Kerrville community unites in mourning and prayer for those lost and missing in Texas floods
they were not there to see the Tivy Antler football team run drills or host rival teams.
crowd gathered at Antler Stadium on Wednesday night, but
Instead, the parents, teachers, students and others who filled the bleachers solemnly looked ahead at the Kerrville Independent School District’s football field. They grappled with a grief caused by a devastating flood that swept away people young and old in the early hours of July Fourth. As hundreds trickled in for a vigil for the flood's victims that night, people hugged. Some smiled when they spotted a friend, striking up a conversation. Many cried for the Texas Hill Country, which was struck last Friday by the state’s second-deadliest flood. Among the victims lost to the deadly currents of the Guadalupe River was Reese Zunker, who had coached soccer for 12 years at Tivy High School, home to about 4,700 students.
“Our community was struck with tragedy literally in the darkness,” one speaker said. “But as the sun rose, the light came.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the deeply religious Kerr County community turned to gospel Wednesday night. Residents channeled their grief through prayer for the more than 100 lives lost and 161 victims from the region who remain missing. Questions remain about whether residents were given enough time to evacuate the areas that flooded, including Camp Mystic, the all-girls summer camp and a beloved tradition at the epicenter of the catastrophe. Twentyseven girls, the camp confirmed, died, as did its director, Richard “Dick” Eastland. This act of remembrance, residents said, was their way of coming to terms with the senseless destruction the flood left behind.
“I think it’s a way of moving on,” said Leah Westra, a coalition coordinator for the Hill Country Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and mother of three, two of whom attend Tivy. “We move on, not because we forget our grief or forget the tragedy, but because we have to. We get to move on and rebuild.”
Pete Calderón, who sits on the school district’s board of trustees, said he tells his students about what God
promises — and what he doesn’t — to quell their grief.
“(God) doesn’t promise that we’re not going to have injury or death or sickness,” he said. “What he does promise is that he’s going to be there for us … and you’ve got to lean on that.” Scenes of the community’s faith presented themselves repeatedly Wednesday evening. Turning bleachers into pews, mourners sang in worship, with one verse saying:
“It’s your breath in our lungs.” A high schooler had his arm outstretched, his palms up. Two friends embraced each other, their arms interlocked across different rows of the stadium. Another woman held her toddler tighter. Her son is so young that he can’t quite grasp the magnitude of the death. “Peace, peace,” one man whispered to himself. One girl adjusted her red glasses to wipe away her tears. Every time she did, her cheeks just got damp again.
By Carlos Nogu-
Ramos and Sneha
The Texas Tribune
Public Service
The Allen’s Point Cemetery Association will have a meeting on July 20 at 2:00, in the fellowship hall of Allen’s Point Baptist Church. We will be electing a new treasurer and assistant treasurer. All are welcome to attend the meeting.
2025 Bonham Quilt Hop Raffle
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 283, Bonham Texas will raffle a quilt made by the Fannin County Piecemakers at the 2025 Bonham Quilt Hop. Tickets will be sold on July 25th and 26th at the Roy V Floyd building (the armory). All proceeds will benefit Fannin County Veterans.
Fannin County Law Library Online
Announcement from the office of Newt Cunningham, Fannin County Judge The Fannin County Virtual Law Library is now available online. The library can be accessed twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week on the Fannin County web page
with your personal computer or smart phone. The direct link is https://www.co.fannin. tx.us/page/fannin.law.library. The Library’s
ordinances. The Library also includes legal forms and links to other websites
bar
and
libraries which have
that might be
The information provided through the Library website is not legal advice and does not take the place of talking to a licensed attorney. The information may not be complete and will be periodically updated.
colors, while others pinned green ribbons to their shirts, the color for Camp Mystic. For over an hour, through song and Bible verses, Dan Beazley, who stands at about 5’7” tall, held up a wooden cross nearly twice his size. Abigail Smithson, a student at the high school, joined him. Beazley had driven 24 hours from Michigan with the cross in the bed of his truck. Earlier in the week, he had held the cross up at the site of Camp Mystic while first responders dug through debris looking for survivors. He brought the cross “to make a little bit of difference, to help them grieve, to bring a little bit of hope,” said Beazley, who added he can’t stop thinking about what victims went through before they passed away.
The night ended with footballs and frisbees tossed around, an effort for the community to find some joy. Lively music, laughter and conversation filled the stadium.
“We set an hour to play. There is healing in play and laughter,” said Josh Smithson, the father of Abigail Smithson and a minister with YoungLife. “They were able to let go of some of the heaviness.” Shape the future of Texas at the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin! We bring together Texas’ most inspiring thinkers, leaders and innovators to discuss the issues that matter to you. Get tickets now and join us this November. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/09/ texas-hill-countryfloods-kerrville-vigil/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Lights Out
By Fannin County Judge
Cunningham
Newt
Transparency is the key to good governance. It is to corruption what sunlight is to mold. Recent proposed budget cuts will drastically effect transparency in our County. Those cuts are eliminating resources from my office needed to assure compliance with the law and protect the county in its business dealings. The proposed cuts in effect are turning out the lights. They make my job more difficult. Cuts include eliminating overtime for our Facilities
Coordinator, Ruben Moreno and moving the position of Civil Attorney, David “Andy” Garner back under the District Attorney's office. Much of Ruben Moreno and Andy Garner’s time has been spent on correcting the Fannin County Courthouse debacle and assuring we do not experience the same type of problems at the New Justice Center. Most of Mr. Moreno’s overtime was spent with contractors making repairs to the Courthouse after hours and cataloging defects. More time is needed.
Mr. Garner has played a key role in developing compliant
purchasing policies. Both of these individuals have saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is despite the intense political pressure that has been brought by certain County officials. We as citizens and taxpayers owe Mr. Garner and Mr. Moreno special thanks. They are true public servants. I am proud to have known them.
To date, unsung heroes, have stepped up to assist me in improving public safety, working towards County compliance with the law, and in preventing the County from being taken advantage of in its business dealings. Purchasing laws and regulations have been put in place to guard against self
dealing. Our County is not a “pork barrel.” Heroes include County employees named previously and in addition our Purchasing Agent Julie Criswell, our Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal Troy Hudson, our County Auditor Alicia Whipple, and last but not least my Administrative Assistant Lisa Loiselle. Many citizens have also stepped up. I will not put lipstick on a pig. We need an inspection of our Courthouse by an independent qualified firm to not only look at electrical issues but to look at other issues as well. I want to see a clean bill of health. Lights on.
Do Well Be Well with Diabetes
Press Release - Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension Service
hosting “Do Well Be Well with Diabetes,” an educational program series for people with Type 2 Diabetes and
caregivers. Classes are FREE! Classes will be held at the Derrell Hall Education Center at 2505 N. Center Street from 3:00pm-5:00 pm starting Wednesday, AUGUST 6th! This class series will be held every Wednesday in August (Aug 6; Aug 13; Aug 20; and Aug 27). At-
tend all four classes to learn strategies to help manage Type 2 diabetes for yourself or your loved ones! Featured speaker will be Alicia Fowler, PA-C with Family Healthcare, Bonham Specialty Clinic. Do Well Be Well with Diabetes is designed to teach simple ways to manage Type 2 Diabetes and take control of your health and your life!
To be a part of Do Well Be Well with Diabetes classes, please contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at (903) 583-7453 or email bethany.arie@ag.tamu. edu to reserve your spot in class! If you require special accommodations to attend, please contact one week prior to first session.
Over The Hump And Beyond: Kincannon Lecture for History Roundtable
By Skipper Steely
Communities across Northeast Texas each had a World War II participant who either regularly flew that which became known as “The Hump” from India to China, or fought with General Claire Chennault and subsequent Allied units in China against the Japanese. Margaret Kincannon, born just days after her father arrived in the China-BurmaIndian (CBI) theater, will lecture on this subject to the World War II History Roundtable Audie Murphy Chapter at its quarterly meeting July 24. The gathering will be at the Audie Murphy /American
Fannin County Commissioners Contact Information
Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham Fannin County Courthouse 903-583-7455
Precinct 1
Commissioner Troy Waggoner
Pct. Barn Location: 8865 Highway 56 W (2 miles east of Savoy) Savoy, Texas 75479
Phone: 903-965-7030
Email Address: twaggoner@fanninco.net
Precinct 2
Commissioner A.J. Self Pct. Barn Location: 500 N. Highway 69 Leonard, Texas 75452
Phone: 903-587-3455
Email Address: aself@fanninco.net
Precinct 3
Commissioner
Kurt Fogelberg
Pct. Barn Location: 18101 East FM 1396
(Just off Hwy 82) Honey Grove, Texas 75446
Phone: 903-378-2941
Email Address: precinct3@fanninco.net
Precinct 4
Commissioner
Doug Kopf
Pct. Barn Location: 1369 East Highway 56 Bonham, Texas 75418
Phone: 903-583-2039
Email Address: dkopf@fanninco.net
Classifieds: 903-583-3280
Cotton Museum in Greenville at 7 p.m. The public is invited and the event is free.
Several local books have been written on the China subject. Attorney Mary Walker Clark of Paris not only wrote of her father’s experience but traced every step of his mission to gather information for her book on his actions. Otha Spencer, pilot and former photography and semantics professor at East Texas State University, wrote a highly descriptive view of his flights over the huge mountains. Kincannon produced a book called The Spray and Pray Squadron, a look at the 3rd Bomb Squadron, 1st Bomb
Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing of WWII. Her father was part of a B-25 crew at times, serving in the tail turret.
James “Hank” Mills flew the Hump to near Kunming in his B-25, then on to Luliang and by August 30, 1944 to Kweilin (Guilin), a huge military center. Preparations to attack the Japanese in China and later Japan were underway. Tech Sergeant Mills became a member of Major General Claire Lee Chennault’s Flying Tigers. “I intend to focus primarily upon the ChineseAmerican Composite Wing,” says Kincannon, “emphasizing Chennault’s purpose in
establishing it to rehabilitate the Republic of China Air Force, enabling the Chinese to defend against the Japanese invasion, and to promote good relations between the United States and China for the future.” Chennault also had a Northeast Texas connection. He was born in Commerce.
