Mexia Chamber Guide 2021

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Winter 2021 Volume 8 No. 1

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce A Publication of The Mexia News

Heart of the Texas Triangle

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READY FOR YOU

Don’t delay your care

ParkviewRegional.com

ClosER for your heart.

Limestone County’s only accredited Chest Pain Center

ParkviewRegional.com

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MEXIA SESQUICENTENNIAL 2021 Big plans for a 2021 Mexia Sesquicentennial Celebration have been put on hold because of COVID-19. We will keep looking to the future when we will be able to enjoy this and all of the great events that the citizens and leaders of Mexia plan annually that keep our town happy and prosperous.

The pages of this issue are filled with love for our town. So many great accomplishments have been made, and more are to come. The “Heart of the Community” Awards are on page 13 along with other well-deserved great community presentations on page 21.

Mexia is lucky enough to be home to beautiful Fort Parker State Park. Check out all of the ways to get some fresh air by reading the article on page 9 about Fort Parker State Park trails and more.

Thank you all for Shopping Locally and being a part of building a better economy for Mexia. Please see the Mexia Chamber Business Directory on pages 14-16. These businesses help make Mexia “a great place to live, work and raise our families.

Happy 2021,

We mean business.

Three times a week, every week, we reach more potential customers, more often for your business than any other advertisting medium.

Call us now so we can help grow your business together.

Linda Chamber Archibald President linda@mexiachamber.com

Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention and Visitors Bureau

214 North Sherman Mexia, Texas 76667 254-562-5569

The Mexia News

254-562-2868 jbynum@themexianews.com

The Mexia News This Magazine is a publication of the The Mexia News in conjunction with the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce.

For advertising info, call 254-562-2868 PUBLISHER: Richard Nelson ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Jennifer Bynum GRAPHIC DESIGN: Jennifer Paul FRONT COVER PHOTO: 1971 Parade Photo from the 1971 Mexia Centennial Commemorative Booklet

All content for this magazine is provided by the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Mexia News.

April Brady & Rachel Lane reading the Mexia Magazine at Joe Friday’s Diner.

Learn more about the Heart of Texas at our website: www.mexiachamber.com & on our Facebook page!

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SERV THE AREA FOR 63 EARS! THE AREA 63 Y EARS! SERV ING INGSERV THEING AREA FOR 63 YY FOR EARS! Sharon Hatley gets deserved recognition Special Recognition to Sharon Hatley who is an outstanding Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce volunteer. Ms. Hatley has a smile and kind words for everyone. Her dedication and time spent volunteering at the Chamber are truly appreciated.

SERVING THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 63AREAS YEARS SERVING THE SURROUNDING SERVING THE SURROUNDING AREAS FOR 63 YEARS FOR 63 YEARS

MONEY SAVING INCENTIVES AVAILABLE MONEY SAVING INCENTIVES AVAILABLE MONEY SAVING INCENTIVES AVAILABLE Through Oncor’s Home Energy Program, We can help theWe can help the Through Oncor’sEfficiency Home Energy Efficiency Program, Through Oncor’s Energy Efficiency Program, We can help the customer saveHome money on installation of New Heat Pump andHeat customer save moneyofonNew installation of New Pump and customer save money on installation Heat Pump and Mini Split Systems.

Mini Split Systems.

Mini Split Systems.

The program allows us to intall energy systems The program allows us efficient to intall energy efficient systems Thetoprogram allows us to intall energy efficient systems help reduce energy consumption and save on and save on to help reduce energy consumption to help reducenew energy consumption and save on equipment cost.equipment cost. new equipment new cost.

Financing Available Financing Available Financing Available

LOW MONTHLY LOW PAY MONTHLY MENTS ORPAY 12 MONTHS ORNO 12INTEREST MONTHS NO INTEREST LOWCall MONTHLY PAYA MENTS OR 12 MENTS MONTHS NO INTEREST Today For Free Equipment Replacement Today For A Free EquipmentQuote Replacement Quote Call Today For ACall Free Equipment Replacement Quote

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622 SOUTH 3RD STREET LICENSE# TACLB016973E License # TACLB016973E 622 South 3rd Street 622 SOUTH 3RD STREET LICENSE# TACLB016973E License # TACLB016973E 622 South 3rd Street 622 SOUTH 3RD STREET LICENSE# TACLB016973E License # TACLB016973E 622 South 3rd 76693 Street WORTHAM, TX. 76693 WWW.WORTHAMAC.COM www.worthamac.com Wortham, TX WORTHAM, TX. 76693 www.worthamac.com Wortham, TX 76693 WORTHAM, TX. 76693 WWW.WORTHAMAC.COM www.worthamac.com Wortham, TX WWW.WORTHAMAC.COM 76693

Let us be the ones that help your loved ones recover and live the life that we all want!

• Skilled Nurses • Physical Therapy • • Occupational Therapy • • Medical Social Work Services • • Home Health Aid Services • • Speech Therapy Services •

Ryan Watson, RN - Manager 104 W. 3rd Ave. • Corsicana, TX • 903-874-4777 Serving Navarro and Surrounding Counties

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THANK YOU! Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce made “Thank You” Basket deliveries to local businesses.

The card in each says, “Thank you for making Mexia a great place. We appreciate your membership.”

