Wise Funeral Home Acquires Fannin Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Builds County’s First Crematory
Bonham, TX — A new chapter has begun for Fannin Memorial Gardens and for funeral care in Fannin County. Wise Funeral Home, the county’s oldest funeral home, has assumed full ownership of the cemetery and has built the first and only crematory located within the county, bringing compassionate, faith-driven care back into local hands. Previously managed by a Dallas-based corporation, the cemetery was transferred to Wise
Funeral Home in 2025 with the goal of restoring its local roots. The Greene family, who now own and operate Wise Funeral Home, have taken on the responsibility of maintaining the cemetery with hands-on care and a deep commitment to the community they serve. With this transition, Fannin Memorial Gardens is no longer just a burial ground—it has become part of a broader mission to ensure that families in Fannin County can entrust every
step of end-of-life care to one local, family-run provider. This includes the addition of Wise Crematory, the only crematory located in the county. Built on the grounds of the cemetery and equipped with a modern, state-of-the-art retort, the crematory has been approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and reflects the highest professional standards in the industry.
By offering on-site cremation services, Wise Funeral
Home eliminates the need to transfer loved ones outside of the county for cremation. This ensures that from the moment a call is placed to the final disposition, loved ones never leave the care of the Wise Funeral Home team. All cremations are conducted individually and exclusively for human remains. Witness cremation is available for families who wish to be present during the process, further reinforcing transparency and trust.
In addition to expanding cremation services, the Greene family has made significant efforts to restore and care for Fannin Memorial Gardens.
Unlike corporate operators, the family approaches cemetery care with a personal sense of calling and reverence. Every headstone, tree, and pathway is tended to by a team that lives and works within the community and treats each burial as an act of service and ministry.
The acquisition and improve-
ments represent a return to tradition for Bonham—a town where relationships, faith, and integrity still matter. Wise Funeral Home continues to embody these values in every aspect of its service, providing continuity and comfort to families during their most difficult moments.
of
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Allure™ provides crystal clear speech, so you can stay fully engaged, hearing with greater balance, vibrancy and authenticity. With its innovative technology and refined design, you can embrace life fully, balancing your focus, easily transitioning between soundscapes. “ Certainly, we understand that you want the best from your investment in hearing well. You deserve personalized attention and a hearing aid customized to your needs. We’re here to answer your questions and provide the excellent customer service you’ve come to expect. Call us at 903-868-2650. We want you to hear well again!
Jill Sheppard, B.S., SLP/Audiology, Kenneth Sheppard, Jr., LFDHI
KUECKELHAN
JULY BIRTHDAYS
Roots of Texas Rodeos
of the Vaqueros in the lands of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, present day Mexico and the American Southwest. On July 4, 1883, in the frontier town of Pecos an argument between Trav Windham, a cattle driver, and Morg Livingston, an accomplished cattle roper, led to what the Encyclopedia Britannica refers to as the “world’s first public cowboy contest” and is often referred to as the first official rodeo. The two men chose to have the competition on the flatland on west side of the Pecos River. The July 4th public holiday allowed ranchers, cowboys and townsfolk to attend. Many other ranchers and cowboys chose to take part in the event including Jim Mannin, John Chalk, and Brawley Oates, many whom traveled from distant ranches. Windham would end up winning the roping contest. Other winners include Pete Beard of Hashknife Ranch and Jeff Chism. Prize money was $40 and blue ribbons donated by a young resident. Rodeo-type events also became popular for a time in the big cities of the Eastern United States, with large venues like Madison Square Garden playing a part in popularizing them for new crowds. There was no standardization of events for a rodeo competition until 1929, when associations began forming. In the 1970s, rodeo saw unprecedented growth. Contestants referred to as “the new breed” brought rodeo increasing media attention. These contestants were young, often from an urban background, and chose rodeo for its athletic rewards. By 1985, one third of PRCA members had a college education and as many as one half of the competitors had never worked on a cattle ranch. Today, some professional rodeos are staged indoors in large, climate-controlled arenas and many are telecast. Other professional rodeos are held outdoors.
I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly. Steven Alexander Wrightcoolfunnyquotes.com
Washington, D.C., July 9, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP).
To expedite the implementation of SDRP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering assistance in two stages. This first stage is open to producers with eligible crop losses that received assistance under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program during 2023 and 2024. Stage One sign up will start in person at FSA county offices on July 10 and prefilled applications are being mailed to producers today, July 9. SDRP Stage Two signups for eligible shallow or uncovered losses will begin in early fall. “American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that cause losses that leave no region or crop unscathed.
Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA has worked around the clock to deliver this relief directly to our farmers,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are taking swift action to ensure farmers will have the resources they need to continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.” This announcement follows Secretary Rollins’ comprehensive plan to deliver the to-
tal amount of Congressionally appropriated $30 billion in disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers this year. These programs will complement the forthcoming state block grants that USDA is working with 14 different states to develop. This expeditious timeline is in direct contrast to the Biden Administration’s USDA where disaster relief programs took an average of 13 months—and in one case 19 months—to reach farmers and ranchers.
To date, USDA has issued more than $7.8 billion in Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) payments to more than half a million eligible producers. Additionally, USDA has provided over $1 billion in emergency relief through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program to producers who suffered grazing losses due to drought or wildfires in calendar years 2023 and 2024. USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-ata-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and the FarmRaise online FSA education hub. Payment details will be updated here weekly. For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center.
Program Details:
SDRP Stage One FSA is launching a streamlined, pre-filled application process for eligible crop, tree, and vine losses by leveraging existing Noninsured
Crop Disaster Assistance
Program (NAP) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) indemnified loss data. The pre-filled applications will be mailed on July 9, 2025.
Eligibility
Eligible losses must be the result of natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and/or 2024. These disasters include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions.
To qualify for drought related losses, the loss must have occurred in a county rated by the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks, D3 (extreme drought), or greater intensity level during the applicable calendar year.
Producers in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts will not be eligible for SDRP program payments.
Instead, these states chose to cover eligible crop, tree, bush, and vine losses through separate block grants. These block grants are funded through the $220M provided for this purpose to eligible states in the American Relief Act.
How to Apply
To apply for SDRP, producers must submit the FSA-526, Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage One Application, in addition to having other forms on file
with FSA.
SDRP Stage One Payment
Calculation
Stage One payments are based on the SDRP adjusted NAP or Federal crop insurance coverage level the producer purchased for the crop. The net NAP or net federal crop insurance payments (NAP or crop insurance indemnities minus administrative fees and premiums) will be subtracted from the SDRP calculated payment amount.
For Stage One, the total SDRP payment to indemnified producers will not exceed 90% of the loss and an SDRP payment factor of 35% will be applied to all Stage One payments. If additional SDRP funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
Future Insurance Coverage Requirements
All producers who receive SDRP payments are required to purchase federal crop insurance or NAP coverage for the next two available crop years at the 60% coverage level or higher. Producers who fail to purchase crop insurance for the next two available crop years will be required to refund the SDRP payment, plus interest, to USDA.
SDRP Stage 2
FSA will announce additional SDRP assistance for uncovered losses, including non-indemnified shallow losses and quality losses and how to apply later this fall.
a short drive NORTH OF BONHAM on HWY 273 past SAM RAYBURN HIGH SCHOOL for a great sale. Custom farm home, lg. shop, garage and a barn full of
items. **CAUTION** A VERY NARROW DRIVEWAY TO HOUSE
WASH/DRYER, PHEASANT/DUCK & DEER MOUNTS, JEWELRY, VINTAGE WATCHES, VINTAGE CAST IRON COOKWARE, WILD TURKEY MIRROR, BETTY BOOP ITEMS, OLD ELVIS RECORDS, JEDI MAGAZINES, RAGGETY ANN & ANDY DOLLS, WOMENS CLOTHES, PURSES, SHOES, ALL OCAS SION COSTUMES, AVON ANIMAL COLLECTION, LG. IRON WAGON WHEELS, SIGNS, YARD ART, MINIATURES, FLATSCREEN TVS
SOFA & LOVE SEAT- VIBRATES & RECLINES, DINING TABLE/6 CHAIRS, POTS & PANS, LINENS, RIVAL CROCK POT, OSTER FOOD GRINDER, TOASTMASTER WAFFLE, NEW HB SLOW COOKER, B & D AIR FRYER, CROCK POTS, DEHYDRATOR, 2 BEDROOM SETS, SHEETS/TOWELS, CHRISTMAS & ALL HOLIDAY DÉCOR , DAVID WHITE SURVEYORS INSTR., PATIO FIREPLACE PIT, FISH FRYER, HOMELITE GAS PUMP, FIREWOOD RACKS, VINTAGE INDOOR COOK STOVE , CANDLES, METAL BENCHES, LAMPS, MINIATURE METAL TRACTORS, SLEEPING BAGS/ CAMPING EQP, GUN CABINET
METAL SLIDER & CHAIR, BIRDHOUSES, METAL SWINGS, DEER ANTLERS, CRAFTSMAN TOOL CHESTS, STIHL POLE SAW W/ ATTACHMENTS, GENERAC GENERATOR, NORTH STAR POWER WASHER, 3 CHAIN SAWS, DEWALT MITRE, SWING SETS, SMALL WINDMILL, CUTTING TORCH, BARN FINDS, AIR TANKS, 4 COMPRESSORS, BBQ GRILL, GARDEN TOOLS, DEWALT, MAKITA, RYOBI, B&D, BOSCH, PASSLOBE, SKILL, SHOP VACS , WEED TRIMMERS, PUSH LAWN MOWERS NAIL GUNS, SKEET THROWER, LADDERS, CEMENT MIXER, FARM & RANCH TOOLS, HUFFY BICYCLE, ZEBCO ROD/REELS, CABINET GRADE PLYWOOD SO MUCH MORE ITEMS PRICED TO SELL GO TO “ESTATESALES.NET” FOR PICTURES AND DETAILS.
