From page 1...

Slim Chance

temperatures, but clear skies. Looking beyond the to settle into a quieter pattern, with temperatures sun and clouds returning to the forecast. For Eastland County residents, this week is a reminder has a few surprises up its sleeve, even for those of us keeping a close eye on the skies.

that Texas weather always

Master of Ceremonies and TWTH CO-Chair John Stanton introduced those who attended the In Memory Ceremony are a part of this exhibit.

“The In Memory honor

Saturday, included family members whose veterans ees recognized during the ceremony were compiled from the Vietnam Veterically only the current year’s honorees are included, we were proud to

ans Memorial Fund’s In Memory list. While typ expand the list to include veterans from across our surrounding communities so their legacies could be honored together.

Honorees: Joe Willard Edwards, Ranger Duane Frederick “Buck” Schlumbohm, Ranger Robert Bishop, Sweetwater Frederic Earl Mitchell,

Ranger

Gerald Ray Cozart,

Ranger Clifton Boyd Steddum, Eastland William Castleberry, John Wright, Abilene

Mineral Wells

Abilene

Terry Stanfield, Abilene Robert McClure, Michael McDougal, Mineral Wells

David Hale, Brownwood

Gerald Carnahan, Abilene

- Charles Massie, Mans field

Wayne Chesser, Brownwood

William Ralph, Mineral

Wells

eral Wells

Charles Stuzman, Min Robert Green, Moran William Eubanks, Min -

eral Wells We are grateful to have been able to stand together as a community to remember, honor, and ensure these names and stories continue to live on.”

ry Monroe from Ranger made at an In Memorial which Texas veterans who

served and returned from Vietnam and have since passed, were also honored. recognized was Autry Andress from DeLeon,

“The first veteran Texas. With a passion for flying, Autry served in from 1962 to 1967 as Saufley (SAW-flee) Field the United States Navy a naval aviator.Autry’s basic training began at near Pensacola, Florida and after 4 months of received his commission at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. It was at

pre-flight schooling, he Saufley (SAW-flee) Field that he learned to fly the T-34 training aircraft, at Saufley (SAW-flee) to Whiting Field in Mil

After his training time Field, Autry moved on ton, Florida learning to a more advanced aircraft and similar to the World

fly the T-28 which was War II fighters. The T-28 was the first aircraft that mation flying, gunnery

was used to train in for-

qualifications.

techniques and carrier After training at Whiting Field, Autry was stationed in New Iberia, Louisiana where he trained on the S-2F twin engine aircraft. Toward the end of his advanced training in New Iberia, Autry achieved yet another carrier landing qualification on the USS Lexington.

His first and longest

Autry then received orders to the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia where his squadron, the Airborne Early Warning Squadron Twelve, was located. This particular squadron had 4 plane detachments on each east coast carrier. deployment was on the USS Forrestal to the ment was on the USS Randolph to the North Sea tracking Russian submarines. Other carrier deployments included the USS Independence, the USS Wasp and the The second veteran that we honored was Lar- Mediterranean Sea for 9 months. His next deploy USS Essex.

ry Monroe of Ranger, Texas.

Larry served in the United States Army as well as the Army Nation- al Guard/Reservists from 1966 to 1969. honored was Larry Mon roe of Ranger, Texas.

The second veteran Larry served in the United States Army as well as the Army Nation- al Guard/Reservists from 1966 to 1969.

Larry attended basic training at Fort Bliss AIT and Aberdeen Prov- -

ing Ground in Maryland. In 1966, Larry served in Aschaffenberg, Germany in the 3rd Infantry Divi sion. In 1967-1968, he was a member of the 86th Gen supported the 1st Cavalry Larry explained to me that

eral Support Battalion and at An Khe, Vietnam and Cha Rang Valley, Vietnam. his involvement in the Cha Rang Valley was in the recovery and evacuation of trucks and tanks that had been blown up.

Larry’s contributions to the veteran community in Ranger represent a cal advocacy and service coordination. His work illustrates how individual leadership can bridge the gap between national resources, such as the VA

significant model of lo and the specific needs of a

rural population.

Larry continues to demonstrate the profound difference one individual can make in the quality of life and health for those who have served.”

