First, second, and third place in the Adventures in Writing category for writers 15 years and younger went to Johanna Huit, “Snorkeling in Paradise,” Ellie Armstrong, “The Little Blue Jay,” and Noor Wind, “The Twinkle Stories,” respectively.

In the Articles category, Robert Robeson Not Forget’ on This

Memorial Day.” San dy Haney won second with “Courage.” Shann Tajiah won third with “I AM Yours,” and Michael Payton won honorable mention with “Miss Jackson.” Sherri Chandler took top spot in the Books category with On the Row. Michael Payton won second with Warwon third with The Bright and Cold Edge of Heaven, and Robert Workman took home honorable mention with Christmas Colt .45.

In the Poetry category, Priscilla Bettis’s “Subtle Light Flows” and “Spring Ghazal” place, respectively. Jim bris” won third, and Cady Pena’s “Milkmaid

won first and second Wilson’s “Holiday De Diaries” won honorable

From Page 1... Cisco Writers Club Winners

mention.

first place in the Publi Cady Pena earned cation Briefs category for “Letter to Self” followed by Linda Gordon with a second place Air.” Third place went to Robert Robeson for “All Things Are Possible,” and Priscilla Bettis finish for “Rarified

snagged honorable mention for “Brother Thomas.”

First place went to Shann Tajiah’s “Love Wings” in the short stories category. Robert Workman won second and third for “Seven-Mackie and Me,” respectively. Honorable mention was a tie between Robert Workman’s “Linda’s Classic” and Shann Tajiah’s “The

ty Degrees” and “Bob

Scissor Keeper.”

The David Autry

Sweepstakes award goes to the writer with number of points garnered. First place earns four points, second earns three, third earns two, and honorable mention earns one. The vid Autry Sweepstakes award is Priscilla Bettis.

Congratulations, writers!

winner of the 2026 Da

Her career at the Cisco campus began and ended at the Manor Memorial Library, but in between, she spent more than 18 years as the Bookstore manager, a job she loved because of the general merchandise she created, such as T-shirts designed with the school logo.

That job ended five years ago when the college outsourced the bookstore to an outside company, after which she was transferred back to the library.

Known for her “Bambi” eyes and bold fashion, most people would be surprised to know that Terri Gayle once earned a cosmetology instructor’s license. She never used it though; “I didn’t want to be married to it.”

Terri Gayle has been extremely popular with students. She kept an eye out for students who needed encouragement.

“My office has always been, even in the bookstore, a revolving door. Kids that are homesick, kids that have had a break-up or somebody who just wants to talk. They knew they could trust me. And sometimes they just needed a big hug.”

During buy-back season at the bookstore, when all the students were leaving, “I would literally be sore from those big old football players just squeezing me in half,” she said. “I still keep in contact with several of them.’

At a retirement party at the Hilton Civic Center on Aug. 29, her husband of 25 years, Jim Widener, read a heartfelt letter from a former student, Joy Tosu. The student told of being abandoned in her dorm during a weather crisis. Alone and frightened, she heard a car honk outside her window. It was Terri Gayle who had come to pick Joy up and take her to the Widener home for the weekend. That student is now a medical doctor at UCLA. She is just one of many students that Terri Gayle has helped over the years. .

As one former professor told Terri Gayle at the party, “‘People do not know what all you have done for the students, in their lives and for them.’ And I just looked at him, and I said, ‘Shh. They're not supposed to know.’” She was born in Ranger but has lived her whole life in Cisco except for 6 years when she lived in Longview. Her ancestors, the Bint family, were ranchers near Cisco and had a big sawmill during the Depression. Her sister, Sharon Curtis, now lives on the family ranch. Their parents were Perla and James Agnew.

Terri Gayle has two living children. Krystal lives in Abilene with her husband Steve; they have two children, Tessa Gayle and Tara Michelle. Tessa and her husband Caleb are prelaw students at Texas A&M, and Tara attends ACU.