When: Tuesday • 1pm - 5pm. Where: 914 S. 5th St. Bonham (across from Calvary Baptist Church.) For more information: 903-583-3910
Quilt Hop & Kidz Krew at the Creative Arts Center
Bonham, Texas – The Creative Arts Center continues to have lots of classes and activities going on this summer, including a wide variety of art and yoga classes for all ages, the Quilt Hop, a Kidz Krew play and a Meet & Greet with authors of the
book “Art Makes Magic.”
The art center will be one of the stops on the Bonham Quilt Hop. Visitors can stop by the center on July 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm to view many beautiful quilts. Free admission.
Kidz Krew proudly presents Alice in Wonderland: The Queen's Tea & Other Catastrophes. Adapted from Alice in Wonderland: Rise of the Cards written by Lisa Avila. Directed by Kelly Baxter and Caleb Crocker. Starring local youth. Performed at the Historic Auditorium at 1201 N Main in Bonham. Shows will be at 7 pm on Aug 8, 9, 15 & 16 and at 2 pm on Aug 10 & 17. Tickets are $10 each and available on the center’s website.
On Thursday, Aug 28, the center will host a Meet & Greet with the authors of the book “Art Makes Magic” from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Admission is free and books will be available for sale. Andrea Holmes and Beth Field’s book offers real life experience with much needed encouragement and affirmation to artists and creatives at every point in their path.
Fiber arts collage class will be led by Sandy Barber on Friday, July 25 from 1-4 pm. Barn quilt painting class led by Carrol Reese will be on
Saturday, July 26 from 10 am to 4 pm. Leo Ransom will teach a Layered Portraiture Quilting Class on July 26 from 10 am to 4 pm.
Craft Time with Bonham State Park is for kids ages 4-10. Participants will learn about frogs and do a frog craft on July 24. Embroidery for Kids will be held on July 22 for kids ages 7-12.
JayeBella has an upcoming class that include lunch and acrylic painting. Brush & Brunch will be on Tuesday, Aug 5 from 11 am to 3 pm.
Tatiana Murray will be teaching an Oil Pastel class on Aug 13 from 10 am to noon.
Garden Charm workshops are an opportunity for participants to learn how to turn their old jewelry and trinkets into garden art. The next class is Aug 9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, led by Michelle Haynes with Estella
SheShop.
Mixed Media and Music is a free class for adults that will be held on July 24 from 6-8 pm and Aug 8 from 1-3 pm.
Sip & Stitch is a free time for fiber artists to bring their current project and enjoy fellowship with others who like to crochet, knit, embroider and create other fiber arts.
The next Sip & Stitch is set for July 24 from 6-8 pm.
Likewise, Artist Get Togethers are free opportunity for artists of any medium to get together with other creative types and work on their current project. The next one is set for July 31 from 1-3 pm.
Junk Journal Club meets monthly and will meet again on July 30 from 2-4 pm. This class is free for members and $5 for non-members.
Poetry at the Art Canter is a free opportunity for those who enjoy poetry to gather to read and listen to the spoken word. The next gathering will be on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. The center offers weekly yoga classes. Kristi Dunbar teaches yoga on Tuesdays at 6 pm. Jenny Schero teaches chair yoga on Wednesdays at 1 pm. Beginners are welcome. Classes cost $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. A special goat yoga class will be held on Saturday morning, Aug 16 in partnership with LaHabana Farms. Goat yoga will cost $25 per person. Other new classes are being added to the center’s schedule nearly every week. Go to the center’s website to get more information about classes and to sign up. The Creative Arts Center is located at 200 W 5th in Bonham. The center is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to noon. For more information, call (903) 640-2196 or go to www.CreativeArtsCenterBonham.org.
Brown 2 steaks in 1½ Tbsp hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Cook 3 minutes on each side; drain on paper towels. Repeat procedure with remaining steaks and remaining oil. Drain drippings from skillet, reserving 1 Tbsp. in skillet. Saute onion and bell pepper in hot drippings for 7 minutes or until tender. Add diced tomatoes and remaining 3 ingredients to skillet. Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Return steaks to skillet; cover and cook over low heat 55 to 60 minutes or until tender.
I hope you will give this one a try! ENJOY!!
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
Eating is a necessity, but cooking is an art.
since 2004. Classes for GED (General Equivalency Development) are offered free of charge, and open enrollment is available for Fannin County residents ages 17 and up. For more information at the Bonham location, please contact Lou Ann Taylor at 903-583-1264, extension 1. For more information at
Annual Back To School Event New Life C.O.G.I.C
* 917 N. Main Street is holding their Annual Back To School Event.
August 9, 2025 1pm-5pm * Simpson Park 1200 N Center Street Bonham, Texas
Bounce Houses and Gas Card Give-A-Ways * FREE * FREE * FREE * ● Backpacks ● School Supplies ● Food and Drinks Come out and fellowship with us!
Contacts:
Pastor Gatlin 936-332-6060 ● ● Kera Wilson 469-734-6608
Do Well Be Well
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
with Diabetes
Center at 2505 N. Center Street from 3:00pm5:00 pm starting Wednesday, AUGUST 6th! This class series will be held every Wednesday in August (Aug 6; Aug 13; Aug 20; and Aug 27). Attend 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.
the Honey Grove location, please contact the Honey Grove Library and Learning Center at 903-378-2206.
The Fannin Literacy Council would like to thank Chi Lambda for their generous grant and support in promoting lifelong learning for Fannin County citizens.
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
BONHAM SENIOR CENTER MENU
Monday 07/21/25 -Salisbury Beef, Onion Gravy, Rice, Sliced Carrots, Wheat Bread, Strawberry Craisins, Milk
Tuesday 07/22/25 - Chicken Shawarma, Lentil Vegetable Pilaf, Broccoli, Flour Tortillas (2), Fresh Fruit, Milk
Wednesday 07/23/25 - Tuna Noodle Casserole, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Butterscotch Brownie, Milk
Thursday 07/24/25 - Honey Mustard Glazed Ham*, Lima Beans, Dinner Roll, Milk
Friday 07/25/25 - Meatloaf, Whipped Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Dinner Roll, Fresh Fruit, Milk 210 E. 6th St., Bonham, TX • Phone 903-583-8573
Fannin County Commissioners Meeting
By Tim Meek
5. Public Forum Fannin County resident Jimmy Allred spoke in favor of evening meetings for Commissioners Court “My question is, why do we have them at 9 o’clock on Tuesday morning? You’re our servants. All the people paying our taxes, most of us are working at 9 o’clock on Tuesday morning. But why can’t we have them in the evening? When people can show up, if you want participation, that transparency, you make a move so working people can show up. That’s all I ask.”
ROUTINE ITEMS:
6. Approve payment of bills – County Auditor. Approved
7. Approve minutes from 08/31/2021 (R) – County Clerk. Approved
8. Emergency Medical Services report for June 2025 – County Judge for Michael Gilbert with Allegiance Mobile Health. Allegiance Mobile Health did not attend the meeting to give a report.
9. Report of monies received by the District Clerk’s office for June 2025 in the amount of $17,830.48 – District Clerk. Report Only DISCUSSION ITEMS:
10. Presentation of 2024 Distinguished Service Award to the Fannin County Historical Commission –County Judge. This award is given by the State of Texas Historical Commission to the highest scoring historical commission in the state and was presented to the Fannin County Historical Commission. (see picture)
11. Discussion regarding overtime – County Judge. Judge Cunningham, in last week’s Commissioners Court meeting promised commissioners a log book for the courthouse maintenance director's overtime. His overtime has exceeded budget. “You’ll see that a substantial portion of his time was spent on weekends working with CEC, the electrical contractors, as they repaired things in the building. The building had to be shut down for those repairs to take place, and he was involved in doing all of that. So his time is accounted for.” Judge Cunningham commented. Commissioner Kopf commented “Well, the problem I have with it is the overtime. And he went over his budgeted overtime for the year. And someone should have stepped up, and or he should have been looking at his budget. Seeing that he was getting close to running over.” Judge Cunningham replied “I was watching. I was watching his overtime, and I knew when he was going over, and I made those decisions, and those were treated by Alicia Whipple (Fannin County Auditor) as being things that could be covered outside of the budget because they weren’t anticipated cost. I’m going to watch the overtime.”