Merle Norman: (l-r) Ariel Minchew, Sonia Garay, Trudy Cain, Sheryl Sheffield, Ginger Sain and Michael Jones

Mexia Pest Control:

(l-r) ShienDee Pullman, Cathy Owens, Linda Archibald, Susan Anderson, Lauren Crook and Amanda Platt

Farmhouse Restaurant:

(l-r) Mark Chilcoat, Cathy Owens, James Ward, Michael Jones, Keath Huff, Sonia Garay, Ariel Minchew and ShienDee Pullman

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH DECEMBER/JANUARY (PICTURED LEFT) CENTEX CITIZENS CREDIT UNION

L-R : FRONT ROW - TAMI GRIFFIN, BRANDI JONES, SONIA GARAY, ARIEL MINCHEW AND SHIENDEE PULLMAN BACK ROW – KEATH HUFF AND MICHAEL JONES.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER (PICTURED BELOW) PROPANE ENERGY

L-R BOBBY SPATH, JOHN ASHLEY, BILL MCCULLOUGH, WALTER SIMMONS AND DREW ALLEN.

Family Dentistry Tom W. Fox Jr. D.D.S.

Orthodontic • Cosmetic • Restorative Dentistry • Implants

New Delivery Routes: Seventy-five year old propane company in Mexia is extending their service both North and East to service ALL of Freestone County, Texas.

Services include Tank Rentals & Sales; Deliveries & Repairs.

Give us a call today at 254-562-3825.

Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm

110 N. Bonham • Mexia, TX 76667 (254) 562-2881

Bill McCullough, Owner

1442 N. Hwy 14 - Mexia

254-562-3825

Your Chamber Ambassadors at Work

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CASA/Voices for Children opens office in Mexia Local dignitaries and other well-wishers gathered at Navarro College South on Friday, Nov. 6, to help CASA cut the ribbon to celebrate its new satellite office at the college. Some of those present were Navarro College District President Dr. Kevin Fegan, Navarro College South Dean Christina Mims, 77th District Judge Patrick Simmons, Limestone County Judge Richard Duncan, Sheriff Dennis Wilson, Sheriff-elect Murray Agnew, Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce President Linda Archibald, CASA employees and volunteers, and others.

Photo by Roxanne Thompson/The Mexia News

Interested in learning more on the Mexia Chamber, contact us!

Call 254-562-5569 or visit our website: mexiachamber.com

mexiaedc.com

214 N Sherman St, Suite 3 • Mexia, TX 254-562-7900

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SESQUICENTENNIAL MEDALLION FOR SALE

This is the Sesquicentennial Medallion. They are $20 each and may be purchased at the Mexia Economic Development Corporation office located at 214 North Sherman Street. Please call ahead at 254-562-7900 to make a reservation to purchase the Medallion. All proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Sesquicentennial Medallions go to support the planning and hosting of the 2021 150th celebration. A date has not been set as of yet for the celebration because of COVID-19 restrictions. This is a beautiful medallion designed by Bob Crider after the 1871 Silver Dollar. There is a serial number for each medallion in the little rectangle box north of the Red River.

Historical Marker on Main at Mexia Civic Center

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How Mexia Got its Name JOSÉ ANTONIO MEXÍA (1800-1839) Mexican military officer, the son of Pedro Mexía and Juana Josefa Hernández was, by his own account, born in 1800 in Jalapa, although contemporary Mexican historians alleged that he was a native of Cuba. The deaths of his father and brother in the Mexican war of independence forced him to seek refuge in the United States, where he acquired such proficiency in the English language that in November 1822 Texas governor José Félix Trespalacios named him interpreter for a Cherokee Indian delegation to Mexico City.

In 1823 and 1824 he served as secretary of the state congress of Tamaulipas, and from 1825 to 1827 as collector of customs in Tuxpan. In 1825-27 he took an active part in the growth of York Rite Masonry, and, after 1827, in the affairs of the Federalist party.

After serving briefly as a captain in the army in 1823, he again entered active service in 1827, when he was named to the staff of Gen. Vicente Guerrero. Thereafter he received several promotionsto lieutenant colonel in 1828, to colonel in 1829, and to brigadier general in 1832.

Mexía served in the United States as secretary of the Mexican legation from November 1829 to March 1831. While in the United States he became an agent and lobbyist for the Galveston Bay and Texas Land Company. As a supporter of Antonio López de Santa Anna during the popular disturbances of 1832 in Mexico he led liberal army in its capture of Matamoros. After the Anahuac Disturbances in June 1832, he led the so-called Mexía’s expedition

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to Texas to suppress what was thought to be the beginnings of a rebellion. Stephen F. Austin and other Texas leaders convinced him that the settlers were loyal to Mexico. While a senator from the state of Mexico in 1834, Mexía joined Federalist forces that rose in protest against Santa Anna’s assumption of dictatorial powers. After a twomonth campaign, Mexía surrendered in the state of Jalisco and was ordered into exile by Santa Anna. In New Orleans he devoted most of the next year to organizing and outfitting a volunteer force of some 160 men (most of whom were from the United States), who sailed under his command in the Tampico expedition of November 1835. With the survivors of this abortive attack on Tampico he landed in Texas in December. After failing to win the support of Texas leaders for his proposal to attack Matamoros, he returned to New Orleans. During his final three years in exile, Mexía traveled to Cuba and Central America for the New Orleans export-import company of which he was a partner. He was involved also in negotiating an agreement for the construction of a Nicaraguan canal.

Tempted to return to Mexico by the resurgence of the Federalists late in 1838, he landed in Tampico on January 3, 1839, and joined Gen. José de Urrea as second in command. Four months later, on May 3, 1839, at Acajete, near Puebla, Urrea’s undermanned forces were routed by government troops. Mexía was captured and executed by a firing squad on the same day on orders of Santa Anna.