Son Rocky Joe Thompson lives in Cisco and has a son, Brayden, a student at Eastland High, who has recently signed with the Army. Father Rocky Joe’s injury during wartime in 2005 led to him receiving a Purple Heart. This sparked Terri Gayle's deep interest in veterans who live in the Cisco area. Every year she has planned and hosted a big luncheon for veterans at the college library. She also created a huge accordion room divider with veterans' portraits and histories that lined a library wall for several years. That display has now been moved to the Eastland County Courthouse, and plans are to eventually move it to the VFW in Eastland. Terri Gayle's other son, Rowdy, was killed in a traffic incident in Abilene in 2020, but his wife Stacy Stone was at the retirement party last week with Terri Gayle's grandchildren Tucker Ray and Kendall. Now that she is retired, Terri Gayle plans to do much more cooking, a hobby she loves. "I don't have any other plans," she said. "Probably driving my husband crazy." The couple lives in a house in Cisco that she dreamed about living in when she was a child because "it looks like a castle." It will be interesting to see what Terri Gayle accomplishes next in her life. She is a great friend to many, including this writer.

The Life Event Gala is The Open Door's signature annual fundraising event, drawing supporters from across the region to celebrate the organization's mission to 'Save and Transform Lives.' Proceeds from the evening help fund the pregnancy and family services the center provides to the community.

Tickets and sponsorships for the gala are available now. Those interested can purchase online by scanning the QR code included on the event's save-thedate mailer, or mail in a check using the enclosed reply card and envelope. For more information about The Open Door Pregnancy & Family Resource Center, or to learn how to attend or sponsor this year's Life Event Gala, contact the organization directly. Event Details:

• What: 19th Annual Life Event Gala — 'The Gift of Life: Because Every Birthday Matters'

•Featured Speaker: Kirk Walden, co-author of Saving Samaria

•When: October 20, 2026

•Where: Cisco, Texas

•Host: The Open Door Pregnancy & Family Resource Center

The menu for September…Chicken Pot Pie, yams, roll, vegetable & dessert, 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 Holy Rosary Catholic Church Hall, on the corner of 11th & F.

Cisco Strong has again come through for us with a kind donation for the coming year's meals. If you'd like to thank them, come participate in the Cisco TX Pie Fest on October 16th & 17th, that will be plenty of thanks for their generosity. The meal is a food ministry project, run by parishioners of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. It's a home-cooked meal. Anyone from any community is invited for food and fellowship. We encourage families and individuals to attend. So, bring friends, strangers, and of course, yourself. We know our guests come for the cooking, but they stay for socializing and drawing. The only requirement is an appetite. Hey, if you don't feel like cooking or you want to meet up with friends for a meal, whatever the reason, come and join us. Next month's meal is the first Tuesday of October, the 6th, spaghetti? We will be at the First Baptist Church in Eastland at the corner of Lamar and Valley, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call or text Pete Loftin at 254-5952303.

15 at Pleasant Hill Bap- tSisetp Ctehmubrcehr o1n3 ,S u2n0d2a6y.

Texans for Medical Free dom's mission is “to empower individuals in their personal, professional, and political activities to en sure that the foundational right of medical freedom is preserved for future generations.'

Bethney Jacobs judged the Poetry category. Jacobs graduated magna cum laude from Tarleton State University with a Master of Arts in English and a minor in History. She taught English and theatre arts in Cisco and Eastland secondary schools; she now teaches English at Cisco College. In addition to spending time with family, Jacobs is involved in local theatre, church, and community projects.

Debbie Scott judged the Adventures in Writing category for those writers under the age of sixteen. Scott is the author of the children’s Freckle-Faced Susie series. From a young age, Scott always felt God’s presence and had a deep desire to live in a way that pleases Him. She’s served as a children’s minister, sharing the love of Christ with young hearts, and she has the gift of loving others deeply—laughing and crying with them, and rejoicing in their joys. Growing up with a face full of freckles, Scott understands what it feels like to be different, but now she celebrates our differences and lives a life focused on God, the foundation of her joy.