With many examples of successful operations that kept China in the war and contributed to its successful conclusion, Kincannon molds her story with information taken from official records found at the Air Force research facility at Maxwell AFB.
The Fannin County Leader Deadline is Thursdays @ Noon
County Judge Receives Report after Courthouse Walk-through
July 7, 2025
County Judge and Commissioners,
On Wednesday, July 2nd, there was a public discussion and opportunity to see the issues concerning the Courthouse renovations.
There were several professionals, ranging from electrical engineers to tradesmen with various TDLR license levels in the electrical field present. All
were present to voice their opinions on the current state of the electrical issues related to the Courthouse renovations. After the introductions and personal statements on the levels of licensure and background of the individuals were completed the tour of the Courthouse commenced.
Of all the professionals that were present, only two individuals had the experience to interpret the code issues as they exist.
Vick Cook, P.E., hired by the electrical contractor who performed the work and me.
Of all the meetings I have attended regarding this issue, this is the first one that we were able to communicate on a level where all the electrical code issues could be addressed. In previous meetings there was always some resistance to accepting the conditions and how many of these conditions violated The National Electrical Code.
During the walkthrough I was able to communicate well with Mr. Cook, and he agreed that there is still a lot of work to be done. There are still open issues with the 1000A feeder, being undersized, the Fire Pump feeders not being either concrete incased or installed with fire rated conductors. Those were the two largest outstanding issues, that have until now, had been ignored. There are more issues that involve mechanical execution related to the placement of feeder conduits in pull boxes, or the improper use of liquid tight fittings for the cooling tower and a few other loose ends. Overall, the new crew the contractor has deployed has done a far better job with mechanical execution of the work. I have no reason to believe that the contractor, with the direction of Mr. Cook, will hesitate to complete these open items, assuming that the contractor intends to honor their agreement with County. My original report two
years earlier focused on the code violations, not the solutions. Since the County has an agreement with the electrical contractor to make the required repairs, there was no reason for me to offer solutions. Additionally, the Taxpayers had paid for the work to be completed per the code and in accordance with the project bid documents and specifications. I am sure that the Taxpayers would agree that finding solutions that are cost effective for the Contractor are not in the Counties best interest. If at some point the elected representatives decide to pay for the code corrections with County funds, then discussions on solutions would be appropriate.
I believe that it is important to point out that having a Master Electrician or Professional Engineer’s license does not ever indicate that one has the experience to do the job. There are many levels and many types of
specialty related work that all fall under these license classifications. Electrical distribution engineering and execution are not projects that are done by everyone. Additionally, this reality is true with building inspectors. Not all building inspectors have the experience to perform these inspections. Additionally, Master Electricians do not have the luxury of ignoring or overriding codes just because they have an opinion or assume the installation is good enough. Only a professional licensed Engineer can make interpretations based on prescribed methods and calculations as written in the code.
The County should consider creating a department to handle inspections. I am sure that many people do not want more government, I don’t either, however, without a proper Authority there will never be accountability or conformance with the
building codes. The Taxpayers are the ones who lose every time a contractor violates the code. Many people just accept that this is the way it is in Fannin County. Don’t we want to live and work in safe buildings? Don’t we want to know that when we pay a contractor to do a job that is done correctly? Most of the work I completed in Fannin County involved correcting serious code issues. The client basically paid double for the work. Insurance companies do not pay claims related to illegally installed electrical wiring. There is no long-term upside to paying a contractor to do the work improperly. As we have witnessed here at the Courthouse, people just don’t know what they don’t know. I am sure that we can all agree that had proper inspections been performed none of these electrical issues would have survived.
Respectfully, Robert Fleckenstein ME 248330
coconut.
ENJOY this classic, creamy, and comforting Southern Pie! Please send me your favorite or unique recipes to Fannin County Leader at 224 N. Main St. Bonham, TX 75418 or email me: fclweesie@ gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Meals on Wheels, BONHAM, needs VOLUNTEERS to deliver meals to home bound seniors and adults with disabilities. Just ONE HOUR of your time a week can make such a difference. Call 903-583-8573 210 E 6th St,
Fannin County Commissioners Meeting
By Tim Meek
The Fannin County Commissioners met on Tuesday, July 08, 2025 at 9:00 AM for a regular meeting of the Fannin County Commissioners Court. Quorum was established with all Commissioners and Judge present.
5. Public Forum No speakers this week in public forum.
Judge Cunningham moved up agenda item #14 regarding rules, procedures and conduct in Commissioners Court.
“We have a set of policies in effect. I think they were put into effect in 2019. They’re fairly stringent. I have probably been a little liberal and not applying them in all instances. I think it’s become very apparent that we’re going to have to go back to strict application of the rules.”
Judge Cunningham then read the rules of conduct.
“Each member of the public who appears before the Commissioners Court shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes to make his or her remarks. Time for each speaker shall be maintained by the County Clerk, or other designated representatives of the Commissioners Court.
Maximum discussion on any agenda item, regardless of the number of members of the public wishing to address the Commissioners Court on such item or items shall be limited to 30 minutes. And the event that more than six members of the public wish to address a particular agenda item or items, then time allocated to members of the public recognized as speech shall be divided equally between those members of the public, wishing to speak for the agenda item or items, and those members of the public wishing to speak against the agenda item or items. In matters of exceptional interest, the court may by the majority vote of the members of the
court and attendance at the meeting, either shorten or lengthen the time allocated for all members of the public and for the amount of time allocated for all agenda items and for a specific agenda item, going on and again, I’m skipping around those rules are actually on the back table. They’ve been there all along. They’re on our web page, the county web page. So they’re available.” Judge then remarked on a recent incident in Commissioners Court “Now, when you talk about clothes, I don’t consider insulting T shirts appropriate. That’s my opinion on that, showing a picture of me as a pig on the front of a T shirt doesn’t do anything for me. We’ve been pretty liberal in the way we allow this court to be conducted, and unfortunately, we’re going to have to change that. We’re going to have to start enforcing rules. I’m into open discussion, unfortunately, I’m not into abuse, so we’re going to have to go back and apply these rules, and again, these rules were adopted by the entire court on August 13th, 2019.”
ROUTINE ITEMS:
6. Approve payment of bills – County Auditor. Approved
7. Approve minutes from 05/10/2022 (R), 05/17/2022 (S) and 06/21/2022 (R) –County Clerk. Approved
8. Report of monies received by the County Clerk’s office for June 2025; All Courts, $14,149.10 and Land Records, $34,472.25 –County Clerk. Report Only
9. Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 office for June 2025; $20,830.20
– County Judge (for JP 1) Report Only
10. Report of monies received by the Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 office for June 2025; $12,943.00
– County Judge (for JP 2) Report Only
11. Report of monies received by the Justice of
the Peace Precinct 3 office for June 2025; $8,776.60
– County Judge (for JP 3) Report Only
12. Indigent Healthcare 3rd Quarter report for Fiscal Year 2025 – County Auditor. Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple reported the 3rd quarter report. There were a total of 143 calls. There were 101 claims this quarter for $26,570.37. There were 68 inmate claims $19,839.18 for a quarter total $46,409.55. Year-to-date calls for indigent healthcare totaled $64,650.23.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
13. Discussion regarding Internal Audit of Development Services –County Auditor. Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple told the court about the great job Di Hopkins and her department are doing and that Di’s department passed the TCEQ audit.
14. Discussion regarding current Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County Commissioners Court –County Judge. See Item #5
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS:
15. Discussion and possible action to approve renewal of the Interlocal Agreement with Texoma Council of Government (TCOG) for 911 Public Safety Answering Point Services – Sheriff Shook. Approved
16. Discussion and possible action to approve Resolution authorizing participation in the TexPool Investment Pools and sign TexPool Investment Pools Participation Agreements; designate representative as an authorized representative per court order; authorize representative to create a trust for guardianships, probates, eminent domain, and any other court ordered registry accounts – County Clerk. Approved
17. Discussion and
possible action to approve Resolution allowing Fannin County to accept grant funding, if approved, from the Secretary of State for the Help America Vote Act for Election Security –County Clerk. Approved
18. Discussion and possible action to move $2,000.00 from line 100509-4750, Contingency, to 100-500-1504, Overtime – County Auditor. This agenda item was referring to the Facilities Manager that works for Judge Cunningham. This item was passed on by the Commissioners as there was disagreement with the Judge on the amount of overtime being expended.
19. Discussion and possible action to approve renewal of current belly dump trailer leases for Precincts 2, 3, and 4; each trailer is a 6-month lease at $700.00 per month – Purchasing Agent.. Approved
20. Discussion and possible action to approve renewal of agreement with NRG for county electricity services – Purchasing Agent. This agenda item was passed on.
21. Discussion and possible action regarding placement of transformer for County side of Justice Center – Commissioner Precinct 1. Approved
22. Discussion and possible action to approve renewal of the Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between Fannin County, USDA, U.S. Forest Service and National Forests & Grasslands in Texas –County Judge. This agenda item was passed on.
23. Discussion and possible action to enter into a Purchasing Cooperative Interlocal Agreement with Honey Grove for the purchase of rock & gravel, asphalt materials and road oil [once road oil bid(s) are accepted] – Commissioner Precinct 3. Approved
24. Discussion and possible action to switch
weekly Commissioners Court meetings to bi-weekly meetings beginning October 1, 2025 and have weekly meetings for the sole purpose of paying bills –Commissioner Precinct 3. This agenda item was passed on.
25. Discussion and possible action to hold one Commissioners Court meeting per month in the evening to allow more citizens to attend – County Judge. Concern over overtime for county employees, evening events for children and grandchildren and the ability for commissioners to be available on Zoom resulted in no motion or second so this agenda item was passed on. Judge Cunningham stated “Well, apparently we don’t want to have them in the evening. I think the feeling I’ve got is if we wouldn’t get a vote, it’s not going to pass. So I want everybody to know where the Commissioners Court stands on that particular issue.”