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
ITEMS:
12. Discussion and possible action to adopt updated Rules of Procedure, Conduct and Decorum at Meetings of the County
Commissioners Court; changes include reducing public speaker time to three (3) minutes from five (5), Public Participation Forms due prior to the start of Commissioners Court and a requirement to stay on topic of the agenda item signed up for or risk losing speaking time – County Judge. This agenda item was approved, changing the allotted time form 5 minutes to 3 minutes.
13. Discussion and possible action to send Securus Technologies a notice of non-renewal or cancellation of the Agreement that provides for electronic communications services for inmates – Sheriff Cody Shook. Approved
14. Discussion and possible action regarding location of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 offices upon move in to the Justice Center – JP
1 Approved
15. Discussion and possible action regarding RFP for Mortuary and Transportation Service for the County – JP1. Passed on for the proposal to be reposted.
16. Discussion and possible action regarding approving renewal of H&G Systems HVAC Contract for yearly maintenance –Purchasing Agent. This item was passed on
17. Discussion and possible action to purchase
Continued
a 2017 Kenworth T370 Dump Truck for $49,999 from Roys Trucks/Caddo Mills, TX – Purchasing Agent. Approved See Commissioners on page 14
TDA Quilt Collection is as much art as craf t , and the quilts have become more than heirlooms, they are symbolic of the rich Texas agricultural heritage that belongs to all Texans.
Three
Haynes
Spanish Sunday School
Every Sunday @ 9:45 AM
Calvary Baptist Church
913 S. 5th Bonham, TX
Children, Adults, Everyone Invited
Call Rita For More Information 516-262-8191
Email: twin2_santana@yahoo.com
Embrace Brazil-www.embracebrasil.org.
Calvary Baptist Church Bonham, Texas
We have the great blessing of hearing about what God is doing through Embrace Brazil. Vitor and Amanda Freitas are the founders of this ministry. We deeply love and appreciate this precious family, and we are blessed to have been a part of this ministry for many years. Recently, Dylan, Chris, and Darrel went to Brazil to help
Hello everyone!
Vitor and Amanda in this mission effort. Here is a brief introduction of Vitor and Amanda:
“Vitor is native to Salvador, Brazil. Vitor is gifted at wood working, construction, technical improvements, farming, welding, etc... He married Amanda, native to Bonham, TX, in 1999. Amanda grew up with a desire to serve in the mission field. She is gifted in teaching,
coaching, and counseling with youth. They have one daughter, Lilia, born in 2008, who also speaks both English and Portuguese. Lilia says she wants people to know Jesus loves them.” (From their website, www.embracebrasil. org. Please visit this website for more information about this ministry.)
For His Glory, Lyn and Lissa
Sunday Morning Re-wind: God Will Take Care of You
The Bible tells us in Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
In this verse, God is encouraging Joshua as he prepares to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Breaking this down, God first asks Joshua, “Have I not commanded thee?” This is a reminder that God Himself gave him this assignment. We must remember that whenever the Lord gives us a command, He also provides us with the strength and support that we need to fulfill it. The Lord called Joshua to show inner strength and boldness, not just in a physical sense, but also
spiritually and emotionally. This command is repeated by the Lord multiple times, which puts a great emphasis on its importance. Given the circumstances that Joshua was facing, fear and discouragement were natural emotions. The Lord reminds us, as He reminded Joshua, that we should never let fear rule over us because we are not facing the challenges of our lives alone. The presence of God was the foundation of Joshua’s courage, and His presence should be the foundation of our courage as well. This is the promise of the Lord’s constant companionship no matter where we go or what we face in our lives.
In 1904, Civilla D. Martin wrote this classic hymn that comes from the message in
this verse.
“Be not dismayed whate’er betide; God will take care of you. Beneath His wings of love abide; God will take care of you. No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you. Lean, weary one, upon His breast; God will take care of you. God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way. He will take care of you; God will take care of you.”
If you’re looking to find a good home church, we invite you to come visit us, and be 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
We Can Know The Purpose Of Life, And It Is Good!
Tom Russell, Minister Northside Church of Christ, Bonham Depression and discouragement are often driven by a lack of direction in life. Ultimately, this affects every area of life, for we are designed to do well when we do right (Genesis 4:6-7). We are prevented from doing right by our desires or ignorance, and usually a combination of both. Relevance and resultant happiness are achieved by accomplishing the primary purpose of life. What is the purpose of life? Thousands of books have been written from an equal number of perspectives attempting to answer that question. Thankfully, a man blessed by wisdom that came directly from God has given us the answer.
Solomon wrote, “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is a man’s whole duty. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14
“Fear God and keep His commands” may sound overly restrictive to many people, but when we consider the basis of God’s law, we find that obedience is actually liberating. All of God’s law guides and governs how we relate to Him and one another, and the basis of His law is love. Paul tells us in Romans 13:8-10, “8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not
murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” We see in this that God’s law is not some cold, restrictive thing; rather, His law compels us to respect one another’s life, liberty, and property. When God’s law is followed, peace and prosperity follow along with contentment and a healthy perspective on life.
Just notice those around you, isn’t it true that those who “do justice”, “love kindness”, and “walk humbly before God” (Micah 6:8) are the most content in spite of the storms of life. Let’s all learn from their example.
What God Has Joined Together
By Mike Dickison Minister for the Ivanhoe Church of Christ
Our society has wreaked havoc for the institution of marriage. They have mocked God’s laws concerning marriage and have tried to redefine what marriage is and the rolls of those in marriage. The average person cannot even tell what marriage is. We must constantly go back to the Bible for all that we do and for definitions that please our Creator. Jesus speaks of marriage in saying “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5). It is for the purpose of marriage. One man and one woman are to become one flesh. There are to be one in union, one in purpose, one in goal, one in harmony, and one in the eyes of God Almighty. A man is to leave father and mother and “cleave” to his wife. The word “cleave” is to be ‘glued’ or ‘cemented’ to be stuck together. Husbands are to love their wives. The example of Christ loving the church and giving himself for it (Ephesians
5:25). Remember “the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). That is how much a husband is to love his wife. Husbands are to “love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself” (Ephesians 5:28). This is not how our society teaches husbands to love their wives.
Wives are “to love their husbands and to love their children” (Titus 2:4). Wives are to “submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). “Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything” (Ehesians 5:24). When husbands love their wives like Christ loves the church and “is the savior of the body” (Ephesians 5:23), then wives can appreciate the proper response that the church has to Christ.
Marriage is to mirror Christ and the church. No one, not even father or mother, sister or brother is to come between a husband and wife. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6).
Where Is My Time?
Looks like you have it!
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1
include and make time for GOD this Sunday
When: Sun. 10:30am. Wed. 7:00pm
Where: 1190 Hwy 56 W. Bonham.
Pastor: Steven Luton, 903-583-4346
12-18-18
1/21/25
3375 S outh h wy 121 - B
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
Ector Baptist Church P.O. Box 248 Ector, Texas 75439 (903) 961-2175
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
207 Second Street PO Box 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
Jerry Dale Partain
11/15/1938 – 7/10/2025
Alice Rachel Doyle
Alice Rachel Doyle, aged 97, of Bonham, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 28, 1928, in Colmesneil, Texas, Rachel was the beloved daughter of Albert and Thelma Sullivan.
She cherished her role as a devoted wife to her late husband, Earl Doyle, whom she married on May 28, 1948, in Bledsoe, Texas. Together, they shared a love for adventure, exploring the open road and dancing their nights away. Earl preceded her in death in 2007.
Throughout her life, Alice dedicated herself to her family. She was a loving mother, Ninnie, and friend. Rachel’s family meant the world to her, and her legacy will live on through her family. Family reunions were a highlight of her life, where laughter and love abound. She was always delighted to share lunch with her dear friends, keeping her spirit alive and vibrant. Rachel loved dirt track racing and simply being outdoors. She had a special fondness for classic Westerns, with “Gunsmoke” being one of her favorites. After dedicating many years to serving the students at the Bonham Independent School District as a cafeteria worker, Rachel left a lasting mark on the community she cherished. Rachel’s legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to family will remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Thelma Sullivan, husband, Earl Doyle, son, Robert Early Doyle, brothers, Joe Ed Sullivan and Tommy Sullivan, sisters, Vera Truett, Bonnie Gandy, Billie Corothers, Joyce Hoffman, and grandson, Heath Doyle. Rachel is survived by her children: Rick Doyle and wife Cindy, Teddy Doyle and wife Deanna, Heather Russell and husband Brandon, Jeremy Doyle and wife Heather, 10 grandkids, 24 greatgrandkids, 7 great-great grandkids, and 42 nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and friends.