POLITICAL STATEMENT

Hi, Im Richard Rossander, born and raised in the small town of Stanton, Iowa. I am married to my wife Becky and we have a blended family with four children.

I moved to Eastland, TX from Abilene, TX upon my discharge from the United States Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base. I was employed by Hospital as a lab technologist, and then moved to B&W clinic for another four years. I started my Insurance Agency—but was told I was crazy: A Yankee can’t sell insurance them I wasn’t born here but I got here as fast as I could. Eastland has been fantastic to me, and I love Eastland.

I have served on The Eastland Independent School Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, and Economic Development Board. During my term on the Economic Development Board, we were successful in obtaining the property on the west edge and east edge of town for development and subsequent further development. I have been serving as a City Commissioner for several years. This includes many facets, such as Eastland Streets, Water, Sewer, Trash, Police Dept, Fire Dept, and all City personnel. In addition, all City-owned trucks, autos and machinery, and maintenance of the water and sewer plants, 60 miles of pipeline are City responsibilities. All of these projects and issues are maintained on a limited budget.

We have been working program to help move water in an orderly fashion and cut down on our grants are so very important to our community. We are also working with The Economic Development Board on so many good things happening. We are certain you will be pleased with these new ventures as mature. A subdivision on the property between Walmart and the Ford dealership, and the Commercial property on East Interstate 20 on the lot behind the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealership, are being considered for new business entities. The Waterworks is building several new buildings.

Yes, we have more to gently with the Economic Development Board director and members to keep Eastland on the move.

I would love to continue helping the city of your City Commissioners, and I would sincerely appreciate your VOTE in the City election being held Thank you for your trust and belief in the possibilities that lie ahead for our wonderful City.

Richard Rossander

(Paid political advertising by Richard Rossander)

The supper in Eastland takes place

the first Tuesday of

every month and it is free to everyone. It’s a home cooked meal and anyone from any community is invited for food and fellowship. We encourage families and individuals to attend.

The menu for April… Baked chicken, vegetable, salad, and either potatoes or rice pilaf. Washed down with tea donated by Dairy Queen in Cisco and then our drawing for gift baskets put together by Wild Flower Florist in Cisco. Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Community Hall at the corner of Lamar and Valley.

The meal is a food ministry project, run by the parishioners of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

So bring yourself, friends or strangers. We know our guests come for the cooking, but they stay for the socializing and basket drawing. Only requirement is an appetite.

2 weeks later is the Friendship Meal in Cisco, Tuesday, May 19th, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Same menu. The meal will be at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Hall, located on the corner of West 11th and Avenue F, you can’t miss it!

My name is Joe K Williamson III. I am a candidate in the upcoming election for the City of Eastland Board of Commissioners. I moved to Eastland in 1975 at the age of four years old. I began Kindergarten school at Siebert Elementary and graduated from Eastland High School in 1989. I have many years of experience working with and for municipal government as an employee of the in 1993 and promoted up through the ranks, eventually served nearly 5 years as the Fire Chief for the City of Eastland. I have two Associates degrees (Science of Arts and Fire Science) and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and am heavily credentialed in Emergency Management. I am currently a part time wage instructor for Texas A&M TEEX extension teaching FEMA and TCFP classes in different regions of Texas. I have owned my own business since 1998. I operated my own lawn irrigation company for 18 years in the Fort Worth area. My wife and I currently own and operate two LLCs companies here in Eastland, and also own and operate a small firearms and ammo

retail store on the square in Eastland. With this experience, I understand how government needs revenue to support basic needs and services to the community, but I also understand the burden taxation levies on the residents and businesses of the community. Therefore, my political philosophy is that it is paramount elected of the taxpayer’s dollars. I feel the most pressing challenges facing the City of Eastland are developing and maintaining a modern and reliable infrastructure to deliver the necessary services. This can be best addressed by identifying priority projects and implementing the proper processes to accomplish set objectives for each project. As a Commissioner, I would focus the city’s capability to provide updated streets, a water distribution system providing adequate and clean potable water for consumption the availability of affordable housing. As a Commissioner, I would encourage the Board of Commissioners and City and effective short,

utilize my influence to staff to develop efficient medium and long-range plans to address the needs of today and prepare for the challenges and needs of the future.