26. Discussion and possible action to add action to Open Discussion Items for public discussion and court updates from future Commissioners Court agendas –Commissioner Precinct 3. Judge Cunningham stated “I’m into transparency, I stand for transparency, I’m going to continue to tell you what I think about what’s going on. So that’s where we are at that, and I don’t know if we want to have further discussion on that, and go ahead and vote on it, but I’ll tell you, if we vote on it, it’s going to have no effect on what I put on my agendas.” Commissioner Fogelberg commented to pass on this agenda item.
OPEN DISCUSSION
ITEMS: Open discussion items may be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the Court or a Citizen.
27. County policies, ordinances, regulations and enforcement – County Judge
28. Construction; Courthouse repairs and Justice Center – County Judge. Judge Cunningham reported, “We had a walk through last week where we walked through the courthouse, a gentleman by the name of Robert Fleckenstein, who is a Master Electrician was here. He actually had conversations with the engineer that CEC brought, and the CEC engineer admitted that things were wrong, and the CEC guy in charge of the job told me that he would get them fixed, and he told me that it would cost over $50,000 to fix them. Now, that’s not inclusive. Why should we turn our backs on getting things repaired, $50,000 worth of repairs that the contractor’s willing now willing to do? He’s admitted he will handle it. That’s $50,000 that the county would have been out at some point. We still need an inspection.” See page 4 for Mr. Fleckenstein’s Courthouse report.
29. County budget and revenue sources – County Judge
30. Fannin County roads and water issues – County Judge
31. Solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and Fire Marshal –County Judge
32. Emergency Medical Services – County Judge 33. Adjourn The weekly Fannin County Commissioners meeting is recorded on video via Zoom. This recording also includes an audio transcript to the right so you are able to read what was actually said. Scan this QR code with your phone camera and it will link you to the Fannin County Commissioners Court Audio and transcribed Recordings.
Fannin County:
TxDOT Project Box
due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge is closed to through traffic as crews work on and replacing the bridge structure and roadway approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 34, SH 11, and SH 78 as the detour route.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone. FM 274 is closed to thru traffic at the Sandy Creek Bridge in order for the contractor to replace the bridge and approaches. During the closure, traffic is asked to use SH 78 and FM 1753 to detour around the closure.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. Traffic will be required to detour onto CR 2815 & CR 2865 while the bridge structure is being replaced.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail. SH 34, Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform herbicide operation roadway. Motorists should expect delays as they drive through the work zone.
FM 151, from Grayson Co. to US 69. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform overlay operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Amid Increased Water Fatalities, Arrests, Texas Game Wardens Stress Safety
AUSTIN – With a sharp rise in boating-related fatalities and a spike in arrests for boating while intoxicated (BWI), Texas Game Wardens remind boaters to follow the rules and safety precautions that can help them avoid preventable accidents as they head to the water to beat the summer heat.
As of June 30, Texas has experienced 59 water-related fatalities this year, including 38 open-water drownings and 21 boating-related deaths.
That’s a 75 percent increase in boating-related fatalities from this time last year.
From Memorial Day weekend through the end of June, 12 people died in open-water drownings, six succumbed to boating-related incidents and 13 people were arrested for BWI. Game wardens issued 213 citations for life jacket violations during the month of June.
“These aren’t just numbers. These are lives lost–friends, family, children–often due to something that could have been prevented,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) law enforcement director.
Operation Dry Water: Enforcement with a Purpose Alcohol remains the leading known factor in recreational boating deaths. Of the 83 BWI arrests by Texas Game Wardens this year, 62 of those occurred in May alone with the majority issued during Memorial Day Weekend.
That’s a 25 percent increase from the same time last year.
“If you’re drinking and operating a boat, you’re not only breaking the law–you’re putting lives at risk,” said Cody Jones, assistant commander for marine enforcement. “We want your celebrations to end
with fireworks and family, not emergency calls and sirens.”
To curb this deadly trend, Texas Game Wardens are joining law enforcement across the nation during the July 4 holiday for Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign focused on eliminating impaired boating.
“Texas Game Wardens will be out in full force this holiday, working day and night to protect everyone enjoying our lakes, rivers and coastal waters,” said VanderRoest.
“We have zero tolerance for boating while intoxicated— because one reckless decision on the water can have deadly consequences.”
Don’t Be the Next Statistic: Know the Rules, Follow Them
With more than 560,000 registered boats and an estimated 359,000 unregistered paddlecraft on Texas waterways, every safe decision matters.
Key Safety Reminders:
•Wear a life jacket: required for children under 13, strongly encouraged for all.
•Use your engine cut-off switch: It’s the law and can help prevent serious injury.
•Never operate a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Penalties include fines and license suspension.
•Take a boater safety course: Required for anyone born on or after Sept. 1, 1993 operating certain vessels.
•Personal watercraft operators must wear a life jacket, follow the 50-foot rule and stay off the water after sunset.
•Be weather-aware, communicate your plans, and avoid overcrowding your boat.
•Avoid saltwater if you
have open wounds as Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in Texas coastal waters.
“We need to public to be responsible, plan ahead and take safety seriously,” said Jones. “Many of the deaths that have occurred in Texas waters so far this year were preventable.”
To learn more, visit the TPWD Boater Education Program. See Something Unsafe? Report it Anonymously If you witness dangerous or illegal behavior on the water–don’t wait. Report it anonymously via Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ wildlife crime-stoppers program. OGT offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to conviction of those who violate wildlife, fishing or boating laws: Text your tip: Text the keyword TXOGT and your tip information to 847411 Use the Texas OGT App: Available on iOS and Android Call anonymously: 800-792GAME (4263)
Tipsters are encouraged to include any information, photos or videos that may be helpful. Tips will be reviewed by our agency personnel, who may respond to ask for more details and continue the anonymous conversation with you. Please do not use this form to report emergencies or requests that require immediate law enforcement response. In an emergency, always call 911.
“Our duty is clear: ensure every Texan and visitor can enjoy the outdoors safely, and we will enforce the law to the fullest extent to make that happen,” said VanderRoest.
Christmas In July Community Event
lipop
planning an evening
food trucks, games, and family fun—and we’d love for your business or organization to be part of it!
Here’s how you can help:
We’re inviting community partners to volunteer from 5:00PM to 7:00PM by setting up a free game or activity for families to enjoy. This is not
High temperatures can be dangerous for humans and their dogs.
We want your visit to a state park to be memorable for the right reasons!
Heat Safety
Heat Hacks Plan your trip with these heat hacks in mind:
Hydrate: Drink 16 ounces of water for every hour in the heat. Drink 32 ounces of water during strenuous activities like hiking. Use sunscreen: Apply liberally and frequently. Dress smart: Wear light, loose-fitting, breathable clothing, a hat, good walking shoes, and a wet bandana. Stay salty: Bring snacks like jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna and dried fruit.
a vendor event, and no fees will be collected—just like our Easter and Boo Bash celebrations. We simply want to offer something fun and free for our community to enjoy together.
If you're interested, have any questions, or would like to be become a valued Christmas Sponsor, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristi@BonhamChamber.com or call 903-583-4811. We hope to hear from you soon and see you on July 25th!
Buddy system: Hike with a friend. Plan: Take a map and tell someone your hiking route.
If someone shows signs of heat illness, take these steps: Move person to a half-sitting position in the shade. Call 911 immediately. Treat based on humidity: Below 75 percent - Spray victim with water and vigorously fan.
Above 75 percent - Apply ice packs on neck, armpits or groin.
Homeschool Day at the Heard Museum
Press Release - August 14, 2025 12:00 pm - 5:00
pm Homeschoolers and their families are invited to join us for a day of fun and learning at the Heard. Families will enjoy a discount on event tickets: buy one, get one of equal or lesser value free. Be sure to use promo code HSDAY2025 when you purchase your tickets. Join us for special activities and visit with representatives from local organizations! Reservations are required for the special event, save your spot today. Activities include: Educational & Enriching Booths & Activities, Story Time, Animal Talks Additional Activities: Coloring Sheets (while supplies last), Self-Guided Hikes, Native Texas Butterfly House & Garden, Explore our indoor exhibits, including our newest one, “The Cell Phone Connection to the Natural World” $11-15, BOGO with promo code HSDAY2025 https://www.heardmuseum.org/event/homeschool-day-8-14-25/
Don't click it. It's not
a ticket!
TxDMV warns Texans about ongoing text scam
(AUSTIN, Texas – July 8, 2025) – Texans should think twice before clicking
on links in threatening text messages that falsely claim to be from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) or similarly named agencies. Drivers across Texas and the nation have reported receiving alarming messages alleging unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations, or other infractions. These texts often threaten immediate
prosecution, suspension of vehicle registration, or loss of driving privileges. They typically include a link urging recipients to pay fines immediately to avoid further penalties. These scams are designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is not a law enforcement agency and does not issue or collect fines for toll or traffic violations. It also
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
The flooding in Kerr County is an incomprehensible tragedy. In addition to the more than one hundred human lives confirmed lost, countless other animals also succumbed. Many of the victims had little or no warning or opportunity to escape. Disasters can strike without warning, but in other cases there may be time to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please prepare now, and include animals in your plans.
Start by packing an emergency kit that contains at least
one week’s supply of food, water, and medications, along with medical records, bowls, comfort items, and litter box supplies for cats. All animals should be microchipped and wear ID tags with up-to-date contact information in case of accidental separation.
It is equally important to create an evacuation plan.
Research places that accept animals ahead of time— campgrounds are a good option, and hotels often relax “no animals” policies during natural disasters.
Take animals with you in an evacuation. Transport dogs
does not communicate about alleged violations through unsolicited text messages. If you receive a suspicious message: Do not click any links. Do not reply or share personal information. Report the message to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www. ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
It’s
Sincerely,
Oakwood Cemetery, Honey Grove, June News
Press Release - June was a busy month at Oakwood Cemetery, mostly due to spring rains. Mowing never stopped. “Careless weeds” have long been the bane of cotton farmers in our area, and now they have invaded the ground along the outside fences, especially on Oak Street. They had to be pulled by hand and the ground sprayed to try to keep them from reappearing. Also, a large limb broke and fell in the road. That tree had to be removed because it was completely rotted. A lot of silk flowers were inside the tree trunk, including some of the poinsettias placed on veterans’ graves last Christmas. The squirrels had been very busy for quite a while!