In the eyes of his countrymen he had been guilty of unpardonable treason in bringing foreign adventurers into the country.

In Mexico City on August 5, 1823, Mexía married Charlotte Walker, the twenty-two-year-old, English-born daughter of Christopher and

9 Elizabeth (Cove) Walker. Charlotte died of typhus in Mexico City on September 25, 1864. Two of the children of this marriage were closely associated with the development of northeastern Texas during the last half of the nineteenth century. The first of these, María Adelaida Matilda, was born at Tuxpan on August 27, 1826.

By April 8, 1848, she had married George Louis Hammeken, an American of Danish extraction who was involved in the building of a Mexican railroad in the 1850s. Adelaida died in Mexico City on December 22, 1878. The second of the children, Enrique Guillermo Antonio Mexía, was born in Mexico City in January 1829. After a career in the Mexican military, he managed his and his sister’s vast estates near the site of present Mexia, Texas. He died in Mexico City on September 19, 1896. In November 1833 the state of Coahuila and Texas granted Mexía’s daughter Adelaida and his son Enrique separate titles to eleven-league tracts of land in Limestone, Freestone, and Anderson counties. In 1871 the Houston and Texas Central Townsite Company named the town of Mexia for Enrique and the Mexia family, thus perpetuating the Mexía name in Texas geography as well as Texas history.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Eugene C. Barker, “The Tampico Expedition,” Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association 6 (January 1903). C. Alan Hutchinson, “General José Antonio Mexía and his Texas Interests,” Southwestern Historical Quarterly 82 (October 1978). W. Roy Smith, “The Quarrel between Governor Smith and the Council of the Provisional Government of the Republic,” Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association 5 (April 1902).

F. H. Turner, “The Mejía Expedition,” Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association 7 (July 1903)

AN 80-YEAR CELEBRATION OF

Following the Trails

Leah Shaw pointing down the trail April 7, 2020

Fort Parker State Park is a Texas State Park located just off of Highway 14, south of Mexia, Texas. The City of Mexia and the citizens of Mexia have always been thankful for the opportunity to boast that they have a “beautiful park in their backyard.” The City of Mexia and three local landowners donated the land creating the park in 1935. From 1935 to 1942, Civilian Conservation Corps Company 3807 (C) built roads, recreational facilities, the concession building and a 423-foot dam of limestone, concrete and dirt across the Navasota River, creating Lake Fort Parker. The park was dedicated by former Texas Governor Pat Neff and opened to the public in May 1941. The citizens of Mexia, Limestone County, the state of Texas and the United States have been celebrating and following the trails of Fort Parker Sate Park for 80 years.

Burr Oak Trail, Springfield Trail, Navasota River Trail, Baines Creek Trail, Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail and River Loop are the names of the magnificent trails of the park. You are invited to take your friends and family to Fort Parker State Park and enjoy the scenery, the campgrounds, the playground and the fishing areas. There is so much to do at Fort Parker State Park. For more information see their FB page, give them a call at 254-562-5771 or see their website fortparker@tpwd. texas.gov. Happy 80th Anniversary to Fort Parker State Park.

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Time Capsule

TO BE OPENED JULY 10, 2021 Pictured is a photo from 1971 while placing the Time Capsule in ground.

Pictured: Bill Pittman, Billy Pollard, Malcolm Lauderdale, Herman Focke.

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A glance at the Massey Foundation in 2020 Despite the chaos of 2020 experienced by all citizens of Limestone County, Texas, the Massey Foundation found ways to serve. A glance at the 2020 events of Massey Minds reveals the following: 11 Speaking engagements: Topics that ranged from the “Texas Rangers” to “Death and Dying”.

Speakers included Raphael Cruz, father of Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Steve Friskup, Muleshoe, Texas Cowboy; Preacher, Lt. Col. Allen West and Corey Lain, Limestone County native and Texas Ranger Major 2 Music events: In February the Baylor String Quartet performed at the event titled: “On Wings of Strings” which combined a wine pairing with wonderful classical music. Our Merry Massey Christmas party featured a duo vocal performance of Christmas classics and hits from the 40s and 50s 2 Art shows: Christ Inspired Artwork by Dorrie Cobb was viewed by many the week of August 5th. The scheduled “Country, Cowboys and Cattle Art Show” was postponed in March and we hope to have Kris Tims back in 2021; Lark Mason of The Antique Road Show held a virtual antique appraisal show for citizens of Limestone County. 33 items were evaluated by the professional in this exclusive online appearance arranged by the Massey Foundation Book Studies: We have three book studies that have been ongoing throughout 2020. The Liberty Readers women’s book club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, the Early Birds study connects Holy Scripture to world events and meets Tuesday mornings at 7:00. Finally, a Sunday afternoon group reads, discusses and studies classic Christian literature. This group has read: Pilgrim’s Progress, The Screwtape Letters, Where I AM and currently is studying Shaeffer’s How Should We Then Live? 2021 begins with another Lewis classic,: “Out of the Silent Planet”. All studies are free and open to the public.

2 Literary Contests: “2020 In Retrospect: Lessons Learned” is a book of essays that will be published in 2021. Essays from local citizens are being collected and reviewed for publication. All entries are due January 20, 2021 from interested authors, and all are encouraged to participate. In collaboration with the Groesbeck Journal, the Massey Foundation sponsored the annual Poetry Contest in 2020.

