Leonard Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is celebrating its first year of meeting criteria for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Texas Optimization Program (TOP) recognition.
caused by suspended particles, also lowers the risk of disease-causing microorganisms in the plant.
TOP is a non-regulatory, voluntary program that requires water treatment plants to continuously meet more stringent turbidity levels than required by state regulations. Decreasing turbidity, which is cloudiness
Mason T. Miller, TCEQ Source Water Protection Specialist, presented the Leonard WTP team with a certificate, patches and a flag. He noted that out of about 320 conventional surface water treatment plants in the state, only 22 participated in TOP program – representing just 7% of all such facilities statewide.
Jeffery Striplin, NTMWD
Assistant Water System Manager, recognized the hard work and dedication it took from the Leonard WTP team to get the plant commissioned and optimized to meet TOP criteria while treating water from Bois d’Arc Lake, which started providing water in 2023.
“This plant getting the TOP recognition so early in its commissioning was a really proud moment for all of us,” he said. “It’s a brand-new plant and a new water source.
We had a lot of first-time operators among our staff. The supervisors here at the plant getting that staff up to where they needed to be with the necessary knowledge and technical skill was just amazing, and so are the accomplishments they were able to achieve so early with this plant just starting up.”
Leonard Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Adam Baugh now strives to meet the next milestone, five years of continuously meeting
the monthly TOP criteria. He said working at Leonard WTP has been a unique set of both challenges and rewards. “I have thoroughly enjoyed starting this facility up because I’ve always been a fan of science,” said Baugh. “It is a great honor to get a chance to do this. Not many people in water treatment get the opportunity to start a new facility with a new water source. It poses a lot of challenges, but at the same time, when things line up the way they should with water quality, it’s a very gratifying experience.”
Fannin County Commissioners Meeting
•Courthouse Repairs Dominate Commissioners Court
By Tim Meek
The Fannin County Commissioners met on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM for a regular meeting of the Fannin County Commissioners Court. Quorum was established with all four Commissioners and Judge Cunningham present
5. Public Forum
ROUTINE ITEMS:
6. Approve payment of bills – County Auditor. Approved
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
7. Submittal of 2025/2026 Proposed Budget – County Judge. All five members of the Court have copies of the 2026 proposed budget and are still making changes which can be done until the day of adoption.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS:
8. Discussion and possible action to declare a Sheriff’s patrol unit as surplus to be sold at auction; 2019 Ford Explorer` – Sheriff Shook. Approved
9. Discussion and possible action to approve moving an unused, full-time dispatch position to a clerk position in the Sheriff’s Office; no change in budget or pay rate – Sheriff Shook. Approved
10. Discussion and possible action to approve Proclamation stating August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month – County Judge. Approved
11. Discussion and possible action regarding Interlocal Agreement with the City of Ladonia relating to law enforcement – County Judge. Passed on this agenda item until next week
12. Discussion and possible action to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Tyler Technologies for the utilization of eCourtDate, an email and text-based reminder system, through the Office of Court Administration for all Justice of the Peace offices; $1,500.00 – JP3, Kenny Karl. Approved
13. Discussion and possible action regarding potential change orders at the Justice Center, #020 (CC-Scope Gap for Sidewalk Subgrade) $19,400.00, Contractor Contingency, and #022 (Reparations of the Existing Roof) $22,079.00, Owner Contingency– County Judge. Approved
14. Discussion and possible action regarding H&G Systems HVAC Service contract for yearly maintenance – Purchasing Agent Julie Criswell with Facilities Coordinator Ruben Moreno. Passed on this agenda item until next week
15. Discussion and possible action to approve 2025-005 RFP- Justice Center Furniture Proposal Requests – Purchasing Agent. Approved
16. Discussion and possible action to approve compensating Chief Clerks at Justice of the Peace Precincts 2 and 3 for cleaning their offices – Purchasing Agent. Not Approved
Discussion and possible action to
Mac 10-Wheel Dump Truck from Red
Kopf
19. Discussion and possible action to set a hearing on September 9, 2025 at 8:50am regarding No Thru Truck Traffic on County Roads 1105 and 1215 – Commissioner Precinct 1. Approved
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. Judge Cunningham commented “We talked about taking a hard look and doing a risk assessment county wide. It’s something that Troy Hudson has traditionally done. The State has traditionally done it. I want everybody to be aware of that. I don’t think it hurts to take another look at it. We need to be looking at it continually” The Judge then discussed the state program called THIRA which stands for Threatened Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. He said “the county needs to do it. The citizens need to do it. The cities need to do it. There’s a report out there that was done in 2024. That goes into detail and deals with different threat scenarios. We’ve been going through trying to figure out what we can do in case there’s a problem with the BESS facility. Troy is in the middle of that. Both Troys (Commissioner Waggoner) are in the middle of that. We want to make sure our citizens are safe.”
21. Discussion and possible action to change the Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Commissioners Court to Monday, August 18, 2025 at 9:00am – County Judge. Approved OPEN DISCUSSION ITEMS: Open discussion items may be passed on unless discussion requested by a member of the Court or a Citizen. 22. County policies, ordinances, regulations and enforcement – County Judge 23. Construction; Courthouse repairs and Justice Center – County Judge. Judge Cunningham reported that he had received an e-mail from Doug Pritchard,
the general counsel for CEC, the electrical contractor. Judge Cunningham said “I have entered into a memorandum of understanding with him. Back in September of 2023.
That was on the 12th day of September, and in that memorandum he agreed that we would have a tolling of the statute of limitations so he could do repair work, and we wouldn’t sue him. The Commissioners Court at that time had given me permission to sue contractors who hadn’t performed. I was told that all the contractors were off the hook that they had performed, I met with the attorney for CEC, he said. You’re right, we’ll fix. We’re contractually obligated to fix what we didn’t take care of.
The State of Texas, came in and said, Yep, you didn’t take care of it. You got a problem.
The State of Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations opened up a case on this.
The agreement says we can sue them tomorrow until this agreement has been done away with. They had legal responsibility, even though I was being told they didn’t have legal responsibility. Don’t listen to people who aren’t representing the county for advice as to what the law is.”
The letter indicated the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration has issued a notice of violation and penalty against the master electrician. Cunningham said “Now, don’t tell me there’s nothing wrong with this courthouse.
Don’t tell me there’s nothing wrong with the electric, State of Texas, feels it is, and I’ve got a contractor who’s willing to fix it. I plan on moving forward and having him fix it. Ruben Moreno held firm and said, This has got to be fixed, it needs to be done. What do we do? We attack him for having overtime and trying to supervise the repair of the courthouse? Okay, that’s all I have to say on this particular issue, except I’m going to get them to do the repairs, and I don’t need people telling them that they don’t have to do it.” Commissioner Fogelberg said “I don’t know who’s told them they don’t have to do them, and I don’t know why you think that we hadn’t been saying, go to TDLR, we don’t have to grandstand about it. That’s our job” Judge Cunningham responded “I’m telling you guys, if I had taken certain people’s advice and taken their advice that there was no liability here. The county would be out hundreds of thousands of dollars. And I have worked on this since 2023 to try to get this courthouse fixed, and I’ve met with consistent resistance. And if I get zealous about the thing, that’s the reason why. And the new commissioners. You know, I think I’ve listened to you guys say it’s an old courthouse.
Paris, Texas -- Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting August 4, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
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.
for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and
The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic
on 6/23/2025.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek
was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. Traffic will be required to detour onto CR 2815 & CR 2865 while the bridge structure is being replaced.
FM 68, from SH 78 to FM 271. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 28 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 78, from US 82 to the Oklahoma State line.
Watch for daytime shoulder closures and occasional daytime lane closures as workers install sloped-end treatments on drainage structures and replace bridge rail and guardrail.
FM 121 and FM 1629
Intersection. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat operations at the intersection. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1629, from SH 121 to SH 78. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic.
serve customers until 1950. The structure’s Romanesque revival style reflects 19th century architectural trends, while elements such as the knee-brace eave brackets reveal 20th century influences. Directions: 1 Main Street, Bonham
Commissioners
Continued from page 3
There are things that just need to be accepted. And I think that’s on the record. And I’ve told you consistently. No, we need it fixed. We need it right. We need to get what we paid for. And today, ladies and gentlemen we haven’t gotten what we paid for, and is my intention, despite my budget being cut back, despite my people being singled out to people on my team.” Commissioner Kopf responded “Hold on a minute, sir. You need to calm down a little bit now you’re getting me upset. Okay, let me tell you something about Ruben. If he has to be here when they’re here, working after hours, change his hours. So it’s not overtime. Have you come in at noon and work from midnight or whatever. Okay, there’s ways to get around paying people over attacking me because I’m against overtime.” Judge Cunningham responded “I will agree with you. But I’m telling you this that if Ruben puts in $200 worth of overtime, and it results in $50,000 savings to the county. It’s worth it.” Kopf responded back “It is worth it, Judge, but he put in $5,000 worth overtime. Not 200.”
