The meal is FREE for Veterans; $8 for non-veterans attending.

Opening Ceremony for THE WALL THAT HEALS will be held at 7:30 PM on the Ranger College campus.

Bunton plans to transfer to Texas Tech following his time in Ranger.

Former Ranger College student Joe Sharp, pictured above with host Trey McNeil and Ranger Lions Club President Debbie Karl, spoke with Ranger Lions about his student time at RC and its impact. Sharp played football for Ranger College and then transferred to Tarleton. He said Ranger College was a stepping stone which gave his a chance to make better grades and was an important part of his going up. “This was real life. It helped me mature,” he added. He commented on the all the improvements which had been made at Ranger since the time he spent on campus.

Sharp now has a business of his own and met Trey McNeil at golfing. Ranger Lions enjoyed his talk and hope he visits the campus again.

The meeting will be at the Vietnam Memorial Park in Ranger. If the weather is bad we will meet at the Veterans Bldg. next to the Ranger Library.

Please pray for our troops who are at war with Iran at this time.

Larry Monroe Group Founder 254-631-9226

Ranger, Texas – The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to Ranger, TX from April 23 to April 26, 2026 at the Rang- HU ROOHJH VRFFHU HOG and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War, and it bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the XOWLPDWH VDFULFH L Vietnam.

“In honor of my father’s legacy and my own service, bringing this memorial home is a privilege. The Wall That Heals will pro- LGHDVSDFHIRUUHHF tion, education, and healing across our entire region.” said Helen Cozart, Ranger College Library Director and TWTH Chair.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Ranger, TX to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF.

“Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who VHUHGDGVDFULFHGL the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer.

When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, the establishment of The Wall and how the Memorial and Vietnam transformed the way our nation treats its veterans and service members.

The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.

The mobile Education Center exhibit includes two digital photo displays. The Hometown Heroes display highlights service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit. The In Memory display highlights Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died. Additional displays include videos that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a timeline of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall, and the era surrounding the con- LFW DG DUH GHVLJHG to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

We are pleased to announce that former US Representative Mike Conaway will be the keynote speaker at the Welcome Home Ceremony on April 23 at 7:00 PM. Local sponsors at this time include Ranger College, the City of Eastland, the city of Ranger, and EBAA Iron. For sponsorship opportunities, tour planning, or to learn more about other ways get involved with The Wall That Heals in Ranger, please visit thewallthathealsranger2026. com or email thewallthathealsranger2026@ gmail.com.

Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 800 U.S. communities including an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C. and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmo - sphere of The Wall. More information can be found at: www.thewallthatheals. org.

About VVMF The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) tion that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials. To learn more about VVMF, visit www. vvmf.org or call 202-3930090.

is the nonprofit organiza

WMF, the nonprofit

If weather is permitting, we will meet at the Vietnam Memorial Park in Ranger. If not, we will meet at our Veterans Bldg. next to the Ranger Library.

The meeting is conducted by the Taylor Co. Vet Center. The meeting will be from 10:30 AM to 12 noon.

See you there. Pray for our troops.

Larry Monroe Group Founder 254-631-9226

Ranger College led the conference with the most student-athletes recognized, highlighting the program’s commitment to academic success across all sports.

Baseball: Jamison Adams, Riley Akins, Clint Burkey, Ryan Bowers, Grant Cervey, Ashton Fisher, Anthony Kelley, Brock Lansville, Lawson Andrew Weekel Women’s Basketball: Hadli Hampton el Flores, Devin Whitten Cross Country / Track tai, Zachary Roome, Ki’Sha Tyner, Alfrenique Knowles, Charity Rayford Women’s Golf: Jaylah Smith Camper, Terence Rafferty Rodeo: Kelli Ann Acreman, Taylee Paige Ackerman, Kaleb Baker Bedsole, Sage Cole Buress, Paden Cash Belkham, Avery Jade Foegelle, Kallee Foster, Duke Evan Nordby, lon Payne, Lexi Dolores Shaw, Tegan Zebroski, Teryn Zebroski min Cane, Wilfredo Castillo, Juan Condales, Luis Contreras, Angel Garcia, Luis Gomez, Juan Jose Women’s Soccer: Nuria Alejo, Ines Alonso, Sara Cervantes, Penelope Charrion, Karla James, divelso, Naileth Rangel, Laura Ruiz Blood, Alexis Cowan, Palomares, Hannah Rogers Volleyball: Giulia Be-Fernandez, Etsel Ramierz, Dafne Sosa.

