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Groesbeck Journal
Community Comes Together to Support Living Proof Early Learning Center Fundraiser
, , , , , The community gathered in support of the Living Proof Early Learning Center on Saturday, June 29, to raise funds for a sunshade over the LPELC playground. The event, held at the Mary Helen Nance Community Center in Thornton, was a heartwarming display of community spirit, with attendees enjoying food, entertainment, and a variety of auction items.One of the event highlights was a special performance by the children at the center, who showcased their talents through dance and singing under the guidance of Music/Chapel teacher, Kristen Been. Additionally, the teachers at Living Proof Early Learning Center...
Passing the Spark: Beechley to Light Up Groesbeck’s 4th of July Sky
For the last 21 years, the Groesbeck July 4th fireworks show has been organized by now-retired Jay Smith. This year, for the first of hopefully many, the show will be directed by Lake Mexia local and Smith's friend, Marvin Beechley. I met with Smith and Beechley Friday, June 28 to discuss the changing of the guard and this year’s show.Beechley has been passionate about fireworks his entire life but has only been professionally involved for around four years. He recounted how, several years ago, the Lake Mexia Citizen’s Association circulated a price list for Jay’s Fireworks. “I've been into fireworks...
Sleuths in the Stacks: Kids Enjoy Mystery-Themed Summer Reading Kickoff
, , , , , , , , , , , , , The first installment of the summer reading program was a hit with the kids on Monday, July 1.Energy filled the library as small groups of children ran through the stacks, searching for scavenger hunt clues. This week’s theme was “Mystery,” beginning with library director Jamie McLean reading “Mystery in Bugtown” by William Boniface.The children were divided into small groups based on age and took turns participating in the scavenger hunt and crafting activities in the back room. In the craft room, they made fingerprint bugs. After the scavenger hunt, they received prizes, small bags of trail mix, secret codebooks (available for kids throughout the week), and a toy from the treasure chest.The next literary adventure is on July 8. You can preregister your kids via a link on the library's Facebook page.
Testing the Limits of FFS
, Mississippi is a long way from Texas, but big news recently surfaced in a local newspaper there that is sure to pique interest among crappie buffs across the Lone Star state and beyond. The story centers on the use of forward facing sonar. On June 21, Clarion Ledger outdoors writer Brian Broom reported that Mississippi’s Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks voted to cut daily limits at four of the state’s more popular crappie lakes — Grenada, Enid, Sardis and Arkabutla Lake. All are well known for producing big crappie. According to the story, the main reasons for the reduction hinge...
Second annual Groesbeck Art Show announced for October
The second annual art show was announced Friday on Facebook for Oct. 4-5. This year’s show will focus on framed pieces only and will take place at Springfield Hall. Pre-registration is required, and artwork can be submitted only on Oct. 3. Prizes will be announced later as the show is still seeking community sponsors. For questions, to enter, or to sponsor the event, contact Melakee Nicholson at melakee@gmail.com.
Grand Jury Indictments
The following indictments were handed down May 22, by a Limestone County Grand Jury. Those listed are not guilty unless and until a court finds otherwise. An indictment means there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.15928A- The State of Texas vs. Jonathan Colton Bricker, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle 31.07 SJF, $10,000 Bond15929A- The State of Texas vs. Christopher Lee Calhoun, Count 1: Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon PC 22.02 (F2) Count 2: Assault Family Violence/Impeding Breathing PC 22.01 (b) F3, CT 1- $150,000 Bond CT 2- $10,000 Bond 15930A- The State of Texas vs. Name Withheld Pending Arrest, Bail Jumping...
Quarterly brush pick-up soon
Mark your calendars and trim your bushes, it’s almost time for the quarterly brush pick-up in Groesbeck. Starting July 8, residents can place brush in front of their properties for collection. City staff will document addresses with brush to be collected from July 8 to July 12. Pick-ups are scheduled between July 15 and July 19. Only brush will be collected—no garbage bags, treated lumber, or other debris will be accepted.Brush must meet specific criteria: no more than four inches in diameter and no longer than four feet. Anything exceeding these specifications will not be collected. To ensure prompt pickup and proper billing, place the brush at the edge of the property near the curb or roadway, away from property lines.The collection fee is $20 for up to two cubic yards, with an additional $10 per cubic yard thereafter. Charges will be added to customers' August water bills. Those who opt out of the quarterly pick-up can use the brush drop-off site Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transportation to the site is free, but appointments are necessary.For inquiries about the quarterly pick-up or brush site appointments, residents can call 254-729-3293 extension 2.
