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

maintain and improve our state’s massive roadway system, construction crews often work just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic.

To protect crews and the traveling public, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s Drive like a Texan traffic safety

initiative is urging Texans to be safe and drive smart in the state’s road maintenance and construction areas.

Join us in South Austin as TxDOT Work Zone Awareness

recognizes National Week April 20-24. We’re calling on drivers to slow down, stay alert, and scan for signs and flaggers

to avoid preventable crashes and fatalities.

The Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative.

Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe.

Learn more at DriveLikeATexan. com.

Rural Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP). The Brownwood District includes Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Lampasas, McCulloch, Mills, San Saba, and Stephens counties.

This virtual meeting is an opportunity to learn about and provide input on transportation projects that could be coming to your area over the next four years. Your feedback helps shape priorities that may eventually become part of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The RTIP includes both grouped and individually listed projects that are funded outside a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) boundary, such as:

• Added capacity projects

• Regionally

• Safety and maintenance projects (including intersection improvements, sidewalks, turn lanes, and shoulder widening) Many of these projects are eligible for federal funding.

To participate, simply visit txdot.gov and search “Brownwood Rural TIP,” anytime now through Monday, available included are a prerecorded presentation and project exhibits.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed priorities. Comments are welcome and must be received by to be included in the

official public meeting

record. Comments may be submitted by mail to: TxDOT Brownwood District Attn: Rural TIP Comments may also be sent by email to jason. scantling@txdot.gov. Comment forms are available for download on the meeting page on txdot.gov (remember to search “Brownwood online comment form.

Maps with locations will be provided and distributed on Friday, April 24th.

Gorman City Office - 254-734-2317

Commissioners met in regular session on April The meeting opened with Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance to the Commissioners James, Flag and Texas Pledge. Miears, Ramirez and Ervin were present. City

Clerk Joni Ettinger sat in for City Administrator Tacy Warren, who was not present.

Mayor David Perry

called the meeting to order.

Minutes of the

previous meeting and bills were approved attending signed up to

as presented. No one

Dugan reported that the

speak in Citizens Forum. However, Mary Jo Gorman food bank had served 191 citizens in March and all was going smoothly.

Several city reports were presented at the meeting, including the GEDC Director’s Report, Eastland County Sheriff’s Report and Gorman Public Works Report.

Trinity Davis, GEDC

Director presented the following report:

“The EDC received $5,898.92 in sales tax in

March. This amount was split in half; $2,949.46 and deposited in each (GEDC) account. 1. Garzas

potentially needing leeway on Ordinance that requires underpinning within 30 days. 2. Budget work 3. QuickBooks 4. Job posting - (for

work

EDC Director) 5. Community Outreach 6. USD A”

County Sheriff Jason Weger’s Office reported the following Gorman stats for March 2026: Calls for service - 151 Walkthroughs - 26 Warning - 29 Building Checks - 131 Cases Filed with DA

- 12

The Public Works Report prepared

Director Jeff Young was read by Mayor Perry.

The report included work being done around the school, mowing, weed eating and chipping, hydrant being cleaned out, lift station pumped out, 6” water line being located, and other items.

Item 15: Consider, Discuss, and Authorize the City of Gorman to Solicit Requests for Proposals (RFPS) for Grant Administrative Services and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) Infrastructure Grant

for Engineering Services for the Water Supply Program Administered by the Texas Water Development Board. (TWDB) was moved present for discussion. receive and qualifications

to the top of agenda items to be discussed, as a representative was He discussed the grant amount possible to ; for example, the 2025 audit must be done by Commissioners approved this item as Tiffany Childers presented a sidewalk proposal for the Shirley

July. stated above.

by

Shinoak Apartments and

Building located @ 119 S Roberts (to be the Event Center). A quote was presented. It was be taken out of GEDC funds. Commissioners approved this item.

suggested costs could Commissioners unanimously and officially appointed David Perry to the GEDC Board of Directors.

(to be continued ...)

Ina Smith began hosting the treasure hunt in 1986 and has been able to provide amazing memories to many children and families over the years. Her family continues this legacy after her passing in 2024.

Age divisions for participants are as follow: Baby (must be able to sit alone); 2-3 years old; 4 years - Kindergarten; 1st & 2nd Grade; 3rd & 4th Grade; 5th Grade Some examples items and goodies that are put out for the children include: Sippy cups, juices, crackers, cookies, chips, fruit roll-ups, suckers, necklaces, rings, teddy bears, rice krispies, ring pops, granola bars, and so much more.

