By Margo McCutcheon
the voters informed. Please e-mail them to fcleditor2020@gmail.com or fcltimmeek@gmail.com
Citizens of Fannin County have a voice also. We welcome Letters to the Editor on topics that would be of concern and interest to the
By Newt Cunningham, Fannin County Judge
has its positive and negatives aspects. Currently, Fannin County is on the precinct system. We as a county need to consider the alternatives available to us. We need to publicly discuss the problem, weigh the facts, and consider possible solutions. Making the choice as to which “road to take”, can be made by the Commissioners Court, or if necessary, by our citizens by ballot. Where a commissioners court makes the wrong choice, under state law a process is in place which allows our citizens to make the final decision. We need to get the ox out of the ditch.
6-9 PM DECEMBER 12 and 13, 2025
Submitted by Linda Brinlee
Drive through Bonham State Park from 6 -9 pm Friday December 12 and
Saturday December 13 to see the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. The campers erect the dazzling display through the Hackberry Hollow camping loop. During this drive through event, the $4.00 entrance fees can be waived with the donation of a new unwrapped toy, teen gift, or paper goods. Donations should be in the original packaging and will go to the Fannin County Children’s Center. For the rest of the weekend, the
standard $4.00 per person fee for teens and adults will apply (children 12 and under are free). Texas State Park passes are always accepted.
Mark your calendars for the First Day Hike on January 1st, 2026, at 1- 3 pm. The guided hike will be down the trails and is of medium difficulty. The trail may be muddy in sections. Dress warmly, bring water, wear sturdy shoes and a smile. Camera, hiking sticks, and binoculars are
optional. For those that prefer hiking on their own on New Year’s Day, please stop by Headquarters to report your miles hiked or jogged. Remember that day-use only and camping permits are limited at Texas State Parks. Book your reservations online up to 5 months ahead for camping and 30 days ahead for dayuse only. Check us out on Facebook and our webpage for additional details and dates. Community National Bank & Trust of Texas hosts Coat & Heater Drive to
Help
There's something magical about recipes that turn familiar flavors into elegant little bites and this recipe does exactly that. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, every bite offers that perfect mix of crisp pastry and creamy spinach-artichoke filling comfort food-elevated. Perfect for your holiday parties.
SPINACH ARTICHOKE PUFF PASTRY SQUARES
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 c. frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained ½ c. artichoke hearts,
chopped
½ c. cream cheese, softened
¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese
¼ c. sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 egg, beaten (for brushing) salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into
9 even squares. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart. In a medium bowl,
mix the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, Parmesan, sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. of filling onto each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Lightly fold over the edges of each square and brush the exposed pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 1520 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Also, try adding mozzarella for extra gooeyness or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. ENJOY!!
Please send me your favorite or unique recipes to Fannin County Leader at 224 N. Main St. Bonham, TX 75418 or email me: fclweesie@ gmail.com
“I
Doc put it gently. “Dud, was this so he could get some inspiration on looking good?”
Duckworth was a mediumsized dog that found Dud
while Dud was walking and thinking about the novel he’s writing. No one answered the ad he put in the Valley Weekly Miracle, so he was henceforth known as Duckworth, for some reason Dud seemed to want to keep to himself. To be honest, Duckworth looked like he fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. “No, I was going to enter
him in the dog show,” Dud said. “Took him right up to the registration table and tried to get him in a class. The lady there looked at ol’ Duck and asked to see his papers.”
Dud grinned. “I told her they were back home on the floor of the laundry room. She didn’t think it was funny.”
Now Duckworth had been introduced to the other dogs in the group at the sale barn,
as is the custom, and Dud’s pals had been hesitant to ask much about him. Duckworth looked like something put together by a committee with a sense of humor. Oh, he was a dog … no doubt about that. But what kind of dog was he? It made for interesting coffee speculation, that’s for sure.
“You know,” Dud said, “Anita was against me getting any kind of dog until Duckworth came along. When I explained to her that Duckworth was a bird dog … a duck dog, actually, and
that he’d help me bring more birds home, she finally gave in.”
“He’s a bird dog?” Steve said. “What kind?”
“Now that’s what that dog show lady asked me, you know? I had to explain to her about canardly terriers, because she wasn’t familiar with them.”
“Canar…”
“Canardly terriers, you betcha,” Dud said, grinning, “why, I’ll bet you canardly tell what kind of terrier he is!”
My name is Mark Buchanan, and I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. Although I have lived in Fannin County for 50 years, I realize that not everyone may know me personally. For many years, I, along with my family, owned and operated B & B Food in Leonard until selling the business in 2018. My wife, Joyce, owns Buchanan Insurance Agency, with offices in both Leonard and Farmersville, and has proudly served this community since 2000. Service to our community has always been—and will always remain—an important part of my life. Over the years, I have served on numerous civic, community, county, and school organizations and committees. My faith is central to who
I am, and serving in my church is especially meaningful to me. I am a member of First Baptist Church in Leonard, where I serve as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.
I share this background because I am honored to announce my candidacy for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2. Historically, the Justice of the Peace has been chosen for their service, reputation, and integrity. In Texas, this role does not require a law degree—most Justices of the Peace are not attorneys—
because the Justice Court, often called the “People’s Court,” is intended to be the last court of common sense.
My lifelong commitment to serving the people of Fannin County, combined with my experience as a business owner and my deep ties to this community, prepare me to serve as a fair, accessible, and trusted Justice of the Peace.
I respectfully ask for your consideration and your vote for Mark Buchanan, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2.
Monday 11/24/25 - Turkey Tetrazzini, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, Multigrain Bread, Brownie Cookie, Milk
Tuesday 11/25/25 - Kielbasa Sausage*, Red Beans and Rice, Squash Medley, Whole Wheat Bread, Fresh Banana, Milk
Wednesday 11/26/25 - Turkey Breast with Gravy, Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans Almandine, Dinner Roll, Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry Sauce, Milk
Thursday
Fannin County Commissioners Contact Information
Fannin County
Judge Newt Cunningham
Fannin County Courthouse
903-583-7455
Precinct 1 Commissioner
• Troy Waggoner
Pct. Barn Location: 8865 Highway 56 W
(2 miles east of Savoy)
• Savoy, Texas 75479
Phone: 903-965-7030
Email Address: twaggoner@fanninco.net
Precinct 2 Commissioner
• A.J. Self
Pct. Barn Location: 500 N. Highway 69
• Leonard, Texas 75452
Phone: 903-587-3455
Email Address: aself@fanninco.net
Precinct 3 Commissioner
• Kurt Fogelberg
Pct. Barn Location: 18101 East FM 1396
(Just off Hwy 82)
• Honey Grove, Texas 75446
Phone: 903-378-2941
Email Address: precinct3@fanninco.net
Precinct 4 Commissioner
• Doug Kopf
Pct. Barn Location: 1369 East Highway 56
• Bonham, Texas 75418
Phone: 903-583-2039
dkopf@fanninco.net
Multi-phase development
will include housing, retail, park and office, marking a new chapter in Bonham’s growth; 73-acre Phase One construction expected to begin in late 2026
BONHAM, Texas (Nov. 20, 2025) – The Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) today shared key details for Powder Creek Ranch, the city’s first masterplanned community. The 400acre mixed-use development, located near the intersection of Sam Rayburn Highway (State Highway 121) and State Highway 56 in southwest Bonham, will feature a dynamic mix of residential, commercial and recreational offerings to accommodate the city’s projected population growth while preserving its heritage and quality of life, which includes a thriving historic downtown district and access to amenities at nearby Lake Bonham, Bois D’Arc Lake and Lake Ralph Hall (coming 2026). Sanchez and Associates, the Texas-based firm leading the project, brings extensive experience in urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture and the vision for Powder Creek Ranch to Bonham and Fannin County.