Thornton Senior News
Nineteen senior citizens and two children gathered Thursday for lunch and to play bingo. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal, playing bingo, and visiting together. Those present were Janice Bilbrey, Ann Brown, Pam Harlan, Jo Ann Archer, Elaine Hairgrove, Doug Podell, Doris Lemley, Beverly King, Shari Werner, Sheryl Davis, Lorene Stembridge, Gayla Gambini, Elizabeth Neason, Elle and Hank Stanscewski and their two grandsons, Alma Stewart, Ernie and Sherry Solis, and Jane Carpenter.The Center will be closed Thursday, July 4. The lunch menu for Thursday, July 11, will be chicken and dumplings, carrots, cornbread, mixed fruit, and tea or milk. Those...
Access Commissioners Court Agendas and Info Online!
According to Limestone County Executive Assistant Shantell Carrizales, the bimonthly Commissioners Court agendas and relevant attachments are now accessible online to anyone who may wish for more information. (https://limestonecotx.portal.civicclerk.com/)The link takes you to all the agendas and meetings that are scheduled; you just click on the event date and if there is an agenda or a packet, it shows. All dates are generated for a year, if something changes or they cancel a meeting it will be taken down.“Legally we only have to publish the agenda before the meeting, not the full packet, but this is something the judge and...
Commissioners Hire Company to Clear Downed Trees, Discuss Lake Limestone Boat Ramps and Bathroom Facilities
Limestone County commissioners spent most of their meeting Tuesday, June 25, discussing infrastructure issues that need attention, including the downed trees and debris on county roads; bathroom facilities; and boat ramps at Lake Limestone.Commissioners continued their discussion about the restrooms at Lake Limestone (Parks 2 and 3) from the last meeting, and Duncan shed light on the quotes provided by Murphy Septic & Maintenance, and D&M Septic, in a more clear “apples to apples, oranges to oranges” cost comparison.“I talked with Murphy and got the cost per container (portable restroom) and it will be 80 dollars for each container monthly,...
The McDonalds: A Legacy of Firsts in Groesbeck
, , ***Reporter’s Note: This week’s local history spotlight will be different than usual. After getting the opportunity to speak with a long-time resident of Groesbeck about her family’s accomplishments here, I decided to see what I could find about them in the archives. While exploring the archives for these weekly stories, I have come to recognize quite a few last names that appear consistently throughout—families who have lived here for generations and are deeply intertwined with the local history.Recently, I chatted with Francine Hobbs, a member of one such long-established family. She explained that her father, Walter McDonald, was the...
Strides made with first ever Walk to End Alzheimer’s
, , , , , , The Bi-Stone Alzheimer’s Walk attracted about 140 people Saturday, June 22, and raised $11,000 for research, according to Tiffany Koslovsky, regional director for the Alzheimer’s Association office in Waco.“It was so amazing,” Koslovsky said. “It obviously was super-hot, but it was so wonderful that the community came out. I honestly found myself in tears a couple of times because it was so heartwarming to see everyone together.”The Alzheimer’s Association sponsors the Walk to End Alzheimer’s nationwide every year.The walk was the first such event in Limestone and Freestone Counties, and it took place at...
Driven with Care: LMC upgrades to new ambulance
Limestone Medical Center has acquired a new 2023 Chevrolet 3500 Duramax 6.6L Diesel ambulance, one of three ambulances that operate full-time in southern Limestone County.According to Larry Price, Limestone Medical Center chief executive officer, LMC sets annual goals to ensure optimal patient care. One such goal is maintaining a fleet of state-of-the-art ambulances. "If you call 911, you want the vehicle to be able to roll when it needs to roll," Price said.Due to the arrangement with Mexia EMS to help with coverage in both areas, this new ambulance will benefit not only Groesbeck and the surrounding rural communities but also...
