August 2026

FROM THE BLEACHERS

Body Championship teams are not built because everyone thinks alike. They are built because people with different experiences, personalities, skills and perspectives learn to work together toward a common goal.

Back-to-School Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Body It’s hard to believe, but summer break has come to an end, and many East Texas schools are already back in session. As students return to classrooms, they’re also returning to school-issued devices, apps, social media and other online tools.

Tax rate adopted by Wills Point council

Body The Wills Point City Council put the finishing touches on what had been a months-long process Aug. 18, adopting a tax rate and setting the budget for the year ahead.
Mayor Mike Jones, far left, introduced an agenda item related to the adoption of the City of Wills Point's 2026-'27 budget while councilmembers Mackenzie Turner, Wade Emerson and Debbie Tisdale listen in. Photo by David Kapitan

Van City Council Addresses Budget, Tax Rate, Election and E-Bike Concerns

Body The Van City Council addressed a range of issues during its regular meeting Aug. 13, including the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and tax rate, upcoming municipal elections, property variances and concerns surrounding the use of electric bicycles and golf carts within the city.
Van City Council Addresses Budget, Tax Rate, Election and E-Bike Concerns

54 acre burn in Henderson County

Body On Aug. 13 a grass fire in Henderson County, between Eustace and Payne Springs, could be seen for miles.
A grass fire seen for miles around Cedar Creek Lake Aug. 13. Payne Springs, Eustace, Gun Barrel City,Mabank, Long Cove, Trinidad, District 8, North 19, Henderson County Precinct 2 (skid and backhoe) Texas A&M Forest Service Fire trucks, UT Health, assisted in extinguishing the fire on Peach Tree Road. Photo by Zack Hill

Retired Kaufman County Judge to oversee Anthony appeal

Body A retired former Kaufman County Judge has been chosen to oversee the appeal of Karmelo Anthony as he attempts to overturn his recent murder conviction. Visiting Judge Sid Harle recused Collin County District Judge John Roach, who oversaw Anthony’s murder trial in June 2026.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Body For much of my adult life, I have enjoyed learning about shooting and hunting with different sporting arms. Back when I was a young man just starting a family, money was tight and I continued hunting deer and wild hogs with my trusty lever action 30-30.
Some of the tools of the trade Luke used in the field. Learning about new ways to hunt is rewarding and can often put the ‘spark’ back into the sport. Photo by Luke Clayton

VETERAN RESOURCE CENTER

Body Gail Bowen, who operates Goshen Farms and Patriot Paradise in Ben Wheeler, both 501(c)(3) nonprofits, has purchased the “New Beginnings” building and property in Canton.