This recognition recontinued emphasis on academic achievement, discipline, and excellence, as student-athletes balance the demands of competition with success in the classroom.

Wendy Erwin and Kathy Glidewell (pictured above with Ranger Lions Club president Debbie Karl) presented a program to Ranger Lions Club recently on the subject of Ranger’s historic Texas & present building is the 3rd depot built in Ranger and Erwin explained.

Ranger Deport was deeded to the Chamber of the stipulation that it must be used as public space. The depot was turned into the Roaring Ranger road came to the Ranger area mostly due to the oil boom and the museum’s exhibits tell the town’s fascinating story of the oil boom era.

That is not all: Kathy Glidewell spoke about activities held there last year, including a quilt show, October Trunk or Treat, and Open House in November. Looking forward, plated on other interesting and fun events which could be held there, and noted that the museum was adding exhibits of interest for everyone. After all, it was reminded that seum is located on the famous Bankhead Highway. The museum is open to the public on Saturdays. If not open, please call number on the door.

254-631-9226

Unfortunately, it was pointed out, senior citizens are often targeted by fraudsters. Criminals know that elderly people might have a savings accumulated and may be vulnerable due to physical disabilities and social isolation, for example. Elder exploitation has increased and it is estimated that only one in 14 cases are reported.

Families can help by being involved in elderly member’s lives, speaking to them about fraud, assisting them with their finances, helping them monitor their accounts via online banking, and setting up text alerts for debit card purchases.

Also discussed: Stolen checks being washed and reissued to take money from accounts. Helpful protection can be to review your account daily and mail your check inside the

post office.

In addition, examples of fraudulent texts messages, phone calls, and emails were presented.

Many thanks for the informative presentation.

A counselor from the Taylor Co. Vet Center will conduct this meeting. Hope to see you there.

Larry Monroe - Group Founder - 254-731-9226

The presentation will be followed by a book signing at 3:00 pm.

Marston House is the story of a house that was well known in Ranger before it was demolished in April 2025. The book is billed as “part memoir, part story.” It explores the lives of longtime Ranger residents and business owners Hall Walker, Azaline Pulley, and Audrey Yonker, and their connections to the house on Marston Street, attempting to answer the questions, “Why was the house never sold?” and “Who was the only woman Hall Walker ever truly loved?”

Marston House was built in 1915 in its original location north of Ranger on the Walker ranch, before being moved into town in 1937. The property was also the site of one of Rang- er’s first producing oil wells, The Nannie Walker, named for Hall Walker’s mother, Nancy “Nannie” Walker. The house remained mysteriously vacant from about 1980 until its demolition in 2025. Over the years many Ranger residents reportedly attempted to purchase the house, but all offers were refused. The legend circulated that according to Hall Walker, the house was never to be sold because “the only woman he ever truly loved had lived there and he’d rather see it crumble and fall to the ground than have another person live in it.”

Maddle, a longtime resident of Ranger herself, graduated from Ranger College in 1988. She taught English at Ranger High School from 1991 until her retirement in 2021, when she began writing for publication.

Maddle wrote Marston House from February to October 2025, after researching the

October of 2000 when she was first

people and incidents involved since made aware of the local legend surrounding the house.

According to Maddle, “Marston House spans well over a century, and was 25 years in the making, but it is a

story that is finally ready to be told.”

10:30 AM to 12 noon. The meeting will be at the Vietnam Memorial Park in Ranger if the weather permits. If not we will meet at the Veterans Bldg next to the Ranger Library. A counselor from the Taylor Co. Vet Center will be there to conduct this meeting. See you there. Larry Monroe -Group Founder, 254-631-9226

The meetings are from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon. We will meet at the Vietnam Memorial Park in Ranger if the weather permits. If not we will meet at our Veterans Bldg. next to the Ranger Library.