“Powder Creek Ranch represents a significant milestone in Bonham’s long-term planning and growth,” said BEDCO Executive Director William Myers. “We’re seeing increased attention from developers and employers looking for accessible land and a skilled workforce. Bonham offers both – plus the infrastructure and leadership to support sustainable development while preserving the qualities that make Bonham special.”
Powder Creek Ranch will be developed across seven phases through 2035, ultimately including approximately 3,000 new homes, featuring a mix of single-family residences, townhomes, build-to-rent units and multifamily options.
Phase One, encompassing 73 acres, is currently in civil design, with groundbreaking anticipated in late 2026. This initial phase will include 205 multifamily units and a blend of single-family and buildto-rent homes, supported by modern infrastructure. Future phases will introduce retail, restaurant and office space, along with public parks, trail systems and open spaces that enhance community walkability and long-term property value.
Homes are expected to be priced between $250,000 to $450,000, offering attainable housing for professionals, families and retirees seeking proximity to North Texas employment centers and nature.
Powder Creek Ranch sits 40 minutes from McKinney and 30 minutes from both Sherman and Paris, connecting
residents seeking affordable housing to regional job hubs.
With 16,000 vehicles traveling through Bonham daily on Sam Rayburn Highway (Hwy 121) and 13,000 on State Highway 56, the area continues to experience steady growth and increased accessibility.
“Bonham is uniquely positioned within the North Texas growth corridor, and Powder Creek Ranch’s natural features have been a major influence on our vision for this community,” said CEO of Sanchez and Associates J. Martin Sanchez. “We’re excited to lead this project and to work alongside our partners in Bonham to create a thoughtfully designed neighborhood reflecting the character of Bonham and supporting the lifestyle of future residents.”
Constructed on land that was once part of a 1960s-era ranch owned by longtime Bonham resident Joe Kirkpatrick, a World War II veteran and founder of Cisco Boots, Powder Creek Ranch will honor the family’s legacy in the leather industry while establishing a destination neighborhood designed to welcome residents at every stage of life.
In November 2024, the Bonham City Council approved the creation of Powder Creek Ranch Public Improvement District (PID), the city’s first, to finance core infrastructure and support the community’s long-term development. ABOUT BONHAM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Located at the intersection of Sam Rayburn Highway (Hwy 121) and U.S. Highway 82, Bonham, Texas, serves as the county seat of Fannin County and is conveniently positioned just 60 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and 30 minutes east of Sherman’s growing tech hub.
With its historic downtown, affordable neighborhoods, exceptional quality of life and easy access to major regional centers, Bonham attracts families, professionals and businesses seeking growth and connection throughout North and Northeast Texas.
The Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) is a Type B EDC established under the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1997, funded by a half-cent, voter-approved sales tax dedicated to growing Bonham’s economy. With a 2025–26 sales tax budget of $1.1 million, BEDCO is investing in vital infrastructure, upgrades at Jones Field Airport, public parks, and strategic commercial and industrial development to create new jobs. BEDCO also supports downtown revitalization through matching grants that help business owners enhance their properties. For more information, visit www.cityofbonham.org/163/ BEDCO.
has
by the federal government. Greenlighted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the BEAD plan submitted by the Comptroller's Broadband Development Office (BDO) will make it possible for almost every Texas location on the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map to connect to high-speed internet for the first time in state history, a landmark achievement years in the making.
“Expanding reliable broadband is ultimately about strengthening our communities and supporting the hardworking Texans who keep our economy moving in each of the 254 counties across the state,” Hancock said. “With this approval, we will ensure federal funds are used carefully and transparently, with a focus on innovative technologies and real accountability. The Texas broadband plan reflects our state’s commitment to responsible stewardship and to creating an environment where families, students and businesses can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The final proposal (PDF), which was sent to NTIA for approval last month, outlines how Texas will close the state’s remaining broadband gaps by funding projects to connect almost 243,000 unserved and underserved homes, businesses and community anchor institutions across Texas. The BDO awaits further guidance from the federal government, including specific award conditions tied to the funds, and plans to finalize grant awards early in 2026.
Under the plan, about 123,000 unserved and underserved locations would be connected by end-to-end fiber technology, roughly 65,000 via low-earth orbit satellite and about 54,000 locations through fixed wireless. Selected awardees will have four years to complete their work and provide service to every eligible location.
Texas also created a match assistance program using state funds to help small and mid-sized providers compete. All awarded projects will include strict timelines, regular progress reporting and clawback provisions to ensure funds are used effectively and networks delivered timely.
Calvary Baptist Church
Bonham, Texas
On Sunday, December 7
after the morning worship service, we will have our annual church-wide Tree of Blessing Meal. Our church family has so many amazing cooks so we know the meal will be so delicious. However, the most important part of this time together is our Tree of Blessing.
We will have a Christmas Tree in the Fellowship Hall. I would like to encourage each family/household to bring
one ornament, homemade or store-bought, that reflects how God has blessed your home in 2025. It is kind of a celebration of Thanksgiving and Christmas all together! Take some time to reflect upon this past year. Perhaps God has blessed your family with a new child or grandchild. Or perhaps you have experienced some milestone in your life. Many times, people share about how God has provided and worked miracles during a particular trial or crisis in your life.
CALVARY UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
When: Sun. 10:30am. Wed. 7:00pm Where: 1190 Hwy 56 W. Bonham.
Pastor: Steven Luton, 903-583-4346
After each family/household shares their brief testimony, you will place that ornament on the Tree of Blessing. Whether or not you bring an ornament, you are still very welcome to share a testimony of God’s blessing. It is such a blessed time for us as a church family to “count our blessings” in this past year!
We look forward to sharing this time with you.
For His Glory, Lyn and Lissa
Hello everyone!
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
In 17th century English, the word “careful” means being anxious or full of worry. What the apostle Paul tells us in this verse is that we should never be consumed by fear and anxiety in the circumstances that we face. This does not mean that we will never feel concern; it simply means that we should never allow fear and anxiety to control us or take God out of the picture.
We must always remember that there is nothing that is too big, too small, or too ordinary for God to handle.
A situation that tempts us to worry is also an invitation to pray to the Lord about it, and turn it over to Him. Prayer and supplication means entering into the presence of Jesus and
talking to Him, thus bringing our urgent needs and requests to Him sincerely and humbly. The point that Paul is making here is to replace worry with prayer; to bring whatever burdens that cause us stress directly to the Lord. The crucial thing that we must remember is that we don’t just ask the Lord; we must thank Him while doing so. Gratitude is important because it expresses trust, it reminds us that He has helped us before, and thanksgiving shifts our focus from the problem to God’s faithfulness. He already knows our needs before we pray, but He wants that personal relationship with us. He wants us to bring the burdens and concerns that are on our hearts to Him.
When we pray, we do not just inform the Lord; we invite Him into our situation.