Alan Fenter is the author of Wings and Wisdom: A Logbook of Life Lessons from 30,000 Feet. A retired airline captain with decades in the air, Fenter up trainers, posh business jets, and everything in between. Along the way, he collected bad landings, good mentors, humbling lessons, and stories that only pilots will believe (and even they might squint).

has flown small, beat- Known for his sharp wit and humble storytelling style, he shares the lessons, laughter, and close calls that shaped his life in aviation and beyond. Fenter judged the Articles category.

Markay Rister has a Master’s degree in English from Sam Houston State University. She taught English and developmental writing at Western Texas College, Navarro College, Mountain View College, and Ranger College. She is currently retired and lives happily with her husband and favorite Chi-meenie, Shasta, in Eastland. Rister judged the books category.

Nancy M. Lewis earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and the University of Texas at Tyler, respectively. Lewis applied her interest in human behavior to a career as a medical and vocational case manager. Along the way, three of her articles were published in Professional Case Management. In 2014, Nancy attended a Writers’ League of Texas seminar on the effective use of The experience reignited her love of creative writing, and since then, she has approached her characters with one question: What could possibly explain their behavior? She believes that question has provided a foundation for creating engaging, believable characters. She is currently novel, Songs in the Night. Lewis judged the Publication Briefs categories.

Tiffany Chartier, Senior Production Editor for The Dallas Express, is a distinguished columnist, editor, and public relations executive renowned for her steadfast commitment to truth and community engagement. With over eight years of experience writing a dedicated weekly column and more than a decade in editorial development and public relations, Chartier excels in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. She is the author of Smile, God Loves You: A petite collection of prose for women seeking joy amidst the qualms of life (Books 1 and 2) and The 4-Minute Reset: For Cultivating Peace, Purpose, and Positivity. Chartier judged the Short Stories category.

The awards ceremony for the 2026 Annual Writing Contest will be held at 7 p.m. on September 3rd in the Big Dam room inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Light refreshments will be served. Come cheer on the winners!

Ruth York is the contest chairwoman of Cisco Writers Club’s Annual Writing Contest. She’s also the club’s treasurer.

With the advent of technology that allows students to do all their library research on their laptops, able to access the totality of information in the library from their dorm rooms or homes, the space inside college libraries is taking on a new functionality.

Cisco College’s new Director of Libraries, Brandi Faulkner, is well aware of the changes and is making it her mission to make library space on the Cisco and Abilene campuses more functional for students as well as the community.

“The library has become a space to congregate rather than the shushing and the quiet,” she said. “It's become a space to meet your friends or have a cup of coffee. In some of the bigger libraries like Austin Community College, it’s a meeting space, a study space, but it's a group study space.”

Some of the CC athletic teams use the library as their study hall. “We just had softball this morning. So they use the Texas Room.”

Faulkner has a Master’s degree in History as well as a Master’s degree in Library Science. The Texas Room is one of the rooms Faulkner seeks to revitalize.

Not to worry, the books in the Texas Room will remain. But Faulkner would like to convert the room into a spacious lecture hall, with a touchscreen on a tripod, with no projector needed. She would like to open up the space by removing a “weird bookcase” in the middle of the back. And she would like to relocate a large conference table to that room for meetings. “I would like to modernize the whole space.”

“We have some pretty neat stuff in there, like we have the arrowhead collection from Duane Hale. It's a small collection of his arrowheads.”

She emphasizes to the community that the books in the Texas Room are available for checkout, as are other items throughout the library. To receive a library card, people just need something to show that they live where they live, like a bill, and a picture ID. People can check out up to 10 items at a time for 3 weeks. “We would love to see the community come in.”

Another goal is to restore the summer Storytelling Hour for children. Faulkner seeks volunteers from the community who could come to the Library and entertain children with stories and reading for one hour. (Email Brandi. Faulkner@cisco.edu if you are interested.)

She also plans to completely modernize the library’s web page, to make it more useful for students as well as the community. For example, she plans to digitize items in the Library’s historical archives and put them on the web page. These would include school yearbooks as well as historical projects such as Cisco Dam histories and photos.

“There's death records in there. There's cemetery records. There's so much history in the archive that needs to be shared. And I want to do that and digitize it and have it available online for people.”