New headstones were set. This is always exciting because we know once the headstone is in place, that person will never be forgotten. Last year, donations were given to buy a football to replace the granite football stolen years ago from the headstone of Fay "Mule" Wilson. The headstone and football were donated long ago by the New York Giants. The new granite football was ordered and is now ready to be placed on the headstone. There are plans for a dedication in August which will be open for everyone to attend. Look at his page on Oakwood's website at https://www.txfannin.org/memorial/49322/fay-mule-wilson to learn about Mule Wilson. He was very famous and loved in Honey Grove all those years ago. This shows he is not forgotten.
Wolfe City Library 2025 Summer Reading Program
July 1st - July 30th Fannin Literacy Council Receives Grant
Press Release - Wolfe City Public Library is pleased to announce the kickoff of the 2025 Summer Reading Program starting July 1 and going through July 30th all ages are welcome to come and join in the fun. Studies have shown that children who spend a few minutes a day reading over summer break do better when returning to school in the fall than their peers who don’t read at all.
Preschool- Age 4 classes meet every Wednesday at 9:45am-11:00am at the library, (must be accompanied by an adult). Kindergarten through 4th grade can cook up some cool stuff in the kitchen science classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm- 2:00pm at the Masonic Lodge (located on Main Street in Wolfe City). 5th and 6th graders can go on a reading adventure with the Caddie Woodlawn story, follow the life of a 1800’s girl! Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm -2:00pm at the library. Refreshments are provided! 7th and 8th graders can compete for a cool prize by seeing how many pages they can read in 30 days!
Don’t let the summer slide slow your learner down! Enroll them in a summer reading program today!
noun :
Organization Camp
an existing lake on the property was drained and a new, larger lake was built. Construction of this dam began in early 1936, and by the fall of that year, ten of the sixteen overnight cabins had been completed. The entire complex was completed by January of 1938. The over 400 workers employed in the construction of the site, planting and furniture making, were hired from the Fannin county relief rolls. The lake construction, coupled with sodding, terracing and installation of smaller check dams, was successful in controlling erosion, and the area served as a popular public recreation site until 1956.
Lake Fannin
Sparklight Awards $5,000 Charitable Giving Fund Grant to Fannin County Children's Center
BONHAM, Texas (July 10, 2025) – To support children and youth in crisis, Sparklight® has awarded a $5,000 grant to Fannin County Children's Center through its Charitable Giving Fund. The organization provides a safe haven, critical support and advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
This spring, Sparklight
awarded more than $125,000 in grants to 27 nonprofit organizations across the cities and towns it serves. From children’s advocacy programs and mental health services to food banks and emergency response providers, the funding will help advance essential services that uplift lives and strengthen communities.
“Sparklight is proud to sup-
port organizations like Fannin County Children's Center, which play a vital role in improving lives right here in Bonham,” said Kenny Walker, Sparklight Senior Regional Director, South Central. “These nonprofits are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, and we’re honored to help amplify their work through the Charitable Giving Fund.”
Funds from Sparklight will support the “Open Your Heart” campaign, which invites young artists to unleash their creativity while making a difference. The project encourages children to illustrate their favorite superhero stories, create new ones or imagine crossovers of different universes – fostering creativity, self-expression and community engagement.
“We truly appreciate Sparklight’s support of our ‘Open Your Heart’ campaign,” said Stephanie Garcia, Executive Director at Fannin County
Children’s Center. “This partnership not only helps us keep children safe but also encourages them to express themselves, dream big and know their voices matter. Together, we’re building a community where every child feels valued and protected.”
The company’s Charitable Giving Fund focuses on initiatives that create lasting, local impact, including education and digital literacy, hunger relief and community development. Since the Fund’s inception in 2020, Sparklight has awarded more
than $1 million in grants to more than 250 nonprofits that make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for the fall 2025 cycle will be accepted October 1–31, 2025. For more information about the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund, please visit www.sparklight.com/charitablegiving.
Courtesy Photo
Summer Kids Lunch program for Fannindel students
Monday - Friday
11:30 Square in Ladonia 12:00 Parking lot at Eastside
Provided by Mount Pisgah Baptist Church May 27th - August 8th
I am so blessed to be a part of this church family. We are a unique group of imperfect people who are continually striving to become more and more conformed to the image of Christ every day. Because all people are imperfect, you will never find a “perfect” church. We studied recently in Ephesians how we are all
Hello everyone!
“living stones” that make up this “building” called the church. As stones, we are continually being shaped and molded to become more like Jesus. We all have rough edges to be smoothed out. We are all in different stages of this process. It is important that we are all patient and forbearing with one another since we are all in the stage of becoming more like Him. Pray that
we will all be “rooted and grounded” in His love as we love one another. I challenge you to pour out Jesus’ love on everyone with whom you come into contact. Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:35)
In Christ’s Love, Lyn and Lissa
Sunday Morning Re-wind: Seeking His Wisdom
Proverbs 2:1-5 is where this week’s devotion comes from. This passage teaches is what to do if we want to find the knowledge of God. Compared to the search for wealth or other worldly treasures, which are only temporary, here in this passage we see how diligent our search for the wisdom that only comes from the Lord should be. It starts with listening to God’s word and keeping His commandments. Seeking His wisdom with an understanding heart will keep us on the way to finding Him. Sometimes it seems as if not all roads lead to this knowledge because we need discernment to judge whether or not we are on the right path, and with discernment
comes understanding. What we find in this passage are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are there for us if we choose to ask the Holy Spirit for them. They are there for a lot more than just the knowledge of God, but to help us as we go through our daily lives. When we need the courage to do the right thing, and when we want to know what is the right thing to do, we can always ask the Lord for help. He is ready, willing, and able to help us if we will only ask. In 1927, Mary E. Byrne translated this classic hymn, written by Eleanor H. Hull, that comes from the message in this passage.
“Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me
save that thou art.
Thou my best thought by day and by night; Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I thy dear child; Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.”
If you are trying to find a good home church, we invite you to come visit us, and be a part of our church family and worship at Central Baptist Church. Visitors are our honored guests, and we hope to see you this coming Sunday!
Bro. Josh Stevenson
The Joy Of Doing Better By Striving To Be Your Best
Tom Russell, Minister Northside Church of Christ, Bonham
Who is doing their best?
Am I? It is not a question of a personal indictment, but rather a question of hope. When we reflect on the state of our lives, we might notice some shortcomings. It’s doubtful that anyone is pursuing 100% in every area of life, and it might be accurate to say that most/all are not pursuing 100% in any area. What if that became the goal? When we drop something, we typically pick it up. What if the pursuit of personal responsibility became our default setting?
Can you imagine a world where people were doing their spiritual, financial, and physical best? Where, if they noticed a personal failing, they reflexively strove to correct it. They were striving for the ideal was their default
setting. The abundance would be off the scale of anything in human history. There would be no jealousy, resentment, or self-victimization! No one would have time for it. Everyone would be too busy doing their best and working to help others do the same, for we each have as great a responsibility to do our best for others as we do ourselves.
Regrettably, achieving the ideal is not the goal of most. Many do not even know what that is, much less whether or not it is possible. Pursuing that which is truly worthwhile is a noble goal!
The Apostle Paul is a wonderful example of building an amazingly successful life focused on that which is truly most valuable. Before his conversion to Christ, Paul was at the top of his game. He was of pure lineage and so a “Hebrew of Hebrews”, a
Pharisee with a zeal so strong he was a certified persecutor, and blameless in the eyes of men regarding the law. And yet with all his success, he was a perfect failure describing himself in 1 Timothy 1:13 as a “blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent.”, and in vs. 15 as the “foremost” sinner” due to his persecution of Christ by persecuting Christians as a Pharisee. It is important to remember that we must strive to give our best, but giving our very best is noble only if it is in accordance with God’s will as revealed through His word. Do we produce the “works of the flesh” or the “fruits of the spirit” (Galatians 5:19-24). If we pass “bear the fruit of the spirit, and pass the test,(1 Corinthians 13:5), we find “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7)
The Biblical Plan for Salvation
By Mike Dickison Minister for the Ivanhoe Church
Christians should not allow people to believe that they are saved, when, according to God’s Word, they are not. The truth must be taught! The scripture is that, to which we must be refer! We are to walk in the law of the Lord (Psalms 119:1). The Christian cannot truthfully teach that one is saved by faith only, because the Bible doesn't teach that. James taught the truth when he wrote, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). For salvation, Paul included confession; “if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:9-10). Paul, also, included grace for salvation “For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). The apostle Peter included baptism in the scheme of salvation; “even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). The Christian must include baptism in God’s plan for salvation, because Christ included baptism. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Peter taught baptism directly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
The Christian must place salvation of the individual on a higher priority, than being popular or attracting a large
crowd. Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2). All of God’s word is to be preached, even when it is not popular. The gospel of Jesus Christ is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16). The truth must be preached straightforward, with everything is on the level, out in the open, and it will tell what needs to be heard, instead of what may selfishly want to be believed.
“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).
CHURCH
When: Sun. 10:30am. Wed. 7:00pm
Where: 1190 Hwy 56 W. Bonham.