In summary, we should never let anxiety take control of our lives. Instead, we should bring our burdens to the Lord
Every Sunday @ 9:45 AM
Calvary Baptist Church 913 S. 5th Bonham, TX
Children, Adults, Everyone Invited Call Rita For More Information 516-262-8191
Email: twin2_santana@yahoo.com
ANNOUNCING
GRACE METHODIST CHURCH BONHAM A GLOBAL METHODIST CONGREGATION
Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21
Nothing added. Nothing Subtracted. The Holy Bible in conservative Wesley Tradition Interested? Come Join us at Grace Methodist/Bonham
For More information: 2430 Albert Broadfoot St. Bonham, TX Services - Sundays 10:15 a.m.
S outh
honestly, humbly, and with gratitude. No matter what circumstances we face, we must remember that the Lord has everything under control, and though we often forget, we must always remember to thank Him for it. He wants to hear from us and help us.
In 1845, William W. Walford wrote this classic hymn that comes from the message in this verse.
“Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!”
Bro. Josh Stevenson
By Mike Dickison Minister for the Ivanhoe Church of Christ
We know that in some things timing is everything. There are historic events that have taught us the lesson that timing can be everything or the deciding factor in great moments. There is a decisive hour for each of us that will determine our place in eternity. A decisive hour for Noah was when he “did all that God commanded him”(Gen 6:22). The decisive hour for the rich man in Luke chapter 16 was when he died. The deciding hour for men and women alive upon the earth will be the hour when Jesus Christ shall come to “reward every man according to his works” (Matt 16:27). We must make a decision. Will we choose our Creator? Will we make Jesus our Lord? Will we live for Him? Will we hear the “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful …enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt 25:23). The Gospel calls us to make a decision. When a man asked Christ ‘what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?’ (Mark 10:17), “Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). Christ says to the ‘fence riders’, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). When some that followed Jesus found his teaching too hard they left him and
he asked his disciples, “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67). There is a decision to make.
One deciding factor in our salvation is our choice to obey God (Heb. 5:8-9). Are we ready to make the decision to follow the instructions of the Lord? Obeying the Gospel is the deciding factor in salvation. Faith in Christ is essential for salvation (John 8:24; Mark 16:16). When the judgement day comes, do we want Christ to “confess us also before his Father which is in heaven? (Matt 10:32). What will happen to those that refuse to repent? Jesus says that they will ‘all likewise perish’ (Luke 13:3). Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), the washing away of our sins(Acts 22:16), the new birth(1 Peter 1:23, John 3:5), being added to the body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13, Acts 2:47), and is for salvation (Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21). Without these steps, it is impossible to “please him”(Heb. 11:6), impossible to hear “well done”(Matt. 25:23), impossible to have sins remitted (Acts 2:38), impossible to be saved (Mark 16:16), and impossible to enter into heaven(Matt. 7:21). Another deciding hour will be the time of our death. What is our spiritual condition? Have we obeyed the Lord? At the time of our death, it will be too late to make further decisions (Heb. 9:27). The rich man of Luke 16 could not make choices after his death, though he desperately desired to. At the time of our death it is vitally important to have put our “trust in the Lord”(Phil. 2:24) and to be found “faithful in the Lord”(1 Cor. 4:17). Happy is the man that is “strong
in the Lord”(Eph 6:10) and has decided to “stand fast in the Lord”(Phil. 4:1). John writes, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord”(Rev. 14:13). Let live “faithful unto death,” and receive “a crown of life”(Rev. 2:10).
The truly decisive hour will “come as a thief in the night”(2 Pet. 3:10). Simply meaning that no one on earth knows the hour or the day that Christ will come again. Jesus said that we will see “the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven”(Mark 14:62). He also said that he shall “come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works”(Matt 16:27). God will “execute judgment upon all”(Jude 1:15). This is the great day that we often sing about; the day when Jesus ‘comes to reward his servants.’ To the faithful, the scriptures say, “then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord”(1 Thes 4:17). To the disobedient the scriptures says, “the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power”(2 Thes 1:7-9). This will truly be ‘The Decisive Hour’. W. L. Thompson, author of THERE’S A GREAT DAY COMING, asks the question, “Are you ready for that day to come?” The decision belongs to you!
Leonard First Assembly of God, 108
Leonard, Texas 469-450-9777
Allen’s Point Baptist Church 310 CR 2775 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903378-7038
Bailey Bible Baptist Church 205 Leslie Bailey, Texas 75413
Ivanhoe Baptist Church 4063 NO.FM 273 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 (903)583-2359
Bethlehem Baptist Church “The House of Bread” 1415 Franklin Avenue, Bonham, TX 7541 Office: 903-583-8061
Bois D’Arc Creek Cowboy Church Hwy 121 & Edhube Road 903-583-1671
Boyd Baptist Church 3707 St. Hwy. 78 N Bonham, Texas Phone (903) 583-7288
Calvary Baptist Church 913 S. 5th St Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-3910
Central Baptist Church (Fundmental, Independent) 709 Union Ave. Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 505-4124
Corinth Baptist Church 277 CR 1150 N. of Bonham on Highway 78 903 583 2750
Dial Baptist Church 16816 FM 1550 Honey Grove, TX 75446 903-378-7070
Duplex Baptist Church 313 CR 2102 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-664-3175
Lamasco Baptist Church 346 CR 2615 Telephone, Texas 75488
Ector Baptist Church P.O. Box 248 Ector, Texas 75439 (903) 961-2175
Edhube Baptist Church 595 FM 2815 Bonham, TX 75418 903-583-2840
Elwood Baptist Intersection of CR 2125 and CR 2544 near Ivanhoe, Texas
Faith Independent Baptist Church 12676 W Hwy 82 Savoy, Tx 75479 903-965-5517
First Baptist Church of Bailey PO Box 221 Bailey, Texas 75413 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Bonham 710 N. Center Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-0732
First Baptist Church of Dodd City PO Box 47 Dodd City, Texas 75438-0047 (903)583-4465
First Baptist Church of Honey Grove PO Box 124 Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (903)378-2768
First Baptist Church of Ladonia 301 East Main Ladonia, Texas 75449-100 (903)367-7038
First Baptist Church of Leonard 100 East Thomas St. [PO Box 1146] Leonard, TX 75452 (903) 587-2250
First Baptist Church of Pecan Gap PO Box 100 Pecan Gap, Texas 75469 (903)359-6683
First Baptist Church of Randolph PO Box 14 Randolph, Texas 75475 (903)583-6900
First Baptist Church of Savoy .O. Box 177 Savoy, Texas 75479 (903) 965-4160
First Baptist Church of Trenton PO Box 157 Trenton, Texas 75490 (903)989-2319
First Fannin Baptist Hispanic Church Rt. 4 Box 10 Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-5727
Gober Baptist Church P.O. Box 82 Wolfe City, Texas 75496 (903) 583-2378
Grace Reformed Baptist Church 2800 10th St Honey Grove TX gracerbcbonham.com
Little Bethel Baptist Church PO Box 63 Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7708
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Rt 1 Box 101B, PO Box 73, Ladonia, Texas 75449 Phone (903)367-7009
New Home Baptist Church 1300 N Maple St. Bonham 903-583-4509
Joyful Light Baptist Church 4695 FM 2645 Savoy, TX 75418 903-436-5440
Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 1409 W. Market St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 (615) 448-8802
New Zion Baptist Church 627 County Road 1265 Bonham, TX 75418 903-961-2027
Pilgram Rest Baptist Church 703 Agusta St. Trenton, Texas
Ravenna Baptist Church 100 Elm Street Ravenna, Texas 75476
Rising Son Cowboy Church 1526 CR 2010 Ivanhoe, Texas 75447 903-640-3377
Sandy Baptist Church Ravenna, Texas 75476 (903) 583-9546
Seventh & Main Baptist Church 617 N. Main Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-8679
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church 601 S. 4th St. Bonham, TX 469-207-1141
Telephone Baptist Church located on FM 273 in Telephone Office phone: 903-664-2377
Primera Iglesia Baustia Hispana 1134 FM 273 Bonham, Texas 75418 903-583-5727
Trinity Baptist Church 219 W. Denison Bonham, Texas 75418 (903) 583-3388
Valley Creek Baptist Church 3615 FM 896, Leonard, TX 75452 903-587-2386
Westside Baptist Church 912 W. Commerce St. Honey Grove, Texas 75446 903-249-2987
Windom Baptist Church 203 1st Street
Windom, TX 75492 (903) 623-2215 Wild Horse Creek Cowboy Church 2992 CR 2285 Telephone, Texas 75488 903-486-1630
Windom United Methodist Church 207 Second Street PO Box 936 Windom, TX 75492 940-390-0146 Pleasant Grove CME Church box 34 Ladonia TX 75449 Hwy 64 903-367-7870 St. Paul CME Church 801 E. 6th St.