Faulkner is currently seeking feedback from departments to see what they would like to see on the new webpage. She has already made the page more accessible for students with vision and hearing problems.

She also wants to brighten the library walls, which are now dark paneling. She would love to post large student art on the walls.

Another major goal is to update the circulation collection, which she feels has fallen behind in recent years. “Update, update, update” is one of her priorities.

Brandi Faulkner was born in West Virginia but grew up in Abilene from the age of 5. Her college education began at Cisco College. She was at the first Abilene Education Center when it was the old Walmart.

From there she went to Texas Woman's University for an undergraduate degree in history, and from there to University of North Texas for a teaching certificate. She taught history at a school in Denton which prepared students to enter a juvenile facility. She then obtained her Library Science Degree at the University of North Texas. In 2008, she started as a library technical assistant at Cisco College in Abilene in 2008, then moved up to research and reference. Then she became the electronics librarian, and finally the library manager at Abilene, a job she held until 2015. From there, she worked at a public library in Wichita Falls; worked at a private school in Florida as a library circulation manager; became manager of the Library at Ranger College; was a library manager at Arizona Central College; and finally, librarian at Central Texas College. Now she is the manager of libraries at both Cisco and Abilene campuses. Having worked in every single department of libraries across several states, she is well informed about how libraries operate and how they changing. She constantly studies other college’s websites to see how their libraries are functioning as well.

“Eventually I would like to add more data bases and things that will create an environment for students and faculty who can't make it to campus that they can use off campus. “ Faulkner recently visited the Eastland Public Library and was inspired by their remodeling. Before, “everything was brown and brown. And the director there was able to write a lot of grants, and they updated the space completely. The interiors, the shelving, literally everything is brand new.” “And that's one of my goals this year is to look at grants and hopefully our grant writer through the college,” she said. “That’s my goal. I have a vision.”

“We’re kind of a multiuse space here; we’re not just a library. We’re here for multiple purposes.” Drinks and snacks are allowed. Silence is a thing of the past.

“I love this job,” Faulkner said. “I never stopped thinking about my job. I'm thinking about ways to improve it, looking up different libraries, even when I'm not at work. I'm always thinking about how can I improve the library? What can I do to make it better? So I'm just looking at everything I can.”

Texas Businesses and Nonprofits Support Cisco Writers Club

by Ruth York

Cisco Writers Club awards approximately $1500 every year in prizes for our Annual Writing Contest, and we couldn’t do it without our kind underwriters.

Cisco Aviation is the fixed-based operator at the Gregory Simmons Memorial Airport. Manager Scot Penn works hard to make every visit live up to Cisco Aviation’s motto, “A Better Experience.” Cisco Aviation provides our 2026 noncash prize for young writers in the Adventures in Writing category.

MidTex Masonry, LLC, is a Fort Worthbased company employing over 200 people. Since its inception in 2020, it has experienced steady growth and looks forward to a bright future fulfilling its motto, 'Setting the standard for excellence.' MidTex Masonry underwrites our contest’s Poetry category.

Wilks Brothers, LLC, is a multifaceted, family-based partnership headquartered in Cisco, Texas, with interests in construction, financial services, auctions, equipment, insurance, real estate, oil & gas, logistics, trucking, farming, and ranching. Wilks Brothers believes in investing in relationships and recognizing the value in people, communities, and businesses. Wilks Brothers underwrites our Articles category.

Southwest Emblem is the nation's number one supplier of custom embroidered patches for school, music groups, festivals, and parades and a leading source for custom lapel pins, award medals, emblems, ribbon decals, chenille patches, and more. Southwest Emblem co-underwrites our Short Stories category.

For more than 130 years, First Financial has served the financial needs of its customers. First Financial prizes community involvement, as Cisco Writers Club can attest. First Financial continues to support our club’s outreach by co-underwriting the Short Stories category. Tea Party Patriots of Eastland County meets at the beautiful Myrtle Wilks Community Center in Cisco, Texas, on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The Texans of Eastland County are taking back America with informative and educational speakers, movies, workshops, activism, and community service. If you love freedom and abhor governmental tyranny, get involved! Tea Party Patriots of Eastland County underwrites our Publication Briefs category.