Pastor: Steven Luton, 903-583-4346
Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
12-18-18
1/21/25
Leonard First Assembly of God, 108 Pecan Leonard, Texas 469-450-9777
Allen’s Point Baptist Church 310 CR 2775 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903378-7038
Bailey Bible Baptist Church 205 Leslie Bailey, Texas 75413
Bethlehem Baptist Church “The House of Bread” 1415 Franklin Avenue, Bonham, TX 7541 Office: 903-583-8061
Bois D’Arc Creek Cowboy Church Hwy 121 & Edhube Road 903-583-1671
Boyd Baptist Church 3707 St. Hwy. 78 N Bonham, Texas Phone (903) 583-7288
Calvary Baptist Church 913 S. 5th St Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-3910
Central Baptist Church (Fundmental, Independent) 709 Union Ave. Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 505-4124
Ivanhoe Baptist Church 4063 NO.FM 273 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 (903)583-2359
Lamasco Baptist Church 346 CR 2615 Telephone, Texas 75488
Corinth Baptist Church 277 CR 1150 N. of Bonham on Highway 78 903 583 2750
Dial Baptist Church 16816 FM 1550 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903-378-7070
Duplex Baptist Church 313 CR 2102 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-664-3175
Edhube Baptist Church 595 FM 2815 Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-2840
Elwood Baptist Intersection of CR 2125 and CR 2544 near Ivanhoe, Texas
Faith Independent Baptist Church 12676 W Hwy 82 Savoy, Tx 75479 903-965-5517
First Baptist Church of Bailey PO Box 221 Bailey, Texas 75413 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Bonham 710 N. Center Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Dodd City PO Box 47 Dodd City, Texas 75438-0047 (903)583-4465
First Baptist Church of Honey Grove PO Box 124 Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (903)378-2768
First Baptist Church of Ladonia 301 East Main Ladonia, Texas 75449-100 (903)367-7038
First Baptist Church of Leonard 100 East Thomas St. [PO Box 1146] Leonard, TX 75452 (903) 587-2250
First Baptist Church of Pecan Gap PO Box 100 Pecan Gap, Texas 75469 (903)359-6683
First Baptist Church of Randolph PO Box 14 Randolph, Texas 75475 (903)583-6900
First Baptist Church of Savoy .O. Box 177 Savoy, Texas 75479 (903) 965-4160
First Baptist Church of Trenton PO Box 157 Trenton, Texas 75490 (903)989-2319
First Fannin Baptist Hispanic Church Rt. 4 Box 10 Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-5727
Gober Baptist Church P.O. Box 82 Wolfe City, Texas 75496 (903) 583-2378
Grace Reformed Baptist Church 2800 10th St Honey Grove TX gracerbcbonham.com
Little Bethel Baptist Church PO Box 63 Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7708
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Rt 1 Box 101B, PO Box 73, Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7009
New Home Baptist Church 1300 N Maple St. Bonham 903-583-4509
Joyful Light Baptist Church 4695 FM 2645 Savoy, TX 75418 903-436-5440
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 1409 W. Market St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (615) 448-8802
New Zion Baptist Church 627 County Road 1265 Bonham, TX 75418 903-961-2027
Pilgram Rest Baptist Church 703 Agusta St. Trenton, Texas
Ravenna Baptist Church 100 Elm Street Ravenna, Texas 75476
Rising Son Cowboy Church 1526 CR 2010 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-640-3377
Sandy Baptist Church Ravenna, Texas 75476 (903) 583-9546
Seventh & Main Baptist Church 617 N. Main Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-8679
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church 601 S. 4th St. Bonham, TX 469-207-1141
Telephone Baptist Church located on FM 273 in Telephone Office phone: 903-664-2377
Primera Iglesia Baustia Hispana 1134 FM 273 Bonham, Texas 75418 903-583-5727
Trinity Baptist Church 219 W. Denison Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-3388
Valley Creek Baptist Church 3615 FM 896, Leonard, TX 75452 903-587-2386
Westside Baptist Church 912 W. Commerce St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 903-249-2987
Windom Baptist Church 203 1st Street
Windom, TX 75492 (903) 623-2215
Wild Horse Creek Cowboy Church 2992 CR 2285 Telephone, Texas 75488 903-486-1630
United
Second
936 Windom, TX 75492 940-390-0146 Pleasant Grove CME Church box 34 Ladonia TX 75449 Hwy 64 903-367-7870 St. Paul CME Church 801 E. 6th St. Bonham, TX 75418 903-864-8768 Virginia Point United Methodist Church 1386
of Christ
We think of you in silence, We often speak your name, But all we have are memories, And your picture in a frame.
Walter John Taylor
Walter John Taylor, 48, of Bonham, Texas, left this world on June 28, 2025, but his legacy of love and selflessness will continue to inspire all who knew him. Born on December 22, 1976, in San Diego, California, the son of Donald and Mila Taylor. Walter’s journey through life was marked by an extraordinary capacity to care for others and a magnetic personality that drew people from all walks of life.
Walter had the rare ability to transform a room with his warm presence and genuine interest in others’ well-being. His infectious smile and the thoughtful twinkle in his eye made everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world. He lived his life with a steadfast principle: to ensure that everyone around him was looked after. This selfless nature was the golden thread woven through the tapestry of his life. He was known as the man who never met a stranger. Whether it was a kind word, a helping hand, or just a listening ear, Walter was there, steadfast in his commitment to making a positive difference.
Walter is preceded in death by his father, Donald Taylor.
Walter is survived by his mother, Mila Taylor of the Philippines, second mother, Elieen Phillips also of the Philippines, brothers, Jeff Taylor and wife Carmen of Bonham, Texas, brother, James Taylor and fiancé Ivy Cuenco of Concord, California, Niece, Alexis Stupar and Chris, and their daughters Olivia and Audri, nephews, Drake Taylor, and Clayton Shirley and his daughter Mereo, along with many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends in Texas, California, and the Philippines.
The family held a visitation on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at CooperSorrells Funeral Home.
The world is a better place because Walter John Taylor was in it. As a motivational speaker would remind us, Walter’s life encourages us to live with intention, to be kind to one another, and to always put a little bit of ourselves into making someone else’s life brighter.
The Taylor family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the go fund me, or directly to Cooper- Sorrells Funeral Home. To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
Richard Thomas Cowley Jr.
Richard Thomas Cowley Jr., known affectionately to friends and family as Rick, passed away on July 2, 2025, at the age of 73 in Bonham, Texas. Born on June 10, 1952, in Fort Worth, Texas, Rick was the son of Richard Thomas Cowley Sr. and Florine Farris Cowley.
Rick was a proud graduate of high school in Richardson, Texas, where he laid the foundation for a future marked by dedication and service. He was a man who believed in the value of hard work and the importance of standing by one’s word. These principles guided him as he took the helm of Bonham Automatic Transmission, a business he owned and operated for over 40 years. A devout Christian, Rick lived his life as a testament to his faith. His love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life, from the way he conducted his business to the manner in which he engaged with his community. He had a servant’s heart and was always the first to offer help to anyone in need, embodying the very essence of Christian love and charity.
Rick’s interests and hobbies were as rich and varied as his personality. He took great pride in his tiny house and the land it stood on, creating a haven that reflected his love for simplicity and nature. He was a master storyteller, captivating his listeners with tales that were as entertaining as they were enlightening. His stories will be remembered and retold by his family.
“Go have fun” was Rick’s favorite saying, and it perfectly encapsulated his approach to life. He was a man who savored every moment, who saw joy in the everyday, and who encouraged others to do the same. To describe Rick as generous, loving, and honest is to capture only a glimpse of the man he was.
Rick’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and service. The family will have a memorial service on August 3, 2025 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Bonham at 2pm. A reception will follow the service.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Florine Cowley, sisters, Pamela Cooper, Robin McKee, and Donna Brinlee.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Rebekah Figueroa, son, Anthony Woodward, sister, Nancy Wilson and husband Fred Wilson, grandchildren, Makayla Cowley, Belen Figueroa, Genaro Figueroa, along with many extended relatives. To sign online condolences please visit www. wisefuneralhome.com
Hayes Equine July 2025 Newsletter
Heat Stress in Horses
It takes horses (and humans) 2-3 weeks to acclimate to the hot weather. This year we went from a cool spring, rain in April and May, to instant heat and humidity in July. When the total of the outside temperature and humidity (temp 8693 + humidity 75-85%) is greater than 150, the horse’s ability to cool itself is greatly affected, which can result in heat stress. We have seen several heat related cases at the clinic already this year
Signs and Diagnosis of Heat Stress and Dehydration
Increased respiration and temperature of 103105+ (normal for the horse is 99- 101.5).
Dry, tacky gums. Do a capillary refill time test by pressing your finger on the horse’s gums and counting how long it takes to return to its pink color. If it is more than 2 seconds, the horse is dehydrated.
Decreased neck skin elasticity (skin tenting).
A skin pinch test is done by pulling up a fold of skin on the horse’s neck. If it takes more than 2 seconds to flatten out, suspect dehydration.
Disorientation, incoordination, or down.
Heat stress also affects the intestinal system because during exercise the blood flow is directed away from the gut to the muscles, legs and skin. The GI tract weakens, the GI immune system is compromised, and the GI tract is inflamed which
can lead to colic, diarrhea and GI toxicity.
Factors Affecting Heat Tolerance
Age: older horses sweat less and take more time to cool down
Body Condition: overweight horses have more fat insulating their body so more heat is retained.
Breed: Arabians are more heat tolerant. Draft breeds are heat susceptible
Health Condition: Non sweater (anhidrosis), metabolic disorders, respiratory & heart issues.
Treatment of Heat Stress
Cold hose the horse and use a sweat scraper to remove the water so evaporative cooling can take effect, especially under a fan. Ice cold salt water (5lbs of salt in a 5 gallon bucket of ice water) sponged on will cool faster, like ice cream makers. Cold hose the large muscle groups of the neck, shoulder, back, hindquarters until the horse’s temperature drops (usually 9 minutes). If you think that the horse is dehydrated, call the vet and seek care.
Prevention
Decrease the intensity and duration of exercise on hot humid days. Preferably ride early in the morning, or after sunset when temperatures are lower. If the old horse has not shed his hair or has a thick coat, clip him. Add probiotics, salt and electrolytes to the feed. Give the horse electrolyte paste 1 hour before intense exercise, competition, or hauling. Concentrate on the cool down of your horse post exercise. Horses doing quick sprints often have a peak body temperature 30 minutes post exercise so keep periodic hosing and scraping for 1 hour. At the end of a long ride, the body temperature is highest so hose right away and for 1 hour.