Judge Cunningham continued with “When I sit here and tell you we got problems with this courthouse. Don’t listen to somebody on the street saying we don’t. We can’t go after it, anyway.”
Commissioner Self responded “You had ICON look at it in 2023.” Cunningham responded to Self “Okay, sir. I realize you would like there to be nothing wrong with this courthouse. I understand that.
And I understand why.” Self asked “Why?” Cunningham responded “Because you were indicted” Self answered back “Oh, I was. Wonder why?” Judge responded “I wonder why, too, I think a grand jury determined that you were culpable, actually appeared to be culpable.” Commissioner Fogelberg asked “Didn’t a judge say he wasn’t?” Judge Cunningham responded “No, a judge did not say he wasn’t a DA from Dallas, a Democratic DA decided to dismiss the charges.” This agenda item continued further when Commissioner Fogelberg brought up a recent article in The Leader by Judge Cunningham. “The piece you put in the paper, said a couple of months ago you said the county couldn’t spend enough money to fix the roads. And now your position is that the money would have been wasted if we spent it. But now you want to go with a road engineer, and that’s going to cost way lots more money, and it’s not fit for this county. I’m thinking our county may not can afford you judge” Cunningham responded “We need unitization, we need a county engineer. We need someone who understands grade. We need somebody who understands road surfacing drainage. And right now we don’t have people who understand that problematic, and we don’t get them fixed.” Commissioner Waggoner responded “you have no clue what you’re talking about right now. Just because you’re on the Highway Commission. don’t mean you understand grade either.” The discussion then moved to the Justice Center project. Commissioner Waggoner said “I’ve got a few
things about the Justice Center I need to talk about. Okay, well, whether you like it or not. We do need some cell phone boosters out there, because that’s a metal building. And you’re not going to be able to get cell phone signal in that building.
Then there’s also Internet service with fiber optic lines that need to be run underground before we get the parking lot done. And that has never been talked about at all during this whole thing,” Judge Cunningham responder “Okay, well, here’s the thing, gentlemen, we have an engineer and an architect that puts this together with Crossland, our contractor, at risk. If we got questions, let’s take those to them. That’s the 1st time I’ve ever heard that, and I’ve been talking to the architect and engineer and Dustin for some time. And Troy you’re on the committee with me, and you haven’t brought these things up to the committee. The OAC committee” Waggoner responded “I’ve just recently found out that none of this has been talked about.”
Cunningham responded “Okay. well, when did you tell me about it? 1st time you brought it up to me is here. Let’s quit the posturing. Let’s try to get the work done.”
Waggoner responded “Well, let’s talk about that, too, because you do the same thing to all of us all the time.”
Fogelberg commented “In the paper every week.” Judge Cunningham said “What else do we have to say about the Justice Center? Let’s get it all out there. I want the public to be aware of any issues, and we need to address the issues.” Commissioner Kopf
interrupted the conversation to say “I think we should bring professionalism back to this Commissioners Court. And it’s gotten way out of hand. We need to start acting like professionals up here. We’re not. We need decorum. So we all need to settle down, need to stop losing our tempers. We need to look at everything as businessman. We need to leave our emotions aside at this court with professionalism.” Cunningham responded “I agree with you. 100%, and I will attempt to accomplish that.” Judge Cunningham then reiterated the e-mail he received from Doug Pritchard, the general counsel for CEC. Commissioner Fogelberg then said “That’s nothing we hadn’t been asking for. I mean, that’s yeah, I’m proud you got that letter, Judge. Do you want me to pat you on the back, that make it better? Cunningham responded “Well, I’ve been doing this since 2023 against opposition.”
24. County budget and revenue sources – County Judge
25. Fannin County roads and water issues –County Judge
26. Solar, wind, battery energy storage systems and Fire Marshal – County Judge
27. Emergency Medical Services – County Judge
EXECUTIVE SESSION(S) AND ACTION IF NEEDED: Commissioners Court went into Executive Session to discuss personnel issues including purchasing and auditor’s office. No action was taken in executive session. Adjourn
Attention Fannin County Elected Officials
All Fannin County Commissioners and elected officials are invited and encouraged to submit updates from their Precinct or County Office weekly, bi-weekly or quarterly. Publication is free as a service to Fannin County residents to keep the voters informed. Please e-mail them to fcleditor2020@gmail.com or fcltimmeek@gmail.com
By Kevin Smartt, CEO of TXB
Courtesy Photo
Sherry Capehart Dean is from Bonham, and it shows.
Her authenticity is a reflection of the place she came from, a place that doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Neither does Sherry. She’s thoughtful, dependable, and never looks for the spotlight. Over the last 35 years, she has brought those same qualities into every part of her work at TXB (Kwik Chek).
She started with us in 1990 when we were still “Kwik Chek,” just 15 stores to our name. After graduating from the class of 1989, she stayed with us as we grew to have more than 50 stores across Texas and Oklahoma. Sherry has seen every step of that growth and stayed committed to the company through it all. No matter the change in technology, branding, or leadership, her work ethic has remained the same. When we talk about how our business has changed over the years, she will typically mention something related to her hometown. Something she learned from one of the teachers or a situation she managed with the same calm demeanor that the mentors around her had when she was a kid.
As executive administrative assistant, she knows the ins and outs of business, from onboarding employees to planning fundraiser events that benefit local community groups. If you know her, this probably checks out. Sherry is someone you can always count on. She listens closely, follows through, and remembers what matters to people. Over the years, that consistency has built lasting trust with coworkers, clients, and customers alike. Rural Texans are built
strong. Sherry is a breast cancer survivor who has also lost two children and adopted another. Through it all, she kept showing up and she kept choosing kindness. Having worked with her for so long, I can tell you that she has a deep empathy that you can feel just by being around her. She raised her daughter, Addison, through many of these hardships, and many of us remember Addison napping under Sherry’s desk when she was little. A moment like that says a lot. Not just about the culture here, but about the way Sherry leads. She doesn’t separate work and life in a strict way. She brings her full self to both, helping others feel like they could too.
Sherry’s personal story has had a ripple effect on TXB, where we’ve raised over $1 million for nonprofits like CASA and Women Rock. When we have long hours to run these events, like our annual golf and fishing tournaments,
and campaigns to support veterans, first responders, and flood victims, Sherry is right here, putting her personal connection into the mission.
At TXB, we talk about leaving people better, and Sherry lives that every day. When we rebranded Kwik Chek to TXB, we picked a name that represented authenticity, hospitality, and integrity and a slogan, Leave ‘em Better. But as I’m sure you can guess by now, Sherry doesn’t need a slogan to live those out.
privileges, I’ve learned that the people who shape this company the most aren’t usually in the headlines. They’re the ones who show up as their authentic selves and care enough to strive to make a positive impact. Sherry is one of those people.
In my role, I’ve had the chance to sit on national boards and be recognized by the industry. Through these
All those years ago, Bonham shaped Sherry, and over the last 35 years, she’s shaped us.
took place throughout 1967 in many U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.
In 1967, Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show were
the two most popular TV programs, The Graduate was the most popular film, and The Arrangement was the most popular fiction book.
During July and August, race riots erupted in over 150 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Newark, New York City, Rochester, and Toledo.
First envisioned in 1964, the Boeing 737 took its first flight from Boeing Field in Seattle with test pilots Brien Wygle and Lee Wallick at the commands. n June, Israel fought and won the Six-Day War against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. The Wilson Center confirms that “In those six days, Israel defeated three Arab armies, gained territory four times its original size, and became the preeminent military power in the region. The war transformed Israel from a nation that perceived itself as fighting for survival into an occupier and regional powerhouse.” Dr. Cristian Barnard performed the first successful heart transplant in South Africa.
The Green Bay Packers won Super Bowl I, the St. Louis Cardinals were the World Series champs, and the Toronto Maple Leafs clinched the 50th Stanley Cup.
At the 1967 Academy Awards, A Man for All Seasons won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
The world’s first automated teller machine (ATM) was “ceremoniously unveiled” at a Barclays bank branch in Enfield, northern London.
Consumer products launched in 1967 included the Big Mac, Close-Up toothpaste, Fantastik cleaning products, Fiddle Faddle, Gatorade, Ho Hos, minicassettes, pizza rolls, Product 19 breakfast cereal, Twix candy bars, and Ultra Brite toothpaste.
Average house price (1)
$19,892 Gallon of gas 33c Philco Color television
$299.95 20 cigarettes
33c Posting a letter 5c Eggs (dozen) 49c
offer. We remain focused on redefining healthcare for patients in our region and across the two states that we proudly serve, now and into the future,” says Sean T. Dardeau, FACHE, CEO of Texoma Medical Center.
This year, U.S. News announced 504 Best Regional Hospitals across 49 states and 95 metro areas that have demonstrated superior outcomes. Texoma Medical Center was also recognized as a Best Hospital for Community Access and high performing in eight procedure and condition areas including: Heart Failure, Heart Arrhythmia, Congestive Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, Kidney Failure, Pneumonia, Stroke, and Pacemaker Implantation.