Eastland Earthwork Estimating, LLC (doing business as E3 Estimating) provides management, takeoff, estimating, and GPS technology solution services for dirt and civil construction contractors. E3 Estimating's proven track record is paving the way for smarter, faster, and more profitable earthwork and civil construction. Cisco Writers Club appreciates E3 Estimating for underwriting our contest’s Book category.

There’s one award that stands head and shoulders above the rest. That’s the David Autry Sweepstakes Award. To win the overall honor and its $250 purse, a contestant must accumulate the most points and win at least one first place. First place receives four points, second gets three, third earns two, and honorable mention receives one. Cisco College continues its tradition of underwriting the David Autry Sweepstakes Award. They have our deepest thanks.

The deadline for this year’s contest was July 31st. Our 2027 Annual Writing Contest opens June 1st. Mark your calendars!

The awards ceremony for the 2026 Annual Writing Contest will be held at 7 p.m. on September 3rd in the Big Dam room inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Light refreshments will be served. Come cheer on the winners!

Ruth York is the contest chairwoman of Cisco Writers Club’s Annual Writing Contest. She’s also the club’s treasurer.

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate this exciting milestone and see the new facility that will provide a wonderful place for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

Following the dedication, guests are invited to tour the new facility and enjoy finger foods and drinks while visiting with friends, families, and members of the Redeemer Lutheran Church community.

We would love to have you join us for this special occasion! Sunday, August 30 | 4:00 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 1711 Conrad Hilton Blvd. Cisco, Texas All are welcome!

All are welcome, and there is no charge, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Texans for Medical Freedom's mission is “to empower individ-uals in their personal, professional, and political activities to ensure that the foundational right of medical freedom is preserved for future generations.'

Classes will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 noon Sign up at the Cisco location 1906 Highway 206 in Cisco Take the next step toward your future! We’re here to help you succeed.

Classes will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 noon Sign up at the Cisco location 1906 Highway 206 in Cisco Take the next step toward your future!

We’re here to help you succeed.

07/01/2026 James L. baker,20, of Hawley Texas arrested for Violate DL Restriction and Poss of Marij <2OZ.

07/02/2026 Ivan P. Lopez,21, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer 07/02/2026 Giovanni E. Najera,21, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/02/2026 Raul S. Donjuan,36, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/02/2026 Estrella G. Manuel,40, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/02/2026 Sergio A. Martinez,28, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/03/2026 Selvin T. Castellanos,43, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/04/2026 Luis M. Moreno,27, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/04/2026 Kimberly N. Whitehill,42, of Cisco arrested for Poss Cs Pg 1/1-b<1G and Poss Marij <2OZ.

07/06/2026 Yolibel C. Carrero,23, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/06/2026 Winraith J. Cobanth,39, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/07/2026 Michael G. Linares,40, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/09/2026 Juan R. Rodriguez,38, unknown residence arrested for Immigration Violation.

07/10/2026 Clifton Eagans,36, of Cedar Hill Texas arrested for Evading Arrest. 07/11/2026 Oblin C. Garcia,39, unknown residence arrested for Immigration Violation.

07/11/2026 Amado M. Hernandez,48, unknown residence arrested for Immigration Violation.

07/12/2026 Cecil A. Flores,61, of Eastland Texas arrested for Harassment of a Public Servant.

07/12/2026 Joleena P. Frazier,43, of Dublin Texas arrested for Criminal Trespass.

07/12/2026 Thomas G. Bowden,56, of Cisco Texas Poss Cs Pg 2 >=4g<400g, Poss Cs Pg 1>=4G<200G Analogue, Online Solicit of a Minor, Poss Cs Pg 1/1-B<1G, and Poss of Child Pornography <10 Visual Depic.

07/12/2026 Carl L. Whitehill,38, of Cisco Texas arrested for Delivery of Dangerous Drug.

07/12/2026 Ronnie B. Eason,29, of Cisco Texas arrested for Criminal Tresspass.