With the help of local support, we have been able to provide a generous amount of “treasure” to ensure each child leaves with a full Easter basket.

The Gorman Treasure Hunt is not only a local event, but welcomes children from surrounding towns in Eastland, Comanche, and Erath Counties. Over 200 kids have taken part in the past years.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Johnston @ 254.243.0409. Donations can be mailed to 114 W Rogan St Gorman, Tx 76454.

New Hope Baptist church of Gorman will be hosting a free video series by Dr. David Jeremiah beginning Sunday evening, April 12 at 6:00 P.M. that addresses these and other questions.

There ARE answers to questions such as: Will we remember our current life? Will we know people in Heaven that we have known here?

Will there be marriage in Heaven? Are those in Heaven watching us? What about children? What age will we be in Heaven? How do we get to Heaven?

Come and hear clear answers to things that you have wondered about Heaven. For additional information, you may call 254-734-6789.

1. Opening Prayer, Followed by Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge, Attendance 2. Call the Meeting to Order 3. Approve the Minutes of the Previous Meeting 4. Approve the Bills as Presented for Payment 5. Citizens Forum and Input Maximum 5 Minutes 6. Report Submissions-Presentations of Department Heads 7. Tiffany Childers/ Gary Shirley: Referent Sidewalk @ the Shirley Building located @ 119 S Roberts. Consider Proposal for Repair New Sidewalk; Discuss and Consider Detail of Additional Sewer Tap 8. Official Appointment of David Perry to the Gorman EDC Board of Directors 9. Discuss and Consider for Possible Action the EDC Proposal to move the Gorman EDC Office back to the City Office Building @ 116 S. Kent 10. Discuss and Consider the Renovations Necessary to Bring the

City Office Building

@ 116 S Kent St. into ADA Compliance for the USDA Loan.

11. Discuss and Consider Budget Amounts for Each Department of the City Systems and General Operations and Expected Revenues for the 20262027 Proposed Budget.

12. 1st Reading of Ordinance #05-07-2026 An Ordinance Allowing for the Adoption of a Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and Set Date for a Public Hearing for Public Input of the Upcoming Budget.

13. Discuss and Consider New Website Proposal with CivicPlus 14. Discuss and Consider Moving forward with the Fence @ the Roll Off Station 15. Consider, Discuss, and Authorize the City of Gorman to Solicit Requests for Proposals (RFPS) for Grant Administrative Services and Requests

for Qualifications (RFQs) for Engineering Services for the Water Supply Infrastructure Grant Program Administered by the Texas Water Development Board. (TWDB) Mayor’s Report and Update and Discuss Future Agenda Items for Consideration Posted by order of the Gorman City Commission on March 27, 2026

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved, as were city bills as presented.

No citizens signed to speak in citizens forum.

Reports and presentation of department heads followed.

The Eastland County Sheriff’s Department’s report for February included 54 Calls for Service, 28 Warnings, 6 cases filed with DA and 131 Business checks.

Gorman EDC’s report was printed in our last edition.

Public Works Director Jeff Young reported, among a number of other items, several water leaks and a sewer stoppage fixed, and hydrants flushed out. He said the department has started with mowing and wood chipping. (Water) Bacterial samples were taken and came back good, he reported. Two new employees water training. Next step will be a license, he added.Reading of meters was much better. The department is also getting things ready for the annual Easter Egg Hunt in City Park.

A 2nd reading of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Revision was presented and repairs on a drain in front of Mason Jar / Corner of S. Kent - Ross considered.

The concrete drainage was a problem there, it was noted.

Streets in Gorman needing repair were determined and pricing will be looked into, as well as possible grants.

In closing, the resignation of Luis Ramirez as President of the Gorman Economic Development Board was accepted.

It is our understanding that more about a replacement will be discussed at the next city meeting.

- M. Hetrick

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved, as were city bills as presented.

No citizens signed to speak in citizens forum.

Reports and presentation of department heads followed.

The Eastland County Sheriff’s Department’s report for February included 54 Calls for Service, 28 Warnings, 6 cases filed with DA and

131 Business checks.

Gorman EDC’s report was printed in our last edition.

Public Works Director Jeff Young reported, among a number of other items, several water leaks and a sewer stoppage fixed, and hydrants flushed out. He finished their waste

said the department has started with mowing and wood chipping. (Water) Bacterial samples were taken and came back good, he reported. Two new employees water training. Next step will be a license, he added. Reading of meters was much better. The department is also getting things ready for the annual Easter Egg Hunt in City Park.