Massey Missions financially assisted Limestone County Citizens with rent, utility, and medical needs. We are dedicated to continuing our service to Texas and Limestone County in 2021 in the pursuit of Truth, Faith and Liberty. The Massey Foundation is grateful for all who value these pursuits through financial donations that make this purpose possible. FOR TEXAS!

In Abundant Gratitude, Massey Foundation of Texas

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“Heart of the Community” Awards “Heart of the Community” Awards were presented at the Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Presentation on November 4, 2020 in the Gibbs Memorial Library Meeting Room. The Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce presented these awards to the Mexia Fire & EMS Department and The Mexia Police Department for their outstanding service of protection to the citizens of Mexia. The Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce says, “Thank You” for going over and beyond the call of duty to care and protect the citizens of Mexia.

ABOVE: Mexia Fire Dept. and Mexia Area COC Chairman Michael Jones.

RIGHT: Mexia Police Chief, Brian Bell and Mexia Area COC Chairman, Michael Jones.

You can now enjoy all the benefits and security of your Incommons Bank debit card with your digital wallet.

254-562-3821 www.incommonsbank.com

301 East Commerce St. Mexia, Tx 76667

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Chamber Directory AGRICULTURE Circle H Ag Services LLC P. O. Box 152 Tehuacana • 254-747-0894 Diamond K Contractors Wortham, 979-393-8325

Golden Roots Trees LLC Dollar in the Hole Ranch Mexia • 254-472-9877 Kennedy Auctions 1000 FM 3119 Mexia • 254-562-6883 Lightsey Farms 2033 FM 1365 Mexia • 254-562-6913 AUTOMOTIVE Alan’s Tire & Service 819 Hwy 84 West Mexia • 254-562-9399 Cain’s Car Wash 511 North Bailey Mexia • 254-562-9533 Classic Paint & Body 802 S. McKinney Mexia • 254-562-9360 Day Boys Shop 1402 Hwy 84 West Mexia • 254-472-0000 Dick Scott Ford 401 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-9313 Mike Terry Auto Group 1100 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2846 Triple L Tire 900 S. Hwy 14, Mexia 254-640-2481 CHURCHES Calvary Baptist Church 519 S. McKinney Mexia • 254-562-2269 First Baptist Church 500 East Carthage Mexia • 254-562-5576 First United Methodist 203 North Canton Mexia • 254-562-5567 Mexia First Assembly 1100 N. Ross Mexia – 254-562-9216 CIVIC GROUPS Boy Scouts of America 254-562-3877 Girl Scouts of America 254-756-4497, ext. 20

Lancaster Post 4694 Mexia • 254-562-9270 Mexia Baseball Association 254-717-1191 Mexia Garden Club 254-747-2745 Mexia Lions Club PO Box 94 Mexia • 254-562-3843 Rotary Club of Mexia PO Box 225 Mexia • 254-562-2884 Professional Women in Action 254-562-3821 Parkview Regional Hospital Auxiliary 254-562-7789 Springfield Masonic Lodge #74 254-562-5734

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Talley Chemical & Supply 818 Hwy 171 Mexia • 254-562-5583

Security Finance 203 E Milam Mexia • 254-562-3933

EDUCATION Mexia ISD 616 North Red River Mexia • 254-562-4042

VeraBank 405 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-5396

Massey Foundation 199 Park Road 39 Groesbeck • 254-255-4693 Melinda Gentry Mexia State Supported Living Center 540 Chapel Drive Mexia • 254-562-1201 Navarro College 901 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-3848 Trinity Institute P. O. Box 100 • Tehuacana ENERGY Atmos Energy 297 N Earl Rudder Frwy Bryan • 888-286-6700

GOVERNMENT Voices for Children/CASA 115 N Main Bryan, TX 77803 979-822-9700 City of Mexia 101 North McKinney Mexia 254-562-4122 Limestone County Annex 205 South McKinney Mexia • 254-562-2244 Limestone County Sheriff Murray Agnew Groesbeck • 254-729-3278 Mexia Senior Citizens Center 111 N. Sherman Mexia • 254-562-5831

Brown Oil & Gas Co. 901 South Belknap Mexia • 254-562-2818

HEALTH Crossfit Mexia 1004 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-424-6063

Oncor Electric Delivery 220 W. Walnut Hillsboro, TX 76645

Just Relax Wellness Center 202 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-301-4426

Greer Time Media 409 E. Houston Mexia • 254-224-2815

Propane Energy 1442 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-3825

KNES Radio – Texas 99 627 West Commerce Fairfield • 903-389-5637

Tellurian 1201 Louisana St. 3100 Houston 77002

Sassy Sisters Boutique Salon & Spa 107 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-2222

The Mexia News 214 North Railroad Street Mexia • 254-562-2868

FINANCIAL Centex Citizens Credit Union 1104 Hwy 84E Mexia • 254-562-9296

Woman’s Friday Club 254-472-9174 COMMUNICATIONS Gibbs Memorial Library 305 East Rusk Mexia • 254-562-3231

INSURANCE Barbara Kent Insurance PO Box 5038 Waco, TX 76678 254-715-2106

Citizens State Bank 722 Main, Teague, 75860 254-739-0500

Beene Wealth Management Group chana@beenewmg.com www.beenewmg.com 400 Austin Ave. Ste. 200 Waco • 254-755-6575

Citizens State Bank 409 S. Ellis, Groesbeck, 76642 254-729-3054

Mexia Insurance 811 E Milam Street Mexia • 254-562-3894

Edward Jones Investments 505 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5323