Hanselman reels in best Elite finish, Livesay and Combs net Top 25s
Ray Hanselman, Jr., of Del Rio was the top finishing Texan in the Bassmaster Elite Series event held recently on Wheeler Lake in Alabama. Hanselman weighed in 77 pounds over four days and finished runner-up to tournament winner Cliff Prince of Palatka, Florida. He won $35,000. Hanselman’s second-place finish in Alabama is his best performance since joining the Elites in 2018. He also has an eighth-place finish this year. With three regular season tournaments remaining, Hanselman ranks No. 49 in the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Points race. He needs to finish among theTop 40 in points to qualify for his third...
Bois d’ Arc Lake: Biologist says new has worn off, anglers still reeling in some big ones
, Judging from reduced activity at boat ramps and input gathered in angler creel surveys, Texas Parks and Wildlife fisheries biologist Dan Bennett says it appears the new has worn off with fishermen at Bois d’ Arc Lake. Located near Bonham in Fannin County, 16,600-acre Bois d’ Arc is Texas’ newest recreational lake. The North Texas Municipal Water Supply impoundment opened to boat traffic on April 17. The lake has three ramps with 50 parking spaces each, enough to accommodate 150 trucks and trailers. Bennett says parking lots were frequently filled to near-capacity early on, but fishing traffic has declined since. Facilities...
Ranger Kenneth Shields' Journey Shared at 'Ranger Talks’
, Texas Ranger Kenneth Shields, a Groesbeck alum, shared his professional journey and insights at the most recent edition of “Ranger Talks” at the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, June 22. Shields began as a 911 dispatcher to finance his education at Sam Houston State University, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. He joined the Texas Department of Public Safety, working as a state trooper for nine years, and later advanced to criminal investigations in Waco, focusing on apprehending predators. Promoted to the Texas Rangers in 2021, Shields transferred to Company F, handling cases like...
Second Annual Walker Fishing Tournament makes strides
, , , , , , , The second annual Chad Walker Memorial Fishing Tournament occurred on June 22 after it was rescheduled from its original April date due to area flooding. The tournament helped to bring in funds for scholarships to Groesbeck High School Seniors in memory of the late DPS Trooper, Chad Walker. Trooper Chad Walker was shot and killed in the line of duty in Mexia in March 2021 as he was trying to help a man he believed to be stranded when the man shot him through his windshield.Chad’s friends, family, and community have assisted in several...
Groesbeck Gears Up for Spectacular July 4th Celebrations
Groesbeck is set to dazzle residents and visitors with an exciting lineup of July 4th festivities this year. From a hearty pancake breakfast to a grand fireworks display, the town promises a day full of fun and patriotic spirit.Kickstart your Independence Day with a free pancake breakfast hosted by the First Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m. Held at the MAC Building, located at 212 W Navasota, this morning feast is sure to fuel you for the day's activities.Then don't miss the annual Groesbeck July 4th Parade as it marches through downtown starting at 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Groesbeck Chamber...
Kosse 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Show
Get ready to celebrate Independence Day as the City of Kosse gears up for its highly anticipated annual fireworks extravaganza. Everything will take place on Thursday, July 4, starting at 6 p.m. at Kosse City Park, promising a great evening of entertainment and family-friendly fun. This event is open to the public, with free food and admission, offering an opportunity for everyone to share in the excitement.The festivities will kick off with water slides and the park splash pad designed to keep the kids cool and entertained. Everyone will enjoy a delicious spread of free hotdogs, water, and a variety...
Council Notified of Imminent Infrastructure Needs; Garbage Rates to Slightly Increase Soon
, The Groesbeck City Council made quick work of their meeting on Tuesday, June 18, appointing Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board members and discussing infrastructure that will need attention in the near future.EDC Director TK Presley explained that bylaws require four council members to serve on the EDC Board, and the mayor and mayor pro-tem hold two of those positions. The other two spots were open for appointment, and Tamika Jackson and Marcus McGruder were voted into the roles.Presley further stated that former council member Sonia Selvera expressed interest in continuing her service to the EDC Board as a citizen,...
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