Joe Williamson is Candidate for City Commission

As a Commissioner, I would work to develop a culture to provide a friendly customer service to the citizens. City of Eastland has two categories of customers; internal (employees) and external (the community). We must provide a positive and teamoriented environment for our employees and we must demand a friendly and cooperative service delivery from our employees to our community.

As an elected official, police and fire protection I will support the most practical and strongest service capability of and ambulance services to our community. I will do my part to partner with representatives of cooperating agencies such as the Eastland Memorial hospital and Eastland Ind. School District, etc. to contribute my efforts to achieve success in establishing and accomplishing goals

applied efficiently,

effectively and fairly to everyone. Policies and procedures must be implemented, enforced and varied equally and fairly to everyone in the community. As an elected Commissioner, it will be my mindset that I will serve as a representative of the members of the community. I will make myself available to the community’s input and feedback, that is applicable to the good as a whole, to guide my decision- making process, in a constant attempt to represent the voice of the people. If elected to serve the community of Eastland, I will assure my actions will always match my conservative, Christian values. I believe we should strive to obtain the best services and amenities our community can provide, while protecting our friendly, small-town culture and way of life.

Thank you, Joe K Williamson III

This political ad paid for by Joe K Williamson III

I am Larry Vernon, and I am seeking reelection to the Eastland City Commission. I have served on the commission for several years and have witnessed some wonderful growth and improvements to our community. There are many people who have made this possible, and I thank them for their love and dedication to our community.

During my time on the city commission, I have worked with six different city managers and numerous different commissioners. Despite these changes, we have continued to grow and improve every aspect of our community.

While the safety and security of our community is an everyday priority along with the safety of our employees, there are things that we have accomplished that are building blocks for a strong, vibrant community.

For years we have heard complaints about the water in Eastland. The ECWSD has won the Big Country Drinking Water Contest for the past two years and won the Best Tasting Surface Water TWUA State Award last year. The water district is doing everything possible to provide Eastland and Ranger quality water. A new water line is currently being installed through town that started in 2018 (COVID impaired progress) that will provide a second means to get water to the water tower on park hill. This helps ensure

water stays flowing to

the residents of Eastland. Also, we are encouraged that the water district is seeking an alternative water source to help protect our community from ever losing water due to Lake Leon water level being too low.

We also heard around town that Eastland was hard to work with and do business with. Those complaints are exceedingly rare now. Thanks to the

magnificent work of our Economic Development Board and the mindset of the city staff. When complaints arise, they are investigated and we work extremely hard to make things right. We encourage our citizens to communicate with us so we can make life in Eastland the best possible. We have heard from our new businesses like Whataburger and Pulido’s about how easy it is to do business with the city and the community.

The city is working by putting a Youth Sports Advisory Board back in place. The City Park on Park Hill is being improved thanks to the efforts of the Lions Club volunteers and many businesses that have donated to those projects.

Two major projects are currently taking place in the city right now. Through GLO, the city received a $10 million grant to make street improvements issues. The second major and address flooding project is a wildfire

From Page 3...

Larry Vernon seeks Re-Election to City Commission

mitigation grant that helps clean up the trees, and extra growth in our community that poses a threat to residents. Also, a grant for Downtown Revitalization was submitted that will help with downtown growth and beautification.

As part of cleaning up, our city code enforcement moved to the police department. At our April City Commission Meeting, eight properties were voted to be improved, made secure or demolished. Five of those properties were allowed 30 days to resolve the issue, and three were allowed 90 days to resolve the issues. There are remarkable things happening in Eastland with new businesses and growth. The Commission has approved the Final Plat for the property next to Wal Mart for future businesses, and there are other similar projects currently taking place.

Several new apartments have been completed in the past couple of years, providing Eastland with 150 additional apartments. Also, new housing is available on the south and west sides of town.

The challenges for the city are the rising cost and improving streets. We all want better streets, and the city is working to make improvements where possible. Any extra funds that become available are designated to improve streets.