Womack Insurance Service 205 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2884

UTILIZE IT 1220 Hinchliffe Road Mexia 254-218-5408

Farmers State Bank 604 West Milam Mexia • 254-562-9494

DISTRIBUTORS Flatt Stationers, Inc. 206 West Commerce Mexia • 254-562-3877

INCOMMONS Bank 301 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-3821

LODGING & TRAVEL Best Western Limestone Inn 1314 East Milam Street Mexia • 254-562-0200

Vyve Broadband 514 West Tyler Mexia • 254-562-2872 Spring Mobile, AT &T 1324 East Milam Mexia 254-562-6850 COMPUTER SERVICES McKeand Consulting LLC 6565 FM 39 South Mexia • 254-472-9997

Halo Branded Solutions 103 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6950

Ken Givens 1205 S. 8th Street Ste 312, Waco 76706 512-848-1069

Premier Buildings of Mexia 815 W. Milam Mexia • 254-472-4688

Sadler, Richard L., CPA 400 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3460

Comfort Inn & Suites 820 West Milam/US 84 Mexia • 254-562-0005 Forrest Place 500 E. Palestine Mexia • 254-640-0055 Fort Parker State Park 3147 North Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-5751

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The Garden House 300 N. Ross. Ave. Mexia • 254-562-6039

Parkview Regional Hospital 600 South Bonham Mexia • 254-562-5332

Rachel Anderson Real Estate 415 Main Street • Teague 254-739-2942

Old Fort Parker Historical Site 866 Park Road 35 Groesbeck • 254-729-5253

Skilled Care of Mexia 501 East Sumpter Mexia • 254-472-0630

Realty Plus 1006 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2121

MANUFACTURERS Carry-On Trailer, Inc. 931 Industrial Blvd Mexia • 254-562-9024

Reliant At Home 309 Main Street Teague • 254-739-5011

ReMax/Premier Properties 205 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2884

Rogers Manufacturing 911 Industrial Blvd Mexia, 254-255-0696 SWARCO Reflex LLC 900 N. Denton Mexia, 254-562-9879 MEDICAL SERVICES Air Evac Lifeteam Base 53 160 I-45 S Fairfield • 903-907-0309 Angela Torp, MA 202 N. Paris – Mexia 254-715-5352 Center of Hope 260 LCR 235 Mexia, Texas • 254-747-0972 Gonzalez General Dentistry 300 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-5347 Gentle Transitions Hospice 510 Avenue E. Moody, Tx. 76557 254-598-1389

Tejas Urgent Care 311 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-2500 PET SERVICES Bennett Veterinary Hospital 1338 Hwy. 171 Mexia • 254-562-6533 Pawz & Clawz Pet Boarding 1111 Highway 171 254-472-5122 Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique & Grooming 103 E. Main Mexia • 254-722-7465 PHOTOGRAPHY Photo Trappings 115 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-562-7427 PROFESSIONAL Advocacy Center for Crime Victims & Children 3312 Hillcrest Dr. Waco • 254-752-9330 Amy Ward, Attorney 209 East Palestine Mexia • 254-562-0700

Community Healthcare of Texas 107 East Commerce Mexia • 254-472-0779

Angela Torp 202 N. Paris Mexia • 254-715-5352

Fox, Tom W. Jr, DDS 110 North Bonham Mexia • 254-562-2881

Dillard, Hughes 100 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6950

Kuh-Nekt Healthcare Solutions 208 N. Paris Mexia • 833-584-6358

Law Office of Daniel Burkeen 304 E. Commerce, St. 600 Mexia • 254-472-5002

Manor Health Care Residence 831 Tehuacana Road/Hwy 171 Mexia • 254-562-3867 Mexia Chiropractic Clinic 722 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-2112 Mexia LTC Nursing & Rehab 601 North Terrace Mexia • 254-562-5400

Mexia Economic Development 214 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-7900 Reed & Reed, LLP 201 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-5547 Sadler, Richard L., CPA 400 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3460

Story Real Estate 714 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-6617 RECREATIONAL Fort Parker State Park 3147 North Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-5751 Freestone Raceway Park 147 PR 994 Wortham • 713-962-3386 Freestoneracewaypark.com

15 RETAIL/SHOPPING Bi-Stone Building Supply George Fitch Signs 910 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9341 Blackcat Couture/Mexia Florist 200 E. Commerce Mexia • 254-562-5555 Clancy & Co. 1346 E. Palestine Mexia • 254-562-0667 Cucklebur Trading P. O. 614 Fairfield • 75840 903-389-7367 Flatt Stationers, Inc. 205 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-3843 H-E-B 701 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5123

Hughes City Park Bonham at Tyler Streets Mexia • 254-562-4110

Jackson’s True Value 407 East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-3112

Old Fort Parker Historic Site 866 Park Road 35 Groesbeck • 254-729-5253

Junkin Jo’s Antiques & Boutiques 325 E. Loop 255 Teague • 903-644-8686

RESTAURANTS Baby Clay’s BBQ 4592 Hwy. 14 N Mexia • 254-355-3009

Kera’s Korner 101 East Main Mexia • 903-388-3992

Coffee Cabaret 602 North Paris Mexia • 254-562-5655 Countryside Café 500 E. Milam Mexia • 254-472-5070 Farm House Restaurant 1401 East Milam Mexia • 254-472-0512 Joe Friday’s 601 N. Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-472-5105 Karsen’s KONA ICE P. O. Box 215 Buffalo • 903-388-6649 Jim’s Krispy Fried Chicken 312 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-5035