A 2nd reading of

Corner of S. Kent - Ross the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Revision was presented and repairs on a drain in front of Mason Jar / considered. The concrete drainage was a problem there, it was noted.

Streets in Gorman needing repair were determined and pricing will be looked into, as well as possible grants.

In closing, the resignation of Luis Ramirez as President of the Gorman Economic Development Board was (without enthusiasm) accepted. It is our understanding that more about a replacement will be discussed at the next city meeting.

BID NOTICE Gorman EDC Report

The Gorman EDC received $12,259.92 in sales tax in February. This amount was split in half, $6,129.96 and deposited in each account.

1. Letter sent to the Garzas. (Regarding home to be put on property) 2. Payment reminders sent.

3. Monthly Calendar (getting good reviews) 4. Workforce Day at GISD 2/18/2026 was a great event! 5. Crafting effective surveys training.

6. TMCN - Federal EDC Grants - Feb 25th (attended) 7. Visits to businesses, provided resources and calendars - Managed by Raena has started small business campaign for the EDC.

8. Community member requested city clean up event or tire haul off.

City accepting Bids The City of Gorman is accepting bids to power wash and paint the south outside wall of the Gorman Community Center. You may email your quote to cityofgorman@gmail. com , or deliver to City St, Gorman, TX 76454.

Office 116 South Kent

5:30 p.m. in the Gorman Community Center at

118 S. Kent St. Gorman, on March 5, 2026, to consider the following agenda items.

1. Opening Prayer, Followed by Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Pledge, Attendance

2. Call the Meeting to Order 3. Approve the Minutes of the Previous Meeting

4. Approve the Bills as Presented for Payment’ 5. Citizens Forum and Input Maximum 5 Minutes

6. Report Submissions- Presentations of

Department Heads 7. 2nd Reading of Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance Revision

8. Consider Repairs on Drain in Front of Mason Jar / Comer of S. Kent -W Ross

9. Determine Streets for Repair: Allowing Time to Collect Price Quotes

10. Consider the Resignation of Luis Ramirez as President of the Gorman Economic Development Board.

Gorman stats for January 2026 were: Calls for Service 164, Walkthroughs - 37, Warnings -N/A, Building Checks - 51, Area Checks - 124, and Cases Filed with the DA - 4.

GEDC Director’s Report 

By Trinity Davis January 2026 The EDC received $8,795.32 in sales tax in January. This amount was split in half; $4,397.66, and deposited in each account.

1. 1 applicant for Kimble Lot - Contract signed, survey completed, Oncor work order and City work order completed. Oncor placed 3 poles, electricity done. Issues with moving home (to lot) were spoken about. EDC waiting on update.

2. Garza Update. 

3. Monthly Calendar: On EDC website to list any events coming up.

4. Comptrollers report completed.

5. Donation Scholarship to Senior Class 2026.

6. Questions about Family Dollar being for Sale: No further information available at moment.

7. Spoke to developer about housing. Waiting on more information.

8. In need of local business cards.

(Regarding housing in Gorman: Mayor David Perry mentioned that apartments in a large renovated building downtown should hopefully be ready in around 4-6 months. He noted that they are spacious and look very nice.)

***** 

Public Works Department Report By Director Jeff Young Director Young reported that during the recent cold spell, Public Works employees used the time to service some of the department’s equipment. Also reported: Installed 4 new meter sets in Gorman; Some necessary work done for GISD at the old gym; chipping was done. BAC (bacteria) (water) samples were sent in and results were good. Director Young also reported a sewer stoppage on Winkler which was taken care of and pot holes being were done to prepare for the cold spell including draining water out of bathrooms in city buildings and protection of lift stations. There were no further water or sewer issues prior to a water leak on Jan. 31st.

Cynthia’s (new employee of PWD) probation time has ended. Director Young said he hoped Cynthia and Sam can take online training for waste water training. He added they were both working out well at their jobs.

*******

Grant Purpose: This grant will provide reimbursement funding to assist with the installation of a privately owned residential safe room / storm shelters at residences located in the following counties: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Fisher, Haskell, Jones, Kent, Knox, Mitchell, Nolan, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Throckmorton. This program does not provide funding for community wide safe room / storm shelter construction.

Funding Details: The award will provide a reimbursement of 50% of the project cost or a maximum of $3,000 per project, whichever amount is lower. Each project must meet all the requirements of the program to be eligible.