A Visitation was held at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. We will remember her unwavering love, her zest for life, and the countless ways she enriched our lives. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire us as we carry her memory forward.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
Nancy Jane Malone
Nancy Jane Malone, a beacon of strength, independence, and love, passed away on July 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and the warmth of a life welllived. Born on May 5, 1940, in DeKalb, Texas, Nancy’s journey was marked by her unwavering spirit and the love she poured into every role she embraced.
Nancy’s career was as diverse and colorful as her personality. She began her professional life as a beautician, where she not only styled hair but also shaped the hearts of those who sat in her chair with her uplifting conversations and infectious smile. As a homemaker, she crafted a world of warmth and comfort for her family, turning a house into a home with her hands and heart. Her time working for Braums in Bonham was not just about the job; it was about the connections she made and the community she built through her genuine care and service.
Crafting, antiquing, and traveling were not mere hobbies for Nancy; they were extensions of her zest for life and her quest for beauty in all its forms. Each crafted piece, antique find, and travel memory was a chapter in her book of life, filled with stories of adventure, learning, and memories.
As a mother to two daughters and three sons, Nancy was the epitome of nurturing love. Her independence shone through in her parenting, as she instilled in her children the confidence to stand on their own and the wisdom to pursue their dreams. Raising a special niece, she extended her motherly love beyond her immediate family, touching more lives with her boundless affection. Nancy’s role as Nana was perhaps her most cherished.
The farm in Ravenna was not just a place to visit for Nancy; it was a place of simplicity that reminded her of her younger years.
She is preceded in death by husband, Willie Dowe Malone Jr., parents, Virgil and Ettie Bass, siblings, Georgie, Linda, James, Nell, and Leon.
Nancy is survived by children, Debbie Troxtell and husband, Garry, Amy Malone Cole, and husband, Leroy, Terry Malone and wife, Kathy, Larry Malone and wife, Lecia, Carey Malone and wife, Lori, Deborah Madarash and husband, Mark, siblings, Ruby, Pearlie, Calvin, Marshall, Danny, grandchildren, Leslie Hill and husband Jack, Derek Troxtell and wife Binita, Jared Cole, Connor Malone, J.D. Malone, Ryan Cole and wife, Jessa, Madeleine Malone, Curt Malone, and Bryce Watson, great-grandchildren, Liberty Hill, and Colin Hill.
The family gathered on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Wise Funeral Home from 6pm to 8pm for visitation. The following day a graveside service was held at Rowlett Cemetery at 11am. Rowlett Cemetery is located on Rowlett Cemetery Rd in Plano, TX 75025.
Jerry Dale Partain was born November 15, 1938 in Dallas, Texas to Lee and Grace Partain.
He had one older sister, June Manning. He attended school in the Dallas ISD through high school where he was in the first graduating class of W. W. Samuel High School. He played football and sang in the choir. He had a gifted tenor voice and was a member of the All-State Choir. He sang in his church choir and sang the tenor solos in their performances of the Messiah beginning at the age of 13. He continued singing throughout his life both in church and professionally in coffee houses through college also playing guitar and banjo. He sang at weddings to help cover college expenses. He was in the the Marine Corp Reserve and served four years in the Navy. He attended Arlington State College earning degrees in Engineering and Business. ASC was under the A&M system during that time, and he always considered himself an Aggie.
He met his wife, Lynn, in the ASC college choir where they went on choir tours and performed in musicals together. After graduation, they married and had almost reached 62 years together when he died on July 10, 2025. They began their married life in Dallas where Jerry worked for Dallas Power & Light and moved to Garland, Texas, where he helped develop the Underground Engineering Department at Garland Power & Light. He retired from GP&L after 32 years.
Jerry and Lynn raised two daughters, Kendall and Paige, during these years in Garland. They were delighted when both excelled in music as had their parents, singing in school and church choirs until graduation. During these years the family were members of White Rock United Methodist Church in Dallas where Jerry and Lynn sang in the Chancel Choir, and the girls sang in all children’s choirs from Cherub through Timothy Tradition Youth Choir. Jerry and Lynn chaperoned the TT choir on tours in Texas and through the southern states to and from Florida where they created some life-long memories of joyful and sometimes crazy experiences. Jerry and Lynn retired to Bonham 22 years ago and joined First United Methodist Church and were active in the choir. Jerry was proud when his daughters were sometimes able to join the First Methodist choir during their Christmas Cantata performances. Jerry was active in the Planters Sunday School Class where he was able to take part in some spirited debates on biblical topics. He attended the Men’s Breakfast Group and served on many of the committees in the church. He was also a member of Bonham Rotary for many years.
Jerry enjoyed working on cars. His dad taught him to rebuild old cars, and all Jerry’s teenage cars were his own rebuilds. He used that talent to rebuild the first cars his daughters drove. He always liked tinkering with mechanical equipment and filled his shop with machinery for his hobby. He was a gunsmith and built many rifles for himself and friends and special models for both daughters. They went on hunting and fishing trips with their dad and developed quite a few skills under his tutelage. His three grandchildren all have their own signature rifles built by granddad.
Jerry always had a deer lease in Texas and joined his hunting buddies on their annual trip to hunt Colorado deer and other animals in season. He became an expert venison chili cook from the meat he brought home.
Jerry leaves behind three grandchildren, Greer and Eli Smith and Dylan Whatley. He always enjoyed watching each of them as they grew into well-rounded young people and followed and supported their accomplishments in academics, sports and music. He attended as many of their activities as possible. He took great pride and pleasure landscaping and maintaining his property in Sand Creek where he also loved his vegetable gardening projects. He will be missed by his family and friends, but as one of his friends said, “he’s now mowing grass in Heaven and singing with the angels”.
His memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church in Bonham Saturday, July 19. As Jerry requested, it was a Celebration of Life reflecting Jerry’s love and joy in life with his family, friends, his faith and his church.
Doris Janelle Caldwell
Doris Janelle Caldwell, 90, of Bonham, Texas passed away early Thursday morning, July 10, 2025 at Wesley House Assisted Living in Bonham. She is now united with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Janelle was born on October 4, 1934 in the Corinth Community of Fannin County, the daughter of William Gray Hasten and Elsie Mae Van Kirk Hasten. She was a 1952 graduate of Bonham High School. Janelle married Truman Earl Caldwell, on November 21, 1952 in Ravenna and their love and devotion to one another lasted 54 years. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Bonham where she was active in the Elective Sunday School Class. Throughout her life she leaned into her faith and was a devout Christian through some tough times. She was always a giver and would welcome friends in need to her patio or front porch…. it was her way to share her faith. Even in her last days she asked that gospel music be played and was singing “Jesus Loves Me” with her friends at Wesley House. She worked in Human Resources for Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center for many years. Janelle was an amazing cook. A traditional southern meal of fried chicken, okra, mashed potatoes and gravy was her specialty. Her pies were a treat from heaven and you were truly blessed if you got to sample one. She was a true scratch baker. She and Truman enjoyed traveling to Taylor Park, Colorado, with their close friends, the Taylors, Justiss, and Sanderson families. She was a voracious reader before her eyesight failed her and even took flying lessons! Her greatest joy was raising her children and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the many times she got to see them and their numerous activities and school events. She and Truman enjoyed teaching them to ride bikes, feeding them lunch in the treehouse and towing them on the inner tube at the lake. She was a proud and devoted grandmother always bragging and doting on them. She especially enjoyed Grandparents Day at their schools over the years.
Janelle married again late in life to Wilford House, a grade school classmate who lived a short distance away in Corinth. They reconnected in 2019 after each of their spouses had passed away several years earlier. He was a true blessing to her in her later years. She enjoyed introducing Wilford to our family tradition of wearing Christmas pajamas over the last several Christmas mornings.
Janelle was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter, Melanie, husband, Truman, and brother, Jimmy Donald Hasten.
Janelle leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Wilford House, son, Kevin Caldwell and wife, Lynn, of Dallas, granddaughter, Alexandra Moore of Depew, New York, two grandsons, John Robert Caldwell and wife, Liz, of Washington, D.C. and William Hasten Caldwell of Austin and great granddaughter Kyleigh Elizabeth Anglin of Bonham and many other nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Wesley House who were kind to her and cared for Janelle in her last days.
A visitation was held at 10:00 am Monday, July 14, 2025 at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at 11:00 am at Willow Wild Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Wendell Bockman, Jeff Peeler, John Caldwell, William Caldwell, Scott Caldwell and T. Moore.
Any donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice or to First Baptist Church of Bonham.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
Texas 2036 Leads the Way Through Public Policy Advocacy Grounded in Trusted Research and Analysis
Austin, Texas — This year’s Texas Legislature took meaningful steps to shape a more resilient, prepared and ambitious future. In support of these efforts, Texas 2036 demonstrated how its trusted and thoughtful approach to policy work can help lead an agenda that benefits all Texans from an idea through enactment into laws that will shape the state’s destiny through the coming decades.