Richard Eugene Massey, known affectionately as Rick to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, at his home in Bonham, Texas. Born on May 18, 1959, in Memphis, Tennessee, Rick’s passion for music was evident from a young age. He grew up in Garnett Kansas and worked for Texas Instruments for 27 years. Arrangements are under the loving care of Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX.
Rick’s musical journey began early, with his innate talent shining through as he adeptly learned to play various instruments. His enthusiasm for music led him to form a band in his youth, a venture that would set the stage for a lifetime dedicated to the art form he loved most. Rick poured his heart and soul into every performance, and his dedication was palpable to all who had the pleasure of hearing him play.
A pillar of the community, Rick became synonymous with the Powder Creek Pavilion, where his contributions were more than just performances—they were the heartbeat of gatherings that brought joy to many. His voice, a familiar comfort, could also be heard uplifting the congregations of both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Bonham, where he sang in the choir and helped to spread the message of love and unity through song.
To his family, Rick was more than just a musically gifted individual; he was a loving father whose guidance and support shaped the lives of his children. To his grandchildren, he was “Grandpa Massey,” a name that epitomized the warmth, affection, and wisdom he bestowed upon them.
Rick’s life was a symphony of passion, dedication, and love—a composition of moments that resonated with the beauty of his spirit. Those who knew him will remember his unwavering commitment to his craft, his family, and his community. His legacy is not just in the music he created but in the lives he touched and the joy he spread.
A celebration of life is Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2pm at the Methodist Church in Bonham with a family visitation at 1pm. Pastors Lisa Reece and Julie Henson will officiate the service. Rick is preceded in death by Paul and Virginia Massey. He is survived by wife, Lori Massey, children, Matt Massey (Stephanie), Justin Massey (Val), Rebekah Figueroa, Anthony Woodward, Johnny McBrayer (Tiffany), sister Teresa Chaney (Chris), brother Larry Massey (Vickie), brother Brian Massey (Nita),along with 3 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local food bank in honor of Rick.
Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of Christopher Carl Jones, who left us far too soon at the age of 35. He was born on November 26, 1989 to Alton Jones and Tammy Pless.
Christopher’s greatest pride was being “Dad.” His two boys, Kaiden and Braedyn were his whole world. They could make him smile on the darkest of days. Christopher will be fondly remembered for his beautiful smile, ability to light up a room when he walked in it, devotion to his sons, hard work ethic, and his fierce love for his family and friends.
He will be deeply missed by his mother, Tammy Ray and step dad DJ, father, Alton Jones, brothers, Keith Jones (Bre), Perry Ray, sister, Brandy Ray, also numerous other siblings, niece, Jessa Jones, nephew, Aiden Jones, and a large extended family.
He joins in heaven his grandparents, Edward “Buster” Pless, Alva Pless, Mary Jones, and the man that raised him and he called dad, Tim Couglin and step-mother Kasey. We take great comfort knowing that Christopher was greeted in Heaven with arms wide open by those that have gone on before him.
Though our hearts ache we rest in the promise that he is at peace, and wrapped in the Lord’s loving embrace. We do not grieve without hope, we rest on the promise that we will see him again.
“Oh, the last goodbye’s the hardest one to say, this is where the cowboy rides away”
Servies were held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11am to honor the life of their cowboy, Christopher at Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX. Visitation was 1hr prior to service with burial following at Willow Wild Cemetery. Bro. Ron Greene officiated the service with Keith Jones, Daniel Davis, Justin Davis, Frankie Pless, Thomas Taylor, and Sammy Rienhart Jr. serving as pallbearers. Carl Good Sr. was an honorary pallbearer as well.
Tina Gail Winkler, 60, of Windom, Texas, passed away on November 10, 2025. She was born January 5, 1965, in Irving, Texas, a beloved daughter, mother, and friend, whose life touched many. Tina was the daughter of Donald Winkler and Barbara Winkler. She dedicated her career to the art of hairstyling, where her talent and passion brought joy to many clients and friends.
Tina is survived by her parents, Don Winkler and Barbara Wrinkler, her two daughters, Kara Blevins and Erin Fread, grandchildren, Giovanni, Rosa, and Daniel, brothers, Ronald and wife Terri Winkler, and Robert Johnson and wife Rafza, sisters, Charlotte Wilcox and husband Jerry, and Sonya Reimer, along with numerous cousins, extended family and friends.
A memorial service was held at 2:00 on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Boyd Baptist Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home. Donations can be made to the Open Arms Shelter.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory please visit, www.coopersorrells.com
Frankie Eugene “Gene” Holladay was born July 16, 1944 in Honey Grove, Texas, the son of Ambers Frankie Holladay and Lorene Dean Spykes Holladay. He passed away early Monday morning at his residence.
Gene served his country honorably in the US Army. He married the love of his life, Rebecca “Becky” Lou Blackerby on Dec. 31, 1981 in Fannin County, Texas. He was a truck driver for Bonham Concrete for a number of years and was the owner and operator of the Rockin Bar H Fence Building Company. Gene loved being outdoors and spending time with his family and friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Roger Holladay and two sisters, Mary Savage and Debbie Duer.
Gene leaves to cherish his memories his wife of almost 44 years, Becky Holladay of Bonham, Texas, daughters, Lana Ogden (Phillip) of Fort Worth, Texas and Lisa Holladay of Cleburne, Texas, 5 grandchildren, Blake Barber (Melissa) of Burleson, Texas, Zachary Holladay and Taylor Holladay, both of Cleburne, Texas, Kaitlyn Stuart of Ennis, Texas and Christopher Ogden (Taylor) of Godley, Texas, 10 great grandchildren, 3 sisters, Pat Andrews of Bakersfield, California, Shirley Roberts of Bonham, Texas and Jodie Miller of Denison, Texas., and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home, Bonham, Texas. To convey condolences or sign an online registry please visit www.coopersorrells.com
sonal life?