If you would like to join us please give me a call.

Larry Monroe Group Founder 254-6331-9226

will hold a Regular Meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. District Ranger, Texas.

Plant Walk Thru Prior to Meeting A. Meeting called to Order.

B. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.

C. Engineer Report: Includes but not limited to 2012 & 2019 plant improvement projects. FEMA generator project, 2026 DWSRF grant application & Alternate water sources.

D. Update from City Representatives.

E. General Manager Report: Includes but no limited to repairs, maintenance, plant operations, lake operations and personnel

matters.

F. Comments from Board Members including walk through G. Public Presentation: At this time, anyone on the list will be allowed to speak on any matter other than personnel matters or matters under litigation, for a length of time not to exceed THREE minutes. NO BOARD ACTION may take place on the matter until such matter has been placed on an agenda and posted in accordance with law.

H. The Board of Directors may Discuss or Take Action on any of the Following Agenda Items: 1. Action necessary from Engineer Report 2. Action necessary from General Manager Report.

3. Discuss/Consider the approval of monthly reports. *Parks Report Includes but not limited to lake operations & collection. *Secretary Report - Includes but not limited 4. Discuss/Approve applying for HB500 grant and authorizing President Authority to sign related documents on behalf of the district.

5. Discuss/Approve purchase of district equipment.

6. Discuss/Approve advertisement in the Texas Game Warden Magazine.

7. Discuss/Approve replacing current Simple IRA with alternative re 8. Discuss/Approve setting up semiannual networking meetings between ECWSD the Cities of Eastland & Ranger and their contracted water supply customers.

9. Discuss/Approve hiring Intera for Hydrologic ground water evaluation.

10. Discuss/Approve previously tabled agenda item adopting of motto for ECWSD.

11. Discuss establishing a research and development division of ECWSD.

12. Discuss/Approve Minutes of the January 15, 2026 meeting.

13. Discuss/Approve Monthly Financial Report.

14. Discuss/Approve Accounts Payables 15. Discuss/Approve secretary’s reimbursement of monthly expenses.

I. Adjourn Carrie Goodman, Secretary Notice is hereby given that a regular meeting of the Board of Education of

Ranger Independent School District

is to be held on February 19, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. in the board conference room of the cated at 1842 Loop 254 East in Ranger, Texas. At that meeting, the Board may deliberate or act on any of the subjects listed on the following agenda.

1. Quorum 2. Call to Order 3. Invocation: Sidney Rutledge 4. Pledges: Hayes Pittman 5. Recognition of Students and Visitors 6. Citizen Input 7. Consent Agenda: A. Minutes of Regular Meeting - B. Financial Reports: Monthly Expenditures, Financial Report, Investment Report - C. Athletic Report - D. Principal’s Report - E. Superintendent Report 8. Presentation & Discussion: A. Student Group - FFA - AG - Stock Show - Sidney, Brystal, Hayes, Devon. B. Purple Heart Presentation. C. Principal’s Data Presentation 9. Actions Items: A. Consider and approve a resolution to authorize continued wage payment to all regular contractual and non-contractual employees who were instructed not to report to work during an emergency closing. B. HB 11 Resolution. C. Principal’s Contracts - a. Administrative Contracts - i. Recommend both principals be extended through 2027 - 2028 school year. (Motion to be made, seconded and vote upon to accept the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the administrative contracts for the 2027-2028 school year for Stephanie Sanders and extend Adam Bramlett to 2027-2028.

10. Closed Session 11. Open Session 12. Adjourn Bobby Jo Wilhelm, Superintendent

Notice of Meeting Notice of Meeting

The guests gave latest updates on an upcoming exhibit hosted by Ranger College: THE WALL THAT HEALS - a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica and Mobile Education Center; program of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Founders of the Wall.

TWTH will depart from Ranger College, Stephenville with a motorcycle escort on April 21st to arrive around 2:30 PM at Ranger College, Ranger.

Wednesday, April 22 is set up and volunteer orientation.