07/13/2026 Evencio M. Hernandez,55, of Mexico arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer. 07/13/2026 Oscar A. Nunez,44, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/13/2026 Charles W. Hukill,39, of Baird Texas arrested for Robbery and Unlawful Carrying Weapon by Felony.

07/14/2026 Christian A. Willis,31, of Cisco Texas arrested for Asslt. Family W/Previous Motion to Revoke.

07/16/2026 David W. Medeiros,36, of Abilene Texas arrested for Fraud Use/Poss Identifying Info #Items 5<10 and Poss Cs Pg 1<1G Analogue 07/16/2026 Mistique B. Medeiros,32, of Abilene Texas arrested for Fraud Use/Poss Identifying Info #Items 5<10 and Poss Cs Pg 1<1G Analogue 07/16/2026 Jody D. Porter, 44, of Cisco Texas arrested for Unl Poss Firearm by Felon and Driving While License Invalid W/Prev Convictions.

07/17/2026 Zeferino H. Tavaer,54, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/18/2026 Ernesto D. Guerrero,39, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/18/2026 Joe D. Hopkins,61, of Cisco Texas arrested for DWI W/ Open Container.

07/18/2026 Bladimir R. Arriaga,30, unknown residence arrested for Immigration Violation.

07/18/2026 Libano H. Hernandez,38, of Mexico arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer. 07/18/2026 Pedro A. Pacheco, 33, unknown residence arrested for Immigration Violation.

07/18/2026 Daniel J. Cortez,31, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/18/2026 Jose M. Ramos,31, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/18/2026 Jayson R. Dunn,24, of Cisco Texas arrested for Public Intox.

07/19/2026 Jeffery W. Abram,33, of Houston Texas arrested for DWI 2nd.

07/19/2026 Jesus G. Lera,32, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Juan P. Delgado,27, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Juan S. Mendoza,22, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Mario O. Sanchez,27, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Manuel V. Sanchez,22, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Saul S. Sanchez,46, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/19/2026 Juan V. Vielma,31, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/20/2026 Jordan Guerrero,25, of Cisco Texas arrested for DWI.

07/22/2026 Jimmy R. Pickett,48, of Cisco Texas arrested for DWLI W/ Prev Convictions.

07/25/2026 Florentino S. Castilleja,47, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/25/2026 Pedro 24, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/25/2026 Carlos Rodriguez, 53, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/25/2026 Ruth I. York,34, of Cisco Texas arrested for Injury to a Child Individual.

07/26/2026 Cristina R. Villalba,43, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/26/2026 Jose Aguilar, 24, of Mesquite Texas arrested for Poss. of Marijuana <2OZ.

07/27/2026 Erick Martinez, 29, unknown residence arrested for Ice Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Luis G. Ortiz,34, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

7/30/2026 Erick A. Ortiz,22, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Jesus M. Aguilar,30, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Rony A. Guevara,38, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Oscar A. Escobar,61, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Yunior H. Gutierrez,29, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Rony R. Mencia,57, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/30/2026 Angel A. Servin,36, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/31/2026 Levi Stephens, 17, of Cisco Texas arrested for Asslt Causing Bodily Injury to Family Member/Terroristic Threat Family/ Household Member.

07/31/2026 Eduardo A. Hernandez,30, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

7/31/2026 Gerardo A. Hernandez,29, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/31/2026 Juan A. Franco,33, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

07/31/2026 Jesus L. Tovar,28, unknown residence arrested for Federal Immigration Detainer.

August: Publishing’s Dead Month

Why does the publishing industry call August the "Dead Month"? Because it's the month when agents and editors traditionally go on vacation. So instead of sending your manuscripts to agents who are hiking in the mountains, or trying to work on revisions with editors who are at the beach, you might want to consider some more productive August endeavors.

Here are some ideas.

You've made your dream list of five agents for your queries. Not to be too much of a pessimist, but it often takes more than five agents to find one interested in representing a new book. Line up ten more agents.

If you are a historical fiction writer or a nonfiction writer, spend August on research.

Contact bloggers, long-lost cousins, and reader friends. Ask them if they would read your book (either an advanced copy now or a published copy later) and write a review.