“Texas 2036 was proud to support our state’s leaders in their work by providing our best-in-class research and analysis, elevating urgent priorities and helping inform proposals with bipartisan support and long-term significance,” said Texas 2036 President and CEO David W. Leebron. “From water infrastructure to workforce pipelines to tackling the housing, health care and childcare affordability challenges facing everyday Texans, this Legislature demonstrated what’s
possible when Texas prepares not just for today or tomorrow, but for decades to come.”
Today, Texas 2036 recaps our session-spanning work this year in “Leading the Way: 2025 Legislative Report,” which can be downloaded here.
Over multiple legislative sessions, Texas 2036 has worked to advance a policy agenda built around smart, effective investments intended to help improve lives and opportunities for all Texans through 2036, the year of Texas’ bicentennial, and beyond.
During the 2025 legislative session, Texas 2036 engaged with legislators at every stage of the legislative process — from convening stakeholder coalitions to providing key testimony, policy briefs and expert insights that informed legislative drafts.
The impact of our work will be felt by future generations, such as:
● Over $22 billion to repair and replace Texas’
aging water infrastructure
● 1.7 million high school students with access to better career-aligned opportunities
● 700,000 community college students across Texas with access to programs more closely aligned with labor market needs
● 230,000 elementary school students with access to tutoring funds to support reading skills and achievement
● 1,841 fire departments in Texas with access to a statewide database of firefighter equipment
“Each measure enacted into law reflects our commitment to building a more prosperous future for all Texans,” Leebron said.
“Collectively, the work accomplished this year in the Legislature represents a strategic approach to ensure Texas’ future remains vibrant for years to come.
We were proud to offer our experience, expertise and hard work in support of this cause.”
Czech firefighters aiding in search efforts following deadly Texas Hill Country floods
KERRVILLE, Texas – A
16-member Czech search and rescue team landed in Texas Sunday to help locate victims still missing from the deadly Hill Country floods of July 4.
The team represents the only foreign unit invited to assist, according to Czech Fire Service Spokeswoman Klára Ochmanová.
The firefighters are part of the Czech Republic’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit, known for aiding global disaster zones. Their visit was organized through a bilateral agreement between the Czech Embassy in Washington and the Texas National Guard.
The team includes dog handlers, rescue dogs, and technical specialists experienced in locating missing persons. Assignments were coordinated with local emergency teams based on real-time needs and terrain assessments.
SPJST is a fraternal benefit society founded by Texans of Czech ancestry in 1897. It is actively raising funds for flood relief and showing support for the Czech firemen.
SPJST President and Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic to the State of Texas Brian Vanicek acknowledges previous Czech aid.
“The Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided financial assistance to the city of West for rebuilding following the massive explosion of a fertilizer warehouse that occurred there in 2013," Vanicek said. He continues with another example. “Again, in 2017, the Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided humanitarian assistance to displaced families in La Grange, Texas, in response to Hurricane Harvey,” Vanicek said.
SPJST responded in kind presenting financial assistance to the town of Hrušky in 2021. The village was one of the hardest struck by a rare and violent multiple-vortex tornado.
Most recently SPJST provided aid to the Czech village of Jesinek this past January following devastating floods. The event is recorded as one of the worst floods in the
Czech Republic’s modern history.
“The mutual relations that have been enjoyed by the Czech Republic and the United States of America are unparalleled in modern history,” Vanicek said. “The positive cooperations between these two independent partners continues to grow, and we remain inseparably bound by common values and shared history.”
The SPJST Flood Relief Fund was initiated Saturday, July 5. SPJST is pooling its donations with Hermann Sons Life to benefit The Community Foundations of the Texas Hill Country.
The charity directs funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts. Donations support those affected by the floods throughout the Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Pointe, and Comfort communities.
For more information on the SPJST Flood Relief Fund or to make a donation, visit spjst.org/cares
Fannin County History: The Road Down Memory Lane
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein, American author
Photos courtesy of the Fannin County Historical Museum three blocks south of the Courthouse Square in Bonham, One Main Street Bonham, Texas 75418 903-583-8042 Visit Facebook: “Fannin County Historical Group”
Savoy Barber Shop Date: Early 1900’s Place: Savoy, Texas
Stirling Edwin McPherson
Stirling Edwin McPherson, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on October 10, 1946, in San Bernardino, California, Stirling’s life was marked by his unwavering commitment to his country, his passion for classic automobiles, and his deeply held faith.
Stirling’s early life in California set the stage for a journey of service and dedication. After completing his education, he answered the call of duty and served with honor in the United States Army. His military service was a defining period of his life, instilling in him a sense of discipline and a love for his nation that he carried with him long after his service ended.
Stirling found his calling as a mill operator at Alumax in Riverside, CA. His work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in everything he did, and he was respected by all who had the privilege to work alongside him. Stirling’s interests were as multifaceted as the
man himself. With a particular fondness for classic cars, he was proud to own a 1951 Chevy truck. He enjoyed going to car shows in his spare time. Stirling ‘s most cherished times were spent with a rod in his hand, fishing with his grandson Morgan.
Travel was another of Stirling’s joys. He relished the opportunity to explore new places and experience different scenery. Stirling was a man of faith, and his beliefs were a cornerstone of his existence. His quiet strength was rooted in his spiritual life, and he found solace and guidance in his religious beliefs.
Stirling was also an avid golfer, finding peace on the green fairways under the open sky. His love for the sport was not about competition but about the pleasure of the game and the camaraderie it brought.
Throughout his life, Stirling’s patriotism never wavered. He was proud of his country and what it stood for, and he was often moved by displays of the American flag and what it represented. His quiet demeanor and a deep-seated love for his homeland, he was the embodiment of the values he held dear.
Stirling is survived by his only child, daughter, Holli Williams and her husband Richard, grandson, Morgan Williams, twin brother, Steven McPherson, and brother, Stanley McPherson. He is preceded in death by wife, Jane McPherson, parents, Bobby and Yvette McPherson, and sister, Jenice Leslie. Go to www.wisefuneralhome.com to sign online condolences.
Christopher Michael Dryden
Christopher Michael Dryden, known affectionately as Chris to his family and friends, passed away unexpectedly on July 13, 2025, at the tender age of 16. Born on November 3, 2008, Chris was a vibrant soul whose enthusiasm for life was infectious to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Chris was entering his junior year at Bonham High School, where he was not only a beloved student but also an avid football player. His passion for the sport was paralleled only by his love for fishing and the great outdoors. Chris’s charisma and his innate ability to uplift others made him a beloved figure among his peers and teachers alike.
With a wisdom that seemed beyond his years, Chris approached every challenge with a smile and often served as a pillar of support for his friends and family. His magnetic personality made him the life of every party, and his presence was a source of joy and laughter that will be sorely missed.
Chris’s love for adventure and the natural world was evident to anyone who knew him. He could often be found exploring the wilderness, rod and reel in hand, ready to reel in his next big catch. The tranquility of nature was a perfect match for Chris’s contemplative side, which allowed him to reflect on life’s wonders and share his insights with those around him. He was also an integral part of a large and loving family, being one of nine siblings. Chris’s role in the family dynamic was unique; he was a confidant, a joker, and a caretaker all rolled into one. His siblings looked up to him, relied on his guidance, and cherished the moments of pure fun and silliness that came so naturally to him.
Chris, you will forever be loved and never forgotten.
He is preceded in death by grandmother, Lori Lacheney. Those left to cherish his memory, parents, Tanya and Adam Deas, Chris Dryden, grandma, Tanya Fraga known (Nanny) and Jesus Fraga, grandparents, Kevin and Inga Posey, siblings, Blake Dryden, Vivian Mace, Isabella Deas, Leia Deas, Juliet Deas, Elijiah Deas, Ezekiel Deas, Jadelyn Fernandez, aunts and uncles, Brianna Gammons and husband Kris, Salena Baker and Marc Brady, Megan Deas and Russell Holloman, Jesse Greenwood, and girlfriend, Aubri Campbell.
The visitation was held Friday, July 18, 2025 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel from 5pm to 7pm. The funeral service was held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 1pm at Lannius Church of God in Dodd City.
God’s Garden God looked around His garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids And whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home
Thank You to Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home For Sponsoring The Obituary Section.
Obituaries Sponsor
Whitewright- 903-364-2215 Leonard – 903-587-3336
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903-965-4244
History, noun :
a record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes.
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein, American author
Mulberry Cemetery
Marker Text: Located approximately two miles south of Red River, Mulberry was established in the early 1880s as a small farming community. One of the first settlers in Mulberry was Civil War CaptainThomas Lightfoot and his family from Alabama, who bought several thousand acres of land along Red River. In 1883, Thomas Lightfoot donated land to the Mulberry community to be used for a cemetery and a one-room school. Eventually, Mulberry school closed and half of its property was sold by D. B. Deupree in 1951 to the cemetery. Joe C. Denton paid for the land as a gift to the community.