The exhibit will be open Thursday April 23 Sunday April 26, 24 hours a day for visitors, closing Sunday at 2 PM, when TWTH begins its journey to Butler, Missouri.

There will be special events during the exhibit’s time in Ranger, Tonya and Karen explained. These include the Opening Ceremony and Taps at sunset on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Volunteers are needed for many activities such as setup, takedown, parking needs and to assist visitors in various ways. If you should wish to volunteer, please contact Tonya at thewallthathealsrang-er2026@ gmail.com Visit the website for schedule information: thewallthathealsranger2026. com In conjunction with the TWTH exhibit, an In Memory program will be part of the Mobile Education Center, it was announced. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund states they recognize that many veterans returned home from Vietnam but later passed away. This program allows these veteran to be honored. If you wish to honor your veteran, an application must be submitted. Deadline is March 23, 2026. If you need assistance with the application, Saturday workshops will be held at the Ranger College Library on February 21 and March 21, 2026, 1pm 4pm, or visit Goleman Library at Ranger College during regular business hours.

Needed for the application: - DD214: Proof of military service

HDWKHWLFDWH 9HLFDWLRRISDVVLJ - Two Photos: Then and later are most common - Biography: a short summary of their life and service.

- Application: The RIFLDO990),0HPRry form.

Contact John Stanton by email for further information: thewallthathealsranger2026@ gmail.com.

THE WALL THAT HEALS will be a significant event in Ranger. Ranger Lions were appreciative for the information brought to the meeting. Many will be volunteering to show their support.

We still have a counselor from the Taylor Co. Veteran’s Center who condocts these meetings. If you are a combat Veteran and would like to join us please give me a call. You will have to have a DD 214 to prove your eligibility.

We hope you can join us. Larry Monroe - Group Founder - 254-631-9226

Plant Walk Thru Prior to Meeting A. Meeting called to Order.

B. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer.

C. Engineer Report: Includes but not limited to 2012 & 2019 plant improvement projects. FEMA generator project, 2026 DWSRF grant application & Alternate water sources.

D. Update from City Representatives.

E. General Manager Report: Includes but no limited to repairs, maintenance, plant operations, lake operations and personnel matters.

F. Comments from Board Members including walk through G. Public Presentation: At this time, anyone on the list will be allowed to speak on any matter other than personnel matters or matters under litigation, for a length of time minutes. NO BOARD ACTION may take place on the matter until such matter has been placed on an agenda and posted in accordance with law. Directors may Discuss or Take Action on any of the Following Agenda Items: 1. Action necessary from Engineer Report 2. Action necessary from General Manager Report.

3. Discuss/Consider the approval of monthly reports. *Parks Report Includes but not limited to lake operations & collection. *Secretary Report - Includes but not limited purchase of high service pump meters.

5. Discuss/Approve renewal of CD ending 2201 at Texas Bank.

6. Discuss/Approve assignment of lease for 7. Discuss/Approve adoption of a motto for ECWSD. prove order of election for May 2, 2026 expiring terms - Ranger (Calvert & Gerdes); Eastland (Pipkin & Orms) 9. Discuss/Approve resolutions for 2026 Election 10. Discuss/Approve Minutes of the December 11. Discuss/Approve Monthly Financial Report.

12. Discuss/Approve Accounts Payables 13. Discuss/Approve secretary’s reimbursement of monthly expenses.

A. Adjourn Carrie Goodman, Secretary

Wand has been assisting Ranger College since June 2025 in upgrading facilities and laying out a strategic master plan for a long term vision - including not only for the Ranger campus but also renovations to RC’s Comanche campus.

One exciting feature at the Comanche cam-SVROG JWFGPLF appears to be in high demand, he added. Back to the Ranger campus, Wand described many “restoration” projects, including landscaping and new picnic tables. Ranger Lions viewed for themselves one at-WFWL LVG SRMFWRRLW Cafeteria incorporating purple tones swirled into the base colors.

Future and ongoing projects could include a 4-story dormitory, women’s soft ball complex, new ag complex and more. These transformations are setting the future for Ranger College and will be something to be proud of, Wand said.