As you can see, our city is moving forward with real progress. I am proud of our work, and I ask for your vote on May 2, 2026, so I can continue pushing forward and delivering real progress for our wonderful community.

Thank you for your support.

Larry Vernon – Mayor

Political ad paid for by Larry Vernon

800m record with a time of

2:27. Adley Petree, Madalyn Boyd, Serenity Casey, and Jacqueline Flores broke the

4x200 record with a time of

1:54. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our 8th grade class!

Cisco ISD Girls Athletics

A total of 382 Cisco College students will receive associate degrees or career certificates in three different ceremonies on May 1 in Cisco and May 11 in Abilene, according to Shae White, College Registrar.

The graduation ceremony at the Cisco campus will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Harrell Fine Arts Auditorium.

Two more ceremonies at Abilene will be held 10 days later on Monday, May 11, at the Abilene Civic Center. At 5:30 p.m., graduation for the Health Sciences as well as the Career and Technical divisions will take place. At 7:30 p.m., commencement for Abilene Associate degrees as well as all Dual Credit graduates will occur.

Across both campuses, a total of 328 degrees and 54 career certificates were to be awarded.

At Cisco on May 1, a total of 127 students are scheduled to receive their graduation credentials, including 88 receiving Associate of Arts degrees, 12 Associate of Science degrees, 3 Associate of Applied Science degrees, one student receiving both an AA degree and an AS degree, and 23 Career Certificate recipients. Cisco College as a whole awards career certificates in fields such as cosmetology, welding, industrial, HVAC, automotive, and real estate.

Among the Cisco graduates will be four international student athletes from France, England, and Russia.

In Abilene, at the 5:30 p.m. ceremonies on May 11, a total of 45 Health Sciences graduates will include 14 in Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN), 12 in Surgical Technology, 10 in Respiratory Technology, and 9 in Pharmacy Technology.

The 5:30 graduation will also include Career and Technical Education (CTE) divisions, with 10 students receiving career certificates.

The 7:30 p.m. ceremonies on May 11 will present 88 graduates receiving degrees, including 56 Associate of Arts degrees, 15 Associate of Science degrees, 16 Association of Applied Science degrees, and one student receiving both an AA and an AS degree.

Finally, a total of 112 Dual Credit graduates will receive their degrees and certificates as part of the 7:30 p.m. commencement on May 11. The 91 degrees to be awarded include 38 Associate of Arts, 2 Associate of Science, 51 earning both AA degrees and AS degrees, and 21 Career Certificates.

All graduates should arrive at their ceremonies at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to allow time for check-in and line-up, Registrar Shae White stated.

“We are proud of our students in their achievements in reaching this milestone, in earning their degree or certificate from Cisco College,” White said.

“Graduation day is an

exciting time seeing

the students all smiles that they did it!”

“We wish our graduates much success

as they take their next step—whether they continue their education, or apply the knowledge and skills they have gained at Cisco College in their chosen careers.”

(Submitted by Linda Spetter)

The revitalization project is the result of an intensive, cross-departmental collaboration between the Art and History departments, spearheaded by faculty and students dedicated to preserving local heritage. The project was made possible through a generous grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The Mystery of the Spider Rocks The Spider Rocks are a series of enigmatic, carved stone maps discovered in the early 20th century near Clyde, Aspermont, and Rotan, Texas. For decades, they have captivated treasure hunters and historians alike, featuring intricate concentric circles, Roman numerals, and cryptic symbols believed by some to be Spanish trail markers or maps to lost riches.

'This exhibit isn't just about the legend of treasure; it’s about the tangible history of our region,' says Staci Shupe, History Professor at Cisco College. 'Our students have worked tirelessly to document and research these artifacts, ensuring that the story of the Spider Rocks remains accessible for future generations of Texans.”

Event Details The reception serves as a celebration of student and faculty scholarship. Highlights of the event include:

• Exhibit Viewing: See the newly curated Spider Rock artifacts and detailed schematic diagrams.

• Student Presentations: Learn about the historical research and artistic techniques used to revitalize the display.

• Community Celebration: Refreshments will be served. Students, faculty, staff, families, and friends of the college are all encouraged to attend.

