Latest articles - Whitesboro News-Record

County: Road closure planned throughout Harris Creek Bridge replacement

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Beginning July 31, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will close Plainview Road to begin work on the Harris Creek Bridge replacement project.

According to Grayson County Commissioner Precinct 3 Lindsay Wright, during a routine bridge assessment, TxDOT found the Harris Creek Bridge to be structurally deficient and in need of a full replacement.

“This is a conversation that began in February,” Wright said. “We learned this week that it’s beginning on Friday, so we’re eager to get the word out to our Grayson County drivers.”

Plainview Road is expected to remain closed through October 2026 while this project is completed. Drivers should plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time during the closure. As always, please watch for road crews, slow down in work zones and obey all road signs.

“Thank you for your patience as we continue working to improve the roads and infrastructure in Precinct 3,” Wright wrote in a social media post early Monday morning.

City Council begins budget talks

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Whitesboro City Council held its annual budget workshop recently. The council heard that overall, the city is doing well financially. Though the elected officials seemed to agree with the budget as presented, they will hold a public hearing in August before taking a final vote on the matter.

ZacFinance President Doug Martella said across all funds the proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 is a balanced budget. He added that the $24.6 million budget is “intended to be a living document.”
It is built around the city keeping the tax rate flat at .5858 per $100 valuation. The city’s taxable value, he said, is almost $600 million.

The budget as proposed includes a 3 percent cost of living increase for the city’s 124 employees.

Martel told the city council the biggest portion of the budget’s expenses goes to support public safety for the city’s 4,140 residents. That budget line item makes up 42 percent or $5 million of the overall budget.

Personnel is another big line-item in the budget. The city has 84 full-time staffers and 40 part-timers. In all, the budget for that group is $7.3 million. The budget includes $1.5 million for parks, recreation and library and $1.1 million for public works and streets.

Martella said most everyone is aware that the city does have some debt. Some of that debt is cross-pledged which means they are backed by both utility funds and tax revenue.

“You should have an interest and sinking tax rate,” he told the council. Martella said the city’s ordinances currently don’t provide for that structure. He said the way the ordinance was enacted last year, all of the city’s income went to operations and then the debt was paid out of operations.

“There should be and there is going to be an ordinance. ... I have already talked to Grayson County about making sure that split happens,” Martella said.

Going forward, he said, the city’s tax rate will be adopted as two distinct funds including a Maintenance and Operations fund and an Interest and Sinking fund.

He explained that adding the Interest and Sinking tax rate doesn’t impact the overall tax rate for the city. The change will just impact the way the funds are divided in the city’s budget. The property tax funds will go into a fund and the city’s debt will be paid from that fund.

“It just gives you room down the line if your taxable values continue to go up, you’ll have the capacity to issue debt. You’ll have so many more options than you currently do,” he said.

He also said the last audit that was presented to the city showed a negative $3 million in the General Fund balance although the same audit showed about a $9 million unrestricted fund balance in the Utility Fund.

He said it is important for the future to clear up that negative fund balance in case the city decides it wants to finance future plans with debt. He added that the city needs to get to a point where it has at least 90 days of fund balance in the General Fund.

The council’s next budget meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

Late night shooting leaves one dead, suspects in custody

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In the early morning hours of Monday, July 27, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Southmayd Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety and several assisting agencies, responded to an alleged shooting incident along multiple locations on Highway 377.

Investigators remained on scene at a residence in the 500 block of Oxford Drive in Gordonville, where one individual was found dead as a result of the incident.

Later that morning, persons of interest were located in connection with the investigation. At that time, there was no known threat to public safety related to this incident.

As of press time and according to the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, this remains an active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes appropriate to do so.

If you have any information regarding this shooting, we ask that you contact the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 903-813-4408 and ask to speak with an investigator. Even seemingly minor details may assist in the investigation.

Officer Prahl joins CPD

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Collinsville Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Jacob Prahl was officially sworn in last week.

Officer Prahl brings a strong background of military and public service to the Collinsville Police Department. He honorably served more than six years in the United States Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5), completed multiple overseas deployments throughout Europe and earned numerous military awards and commendations for his service. He is also a graduate of the Texoma Regional Police Academy with honors.

The city is excited to have him serve the citizens of Collinsville with integrity, professionalism and compassion.

High School Anglers end year, set records

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Whitewright High School Anglers closed out the 2025-2026 fishing season with two post-season fishing tournaments. Lake Texoma and Lake Tyler were the settings for the final showdowns of an outstanding season for the Tigers.
Whitewright High School (WHS) competes in the Texas High School Bass Association trail, which has been in existence since April of 2013.

WHS officially came on board with the organization in 2017. Since that time, WHS has sent quite a few teams to Regionals, several to the state tournament and finally a team has advanced to the AOY tournament.

The post-season run began when the WHS anglers qualified two teams for Regionals on Possum Kingdom Reservoir in early May. WHS continued their quest for the championship by qualifying one of their two teams for the state tournament, which was held on Lake Texoma on May 30 and 31. Finally, the year ended on beautiful Lake Tyler, near Whitehouse, Texas, with the Anglers of the Year (AOY) tournament.

The end of the school year is a busy time for many families, but it doesn’t deter those in pursuit of a state championship ring. A drastic high-pressure warm-up and windy conditions greeted anglers on Lake Texoma and presented a challenge for many anglers. Productive fishing conditions during the pre-fishing period and practice day lured anglers into the anticipation and excitement of bringing in a bag over 20 pounds; however, on the first tournament day, many anglers experienced frustration as the changing weather pattern produced challenges in finding the larger fish.

The two-day format only saw 18 of the 173 teams with totals over 20 pounds. The WHS anglers of Wyatt McDorman and Reese Clark managed an overall finish of 82nd place submitting 7.3 pounds over the two-day tournament. The state tournament champion was a duo from Winnsboro, Texas, Samuel Cotton and Porter South.

If the South surname sounds familiar, it would not surprise fans to know that Porter is related to the famous young phenom currently tearing up the Bassmaster Elite Series, Pake South. It would appear that elite angling runs in their family.

The Winnsboro pair combined for a two-day total of 42.18 pounds. The closest finishers were a team from Carroll with 29.6 pounds–a 12.58 pound deficit, and the Big Bass of the state tournament was an 8.53 pound fish brought in by a team from Canton High School. Any of the fish over eight pounds were taken into the Share Lunker Program sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The WHS angling duo of Wyatt McDorman and Reese Clark continued their record-setting, post-season angling run for one more tournament – the AOY – on Lake Tyler, located in Whitehouse, Texas. The AOY Tournament is an honor to participate in, and is the result of a consistent, productive finish at every regular season tournament.

The AOY competition field is determined by the top 10 anglers in each division. The Texas High School Bass Association (THSBA) has nine total divisions spread out across the state; Whitewright competes in the North Texas Division.
With 90 teams participating overall at Lake Tyler, McDorman and Clark finished in 71st place.

The normal competition guidelines for the THSBA tournaments consist of a maximum of five scorable bass and eight hours of fishing time on the water; however, due to excessive heat and continued stress on the fish, the THSBA limited the scoreable bass count to three fish and reduced the number of hours to fish from eight hours to six.

The AOY tournament champion was a duo from Fairfield, Texas, with a three fish total of 19.69 pounds, while the Big Bass Award went to a team from Burkburnett, Texas –a true hydrilla gorilla, weighing 11.64 pounds.

Closing the book on the 2025-2026 season is not easy, but 2026-2027 is already creeping towards the horizon. The anglers and captains endured an exhaustive season that ended with new accomplishments and raising the bar for years to come.

Each and every tournament, each and every year, the anglers close out and look ahead to the areas where they can improve–new accomplishments on the horizon, new equipment and technology to learn and new records to set.
Looking ahead to a new year, the question is, “Can it be me? Can I win?” The answer lies in a gust of wind and the pitch of a lure in the early minutes of the dawn. See you in September Under the Dub and Double Hooks–Tight Lines.

If you are a student in Whitewright ISD, grades 9-12, you are eligible to participate in the THSBA.

If you are in grades 7-12 you are also eligible to participate in the THSBA/Skeeter Jackpot Tournaments.
Please contact Karen Hodgdon at karen.hodgdon@wwisd.com as soon as possible.

Algorithms don’t love your community

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Every few years, we’re told something new is going to replace the community newspaper.

First it was television. Then the internet. Then blogs. Then Facebook. Then Twitter. Then smartphone apps.

Now it’s artificial intelligence.

Each new technology arrives with the same prediction: newspapers are finished.

Yet here we are.

I’ve found myself thinking lately about Neil Postman, the educator and media critic who wrote the 1992 book “Technopoly.”

Long before smartphones and social media, Postman warned that we were becoming a culture that increasingly allowed technology to decide what was important instead of using technology as a tool to help us make those decisions ourselves.

He couldn’t have imagined Facebook news feeds, scanner pages or ChatGPT.

But he certainly saw us coming.

Today, we have access to more information than any generation in history.

A breaking news alert can reach your phone in seconds. Facebook can tell you there’s a wreck on the highway before the emergency lights have stopped flashing.

Artificial intelligence can summarize thousands of articles in the time it takes to pour a cup of coffee.

That’s impressive, but information and journalism are not the same thing.

A scanner page can tell you someone called 911. It usually can’t tell you what actually happened.

An AI news feed can summarize a city council meeting.

It didn’t sit through the three-hour discussion, notice the body language, ask the follow-up questions or stop the mayor in the parking lot afterward to clarify an answer.

Facebook can spread information at lightning speed. It can spread misinformation just as quickly.

Community journalism is slower.

That’s not a flaw. It’s a feature.

Before a story appears in this newspaper, someone attends the meeting. Someone makes the phone calls.

Someone verifies the facts. Someone asks one more question when the first answer doesn’t quite add up.

That’s the difference between information and reporting.

For many family-owned community newspapers, that work isn’t being done from a corporate office hundreds of miles away.

It’s being done by people whose children attend the same schools as yours.

Who shop at the same grocery store.

Who worship in the same churches.

Who wave at you downtown.

When we get something wrong, we don’t disappear behind a username or an algorithm.

We’ll probably see you Friday night at the football game. That accountability matters.

Community newspapers also do something technology cannot. They remember.

Facebook remembers what people were arguing about this morning.

Your hometown newspaper remembers the bond election from 1987, the flood that changed the creek, the championship team that united the town and the family whose business has stood on Main Street for four generations.