Can you imagine a man wrestling with God and winning?
Before Jacob could cross the Jabbok River, a man attacked and fought with him. The fight was real, and it was physical. “Now he arose that same night and took his two wives and his two maids and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had. Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak” (Genesis 32:22-24). They wrestled all night in a long decisive battle until daybreak. The man with whom Jacob wrestled refused to reveal Himself directly (v. 29). Probably if Jacob realized he would be fighting against God, he never would have engaged the Man. Perhaps the strangest thing is that Jacob was not defeated until the Man “touched the socket of his thigh, so the socket of Jacob’s thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him” (v.25).
Even then Jacob still would not let go of the Man. Jacob pleaded, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (v.26).
In a significant way, Jacob though crippled and therefore unable to win, pleaded for a blessing. It was the voice of a man who was subdued, beaten
at his own game, crippled in the last agony of despair as he was pegged to the matt.
In the Old Testament a person’s name is linked to his character. In this encounter with the Man, Jacob’s life was radically changed (v.28). He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).
The “heel catcher” was caught and subdued before he could be blessed.
The blessing took the form of a new name. Jacob’s name was changed to Israel – “he who strives with God.”
Has God had to cripple you to bless you? Jacob, now Israel, limped for the rest of his life. Everywhere he went people would ask, “Jacob, why are you limping?”
Jacob won when he was beaten. He triumphed when he yielded. God crippled Jacob and broke him of his being a supplanter, deceiver, and attacker from the rear.
Every time Jacob limped, it was a constant reminder that God won at last.
Does every limp in your life remind you of your weakness?
Does it make you conscious of the evil within you? Does it bring to bear upon your conscious mind that which baffles, beats, and blisters your per-
God opens heaven and blesses us when we lay our head down on a cold, hard, rough, unkind, unsympathetic hostile stone. The earlier we learn this great spiritual principle, the better off we are in life. When the God of Jacob is our refuge, He puts His hand on us to teach us great spiritual lessons, to wound us, cripple us, in order that He might give us a deeper healing. He cripples to make us stronger. God removed all of Jacob’s false securities that night and made him depend upon Him alone. The “God of Jacob” became his refuge. Have you been to the Jabbok River? Have you wrestled with God until He had made you confess your real character and nature to Him? Has He humbled you by placing His finger in the socket of your thigh and made you leave limping because you wrestled with God? God cannot bless us and use us until He has broken us. He has to put a scar on our selfish flesh to remind us what our lives are without His abiding presence to bless us. The apostle Paul learned that lesson well (2 Cor. 4:6-12; 12:7-10). Afflicted, persecuted, perplexed, and struck down, “always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:10-12). by Wil Pounds
God’s Garden God looked around His garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids And whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home.
AUSTIN — To hunters, springtime in Texas is often viewed as chasing turkeys through hot, humid weather, or hanging up the firearm for a fishing pole. For white-tailed deer, spring represents a time for growth: body growth, antler growth and population growth.
Texas began the growing season under widespread drought in March, but most of the state received much-needed rain in late spring. Where it rained, plant growth boosted antler development in bucks and allowed does to load up on calories for birth and nursing.
Rain came late to the Edwards Plateau and South Texas, but while summer rainfall helped lower temperatures and allowed for a late season green-up that benefited fawn survival, it was too late to greatly benefit antler development in those regions.
The general deer season kicks off Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 4, 2026, in the North Zone and
through Jan. 18, 2026, in the South Zone, giving folks plenty of chances to go from field to table with their harvest.
Hunters taking advantage of Texas public hunting lands must have an Annual Public Hunting Permit. It’s also important for public land hunters to consult the Public Hunting Lands Map Booklet to review regulations that may apply to specific areas.
The Texas Hunt & Fish app can be used to complete on-site registration electronically at a public hunting area.
The Cross Timbers in North Texas has the second highest deer population in the state and will offer hunters plenty of opportunities to harvest mature bucks.
Despite what seems like lasting spring drought conditions, the Edwards Plateau is a great deer hunting region for those looking for quality animals. It consistently has the highest hunter success rates in Texas.
Week of November 19, 2025
Bois d’Arc FAIR. Normal stain; 65 degrees; 2.17 below pool. Bass are good in the morning and mid morning on chatterbaits and spinnerbaits around grass and wind blown points or flats 2-4 feet. Squarebill crankbaits are fair around pond dams and rocks in 3-5 feet. Bass are good with Texas rigs and jigs on big trees just off the edge of Timber Creek, and in 6-7 feet with creature baits or beavers. Spinnerbaits and flukes good around piled up limbs around trees. Report by Marc Mitchell, Mitchell’s Guide Service. Crappie are good on minnows or jigs midlake in the river channel from the 897 bridge to the dam. Targeting crappie can be tough on windy days. Report by River Bottom Boys Guide Service. Lavon FAIR. Water stained; 68 degrees; 3.32 feet below pool. Fishing patterns are consistent but there is rain in the forecast. While it is raining fish like to hide under structure, such as underwater lay-downs, docks, or underwater rock shelves. Fish near creek mouths for catfish feeding on stunned baitfish, and other fish coming out of the creek system. Use cut shad drum or blue gill. Crappie are great in 15-20 feet on structure with igs and minnows. Some black bass are in 2-10 feet of water.
Ray Roberts GOOD. Water slightly stained; 66 degrees; 1.17 feet below pool. Crappie are good off creek channels in 12-18 feet of water with green and chartreuse jigs. Largemouth bass are good with buzz baits and topwater lures. Target offshore rocks in 1622 feet of water, shallow vegetation, or ditches inside secondary points with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or swimbaits. Channel catfish are good on baited holes. Blue catfish can be caught on flats with 18-24 feet of water with cut bait. Sand bass are fair on humps with live bait, or slabs. Report by Daniel Koberna, Lt. Dan’s Crappie Co. Tawakoni GOOD. Water lightly stained; 74 degrees; 1.76 feet below pool. Lake Tawakoni has been fishing good as we enter the fall time. The unseasonably warm temperatures have slowed the fishing some. Hybrid stripers have been slow this week while the white bass are good. Starting to see a solid open water bite setting up, but with the extreme heat this week the fish pulled back into shallow water. Slabs and swimbaits are working best in 5-10 feet. Eating size catfish is as good as it gets. Daily limits of 1-2 pound channel catfish can be caught on punch bait and dip bait. Trophy blue catfish are picking up in 1218 feet of water with fresh cut bait. This past week a 42 pound blue catfish and 65 pound yellow catfish were caught. Crappie are good on jigs and minnows under bridges and on timber in 12-16 feet. Largemouth bass are good in 1-4 feet of water on dock legs and riprap with shallow crankbaits, shaky heads and spinnerbaits. Report by Captain Michael Littlejohn, Lake Tawakoni Guide Service.
