Good morning, El Paso.

Barbara Gentemann celebrated her 101st birthday on Monday, Jan.

5 in El Paso — originally from England, she moved here in 2003 to be closer to family and has become a cherished local figure.

Pei Wei closed its Westside restaurant at 7500 N Mesa St. on Monday, Jan.

5, leaving only the 1325 George Dieter Drive location open for customers. The franchise said rewards accounts are now linked to its nearby Las Palmas store so patrons can hear about future updates.

Watermill Express will soon install a new water vending station at the Fox Plaza Shopping Center parking lot in South-Central, replacing its older unit with a prefabricated site on two rented parking spaces+the $30,000 project will offer 24-hour filtered water and ice for local families.

Pei Wei closed its Mesa Street spot at the Promenade shopping center, leaving only its restaurant at Las Palmas Marketplace.

No reason was given for the shutdown — the change affects local dining options.

Mia Navarro and Gia Solei Espinoza made history by winning Miss Earth USA and Miss Teen Earth USA when the pageant concluded on Jan.

3 (Navarro advocates for sustainable care after her type 1 diabetes diagnosis and Espinoza will represent the USA internationally), inspiring local youth.

Today, for Dia de los Reyes, Yelp reviewers have spotlighted six local bakeries offering a rosca de Reyes, a candied crown-shaped bread with various fillings and prices.

Residents can visit Arte Sana Bakery, Bowie Bakery, La Esmeralda Bakery, Sorpresa Bakery, Bella Cora Bakery, or Marina's German Bakery (call ahead).

Two UTEP juniors, Ryan Boatright and Vianey Martinez, won the prestigious Hawkins Scholarship which awards up to $10,000 to support their studies at the university — Boatright will attend an Archer Fellowship and Martinez will research Generative AI and intern at Microsoft, as reported by UTEP.

TxDOT is closing lanes on I-10 and US-54 for widening, roadway repairs, and maintenance from Jan.

5 to Jan. 10—motorists should follow posted detour signs.

Health officials reported that flu and COVID cases spiked in mid-December after fewer vaccines were given, partly due to misinformation, and urged safe practices & proper use of medication like Tylenol this flu season.

They advise using good hygiene and getting vaccinated to lessen the risk of illness.

The CDC reduced the routine childhood vaccine list from 17 to 11, leaving out shots for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, COVID, flu, and meningitis — Dr. Alison Days of Healthy Days Pediatrics warned the cut could lower vaccination rates in border communities and urged parents to check with their doctor.

Doctors in El Paso say flu cases have risen a lot because of holiday gatherings, and they urge residents to get updated vaccines to protect vulnerable groups as clinics warn of longer wait times during the peak season.

Liliana Cordero Esquivel of Emergence Health Network says changes in daylight and cold weather can trigger seasonal affective disorder, leaving people drained and disinterested in daily activities.

She advises walking outside, visiting family + light therapy to reset your sleep cycle and consulting a professional if symptoms persist.

Days of Remembrance - Bridal, Quince & Sweet 16 Expo

11 AM – 5 PM — El Paso Convention Center — Admission details not specified — Discover the largest and longest-running bridal and quinceañera expo in the region.

1st Meetup Fundraiser Luncheon at L&J Cafe

1-3 p.m. — L & J Cafe — Fundraising event — Enjoy a cozy luncheon while supporting a community-driven Meetup group for those 50 and over.

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings

6:30-7:29 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting melodies from 'Bridgerton' by candlelight with a talented string quartet.

EMORFIK Live Performance

9-11 p.m. — 11:11 EP TX — Tickets from $51 — Emorfik brings unforgettable vibes to El Paso in this lively concert.

Tips for Winter Gardening

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Ascarate Teaching & Demonstration Garden — Free entry — Explore winter gardening techniques and enjoy family-friendly activities in the garden.