Every week, we’re writing the first draft of your community’s history.

Fifty years from now, when someone wants to know how your town responded to growth, celebrated its heroes or overcame its challenges, they won’t scroll through old Facebook posts.

They’ll read the newspaper. Or its archives.

Community newspapers also tell the stories that algorithms never will.

The retiring teacher who shaped thousands of students. The volunteer firefighter who has answered calls for decades.

The high school senior earning a scholarship. The local business owner taking a chance on a dream.

The church serving meals after a storm. The civic club quietly raising money for children’s programs.

Those stories may never go viral. They are still the stories that define a community.

None of this means technology is the enemy.

We use digital tools every day. Artificial intelligence can help organize information.

Social media helps us reach readers. Our website allows people to stay connected wherever they are.

Those are good things, but they are tools.

Not replacements for journalism.

Not replacements for trust.

And certainly not replacements for neighbors telling the stories of neighbors.

The greatest strength of a family-owned community newspaper has never been how quickly it publishes a story.

It’s knowing which stories are worth telling in the first place.

Because healthy communities aren’t built by algorithms.

They’re built by people who know one another, care about one another and believe their stories are worth preserving.

That’s a job no machine can do.

Reflections of a summer internship

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

This summer, I excitedly stepped into my intern position at the Whitesboro News-Record during a rapidly growing phase of the newspaper.

My internship started in the old office and finished in the new office right next door. By the end of my time as an intern, the paper had expanded its coverage to several more towns, moved into a new space and officially reintroduced itself as the News-Record.

As I have watched the News-Record grow in just a couple months, I realized I was growing alongside it.

During my time as an intern, I realized that I was able to learn skills and gained experience that will not only help me in my career path, but that have also helped me grow into a more confident and capable version of myself.

I am grateful to have walked into a room of welcoming faces of very talented people who I had the opportunity to learn from, be inspired by and let me be a part of something bigger than myself.

Something that truly connects the community across place, time and shared memories.

I have found myself to be in awe of the newspaper itself. I spent time reading old archives, sat in on meetings with community members, interviewed people, wrote articles and helped create ads that spread awareness and share messages from local businesses, schools and organizations.

I love watching how the paper brings people together, provides an outlet for messages to be spread and keeps everyone informed on what is happening in their community.

Another fond memory is of seeing elderly residents come in for the newspaper and hear them share stories.

The newspaper is an old living time capsule, connecting the past to the present.

At one time it was the pioneer of communication - spreading all the news and messages to people. It captures moments and events in time, preserving the present before it becomes history.

There is nothing like flipping though 30-year-old pages of a newspaper and being brought back to the time it was written.

The stories, the big events, big milestones such as celebrating marriages, births, soldiers returning home from war and even the advertisements all portray a piece of what life looked like in the community at that time.

They preserve moments, honor people and keep us connected. I am so glad to be a part of something so uniquely special.

One of the most meaningful experiences during my internship was getting to meet people across the community.

I began interviewing local businesses in the community and writing business spotlights. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed getting to meet people and learn about each person’s unique and individual story.

Each business has its own personality and beginnings and I enjoy hearing about them.

What I found to be special is how each person I have interviewed shares something in common: a deep passion for serving their community and supporting the people in it.

They care about what they do, why they do it and how they can share their work with the people in their community. I truly felt their passion, which made me even more excited to tell their stories.

I cherish the experiences I have had as an intern at the News-Record and am grateful for everything I have learned.

The News-Record gave me the opportunity to watch it bring the heart of the community together and reminded me of how important stories are.

Being a part of something so special to the community has been an honor and a truly memorable chapter of my own story.

Don’t just listen to the speeches. Watch the budget.

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

One of the first lessons I learned working in the Texas Capitol was that speeches are written for voters. Budgets are written for governing.

That’s why when I report on the happenings in local and state government, I always watch the budget just as closely as I watch the speeches.

Last week Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows instructed state agencies to prepare their next budget requests with a 3% reduction from current spending levels.

This caught my attention.

Most Texans have never heard of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) or read an LBB policy directive letter, but they are important because they quietly begin the state’s budgeting process. Every two years, before the Legislature convenes, state agencies receive instructions on how to prepare their initial budget requests. Those requests go to the Legislative Budget Board and the governor’s budget office, where budget analysts begin shaping the recommendations lawmakers will eventually use to write the state budget.

This is the starting point for building a state budget. And this year’s starting point is agencies being told to plan for less.

On its own, a 3% reduction isn’t headline news. As a conservative, I think government should always be looking for ways to spend taxpayer dollars wisely.

It is, however, worth stopping to consider the timing.

For years, state leaders have been telling Texans that our economy is among the strongest in the nation. Businesses continue moving here. Jobs are growing. The Rainy Day Fund remains healthy. They have built a compelling narrative that Texas is thriving because of conservative leadership.

The letter from the Big Three says the reduction is intended to demonstrate “prudent stewardship of taxpayer resources” and establish a “fiscally conservative budget.”

Those are reasonable goals. The question is why the budgeting strategy changed now.

State agencies were asked to make 5% reductions in 2020 as Texas confronted the economic uncertainty created by COVID-19. But the state returned to baseline budget instructions in the next two cycles.

If prudent stewardship, efficiency and fiscal conservatism have been the guiding principles of this administration all along, why weren’t agencies asked to plan for less in 2022 or 2024?

I think there are a couple of reasonable explanations.

One possibility is that despite the optimistic message Texans have been hearing, state leaders think the next budget is going to be tighter than the last.

Abbott, Patrick and Burrows have access to revenue estimates, tax collections and economic projections before most Texans ever study them. They may be seeing signs that the next two-year budget will be tighter than the last. If so, asking agencies to prepare for less is prudent government.

Politics could also be part of the answer.

Texas is in an election year, and Abbott is seeking a fourth term as governor. There are predictions that Republicans could lose seats in the Texas House. They also lost a seat in the Texas Senate earlier this year, when Democrats flipped Senate District 9 in a special election.

Texans are also feeling financial pressure at their kitchen tables, with continuing concerns about affordability, gas prices, insurance and property taxes. In that environment, a tighter state budget makes for a strong political talking point.

A directive requiring every agency to begin 3% lower helps make that case. It gives Texas leaders something tangible to point to when they talk about smaller government, fiscal restraint and property tax relief.

There’s another piece to this. Abbott is governing for a national audience.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis built his national profile by presenting Florida as the model of conservative government. I believe Abbott is following the same playbook. For Abbott’s national ambitions to work, Texas must be seen as the conservative bulwark—the state that cuts taxes, restrains spending and sets the standard for Republican governance. I believe this directive is part of the political résumé Abbott is building for national office.

Viewed that way, the budget letter isn’t just about preparing the next budget. It’s also about sending a political message.

Of course, those two explanations aren’t mutually exclusive.

State leaders may see enough economic uncertainty to justify caution while also recognizing that spending reductions create a useful election-year message. In government, those two things often travel together.

The 3% reduction may be a good budgeting move, but that’s not the story.

Either the Texas economic picture is looking bleaker than state leaders are letting on, fiscal restraint makes for a good campaign message, or maybe it’s both.

Politicians spend a lot of time telling us where they think Texas is headed. Budgets tell us where they’re actually preparing to go.

That’s why we should all watch the budget.

Suzanne Bellsnyder is editor and publisher of the Hansford County Reporter-Statesman and Sherman County Gazette. A former Capitol staffer with decades of experience in Texas politics and policy, she now focuses on how state decisions shape rural life through her newspapers, including the Texas Rural Reporter. Subscribe at www.TexasRuralReporter.Substack.com

The Gym opens with mission to strengthen body, faith, community

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

For Andrew and Melissa Fulenwider, opening The Gym isn’t just the realization of a business plan. It’s the answer to years of prayer.

The husband-and-wife team celebrated the grand opening of their new 24-hour fitness center on Saturday, July 25, transforming the former Tom Bean Feed Store into what they hope becomes a gathering place where neighbors can grow stronger physically, spiritually and together as a community.

“This has just been such a labor of love,” Melissa said. “We have been praying about this for years.”

She has spent more than a decade working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, while Andrew, a U.S. Army veteran who served nearly nine years, owns a construction company.

After returning to Tom Bean about a decade ago, the couple repeatedly found themselves drawn to the idea of creating a hometown gym.

When the former feed store became available after longtime owners David and Stacy Apple relocated, the opportunity seemed like the perfect fit.

“We were like, ‘This would be the coolest gym,’” Melissa said. “We were able to acquire the building, and we did it. We made it a gym.”

The Gym offers members 24-hour access through a mobile app and QR code entry system.

Members will find free weights, strength-training equipment, cardio machines, saunas, tanning services, personal training and a children’s area where parents can safely leave the kids occupied while they workout.

While the equipment is important, the Fulenwiders say it’s not the heart of what they’re building.

“We’re a faith-based gym,” Melissa said. “Our vision was to bring this community together — fitness, faith, community — bringing all of that together.”

She hopes members experience something more than a place to work out.

“Our vision was that people come in and feel like family,” she said. “We want people to come in and feel like they’re at home.”

The Gym welcomes members of every fitness level, from seasoned athletes to those taking their first steps toward healthier living.

“I wanted a place close to home so that I can literally help whoever needs it at any time,” Melissa said.

Although the business officially celebrated its grand opening Saturday, the owners quietly invited a handful of family members and friends to test the facility beforehand.

This gave them a chance to identify any issues before opening to the public.

Since Saturday’s ribbon cutting, Melissa said they’ve already welcomed several new members.

The facility is not staffed on a full-time basis, but they remain readily available by appointment to give tours, answer questions and help new members get signed up.

“We’re just there for whatever people need,” Melissa said.

The project also represents a homecoming for Andrew.

A Tom Bean native, he and Melissa moved back to the community after his military service ended.

They’re raising two children there and hope to become deeply involved with local schools, athletics and community organizations.

“We’re excited to partner with athletics and cheer, the schools, teachers, parents — all the fun things during the school year,” Melissa said. “We’re going to be very involved in the community.”

The City of Tom Bean recognized the couple with the Community Achievement Award earlier this month at the regular city council meeting.

“Andrew and Melissa have made a lasting impact on our community through their dedication to promoting health, fitness and supporting local youth,” Mayor Rickey Thomas said. “Whether they’re encouraging athletes to reach their goals, volunteering their time, or investing in the next generation through youth sports, their commitment to Tom Bean is evident in everything they do.”