“TMC’s recognition on the U.S. News and World Report list of Best Hospitals reflects the dedication and commitment given by each person affiliated with our hospital system and is a testament to the comprehensive services and advanced procedures we
U.S. News evaluated more than 4,400 hospitals across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions; only 13% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation.
“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder at U.S. News. “With a ‘Best Hospital’ recognition, Americans, in consultation with their medical providers, can confidently choose a regional hospital known for providing superior care for their specific illness or condition.”
To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News analyzed each hospital’s performance based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings meth-
The HOPE Program Recycle!
The HOPE Program provides local GED classes at NO COST.
FREE!
How do we do it you ask?
This is possible due to the donations and support from our community.
Our Recycling Fundraiser is a Win Win for everyone. Benefiting the people of Fannin County.
The HOPE Program
Recycle Old computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, VCR's, DVD's, power tools, medical equipment, audio equipment, electronics, cameras, vacuums, small appliances, sporting goods. Items can be in any condition & do not have to working.
Items may be donated any time of the year. Contact Corey Baker @ 903-583-7446
Thursday Evenings 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Free Meal Included
Is Celebrate Recovery For Me?
Celebrate Recovery offers a person the opportunity to participate in a group where love and hope combine with God’s purpose to mend our lives. Ask yourself:
• Are there things in my life that I do to hurt others?
• Is there something I wish I could live without?
• Is there something in my life that has gotten out of control?
• Do I have a habit or hang-up from which I need to be freed?
Located at Calvary Baptist Church • 913 S. 5th St. Bonham, TX cbcbonham.org/celebraterecovery Email: info@cbcbonham.org
6/2/20
An Opportunity For Kingdom Work
Calvary Baptist Church Bonham, Texas
For many, fall is a favorite season as the leaves begin to change colors, cooler breezes begin to blow from the north, and the Friday night lights at the stadium shine brightly on our Purple Warriors. It is also a time for gratitude, reflection, and preparation.
Yet, for the church, the fall season represents far more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters. It is a profound opportunity for kingdom work—a divine invitation to sow seeds, nurture growth, and reap a spiritual harvest.
Plans are now underway for our next “Breaking Chains Tent Revival!” The dates are September 28 – Oct. 1. Mark your calendars now. You just don’t want to miss it! Adam and Julie West of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo will be leading our worship. I am currently waiting on the confirmation for the revival preacher. Please begin to pray daily for many souls to be saved and the hearts of believers in our church and community to be set ablaze. Remember, our primary purpose is to “make disciples.” (Matthew 28:19) We are “not ashamed of the Gospel
of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16) Proverbs 11:30 declares, “…he who wins souls is wise.” The fields are certainly “white unto harvest. (John 4:35). We are currently developing plans to prayer walk and hang invitations on all the doors in South Bonham in September! It has been some years since we have done this, and our community has certainly changed dramatically recently, hasn’t it? Hey, lets’ “Fall for Jesus!” For His Glory, Lyn and Lissa
The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things
By Tom Russell, Minister Northside Church of Christ, Bonham
The quotation in the title is from Jeremiah 17:9, and in its entirety reads, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” I conduct counseling sessions regularly with individuals, couples, and families. In these sessions, the issues may vary, but a common problem is that some, or all, are being directed by their heart. The word “heart” is used in our passage to represent feelings and intentions that, apart from the guidance of God, are
untrustworthy.
The Lord goes on to say in verse 10, that He “searches the heart and tests the mind to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds”. The question is, how do we produce good “fruit” that pleases God? God provides the answer in vs. 7: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.” God, through Micah, told His people long ago what He truly required of them and all people, when He said, “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God”. This manner of life and decision-making
not only provides a wonderful relationship with God, but it also provides us with direction and blessing through His guidance.
Following God and not the heart enables us to avoid so many conflicts, storms, and conflagrations in life, and for those that are unavoidable, we have the resources to negotiate the safest passage. Look to the word of God and those able to provide wise, godly counsel, and not the desire and counsel of your heart, for “the heart is deceitful above all things.”
Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover
Hello everyone!
I’m sure we’ve all heard or used this expression at least once in our lives. We see a great example of this in 1 Samuel 16:7. We see that the prophet Samuel was sent by God to search for a new king to anoint over Israel. We see here that he is examine the sons of Jesse. When Samuel first lays his eyes on the oldest son, Eliab, he makes the assumption that he must be the one chosen by God. This assumption was based on his outward appearance and strength. Because of this assumption, Samuel thought Eliab would fit the role of a king more perfectly, but God corrects his assumption by giving him a profound truth. God tells Samuel not to consider outward beauty, physical strength, or even charisma. Even though these
qualities in someone can be good, they do not determine a person’s worth or calling in God’s sight. Eliab looked the part in Samuel’s eyes, but God had already decided that he wasn’t the chosen one. Many times, our tendency is to judge others based solely on their appearance, social status, wealth, or what have you. However, the Lord’s perspective is much deeper than we can ever comprehend. The lesson we can take from this verse is that God doesn’t evaluate us based on outward appearance; He looks at our character, motives, integrity, and faith. These qualities, although unseen to the human eye, matter more to Him than our social status or image. We tend to focus on the qualities in someone that look good or seem impressive, but God sees
our hearts.
Jamie Turner and Ron Hamilton wrote this classic hymn that comes from the message in this verse.
“Our God measures man By a standard divine For He sees underneath Ev’ry outward design He looks past possessions And costly attire He studies the heart-Every thought and desire For the eyes of the Lord Are searching to and fro We have no secrets That our God does not know Our Father knows our thoughts. He understands every part. Man sees the outside But God sees the heart.”
Bro. Josh Stevenson
Recognizing The Enemy
By Mike Dickison Minister for the Ivanhoe Church of Christ
All of humanity has an enemy. It is not violence, although that is a side effect. It is not hatred, although that is a side effect. It is the single most diabolical mind that the world has ever known, and he has a name; the Devil. Jesus refers to him as “the enemy” (Matthew 13:39). Peter was inspired to name him as the “adversary the Devil” (1 Peter 5:8). We must recognize this enemy, because eternity hangs in the balance. The Devil is on a mission. He “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He is gathering followers to disobey God. Jesus told some of the Jews that “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). Those that follow the Devil become his children. Paul told Elias, after he tried to “turn away the deputy from the faith” (Acts 13:8), “O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10). We are informed by John that “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).
How does Satan, the Devil, work?
God’s word teaches us that Satan is trying to get “an advantage of us” and that “we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Satan tries to “LURE” us away from God. James writes, “know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Satan also attempts to “COAX” us to turn against God. Satan told the Lord that if God would “touch all that he hath, and he, Job, will curse thee to thy face” (Job 1:11). When Job did not curse God, Satan told the Lord “But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face” (Job 2:5). When that didn’t work, Satan changed tactics and tried to coax Job by his wife. Job’s wife said “unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). Sometimes the Enemy will THREATEN us. David writes, “Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me” (Psalm 55:3). The Devil also uses PERSECUTION. Jesus wrote to the church at Smyrna, “behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). The apostle Paul wrote that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer per-
secution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
David describes persecution “the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead (Psalm 143:3).
Satan also uses people against themselves. We are drawn away from God “of ‘our’ own LUST, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15). Peter writes that we are to “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11).
Our Enemy also uses “SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). Even governments can do wickedly and follow the paths of Satan. In the days of Moses, Pharoah/ Egypt was turning the Israelites into idolaters according to Exodus 32:24. In the days of Daniel, the jealous presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel “concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:4-5). We are told to “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Let us not be the enemy, but that we may “tell you the truth” (Galatians 4:16), and “lie not against the truth” (James 3:14). Let us be “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Let us obey the only true and living God.
CHURCH
When: Sun. 10:30am. Wed. 7:00pm
Where: 1190 Hwy 56 W. Bonham.