The oldest part of the cemetery is located on the north end overlooking Mulberry bottom. The first recorded burial on the property was that of two-year-old Allis May, in 1876. Other early burials date as far back as 1881. In the northwest corner of the original burial ground is the Mexican section shaded with trees. The first Mexican family to come to Mulberry was Ferman and Rossaria Portillo and their three children in 1902. Over the years the community experienced multiple natural disasters which took several lives. Some of these events include: the 1905 flooding of Mulberry bottom, 1919 Mulberry cyclone and the 1959 tornado which destroyed many of the tombstones and cemetery fence. There are several war veterans buried in the cemetery including the only known buried civil war veteran B. F. Mosley. All veterans are honored by the main gate entrance flag pole, which is set in a concrete stand embedded with the veterans of foreign wars emblem. A cross and monument stand on the midpoint between the original burial ground and the site of the old Mulberry school in memory of those lost and unmarked graves.
Fishin’ Report
KID FISHING or Hunting!
Week of July 17, 2025
Bois d’Arc- GOOD. water normal stain; 90 degrees; 0.07 feet above pool. Bass can be caught early in the morning in pond weed with popping frogs, or poppers at the edge of grass. Chatterbaits are fair on points with bushes 3-7 feet. Bass are good with Texas rigs, creature baits or beavers around big timber and old road beds in 3-7 feet. Offshore bite has been slow but pond dams and brush piles, rock piles are fair with Carolina rigs and Texas rigs, big worms, brush Hawgs, or flukes best in 6-18 feet. Report by Marc Mitchell, Mitchell’s 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. a Texoma FAIR. Water stained; 84 degrees; 1.49 feet above pool. Striper fishing is up and down as the water temperatures have risen and the water levels have dropped. There is a lot of bait and fish do not have to try hard right now. Topwaters early and scattered through the day in coves and off points. Live shad is working drifting shallow flats or anchoring on humps in 10-20 feet of water. Catfish are good on ledges and humps in 20-30 feet of water off
18. Discussion and possible action to approve the enrollment of Fannin County into the Texas Association of Counties Cybersecurity Course as required per Texas Government Code §2054.5191 – County Judge. Approved
19. 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 item was passed on to allow for further investigation.
20. Discussion and possible action regarding identifying public safety risks in Fannin County that may lead to catastrophic events and taking appropriate action – County Judge. The Judge and Commissioners discussed identifying public safety risk in the county and the actions that needed to be taken. Flooding and structures constructed in a flood plain were a concern. The county has a Hazard Mitigation Plan that is updated every 5 years. The county and the state will study the risk and develop an assessment and FEMA will re-visit the county’s flood plain map after Lake Ralph Hall and Bois d’Ark are both operational.
21. Discussion and possible action to go out for bid for a 35-ton Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailer –Commissioner Precinct 3.
This item was passed on and not necessary as the bid was under the $50,000.00 limit.
22. Discussion and possible action regarding moving the current Justice Center water meter in order to separate it from the fire water line and to upgrade water line from 1½ inches to 2 inches – Commissioner Precinct 1.
23. Discussion and possible action regarding potential replacement of gas lines at the Justice Center if gas pressure test does not pass – Commissioner Precinct 1. 24. Discussion and possible action regarding installation of steps in courtrooms 1 and 2 at the Justice Center for safe and prompt access to the Judge’s bench; this will include removal of an existing 3’ section of hand rail and framed wall–Commissioner Precinct 1. Agenda items 22, 23 and 24 were combined and approved 3-2 with Judge Cunningham and Commissioner Kopf voting nay.
25. Discussion and possible action to switch weekly Commissioners Court meetings to bi-weekly meetings beginning October
1, 2025 – Commissioner Precinct 3. Fannin County resident
Taryn Nejtek commented “We have tried this in the past, and from what I understand, there were some problems with that, we did have the paying of the bills problem and another issue was that the meetings go so long now, and they did in the past as well. We’re at 2 hours today. Sometimes they do go to 3 hours, and when you cut the weekly meetings in half, then those meetings can sometimes be doubled. So then you have to break for lunch, and you have to come back and reconvene. And then the other thing is that it’s difficult for citizens to remember which week is an on meeting which week is an off meeting.” Commissioner Kopf stated “I feel like I’m more in touch with the public with weekly meetings.”
Commissioner Self said he would like to go bi-weekly meetings. The vote was 3-1 in favor with Commissioner Kopf voting nay and the Judge abstaining.
OPEN DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Open discussion items may be passed on unless
discussion requested by a member of the Court or a Citizen.
26. County policies, ordinances, regulations and enforcement – County Judge
27. Construction; Courthouse repairs and Justice Center – County Judge. Cunningham will continue to withhold a payment of approximately $92,000 to CEC until electrical repairs are completed.
28. County budget and revenue sources –County Judge
29. Fannin County roads and water issues –County Judge 30. Solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and Fire Marshal –County Judge
31. Emergency Medical Services – County Judge. Judge Cunningham reported “We had a meeting with the ambulance service and with a gentleman from the Trenton Fire department to talk through some issues. And I think we’ve got those issues talked through to the satisfaction of the fire chief.”
33. Adjourn
Members of Fannin County Historical Commission, County Commissioners, County Judge. Photo by Lisa Loiselle
Dedication, Perseverance and Honor
By Connie Estes
friend Gloria Howard until Gloria’s passing. Gloria left some personal possessions to Claudia and among those
possessions were several military honors, medals and a flag.
As years went by, Claudia passed away leaving her home to her brother, Albert Brunson.
Mr. Brunson, an Army veteran, was extremely interested in the military history displayed on the walls of Claudia’s home. The items included a Purple Heart, other medals, a uniformed picture of a veteran and a letter of commendation signed by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal.
There was no name attached to any of the military items so Mr. Brunson began a journey to find out the name and to attempt to preserve the veteran’s memory in a forever place. He spoke with several men about
the mystery he was trying to solve. A friend, Terry Alridge, who is a Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient, recommended Mr. Brunson contact Fred Villa of the Prestonwood Veterans Association.
The unknown Navy Veteran’s belongings were given to Terry Alridge and then sent to Fred Villa.
Thinking the veteran was destined to be labeled an Unknown Soldier, one day Mr. Brunson received a call that the name of the veteran had been found. His name was Winfred Wyman Howard, U.S. Navy, World War II. Mr. Howard is buried at
Arledge Ridge Cemetery. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 71. Information from his obituary states
Mr. Howard saw combat on Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian. Mr. Brunson was extremely relieved and thankful for the help. It was a personal celebration of satisfaction.
Winfred Howard’s military honors are now on display in a mobile museum at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano.
The mobile museum will be displayed at the Church’s Veterans Day
luncheon November 11, 2025. It was with deep dedication from one veteran to another that Winfred Wyman Howard’s name was brought to light. Thank you, Albert Brunson, for following through for Winfred “Fred” Howard. Thank you, Mr. Brunson and Winfred Howard, for your service and patriotism.
Sam Rayburn Museum Launches Major Capital Improvement Project Bonham,
Texas—July 14, 2025
Press Release - The Sam Rayburn Museum is pleased to announce the launch of a major capital improvement project. The planned changes to the historic building include essential drainage and foundation repair and maintenance; enhancements to both the main and accessible entrances; and landscaping upgrades. The Rayburn Museum, located in Bonham, Texas, is a division of the Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Although exterior spaces may be impacted by work, the Museum’s public exhibits will be available to visitors. For the duration of the project, the museum’s temporary exhibit space has been converted to staff offices, and the museum will be unable to host traveling exhibits or participate in Bonham’s annual Quilt Hop. As repairs may impact public sidewalks and entryways, the Museum encourages visitors to check the website for related alerts and updates.
“The Rayburn Museum is the most visible and significant representation of Speaker Rayburn’s historical
significance. These upgrades are critical to the preservation of this important public landmark and, by extension, to the legacy of Mr. Sam himself. We are pleased to move from the assessment phase to the implementation phase of the project,” said Don Carleton, executive director of the Briscoe Center. The Sam Rayburn Museum documents the life and career of Samuel Taliaferro Rayburn (1882–1961). Rayburn’s tenure as a US Congressman (from 1913 to 1961) spanned 48 years and eight presidents. Rayburn played a key role in the passage of New Deal leg-
islation and was instrumental in the World War II military effort and era-defining postwar foreign aid programs. He remains the longest-serving House Speaker in American history.
Designed to invoke the aesthetic of our nation’s capital, the Museum and its exhibits give students, families, and visitors the opportunity to learn about the early- to mid-twentieth century Congress. The Museum opened to the public in 1957. Architect Roscoe DeWitt, one of Dallas’s earliest modernists, was chosen to design the library, although Rayburn had extensive input into all aspects of the building’s design. The building is approximately 6,000 square feet, and a majority of the building’s materials were produced in the state of Texas, reflecting
Rayburn’s love of his home state. The centerpiece of the Sam Rayburn Museum is a replica of the formal office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which “Mr. Sam” used as a meeting place when he was in Bonham. The Sam Rayburn Museum was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and became a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 2008.