Looking ahead, the Fulenwiders hope The Gym becomes the first of several similar facilities throughout Grayson County.

“Our vision is to create this and kind of duplicate it as the years go,” Melissa said. “To make The Gym a place of community and belonging in different cities across Grayson County.”

For now, however, their focus remains on serving the community they call home.

“We’re just having fun,” Melissa said with a laugh. “That’s what we’re doing.”

The Gym is located at 114 West Hwy. 11 in Tom Bean.

For membership information or to schedule a tour, visit thegymsfc.com, follow @thegym.sfc on Instagram or call 903-751-3386.

Area schools prep for start dates

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

School supplies are lining store shelves and teachers are beginning to prepare for the coming school year. As summer begins to wind down, area families are anticipating first days of school and opportunities to meet this year’s teachers. Mark your calendars for the following school districts’ upcoming events:

Bells ISD will return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Meet the Teacher events have not yet been publicized.

Collinsville ISD will return to school on Monday, Aug. 3. Meet the Teacher for elementary students will be Thursday, July 30 from 5-6:30 p.m. For incoming 6th graders and their parents, orientation will be July 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. This will be a great opportunity to tour classrooms and learn about the junior high.

S&S CISD will return to school on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Elementary students’ Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 6 from 4-6 p.m. Middle school students’ will be the same night from 5:30-7 p.m. An athletic meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Freshmen can pick up their schedules on Aug. 5 from 6-6:30 p.m. and fish camp will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sophomores and juniors can pick up their schedules Aug. 5 from 3-6 p.m. Seniors can have their senior portraits taken and pick up their schedules on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m.-noon. Please remember, the student registration process must be complete (including proof of residency) before arriving to pick up class schedules. Completing these steps in advance will help ensure a quick and smooth schedule pick-up.

Tioga ISD will return to school on Monday, Aug. 24. Elementary and middle school students’ Meet the Teacher will be Aug. 19 from 5-7 p.m. Grades 9-11 can pick up their schedules on August 19th between 9-11am or 4-6pm. Seniors can pick up their schedules on Aug. 20 between 9-12pm or 1-3pm. They will also take their senior photos in cap and gown.
When you come you will also can, pay lunch account fines (must be zero balance to get your schedule), pay parking dues if driving, get your yearbook if you preordered complete all health forms and consents.

Tom Bean ISD will return to school on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Freshmen fish camp will be held Aug. 3 from 3-4 p.m. Students will meet in the Tom Bean High School cafeteria to begin.

Whitesboro ISD will return to school on Thursday, Aug. 13. Whitesboro High School will have a new later start time this school year, with the first bell at 7:56 a.m. and classes will start at 8 a.m. The new Early Childhood Center (ECC) will hold a ribbon cutting on Aug. 3, but community members will not yet be allowed inside the building. An open house will be scheduled at a later date. The ECC Meet the Teacher night has not been scheduled as of press time. Hayes Primary School will hold its Meet the Teacher on Aug. 10 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. while the Intermediate School will hold its event that same night from 5-6 p.m. Sixth grade orientation and schedule pick-up will be Aug. 10 from 5-7 p.m. Seventh and eighth graders can pick up their schedules Aug. 11 from 6-7 p.m. An athletic meeting will then be held at 7 p.m. Freshmen Fish Camp will be Aug. 6 from 5-7 p.m. Students may begin picking up their chrome books at 3 p.m. in the library. Juniors and sophomores can pick up their chrome books and parking permits on Aug. 4 from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. in the library. Please remember to bring a driver license and $10 for the parking permits. Senior Extravaganza is scheduled for July 30 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Schedule a time slot via the link in senior packets.

Whitewright ISD will return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 12. All campuses will hold Meet the Teacher events on Aug. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. Freshmen fish camp will be Aug. 4 from 1-3 p.m. and will include student-led tours, a scavenger hunt, chrome book pick-up, a student Q&A panel and prizes.

Watch district social media pages for updates and announcements.

Southmayd Officer helps save local toddler during medical emergency

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On July 21, 2026, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Officer Scott Barrett of the Southmayd Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Southmayd regarding a medical emergency involving a 23-month-old child who was reportedly choking and had stopped breathing.

Officer Barrett responded immediately, along with Officers Weilke and Quinones of the Gunter Police Department.

Upon arrival, Officer Barrett observed the child’s mother holding her 23-month-old daughter, who was unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. He also observed blood coming from the child’s mouth and nose.

Without hesitation, Officer Barrett took custody of the child and immediately began administering age-appropriate back blows in an effort to dislodge the suspected airway obstruction.

After several back blows, the child began whimpering and crying, indicating that her airway had been at least partially cleared and that she had resumed breathing.

Officer Barrett continued to monitor and care for the child until Whitesboro EMS arrived on scene. The child was then transported by ambulance to Texoma Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

After completing the initial investigation, Officer Barrett traveled to Texoma Medical Center to check on the child’s condition. Upon entering the room, he observed the child awake, alert, conscious and in stable condition. He spoke with a trauma nurse, who advised that the child was expected to make a full recovery.

Later that day, Chief Jeff Laughlin and Lieutenant Aguirre conducted a follow-up visit with the family at their residence. They were grateful to find the child back home and doing well.

During the visit, the child’s mother expressed her heartfelt appreciation, stating that she firmly believes Officer Barrett’s quick response, decisive actions and lifesaving efforts are the reason her daughter is alive today.

Incidents like this serve as a powerful reminder that police officers are often the first to arrive during life-threatening emergencies. While sworn to enforce the law, they are equally committed to preserving life whenever and wherever they are called upon to serve.

The Southmayd Police Department would also like to recognize the outstanding CPR training recently provided by the Southmayd Fire Department. Just last week, members of the Fire Department recertified not only their own personnel but several Southmayd police officers in CPR and emergency lifesaving techniques.

The knowledge and skills reinforced during that training proved invaluable during this incident and undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome.

Additionally, the Southmayd Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to its outstanding partners at the Gunter Police Department and Whitesboro Fire Department for their immediate response and unwavering support.

Strong partnerships among neighboring agencies are essential to providing the highest level of public safety, and Southmayd is proud to stand alongside them in serving and protecting the citizens of Southmayd, Dorchester and the surrounding communities.

The Southmayd Police Department is thankful for this outcome and asks the community to continue keeping this child and her family in their thoughts and prayers.

The Southmayd Police Department is grateful that what could have been a tragic incident became a story of hope, teamwork and the dedication of first responders committed to protecting life.

G’ville Chamber announces theme for Christmas parade

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to officially kick off the holiday season countdown by announcing the theme for its 92nd Annual Christmas Parade: “Welcome to the Big Top!”

Inspired by Gainesville’s rich circus history, this year’s theme celebrates a unique part of the community’s past while adding a festive holiday twist.

The 92nd Annual Christmas Parade will take place on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 6 p.m. Parade registration will open this fall on Monday, October 12, 2026, with applications and participation information available on the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.gainesvillecofc.com

People just want to be seen

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

You know what I find interesting about working at an emergency shelter?

The deepest desire most of our guests and community members have when they come to talk to me. That’s what I find fascinating. And it may not be what you think it would be.

Now, mind you, there isn’t the opportunity for me to visit with our guests that there once was. Back in the days when our agency was financially in dire straits, I worked directly on the floor at the shelter far more often.

However, in recent months, as we started to stabilize our funding and hire back many of the positions we had eliminated two years ago, I find myself working out in the community far more than in house. That’s my job: fundraising and “friendraising.”

But, on occasion, I still get to stroll through the community center where so many of our neighbors gather, and it is fulfilling how many see their way over to happily chat me up.

The calls of, “Hey, Pastor D!” or “Pastor D, what’s up?” or “Yo, Pastor D!” never get old. How gracious of them to be so kind to me, and humbling that so many want to visit with me.

And despite my being the CEO, very rarely do any of the neighbors we serve request anything of me. No favors to ask, or special permissions to be granted.

Rather, their most pressing request goes unstated, but not unrecognized. They don’t want anything from me other than to simply be recognized by the pastor who runs the operation.

That’s it: They just want to be seen!

They’re far more interested in how my day is going, or who I have meetings with that day, or whether I’m up to date on all the recent shelter news. The kiddos who catch me coming or going in our hallways or as I pass their table at dinner time, want high fives and want me to see their cool light-up shoes or to tell me about their day or about how they want to come back to work at the shelter one day.

“One day,” I say, “but for today let’s take a look at those cool shoes!”

Confession: The conversations I have with our neighbors who we serve are the single greatest influence on me getting up for work the next day. Because, considering the countless hours we put in, there’s no more powerful motivator than seeing and feeling the gratitude of the hundreds of people we serve every single day to make you want to come back to work.

Maybe this sentiment doesn’t make as much sense in black and white as it does in my head, but given the opportunity to bend the shelter CEO’s ear about anything they would wish, nearly every single person we serve who comes up to talk to me just wants to have a conversation.

I think that is a very powerful statement about our need to feel seen. Amen.

Devlyn Brooks is the CEO of Churches United in Moorhead, Minn., and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serving Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He blogs about faith at findingfaithin.com, and can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com

All Are Welcome

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Pastor, Dr. Barry L. Roberts and the church family at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church (1040 County Rd. 203 in Collinsville) would like to invite you to join them Sunday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. as Pastor Roberts shares message three in the four-week series of messages on “Family, An Endangered Species?” The third sermon is titled, “Ten Habits of Highly Successful Families.”

The scripture will be Joshua 24:15. Guests are also invited to Sunday School at 10 a.m. with Bible Teacher, Deacon Darrin Dutton.

Mount Zion Church believes that, “Church is a hospital for sinners, not a haven for saints.” Come join us as you are and let them become the Church of New Beginnings in your life. They look forward to meeting you soon.

Masonic Lodge No. 167 installs officers, awards senior scholarships

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On July 20, Whitewright Masonic Lodge No. 167 A.F. & A.M. held its 171st Installation of Officers for the 2026–2027 Masonic year. The Lodge’s officers for the coming year are as follows:
Worshipful Master — Jason Simpson
Senior Warden — Adam Chastain
Junior Warden — Robert Magnuson
Treasurer — Josh Clouse
Secretary — C.J. Hill
Senior Deacon — Larry Jones
Junior Deacon — Case Roundtree
Senior Steward — Tobin Ross
Junior Steward — Jim Holder
Marshal — Eric Farley
Tiler — Brian Beazley

The Whitewright Masonic Lodge No. 167 congratulates these Brothers and thanks them for accepting the responsibilities entrusted to them. Their willingness to lead, labor and serve is sincerely appreciated.