Pastor: Steven Luton, 903-583-4346
Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
12-18-18
1/21/25
Leonard First Assembly of God, 108 Pecan Leonard, Texas 469-450-9777
Allen’s Point Baptist Church 310 CR 2775 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903378-7038
Bailey Bible Baptist Church 205 Leslie Bailey, Texas 75413
Bethlehem Baptist Church “The House of Bread” 1415 Franklin Avenue, Bonham, TX 7541 Office: 903-583-8061
Bois D’Arc Creek Cowboy Church Hwy 121 & Edhube Road 903-583-1671
Boyd Baptist Church 3707 St. Hwy. 78 N Bonham, Texas Phone (903) 583-7288
Calvary Baptist Church 913 S. 5th St Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-3910
Central Baptist Church (Fundmental, Independent) 709 Union Ave. Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 505-4124
Ivanhoe Baptist Church 4063 NO.FM 273 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 (903)583-2359
Lamasco Baptist Church 346 CR 2615 Telephone, Texas 75488
Corinth Baptist Church 277 CR 1150 N. of Bonham on Highway 78 903 583 2750
Dial Baptist Church 16816 FM 1550 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903-378-7070
Duplex Baptist Church 313 CR 2102 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-664-3175
Edhube Baptist Church 595 FM 2815 Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-2840
Elwood Baptist Intersection of CR 2125 and CR 2544 near Ivanhoe, Texas
Faith Independent Baptist Church 12676 W Hwy 82 Savoy, Tx 75479 903-965-5517
First Baptist Church of Bailey PO Box 221 Bailey, Texas 75413 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Bonham 710 N. Center Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Dodd City PO Box 47 Dodd City, Texas 75438-0047 (903)583-4465
First Baptist Church of Honey Grove PO Box 124 Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (903)378-2768
First Baptist Church of Ladonia 301 East Main Ladonia, Texas 75449-100 (903)367-7038
First Baptist Church of Leonard 100 East Thomas St. [PO Box 1146] Leonard, TX 75452 (903) 587-2250
First Baptist Church of Pecan Gap PO Box 100 Pecan Gap, Texas 75469 (903)359-6683
First Baptist Church of Randolph PO Box 14 Randolph, Texas 75475 (903)583-6900
First Baptist Church of Savoy .O. Box 177 Savoy, Texas 75479 (903) 965-4160
First Baptist Church of Trenton PO Box 157 Trenton, Texas 75490 (903)989-2319
First Fannin Baptist Hispanic Church Rt. 4 Box 10 Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-5727
Gober Baptist Church P.O. Box 82 Wolfe City, Texas 75496 (903) 583-2378
Grace Reformed Baptist Church 2800 10th St Honey Grove TX gracerbcbonham.com
Little Bethel Baptist Church PO Box 63 Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7708
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Rt 1 Box 101B, PO Box 73, Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7009
New Home Baptist Church 1300 N Maple St. Bonham 903-583-4509
Joyful Light Baptist Church 4695 FM 2645 Savoy, TX 75418 903-436-5440
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 1409 W. Market St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (615) 448-8802
New Zion Baptist Church 627 County Road 1265 Bonham, TX 75418 903-961-2027
Pilgram Rest Baptist Church 703 Agusta St. Trenton, Texas
Ravenna Baptist Church 100 Elm Street Ravenna, Texas 75476
Rising Son Cowboy Church 1526 CR 2010 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-640-3377
Sandy Baptist Church Ravenna, Texas 75476 (903) 583-9546
Seventh & Main Baptist Church 617 N. Main Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-8679
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church 601 S. 4th St. Bonham, TX 469-207-1141
Telephone Baptist Church located on FM 273 in Telephone Office phone: 903-664-2377
Primera Iglesia Baustia Hispana 1134 FM 273 Bonham, Texas 75418 903-583-5727
Trinity Baptist Church 219 W. Denison Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-3388
Valley Creek Baptist Church 3615 FM 896, Leonard, TX 75452 903-587-2386
Westside Baptist Church 912 W. Commerce St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 903-249-2987
Windom Baptist Church 203 1st Street Windom, TX 75492 (903) 623-2215
Wild Horse Creek Cowboy Church 2992 CR 2285 Telephone, Texas 75488 903-486-1630
(903)
Trenton's Boone to don No. 54 to start S'western football days
By Rich Hilliard
Trenton's Braden Boone will wear No. 54 as he extends his football career into the next level for Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Boone, who is listed on the Pirates' roster as a 6-2 280 offensive lineman, will start his collegiate playing days on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 6 p.m. at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas.
Family Care Clinic, 2105 N Center St, Bonham, TX 75418 8/5/25 Alumnus, younger Trompler to lead Bonham XC program in '25
By Rich Hilliard
Bonham begins its cross country high school and
seasons this month with a new head coach.
Kade Trompler, a 2017 alumnus, takes over the program, following head coach and dad Kevin Trompler's retirement following the 2024-25 school year.
"I'm honored to take over this cross country program here at Bonham," said the younger Trompler. "The program has had some success the past few years and I look forward to continuing that tradition.
"It's very special having the opportunity to continue to be a head coach at my alma mater," he said, "and I look forward to helping continue to make Bonham High School a special place to be!"
The Warriors won back-to-back 11-3A boys' varsity cross country titles in 2021 and 2022 and finished as the same district's runner-up the following year. Bonham has also qualified runners individually as medalists for regional competition.
Two contributors to that recent success extended their careers into the collegiate level with signings in 2024: Gavin Collier (Rockford University (Ill.), spring) and Hunter Horton (Dallas Baptist University, winter).
Following his days as a Bonham multiple sport participant -- football, baseball and track -Trompler likewise extended his athletics career beyond high school He did so in track at the University of Texas at Tyler from which he graduated in 2021. Trompler, who will be assisted by new hire Homer Garner, returned to coach at Bonham in 2022, after a year as a middle school coach in Plano Independent School District.
Bonham, which moved back into Class 4A starting with the 2024 fall semester after a sixseason stay in 3A, will begin its 2025 junior high and high school seasons on Saturday, Aug. 16, with a meet in Sulphur Springs. Running will start at 7:50 a.m.
As a senior, Boone in District 6-2AI earned second-team notoriety as an offensive lineman and an honorable mention on the defensive line. In 2023, he equated a 6-2A-I secondteam selection on the offensive line.
HG's Morris garners Stanford full athletic scholarship offer
By Rich Hilliard
Honey Grove standout Ryelan Morris' future football days at Stanford University (Calif.) have gotten better.
Morris, a senior, has received a full athletic scholarship offer from the Division-I school, per an announcement post on his social media on Aug. 1. The offer encompasses "cost of attendance including tuition, room, board, required textbooks, and compulsory fees", per the received letter from Stanford Morris posted.
Morris, who announced his commitment to Stanford on
Fannin programs to meet on '25 volleyball season opening night
By Rich Hilliard
Meetings between Fannin volleyball programs including varsity teams will be amongst the match ups on Tuesday, Aug. 12, as the 2025 regular season starts. Opening matches involving only Fannin programs include: Leonard at Bonham, JV2/JV/V, 4:30 p.m.; Ector at Sam Rayburn, 5 p.m.; Savoy at Trenton, JV/V, 5 p.m. Meanwhile, Dodd City will travel to Paris' Trinity Christian Academy for jayvee and varsity matches starting at 5 p.m.
Trenton's Jessi McMahon (1) serves on Sept. 10, 2024, during non-district volleyball in Savoy.
Photo by Rich Hilliard
Bonham libero Jentri Dunlap passes the ball on Aug. 16, 2024, during nondistrict volleyball inside Bonham's Leonard A. Gerner Gymnasium.
Photo by Rich Hilliard
Ector's Ally Harris serves on Oct. 8, 2024, during District 21-1A volleyball in Savoy. Photo by Rich Hilliard
Savoy's Gianna Odum (left) watches as teammate Addy Hernandez starts a return on Aug. 9, 2024, during a three-team volleyball scrimmage in Savoy.
Photo by Rich Hilliard
Sam Rayburn's Allie Parr (4) serves on Oct. 1, 2024, during District 10-2A volleyball in Trenton. Photo by Rich Hilliard
Leonard's Ava Flowers (8) serves on
Aug. 13, 2024, during the host Lady Tigers' volleyball season opener.
Photo by Rich Hilliard
Honey Grove's Ryelan Morris (5) lines up wide left on a play on
2024, during the Warriors' 26-14
win over long-time sports rival Cooper which clinched the District 9-2A-I title.
Photo by Rich Hilliard
Dodd City's Kayleigh McBrayer (12) serves on Aug. 27, 2024, during non-district volleyball in Dodd City. Photo by Rich Hilliard
Trenton's Braden Boone. Photo by Rich Hilliard
OBITUARIES
Roy Edward Domes
Roy Edward Domes, 67, of Bonham, Texas passed away on July 24, 2025 at Texoma Medical Center in Bonham. Born on September 4, 1957, in Springville, New York, Roy was the beloved son of Edward Domes and Betty Hobson.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, a commitment that reflected his strong sense of duty and honor. Roy was a man of many talents, expressing his creativity and skill through woodworking, painting, and drawing.
Roy is survived by his two beloved daughters, Mikala Schultz and Jennifer Gadd, and his siblings Judy Burgess and David Domes. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
As we remember Roy, we hold dear the memories shared with him, reflecting on the love and laughter he brought into our lives.
To share a memory or sign the online register visit, www.coopersorrells.com
Joe Grady Hunt
Joe Grady Hunt, a cherished resident of Bailey, Texas, departed this life on July 31, 2025, at his home, at the age of 83. Born on July 11, 1942, Joe was the beloved son of JM Hunt and Jewel Doty Hunt. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Betty Hunt, with whom he shared a loving marriage for over 60 years. Betty, his life partner, preceded him in death on February 19, 2020.