For more information about the Rayburn Museum and the capital improvement project, please visit the Museum’s website, email rayburn@austin.utexas.edu, or call 903583-2455.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine Only Package Store Permit (Q) by Bonham Cstore LLC (dba) Ezstop17, to be located at 315 S State Highway 121, Bonham, Fannin County, TX 75418. Officer(s) of the said entity: Ramandeep Gill – Managing Member; Jaswinder Randhawa – Managing Member
LEONARD ISD REQUEST FOR BIDS
7/22/25
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.
MOVING SALE
HELP WANTED
EMPLOYMENT
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 AUCTIONS
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.
HELP WANTED Need Part-Time welder and Part-Time Landscape Helper. Call 903-814-8620
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
Building metal buildings, welding experience a plus! Call: 903-436-0555
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for the FOLLOWING POSITIONS
HVAC Technicians, Journeyman 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
ESTATE SALE
large ad on page 3 or Call David for information.
FOR SALE:
900 Amy Way, Bonham Friday & Saturday July 25, 8am - 5pm July 26, 8am - 12pm Furniture, large & small appliances, fixtures, decor, clothing, tools, kayaks and much more.
HUGE SALE
Multi-Family
Wed. - Sat. July 23 - 26
Staying Open Late Hwy 82 / Hwy 56 2 miles East of Bonham. 630 CR 2906, Bonham, TX. Furniture, housewares, clothes, shoes, baby girl items. Look for pictures on Facebook. (Jamie Davis) Last advertised sale was postponed due to weather.
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.
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
7/15/25
7/8/25
500 pc, 750 pc, & 1000 pc puzzles. $4.00 each. Call: 903-449-2673
GARAGE SALES FOR SALE
YARD SALE
301 S. Center St. Bonham
July 24, 25, 26 9am-4pm Jewelry, Glassware, DVDs, Cookbooks, Coins, Lawn mower. Lots of misc. household items.
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.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
Looking for an honest lady companion to spend time with. I am a white male gentleman, 75 year old widower. 903-990-0731
Looking for a lady truck driver who goes by Liz or Elizabeth. 903-990-0731
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
App House Leveling & Foundation repair Pier and Beam/ Slab Foundation/ Small & Large Remodels. 903-227-2860
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.
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.
TOPSOIL & FLEX BASE
6 Yards Topsoil: $200
6 Yards Flex Base: $300 1-½” Crusher Run: $400 PeaGravel: $450 FREE Delivery in Fannin County! Also available: Mulch & other landscape materials. After hours and weekend deliveries available. Call for details! 469-585-9167
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
RICKYJOE’S HANDYMAN SERVICE Nothing I can’t do! Hourly rates available. 430-422-6362
PUBLIC SALE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien. Sale is to be held at HWY 56 Storage Ranch, 8280 TX-56, Savoy, TX 75479 on Saturday, August 9, 2025 @11:30 a.m.
Seller(s) reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. Unit contents sold as is to highest bidder. Property includes the entire contents of the unit and must be removed from the unit by 4:00 p.m. the day of the sale. Nathan Johnson #344 10x10: Items include Bosch washer and dryer, mattress/box springs, and ping pong table.
Dally Daniel #645 5x15
Climate Control: Items include Radio Flyer Rocking Horse, children’s toys, kids play kitchen station, plastic shelves, shower chair, hospital table, garden hose, and misc. items.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Pursuant to Chapter 59, Texas Property Code, Northtown Storage at 416 NW US Hwy 69, Leonard TX 75452 will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will be held at StorageAuctions. com starting July 24, 2025 to August 7, 2025 at 10:00 am. Property being sold includes contents in space listed: Julie Brady, Units B11B12, furniture, household items; Robert Lister, Units D5D20 furniture, misc boxes, golf clubs.
Rick’s Towing LLC will Hold a Public Sale Wednesday July 23,2025 @ 10:00AM Rick’s Towing LLC VSF 103 N Main St, Bonham, TX 75418
9032146552
Items may be sold at any time or date after this posting. 2007 Toyota Camry #7118 2009 Jeep Patriot #7209
REAL ESTATE
FOR RENT
2/2/2/2
Brick home, just repainted. Large bedrooms, walk-in shower in one bath. Den, living room. 2 car garage, large covered patio, fenced, very private back yard & more. $1,600 with $1,400 deposit. 903-267-0074
Available Aug. 1
FOR RENT:
Small 1 bdrm duplex in Honey Grove. No children or pets. $600/mo. + $300 deposit w/references. Refrigerator and stove furnished. Washer / Dryer connections. Call: 903-449-2673
OFFICES FOR RENT: 520 S. Center Bonham, TX 75418
2 offices, bathroom & storage area, Plenty of parking space. $750 per month. (utilities not included) Call or text 903-583-0108.
BillBuysHouses.com
Buying homes As Is Since ‘91. Also buys lots, land & Manuf. Homes 214.478.8979
PINE RUN APARTMENTS
Now taking applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Please call 903-378-7146
Home Country: Slim Randles
In a few days, all those rhymers who lived in Tin Pan Alley back when Gertie was a pup will be fulfilled once again. How’s that you say?
Was a love song ever written that didn’t have both moon and June in it? And the full moon will be here in a couple of days and it is our responsibility to go look at it.
A full moon is probably the basic cause of most superstitions and spooky stories and maybe even a religion or two. And that’s because it shows us our world in an entirely different light than we’re used to. A moon softens the hard edges of our everyday world. It casts a pall of loveliness on rocks and water and even old cowboys. And you know this is another reason so many people are married. In moonlight, even a cholla cactus looks friendly.
Many years ago a few of us from the bunkhouse used to go to a place in the southwest part of Death Valley to catch wild burros. It was legal then, of course. Now keep in mind this is Death Valley in the summer. The lizards only came out at night and they each had a canteen. Yes, it was hot.
So what were supposedly human-type cowboys doing out there in that kind of heat?
Sleeping in the shade of the stock truck. If we could. Because we only went jackassing there during a full moon, and only at night. This limited our burro roping possibilities, of course, because we wouldn’t run our horses through the lava beds or in the shadows. The shadows were pitch black, and those lava beds could turn you and your horse into ground round, and becoming two acres of cowboy burgers didn’t appeal to me.
So we’d hide in the shadows and watch the open valley before us. It was dotted with sagebrush and some other types of puckerbrush, but it was safe to run a horse there.
And soon, here would come the wild burros, wandering out into the valley, and we’d build a loop and come boiling out of there like the dawn of doom.
And if we were successful, we’d lead a wild burro back to the stock truck, talking to them all the time and letting them know that we had no intention of eating them.
One night I roped a little foal, put it up in front of me on the
Puzzle On Page 4
horse, and rode back to the truck. Along the way, I named him Barney. When the sun rose the next morning, I changed HER name to Barneyetta. We were the best of pals for years.
So why does this memory carve so deeply into my soul? Probably because it was done under a full moon. A full moon in the desert makes it almost light enough to read by, and at the same time making ugly objects become steeped in magic and mystery and beauty, even old cowboys.
Don’t miss the full moon. Full moons and baby burros are good for us.
NEED HELP?
Emergency Management
Troy Hudson
903-640-8484
FANNIN COUNTY EMPLOYMENT NOTICE
JOB TITLE: Indigent Healthcare Coordinator
SUPERVISOR: County Judge/Commissioners
SALARY: $20.50 per hour
HOURS: 29 hours per week
BENEFITS: Vacation, PTO, Holiday pay, and Retirement
JOB REQUIREMENTS: Minimum High School diploma, detail oriented, excellent customer service skills, handle pressure and interruptions, must be able to exercise tact and courtesy, pass a criminal background check and travel for training. Prior experience in Medicaid claim processing would be beneficial.
DUTIES: General office duties, process bills using Medicaid fee schedules, interview applicants and determine eligibility.
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
Applications may be found online at www.co.fannin. tx.us and may be submitted to the County Judge at: County Judge’s Office 101 E. Sam Rayburn Drive, Ste. 214 Bonham, TX 75418 or email countyjudge@fanninco.net
7/8/25
Fannin County:
7/22/25
Paris -- Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains counties for the week starting July 14, 2025. These schedules are subject to change 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
SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS
By Rich Hilliard
SAVOY -- Graduation
May took away five seniors who throughout their high school days had a hand in Savoy's success in the gym girls' sports. That fact doesn't dampen former Dodd City multiplesport standout Dani Baccus' outlook, as she elevates from being an assistant to the role of head volleyball coach at Savoy for the upcoming season.
"I’m coming in with several years of volleyball experience," said Baccus, "both as a player and a coach.