The Lodge also extends its gratitude to the installing team and everyone who assisted with the ceremony, as well as the members and guests who joined for this important occasion.

May the coming Masonic year be marked by unity, good work and continued dedication to the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, and to service within the Whitewright community.

Then, the following week, on July 27, Whitewright Masonic Lodge No. 167 welcomed four outstanding graduating seniors and their families for the lodge’s annual Scholarship Award presentations.

The evening began in the Fellowship Hall with a fish fry, homemade desserts and fellowship. The meal was prepared by the members of Whitewright Masonic Lodge and their families, whose contributions are appreciated in making the evening a success.

Following the meal, everyone gathered in the Lodge Room where members had the privilege of presenting the 2026 Whitewright Masonic Lodge Scholarships. Congratulations to recipients Rhett Turner from Whitewright High School and Baylen Merriman, Lorelai Vigil and Dallas Peavey, all from Tom Bean High School.

Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to assist with their continued education. Whitewright Masonic Lodge is proud to recognize these exceptional students and invest in the future of the community.

S&S CISD High School cheer squad earns top honors at UCA Cheer Camp

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The S&S CISD high school cheerleaders and managers returned home with an impressive collection of awards after attending UCA Cheer Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine from July 9–12. The team, led by Coach Tiffany Ringger, represented S&S CISD with pride, dedication and outstanding school spirit throughout the week.

Throughout the four-day camp, the S&S Rams cheer squad worked hard to improve their skills, learn new material and strengthen their teamwork. Their dedication, leadership and commitment were recognized with several top honors throughout the week.

The Rams earned 1st Place in Cheer, 2nd Place in Situational Performance and 2nd Place in Dance. In addition to their competition awards, the squad received the prestigious Leadership Plaque, recognizing their positive attitude, teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership throughout the week.

S&S CISD’s mascot, Rowdy, also represented the Rams with excellence, earning the title of Camp Champ and being named an All American Mascot. Rowdy’s enthusiasm and school spirit helped showcase the pride and tradition of S&S CISD.

Several S&S cheerleaders were also selected as UCA All Americans, an honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding cheerleading ability, leadership and dedication. This year’s All American recipients were Gracie Fuller, Dandree Meeks, Briston Graham and Lola Morrow.

The week at UCA Camp provided the cheerleaders and managers with valuable opportunities to grow as a team, build confidence and prepare for the upcoming season. Their hard work and accomplishments reflect the spirit, dedication and excellence of the S&S Rams cheer program.

As the team looks ahead to the upcoming season, the S&S CISD cheerleaders are ready to bring their energy, leadership and school spirit to the sidelines this fall.

Capital Highlights

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

New challenge to school funding system
The Midland school district is suing Education Commissioner Mike Morath and other state leaders in another challenge to the state’s public school finance system, known as “Robin Hood,” according to The Texas Tribune.

Three legal challenges over the past three decades have failed, with Texas courts ruling that the recapture system complies with the state constitution. Under recapture, wealthier school districts — such as Midland, with its considerable oil and gas holdings — send money to the state, which then distributes it to school districts with low property values.

In the case of Midland, the district sent $92 million back to the state in the 2024-2025 school year, sixth highest in the state. Austin ISD sent back the most money that year at $771 million.

“They’re setting the tax rate. We collect the taxes. We send it to the state,” Guinn, the Midland school board president, said last week. “Then we get blamed as a local district and local board member for taxes being high. It’s just a revolving door.”

School administrators have contended that state leaders have not invested adequately in traditional public-school campuses, opting instead to promote charter schools and to create a voucher program that uses public funding for private or home schooling.

Breakaway buoys disrupt Rio Grande bridges
Hundreds of federal border buoys broke loose during recent flooding, disrupting traffic at international bridges, the Texas Standard reported. The floating border barrier was installed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It consists of interconnected orange cylinders, each 4 feet high, 15 feet long, and weighing about a ton apiece.

Officials in Eagle Pass temporarily stopped traffic on the city’s two international bridges. That city is also the location of about 2,000 feet of a separate floating barrier installed by Operation Lone Star in 2023. Those buoys remained intact during the recent flooding.

“The state buoys remain intact where they were located initially and have not moved,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “They’re being reinforced as we speak to make sure they’re not moved.”

Many of the federal buoys became lodged into the river, while others floated into Mexico, where some were reportedly recovered by residents and sold as scrap metal. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said in a statement that contractors were working to recover the remaining buoys.

State could overhaul university funding
Texas could roll out a new funding model for four-year colleges that allocates more money to schools with higher graduation and retention rates, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board presented the model to university representatives last week. It will propose the plan to lawmakers during next year’s legislative session.

Under current law, four-year colleges receive funding from the Legislature through formula funding, largely based on the number of courses offered and the number of students enrolled. Since 1999, funding has also come from institutional enhancement funding, which is not formula-based and varies widely, from $56 to $5,734 per student. Some lawmakers have criticized enhancements as a “slush fund.”

Sarah Keyton, deputy commissioner of the higher education agency, said the new funding model would make university budgeting more predictable.

The new model, if adopted by lawmakers, rewards universities for progress toward a degree and diplomas awarded. It was created with input from university leaders across the state.

“This formula could really accelerate our progress towards the goals of the state education plan (to) get more students earning credentials of value and entering the workforce and driving our statewide economy forward,” Keyton said.

State takes action to protect residential ratepayers
At Abbott’s direction, the Public Utility Commission and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have taken action to shield residential ratepayers from the costs of data center expansion sweeping across much of the state. Those actions include:
• Requiring data centers to pay for transmission infrastructure and contribute to “meaningfully reducing” residential electric bills.
• Preventing large data centers from diverting existing power away from the ERCOT grid.
• Changing how data centers pay for the infrastructure needed to serve them.
• Developing stronger standards that data centers must meet before connecting to the grid.

A controversial data center project in Henderson County near Cedar Creek Reservoir has been pulled after the company said it couldn’t comply with Abbott’s standards, The Tribune reported. The site was expected to take 12 years to build out and to consume 5 million gallons of lake water per day by its fifth year. It drew considerable opposition from residents because of the location’s proximity to a developed subdivision.

41 screwworm cases in Texas to date
Forty-one cases of New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in Texas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Standard reported, with one additional case in New Mexico. The latest infestation was confirmed in a baby calf in western Starr County, the first detected case in the Rio Grande Valley.

The screwworm is the larval stage of a parasitic fly that feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Without treatment, infestations can be fatal.

Federal and state officials are working to contain the outbreak, with several counties in South and West Texas under quarantine that limits movement of livestock.

1.6 million eggs in Texas are recalled
Several brands of white and brown eggs sold in Texas are under a recall because they may be contaminated with salmonella, the Statesman reported. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling nearly 1.6 million eggs.

The company announced that the eggs were produced and distributed from Texas farms between June 6 and July 3, with sell-by or best-by dates between July 20 and Aug. 17. They were shipped to Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi, as well as other smaller retail outlets.

The recalled eggs will have an identifying code number printed on the left or right sides of the carton in date-coding ink only. Only codes P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 printed on the side of the carton are subject to recall.

As of July 24, the company has not identified any illnesses linked to the recalled eggs.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com

County Arrest Report

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The following people were booked into the Grayson County Jail July 20-26. An arrest is not an indication of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.

June 20
Kevin Lee Lashley was arrested by the Bells PD for public intoxication.
Bryan Mark Smith was arrested by the GCSO for making a terroristic threat against a family or household member.
Melinda Kaye Rowland was arrested by the Denison PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams, unlawfully carrying a weapon, and possession of marijuana under 2 ounces.
Jesus Hernandez Acosta was arrested by the Sherman PD for Dallas County warrants charging theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750 and fraud involving the destruction, removal or concealment of a price tag valued at $100 or more but less than $750.
Daniel Lee Gonzales was arrested by the GCSO on a failure-to-appear warrant for theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500.
Ryan Lee Williams was arrested by the GCSO for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person by criminal negligence.
Tracy Lynn Davidson was arrested by the GCSO for indecency with a child by exposure.
Shawna Denise Nelson was arrested by the Sherman PD on a commitment to pay a fine related to theft of property valued at $50 or more but less than $500.
Juan Daniel Velazquez was arrested by the Sherman PD for racing on a highway.
Angel J. Galdamez Avalos was arrested by the Sherman PD for racing on a highway.

July 21
Ricky Charles Hogan was arrested by Denison PD for assault of hospital personnel on hospital property.
Andrew Steven Bishop was arrested by Denison PD for driving while intoxicated, second offense, accident involving damage to a vehicle of $200 or more, and possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 3, less than 28 grams.
Brandon Martinez was arrested by GCSO for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces in a drug-free zone.
Roy Thomas Carr III was arrested by Sherman PD for a Dallas County warrant for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions.
Destiny June Gonzalez was arrested by GCSO on a motion to adjudicate for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Kris Marie Edgmon was arrested by Whitewright PD for public intoxication.
Tyra Mewsette Nugent was arrested by Denison PD for credit card or debit card abuse of an elderly person and theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000 from an elderly person.
Billie Krystina Johnson was arrested by Denison PD on a failure-to-appear warrant for robbery.
James Michael Boney was arrested by GCSO on a Denton County failure-to-appear warrant for driving while intoxicated, third or more offense.
Bradley Carlton Rowland was arrested by GCSO for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Gary Howard Erwin II was arrested by GCSO as a federal inmate and for expired driver’s license. He was also arrested by Sherman PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams, with intent to deliver.
Jessca Dawn McMahan was arrested by Sherman PD for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams, resisting arrest, search or transport, and possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone.
Destry Allen Hales was arrested by Denison PD on motions to adjudicate for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

July 22
The following individuals were recently booked into the Grayson County Jail. An arrest is not an indication of guilt, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
Charles William Potter was arrested by Denison PD for manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams, and a Wise County charge of possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams.
Terrie Jo Adair was arrested by Denison PD on a motion to revoke for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, less than 1 gram.
Roy William Harpole Jr. was arrested by Van Alstyne PD for public intoxication.
Wayne C. Williams Jr. was arrested by GCSO for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces.
Garth Adam Philpott was arrested by GCSO for driving while intoxicated.
Tamara Joan Abney was arrested by GCSO on a motion to adjudicate for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams.
Patrick Anthony Morales was arrested by GCSO for assault of a family or household member by impeding breathing or circulation and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-family violence.
Chase Lynn Marcum was arrested by Denison PD for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750.
John Frances Keppler was arrested by Sherman PD on a failure-to-appear warrant for criminal trespass of a habitation.
Arnulfo Antonio Diaz Jr. was arrested by Sherman PD on a failure-to-appear warrant for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.