Texoma GOOD. Water stained; 74 degrees; 0.60 feet above pool. Stripers are good on live shad and swimbaits. With the forecasted cold front this week watch for feeding gulls on the main lake, and fish schooling in the river channels or on deep flats. Big fish are still hit-and-miss shallow early on topwaters off main lake sandy points. Catfishing will start to pick up for trophy blue catfish in deeper water drifting big baits, like shad or rough fish. Fish in 40-55 feet of water off the river channels towards the ends of the lake. Look for bigger crappie roaming 8-12 feet on stump flats and in the backs of coves. Smaller fish are still piled up on brush in 12-15 feet of water on jigs. Use dark colors on cloudy days and bright colors on
The catastrophic Hill Country floods may have had local impacts on fawns near river and stream channels, but most deer were able to reach higher ground.
Post Oak Savannah hunters can expect a great season of chasing mature bucks thanks to good fawn survival in previous years.
In the Pineywoods, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists work with landowners and timber companies to restore and maintain quality deer habitat, which has helped sustain deer populations.
White-tailed deer population growth in the Rolling Plains in recent years has made the area a hotbed for mature bucks, and another great season is expected.
The South Texas Plains are known for mature bucks with above-average antlers. For hunters looking for a once-ina-lifetime trophy, South Texas is often seen as the premier big buck destination.
In accordance with the Development Corporation Act, Section 505.159 of the Texas Local Government Code, a public hearing will be held by the Bonham
at 5:00 P.M. at Bonham City Hall located at 514 North Chestnut St, Bonham, Texas, to consider and take action upon the following project: provide financial assistance to Pura Vita Beach, LLC and/or assigns in an amount not to exceed $225,000.00. It is requested that you make your views known, either in person or by writing to the Bonham Economic Development Corporation.
Publication Date: November 25, 2025
11/25/25
In recent public comment it was questioned as to the access of public notices placed in The Fannin County Leader. Every Monday morning the current published notices are added to a nationwide website. The Column website is accessible to every entity that publishes or would be a potential bidder on public notices. The Fannin County Leader staff work very diligently to ensure every advertiser’s funds are wisely spent. We appreciate the opportunity to provide a local source for so many valued businesses in Fannin County and beyond. Use this QR Code or search www.texaspublicnotices.com at any time to access all public notices published in Texas, including The Fannin County notices.
The Fannin County Leader is a FREE publication, to all residents in Fannin County, thanks to our Advertisers. Subscriptions for friends and family who live outside of the County can be purchased for only $45.00 per year to cover postage and handling. Call 903-583-3280 for more information. Daily news updates, classifieds, legal notices, obituaries and more available @ www.fannincountyleader.info
To the Heirs and Unknown Heirs of Willie Ray Knight, the owners indicated in Exhibit “A,” and any unknown owners of the property described below:
FCAD ACCOUNT NO. 93268
BEING 0.1335 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOT 2, BLOCK 2, ROSENBAUM ADDITION, CITY OF BONHAM, FANNIN COUNTY, TEXAS.
City of Bonham, by and through the Fannin Central Appraisal District intends to seize the abandoned property listed on the attached Exhibit “A.” The property will be sold at public auction without further notice unless all delinquent taxes, penalties, and interest are paid before the sale of the property.
This 2022 Trailblazer has been driven 81,200 miles. It is silver on the exterior and gray on the interior. It has an automatic transmission and is in very good condition. The vehicle has no significant damage or problems and has a clean title. The asking price is $16,000. Contact Russell at 806-280-8007 or Kristy at 940-585-7772 with any questions or for more photos.
Please contact the office listed below with any questions regarding the attached properties, including payment instructions and bidding instructions.
Linda Reece Bar No. 24065471
Attorney at Law
Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins, & Mott 1919 South Shiloh Road, Ste. 640, LB 40 Garland, TX 75042 lreece@pbfcm.com 972-278-8282 Fax: 972-278-8222
This document was mailed to the listed owners/lienholders on the 17th day of November, 2025.
PRIVATE HOME
HEALTH CARE
Provided by a CNA. Giving quality compassionate care! Honey GroveBonham region. Please call: 903-461-9305
HELP WANTED Need Part-Time welder and Part-Time Landscape Helper. Call 903-814-8620
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for the FOLLOWING POSITIONS
HVAC Technicians, Journeyman Electrician, and HVAC/Electric Apprentice and Helpers. Competitive wages based on experience, vacation and company paid insurance. For more information Call: 903-583-4018 or apply in person at Blain Service Company, 7258 N. Hwy 78 in Ravenna CNC Lathe/ Mill Machinist POSITION OPENINGS B.F. Gammon Tool & Die is accepting applications for immediate openings for CNC Lathe/Mill Machinist and also someone with Gear Cutting experience. 40 hours per week plus overtime. Full benefits including paid healthcare, retirement benefits and holiday, vacation and sick pay. Climate controlled shop. 7:30am-4:00pm, 5 days per week. Send resume via email to brett@bfgammon. com or call 903-583-3597
NOW HIRING! CDL drivers with recent driving experience and a clean driving record. Home daily. Driving radius within 3 hours of Fannin County, TX. Ability to use forklift, tarping and flatbed experience a plus, but will train the right driver. Please come in person to complete an application: 3765 County Road 2135, Telephone, TX 75488 or call 903-664-2332 ask for human resources.
WE DO ESTATE SALES! Been serving Fannin County for over 20 years, helping people liquidate items. S&S Estate Sales Call David or Joe at 214-533-1226
SEASONED FIREWOOD Dodd City For Sale 903-486-7164 MISCELLANEOUS
A PAW UP
Helping Animals In Need Thrift Store 101 West Hayes, Savoy Open Friday thru Sunday 10am-5pm.
FREE CLOTHES & HOUSEWARES: Clothes ClosetValley Creek Baptist Church, 3615 FM 896, Leonard. Wednesdays 8-10am.
App House Leveling
& Foundation repair Pier and Beam/ Slab Foundation/ Small & Large Remodels. 903-227-2860
STAPP TREE
TRIMMING and REMOVAL
Hauling, Storm Damage, Demolition Work, Dead Wood Removal, Licensed and Bonded. Over 25 Years Experience. Call 903583-7888. “Cheaper than the cheapest. Give me a call, I can handle it all, guaranteed.”
FARM and LAWN
MAINTENANCE
Tree service, landscaping, brush clearing, fence of any kind, pipe fence painting, power washing, house painting, flagstone patios, gravel driveways, lot mowing, gutters and drainage, concrete demolition, any odd jobs. Call Jose Vazquez at 903-227-5898.
TREES and MÁS
OFFICES FOR RENT:
520 S. Center Bonham, TX 75418
2 offices, bathroom & storage area, Plenty of parking space. $750 per month. (utilities not included) Call or text 903-583-0108.
FOR RENT
Apartments 1 & 2 Bdrm Single Story. Dishwasher & Microwave. All Electric. 1 Bdrm $850
2 Bdrm $950 - - - - - - -2 Bdrm house, C H/A, Metal Windows, $1,100 month Call: 903-227-0920
RUN APARTMENTS
Now taking applications for 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Please call 903-378-7146
Savoy Independent School District
Notice is hereby given that a public meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Savoy Independent School District will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Administration Building, located at 302 W. Hayes, Savoy, Texas 75479. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss Savoy ISD’s “Superior” rating and 100 out of a possible 100 score from the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas.
Public participation is invited.