Production Outlook Optimistic For Texas Cotton Amid Low Prices
Texas Crop and Weather Report
July 8, 2025 - by Adam Russell
Production expectations are good for Texas cotton, but low prices may stymie positive outcomes for growers.
John Robinson, Ph.D., Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, said growing conditions are much better than in recent years due to drought, but prices are low and could decline further.
In 2022, Texas cotton growers experienced widespread crop losses, Robinson said. Two out of three acres planted with cotton were abandoned due to unrelenting drought.
Subsequent years produced below-average results for growers, he said. In 2023 and 2024, winter and springtime rains provided decent planting conditions before arid weather set in. High temperatures and little to no rain led to lower yields in dryland and irrigated fields, while late-season rains delayed harvests in some areas and hurt lint quality.
“Most cotton growers across Texas have taken a punch in the gut the last few years and are looking for that season to make up for it,” he said.
“Conditions around the state should provide that kind of optimism, but unfortunately, the other important profit factor – prices – are pretty weak.”
Cotton prices slide
A June 30 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated national cotton acreage would be 10.1 million
acres, down 10% compared to last year. Cotton acres in Texas, the nation’s leading producer, were expected to be down over 4% — 5.7 million acres compared to 5.95 million acres in 2024.
Robinson said low prices, coupled with wet weather and delayed plantings in the Mississippi Delta region, likely factored into the decline. The lower acre estimates did not result in a price boost at market. Before the report was released, there were some expectations that cotton plantings could be closer to 9 million acres.
Cotton prices have taken a long slide from 80-85 cents per pound since March 2024 and settled below 70 cents per pound since May. December futures were trading at 67.8 cents per pound on July 7.
Robinson said the acreage estimate, coupled with higher-than-expected ending stockpiles of cotton and speculative commodity selling, continue to factor into a weaker market.
“Nothing bullish about the cotton market has changed the speculative short position of those traders who expect the price to go lower still,” he said.
“People were expecting the planted acres to drop further than they did, which would have made the ending stocks outcome a lot tighter, which is fundamentally supportive of better prices. But the reverse happened.”
Production potential is there
Robinson said growers are hoping above-average yields can compensate for lower
Obituaries Sponsor Thank You to Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home For Sponsoring The Obituary Section.
prices.
Crop productivity will be highly weather-dependent from now until harvesting begins. Some cotton acres have received too much moisture in recent weeks and need sun and warmer temperatures to accumulate heat units and progress. Texas dryland cotton acres and most irrigated acres in the northern half of the state will need timely rains in July and August.
Harvests in South Texas typically begin in August, with the Texas High Plains maturing into November and harvests lasting into January.
“It’s good that we have moisture, but there is a lot of uncertainty,” he said. “The potential for good production is there; now we just need some conditions to align.” Central Scattered rain fell throughout the district, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches while others experienced only drizzly conditions. Minor flooding was reported. Topsoil was drying out very quickly, but pastures remained green. Corn silage harvest started and was nearing completion in some areas while other producers were cutting and baling hay. Producers were hopeful the moisture would benefit lateseason forages once fields began to dry out. Yield potential appeared favorable, and pest activity was down. The cattle market remained steady, and sheep and goat prices continued to hold firm. North Temperatures were in the low to mid-90s. Scattered rainfall provided moisture to some areas. The subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were short to adequate. Corn conditions were mostly good, and fields were in the silking and dough stage. Oats were harvested. Peanuts and rice were in fair and good condition. Sorghum was in good condition, with most fields in the coloring, headed and mature stages. Soybean conditions were mostly good, with a minimal portion in very poor to poor condition, and crop stages ranged from emerged to blooming. Sunflowers were being planted, and some counties were harvesting winter wheat. Additionally, the planting of okra occurred, and sweet potatoes displayed good progress. Later-planted crops in drier areas were struggling with moisture stress. Hay was being cut and baled. Small numbers of headworms were seen in sorghum, and a slight uptick of grasshoppers was noted in the field edges and pastures. Pasture and range conditions were fair to good. Livestock were in fair to good condition.
AUCTIONS
PUBLIC AUCTION
The following vehicles will be sold at public auction on Friday, July 18 at 9:00 am, at Bill’s Auto Body & Wrecker Service, 2630 N. Center St., Bonham, TX 75418. 2010 Camaro
CAREGIVER
I’M A CAREGIVER: Reliable, punctual with 20 years experience. I can provide many references upon request and pass background check. I have compassion and respect while giving the best personal and medical care. Call 580-453-1612 and talk to Gina Jones who is local in Fannin County.
EMPLOYMENT
CNC Lathe/ Mill Machinist POSITION OPENINGS
B.F. Gammon Tool & Die is accepting applications for immediate openings for CNC Lathe/Mill Machinist and also someone with Gear Cutting experience. 40 hours per week plus overtime. Full benefits including paid healthcare, retirement benefits and holiday, vacation and sick pay. Climate controlled shop. 7:30am-4:00pm, 5 days per week. Send resume via email to brett@bfgammon. com or call 903-583-3597
HELP WANTED Building metal buildings, welding experience a plus! Call: 903-436-0555
HELP WANTED Need Part-Time welder and Part-Time Landscape Helper. Call 903-814-8620
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for the FOLLOWING POSITIONS
HVAC Technicians, Jour-
neyman Electrician, and HVAC/Electric Apprentice and Helpers. Competitive wages based on experience, vacation and company paid insurance. For more information Call: 903-583-4018 or apply in person at Blain Service Company, 7258 N. Hwy 78 in Ravenna
NOW HIRING!
CDL drivers with recent driving experience and a clean driving record. Home daily. Driving radius within 3 hours of Fannin County, TX. Ability to use forklift, tarping and flatbed experience a plus, but will train the right driver. Please come in person to complete an application: 3765 County Road 2135, Telephone, TX 75488 or call 903-664-2332 ask for human resources.
ESTATE SALE
LIVING ESTATE SALE
4900 S. State Hwy 121 Bonham July 18 - 19 || 8am - 5pm
GARAGE SALES
MOVING SALE
JULY 17, 18, 19 9am - 5pm
601 E Houston St. Leonard, TX Everything Must Go! Furniture, clothing, laying hens.
SHOP / GARAGE SALE
Downsizing after 50 years 2222 FM 2815, Bonham Watch for signs Fri., July 18th & Sat. July 19th. 8am - 5pm Furniture, Christmas decor, dishes, bedding, old books, old records, plumbing items & lots more!
HELP
WANTED
HELP WANTED
Elderly handicapped person needs non-professional help with housework on Mondays. 903-821-4322 for details.
HELP WANTED
Physically strong, agile high school student needed to help with boxes in garage for elderly handicapped person. 903-821-4322 for details.
A PAW UP
Helping Animals
In Need Thrift Store 101 West Hayes, Savoy Open Friday thru Sunday 10am-5pm.
FREE CLOTHES & HOUSEWARES:
Clothes ClosetValley Creek Baptist Church, 3615 FM 896, Leonard. Wednesdays 8-10am.
PETS
FREE TO GOOD HOME
6 month old dog, Austrailian Shepherd mix. Black/White spotted. Very cute. Likes people, adores kids! Does not like chickens. Vet info is available. Call (cell) 785893-4466. Leave message.
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
STAPP TREE TRIMMING and REMOVAL
Hauling, Storm Damage, Demolition Work, Dead Wood Removal, Licensed and Bonded. Over 25 Years Experience. Call 903-5837888. “Cheaper than the cheapest. Give me a call, I can handle it all, guaranteed.”
FARM and LAWN MAINTENANCE
Tree service, landscaping, brush clearing, fence of any kind, pipe fence painting, power washing, house painting, flagstone patios, gravel driveways, lot mowing, gutters and drainage, concrete demolition, any odd jobs. Call Jose Vazquez at 903-227-5898.
Make Farm Calls To Fannin County 6544 FM 1753, Denison, TX
TREES and MÁS
Large Acreage Mowing with Tractor, Landscaping, Fences, Stump Grinding, and Concrete. Insured, Call for free estimate. 903-227-6940, 903-227-8369 or 903-486-2868.
PROFESSIONAL PAINT & DRYWALL REPAIRS: Cracks, holes, patches, water damage, sheetrock repair, ceilings, walls, matched texturing. Interior/ Exterior Painting. 45+ years experience. Call Johnny @ 903-209-6958
Continued on pg. 14
Game Warden Field Notes
Fishin’ Report TAKE
Week of July 9, 2025
Bois d’Arc GOOD. water normal stain; 83 degrees; 0.15 feet above pool. Early morning bass bite is fair with flukes and frogs near pond weed in 2-4 feet. Texas rigs with beavers and creature baits are good in timber areas or bushes 3-7 feet. Offshore bite is very good on brush piles, pond dams, rock piles in 1624 feet. Carolina rigs and Texas rigs are best with big worms or big brush hawgs. Deep crankbaits are good over and around humps, points and over brush piles and pond dams 16-22 feet. Report by Marc Mitchell, Lake Fork Guide Service. Crappie limits are still possible but will take some time. Target fish on timber from 15-30 feet of water with minnows over jigs. The key will be to cover water to catch the active fish, do not beg them to bite. Report by River Bottom Boys Guide Service. Lavon GOOD. Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.45 feet above pool. Bass are great in 3-6 feet of water on hard structure and flooded solitary brush and stumps with shallow square bill crankbaits in crawfish red. The best bite is from 6-9 a.m. Crappie can be caught in 7-9 feet of water on laydowns, or on deep piles in 25 feet. The bite is inconsistent, but the fish are huge. Tawakoni GOOD. Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.31 feet above pool. Fishing has been good on Tawakoni as we work our way into a solid summer pattern. Hybrid striper and white bass are good on swim baits, slab spoons and live bait in 17-35 feet. Fish are following to the bait fish. Find the bait, find the fish. Texoma FAIR. Water stained; 84 degrees; 1.87 feet above pool. Striped bass fishing is hit and miss but fish are starting to surface on shallow sand flats and in cuts. Top waters and swimbaits are working as well as live bait drifting shallow 1015 feet of water or anchoring on main lake ledges in 15-25 feet of water. Catfishing remains excellent on punch bait in 25-30 feet of water on humps and main lake points. Bigger blues will be cruising the deeper water drift while gizzard shad or rough fish off of the river channels on flats in 40-55 feet of water. Bass fishing is good on hard baits and reaction baits near docks and the backs of coves early in the mornings and late evenings. Fish main lake points and rock bluffs mid day off the banks. Report by Jacob Orr, Lake Texoma, Guaranteed Guide Service.