July 23
Brett Alan Densmore was arrested by Denison PD for a parole violation. He was also arrested by GCSO for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams, with intent to deliver.
Valentin Anthony Murguia was arrested by GCSO for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements with a previous conviction.
Clifford Isbell was arrested by Sherman PD for public intoxication and failure to identify.
Brandon Alvarez was arrested by Sherman PD for driving while intoxicated.
Chantalle Rose Gonzalez was arrested by Whitesboro PD for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and resisting arrest, search or transport.
Joshua Dwayne Murley was arrested by GCSO on a motion to adjudicate for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person by reckless bodily injury.
Richard Demarcus Wilford was arrested by Sherman PD for a parole violation.
Dawson K. Spence was arrested by GCSO on a motion to adjudicate for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750 and a motion to revoke for driving while intoxicated.
Jimmy Cleveland Freeman Jr. was arrested by GCSO for assault of a family or household member by impeding breathing or circulation.
Christopher Lloyd Robison was arrested by GCSO for burglary of a building with intent to commit theft and theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $30,000.
Michael Dustin Knight was arrested by GCSO for driving while intoxicated, third or more offense.
Randy Allan Clover Jr. was arrested by GCSO for theft of aluminum, bronze, copper or brass valued at less than $20,000 and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Jarvis Earl Mayberry was arrested by Denison PD for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions.
Antonio Dionne Carr was arrested by Denison PD for theft of property valued at less than $100 with a previous conviction.

July 24
Rochelle Lynn Campbell was arrested by Denison PD on a motion to revoke for theft of property valued at $100 or more but less than $750. She was also arrested by GCSO for burglary of a building, criminal trespass, and possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram in a drug-free zone.
Steven Ray Walker was arrested by Sherman PD for assault of a family or household member with a previous conviction.
John Chason McDonald was arrested by Denison PD on a motion to revoke for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, less than 1 gram, and on a failure-to-appear warrant for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams.
Gene Ramey Burnett was arrested by GCSO for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Leodegario Jose Martinez was arrested by GCSO on a motion to adjudicate for evading arrest or detention with a vehicle or watercraft.
Stephen Greg King was arrested by Sherman PD for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person with intent to cause bodily injury and assault of a pregnant person.
Clifford Isbell was arrested by Sherman PD for public intoxication.
Elizabeth Ann Taylor was arrested by Denison PD for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Cara Jane Epperson was arrested by GCSO on a Cooke County failure-to-appear warrant for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams.
Asher Reagan Auburn Jr. was arrested by Van Alstyne PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Angela Scott Ross was arrested by GCSO for injury to a child, elderly or disabled person with intent to cause bodily injury, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, and resisting arrest, search or transport.
Moises Rodriguez-Erives was arrested by Howe PD for illegal dumping.
Lazaro Mendez Calderon was arrested by GCSO on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer and for fraud involving possession or use of 10 or more but fewer than 50 credit or debit cards.
Brittnee Taylor Smith was arrested by GCSO as a weekender for two counts of driving while intoxicated, second offense.
Jordan Arturo Loera was arrested by GCSO for credit card or debit card abuse and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Brandon William Zuspann was arrested by GCSO as a weekender for sexual assault of a child.
Katherine Allison Morris was arrested by GCSO as a weekender for an improper relationship between an educator and student.

July 25
Anthony Torres was arrested by GCSO for making a terroristic threat impairing a public servant, placing the public in fear of serious bodily injury or influencing government.
Falynn Renea Flamont was arrested by Sherman PD on a Dallas County warrant for theft of property valued at $750 or more but less than $2,500.
Elmer Eduardo Cuatro-Lima was arrested by Sherman PD for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Shawn Lee Williams was arrested by Denison PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram.
Jose Erick Mejia was arrested by Sherman PD for public intoxication, evading arrest or detention, and resisting arrest, search or transport. He was also arrested by GCSO on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
Jacob Edward Barnett was arrested by Denison PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams. He was also arrested by Pottsboro PD for six counts of burglary of a building and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Francisco Gabriel Alfaro-Aquino was arrested by GCSO for driving while intoxicated.
Terellton Rashad Braxton was arrested by Sherman PD for criminal trespass.
Michael Anthony Blalock was arrested by Denison PD for violation of bond or protective order and being a fugitive from justice.
Latonya Latrice Flowers was arrested by Van Alstyne PD on a Rockwall County charge of interference with public duties and two counts of driving without a license.
Juana Marilyn Martinez Bajurto was arrested by GCSO on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. She was also arrested by Whitesboro PD for driving while intoxicated with a child younger than 15.
Jason Glen Campbell was arrested by GCSO for driving while license invalid with a previous conviction, suspension or without financial responsibility.
Chelsea Lynn Simmons was arrested by Denison PD for possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram and on a failure-to-appear warrant for criminal trespass of a habitation.
Nakota Cheyenne Campbell was arrested by Sherman PD for failure to identify as a fugitive by giving false information and for a parole violation.

July 26
Nelson Ramon Oaitav Martinez was arrested by Van Alstyne PD for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces and driving while intoxicated.
Miller Dane Johnson was arrested by Sherman PD for driving while intoxicated, second offense.
Samuel Reyes was arrested by Howe PD for driving while intoxicated with an open alcohol container.
Mylin Devon Mosley was arrested by Van Alstyne PD for unlawfully carrying a weapon and possession of marijuana under 2 ounces.
Kevin Patrick Thompson was arrested by Denison PD for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.
Matthew Thorne Daquino was arrested by GCSO for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces.
Gary Don Morgan was arrested by Denison PD for theft of property valued at less than $2,500 with two or more previous convictions.
Robert Bryan Blackshear III was arrested by Denison PD for assault causing bodily injury-family violence.
Jayden Deonte Brand-Hayden was arrested by Sherman PD for possession of marijuana under 2 ounces, making a terroristic threat causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury, and harassment.
Bryan Amir Sanchez was arrested by Sherman PD for criminal trespass of a habitation and possession of a controlled substance, Penalty Group 1/1-B, less than 1 gram.
Sadie Aldridge was arrested by Sherman PD for driving while license invalid.
Angela Aldridge was arrested by Sherman PD for expired registration.
Arturo Lopez Velasco was arrested by Sherman PD for driving while intoxicated and an accident involving damage to a vehicle.

School board reviews extracurricular policy

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The Whitewright ISD Board of Trustees approved a new newspaper of record, discussed the district’s extracurricular absence policy and received updates on construction projects and enrollment during its regular meeting Monday night.

Trustees spent the bulk of the meeting discussing the district’s extracurricular day policy, which limits the amount of instructional time students may miss while participating in school-sponsored activities.

Current policy allows students to miss up to 15 instructional days, with principals authorized to approve an additional five days, for a total of 20.

Board members discussed whether additional flexibility should be allowed for students who excel academically while participating in multiple extracurricular activities.

According to superintendent Brian Garner, only a handful of students came near the limit last year and noted administrators have already refined how travel days and field trips are counted.

He also said that postseason competition no longer counts toward the total, reducing the impact on students advancing beyond district competition.

Trustees ultimately agreed to leave the policy unchanged while continuing to monitor its implementation during the coming school year.

“We’ve got a really good program going,” Garner said. “If we see something that needs to be adjusted, we can always bring it back.”

The board approved construction of a covered parking structure for a portion of the district’s fleet rather than constructing a larger vehicle facility originally considered.

The district recently received three replacement Suburbans following hail damage.

Garner said covering six existing parking spaces would provide better protection at an estimated cost of about $16,000, substantially less than the previously discussed facility.

Trustees approved the 2026-27 Student Code of Conduct without changes from the previous year and adopted revisions to the district’s grade weighting system for incoming freshmen.

High school principal Jorge Rubio said the changes simplify grade weighting while preparing for a statewide weighting system expected from the Texas Education Agency in the coming years.

Among the changes:
-Spanish III and ASL III will receive advanced-level weighting.
-Spanish IV and ASL IV will receive honors-level weighting.
-Precalculus will move to advanced weighting.
-Calculus and dual-credit courses will remain at the highest weighting level.

The changes will apply only to the incoming freshman class.

In other business, the board also certified the district’s compliance with new TEA requirements regarding employee and contractor disclosures and approved the purchase of new middle school library books after the required 30-day public review period concluded without comment.

Assistant superintendent Chad Long reported substantial progress on several summer construction projects across the district.

Concrete for the new athletic field house is expected to be poured next week following engineering approval. Inside work has continued in preparation for the slab.

At the middle school, flooring and restroom renovations have been completed, while painting has been delayed after contractors applied the wrong type of paint.

“It looked really, really good until you go pull it off the wall,” Long said, explaining crews are removing the paint and starting over.

According to Garner, elementary kitchen renovations are also nearing completion and he expects the projects to be ready before students return Aug. 12.

Administrators also reviewed updates to several student handbooks, including changes to middle school academic eligibility requirements, cheerleading procedures, Beta Club requirements and athletic participation policies for homeschooled students.

Among the changes, homeschooled athletes participating in Whitewright ISD athletics will now be required to participate in offseason athletic periods in addition to their competitive season.

“They can’t just show up for one sport and go home,” athletic director Charlie Roten said. “Everyone must participate in the full athletic program to play a sport.”

District officials also said new middle school cheer structure is intended to strengthen the program by developing separate seventh- and eighth-grade squads after participation declined in recent years.

Looking ahead, Garner said preliminary enrollment projections show the district will open the school year with approximately 790-793 students, up from about 775 at the end of last year.

Most of the growth is occurring at the elementary campus, with enrollment expected to approach 400 students. High school enrollment is also increasing, while middle school enrollment remains relatively flat.

