class For Kids ⚽

Soccer Stars is offering free demo soccer classes to introduce little ones to the game in a fun, supportive environment! Designed for ages 12 months to 5 years, these sessions focus on teamwork, confidence, and basic soccer skills. Choose from multiple time slots at Veterans Westside Park on February 18 & 19—no commitment, just fun!

Weather

Tuesday

⬆️ 71 ⬇️ 37 | 🌤️ | 0% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 65 ⬇️ 34 | ☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Thursday

⬆️ 66 ⬇️ 36 |☀️ | 0% chance of rain

Live Music & Entertainment

Tuesday 2/18

• Open Mic Night – Mona Bar – 9:00 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.

Wednesday 2/19

• Orlando Madrid Trio – Lotus Social House – 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

• Jazz Around Town – The Garrison – 7:30 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

• Cursive – Lowbrow Palace – 8:00 P.M.

• Pile – Lowbrow Palace – 7:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.

Thank YOU!

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