Guess He Told Them Montgomery County game wardens were patrolling for fishing violations at a local camp ground in the Sam Houston National Forest when they came upon an unoccupied vehicle with an open door. As the wardens peered into the vehicle, a young male approached and shouted they were not allowed to
search his vehicle. One warden attempted to inform the subject that the vehicle was not being searched, but the individual continued to be belligerent. The wardens noticed the subject was displaying alcohol in a wildlife management area, a Class C misdemeanor violation, and appeared to be intoxicated, also a Class C citation. So, the wardens initiated an investigation. The subject refused to provide the wardens with his name and date of birth, yet another Class C violation. While inventorying the subject’s pockets, a vape pen with a brown waxy substance was found that tested positive for THC. The subject was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance, a state jail felony, and subsequently arrested.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Michael Wayne Ames, Deceased, were issued on June 25, 2025, in Cause No. PR-2025-13386, pending in the County Court-at-Law of Fannin County, Texas, to: Bruce Reidel.
All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.
c/o: Jeffrey A. Yates
290 S. Preston Rd., Ste. 300
Prosper, Texas 75078
Crossword Puzzle Sponsored By:
DATED the 7th day of July, 2025.
/s/ Jeffrey A. Yates
WWW.GFCF.ORG
Jeffrey A. Yates
Facebook: Glaser-Family-Charitable-Foundation
Attorney for Bruce Reidel
State Bar No.: 24004999
290 S. Preston Road, Suite 300
Prosper, Texas 75078
Telephone: (214) 281-8000
Facsimile: (214) 281-8002
Email: Jeff@YatesLG.com
Notice of Public Hearings City of Dodd City SPECIFIC USE PERMIT REQUEST
7/15/25
THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT REQUEST FROM BRIAN LACKEY, OWNER OF LOT 9R (a portion of a Replat of Lots 7 through 10, Block 15, of the Original Town Plat); TO REZONE THE PROPERTY FROM: R-2, MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; TO: R-1, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; to wit:
Notice of Public Hearings before the Planning & Zoning Commission (City Council as Planning & Zoning Commission) and the City Council: Notice is hereby given that the City of Dodd City, Texas, Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing starting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the City Hall/Community Center, 304 South Caney, Dodd City, Texas, 75438; and FURTHER, the City Council will hold a Public Hearing starting at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in the City Hall/Community Center, 304 South Caney, Dodd City, Texas, 75438. At such times, the Commission and the City Council will receive, input, consider and potentially act on the Specific Use Permit Request from Brian Lackey, Owner, of the following Tract of Land from: R-2, Multifamily Residential District; To: R-1, Single Family Residential District. Generally, being 0.132± acres in the Lewis P. Cook Survey, Abstract No. 241, City of Dodd City, Fannin County, Texas, also known as Lot 9R (a portion of a Replat of Lots 7 through 10, Block 15, of the Original Town Plat); that is, the Northwest Corner of 4th Street & White Oak Street. All citizens are invited, but not required, to participate in these Public Hearings. The Specific Use Permit Request, from Owner, Brian Lackey, of Lot 9R, Block 15, is available upon request at City Hall. Suzie Weeks, City Secretary, 903.583.7710; Published 7/15/2025
CLUES ACROSS 1. Resorts 5. One point south of southwest 9. Musical performances 11. Matched
Michael Keene, Mayor
41. Thrust a knife into 43. 12th month (abbr.) 44. Ringworm 46. Father of Aoris (Greek myth.)
7/15/25
Express severe disapproval of
10. Liquid body substances 11. Particular to a given individual 12. Brave or noble act
Sicilian city
Conqueror
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice to Creditors for the Estate of Judith Ann McEuen, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Judith Ann McEuen, Deceased were granted to the undersigned on the 1st of July, 2025 by the County Court at Law of Fannin County, Texas. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same to Robert Dean McEuen within the time prescribed by law. My address is c/o Brian J. Hall, 5944 Luther Lane, Suite 755, Dallas, Texas 75225 Executor of the Estate of Judith Ann McEuen, Deceased Cause No. PR-2025-13438
Puzzle On Page 4
48. Fighting back 52. Cease to exist 53. Insects in adult stage 54. Freestanding sculpture
Elected officials
Type of “pig”
Notice of Public Hearing on Fannin Central Appraisal District Budget
56. Caps
57. Repents
Drop of viscous substance
Monetary unit of Spain
Guarantees
The Fannin Central Appraisal District will hold a public hearing on a proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
58. Brown and Wallace are two
59. Moved quickly
Coloring materials
Reddish browns
Square measure
The public hearing will be held on July 28, 2025 at 9 AM located at 831 W State Hwy 56, Bonham, Texas. A summary of the appraisal district budget follows:
Will not
Canned fish
Foot (Latin)
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The total amount of the proposed budget.
Afflicts
Smoothed
CLUES DOWN 1. Goes bad 2. Yard structure
Appeared
Six (Spanish)
$ 2,821,065
Took off
The total amount of increase over the current year’s budget. $ 159,868 (6%)
Mind (Greek)
33. Tampa ballclub
34. Semitic language
3. They __ 4. Marine invertebrate
5. European river
Negligible amount
Posts in a Greek temple
The number of employees compensated under the proposed budget. 22
36. Sheltered sides
38. Ocean 39. Electronic point of sale
6. Office supplies firm
Witnesses
Phil __, former CIA
Places to park
The number of employees compensated under the current budget. 21
Guns
Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Francis Joseph Bradley, Deceased, were issued on April 1, 2025, in Cause No. PR-2024-13331, pending in the County Court-at-Law of Fannin County, Texas, to: Michael S. Evans. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.
7. Physically abused 8. Service stations in Australia 9. Kills
Dance to pop music
The appraisal district is supported solely by payments from the local taxing units served by the appraisal district.
If approved by the appraisal district board of directors at the public hearing, this proposed budget will take effect automatically unless disapproved by the governing bodies of the county, school districts, cities and towns served by the appraisal district.
A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection in the office of each of those governing bodies. A copy is also available for public inspection at the appraisal district office located at 831 W State Hwy 56, Bonham, Texas
The phone number of the Fannin Central Appraisal District is: 903-583-8701 The address is: 831 W State Hwy 56, Bonham, Texas 75418
7/23/24
c/o: Michael S. Evans 308 North Center Street Bonham, Texas 75418
DATED July 3, 2025.
/S/ Michael S. Evans
Michael S. Evans State Bar No.: 24057841 308 N Center Street Bonham, Texas 75418 Telephone: (903) 640-4300 Facsimile: (903) 640-4344 Email: fannin.lawyer@gmail.com
Citation By Publication - Determination of Heirship
The State of Texas County of Fannin
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED & ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS IN THE ESTATE OF:
7/15/25
Daniel Adam Wade, Deceased Cause No. PR-2025-13440 In County Court at Law, Fannin County, Texas
The alleged heir(s) at law in the above numbered and entitled estate filed an Application for Letters of Dependent Administration and Determination of Heirship in this estate on the 18th day of June, 2025, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Daniel Adam Wade, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.
The Application may be acted on by the Court at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday following the expiration of ten days from date of publication of this citation. Court is located at the Fannin County Courthouse, 101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive Suite 1 13, Bonham, Fannin County, Texas 75418.
All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the Probate Office of the County Clerk of Fannin County, 101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive Suite 107, Bonham, Texas 75418 on or before the above-noted date and time. The case number is PR-2025-13440, and is styled, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL ADAM WADE, DECEASED.
The nature of said suit being substantially as follows, to wit: APPLICATION FOR LETTERS OF DEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION AND DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP
Issued and given under my hand and seal of said court, at the office of the Fannin County Clerk in Bonham, Texas, this the 20th day of June, 2025. Bonham, Texas 75418
Texas 75418
Home Country: Slim Randles
When the word got out about the new creation down at Delbert Chin’s Gates of Heaven Chinese restaurant, the boys naturally had to go try it out.
Not that the members of the Mule Barn truck stop’s world dilemma think tank are really boys … at least not for many years now … but they do have a boy-like curiosity about new things in our community.
Herb Collins told the coffeedrinking group about it, because his wife went to the Gates of Heaven regularly with her girlfriends.
“I’m serious, guys,” Herb said.
Steve looked at him.
“Delbert wouldn’t do that.”
“He did.”
Dud looked stunned. “Sweet and sour hamburgers?”
“Yep.”
“Wouldn’t that make people sick?” Steve said, looking at Doc.
“Nothing Delbert would cook would ever make people sick,” Doc replied.
“His kitchen is cleaner than a hospital surgery. But sweet and sour hamburgers doesn’t
… click?”
“Lunch, today?” Steve asked. So the boys went to Gates of Heaven for lunch and they all ordered the sweet and sour hamburgers. Delbert came out of the kitchen, smiling.
“You boys don’t need ketchup or mustard with these burgers,” he told them.
“They’re fine just like they are. I have pickles, though … you want pickles.”
The burgers came, with a side order of those petrified noodles in place of French fries, and the eating began. Delbert watched their faces. He knew this was the Supreme Court of our valley
when it came to introducing something new to eat. There were nods and there were inquisitive facial expressions.
“Well?” asked Delbert. “Del,” said Doc, “your cooking is always wonderful ...” There were concomitant nods around the table.
“ … but I think maybe I’ll stick to the sweet and sour pork or shrimp. Hamburgers need …”
“Ketchup?” said Steve.