Joe was not only a father but also a loving grandfather whose joy resonated in the achievements and happiness of his family. His unwavering dedication to their well-being was evident in all aspects of his life, shaping a legacy of love and support that will endure through generations.
Early on in Joe’s life he worked as the Sanitation Supervisor in Duncanville. Joe later made lasting contributions to the community as the owner and operator of Hunt Roofing and Home Repair. His craftsmanship and approachability fostered strong relationships with clients, reflecting his commitment to excellence and service. Additionally, Joe served as the former pastor of the Bailey Bible Baptist Church, where he offered spiritual guidance and support to many, touching countless lives with his compassionate nature. Joe was often seen with a smile on his face, invariably accompanied by his Beech-Nut chewing tobacco, a simple pleasure that defined his down-to-earth character.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Betty, son Joe Hunt, granddaughter Betty Sue Hunt, and 11 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sons; David Hunt of Bailey, James Hunt of Grand Prairie, Terry Hunt of El Reno, and Thomas Hunt of Wolfe City, 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 greatgreat grandchildren. Joe will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A visitation was held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Cooper- Sorrells Funeral Home. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at CooperSorrells Funeral Home. Bro Glen Tyson officiated the service. Serving as pallbearers were: Tristan Hunt, Michael Hunt, Jason Hunt, Nathan Coffey, Luke Peterson, Jack Kersey, and Dub Cash.
To convey condolences or sign an online registry, please visit www.coopersorrells.com
German Vazquez Villegas
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of German Vazquez Villegas, who left this world on August 1, 2025, in Bonham, Texas, at the age of 45. He was born on September 29, 1979, in San Lucas Huarirapeo, Mexico, to Roberto Vazquez Hernandez and Antonia Villegas Lizama. German’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Jeannette Bernal Soria, with whom he built a life filled with love and laughter. He is also survived by their three wonderful children: Jackie, Jazmin, and Justin, along with his grandchild, Sophia, and another grandchild on the way. He leaves behind brothers, Roberto and Serafin, and sisters, Erika, Gina, Antonia, and Talia, as well as his father, Roberto. German was preceded in death by his mother, Antonia.
A Rosary was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham, Texas. A Mass for German was held on on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Con profunda tristeza anunciamos el
fallecimiento de German Vazquez Villegas, quien dejó este mundo el 1 de agosto de 2025, en Bonham, Texas, a la edad de 45 años. Nació el 29 de septiembre de 1979, en San Lucas Huarirapeo, México, de Roberto Vazquez Hernandez y Antonia Villegas Lizama. El legado de German lo lleva su amada esposa, Jeannette Bernal Soria, con quien construyó una vida llena de amor y risas. También le sobreviven sus tres maravillosos hijos: Jackie, Jazmin, y Justin, junto con su nieta, Sophia, y otro nieto en camino. Deja detrás a sus hermanos, Roberto y Serafín, y a sus hermanas, Erika, Gina, Antonia y Talia, así como a su padre, Roberto. German fue precedido en la muerte por su madre, Antonia. Se llevará a cabo un Rosario el martes 5 de agosto de 2025, comenzando a las 6:00 PM en la funeraria Cooper-Sorrells en Bonham, Texas. Una Misa en honor a German se llevará a cabo el miércoles 6 de agosto de 2025, comenzando a la 1:00 PM en la Iglesia Católica de Santa Elizabeth, Bonham, Texas. To leave a condolence or sign the online guest book, visit www. coopersorrells.com
Robert (Bob) Charles Edwards
Robert Charles Edwards, known to his friends and family as Bob, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on July 19, 1936, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Albert and Agatha Edwards. Bob’s life was one of dedication, service, and an unwavering love for his family.
He married his cherished wife, Faye Edwards, on March 31, 1961, in Dallas, Texas. Together, they nurtured a loving household and built a lifetime of memories. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he became a lineman and then served as an electrician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. After retiring, he spent many peanut harvest seasons in the panhandle. Bob was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 60 plus years. In his later years, he found joy in tinkering on various projects in his shop. Bob loved Jesus and his family dearly. He loved meeting and talking to people which is evident by the multitude of friends he leaves behind that will miss his smile and hugs! Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Bobbie Jean Shields, and his siblings: Albert Edwards Jr., John Wesley Edwards, Lousie Carter, and Marie Willeford. He is survived by his devoted wife, Faye Edwards, daughter Tina McKenzie (Rick) of Bonham, Texas, sons Albert Edwards (Jai) of Hendrix, Oklahoma, and Mike Edwards (Nicole) of Bailey, Texas. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren: BJ Frazier, Jason Frazier, Alley Nunley, Chris Edwards, Ashley Johnson, Ace Edwards, AJ Edwards, Todd Shields, and Eli Shields, along with 14 great- grandchildren and his dear sister Colleen Livingston.
A visitation was held for family and friends at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The funeral service was held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Ace Edwards, Chris Edwards, BJ Frazier, Jason Frazier, Eli Shields, and Todd Shields. Honoring Bob as honorary pallbearers were Jerry Polstan, Dale Davis, Johnny Babers, and Albert White.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Gober Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 82 Wolfe City, TX 75443.
To leave a condolence or sign the online guest book, visit www.coopersorrells.com
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
Fishin’ Report
TAKE A KID FISHING or Hunting!
Week of August 6, 2025
Bois d’Arc EXCELLENT. Water normal stain; 82 degrees; 0.51 feet below pool. The morning bite has slowed down a bit but still a few around pond weed and bushes. Frogs, flukes, wacky rigs and YUM Dingers are all working. Mid morning square bills over pond dams are good and chatterbaits in 4-6 feet. Offshore bite needs wind to be really good on deeper structures like rock piles and brush piles in 16-24 feet with Carolina rigs and Texas rigs and crankbaits. For the best bite is flipping big timber with Texas rigs and creature baits in 3-8 feet.
Cooper GOOD. Water stained; 78 degrees; 0.48 feet below pool. As the summer temperatures increase, target crappie are in deeper timber along the river channel and brush piles. Start on the edge of the timber line working towards the dam then to the timber in coves. Summer bite is typically best on live bait.
Fork GOOD. Water stained; 81 degrees; 0.10 feet below pool. Early morning bite is good on shallow grass and walkways around docks using chatterbaits, square bills, and flukes in 1-4 feet of water. Mid morning, target points with drop-offs near deeper water in 8-16 feet using Carolina rigs and Texas rigs with big worms and flukes. Deep crankbaits work well over channel bends, road beds, and humps in 17-25 feet of water. Shad pattern crankbaits in chartreuse blue back colors like XD 6 or DD 22 are effective. Lavon GOOD. Water normal stain; 86 degrees; 0.83 feet below pool. Crappie have slowed down and changed their eating habits– some days they’re munching, some days they don’t move, and some days “where are they?” It’s not easy unless you get lucky and find that hungry school. Minnows are king. Black bass are good with white and chartreuse spinnerbaits in the mornings along with jerkbaits and soft plastics like the original Ray Roberts FAIR. Water slightly stained; 82 degrees; 0.34 feet below pool. Things are starting to make a transition and it’s getting a little tougher with water temps getting up to the 90s. Crappie are starting to move out deep to deep brush in 35-40 feet and in trees in 25-40 feet of water. Channel catfish are about the same - you can still fish baited holes. Sand bass are in 35-45 feet of water. Largemouth bass are roughly the same as they’ve been on offshore rocks or shallow brush. Everything is fair, nothing extremely good. Tawakoni GOOD. Water lightly stained; 80 degrees; 0.18 feet below pool. Lake Tawakoni continues to fish decently as we head into August. Fish are moving often–staying on them has been a challenge. The hybrid striper, striper and white bass bite has been good. Fish are stacking up on shallow points in 10-20 feet. Surface feeding is also happening sporadically in early mornings and late evenings when we have some wind. The crappie bite has picked up. Minnows are working best in 12-20 feet near bridge pilings. The largemouth bite is good on frogs at daylight and working over to shallow cranks around dock legs and submerged irrigation intakes. Shaky heads have been good too. Report by Captain Michael Littlejohn, Lake Tawakoni Guide Service. Texoma GOOD. Water stained; 79 degrees; 1.42 feet above pool. Things are picking up, especially on the weekdays when crowds are gone. There’s an early morning topwater bite when shad are on the surface in the main part of the lake. Use pencil poppers and other topwater lures to catch stripers feeding on them. After they go down, start looking for fish on the grass using slabs to catch big groups of stripers surfacing in deep water anywhere from 30-60 feet deep.
Texas Crop and Weather Report
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries: North
The region experienced hot temperatures and limited
rainfall, leading to short to adequate soil moisture conditions. Corn, peanuts, sorghum and soybeans were progressing and range from fair to good condition. Har-
LOOKING FOR
vest was nearing for many crops. Healthy pastures and rangelands supported overall good livestock conditions. A few sorghum aphids were observed in Johnsongrass along roadsides and field edges. Grasshoppers and nuisance flies were noted, but no disease or major insect issues exist.