Samuel Talley Superintendent Savoy ISD 903-965-5262
11/25/25
APPROVING AND ADOPTING BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, CITY OF BONHAM, TEXAS (THE “ZONE”); APPROVING THE FINAL PROJECT AND FINANCING PLAN FOR THE ZONE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
CLUES ACROSS
1. Popular wine __ Spumante
5. Greatly impressed 11. __ and that 12. Uttered with passion 16. Boats
Large Acreage Mowing with Tractor, Landscaping, Fences, Stump Grinding, and Concrete. Roofing- Metal or Shingles, Indoor or Outdoor Remodeling & Repairs. House Painting. Pressure Washing. Insured, Call for free estimate. 903-227-6940, 903-227-8369 or 903-486-2868.
FLEX BASE
6 Yards Flex Base: $300 1-½” Crusher Run: $400 PeaGravel: $450 FREE Delivery in Fannin County! Also available: Mulch & other landscape materials. After hours and weekend deliveries available. Call for details! 469-585-9167
17. Veteran actor Harris
11/25/25
Magnum was one
One who combines
Nursemaids
Partner to Pa
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BONHAM, TEXAS, APPROVING AND ADOPTING BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER TWO, CITY OF BONHAM, TEXAS (THE “ZONE”); APPROVING THE FINAL PROJECT AND FINANCING PLAN FOR THE ZONE; APPROVING A TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE (TIRZ) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND BONHAM LAND PARTNERS, LLC; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
18. Casserole with game
19. Reprehensible acts
24. They precede C
25. Says under one’s breath
26. Taxis
27. It transfers genetic info
The City Council of the City of Bonham, Texas will consider approval or rejection of the ordinances represented by the captions printed above on first and final reading following a public hearing on the ordinances. Public hearing will be at a meeting of the City Council on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the Bonham City Hall, 514 Chestnut. Heather Stockton, City Secretary
28. NFL great Randy
29. Where college students sleep
30. Major European river
31. Taco condiment
33. -frutti
11/25/25
34. Polish city
38. Astronomy unit
39. Khoikhoin peoples
40. Bears QB Williams
43. Scrambled, fried, boiled
Gober Municipal Utility District
Gober Municipal Utility District Board Member General Election May 2, 2026
Emit
Board Member Places 3, 4, and 5
44. Price indicators
45. One-time world power
Qualifications for Applicants:
49. When you hope to get somewhere
CLUES DOWN 1. The central area in a building 2. Religion of Japan 3. Leggings 4. Officially distributes 5. Arabian Sea seaport 6. Spanish doctors 7. It cools your house 8. Currency of Poland 9. Slowly moves into 10. Days (Spanish) 13. Unit of volume
With two replaceable hydrogens
• Must live in the Gober Municipal Utility District
Equally
• Must be registered to vote in Fannin County
50. Farm building
One-time tech titan 51. Choose carefully
Candidate applications must be received no later than January 15, 2026.
For candidate applications, contact Jan Johnson, president, 962-529-0282.
11/18/25
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed Bids for the construction of the Water System Improvements will be received, from all interested Bidders, by the City of Honey Grove, at 633 North 6th Street, Honey Grove, TX 75446, until 2:00 P.M. local time on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read. The Project consists of constructing Water System Improvements, including recoating and restoration of the interior and exterior of the existing 300,000-gallon ground storage tank and appurtenances. Replacement of two (2) existing high service pumps and all valves, piping, electrical and associated appurtenances at the pump station. Upsize of approximately 700 LF of existing 10-inch waterline to 12-inch water line and all valves and associated appurtenances.
Bids shall be on a lump sum and/or unit price basis, with additive an deductive alternate bid items as indicated in the Bid Form.
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: KSA Engineers, Inc., 8866 Synergy Drive, McKinney, TX 75070. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Bidding Documents also may be examined at district office during normal business hours.
Contract documents including bid proposal forms, plan sheets, and specifications for the Project may be viewed and downloaded free of charge (with the option to purchase hard copies) at www.civcastusa.com. Scanned plans and specifications (pdf format) are available for pick-up only on CD from KSA Engineers, Inc. for a non-refundable price of $25.00
Please submit questions for this Project, 72 hours prior to bid opening through www. civcastusa.com in the Q & A portal.
Addenda issued will be posted on www.civcastusa.com. You will be notified of addenda automatically through email if you downloaded your plans and specifications via www. civcastusa.com
A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held 2:00 P.M. local time on Monday, November 24th, 2025, online through www.civcastusa.com. Attendance at the prebid conference is NOT required for the submission of bids.
Bidders will be allowed to modify or withdraw bids prior to the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. No bid received after the scheduled closing time will be accepted or opened. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for at least 90 calendar days.
The successful Bidder, or Bidders, will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and Payment Bond each in the amount of the contract written by a responsible surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas and satisfactory to the City of Honey Grove.
The award will be made on the basis of the lowest responsible bid. The district reserves the right to waive any informality in the bidding and to reject any or all bids. Bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
11/25/25
By Rich Hilliard
"I
"I feel unpressured now," said Golightly following her signing. "I used to be nervous, but when I found UTTyler, it felt like home.
"At UT-Tyler, they have a family-oriented community," she said. "It's all about softball."
"When I think of Addison Golightly, I think of her passion, dedication and resiliency," said Strickland. "She was not always healthy, but she sacrificed herself for us and the game.
Golightly will extend her affection for softball at the University of Texas at Tyler, following graduation in the spring. The senior's signing ceremony occurred on Nov. 13 in the new Trenton High School's cafetorium, with friends, relatives, classmates and school coaches and administrators present.
"It's an absolute honor to be here to honor Addison Golightly," Strickland said.
"We take the opportunity here to celebrate another young athlete, as we celebrate Addison Golightly going to UT-Tyler," said Josh Shipman, Trenton athletics director and head football coach.
"As coaches, we want to push athletes to get to the next level," said Shipman. "A very small percentage get to do that.
"This is an example of hard work," said Shipman. "This never gets old.
"This is the result of everything she has put into this."
"...see[ing] a Trenton Tiger moving on to the next level and celebrating it with other Trenton Tigers."
his baseball days with Oklahoma Baptist University.
agreed on National Signing Day on Nov. 12 to extend their athletics careers into the next level.
Kaylie Harrison will run cross country and track for Lyon College (Ark.).
Angelina Ayad, the aforementioned pole vaulter, will continue her track career with Fort Lewis College (Colo.).
Brailee Totty will extend her softball days with Independence Community College (Kan).
Gabby Finney will also continue her softball career at North Central Texas College.
Jarrmez Daniels will extend
"Congratulations to each one of you. It's an honor to get to go to the next level," said Kyle Little, Honey Grove's athletics director and head football coach, to the gathered crowd in the Honey Grove High School gymnasium.
"Colleges don't just look at who's the best at Honey Grove -- they look all over the nation," said Little.
"These five are going out of state -- so you are ones of the Top one percent. It's an honor for you to get to do this.
"Also, as big of a deal to me, is that you are getting to continue your education."
Server superlative and Dene'
of the Year award.
First-team selections included: Kayleigh McBrayer, junior, Dodd City; Lydia Essary, senior, Ector; Chelsea Glover, junior, Savoy; Kenzi Freeman, senior, Dodd City; Aleea Wheeler, junior, Ector.
Dodd City senior Addison Weeks earned the Most Valuable Player honor in the All-District 21-1A volleyball awards for 2025.
Sophomore Gracyn Shindler received the Defensive MVP, after the Lady Hornets (24-14, 4-0) repeated as the district's champion and made their deepest advance since 2020 with a regional semifinalist effort.