The event is free and open to the public. As the reception follows the 2:00 PM Cisco Campus Commencement at the Harrell Fine Arts Auditorium, it offers a perfect opportunity for graduating families to celebrate their students' academic and creative achievements.

For more information about the Spider Rock exhibit and K-12 educational resources, visit https://www.cisco. edu/spider-rock.

Writing a Ghazal

In this last week of National Poetry Month, also known as April, let’s talk about a not-so-common form of poem called the ghazal. The ghazal was originally a 7th-century Arabic love poem. It was addressed to a woman and included the poet’s name in the last line (as a signature for his beloved). Today’s ghazals can be about any subject, and often there is no signature line.

I wrote my first ghazal in 2025. I learned that modern English ghazals have either 11 or 15 syllables per line (the poet chooses).

All lines stick with the chosen 11 or 15 syllables.

Furthermore, the poem is an aggregation of couplets (two-line poems) and can go on for as few or as many couplets as the poet likes. They are standalone couplets in that the second line of each couplet never bleeds into the first line of the next couplet. Also, there is no overall story plot from the beginning of the poem to the end, just separate images like a collection of photographs.

Lastly, the final word in each couplet is the 47

PG-13

12

same throughout the poem, and the next-to-

the-last word in every couplet rhymes.

Confused? Try an internet search for “Tonight” by Agha Shahid Ali. Ali’s poem is a famous and

excellent example of a ghazal, and it’s free to read online.

My first ghazal was kind of pitiful, but it was great fun to write, and I’m ready to try another one.

Nancy Robinson Masters is a poet as well as a prose writer. She is the speaker at the May meeting of the Cisco Writers Club. It’ll be interesting to find out if she’s ever written a ghazal. Masters is known for encouraging writers in their writing journeys. We’ll meet at 7 PM on Thursday, May 7, in the Hilton Room classroom inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center, Cisco.

BRING A DOLLAR OR TWO to donate toward new books for children in protective care, and take home some books from Nancy’s bundle of bargain books she recently received from her publishers. Plus you’ll get some FREE books! Visitors are welcome!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She is the author of Whispers of a Southern Moon.

5-mile radius of Cisco. If you are in need of this service, please give us a call at (254) 442--

5420.

April 27 - May 1, 2026

Texas awards first $400 million in school vouchers State officials began sending out the first notices to families awarded education vouchers last week, the Houston Chronicle reported. In the first round, 42,644 qualified, mostly students with special needs who are considered the highest priority.

More than a quarter-million students have applied to the state's voucher program, with a lottery determining who gets a spot. Initial funding for the program is $1 billion, and it is projected to support 100,000 students in its first year.

The program offers taxpayer money to help pay for private and homeschool education. The amount of each voucher awarded in the initial round varied, from $2,000 each for the 11,000 children applying for homeschool funding to an average of $15,585 for parents who documented their children's special educational needs.

Smokable hemp ban temporarily blocked

A ban on the sale of natural smokeable hemp products has been blocked, possibly until the end of April, by a Travis County district judge. A court hearing is set for this week. The Texas Tribune reported that lawyers for the hemp industry argue that state agencies overstepped their constitutional authority by imposing new testing requirements that created a 0.3% total THC threshold. The industry says that effectively eliminated smokeable products by essentially rewriting the statutory definitions of hemp created by legislators in 2019. While that 2019 law also limited THC levels to 0.3%, manufacturers got around it by cultivating hemp plants with another type of THC called THCA, which produces a high when ignited. The newly written limits on any type of THC mirror those that will be imposed by the federal government in November.

Appeals court rules for Ten Commandments in classrooms A federal appeals court last week ordered public school districts to place copies of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, the Austin America-Statesman reported. Parents and a group of faith leaders in nine school districts sued over a 2025 law that requires public schools to post donated posters of the Ten Commandment in classrooms.

By a split vote, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided the law does not violate the U.S. Constitution, overturning a San Antonio federal judge's ruling last year. The case could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Students are neither catechized on the Commandments nor taught to adopt them," the judges wrote. "Nor are teachers commanded to proselytize students who ask about the displays or contradict students who disagree with them." Six judges on the appeals court dissented, with Judge Leslie H. Southwick writing that "S.B. 10 is facially unconstitutional under the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses."