East
Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate. Hay production continued despite slower growth and lower soil moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were good overall. Livestock were in fair to good condition, and cattle markets remained strong. Producers have reported some armyworms and Bermuda grass stem maggots.
Rolling Plains
Heat gave way to cooler temperatures and some scattered rainfall, but not enough to ease overall dry conditions. Crops like sorghum
performed surprisingly well despite earlier flooding. Corn yields were fair, although production acreage was declining due to development. Cotton ranged from good to excellent. Hay production has been strong, and livestock were in good condition.
Central Conditions were hot and mostly dry, with some daytime highs above 100 degrees. Soil conditions remained good overall. A lack of precipitation allowed some areas to sufficiently dry out, and flood damage assessments ramped up. Row crops were beginning to show signs of stress from heat and lack of moisture. Sorghum harvest started for fields planted early, and later-planted sorghum is maturing. Corn was being cut for silage, and cotton and sorghum looked good overall. The pecan crop was reported as very little to acceptable. Hay baling continued with higher-than-normal yields. Pasture and range conditions looked good overall. Livestock remained in good condition. Armyworms were present and required treatment in some instances.
Invitation for Bids - Pre-Bid Meeting Notice
The city of Honey Grove, TX will receive bids for its TDHCA HOME Program Grant until 1:00 pm onAugust 29, 2025, at City of Honey Grove, 633 N. 6th St. Honey Grove Texas 75446-1885, to complete the reconstruction of up to ten (10) single family units at 1100 square feet each. Bids will be opened on August 29, 2025, at 1:00 pm. All bidders must submit completed pre-qualification forms on or before the bid due date. Contact Karen Sutton at (361) 287-3341 for a pre-qualification packet and bid documents including drawings and technical specifications. Selected Builder will have 60 days from start date to complete construction. A non-mandatory, pre-bid conference will be held on August 20 at 1:00 pm at our Paris Office at 3727 Lamar Ave, Paris, TX 75460. Please contact Chris Reynolds (737) 207-0978 or Karen Sutton, at (361) 287-3341 if you need more information. The Contractor must ensure that employees/applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The city of Honey Grove reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The city of Honey Grove may hold bids for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to contract award. Contract awards will be made to lowest responsible qualified bidder(s).
Notice of a Public Hearing before the Fannin County Commissioners Court
Notice is hereby given that the Commissioners Court of Fannin County, Texas will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, starting at 8:50am in the Fannin County Court House, 101 E Sam Rayburn Dr. Bonham, TX. The Commissioners Court will consider:
8/5/25
1. Restricting thru truck traffic on CR 1105, CR 1215 and CR 1265 in the unincorporated area of Bonham.
This hearing and actions by the Commissioners’ Court are subject to the Texas Transportation Code, Section 251.151. For further information regarding this hearing on proposed no thru truck traffic, please contact Commissioner Waggoner at 903-965-7030 or County Judge Newt Cunningham at 903-5837455.
Why shouldn’t you tell a secret on a farm? Because the potatoes have eyes and the corn has ears!
8/12/25
Kidz Krew Performs Alice in Wonderland
Bonham, Texas – The Kidz Krew at the Creative Arts Center in Bonham is proud to announce they will be performing Alice in Wonderland for six shows only. The show location has been changed to the Auxiliary Gym at Bonham High School. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7 pm on Aug 8, 9, 15 & 16. Sunday afternoon shows start at 2 pm on Aug 10 & 17. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance on the center’s website. Tickets will also be available at the door, but payment will only be by cash or Venmo at the door.
This play was written by Lisa Avila and has been adapted by Kelly Baxter. Baxter and Caleb Crocker are directing this play. Local youth are the performers and back stage crew. Lily Loveless has been cast as Alice and Stella Loveless is the Queen of Hearts. White Rabbit is played by Sawyer Gooch and the Mad Hatter is Ali Skaggs. Maryn Hastings is the Butterfly and William Baxter is the Dormouse. Cheshire Cat is played by Lainie Dykes and the Mock Turtle is Madilyn Gooch. Crew members include Rowen Karnes, Oliver Baker, Liam Hastings and Logan Hastings.
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.
The art center offers a wide variety of art classes for all ages. Mixed Media and Music is a free class for adults that will be held on Aug 8 from 1-3 pm and Aug 14 from 6-8 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.
Fiber arts collage class will be led by Sandy Barber on Thursday, Aug 21 from 1-4 pm. JayeBella has an upcoming class that include lunch, drinks and acrylic painting called Masterpieces & Mimosas on Saturday, Aug 23 from 11 am to 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 Aug 21 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 Aug 29 from 1-3 pm. Junk Journal Club meets monthly and will meet again on Aug 20 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, Aug 21 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 non-members. 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. Drama Kids is starting back up on Aug 21. Weekly drama classes for youth meet on Thursday evenings. The center will host an informative class about Honey Bees with Katie Capehart. This class is free and will be held on Friday, Aug 22 from 1-3 pm. 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. A local Farmers Market is also being held at the center in the shade of the parking lot on select Saturday mornings from 8 am to noon. Upcoming dates include Aug 9 & 23 and Sept 6 & 20. 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.
Do Well Be Well with Diabetes
Press Release - Texas
A&M AgriLife Extension Service hosting “Do Well Be Well with Diabetes,” an educational program series for people with Type 2 Diabetes and caregivers. Classes are FREE!
Classes will be held at the Derrell Hall Education Center at 2505 N. Center
Street from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm starting Wednesday, AUGUST 6th! This class series will be held every Wednesday in August (Aug 6; Aug 13; Aug 20; and Aug 27). Attend all four classes to learn strategies to help manage Type 2 diabetes for yourself or your loved ones! Featured speaker will be
FANNIN COUNTY EMPLOYMENT NOTICE
Full time Position 40 hours a week Development & Environmental Services
Salary: Salary Dependent on experience, up to $42,000 with a current TCEQ Designated Representative license Hours: 8 hrs. Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm Benefits: Vacation, PTO, Holidays, Health Insurance, Retirement
Requirements:
• Prefer candidate to hold a current TCEQ OSSF Designated Representative license (DR) License, or to attain the TCEQ DR license before the end of a 6 month probationary period
• Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental sanitation
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to public health
• Skill in oral and written communications
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with the public
• Ability to perform a variety of physical movements such as walking, climbing, crawling, kneeling, seeing, squatting, stooping, and twisting of the body
• Must have Excel/Word experience
• Must be friendly and cooperative
• Must have ability to multi-task, handle pressure and interruptions
• Must have a strong work ethic and be of good moral character
• Must have the ability to read and interpret Regulations and apply them fairly
Responsibilities:
• Review and approve septic applications
• Inspect septic systems to enforce health and nuisance codes and issue permits
• Prepare written reports on inspection findings and any violation of regulation
• Prepare citations for legal action and testify in court as needed
• Perform any other duties necessary for the efficient operation of the office
Applications with resumes must be submitted to: Development Services 1203 E. Sam Rayburn Dr. Bonham TX 75418
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.
We love our members and more members are needed (Age 18 and up)
Come join the Friends who support our seniors. Make new friends just like you who use their talents to support senior activities and be a part of fund raisers to improve your social life and theirs. We meet at the Bonham Senior Citizens Center every 2nd Monday of each month at 5:00 PM (210 E 6th Street). Next meeting August 11th. If you are unable to give of your time Consider a tax deductible donation. Questions: text Jan at 972529-0282. Submitted by Jan Johnson, President Friends of the of Bonham Senior Citizens Center 972-529-0282
Mail: 210 E 6th Street, Bonham, 75418
The Fannin County Leader deadline is Thursdays at Noon!
Proclamtion approved by Commissioners Court for Proclamation stating August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month.
Public Service Announcement
Unsolicited Packages
Containing QR Codes Used to Initiate Fraud Schemes
July 31, 2025 - The FBI warns the public about a scam variation in which criminals send unsolicited packages containing a QR code1 that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone. To encourage the victim to scan the QR code, the criminals often ship the packages without sender information to entice the victim to scan the QR code. While this scam is not as widespread as
Oakwood Cemetery, Honey Grove
Press Release - Football has a long and storied past in Honey Grove. One of the early greats was Fay “Mule” Wilson. After graduating from Honey Grove High School in 1922, he went on to play for Texas A&M, captaining the team to the 1925 Southwest Conference Championship. After A&M, he went on to become the first Texas state high school track champion and the first Aggie to play for the NFL. Mule played for the Buffalo Rangers, the 1930 and 1931 World Champion Green Bay Packers, the Staten Island Stapletons, and the Portsmouth Spartans. One of the highlights of his career was scoring six touchdowns to help win the 1927 World Championship for the New York Giants. Mule Wilson died in 1937 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. A marble football honoring his place on the Giants team was placed on his tombstone, but later was stolen and has been missing for many years. A replacement football will be dedicated at a special ceremony on Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 a.m., at Oakwood. The public is invited to attend and honor one of Honey Grove’s most successful and memorable football players. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend.