Larry Monroe Group Founder 254-631-9226

The meeting is from 10:30 AM to 12 noon. If weather is good we will meet at the Ranger Vietnam Memorial.

If the weather is bad we will meet at our Veterans Bldg. on South Homer St. next to the Ranger Library.

We still have a counselor from the Abilene Vet Center who conducts these meetings.

Please keep our troops in your prayers. Larry Monroe Group Founder 2006 254-631-9226

C. Engineer Report: Includes but not limited to 2012 & 2019 plant improvement projects. FEMA genergrant application & Alternate water sources.

Representatives.

E. General Manager Report: Includes but no limited to repairs, maintenance, plant operations, lake operations and personnel matters.

F. Comments from walk through G. Public Presentation: At this time, anyone on the list will be allowed to speak on any matter other than personnel matters or matters under litigation, for a length of time not to exceed THREE minutes. take place on the matter until such matter has been placed on an agenda and posted in accordance with law.

rectors may Discuss or Take Action on any of the Following Agenda Items: 1. Action necessary from Engineer Report 2. Action necessary from General Manager Report.

3. Discuss/ Consider the approval of monthly reports. *Parks Report - Includes but not limited to lake operations & collection.

4. Discuss/ Approve Minutes of the November 20, 2025 meeting.

5. Discuss/ Approve Monthly Financial Report.

Approve Accounts Payables. 7. Discuss/ Approve secretary’s reimbursement of monthly expenses.

I. Adjourn Carrie Goodman, Secretary

Notice of

Meeting

Ranger Independent School District Notice is hereby given that a regular meeting of Ranger Independent School District is to be held on De-P.M. in the board conference room of the administration 254 East in Ranger, Texas. may deliberate or act on any of the subjects listed on the following agenda. The President may change the order of items listed below for the convenience of the a closed meeting to seek the advice and counsel of its attorney at any time during the meeting under the authority of Texas Government Code #551.0071 regarding any item listed on the agenda of this meeting or in order for the attorney to provide legal assistance or advice to the 1. Quorum 3. Invocation &

4. Recognition of Students and Visitors 5. Citizen Input A. Minutes of Regular Meeting Reports: a. Monthly Expenditure; b. Financial Report C. Athletic Report D. Principal’s Report E. Superintendent Report 1. Discussion Items: FIRST Report 2. Action Items: A. District Improvement Plan; 3. Closed Session: 9.1, 2, 3 Tex Gov’t Code Section 551.074 - Discuss administrative personnel, nel. Tex Gov’t Code 551.072 - Discuss sale of real property -

Eastland County Water day, Dec. 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM. District Office, 802 Hwy 2461, Ranger, Texas.

Plant Walk Thru Prior to Order.

B. Pledge of Alle ator project, 2026 DWSRF D. Update from City Board Members including NO BOARD ACTION may H. The Board of Di

6. Discuss/

the Board of Education of cember 18, 2025 at 6:30 office located at 1842 Loop At that meeting, the Board board. The Board may enter Board. 2. Call to Order Pledge: Mrs. Wilhelm 6. Consent Agenda

B. Financial A. Purple Heart School; B. B. Update TASB policy 126 Discuss certified personnel, Discuss non-certified person 4. Open Session ac tion; A. Open session action Bobby Jo Wilhelm, Super

if any, related to closed session personnel deliberations above.

5. Adjourn

Four full-term seats on the board will be filled. Two seats for term of two years. First day to file is Jan 14,2026, those inter Eastland and two seat for Ranger will be expiring. They are Mark Pipkin and Brandon Orms from Eastland and Charles Calvert and Steve Gerdes from Ranger. These seats are for a ested in running for these water board positions should contact Carrie Goodman, Board Secretary, for a petition to be placed on the ballot and application. Applications and petitions are due back to the Secretary by Feb 13, 2026, 5pm and must contain 50 registered voters’ signatures in support of candidate. The voters must be registered within the respective cities. ECWSD 802 FM 2461 Ranger, TX 254-647-1320. (12-11-2025)

(Photos Margaret Hetrick)