Mexia Vision Services 501 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3883

REAL ESTATE Heritage Real Estate 205 North McKinney Mexia • 254-562-7899

McDonald’s of Mexia 903 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-7006 Patty’s Way 3070 Hwy 14 North Mexia • 254-227-8642

Mexia Medical Supply 906 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-6838

Hometown Realty 811 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3893

Pizza Hut 822 West Milam Mexia • 254-562-5565

Merle Norman 309 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-2582 Mexia Medical Supply 906 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-6838 Old Tin Barn 1339 E. Milam Mexia, 903-390-0608 Rusty’s Boots & Jeans 1349 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-7767 Sassy Sisters Boutique & Salon 107 North Sherman Mexia • 254-562-2222 Sears Retail Dealer Store 909 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9555 Serenity Spa 508 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-0820 Small Town Tees 207 East Main Mexia • 254-562-6966 Southern Grace 501 S. Ellis Groesbeck 76642 254-729-2703

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The General Store 200 E. Rusk Mexia • 254-472-0893

Cain’s Car Wash 511 North Bailey Mexia • 254-562-9533

Corley-Porter Funeral Home 208 North Canton Mexia • 254-562-2887

Woodson Lumber & Hardware 1127 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-9351

Complete Neat Solutions Commercial House Cleaning 903 602-6744 www.compleateneatsolutions.com

Wash Mart Laundromat 1320 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-6828

Wal-Mart Supercenter 1406 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-3831 Wortham Antique Mall P. O. Box 141 Wortham 76693 SAND & GRAVEL Aggregate Haulers, LP 1217 North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-9558

D’s Twisted Roots 313A East Commerce Mexia • 254-562-6220 George Fitch Signs 910 E. Milam Mexia • 254-562-9341 Genesis Master Barbers 303 Milam Mexia •903-874-2424

STORAGE Quality Storage 1604-B North MLK/Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-0130 Select Climate Storage 246 South Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-472-0300 Sumpter Street Storage 1008 Sumpter Street Mexia • 254-625-3364

Allen & Shivers Excavation, Inc. 4546 North Hwy 14 Mexia • 254-562-6252

Jones Funeral Services 931 S. Hwy. 171 Mexia • 254-562-6422

SERVICES Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home 605 South McKinney Mexia • 254-562-2131

Kennedy Auctions 1000 FM 3119 Mexia • 254-562-6883

UTILITIES Bi-Stone Municipal Water Supply FM 2705/Whiterock Road Mexia • 254-562-5922

Bonham Street Car Wash LLC 506 N. Bonham Mexia • 254-747-0913

Mexia Pest Control 608 East Milam Mexia • 254-562-6565

City of Mexia Water Dept.

101 South McKinney Mexia • 254-562-4131

Don’t let breakdowns or needed repairs get you down?

Call us we can get you back on the road or back on site 24inHour Towing no time at all.

Get BackWe onspecialize the Road in: Safely!

Engine Repair & Rebuilds, Automatic & Standard transmission rebuilds, Call 254-472-0024 or hydraulic repairs of all types, field service on all makes of heavy equipment, Heavy equipment and truck repair.

254-739-3617 for Teague's Location

Day Boys Shop 1402 W. Hwy 84 • Mexia, TX 76667 254-472-0000 254-472-0888 (Fax)

Interested in learning more on the Mexia Chamber, contact us!

Call 254-562-5569 or visit our website mexiachamber.com

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BEHAVORIAL HEALTH PROGRAM Outpatient Ext. 2200