Project Goals: The safe room / storm shelter will provide a safe place for residents during severe weather events, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Eligibility: 1. Residence must be located in one of the counties listed above 2. Applicant must own the location of the installed safe room / storm shelter 3. Residence cannot EH)(0$RRGSOD Application Process: Interested GGDO FD G more information and application materials on the West Central Texas Council of Government’s website at https://www.wctcog. org/residential-saferoom- program/ or email Karla Sadler at saferooms@ westcentraltexas. org. Karla may also be contacted during regular business hours by telephone at (325) 672-8544, extension 331.

In Citizens’ Forum, Mary Dugan reported the Gorman Food Bank distributed to around 90 families in December and that Gorman ISD students helped with the distribution. This was appreciated, she added, as several of the food bank volunteers could not be present to help.

Reports were submitted by Department Heads. Mayor Perry read the Eastland County Sheriff’s

stats for December 2025 were: Calls for Service - 53, Walkthroughs - 32, Warnings - 7, Building Checks - 46, Area Checks - 145, and Cases Filed with the DA - 2. EDC Director Trinity Davis reported the creating of an expansion and retention plan for Gorman businesses. She further noted that the Kimble Lot was ready (for construction). GISD Career Day will not be held, she said, and noted that B & G was apparently still up for sale. Businesses were further encouraged to continue providing cards to the Gorman EDC (to help promote their business).

Public Works Director Jeff Young reported that a good sized main water leak had been fixed, sewage stoppages cleared out, and several water taps done. The department had also figured out why a sink hole kept showing up, he said: It was due to a sewer line collapse. A 25 ft. section was replaced in the sewer line. A huge water leak on FM 8 was also reported. This was due to someone running over a fire hydrant.

The water leak was stopped. Also reported was the placing of new water meters. In closing Director Young added that the new employees were working out well.

The Commission discussed actions necessary pertaining to the Pershing St. Survey, and noted that changes should be started.

Financial Management Policies for the American Rescue Plan Act were updated and approved. (The funds have been used for various city improvements.) Commissioners approved the appointment of a new board member for the Gorman EDC.

Posted by order of the Gorman City Commission on -DDU

Sunday, January 1, 2006 did bring new beginnings to Eastland County residents, but also tragedy to some - and maybe a combination of both for many.

Because of the New Year’s Eve was very quiet in Gorman, Texas. I awoke fairly early, ready for 2006.

Sunday Afternoon: Mother called to say burning somewhere not far from Carbon. I could see a pillar of smoke form my porch.

My husband, Steve, and I grabbed our cameras and took Highway 6 to Carbon. Turning on road 1027 South to Okra, we could see a line of smoke approaching the town.

Residents were spraying water on their roofs and yards. Some were packing belongings in vehicles.

We joined public anxious residents of outlaying areas, near the edge of town. On a country road to our right, trailers of that a wild fire was

horses and livestock were frantically being transported away from Suddenly a wall

the fire. of flames appeared. Tongues of fire flared into the sky, charring everything in its path.

“Maybe the road will stop it,” someone said. It took only seconds for the fire to

jump road 1027.

We rushed to our truck and raced to Highway 6, barely avoiding being cut off.

Approximately 3:10 pm: We parked on a hill overlooking South Highway 6, just past the Carbon cemetery.

The sky darkened. The sun turned a strange dark orange. A last of hot wind carrying ash and smoke preceded flames and fire cyclones as the inferno raced across Highway 6.

“Where is it going,” I wondered. “Kokomo, Desdemona?”

Sunday Evening: An orange glow lit the night sky behind Gorman. Now and up beyond the tree line.

Our neighbors, the Howard’s, were keeping us informed. The father, John Howard, a volunteer was with the Gorman Fire Department at “Houses are going up

the scene of the fire,

wife on his cell phone.

A young neighbor was helping us spray down trees and vegetation. “I’ve seen scary movies,” he said. “But this is really scary. This is the real thing.”

There was talk of evacuation. I packed a few valuable things together.

Then I saw Lacy, one of the Howard’s daughters, going towards her car. “Margaret, they are going to evacuate,” she said.

I forced my two cats out of the house. They would fare better outside, then in a burning home, I reasoned.

The City sirens began to scream.

On the edge of town, we stopped for a minute and looked back. The streets were being blocked by police and emergency vehicles.

My husband said that he was going back. He wasn’t going to see our neighborhood go

a fight, he reasoned.

(Our neighbor Ralph felt the same.)

I went on to DeLeon. I didn’t know if I would ever see my home again. Visions (from a fire) of the

devastation I had seen only a week before in Cross Plains kept coming to mind.