STAAR ends after this spring After about 15 years, this spring marks one of the final times Texas students will take the STAAR, according to the Chronicle. Beginning with the 20272028 school year, that end-of-year assessment will be replaced by three shorter tests. Backers of the change say it will reduce classroom time spent preparing for the test and be a more accurate measure of students' progress. Critics say the changes will still place too much emphasis and classroom time preparing for the tests.

"The only evidence is that it will create more testing," said state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Gov. Greg Abbott's Democratic challenger for governor. "We're going from 15 tests to 51 tests by the time a kid's done with eighth grade. It's outrageous." The new Student Success Tool will provide three tests through the school year, instead of a single high-stakes test at the end of the year. Results will be available within 48 hours of each test, unlike STAAR results, which are usually released in mid-June, months after students take the test.

Workplace fatalities dipped slightly in 2024 The Texas Department of Insurance has reported that 557 workplace fatalities were reported in 2024, the latest year for which statistics are available. That is down slightly from the 564 workplace fatalities reported in 2023. More than 90% of the fatalities occurred in the private sector.

The most fatalities were reported in the trade, transportation and utilities sector at 175; construction fatalities, with 128, followed. The most common occupation involving fatalities was motor vehicle operators A total of 75 fatalities were due to violent acts in 2024. Men accounted for 92% of the 557 total incidents in 2024.

Texas economy hits record $2.9 trillion The Texas economy expanded to $2.9 trillion in 2025, growing faster than the nation as a whole at a 2.5% rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The state maintained its ranks as the world's eighth-largest economy, based on preliminary estimates from the International Monetary Fund.

"The Texas economy expanded to a record high of $2.9 trillion thanks to the productivity of our skilled workforce and the entrepreneurs and businesses investing here with confidence," said Greg Abbott.

The state's economy has grown by 46% over the past 11 years.

Wildfire risks in Panhandle, West Texas rise Dry windy conditions across West Texas and the Panhandle are rising, the Statesman reported, leading to increased risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings from Canada to Mexico, including those areas in Texas.

"A red flag warning means a combination of warm temperatures, very low humidity, dry vegetation, and strong winds. These conditions can quickly spark and spread wildfires, and in this environment, even a small fire can grow rapidly, so extra caution is critical," Mary Wasson, meteorologist with the San Antonio Express-News reported.

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that 9 out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human-caused and therefore preventable. Burn bans are now in effect in 102 Texas counties, and wildfire preparedness is at Level 2, with Level 5 being the highest risk.

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

Email: gborders@texaspress. com.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy a great break fast and make some new friends. Cost- by donation. Come join us!

Slaughter Bulls &

Cows STEADY TO $4 HIGHER

Bred Cows & Pairs:

STEADY ON SHORT SUPPLY

ALL CLASSES STEADY

Feeder Steers: Med. & Large #1

300 lb-400 lb $5.50 -

$6.70

400 lb-500 lb $4.50 -

$5.40

500 lb - 600 lb $3.60 -

$4.88

600 lb - 700 lb$3.10 -

$4.30

Feeder Heifers: Med. & Large #1

300 lb- 400 lb $4.85 -

$5.90

400 lb - 500 lb $4.40 -

$5.50

500 lb - 600 lb $3.2 5--

$4.85

600 lb - 700 lb $2.95 -

$4.00 Longhorn/Dairy NT

Fresh Ropers NT

Slaughter Cows:

High Dressing $1.48-

$1.85 Low Dressing $1.18 -

$1.40

Slaughter Bulls

High Dressing $1.90 -$2.30 Low Dressing $1.65 -

$1.82 Bred Stock Cows: Choice: $3000 - $3700 Medium: $2000- $2800

Aged NT

Cows w/calves: Choice: $3400 - $4150 Buyers 44 Sellers 82

Head 362

SALE DATE 4-21-26 LIVESTOCK SALE EVERY TUESDAY!