Garner reminded trustees that Meet the Teacher is scheduled for Aug. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m., followed by Meet the Tigers at 7:30 p.m.

Earlier in the meeting, the board unanimously approved designating The News-Record as the district’s official newspaper of record following the recent acquisition and merger of the Whitewright Sun.

The newly merged publication will continue covering Whitewright while expanding community news coverage throughout Grayson County.

Superintendent Brian Garner recommended the change, noting the district had already published some legal notices with the newspaper and praised its local presence and coverage.

From the Archives

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

WHITESBORO NEWS-RECORD

30 years ago…

July 31, 1996

1996 RED RIVER VALLEY ARTS FESTIVAL UNDERWAY
Tina O’Steen, Chairperson for the Arts Festival, is proud to announce the 1996 theme, “Seek the Unique,” scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21. The Arts Festival Committee is busily preparing in all different areas of this event, bringing back favorite attractions and adding new events as well.

One exciting announcement is in the area of entertainment. Tommy Loy and his Dixieland Band will be performing late in the afternoon from the Oliver Dewey Mayor stage. Direct from stages around the world, this native son will be bringing his band back home for a 3-hour stint, beginning at 4 p.m.

As in years past, the scope of events will be huge and the offerings many. Included will be: Annual 5K and Mini-K Runs, Teddy Bear Parade, opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. to the sound of the Sherman High School Bearcat Band, Domino Tournament, Adult Art Show and Judging, Youth Art Show, Pancake Breakfast, continual entertainment on the several stages, Friends of the Library Book Sale, puppet shows and more.

And of course, the hand-made, original crafts will be lined up and down the lawn in booths full of delightful items for your house, yard, gift list and closet!

This annual day of Autumn fun promises to provide plenty of unique attractions for any taste.

WHITEWRIGHT SUN

30 years ago…

AUGUST 8, 1996

WHITEWRIGHT SCHOOLS RATED AMONG TOPS IN THE STATE BY TEA
On August 1, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) notified Superintendent Sandra Hill of the official state ratings of each of the Whitewright campuses and the district. The ratings were: High School - Exemplary, Middle School - Recognized, Elementary School - Recgonized, District - Recognized

This places the High School in an elite group of only 2% of the high schools in Texas. The Middle School ranks in the top 15% of the 1,247 middle schools in Texas and the Elementary School ranks in the top 22% of the 3,564 elementary schools in Texas. The total district rating for Whitewright was Recognized which earns a ranking in the top 20% of the 1,044 districts in Texas.

CUB SCOUTS RACE FOR THE GOLD
Not even the Olympics could compare to the annual Cub Scout Cubmobile race. Racers zoomed off a 16 foot long ramp in home-built cars designed and built by the boys and their families.

There were very few mechanical problems which made this one of the fastest races ever held.

Every race had a close finish and spectators cheered for their favorite racer.

Life is about balance for new Collinsville business

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

COLLINSVILLE - On the morning of Wednesday, July 22, Felisha Larance cut the ribbon in front of Balance on Collinsville’s Main Street, signifying the grand opening of the town’s newest business.

From its beginnings as a booth in farmer’s markets and then to a trailer, Balance has now officially moved into a brick-and-mortar shop on the square. Larance says that after posting content of her products on social media and receiving positive feedback and abundant support, she decided to take the opportunity of opening a storefront when it arose.

She has always dreamed of opening her own restaurant, and her customers excitedly encouraged her to do so. Larance is a very vibrant cook who is passionate about what she does. She loves exploring different types of dishes and is excited to introduce new flavors to Collinsville while still offering the traditional foods people know and love.

Larance is experimenting with different foods and continuously editing her menu based on feedback and requests she receives from customers. She hopes to expand her menu to include full meals, as cooking is what she loves most and she would like to share her dishes with the community.

Supporting small local businesses is important to Larance and she believes that many of those businesses are great additions to the community. She believes that if local businesses work together, they can bring even bigger things to our communities. Her mission with Balance is to help support a healthy, balanced lifestyle for everyone in the community.

She enjoys being able to provide plenty of options for people with specific needs, such as turmeric drinks or no-syrup options for those with diabetes. Her fresh pressed juices have become a favorite among customers. It is entertaining and reassuring to customers when they get to enjoy watching her muddle fresh, natural ingredients and watch their juice come straight from the source.

There are no additives or chemicals in them, offering peace of mind that you are consuming something that is truly healthy and will make you feel good.

Since opening, Balance has been busy. Larance is very grateful for all the support and is excited looking to the future. While feeling very fortunate, she is eager to see how far Balance can grow. To her, everything in life comes down to a balance and she is proud to provide a place that reflects that for the community.

Health screenings, fire hydrant maintenance, new radio program among reported WFD needs for new fiscal year

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Whitesboro Fire Chief Jeff Patterson gave the city council an overview of the fire, ambulance and dispatch budgets and projects at the most recent meeting.

“For the most part, there’s not big line item increases that we are looking at,” Patterson said. He said two things that will be in the fire budget are state mandated health screenings for the firefighters and a comprehensive fire hydrant maintenance and testing program.

He said firefighters have been required to undergo physicals for some time, but a requirement passed last year adds cancer screenings to that requirement.

“Because the nature of the job that we do, the environment is high in carcinogens and firefighters suffer from a lot of cancers,” he explained before telling the council that his department looked at several different companies that provide those screenings.

“We found one that is local that will come to us that will do a lot of that testing in-house,” he said. That will cost the city $15,000. The physicals are included in that price and are required every year. The cancer screenings are broken out on a five-year plan with different screenings required each year. Patterson said the Whitesboro Fire Department had not done the physicals in the past because it was primarily a volunteer department. But in January of 2026, the department switched to paid firefighters.

Comprehensive Fire Hydrant Maintenance Program
Patterson said they will also use an outside company to start on the comprehensive fire hydrant maintenance program.

“We recently went through our ISO evaluation, and we learned that a lot of our hydrants are in poor shape. That is not anyone’s fault necessarily, just not enough hands to go around and that kind of stuff, and that’s some of the maintenance items that have fallen by the wayside,” he said.

He also said the company that he had worked with before in Addison is the one he is considering for the project.

“They come in and they will test all of the hydrants and maintain all of the hydrants and then paint all of the hydrants. The hydrants are supposed to be painted for what their flow is, so they measure the amount of water that comes out of the hydrant and then they paint the top of it based on recommendations,” he explained. The outside company will also take care of all of the record keeping that is required for that project to prove that those inspections and improvements have been made. He said using a third-party company to conduct this type of examination is not really any different than what the city already does with hoses and fire pumps on the trucks.

“The idea is this is a recurring program,” he said and noted that the city might eventually be able to do this in-house at some point in the future.

EMS Budget Considerations
Patterson said the goal for the EMS at this point is to maintain the current level of service.

“We currently staff two full-time MICU units and then we have a third unit that is certified and ready to go,” he said.

A study that they did recently in preparation for a grant proposal revealed that based on what the department brings in from subsidies and billing, they are able to cover 65 percent of both the fire and emergency services budgets. He said there is a small increase in vehicle maintenance in the budget. Patterson said that “some of that is due to the winter storm and that unit’s age.”

“This year we are in the final stages of approval to carry whole blood products,” Patterson said. He added that the
Whitesboro EMS will be the first entity to provide whole blood products. He said that program will be paid for by a grant.

Capital Purchase for EMS
Patterson said this covers all of the items that go in an ambulance. He explained that when the city orders an ambulance, it doesn’t order it fully stocked because there is such a big mark-up on those items. Instead, the city sources those items from vendors who have better prices so that the city gets the most for its money. The two ambulances were ordered in 2024 and are expected to arrive in 2027.

Grant Possibility to Pay for Additional Staff
Patterson said the city has applied for a grant to help pay for additional staff, but they won’t know if they got the grant until October. That would provide staffing for six additional firefighters or two per shift. He said currently the city has six firefighters per day. That includes two on the engine and two on each ambulance. The industry standard, he said, is four on the engine. If the city gets the grant, it will pay 75 percent of the salary and benefits for the new firefighters for the first two years and that amount will decrease over the next few years. That $109,000 for the first year, he said, is included in the proposed budget.

Dispatch Office Addition
“Basically, our goals for Communications is the addition of two new positions and the replacement of our radio program,” Patterson said. He said a new dispatch system was approved and ordered in October of 2025. A third dispatch desk was also approved then.

“In August of 2026 that new CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) will go live,” he said noting that is less than 30 days away for the crew in dispatch. He said the program is actually made specifically for Whitesboro and included a great deal of work by many people to get to this point.

The new staff members will give the city two dispatchers per shift 24/7.

“As you know they all went through emergency medical dispatch training this year,” Patterson said. “That training makes it where they can provide that service over the telephone without transferring it to Houston, Texas.”

However. he said, the dispatchers can’t provide that individualized care unless there are at least two dispatchers on duty -- one to handle the medical emergency conversation and one to continue to work incoming calls and dispatch duties.

New Radio System
The new 300 system will allow the city of Whitesboro to talk to other entities that use the 800 system.

“Our existing system has reached its end of life,” Patterson said, noting that the city has a hard time even finding parts to make repairs to the current system. He said that old system runs on copper while connections and the cost for that keeps getting more and more dear. What once cost $700 a month is now $7,000 a month. The new system will also increase coverage for the city’s communications.

“They also provide data over the air,” he said, “and it will allow dispatchers to actually see where a particular patrol vehicle is at any given time. All of the surrounding communities have the 800 systems. This will also provide new radios for all of the utilities in the city.”

He said the city can look at leasing the equipment and the first payment for that would not be due until 2027.

You’re really just trading one expense for another

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Dear Dave,
My wife and I are on Baby Step 2 of your plan, and we’re paying off our debt as quickly as possible. I’ve even put my motorcycle up for sale for $5,000 to help us get out of debt faster. The other day, a guy offered me $500 cash and a fishing boat for the bike. I’ve always really wanted a boat, but picking up a toy feels weird when we’re trying to get out of debt. Plus, the money portion of the deal would only make a tiny dent in what we owe. What do you think about this?
- Gordon

Dear Gordon,
I’m proud of you two for working to get control of your finances. And I’ve got to admit, the deal this guy offered is kind of interesting. Odd, but interesting!