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RADIOLOGY

SPECIALTY CLINICS Ext. 2320, 5034 - Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan LABRATORY - Wound Care Ext, 2848 - Bone Density Testing Ext. 2240, 5006 - CHF Clinic Ext. 5034, 2320 - General and Vascular Ultrasounds - Gastroenterology PHYSICAL THERAPY - Echocardiogram - Cardiology Ext.PROGRAM 2300, 5035 GASTROENTEROLOGY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Mobile MRI - Occupational Therapy - Dermatology UrologyMonday, Wednesday, Friday CHIROPRACTOR (254) 729-2014 Hanu Ancha, M.D. (254) 729-3281 ext. 5034 - Speech/Language Therapy -RADIOLOGY Nuclear Medicine - Scopes Steven Huffman, DC,(254) 729-4322 BEHAVORIAL Greg Blaisdell, MD P.E.T.S. Psychiatrist HEALTH PROGRAM - LMC 625 McClintic Drive, Groesbeck (254) 729-4330 -SPECIALTY IV Therapy CLINICS JoshuaOutpatient Warren, MD, Adult Ext. and Child2200 Psychiatrist CARDIOLOGIST (254) 399-5400 Ex. 2251, 5008 SLEEP2320, MEDICINE Chris Matlock, MD, Ext. 5034 - Waco Surgical Group THERAPY -Tuesday Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan SLEEP MEDICINE Sherwin Attai, MD, SecondRESPIRATORY ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ThursdaysExt, (254)2848 537-6160 LABRATORY - Wound Care Ext. 2232, DIETITIAN 729-3281 ext. 2148 2220 Veronica Rosalez, NP, fourth- Tuesday Ext. 2220, 5004 Bone Density Testing Jeffrey Blasick, D.O., (254) 224-8062 Ext.(254) 2240, 5006 CHF Clinic Ext. 5034, 2320 - Inpatient Rehab Meradith- Sleep Stein, RD Studies EveryRehab FridayUltrasounds except the fourth Friday -SWINGBED -Cardiopulmanary - General and Vascular CARDIOLOGIST J. Phillip Myatt, M.D., (254) 235-9355 RADIOLOGY - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat) BEHAVORIAL HEALTH PROGRAM Gastroenterology Ext. 2320, 5034 PHYSICAL THERAPY PODIATRIST Tyler Kearney,-Stress DPM, (979)Tests 776-6060 Third Thursday, Fourth Wednesday - Echocardiogram CLINICS (800) 793-9106 SPECIALTY Outpatient Ext. 2200 - Cardiology Ex. 2251,NEUROSURGEON 5008 Ext. 2300, 5035 SPECIALTY CLINIC (254) 728-3281 Ext. 2320 - Mobile MRI Jonathan Friedman, M.D. - Occupational Therapy - Dermatology Urology Ext. 2320, 5034 DERMATOLOGIST (254) 537-1265 PODIATRIST Eduardo Orihuela, DPM, (979) 776-6060 - Diagnostic X-Ray and Cat Scan - Speech/Language Therapy Nuclear Medicine Scopes LABRATORY First, Third and LMC CHF CLINIC (254) 729-3281 Ext. 2316 James Mason, MD, Second Monday Care Ext, 2848 Fifth Wednesdays NEUROSURGEON Steven Zielinski, MD,- Wound (254) 732-3987 - LMC P.E.T.S. - Bone Density Testing - IV Therapy Ext. 2240, 5006 - CHF Clinic Ext.ENT5034, 2320Thomas A. Salzer, M.D., (979) 764-3090 & ALLERGY - Waco Surgical Group ONCOLOGIST/HEMATOLOGIST LMC WOUND CAREMEDICINE CLINIC (254) 729-4329 UROLOGIST (254) 741-6113 RESPIRATORY THERAPY SLEEP - General and Vascular Ultrasounds Gastroenterology Second and Fourth Mondays First5004 Wednesday Tom Harris, MD, (254) -399-0741 PHYSICAL THERAPY Chelsea Yerger, FNP-CExt. - (254)2232, 729-32812220 ext. 2381 Stephen Stimson, MD, Third Tuesday Ext. 2220, Echocardiogram - Sleep Studies Ext. 2300, 5035 SWINGBED - Inpatient Rehab - Cardiology -Cardiopulmanary Rehab - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat) Mobile MRI 2320, 5034 - Occupational Therapy - DermatologyExt. Urology -Stress Tests Ex. 2251, 5008

SERVICES OFFERED:

MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING

SERVICES OFFERED:

- Speech/Language Therapy - LMC P.E.T.S.

- Nuclear Medicine

SLEEP MEDICINE Ext. 2232, 2220 - Sleep Studies - Home Sleep Studies (Watch Pat)

RESPIRATORY THERAPY Ext. 2220, 5004 -Cardiopulmanary Rehab -Stress Tests

- Scopes - IV Therapy - Waco Surgical Group SWINGBED - Inpatient Rehab Ext. 2320, 5034

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IN ADDITION TO WEARING YOUR MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING YOU CAN TAKE THE FOLLOWING VITAMINS ONCE A DAY TO HELP KEEP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG.

URGENT CARE WITH YOU IN MIND!

We are here for you and your family!

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! (254) 562-2500

5000 IU OF VITAMIN D 3000 MG OF VITAMIN C 50 MG OF ZINC PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY VITAMINS. Jerry W. Simmons, MD

Big Smiles All Around

Gentle and friendly dental care for the whole family.

MON - FRI 8AM - 7PM SATURDAY 8AM - 6PM SUNDAY 12PM - 6PM

311 E. MILAM ST. MEXIA, TX. 76667 We accept most Commercial Insurance/Medicaid/ Medicare/Tricare

Gonzalez Family Dentistry Nathan T. Gonzalez, DDS • Robin L. Cholopisa, DDS

300 N. Sherman, Mexia

254-562-5347

Our patients’ smiles say it all!

Friendly & Welcoming Staff

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A total of 48 Mexia High School students received blankets for their academic achievements. The blankets are presented annually by the Mexia Woman’s Friday Club as part of the Mexia Academic Excellence and Scholarship Program.

Courtesy photo

MHS STUDENTS EARN BLANKETS FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

The students normally receive their blankets at an assembly at Mexia High School in September. However, this year there was no ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students earning blankets were: Jaydi Acevedo, Tyler Albiter-Black, Jayla Banks, Jaylyn Banks, Christopher Bradley, Heavenly Bradshaw, Selena Buentello, Alexis Burns, Litzy Castro, Kayleigh Chambers, Chance Chappell, Bryan Cisneros-Castillo.

Getsemani Contreras-Media, Zechariah Crosby, Precious Daily, Marshall Eberle, John Ellis, Oliver Eves, Levi Gold, Luis Guzman, Mason Hargrove, Kaitlyn Hawkins, Rebecca Hernandez, Robert Hidrogo.

Mexia News Staff Report, sports@themexianews.com Gage Kuehn, Amy Labrada, Tiffany Laseter, Brianna Four dozen Mexia High School students were Luna, Magalie Luna, Ashyra Mack, Nolan Maki, Trinity honored with 2019-20 Academic Excellence Awards McCullen, Osvaldo Montes, Tray Moore, Kamryn Nichols, and received blankets for their achievements in the Javier Olvera.

Victor Olvera, Marisol Ortiz, Dayton Pedroza, Andrea classroom.