GOATS & SHEEP START at 10:00 am CATTLE TO FOLLOW I-H 20 and FM 3363 Olden Exit P.O. Box 70 Eastland, Texas 76448 Telephone (254) 629--

2288 Fax (254) 629-2484

texascattleexchange.

com

Receipts were 1418 including 280 Packer Cows, Bred Cows, and Pairs. 1138 Calves and Yearlings. We had 159 consignors and 57 buyers. Packer cows were $2 to $4 higher. Packer bulls were steady to $5 higher. Young replacement cows and pairs were steady. The market on steers and heifers weighing 500# and under were steady. The market on steers and heifers weighing over 500# were steady to $10 higher. We had a nice run today; the market was steady to higher to last week’s market. Please pray for our country and our troops.

We will be having our Special Replacement Cow, Calf, & Bull Sale Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Starting at 10:00 AM Representative Sale Gary Scott, Forestburg, TX 14 Blk Hfrs 504# @ $500 ea.

8 Blk Strs 604# @ $467 ea.

Clint Sojourner Farms, Abilene, TX 14 Blk Strs 535# @ $487 ea.

3 Blk Strs 505# @ $515 ea.

Triple R Ranch, Brock, TX 5 Blk Hfrs 641# @ $397 ea.

5 Blk Strs 560# @ $500 ea.

Glen Bristo, Jacksboro, TX 6 Blk Hfrs 256# @ $610 5 Blk Bulls 238# @ $625 Stephen Reich, Poolville, TX Red Cow 1360# @ $189 Blk Cow 1415# @ $182 T-Anchor Cattle Co.,

Throckmorton, TX 6 Red Strs 485# @ $540 ea.

7 Red Strs 465# @ $550 ea.

Dick Atkins, Tuscola, TX 5 Blk Hfrs 714# @ $360 ea.

3 Blk Str 502# @ $550 ea.

Dale Middlebrook, Haskell, TX 10 Blk Hfrs 407# @ $465 ea.

6 Blk Strs 503# @ $475 ea.

Slate River Ranch, Richmond, VA Red Wf Bull 2430# @ $238 Blk Bull 2255# @ $225 Mike McLellan, Avoca, TX 13 Blk Hfrs 889# @ $335 2 Blk Hfrs 993# @ $290 Dovon Boyett, Breckenridge, TX Blk Hfr 360# @ $570 Blk Wf Hfr 300# @ $595 Nantz Land & Cattle, Graham, TX 37 Blk Strs 391# @ $497 ea.

30 Blk Hfrs 384# @ $465 ea.

For more information to consign cattle, call Ronnie Hardin 940-5212158 or Danny Hardin 940-550-8109

Mayes is a Republican State Senator from Galveston. He stated 'I am running for Texas Attorney General to continue the fight for our shared conservative values that keep the Texas Miracle alive.' Additionally Middleton said 'As Attorney General. I will join President Trump in his efforts to return America and Texas to common sense and to fight to secure the border, ensure law and order, and be tough on crime. So goes Texas, so goes America. There isn't another Texas to move to, and I will work to ensure Texas is the safest state to live and raise a family.' Middleton added 'The true test of a conservative leader is that you do the right thing when no one is looking. I do not relent.

Even in the toughest of times, when others throw in the towel, I remain a resolute conservative.' Mike Lindell, the 'My Pillow Guy', supports and endorses Middketon for the litany of culture war bills he championed in the Texas Lege, including Senate Bill 10, which requires [osters of the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.

All are welcome to come to meet Mayes Middleton on Thursday, May14, 2026, at the Myrtle Wilks Community Center in the 'Big Dam' room at 6:30 pm , 1498 IH-20 W, Cisco, Texas..