“Mayo?” said Dud. “Hey, they’re good, though,” said Doc. “I like the way the sauce gets soaked into the bun.”
“That’s right.”
“Me, too.”
“Oh shut up,” said Delbert, heading for the kitchen.
DID YOU KNOW?
Section 42.09 “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42.092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal.
Torturing an animal
Failing to provide food, care or shelter
Abandoning an animal
Publication Information You Need To Know In recent public comment it was questioned as to the access of public notices placed in The Fannin County Leader. Every Monday morning the current published notices are added to a nationwide website. The Column website is accessible to every entity that publishes or would be a potential bidder on public notices. The Fannin County Leader staff work very diligently to ensure every advertiser’s funds are wisely spent. We appreciate the opportunity to provide a local source for so many valued businesses in Fannin County and beyond. Use this QR Code or search www.texaspublicnotices.com at any time to access all public notices published in Texas, including The Fannin County
SAVOY ISD JOB OPENING
Bus Driver:
• Duties: Pick up and drop off students on morning and afternoon routes, field trips
• Requirements: CDL, school bus endorsement (We will train you!)
• Apply: Admin. Office, 302 W Hayes, Monday-Thursday 8 am-4pm
Savoy ISD is an equal opportunity employer.
LEONARD ISD REQUEST FOR BIDS
7/8/25
Leonard ISD is accepting bids for repairs/improvements to be made to the Leonard ISD Field House. Contact Bobby Hanson at hansonb@leonardisd.net or at 903587-4015 to schedule mandatory jobsite inspections. All sealed bids are due by Thursday, July 24 at 3:00pm and will be opened at that time at the Leonard ISD Administration Office, located at 1 Tiger Alley, Leonard, TX 75452. Leonard ISD has the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
7/8/25
Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the Fannin County Commissioners Court will accept submittals from qualified vendors to provide transport and mortuary services for human remains.
1) RFP 2025-004 – (Revised) Request for Proposals for Transport and Mortuary Services
Specifications may be obtained from: Julie Criswell Fannin County Purchasing 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr. Suite 313 Bonham, TX 75418 purchasing@fanninco.net 903-583-0054
Submittals must be filed in the County Purchasing Agent Office before 3:00 p.m., July 29, 2025, or said submissions will not be considered. Submittals shall be opened on July 29, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. in the Fannin County Purchasing Agent’s Office, 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr. Suite 313, Bonham, TX 75418.
Fannin County Commissioners Court reserves the right to reject or accept any and all proposals.
7/8/25
7/15/25
7/8/25
Honey Grove again in pre-season football Top 10 to start '25 slate
By Rich Hilliard
No. 8 Honey Grove
will face other pre-season ranked opponents during its 2025 regular season en route to attempting to replicate -- or, even outdo -- its historic 2024 football campaign.
Headed by Stanford offensive commit Ryelan Morris, the Warriors garnered the Top-10 spot in the Class 2A-I preseason poll produced by Dave Campbell's Texas Football staffers, which also included pre-district opponent Marlin at No. 7 and Cooper, a District 9-2A-I and longtime school sports rival, at No. 25.
Last fall, Honey Grove (12-2) reached the Region III-2A-I Final -- its
deepest football playoffs run since 1969.
Meanwhile, Trenton will during 6-2A-I play face a couple of pre-season ranked opponents from the 2A-I poll: No. 15 Wolfe City (which includes Kansas State commit running back HD Davis) and No. 23 Tioga.
Refugio topped the 2A-I poll, followed by defending State champion Ganado at No. 2 and No. 10 Joaquin, the latter of which ended the Warriors' 2024 postseason.
Leonard's 2025 slate includes even more preseason ranked opponents during non-district and district play. It starts with season-opener opponent Jefferson, No. 4 in 3A-I. It also includes
from the 3A-II poll and 7-3A-II: No. 1. Gunter (the defending State champion), No. 23 Bells and No. 24 Blue Ridge.
Additionally, Savoy's schedule this season includes 1A-I pre-season ranked 10-1A-I opponents: No. 6 Gilmer Union Hill and No. 24 Saint Jo.
Also, Fannindel's 101A-II slate includes No. 19 Bowie Gold-Burg from the 1A-II poll. Strawn, which cut short the Falcons' postseason in the bi-district round last fall, placed at No. 6.
Defending State champions headed the other not-mentioned 4A-1A polls: Celina (4A-I), Carthage (4A-II), Columbus (3A-I), Muenster (2A-II), Gordon (1A-I), Jayton (1A-II).
By Rich Hilliard
Not at Class 4A North Lamar. He began his stint there aware that it would require "a complete rebuild" -- and had the Panthers in the regional tournament during his 13-year
stay. Not at 3A Mount Vernon. He turned a 7-24 team into an 1816 bi-district finalist during his lone season. Not at 2A Honey Grove, his
alma mater. During his five years, he knew many of his players would be coming late to basketball after extended football campaigns. His Warriors reached the basketball playoffs each season, including three-round advances in 2024 and 2025.
He now welcomes another challenge: being the head boys' basketball coach at 4A Bonham.
"I see Bonham as an up and coming place," said Garner. "I want to get in, put in time and give them continuity.
"I have been other places and been able to turn them around," he said. "I know Bonham's in a tough district.
"I'm going to put my hard hat on and get down to work."
Garner equates the Purple Warriors' fourth head boys' basketball coach since their
last postseason, 2019's area-finalist effort in 3A -- which occurred during a one-year stint under yet another head coach.
He fills the void left by the departure of Rodney Ross who coached the Purple Warriors for the last two seasons. Ross took the head girls' basketball job at Brookland (Ark) High School which is near Crowley's Ridge College where his son, Rylan, will play baseball.
Ross nearly got Bonham (1715, 3-7) back into the postseason last winter. The Purple Warriors finished district play in fifth place in 14-4A -- only one game out of the fourthand-final playoffs berth. The district included: regional semifinalists Paris (Division I) and North Lamar (Division II), area-finalist Sulphur Springs (Division I) and bi-district finalist Texarkana Pleasant
Grove (Division
Graduation in May took away all of the on-court all-district recipients from Bonham's 2024-25 roster.
Garner said he chose not to ask a lot about whom the Purple Warriors had returning for their upcoming season.
"I hate to have a bias going in. I have talked to Coach Eric Hicks and Coach (John) Ramsey," said Garner, referencing Bonham's high school principal and athletics director/head football coach, respectively.
"We will try to get the best athletes out there and have a work ethic," he said. "We will put together a defensive basketball team that will be successful.
"We'll find a defensive style that gives us the best chance to be successful."
Story and photos by Rich
Hilliard
HONEY GROVE -- Don't think it's a misprint.
Longtime baseball manager
Landon Cope has been hired as Honey Grove's new head boys' basketball coach.
"I have been a head baseball coach for 10 of my 20 years of coaching," said Cope, "so me switching to head basketball may come as a surprise to some.
"[B]ut it is always something I have been interested in doing," he said. "I have a great love for basketball and can’t wait to start this new chapter in my coaching career.
"I am truly grateful for this opportunity."
His hiring equates a return to Honey Grove for Cope, who has coached at Paris Chisum for the previous five years with the last two as the Mustangs' baseball manager.
"There were a couple of factors that led me back to Honey Grove [where] I was the head baseball coach for two seasons from 2018-2020," said Cope.
"My wife teaches there and both my kids attend," he said, "so I have a vested interest in the school. "From the basketball side, it’s a program that’s in a strong position and has had a lot of recent success; so when the job opened the interest was immediate." He fills the position held by Homer Garner the last five years. Garner had Honey
Grove in the postseason throughout his stay, capped by three-round advances the last two seasons. Garner earned the District 14-2A coaching superlative in 2024, when the Warriors won their first district title in the sport in 11 years and finished 29-5. "I am well aware of the recent success under Coach
Garner," said Cope. "He has done a great job of establishing a winning culture with the program, and it is my intention to continue that."
While graduation in May took away a few members of 2025's regional semifinalist team, plenty of members off that squad return, as Cope takes over Honey Grove's boys' basketball program. "I have been getting to know the guys in the last few weeks," said Cope "and I know we will have a senior heavy team returning
of solid players.
"Jarrmez Daniels, Keaton Totty, Zachary Wolfe, Luke Bryant, Lane Foster, Kobe Patt and Carson Reese all have varsity experience," he said, "and we have some younger players who could also be in the mix for varsity spots.
"I really like what I have seen of them in open gyms and fundamental time during summer workouts. I think they will be a strong group."
Notes: Cope, who has also coached at Ector and Princeton, will additionally at Honey Grove help with football, "primarily with a junior high focus." He will also serve as head tennis coach, another role Garner handled while at Honey Grove.
Honey Grove's Jarrmez Daniels (4) shoots a 3-pointer on Jan. 21 during District 14-2A boys' basketball in Honey Grove.
Honey Grove's Lane Foster (12) plays defense against Wolfe City on Jan. 21 during District 14-2A boys' basketball in Honey Grove.
Honey Grove's Carson Reese controls the dribble on Jan. 21 during District 14-2A boys' basketball in Honey Grove.
Honey Grove's Keaton Totty (11) controls the basketball on Jan. 21 during District 14-2A boys' basketball in Honey Grove.
BONHAM -- Challenges
dissuade Homer Garner as a head boys' basketball coach.
II).
Luke Bryant (top left), Lane Foster, Keaton Totty (11), Carson Reese (0), Asher Price (headband), Grant Cheney (2), Brody Mahan, Ryelan Morris (5) and the rest of the Warriors listen to Honey Grove head coach Homer Garner on Jan. 21 during District 14-2A boys' basketball in Honey Grove. Photo by Rich Hilliard
With helmets and hand No. 1 gestures held high, Honey Grove football varsity team members stand during the school song on Nov. 1, 2024, after defeating Cooper, 26-14, to secure the District 9-2A-I title at Warrior Stadium in Honey Grove. Photo by Rich Hilliard
SPJST District 3 Rally Raises $1,897
SPJST District 3 participants West Warriors Kid’s Foundation Representative Courtesy photo