Stretch your writing muscles by writing some short stories or poetry that are well outside your normal writing genre. This will help enhance your creativity and mature your voice. In a similar vein, read outside your writing genre. It'll spark fresh twists for your genre's tropes.

Speaking of different genres, Cisco Writers Club's Annual Writing Contest includes a variety of genres: poetry, anecdotes, nonfiction and fiction books, short stories, articles, inspirational essays, nostalgic essays, and children's short stories. The deadline for the 50th Annual Writing Contest has passed, but the awards ceremony is coming up fast. Come cheer on the winners! We'll gather at 7 p.m. on September 3rd in the Big Dam room inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center. See ya there!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She's currently working on a collection of poetry to be released later this year.

15

The Liar’s Treasure (Tyndale Fiction, 2026). Camille, the main character, must seek the help of a rescue team when her daughter comes into the possession of a valuable treasure and unwittingly places a target on her back. Cisco Writers Club scored a Q&A with this talented storyteller.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for The Liar’s Treasure?

A: I have always been fascinated with the idea of treasure hunts. From there, my research led to legends surrounding priceless treasures and the creative ways people have tried to hide and protect them. I wondered, What if a legendary treasure could itself judge motives? From there, the plot took off.

Q: What themes are included in The Liar’s Treasure?

A: In the story, a grandmother character (“Gran”) shows up with her late husband’s old Vietnam combat boots, which Gramps had kept because they reminded him that “we have to put feet to our faith.” That element of faith helps the rescue team take risks and hold fast to faith when things get scary and uncertain. That’s a really good reminder for me, and hopefully for my readers as well.

Q: Do you have a favorite character in this story?

A: Camille! She has to navigate the challenge all mothers face during their children’s teen years. Her daughter, Cass, insists she’s mature and fully self- sufficient, while Camille knows she’s not quite there yet. Watching Camille navigate that tightrope was a fascinating journey for me to write and one I think moms, especially, will resonate with.

Q: Does a particular scene stand out in your mind?

A: When Lucien, Camille’s old high school crush, finally admits that he blames himself for his best friend’s death, Camille gently tells him, “You don’t have that much power.” In his head, Lucien always knew he didn’t cause his friend’s death, but he still feels an enormous sense of guilt and responsibility for it. I think many of us struggle with false guilt, in big and small ways, and it can wreak havoc on our peace and relationships.

Learning to let that guilt go is huge for Lucien.

Q: Who do you think will most enjoy this book, and what do you hope readers will take away from it?

A: I think anyone who enjoys a globe-trotting treasure hunt, an intriguing cast of characters, and a bit of romance will enjoy The Liar’s Treasure. But far beyond the adventure, my hope is that this story encourages readers to take a leap of faith, like Camille and the rescue team do, even when it’s scary.

Thank you, Connie!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club.

She’s currently working on a collection of poetry to be released later this year.

Classes will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 noon Sign up at the Cisco location 1906 Highway 206 in Cisco Take the next step toward your future!

We’re here to help you succeed.

The menu for August… Pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, applesauce & dessert. 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 Holy Rosary Catholic Church Hall, on the corner of 11th & F.

Cisco Strong has again come through for us with a kind donation for the coming year’s meals. If you’d like to thank them, come participate in the Cisco TX Pie Fest this October 16th & 17th, that will be plenty of thanks for their generosity.

The meal is a food ministry project, run by parishioners of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

It’s a home-cooked meal. Anyone from any community is invited for food and fellowship. We encourage families and individuals to attend. So, bring friends, strangers, and of course, yourself.

We know our guests come for the cooking, but they stay for socializing and drawing.

The only requirement is an appetite.

Hey, if you don’t feel like cooking or you want to meet up with friends for a meal, whatever the reason, come and join us.

Next month’s meal, the first Tuesday of September, the 1st, Chicken Pot Pies. We will be at the First Baptist Church in Eastland at the corner of Lamar and Valley, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call or text Pete Loftin at 254595-2303.