At this stage of the game, though, I think you and your wife should sit down together and ask yourselves what your real goal is. If the goal is to own a boat, then you could accomplish that easily. If your goal is to get out of debt and get control of your finances, then this deal isn’t really the best way to go. It seems like a cool transaction on the surface, especially if you like being on the water. But the upkeep and maintenance on boats can really add up. And that means more hassles and expenses in your lives.

I think you already knew this, Gordon, but in my mind getting out of debt as quickly as possible comes first. There’s plenty of time later for you to save up and buy a nice boat after you get control of your money. In this scenario, you’re really just trading one recreational vehicle—and the accompanying expenses—for another.

If you’re on Baby Step 2, it means you’ve already got $1,000 in the bank for emergencies, and you’ve moved on to paying off all your debt, except for your home. This tells me you two are motivated, but the idea of a boat has caused your resolve to get a little shaky.

So, if you’re looking for someone to tell you forget the boat, and stay on track with getting control of your lives and money, I’m your guy. Don’t do the deal!
— Dave

Dave Ramsey is a nine-time national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of The Ramsey Show. He has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people take control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

Pottsboro’s Gigi Rhoten receives ‘Women Making Waves’ award

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Pottsboro’s Gigi Rhoten has been named a national recipient of Boating Industry’s prestigious Women Making Waves award. Ironically, despite her decades of leadership in the marina industry, Rhoten didn’t grow up on the water and certainly wasn’t what many would call a “lake rat.”

Born in Canada and raised in South Dakota, Rhoten’s family moved to Texas in 1980. Yet it wasn’t until she met her husband two decades later that she ever visited a lake.

Her husband grew up spending time at Possum Kingdom Lake, and after the couple married, they frequently visited Lake Lewisville. It didn’t take long for Rhoten to fall in love with the lake lifestyle.

The couple began their married life in Richardson before moving to Van Alstyne. Her husband’s career later brought them to Denison and eventually Pottsboro, where they have lived for the past 30 years.

Professionally, Rhoten worked as an event planner for Vector Marketing before joining the Farm Bureau. She and her husband later purchased a Mrs. Baird’s vendor route, but the work wasn’t a long-term fit.

“I really needed to get back into an office,” she said.

That opportunity came close to home.

HydroHoist, a flagship brand of Waterfront Brands and a leading manufacturer of boat lifts and docking platforms for freshwater and saltwater applications, had recently opened a location just around the corner from Rhoten’s house. After learning the company was searching for dealers, she made it her mission to meet with owner Chase White.

“I bothered their temp for two weeks before I finally got a meeting with Chase,” Rhoten said with a laugh. “After two meetings, he hired me.”

She joined the company as a sales coordinator and steadily worked her way up the ranks. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, earning opportunities to advance wasn’t always easy. After three managers came and went, company higher-ups recognized Rhoten’s ability to lead.

Today, she serves as operations manager and has played a key role in the company’s continued success. As Sales and Operations Manager, she successfully led the launch of a new distribution center in Austin, Texas, strategically positioning HydroHoist for long-term growth in the region. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with the brand, Gigi implemented proven best practices while adapting to the unique needs of the market, contributing to national sales growth and strengthening the company’s operational footprint.

“HydroHoist has been recognized as the No. 1 position for the state of Texas for the past eight years,” she said.

Rhoten’s work has helped expand access to premium boat lift solutions in underserved areas, bringing innovation and reliability to new markets. By establishing HydroHoist’s presence in Central Texas, she has supported marina operators and boat owners with high-quality products and service, elevating expectations for both. Her continued involvement in the Marina Association of Texas also demonstrates her commitment to strengthening the industry as a whole through collaboration and shared knowledge.

Recognizing her leadership, dedication, commitment to supporting teams, customers and dealer partners, and her impact on the boating industry, Waterfront Brands Director of Marketing Kelli Heikes nominated Rhoten for Boating Industry’s Women Making Waves award.

“It was a very nice surprise!” Rhoten said.

Now in its 11th year, the Women Making Waves program honors women throughout the recreational boating industry who have made significant contributions to their organizations and the industry as a whole. Honorees represent every sector of the business, from manufacturers, associations and dealerships to marinas, suppliers and beyond.

Each year, Boating Industry receives nominations from across the industry before its editorial team selects approximately 25 women whose leadership, innovation and dedication are helping shape the future of recreational boating.

Award recipients will be honored at a gala later this year.

Outside of work, Rhoten fully embraces the lake life she discovered years ago. She and her husband spend nearly every weekend at Lake Texoma, often joined by their two grown children and five grandchildren.

And after building a career she never expected, she says she can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I just love what I do,” she said. “I love helping people. I love the people I work with, from our dealer network to the people at the marinas. I love being outside, the nature of it all. I consider myself very fortunate.”

S&S Middle School cheerleaders prepare for upcoming season

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

The S&S CISD Middle School Cheerleaders spent the week of July 13–17 participating in their annual summer cheer camp as they prepare for the upcoming football season.

Throughout the week, the cheerleaders worked diligently to learn new routines that will be performed throughout the school year. The camp focused on building skills, teamwork, school spirit and preparing the squad to represent S&S CISD on the sidelines this fall.

A highlight of the week was working with choreographer Leah Frith, who created and taught routines specifically designed for the seventh and eighth grade cheerleaders. Her expertise and creativity helped the squad develop routines that showcase their talents and enthusiasm while building confidence as a team.

In addition to the work done by the cheerleaders, the team’s managers played a vital role in the success of camp. Throughout the week, they dedicated countless hours to creating posters and spirit materials for the upcoming season. Their creativity, attention to detail and hard work resulted in impressive displays that will help promote school spirit this fall. While much of their work takes place behind the scenes, their contributions are an essential part of the program’s success.

The squad was also fortunate to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week, generously provided by Randy and Jacqueline Miller of Salt & Smoke. Their support and hospitality helped keep the cheerleaders energized during a busy week of practices and activities.

As camp came to a close, the S&S Middle School Cheerleaders left with new routines, stronger friendships and excitement for the season ahead. The team is looking forward to sharing their hard work with the community and supporting the Rams throughout the upcoming school year.

KWB Summer Social was a great success

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Members of Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB) hosted a successful summer social – Beach Party Picnic – on July 9 at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Wesley Hall. Members and guests gathered to celebrate accomplishments and learn about the organization.

Patricia Davis, event chairman, stated that all of Whitesboro was invited. The room was decorated with tropical beach décor. Upon arrival, attendees were given a colorful lei, and their names were put in a beach bag for a chance to win a door prize. Picnic-style foods were served, and there were several photo op areas with props available.

Davis welcomed members and guests to the Beach Party Picnic. Then President Mark Wennstedt began the evening by describing some of KWB’s projects and upcoming events. He then offered a prayer before the meal.

Guests enjoyed several types of sandwiches, chips and dips, fruits, vegetables and desserts. Dinner was followed by several games of Beach Bingo with prizes ranging from beach towels to sunscreen. Later, members and guests played a game of Beach Trivia. Each table was a team and had its own buzzer. The first table to press their buzzer was able to answer. The team with the most points at the end of the game was the winner and received a beautifully decorated beach-themed sugar cookie. Davis stated she wanted the attendees to just come and have a good time, so she didn’t ask any businesses for a prize or donation. Everything (food, decorations and prizes) was donated by club members.
Finally, instead of the Beach Boys singing their famous song, Kokomo, the Beach Babes sang their song, Whitesboro. Performers wearing tropical shirts and leis sang their version of the song, while a PowerPoint presentation played in the background depicting all the businesses and famous spots in Whitesboro, such as the water tower, Trollinger Park, Cook’s Mercantile, 56 Deli and the Rodeo.

Davis said she spent several days taking photos of the businesses and putting them into the PowerPoint. She spent weeks getting the song exactly right for Whitesboro, and then had it prerecorded by two local singer-teachers to add to the PowerPoint.

Past KWB projects were remembered, such as the Trollinger Park clean-up, the Adopt-a-Highway clean-up and the grant that was won. Upcoming events announced were the annual Peanut Festival, where KWB will have a booth, and the annual Keep Whitesboro Beautiful Downtown Christmas, where KWB will have lots of family activities including horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade, vendors and Santa.

Membership applications were available at the sign-in table and are available on the club’s website. Membership dues, which are paid annually in January, are now 50% off.

Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB) is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful, KWB promotes environmental stewardship, community pride, and beautification throughout the greater Whitesboro, Texas, area.

KWB partners with the City of Whitesboro, governmental agencies, businesses and community organizations to develop and support programs that improve the community’s appearance, health, safety and quality of life. The organization encourages litter prevention, recycling, beautification, tree planting, conservation of natural resources and volunteer service while providing education and recommendations that enhance and revitalize the community.

Through these efforts, KWB inspires residents to work together to create a cleaner, greener and more beautiful Whitesboro.

Gina Hinojosa makes her case to rural Texas

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa is running for governor of Texas.

On paper, Hinojosa brings a trifecta of characteristics that have not historically translated into electoral success in rural red Texas: She is a woman. She is Hispanic. And she is a Democrat. That may be an uncomfortable acknowledgment of our own identity politics, but it is part of the political reality.

But she is making her case to rural Texas anyway.

Hinojosa was back in Amarillo this week for the second time, rallying voters and learning more about data centers, now high on the list of concerns for rural Texans. I was invited to join Hinojosa and her campaign team Sunday.

Full disclosure: I was one of the MAGA moms who joined Hinojosa in Austin last session to support her bill to DOGE the Texas Education Agency. I said then that it was a good-government bill and that a Republican should have filed it.

Supporting a bill is not the same as endorsing a candidate. But that experience gave me an early look at the issues she has placed at the center of her campaign.

Hinojosa says her run for governor is built around two promises: save public education and put money back into Texans’ pockets.

She carries a big stick on education. Hinojosa has served on the House Public Education Committee, helped lead opposition to vouchers and raised concerns about Texas schools facing closure. She is also known for asking hard questions of the Texas Education Agency and the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation.

She first ran for the Austin school board—and won—after the state tried to shut down her son’s school. Hinojosa says she would revamp the state’s accountability system with less reliance on STAAR testing and A–F ratings. She wants higher teacher pay, smaller classes, more money in classrooms, an end to state takeovers and a return to local control. She opposes vouchers, wants to replace Education Commissioner Mike Morath and says she would cut TEA bureaucracy and outside contracts.

Those issues should sound familiar here. Rural schools are often the largest employer in town, the center of community life and one of the last institutions holding a shrinking community together.