Event is free but donations are accepted and appreciated. In addition, we have Mark Lee Dickson, director of Right to Life Across Texas and founder of the Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn Initiative. 33

Court

11-24-00127-CV Ronald Sutherland v. Thomas Dean Stewart MEM OPINION ISSD by Chief Justice Bailey AFFIRM Tarrant / 67th District Court 11-25-00315-CV In the interest of P.S.R.F, D.M.R.F, D.A.R, P.R.R, B.I.R, B.E.R, B.L.R, and Y.R.R., children MEM OPINION ISSD by Justice Trotter AFFIRM Ector / 446th District Court 11-25-00316-CV In the interest of G.L.M., a child MEM OPINION ISSD by Chief Justice Bailey AFFMOD Ector / 446th District Court 11-25-00373-CR Mark Anthony Lujan v. The State of Texas ORDER ISSD CONSDT Ector / 161st District Court 11-25-00374-CR Mark Anthony Lujan v. The State of Texas ORDER ISSD CONSDT Ector / 161st District Court 11-25-00134-CR Lance Earl Livingston v.The State of Texas MT EXT BRIEF DISP APP GRANT Midland / 441st District Court 11-25-00155-CR Samuel Adrian Chavira v. The State of Texas MT EXT BRIEF DISP APP GRANT Ector / 161st District Court 11-25-00261-CV In the interest of K.L.A, a child MT EXT BRIEF DISP APE GRANT Brown / County Court at Law 11-25-00275-CV Raitz Enterprises, Inc. v. Ronald L. Hognestad and Sandra Hognestad, Co-Trustees of the Hognestad Family Living Trust MT EXT BRIEF DISP APE GRANT Erath / 266th District Court 11-25-00298-CR Terry Jay Williams v. The State of Texas MT EXT BRIEF DISP APP GRANT Palo Pinto / 29th District Court

33 52

7KL SW HHNH 0RWR found his new home – Boston.

A 2020 graduate of Eastland LJK6FKRR0RWREHFPHWKH latest Big Country quarterback to join the professional ranks when he was drafted in the seventh round by the New England Patriots. His selection puts him in an elite group of former area standouts to have been drafted that includes former Jim Ned High School star Colt 0FRELHH LH Case Keenum and Snyder’s Sammy Baugh.

The son of former EHS head coach James 0RWR KL LIH Suni, Behren said he was thrilled to have been drafted into the NFL.

“To get this opportunity to get to play this sport at the highest level to get draft, that’s really, really cool,” he told media members. “It’s a dream come true, for sure.”

0RWR KR JWed early from EHS, was one of the nation’s top collegiate quarterbacks at 7H7HFK7KLSWHson, he passed for more than 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns en route to guiding the Red Raiders to WKHWHHLJRference championship.

,HJ0Rton will be joining a Patriet- ots squad that is coming off a playoff run this past season. New England, behind advanced to the Super Bowl in February before

quarterback Drake Maye, falling to Seattle, 29-13.

At Eastland, Morton

was an offensive juggernaut. As a senior in 2020, he accounted for more than 4,500 total yards and 55 touchdowns.

En route to powering Eastland to the state quarteam had advanced since his father helped carry the title, he shattered multiple school passing records. As

terfinals - the farthest the Mavericks to the 1982 state

a senior, he completed 266

of his 388 passing attempts For his career, Mor for a school-record 3,613 ton owns the Mavericks’ yards and 37 touchdowns. He also finished second on 893 yards and 19 touch downs on 130 attempts.

the team in rushing with His rise to high school standout began as a sophomore. After completing - ericks’ starting quarterback 12 of his 16 passes in a game as a freshman, Mor ton took over as the Mav in 2018. That season, he passed for 2,435 yards and 18 touchdowns as Eastland fought its way to a 9-4 record.

The following season, his numbers improved

again. In just 11 games, he with 32 - one behind Gra threw for 2,512 yards and 29 scores.

all-time mark for passing yards (8,807), passing touchdowns (85), touch- downs scored (114) and all-purpose yards (9,991). he enrolled at Texas Tech, After graduating from Eastland in December 2020, where he played current New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. He took over as the Red Raiders’ starting quarterback in 2024 and guided the team to huge success. In his two seasons at the helm of the Raiders’ “Air Raid” offense, he posted the second-highest number of wins as a starter ham Harrell.

(Photos to the right: Ranger College and ECT Staff)

GOLD-Quiz bowl team- Zoey Wycoff, Alayjah Bentley, Dallie Seay, Kenzie Brown. Hayleigh Clark GOLD - Job Demo A - Kenzie Brown Bronze - Job Demo A - Zoey Wycoff Bronze - Tshirt- Alayjah Bentley Bronze - Job Interview- Hayleigh Clark