Juniors Alana Mackey garnered the Offensive MVP, Audrey Arie claimed the Libero superlative, Adalynn Dederick received the Setter/
Adams earned the Coach of the Year award, after helping Ector (22-12-1, 2-2) with a regional quarterfinal appearance make its deepest postseason advance in the sport in school history.
Freshmen Kodi Dorau of Dodd City and Libby Hill of Savoy shared the Newcomer
Second-team recipients were Caroline Lackey, junior, Dodd City; Kendyl Lindsey, sophomore, Dodd City; Ally Harris, senior, Ector; Addy Hernandez, sophomore, Savoy; Gianna Odum, junior, Savoy; Odette Cruz, junior, Ector.
Honorable mentions included: Kennedy Chaney, freshman, Dodd City; Adisen White, junior, Dodd City; Emily Lowery, freshman, Savoy; Ella Laymance, sophomore, Ector. Academic AllDistrict (90 Average) were Addison Weeks, Kenzi Freeman, Adisen White, Caroline Lackey, Kayleigh McBrayer, junior Taylor Voss, Kendyl Lindsey, Kennedy Chaney and Kodi Dorau of Dodd City; Alana Mackey, Lydia Essary, Aleea Wheeler, Adalynn Dederick, Ally Harris, Cheyenne Beaty, Ainsley Greathouse, Audrey
Milk: A half-gallon of milk cost approximately $0.42. Bread: A loaf of bread was about $0.18. Gasoline: The price of a gallon of gas was around $0.21. Automobiles: The average cost of a new car was about $1,900. Cigarettes: A pack of cigarettes cost around $0.27. Ritz Crackers: A box of Ritz crackers was priced at $0.32. Rib Roast: The cost per pound for rib roast was about $0.29. Potatoes, 10 lb. bag: $0.53.Starkist Tuna, 6 ½ oz. can: $0.25 lb. Oreo cookies, 11¾ .oz pkg: $0.39. Potato Salad, pint: $0.29 Cracker Jack, 24 pac: $1.49. Apple cider,½ gal.: $0.49. Gum Drops, 1½ lb. pkg: $0.29. Ivory Soap, 2 bars: $0.29. Mickey Mouse lunchbox: $0.88. Slinky: $0.88. Nylons, pair: $1.00. Home permanent: $1.50 Baseball Glove: $9.95
In 1955, the average annual income was approximately $4,210, which, while lower than today, allowed families to afford these prices more comfortably compared to current living costs. The significant difference in prices illustrates the impact of inflation over the decades, with many items costing a
fraction of what they do today.
This historical perspective on pricing helps to understand the economic conditions of the time and how consumer purchasing power has evolved. For instance, $1 in 1955 is equivalent to about $11.41 today, highlighting the changes in the value of money over time.
1955 was also a landmark year for the Civil Rights Movement in America. In December of this year, Rosa Parks famously refused to obey a bus drivers’ order to get out of her seat to make room for a white passenger. This sparked several significant protests in her city of Montgomery, Alabama.
There were also some notable developments for popular culture this year, as Jim Henson created an early version of Kermit the Frog. In July of 1955, Walt Disneyopened his world-famous theme park –Disneyland – in Anaheim, California.
The world lost one of its brightest minds this year –Albert Einstein passed away at the age of 76. However, the world gained two more brilliant people, as Bill Gates
Raelyn Jacole 27th
West Swayne 16th
Lauren Swayne 30th
Let’s get more local birthdays listed! Send them to: fcltimmeek@gmail.com For printing in The Leader.
Press Release - The Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the opening of enrollment for the 2026 class of Leadership Fannin, a community-based leadership program designed to improve the understanding of social, economic, and political forces that impact the community at large. The goal of a successful leadership program is to educate participants through monthly sessions and activities that will develop their self-awareness
Paris, Texas -- Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin County for the week starting November 17, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in the Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 68, at the North Sulphur River bridge. FM 68 at the North Sulphur River bridge replacement is completed and the bridge is open to traffic. However, construction crews will continue working on the remaining bridge structure and roadway final works. During this final stage, traffic is asked to watch for workers and equipment and drive slowly when going through the work zone.
FM 2645, from FM 898 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is competed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary. CR 2865 at Sanders Creek Tributary was closed to traffic on Monday, April 21 to allow for replacement of the bridge. The bridge at Sanders Creek Tributary is completed and opened to traffic. The bridge on CR 2825 at Sanders Creek was closed on June 21 & the Contractor demolished the bridge. The bridge is now completed and opened to traffic. SH 78, from FM 981 to FM 815. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform overlay operations on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
and discover their leadership potential within community organizations, as well as within their workforce.
A meet and greet at Neighbors Place Winery on September 25th will kick-off a nine-month curriculum that includes a team building & personal development retreat, a community service project, and educational field trip sessions in the areas of history, economic & workforce development, city/ county/state government, so-
cial services, education, and healthcare. Participants will be honored in October with a graduation luncheon.
Employers are encouraged to consider sponsoring a candidate for Leadership Fannin as part of their career development and their future involvement as a leader within the community at large.
Completed applications are due on or before January 31, 2026. Tuition for Leadership Fannin is $700 for Chamber members and $800 for future
a record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes.
“A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.”
Robert Heinlein, American author
Marker Text: The first permanent settlement in this area began in 1869 when eleven Presbyterian families migrated here from New York. Organized by Howard L. Parmele and others, including his brother-in-law Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventory of the telegraph, the colony was formed for the establishment of a Presbyterian U.S. A. mission. Land for the settlement was located near the site of Waller Wells, an early campground used by freight haulers operating between Sherman and the East Texas port of Jefferson. Named for a nearby stream, Valley Creek became a thriving community in the 1870s under the direction of Howard Parmele, who established a mercantile store, sawmill, and cotton gin here. The town also included a school, hotel, post office, drugstore, grist mill, barbershop, doctors, churches, and a blacksmith shop. With the assistance of Dr. D. H. Dodson, an Iowa minister and educator, the local Presbyterian U.S.A. church was formally organized in 1875. Bypassed by rail lines in 1880, the town declined. Businesses were moved to Leonard (e mi. S), where many former valley Creek residents became prominent leaders. Only a church building and a cemetery remain at the site of the pioneer Valley Creek community. Directions: From Leonard, take Fm 896 north for 3 miles.
members which includes a 12-month membership as a Friend of the Chamber for the applicant. Tuition may be financed by the individual, their employer, or a sponsoring organization. Payment is due in full before the first session. For additional information regarding Leadership Fannin, you may contact the Bonham Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-583-4811 or info@ bonhamchamber.com. Applications are available at the Chamber office located at 327 N Main Street in Bonham, may be emailed to the applicant and/or the employer, or downloaded from the Chamber website, www. bonhamchamber.com
The HOPE Program provides local GED classes at NO COST. FREE! How do we do it you ask? This is possible due to the donations and support from our community. Our Recycling Fundraiser is a Win Win for everyone. Benefiting the people of Fannin County. The HOPE Program Recycle Old computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, VCR's, DVD's, power tools, medical equipment, audio equipment, electronics, cameras, vacuums, small appliances, sporting goods. Items can be in any condition & do not have to working. Items may be donated any time of the year. Contact Corey Baker @ 903-583-7446