So far, this has been an unusually wet summer. The weeds love this weather, so the mowing has been nonstop. In addition to mowing, tree maintenance is an important part of keeping Oakwood looking its best. Summer tree trimming has begun. Dead parts and overgrown limbs have been removed, including the dead top of one bois d’arc. The Oakwood board and volunteers work hard year-round to keep the cemetery beautiful, and your help is always appreciated.
other fraud schemes, the public should be aware of this criminal activity.
This is a variation of a "brushing scam," which is used by online vendors to increase ratings of their products. In a traditional brushing scam, online vendors send merchandise to an unsolicited recipient and then use the recipient's information to post a positive review of the product. In this variation, scam actors have incorporated the use of QR codes on packages to facilitate financial fraud activities. Tips to Protect Yourself Criminals continue to evolve their tactics to target unsuspecting victims.
Precautions should be taken prior to scanning any QR codes received through unsolicited communications or packages.
● Beware of unsolicited packages containing merchandise you did not order.
● Beware of packages that do not include sender information.
● Take precautions before authorizing phone permissions and access to websites and applications.
● Do not scan QR codes from unknown origins.
● If you believe you are the target of a brushing scam, secure your online presence by changing account profiles and request a free credit report from one or all the national credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian,
and TransUnion) to identify possible fraudulent activity.
Report It
The FBI requests the public report these fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include as much information as possible: The name of the person or company that contacted you. Methods of communication used, including websites, emails, and telephone numbers. Any applications you may have downloaded or provided permissions to on your electronic device. Individuals aged 60 or over who need assistance with filing an IC3 complaint can contact the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (or 833372-8311).
Legal Notice 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 notices.
Protect Lakes from Zebra Mussels
UTRWD NewsFlow July 2025 - Zebra mussels aren’t just a threat to native fish and aquatic life — they can also damage boats, clog motors, and impact drinking water systems. If you're heading out to the lake this summer to boat or fish, take a minute to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, trailer, and gear every time you leave the water. It’s a simple step that goes a long way in preventing the spread of this invasive species to other lakes.
3-Hour
Wetland Canoe Trails
Press Release - Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 minutes on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, followed by free paddle time to explore on your own. No experience is necessary for any of the paddle programs. All participants will be given an introduction to canoeing that includes basic strokes, boat safety, and flat water maneuvers. Minimum age 7 years. All canoe & safety equipment provided. Pre-registration is required. Sept. 21st | 9 am – 12 pm, Oct. 19th | 9 am – 12 pm, Nov. 16th | 1 – 4 pm, Nov. 29th | 1 – 4 pm https://www. heardmuseum.org/other-programs/#canoe https://www.heardmuseum.org/ Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069 972-562-5566
PUBLIC NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the Fannin County Commissioners Court will accept Requests for Proposal for the purchase of furniture for the offices, common areas and courtrooms for the Fannin County Justice Center.
1) RFP 2025-005 – Request for Proposal for Fannin County Justice Center Furnishings
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., September 2, 2025, or said submissions will not be considered. Submittals shall be opened on September 2, 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.
8/12/25
Photo by Lisa Loiselle
Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge August Activities
Press Release - The following is the Friends of Hagerman NWR Press Release. For more information about these events, please email: Friendsofhagerman@gmail. org. All events are sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman and occur at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092, unless stated otherwise.
Adopt-A-Goose Fund
Raiser: SEPTEMBER 1ST
WILL BE THE LAST DATE TO DONATE FOR 2025 MIGRATION. Each winter, thousands of Snow and Ross’s geese visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (HNWR). These geese have migrated thousands of miles from nesting grounds near the Arctic Circle to HNWR. To provide a vital food resource for these exhausted and hungry travelers, HNWR plants fields of winter wheat. The Friends of Hagerman
CAUSE NO. PR-2025-13437
National Wildlife Refuge (FoH) is sponsoring the “Adopt a Goose” fund raiser to help offset budget constraints of the refuge and purchase the wheat seed needed to plant the fields. Please consider supporting our effort with your generous donation. For more information or to make a donation, go to https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/Adopt-A-Goose
Volunteers Needed: Hagerman National Wild-
IN RE: ESTATE OF IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW
SHEILA L. HALEN SAWTELLE OF DECEASED FANNIN COUNTY, TEXAS
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF SHEILA L. HALEN SAWTELLE
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary of the Estate of SHEILA L. HALEN SAWTELLE, Deceased, were granted on July 1, 2025, under Cause No. PR-2025-13437, pending in the County Court at Law of Fannin County, Texas, to Raymond F. Sawtelle, Jr., Independent Executor. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Independent Executor, addressed as follows:
Raymond F. Sawtelle, Jr., Independent Executor of Estate of SHEILA L. HALEN SAWTELLE, Deceased c/o Maria Trottier, Esq. HOUSER LAW FIRM, P.C. 10000 North Central Expressway, Suite 800 Dallas, Texas 75231
All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.
Dated: August 5, 2025
8/12/25
HOUSER LAW FIRM, P.C.
By: /s/ Maria Trottier
William D. Houser State Bar No. 00796781 bhouser@houserfirm.com
Maria Trottier State Bar No. 24002865 mtrottier@houserfirm.com
10000 N. Central Expwy., Ste. 800 Dallas, Texas 75231 Tel: (972) 772-2600/Fax: (469) 646-8270
Counsel for the Independent Executor
life Refuge Visitor Center
Greeters
Meet and greet people from all over the world while giving out information about the refuge and wildlife. Hand out maps and make sales in the Nature Nook. Come and join our team! For more information, please email friendsofhagerman@gmail. org.
Butterfly Garden
Like digging in your garden? Want to learn about native plants? Come join our Master Naturalists and Gardeners in maintaining the Butterfly Garden. For more information on volunteering, please email FriendsofHagerman@gmail.org for details.
Outdoor Crew
Do you enjoy working outside, mowing, sprucing up hiking trails, trimming and removing brush and general cleanup? Join the Outdoor Crew at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The Outdoor Crew meets on the First Tuesday and Fourth Saturday of every month. Please email friendsofhagerman@gmail. org for details and to join our team. Scouts welcome!
Activities & Events:
The Little Sit: August 2nd at 6:15am Pad-H on the West side of Hagerman NWR
If you want to learn how to identify the birds of North Texas, the "Little Sit" is the perfect way to start.
Meet the Bird Census Team while learning how to identify the birds of North Texas, and enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Lake Texoma! Modeled after Cornell's national "Big Sit" event, a group of dedicated birders invite you to join them at sunrise to conduct a bird count as multiple species fly to the water and the surrounding land to feed. Leaders will bring spotting scopes and will provide tips
for identification of the many species you will see. This event lasts a couple of hours, but all are welcome to come and go as they please. Participants are advised to bring a chair, binoculars and water. Free and open to the public, funded by donations.
We meet on the first Saturday of each month, 30 minutes before sunrise to watch the birds come into the water and begin to feed. We usually stay out for 2-3 hours, but you are welcome for all or part of the Sit.
For more information, a map to Pad-H and to register to receive event updates https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/event-5964078?Ca lendarViewType=1&Selec tedDate=5/22/2025 (registering is recommended) to be informed of location change). Or email: friendsofhagerman@gmail.com.
GPS Coordinates to Pad-H: 33.734961, -96.780582
Early Bird Guided Walks will resume in the fall.
August 5th 10am – 11:30 Meet at the Visitor Center:
Want to be a Wildlife Explorer Tram Tour Drive and Guide? Meet visitors from around the world and share your love of nature! You'll receive thorough training on the refuge’s fascinating history, and you can tailor your tours to match your interests—whether it's wildlife, birds, habitats, refuge history, photography, or more.
Join Bert Garcia, Chair of the Tram Committee, for an informative session and a ride on the Wildlife Explorer Tram. Take a tour, ask questions, and see if becoming a tram guide is the right fit for you! Register https://friendsofhagerman.com/event6252881?CalendarViewType =1&SelectedDate=7/18/2025
Second Saturday: Sat-
urday August 9th at 10amDragonflies and Damselflies with Dr. Wayne Meyer Please join us for August’s Second Saturday Program by Dr. Wayne Meyer. Fun Facts: Did you know that there are over 5,000 species of dragonflies and they all belong to the order Odonata, which means "toothed one" in Greek or that some species of dragonfly live only a few weeks, while others can live up to a year. Come hear Dr. Meyer talk about how dragonflies and damselflies live and a discussion of some of the ones that live on Hagerman NWR.
Butterfly Garden Stroll: August 9th and August 23rd from 9am to 11am. Enjoy the Butterfly Garden at Hagerman NWR. Garden docents will be on hand to help identify the Texas native plants and visiting butterflies. Literature on plants and butterflies will be available. Special activities for families: scavenger hunts, the Metamorphosis Puppet and more. Registration is not necessary. The garden is free of charge and open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.