"While it’s true Savoy lost a strong senior group," she said, "I see a lot of potential in the returning players and upcoming freshmen.
"There’s talent and work ethic here, and I’m confident we can develop a competitive team that wants to get better every day."
Baccus fills the position previously handled by Rus-
sell Clapp, whose three-year stay included the Lady Cardinals in 2023 in volleyball reaching the area round of the postseason for the first time since 2019 and first bidistrict win since 2017.
"I’m incredibly excited and honored to step into this role," said Baccus. "Coaching at the high school level has always been a goal of mine, and to have the op-
portunity to lead a program is something I don’t take lightly.
"I’m looking forward to growing this team as a whole," she said. "I'm ready to watch these girls bring a version of themselves out that they didn’t know existed. "I'm ready to see these girls succeed while enjoying the game."
Having graduated all but
Trenton's Golightly commits to UT-Tyler to extend s'ball career
Trenton's Addison Golightly takes a lead off third base on Feb. 27 during play in the BellsBonham
in
Trenton's Addison Golightly returns from a trip to the pitcher's circle on April 8 during District 11-2A
Addison Golightly on
media announced her commitment to extend her softball career at the University of Texas at Tyler.
"I am excited and blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic journey at UT Tyler," wrote Golightly in the post. "Softball has been such a huge part of my life, and I'm so thankful for the incredible people who've supported me along the way," she wrote. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my amazing support system my family and teammates for always being there
to encourage, uplift, and believe in me. Thank you for standing by my side through every high and low..." Last spring, Golightly, as a Trenton junior, earned the Catcher of the Year superlative in District 11-2A.
She garnered the 15-2A offensive superlative as a sophomore, after hitting 15 home runs during that season for Trenton.
As a freshman, Golightly made 15-2A's first team as an infielder.
a couple of on-court alldistrict honorable mentions off 2024's bi-district finalist team -- the Defensive Most Valuable Player, a pair of first-team selections and a couple of second-team recipients in the 21-1A awards -- Savoy will be mostly new this season as it prepares for an assured 11th-consecutive postseason.
"It starts with culture," said Baccus. "We’ll focus on hard work, accountability, and a teamfirst mindset.
"I plan to develop each player’s strengths," she said, "and build a great bond on the court.
"We may be a younger team, but that opens the door for new leaders to step up and grow together as a unit."
Baccus brings to the Savoy volleyball helm personal and team success experience in
multiple sports while an athlete at Dodd City, where she was an All-State selection in volleyball, girls' basketball and softball. As a senior, she helped the Lady Hornets reach the volleyball regional finals, before winning State titles in girls' basketball and softball -- the one in roundball to complete an undefeated 32-0 season in 2021.
"My experiences [at Dodd City] taught me the importance of discipline, resilience, and leadership, especially when facing challenges," said Baccus.
"I know what it feels like to be in their shoes," she said.
"We will work everyday to be the best version of ourselves.
"I want to instill in them the same drive and love for competition that helped shape me into the player I was."
Trenton's Dykes to don No. 25 to start Benedictine volleyball career
By Rich Hilliard
Trenton alumna Lexi Dykes will wear No. 25 when she begins her post high school volleyball career next month for Benedictine College (Kan.). The 6-0 freshman middle blocker's career with the Ravens will start on the road Friday, Aug. 15, against Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan.
As a senior, Dykes garnered an all-district honorable mention, as Trenton last fall advanced to the postseason as 10-2A's third-place qualifier at 6-4 and second seed into the Division-II bracket of the Class 2A playoffs. It equated the Lady Tigers' ninth volleyball postseason in the last 10 years. Dykes also equated an all-district honorable mention as a junior, when Trenton reached the playoffs via 11-2A.
Trenton's Lexi Dykes prepares to serve on Oct. 1, 2024, during a District 10-2A volleyball match in Trenton. Photo by Rich Hilliard
HG to defend 9-2A-I title; Falcons, LT also postseason football picks
Story and photos by Rich
Hilliard
Honey Grove, Fannindel and Leonard will extend postseason streaks, per the prognostications in the 2025 summer edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football magazine.
The publication has Honey Grove favored to repeat as the 9-2A-I champion, despite graduation losses -- including having three players extended their careers into the college ranks on National Signing Day -- and having a new head coach in Kyle Little. Stanford commit Ryelan
Morris, a pre-season offensive utility all-state and district Offensive Most Valuable Player pick by the magazine, heads the Warriors who it describes as being amongst a trio of teams "brimming with quickness and making up the upper echelon of contenders" from Region III-2A-I Last fall, Honey Grove (122, 6-0) produced its deepest playoffs run since 1969 by reaching the Region III-2AI final, after winning its first district title since 2012 to start its third-straight postseason.
Meanwhile Fannindel will again take the runner-up
playoffs berth in 10-1A-II -- which the magazine notes as being a "three-way dance" grouping with its play occurring during the final two weeks of the regular season.
Kai Hilliard, noted as "an allregion pick at Sanderson" last season, garnered the publication's Pre-season Offensive MVP designation in 10-1AII, as he and new head coach Jamie Rigdon start their time with the Falcons.
Fannindel, a 4-7 bi-district finalist and 1-1 district runner-up in its return last fall after a rare six-man postseason absence in 2023, welcomes back athlete Kalob Runnels,
who in May won the Class 1A State boys' long jump competition. Additionally, look for Leonard to again advance from 7-3A-II to the postseason, as its fourth place qualifier per the publication. Another advance would equate the Tigers' third-consecutive under head coach Justin Dozier, as the program again vies for its first varsity district title in the sport since 1991.
Leonard finished 6-5 overall and 3-3 in 7-3A-II in 2024, edged out of the playoffs in the bi-district round by Scurry-Rosser, 26-24.
Conversely, Savoy, Trenton and Bonham will miss the postseason, per the magazine's prognostications.
The Cardinals will finish fourth per the publication in the five-team 10-1A-I where, as in all six-man districts, only the top two teams advance to the playoffs.
Savoy in 2024 finished 2-8 overall and 1-3 in 10-1A-I play, in head coach Aaron Stiefer's first season.
The magazine had the Tigers finishing in last place in 6-2AI -- a district it had headed by Wolfe City which includes Kansas State running back commit HD Davis.
Trenton finished 4-6 overall and 1-5 in district play last year. It equated a rare postseason absence season for the Tigers under head coach Josh Shipman -- who has been at their helm for a Fannin County-most seven consecutive football seasons.
The publication also placed head coach John Ramsey's Purple Warriors in last place in the seven-team 5-4A-II -- a district which it described as being "chaos" in 2024. Bonham finished 1-9 overall again and 0-6 in district play in its return to 4A football after a six-season stay in 3A-I.
Then Savoy volleyball assistant Dani Baccus (right of No. 10) joins the Lady Cardinals in listening to then head coach Russell Clapp during a huddle on Sept. 10, 2024, during a home match. Photo by Rich Hilliard
Leonard's Jacoby LaCook (3) will extend his football career beyond his 2025 senior high school season at Harding University (Ark.), per his social media post on June 30.
Honey Grove quarterback Ryelan Morris (4) looks to option the ball on Aug. 22, 2024, during a scrimmage against Bonham inside Warrior Stadium in Honey Grove.
Savoy receiver Rawlee Gibson (2) leaves on a route on Sept. 5, 2024, during non-district football on the Robert F. Hodges Field in Savoy.
Bonham's Jaelynn Richards (9) fights for yards on Sept. 20, 2024, during the Purple Warriors' Homecoming game against Ponder inside Warrior Stadium.
Trenton's Jayden Keys (20) fights for yards on Sept. 6, 2024, during the Tigers' home non-district game against Chico.
Fannindel's Kalob Runnels carries the football on Sept. 5, 2024, during non-district football on the Robert F. Hodges Field in Savoy.
Story and photos by Rich Hilliard
Trenton's
July 11 on social
Softball Tournament
Bonham.
softball in Ector.
lost income or saw wages drastically cut. This led to widespread poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
Impact on Families: Many families struggled and adapted by embracing frugality. They rationed food, used hand-medown clothing, and relied on skills like canning and gardening.
Those were the days of “Ten Cent Farm Sales.” If farmers couldn’t pay their mortgages or their taxes, farms were repossessed and sold at public auction. Neighbors would congregate and bid everything at ridiculously low prices (ten cents for mules or horses, a nickel for a plow, $1/ acre for land) and outsiders were rudely persuaded not to outbid them. Then the property would be given back to the farmer as neighborhoods stood together to withstand the crisis. Hoovervilles and Migrations: As people lost their homes, shantytowns called “Hoovervilles” sprang up across the nation. Farmers in the Dust Bowl region, hit by drought and dust storms, were forced to leave their land and migrate west in search of work, often to California. Increased Reliance on Charities: With limited government relief, churches and charities tried to fill the gap, but the need far outstripped their resources.
Strain on Families: The psychological toll of the Depression was immense, leading to family breakdowns and an increase in suicide rates.
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