The blankets are presented to students annually by Rivera, Jennifer Rivera, Mariel Rodriguez, John Caleb Ruiz, the Mexia Woman’s Friday Club as part of the Mexia Alba Salinas, Smantha Samaiego, Jesus Suarez, Brittney Vu and Natali Zamarripa.

Academic Excellence and Scholarship Program.

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Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors – 2020-2021 • Front Row – L-R – ShienDee Pullman, Librarian, Gibbs Memorial Library, Cathy Owen, Owner Pawz & Clawz Pet Boarding, Linda Archibald, President, Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce, Jim Watterson, Owner, Texas 99.1 KNES • Back Row – L-R – Haley Brown, Parkview Regional Hospital, Mark Chilcoat, Citizen State Bank, Ariel Minchew, Centex Citizens Credit Union, Michael Jones, Owner Jones Funeral Services, and Keath Huff, Owner Utilize IT. Not in Photo: Cheryl Hancock, VeraBank, Lynda Condon, Bi-Stone Building Supply, Michele Busby, Mexia Florist/Blackcat Couture, and Arnold Blair, Skilled Care of Mexia and Sonia Garay, Centex Citizens Credit Union.

Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Corporate Star Award to HEB Mexia. This award was presented to HEB Mexia in appreciation for the outstanding support given to the success of the 2020 Mexia Rodeo and other Mexia organizational events held during the year.

ShienDee Pullman, Linda Archibald and Keath Huff (far right) are shown presenting the award to HEB employees, Casie and Jared.

Chamber Chair Michael Jones presents a plaque for the Chamber’s Organization of the Year to Jean Vincent, president of Friends of the Library at the Chamber Awards presentations. At left is Friends Secretary and Library Director ShienDee Pullman. Other officers of Friends of the Library who could not attend include Treasurer Betty Hawkins, Ann Waldrum, Gayle Beene and Claude Monk.

Citizen of the Year – Jeffrey “Buggy” Smith and Michael Jones

Shown is Outgoing Chairman Sonia Garay and Chairman Michael Jones

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Library holds grand re-opening

By Roxanne Thompson, roxanne@themexianews.com

Finally the day came that Gibbs Memorial Library re-opened since that fateful day a little over a year ago that an arsonist started a fire that destroyed much of the building.

The library’s grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting took place Wednesday, Nov. 4, with about 60-80 attendees.

In advance of the event and also during the event, the Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its annual awards.

Library Director ShienDee Pullman welcomed those present, reminding them what she, her staff and city residents had gone through since the fire. “Like many of you, I was saddened for the loss we suffered on Sept. 29, 2019,� she said. “A sad loss but a renewed library stands before you, because it is a permanent fixture in our community, and it’s the start of a whole new chapter in our bookish lives. “Libraries aren’t only about books on shelves. Libraries

ABOVE: Those gathered for the grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting for Gibbs Memorial Library enjoy refreshments and tour the library to see the renovations after last year’s arsonist’s fire.

Photo by Roxanne Thompson/The Mexia News

are also an important social meeting point, accessible and affordable to all, where everyone may meet on an equal footing. Libraries are an enormously valuable

anchor in our society for all sorts of reasons unrelated

to books – the books might even be considered a bonus.

What matters is that libraries help us connect.�

She ended by encouraging those listening to visit

Â

the library whenever it’s open and declared the library officially open.

Mexia Mayor Geary Smith opened with a prayer and

welcomed those present, thanking those who worked so

hard to make the re-opening possible.

He shared his memories of bringing his daughters to the library many years ago, instilling in them a love for

Â

reading and learning. One of those daughters is now in medical school, and the other is planning to become a

teacher.

Library Board President Susan Miller also spoke, saying how thrilled she and the rest of the board were at seeing the library open and even improved from before the fire. She thanked all those who had contributed books ce ra N. r and funds toward the re-opening; and she especially Te ne La thanked Pullman and her staff for their hard work.

Mexia City Manager Eric Garretty also addressed the crowd, at one point becoming teary eyed as he recalled Hwy. 84 all the city had gone through over the past year.

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ABOVE: Gibbs Memorial Library director and staff, Chamber of Commerce members and many other well-wishers hold a ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening for the library on Wednesday, Nov. 4, after the renovations were complete from the devastating fire by an arsonist last year.

ABOVE: Mexia City Manager Eric Garretty, at right, congratulates and thanks, from left, Library Director ShienDee Pullman and her staff, Tesiah Sours, Catherine Webster, Elianna Gaitan and Dayna Torres at the Gibbs Memorial Library grand re-opening on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

“ShienDee and I were out here at sunrise that morning in September, and she said, ‘It’s gone; it’s just all gone.’

“And the fact that we’re back here today is just – words can’t describe it,” he said. “We got our library back.”

He thanked Pullman and her staff for all the work they did to set up two libraries in the past year, the temporary library and the restored library.

“I just want to say,” he concluded, “from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.”

Other local leaders also attended the library’s ribboncutting and grand re-opening, including Limestone County Judge Richard Duncan, Mayor pro tem Shawna Sterling, and Council members Clifton “Butch” Newhouse and Erica Navarro.

After the speakers completed their speeches, those attending were invited to remain and tour the library and enjoy refreshments.

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CELEBRATING

80 YEARS

VISIT FORT PARKER STATE PARK 194 Park Road 28 Mexia, Texas 76667

For Camping, Fishing, Hiking and more information call: 254-562-5751