Donations are accepted to support the Butterfly Garden, Garden Walks and other events and programs sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman NWR. Refuge Rocks for Kids: Saturday Refuge Rocks –Refuge Rocks - Let's Learn About Moths (Ages 5-10) August 16th from 10am to 11:30am. Ever spotted moths throwing a wild dance party around the lights at night? But wait—what exactly are these fuzzy party crashers, and how do they compare to their glamorous butterfly cousins? Buckle up, because this lesson is about to take you on a moth-tastic journey! We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of moth life cycles with their four fabulous stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa (or cocoon), and the dazzling adult moth. We’ll also uncover their quirky traits like those funky antennae and wing patterns, explore the stars of the moth world (hello, Luna and silk moths!), and reveal how they navigate the night using their super sniffer! Plus, get ready for some fun with moth-themed crafts, live moth spotting (if the little guys cooperate!), and lively chats about their amazing adaptations. Let the moth mayhem begin! Sign up for this class and reserve your kiddo's spot for this fun class! Registration required https://friendsofhagerman. com/event-6244642?Calend arViewType=1&SelectedDa te=8/18/2025
Photo Club Activities: None in August. Tram Tours every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm Enjoy a 60 – 90-minute tour along Wildlife Drive at the Refuge. Enjoy learning about the history of the displaced town of Hagerman while watching for wildlife. Lots of stops for birdwatching and photography. Reservations required. Standbys are accepted if space permits. Free and open to the public. Funded by donations. https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/TramTours.
Today will never come again be a blessing take time to care be a friend.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Take action for yourself and be there for others
Fannin County Food Sources
Feeding Fannin
Monthly Mobile Food Distribution @ 9am ● 1st Tuesday - Ladonia City Square 100 Center Plaza
8:00am - 11:45am 1022 FM 273 BONHAM TX 75418 903-583-3663
Manna House Food Pantry
When: Tuesday • 1pm - 5pm
Where: 914 S. 5th St. Bonham (across from Calvary Baptist Church) For more information: 903-583-3910
Community Food Pantry in Honey Grove
McKenzie United Methodist Church 701 7th Street 1st & 3rd Thursday each month: 5pm - 7pm 4th Tuesday: Produce 1pm - 4pm
Contacts: Star Breece281-832-8116 Soleil - 903-505-0250
Community Food Pantry
206 N Main St, Leonard, TX 903-587-3463
1st Saturday 10am -12pm ● 3rd Monday 10am - 12pm
If you’re pregnant, we want to help. 903-640-8230 Fannin Pregnancy Care Center 1500 N. Center, Bonham, Texas
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE
8/12/25
4 Way Stops Made Easy
Who Has the Right of Way at a Four Way Stop? Possibly the most important rule to remember is that whoever gets to the stop sign first, gets to go first. But what if two cars get to the stop sign at the same time? In this case, the driver on the right has the right of way. However, the rule for who has the right of way at a four way stop when two cars are across from each other depends on the direction of travel.
Both drivers can go if they are driving straight or turning right.
If one car is signaling a turn and the other isn’t, the car going straight has the right of way. This same rule applies at two-way stops as well. If one car is turning right
and one is turning left, the right-turning car has the right of way. Who Has the Right of Way at a Left Turn? Left turns are arguably the
riskiest moves drivers can make, especially if left turns aren’t dictated by a traffic light. In fact, left-turning drivers cause approximately 53% of intersection accidents. Meanwhile, only 5.7% of intersection crashes involve right-turning drivers according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If both cars at an intersection are turning left, they can turn at the same time if there’s enough room on the road to do so. If not, visual communication with the other driver will establish who goes first. This rule also applies to four cars who are at a four way stop at the same time. They all must visually communicate to decide who goes first.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Take action for yourself and be there for others
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE
HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR TODAY?KIDS
TOSSED & FOUND
Littering is a very annoying problem in
Preschool Nature Explorers - Fall Semester Begins
Press Release - Preschool Nature Explorers - Fall Semester Begins September 16, 17, 18 & 19 9:30-11:30 a.m. Non-Members: $240, Members: $216 (Per semester: 24 hour program/12 weeks) https://www.heardmuseum.org/ preschool/ Beginning the week of September 16 through December 9, preschoolers will have the opportunity to explore all that the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas has to offer. During each weekly program, we’ll meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We’ll also prowl through museum exhibits, participate in handson science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature themed games! We’ll talk about our responsibility to nature and what we can do to help the plants and animals around us. Pre-registration is required. Registration closes September 3. Non-members $240; Members $216 per semester (Per semester: 24 hour program/12 weeks).
Hayes Equine
August 2025, Newsletter
HORSE HAIR
The horse’s hair coat is as thick as human hair. The mane hair is thicker, and tail hair is twice as thick. What does the hair tell us about health, genetics, stress and medications?
The horse’s hair coat reflects his health status. The hair coat is shiny when the horse is receiving adequate nutrition and regular grooming. The horse with a compromised immune system due to malnutrition or disease has a dull haircoat with hair that turns the wrong way, or a long haircoat that fails to shed. In hot & humid climates, there is increased exposure to sun and sweat so the haircoat becomes dull. Frequent baths to wash the salty sweat away, along with shade or stalling the horse during the day helps.
A coat with patches of hair loss, can be due to a bacterial (rain rot) or fungal (ringworm)infection of the skin. These are treated with medicated shampoos, sprays, or ointments. It takes 30 days for the hair to grow back.
Hair loss from itching the mane & top of the tail is due to an allergy to the gnats (noseeums) or small simuliam black flies. Treat the horse with Repel or Deep Woods Off with Deet at dawn and dusk to prevent the gnats from biting. Fly sprays do not work on these gnats. An anti-itch relief shot or powder from the Vet helps.
Hair loss on the neck and chest is from IBH/ insect bite hypersensitivity to the flies. It can be treated with natural insect sprays, MTG, or diluted Skin So Soft. It should be applied at dawn and dusk.
HAIR TESTING
Hair testing is usually done with mane samples, but tail hair can be used. Cortisol levels in the mane hair can assess stress levels over the previous weeks and months. A blood test only provides the level of cortisol on the day that the sample is pulled. The stress of training causes elevated cortisol levels. Elevated levels would indicate the training workload is too hard.
Complete mineral analyses of hair are not accurate, except for copper & zinc levels or for lead toxicity.
Drug testing uses hair analyses to detect use of drugs long after the drug has exited the blood. Labs focus on banned substances, which can be detected 6 months after its use.
DNA TESTING
Mane/tail hair can be tested for color or pattern genes and congenital diseases. Horses with the infamous quarter horse Impressive lineage have been tested for the HYPP defect for years. Most breeding horses today are 7 “panel” tested for defects and diseases. Selecting a mare or stallion that has negative panel results will ensure that your foal will not have those congenital diseases/defects. Appaloosas, Paints and desired colored horses are often tested for color and pattern. This will determine if they are homozygous (2 copies) or heterozygous (1copy), or do not have the gene needed to pass color to their offspring. Testing is now available for the presence of gaited genes in horses.
Genetic hair tests can also be used to identify breeds in an unregistered, grade horse. For a genetic test sample, pull 20-30 strands of mane hair that has the roots on the ends. Texas A&M Veterinary Bioscience Animal Genetics Lab, University of California at Davis, and Etalon Equine Genetics do genetic testing.
EMPLOYMENT
HELP WANTED
Need Part-Time welder and Part-Time Landscape Helper. Call 903-814-8620
HELP WANTED
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
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
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
Saturday, August 16 8am - 5pm 100 Bois d’ Arc St. Leonard ● CASH ONLY Lots of items priced to sell.
GARAGE SALES
GARAGE/MOVING
SALE! August 15th-16th 9-5 1393 N FM 1752, SAVOY Sectional, beds, tools, household, appliances, & much more!
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.
PET CARE
CRITTER SITTERS
PET CARE: We are passionate about caring for your animals. Affordable, reliable and our care tailored to your needs. Debbie Counts 903-900-3262
Terry Counts 903-900-2991
PETS
FREE KITTENS To a Good Home. 903-227-5045
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.
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
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
REAL ESTATE
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
BRICK HOME FOR RENT
2 large bedrooms, 2 bath - 1 with walk-in shower. 2 car garage. Den, living room. large covered patio, fenced. New paint.No pets. Nice neighbors all around. $1,600 month, $1,600 deposit. 903-267-0074
PINE RUN APARTMENTS
Now taking applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Please call 903-378-7146
HOUSES FOR RENT
300 E 15th Street, $1,300
3 bed, 2 bath, $1,300 deposit.
306 E 15th Street, $1,500
3 bed, 1.5 bath, $1,500 deposit. (903) 818-1008
ORCAT!
DID YOU KNOW?
Section 42.09 “Cruelty to Livestock Animals” and 42.092 “Cruelty of Non-Livestock Animals” of the Texas Penal Code prohibits a person from intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly treating an animal.