A shelter was set up in the old DeLeon hospital, where I found a room for the night. Many people from Gorman and the area were there. Not many were Sleeping.

“Have you heard anything for Gorman?” I kept asking. “We just know that fires are

burning all around was the answer.

Monday morning, January 2, 2006, 3:30 am: The shelter personnel informed me that Gorman was safe and that I could probably return by day break.

As I drove through our neighborhood, I was grateful to see the houses standing. But I was also sad to think of those who had lost their homes elsewhere.

It was a beautiful morning, a brilliant blue sky, but the stench of smoke and destruction lay heavy over the countryside.

My cats played and rolled in the grass of our front yard, as if they were truly grateful for another day of life.

It was a new year, a new beginning.

then flames would flare up in flames without

safety officials, and fireman for Gorman,

6:30pm: Christmas parade; 7pm-8pm: Santa returns to Community Center; 7pm-

8:30pm: Christmas Carols; 7:15pm-8:30-m - Cornhole contest for all ages.

Narnia is a timeless classic that enchants the us and

“The Chronicles of child in all of spark the fire for the love of reading. C. S.

Lewis mined deep into and found a universal the human condition theme which can help the children understand many other great literary works as well.

“The other themes we

considered for this Ben Carson Reading Room were a space theme and Harry Potter. The previous theme of the

old Ben Carson Reading Room was “CAMP CARSON” read a book in the woods. That room opened in 2014 and has been in continual use by the elementary school more than the last decade.

kids from grades Pre-K through 5th Grade for We opened in 2014 as the first rural reading room in Texas and 3rd room BCRR’s in Texas. We have over 3500 books in

in TX. Now there are 22 our room. Our aim is to reading!

“The new room started It was somewhat divided

off as an all black room. by the flooring: 1/3 is a beautiful wood flooring (which lended itself where Lucy found the Wardrobe) and the other 2/3rds of the room is

to the English room

a beautiful comfy place! When the room linoleum tile.

“A huge blessing about moving the room is being able to invite the middle school kids to come and read in was in the elementary school, the kids just didn’t want to go back to that building. It wasn’t cool. But now they have an amazing space (the English Oom) and we have books “The BCRR has been a

room—Spare for their level of reading. continual labor of love by a core of devoted

volunteers. They have given heart and soul, talent, time and money to the children through this project. I cannot express how immensely grateful I am to all of them.”

Dr. Ben Carson, the renowned surgeon and Development, believes in

the transformative power of reading firsthand. He Inspired by a love for wife Candy launched

noted that he struggled as a young student growing up in Detroit, but with his mother’s encouragement, he became an avid reader. He earned a scholarship to Yale University and was accepted to medical school where he trained as a surgeon. reading, Carson and his the Ben Carson Reading Project.

2025 GISD Ben Carson Reading Room Volunteers are: Debbie Scott, Tamara Yzaguirre, Dodd, Diane Casey, Dr. Dan Brudnak, Sondra Brudnak.

They send thanks to people who contributed long coats that are hanging in the wardrobe: Darla Smith, Ann Jay, Vilma Peguero, Christopher Hughes, Sue Jones.

Thanks also to Crystal Snider, Principal Gorman Elementary and Cheri Troutman, Secretary Gorman Elementary.

Julie Seay (artist), Lori

1. TMCN Booklet - waiting on proof.

2. Sales Tax Workshop in October notes available.

3. 1 applicant for Kimble Lot Contract signed, survey completed, Oncor work order, City Work order Oncor is placing 3 poles.

4. Career Day with ISD scheduled February 11th, 2026.

5. B & G remains 6. Grant writing webinar - notes in office.

for sale. 7. Business Appreciation Dinner was held in October.

8. In need of local business cards.

*****

Eastland County Sheriff’s Department Report - October Sheriff Jason Weger October Report given by

Deputy Watson

Tye Adams, Lexi Fraire, Tori Heath, Juan Solis Calls for Service - 53, Citations - 3, Cases filed with DA - 2, Walk throughs - 22, Business checks - 59, Area checks -79.

*****

Gorman Public Works Department Report October Presented by Director Jeff Young

Director Young reported having an interview with applicant Cynthia Del Rio. The interview went well and applicant was highly recommended, he added, and seemed to be the better fit for the department. PWD employees worked on flushing out lines, chipping, water leak(s), a sewer stop, reading meters, among other items. Director Young reported that a water treatment plant and lift station made. TCEQ reported

inspection had been no deficiencies.