News
Governor Abbott Appoints Kaufman County DA to Special Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Board
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley to serve a second term on the Texas Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council. This advisory council is charged with conducting an in-depth analysis of the impact of crime on victims, close relatives of deceased victims, guardians of victims, and society.
After House Vote Signaling Opposition to School Choice, Gov. Greg Abbott Says the Fight Isn’t Over
Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday he was not discouraged after the Texas House took a key vote rejecting one his highest priorities this legislative session.
Forney Native, MARILOU QUINN, Will Be Missed
Marilou Quinn, daughter of Edna Merriman FEAGIN and Luther T. “Bood” FEAGIN, was “birthed” in her Grandmother’s home on Christmas Day, 1933. I probably began to “really” know her somewhere around 1956, because she and her husband of 40 years, Jim Quinn, moved almost directly across from the “Themer Home” on Maple Avenue/ Street. One of our street signs posted “Avenue,” and one posted “Street.” I do not to this day know which is the “official” Forney designation. I do know that my Dad purchased the first lot (from Mr. McKellar’s cotton field) that was on the dirt, then gravel, road southwest off of College Street/Farm Road 741. Maple did not intersect with what was to become Shands Street until the Roy Thomas and Billy Montgomery homes were constructed at the end of Maple.
4 Ways to Get Involved This Global Volunteer Month
Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin.
Bills to Expand Gambling Access in Texas Clear House Committee
A Texas House committee advanced the two main proposals to expand gambling in the state Monday, giving them a burst of momentum even as they continue to face long odds in the Senate.
Multiple Agencies Assist Sheriff’s Office in Manhunt
March 30, 2023, at 6:09 p.m. Kaufman County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a stolen vehicle reported out of Carrollton, Texas. The vehicle failed to stop and began to flee, traveling west on HWY 80. The pursuit ended after the suspect collided with another vehicle west bound HWY 80 at N. Jobson Rd. Sunnyvale, Texas. The driver then exited the vehicle firing multiple shots at the pursuing deputies while running on foot.
LONGHORN BALLROOM Has Not Left Us After All!
“Asleep At The Wheel,” Emmylou Harris, “Old Crow Medicine Show,” Morgan Wade—How does that sound for a Grand Re-Opening of a venue that opened in my birth year, 1950, as THE BOB WILLS RANCH HOUSE, a showcase for The Texas Playboys and Bob Wills? And do you remember the name, Jack Ruby? He was a later manager of this historic gathering
Do You Favor Using FIRING SQUADS for the DEATH PENALTY?
Well, They Are Making a COMEBACK!
Thank You, Forney!
Once again, the Forney Family and Community stepped up and showed how much they love and take care of the teachers and students in Forney ISD. Saturday, April 1, 2023, the 5th Annual Gala occurred and was a rousing success!
Recently, I laid out House Bill 681 which allows our Texas school districts to continue utilizing virtual learning methods for our families and students that thrive in a virtual or hybrid environment. Thank you, Dr. Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, for your testimony on this important matter!
Dr. Sims and Ms. Clay from Athens ISD visited the Capitol. During our meeting, we discussed the ISD’s innovative “4 Day Instructional Week,” and how their schools are adjusting to the historical growth in HD 4. Innovation in public education has never been more important. Our district is blessed to have administrators and educators like Dr. Sims and Ms. Clay working hard for our kids!
Time spent at the Henderson County Livestock Show Auction is always well worth it! Congratulations to all the exhibitors, parents, and families involved. A special thank you to the Show Board for making all of this possible for our 4-H and FFA students.
On March 25, I spent the evening at the Kaufman County Ducks Unlimited Banquet. I am proud to support an organization like Ducks Unlimited that’s doing invaluable work across the country promoting conservation efforts.
Representative Keith Bell’s Capitol Update
March 31, 2023
Vintage automobiles, displayed at an E! Terrell “Beach Boys Tribute.” Note the length of the 1964 Ford Fairlane, which brought the most “oohs and ahs” from folks walking past as they entered the Performing Arts Center! One man, who stopped at the same time as I did, remarked that he had owned one when he was a “boy.”
Last, but not least,
I will share with you some photos of vintage automobiles that each year are part of E! Terrell. Like my Grandpa Themer and my Father-in-Law, James Hood, always said, “They don’t make ‘em like they used to!”
Ruby Crush Tomato Named Texas Superstar Plant
Ruby crush, a determinate grape tomato variety with a long-standing reputation for performance and taste, has been named the newest Texas Superstar plant.