Hinojosa’s economic proposal would use part of the Texas Rainy Day Fund to send $1,500 payments to Texas families. She says the fund has about $17 billion and would leave $10 billion in savings while returning the rest to taxpayers.
A $1,500 check will not permanently lower insurance, groceries, utilities or property taxes. Questions remain about who would qualify, what the proposal would cost and whether a Republican Legislature would agree.

But her point is clear: Why is the state sitting on billions while Texas families struggle to keep up? Hinojosa says Texas government has become too responsive to billionaires, mega-donors and corporate interests while ordinary Texans pay more and expect less. “Is this the billionaires’ world, and are we just living in it?” she asked the folks at her rally on Sunday.

That question may land differently here than Republican leaders expect. We have spent years hearing about the Texas economic miracle while hospitals struggle, schools close, insurance rates climb and local governments have a harder time providing basic services.

Hinojosa also came to Amarillo to learn more about data centers.

She walked the along the perimeter of the Fermi Matador construction site and met with residents who have been asking the tough questions about water, electricity, land and infrastructure. Later, she hosted a roundtable with residents from the Claude area who talked about what large-scale industrial development could mean for their land, community and future.

Listening is a start. Rural Texans will need to know whether Hinojosa would give counties real authority to evaluate these projects, require developers to pay infrastructure costs and allow communities to pause, condition or reject projects when the risks are too great. But she is showing up where the questions are being asked.

I am not suggesting rural Texas is suddenly going to vote Democratic. It is not.

I am saying Hinojosa is talking about issues that matter here—and, in some cases, more directly than the Republican leadership rural Texans have supported for years. Rural voters may disagree with her solutions, question how she would pay for them or never get past the “D” beside her name. But they ought to hear what she is proposing before they dismiss her.

As I’ve written before, Republicans have long counted on rural Texas without competing very hard for its votes. Democrats have too often treated rural communities as places to visit during election season rather than places to understand.

Hinojosa is testing both assumptions.

I am sharing Hinojosa’s platform here not as an endorsement, but as a challenge to us as rural voters. We should not give either party our support automatically. Candidates from both parties should have to earn our votes—especially in rural Texas.

Report crimes to police, not to social media

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

On Nov. 24, 2025, Nathan Patterson was placed on 10 years of deferred adjudication probation after pleading guilty to five counts of possessing pornographic material that included child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

My office sought a sentence of 60 years in prison for those offenses. Ultimately, it is the judge’s responsibility to determine what is appropriate and what justice requires in each case.

We respect and support our judges in carrying out that responsibility, even when we occasionally disagree with their decisions.

Recently, there have been several social media posts about Mr. Patterson.

To clear the air and any misconceptions, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office apparently received cyber-tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force several days ago and had already obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Patterson before any social media posts began circulating. In these types of cases, investigations and subsequent arrests are based on information received through law enforcement channels—not social media.

We are evaluating filing a motion to adjudicate Patterson’s deferred adjudication probation.

One of the benefits of deferred adjudication is that, if the court finds he committed a new offense or otherwise violated the terms of his probation, the judge may proceed to adjudicate his guilt and impose punishment within the full first-degree felony range of 5 to 99 years, or life imprisonment.

If any probation violations or new offenses exist in cases like these, we proceed with prosecution and seek an appropriate punishment based upon the evidence and circumstances, including any new offenses committed and the maximum punishment allowed by law.

For our citizens, I would ask you to keep in mind that social media posts are not helpful to ongoing criminal investigations.

What is helpful is when individuals who believe they have evidence of a new offense or of someone violating probation, report it directly to the appropriate law enforcement agency. This allows investigators to evaluate the information, preserve evidence and take appropriate action.

Posting allegations on social media can jeopardize criminal investigations and prosecutions. It can alert the subject of an investigation, giving them an opportunity to destroy evidence, flee, or otherwise interfere with the investigation.

It can also complicate a person’s right to a fair trial. Social media discussions, by themselves, are not evidence that law enforcement can use to initiate or prosecute a case.

Typically, in cases like these, investigations involving online child exploitation begin with cyber-tips submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which are then forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further investigation.

This case appears to have begun with reports of suspected criminal activity made to another law enforcement agency that relayed those reports to the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office well before any social media activity occurred.

We encourage anyone who believes they have evidence of a crime—or evidence that someone has violated the terms of probation—to report that information directly to their local law enforcement agency so it can be properly investigated.

The goal should be to assist law enforcement, not to generate attention or engagement on social media. Posting accusations or speculation online for clicks, likes, or shares can jeopardize investigations, spread misinformation, and make it more difficult to hold offenders accountable.

If your concern is protecting the public and helping victims, the appropriate course of action is to provide that information directly to law enforcement and allow investigators to do their job.

My office will continue to follow the law, uphold our ethical obligations, and pursue Constitutional duty to seek justice without fear, favor, or political influence.

We remain committed to protecting the citizens of Grayson County and ensuring that every case is handled with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

It is important to understand that this is still an active case, that an arrest, charge, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt, and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Council moves forward with $3.5 million Certificates of Obligation

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

After a great deal of discussion, the Whitesboro City Council decided to move forward with a plan to issue certificates of obligation in the amount of $3.5 million to help pay for certain projects in the city. The resolution passed at the July meeting was just to allow the city to publish a notice of intention for certificates of obligation.

Alderman Ben Edwards had a number of questions for City Administrator Phil Harris over just exactly how the city planned to spend the money that might come from such an issue.

Harris said funds would go to allow the city to continue with a number of infrastructure projects including water distribution infrastructure and other sewer, street and utility projects.

He said projects included the replacement of water meters, rehabbing manholes, changing out streetlights to LEDs and a system that will help the city track the amount of water in each of the water towers from a phone at all times.

He said cleaning up the 35 manholes alone “dropped us from what typically when Whitesboro has a rain we would usually get about three million ... a good size rain about four inches ... we would get about three million gallons of water in drainage to our wastewater treatment plant. Rehabbing those manholes, we dropped that to 1.7 million.” He said that keeps a lot of debris out of the water treatment plant and extends its life.

Harris said the certificates of obligation proceeds will be used to replenish the funds that were spent on the projects because the city was unable to get funding while the city waited for the resolution of the state’s review of the city’s interpretation of SB1851, which said the city could not increase the property taxes if the previous year’s audit was filed late.

Harris said the term of repayment for the $3.5 million in certificates of obligation would be 15 years and the interest rate will be 4.59 percent. He said he thinks it is better to go out for enough in bonds to pay for all of the projects at once rather than having several different bond issues for smaller amounts.

“I feel like this is the right amount and the right time for us,” Harris said. He said the primary costs of the certificates will be paid over time by the city’s sewer rates.

Ben Edwards asked if Harris could explain the difference between the certificates of obligations and a bond issue. Harris said he could not.

Edwards asked if the city was going with the certificates of obligation because there was not another method of financing available to the city due to the Attorney General’s ruling on SB 1851.

Harris said the city was presented with three different options, and the certificates of obligation are payable by both ad valorem taxes and the pledge of surplus revenue.

Alderman Jessica Edwards asked if all three options were certificates of obligation and Harris said he didn’t really recall.
Ben Edwards then asked exactly how the city arrived at the $3.5 million amount as the amount needed.

Harris said he discussed it with several people and went with that number because going out for the financing does cost the city money each time it is done, and he thought it better to go ahead and get enough to cover all that was needed at once rather than paying the fees over every time the city needed to go out for more financing.

Edwards said the way the matter was presented to the council, and the public, made it sound like the proceeds from the certificates of obligation would be used to pay for those specific projects but Harris’ explanations made it sound like the proceeds would just go back into the city’s bank as cash because the city had already paid cash for the projects.

“It is for infrastructure projects. That is what it’s for,” Harris said.

“So, when the money comes in, we are gonna then use it for infrastructure projects?” Edwards asked.

Harris said the proceeds would be the payback for the infrastructure projects. He said the money won’t just stay in the city’s wallet. It will be used for other infrastructure projects going forward.

In the end, both Ben and Jessica Edwards voted against allowing the publishing of a notice of intention to certificates of obligation. The rest of the council voted in favor of it.

Grayson County Gridiron Guide will deliver more value than ever

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Jennifer and I have discussed it, and we both agree.

We are over it. We are over summer.

This might be a Debbie Downer approach, but after July 4th, we believe summer should just be done.

Nurseries have marked plants down to 50%, back to school supplies line the store shelves and extracurricular commitments are kicking up for the school year.

Summer should be over, but it’s not.

We have forecasted highs over 100 this week, and I can only predict that we have another full month of relentless temperatures before we get a break.

But it is what it is, and we live where we live— and we persist.

Fall cannot get here quick enough— and with that— football games, tailgates and seasonal treats.

Jennifer is ready for pumpkin spice season.

I am ready for Oktoberfest season.

We are looking ahead to fall here at the News-Record, too.

High school football practices will soon be underway, and we will soon be covering them.

With that, we will be taking a different approach to our annual football preview this year.

Every year since 2009, the News-Record has partnered with papers in Cooke County to bring what we called the “North Central Texas Football Preview.”

We headed west with our coverage.

We are changing that this year.

With our recent acquisition of the Whitewright Sun, and growing footprint in Grayson County, we are staying here and focusing on that.

We are going east.

What does that mean?

On Aug. 28, we will publish what promises to be the most definitive high school football preview available about all Grayson County schools and Callisburg.

Yes, we will have our regular schools here in the west— Whitesboro, Collinsville, Tioga and S&S.

And we have our new schools in the east— Whitewright, Bells and Tom Bean.

But, for this preview, we will fill the gaps, too.

We will preview Gunter, Van Alstyne and Howe.

Then we’ll also preview Sherman, Denison and Pottsboro.

And, not to be left out, the Callisburg Wildcats will make the cut too as they are our county line neighbors.

We have employed some of the best sports writers I know to help produce this product.

We promise great photography and in-depth interviews with each of the football coaches.

Our coverage will include all of Grayson County and the new publication will be called the “Grayson County Gridiron Guide.”

This creates an amazing marketing opportunity for small businesses.

Unlike anything we have ever had here before, more eyes than ever will see our football preview than ever.

Which means business owners will have more value than ever in this product.

Please see page 11 for a rate sheet and reach out to Sherrie here at the office if you would like to be a part of this historic inaugural publication.

You have customers all over the county, let us help you reach them and support high school athletes along the way.