The speaker for our August meeting is Lance Bauslaugh, Vice President of Development for Alliance Defending Freedom. The mission statement for the Development for Alliance Defending Freedom is “Contending in the courts of man, in reverence for the courts of God.”. This organization is “the world’s largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and God’s design for marriage and family.”. Lance Bauslaugh has been an interesting and knowledgeable speaker at our meetings in the past on various subjects and on this visit he will talk about the agency;s wins at the Supreme Court and other cases to restore freedom. Please join the Tea Party Patriots of Eastland County on August 13th.

Grubbs began her career at Cisco College in January 2003 as an academic counselor. During her tenure, she has served in several leadership positions, including Director of Student Success, Director of Academic Programs, and Dean of Enrollment Services. Before joining Cisco College, she worked for several years in the social services field.

“Dr. Grubbs has devoted her career at Cisco College to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals,” said Dr. Thad Anglin, President . “Her experience, compassion, and understanding of our students and communities make her an outstanding choice to lead the College’s student services efforts.”

Grubbs earned a Doctorate of Education from Texas Tech University in December 2014. She said the students have remained the most rewarding part of her career at Cisco College.

“My favorite part of working at Cisco is, without a doubt, the students,” Grubbs said. “I enjoy getting to know them, learning about their goals, and helping them navigate their college journey. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students overcome challenges, reach graduation, and accomplish something they have worked so hard for.” Grubbs added that Cisco College’s size allows faculty and staff to form meaningful connections with students and play an active role in their accomplishments. “Being a small college gives us the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, and it is a privilege to be part of our students’ success,” she said.

As Vice President of Student Services, Grubbs plans to pursue campus improvements at both Cisco College locations while strengthening services and initiatives that help students succeed.

“My goal in this role is to help drive positive campus improvements at both college locations that support student success and strengthen our college community,” Grubbs said. “I also want to focus on growing our graduation numbers and enhancing commencement ceremonies, so they reflect the achievements of our students and the pride of our institution.”

Grubbs and her husband, Chad, have one daughter, Lynlee. For more information about Cisco College, visit Cisco.edu.

Cisco Writers Club in August: The Unreliable Narrator

Normally, writing contains a frame of reference that everyone, author and readers alike, can agree on. What happens when readers are forced to understand things from the perspective of a character who does not see the world like everyone else?

For example, consider The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. Both of these novels are written from the perspective of an unreliable narrator who tells the reader one story while what actually happens is something else. Sometimes it’s obvious. In Salinger’s book, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, admits upfront that he is a liar. In contrast, Mr. Stevens, the protagonist in Ishiguro’s book, is in such self-denial that he can’t even see the truth; the reader has to figure it out.

Other excellent stories with unreliable narrators to study and enjoy: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe, The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom, and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.

At the August meeting of the Cisco Writers Club, author and librarian Helen Cozart will lead us in an exploration of the mechanics, mystery, and dark delight of crafting the unreliable narrator. Join us at 7 p.m. on August 6th in the Big Dam room inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Visitors are welcome!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She’s currently working on a collection of poetry to be released later this year.

Eastland Centennial Memorial Library to Host Live Reading

Eastland Centennial Memorial Library will host local authors for a live reading and booksigning event. Authors participating include writers from Eastland County at large as well as Cisco Writers Club Members: Shann Tajiah (The Shifter’s Heart), Sabrina Landor (Looking in from the Outside), Ruth V. York (“Grit”), Priscilla Bettis (Whispers of a Southern Moon), Robert Workman (Assassination Attempt!), Roma Holley (Surviving the Storm Through the Wind of the Spirit), Jennifer Neville Maddle (Marston House), Raena St. Peter (3:23: Building a Business on Faith, Not Fear), Helen Cozart (Yesterday’s Dreams), and Deborah Brinkley (This Is My Body).

Admission is free, and those in attendance will have a chance to purchase autographed copies of authors’ books.

It all takes place on August 4th, 5:30 to 7:00 at Eastland Centennial Memorial Library, 210 S Lamar St., Eastland. We hope to see you there!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She’s busy preparing her entries for Cisco Writers Club’s 50th Annual Writing Contest. You can enter, too; go to ciscowritersclub.org, and click on the Annual Writing Contest tab.