If all goes well, the City Pool will open June 15th. The hours of operation will be from noon until 5pm Monday through Saturday and close on Sunday. I’m sure you will see more about the pool posted various places online.

The mayor submitted several properties last week to the Judge requesting that citations be issued for violations of City Ordinance 09-21-25. Unfortunately, he can only do so many each week. If you have property next door to your property or around town out of compliance, anyone may submit a complaint at then go to the judge. I have also requested the Sheriff Department check the ownership of vehicles that appear to be abandoned in the city limits or that violate our property ordinance. We intend to have these vehicles impounded and towed. Please check the ordinance on the City Website to see if you are in violation. I remind everyone that City Ordinance 202107-01 pertains to real property conditions (also the number of unlicensed/ unregistered vehicles that may be kept on a property) and City Ordinance 0921-2025 that regulates the keeping of animals/ pets within the city limits. These ordinances may be found on the City website: https:thecityofgorman.com. We will also be looking at properties that appear to be no longer livable and need to be condemned. If you own vacant property in such condition, it is time to renovate it or remove it. There are several properties that appear to be abandoned, and or, extremely rundown that we are already considering condemnation, mobile homes and regular houses. If we are going to grow, we need decent places for people to live and nice lots where they may build or place a manufactured home. We need decent buildings where new businesses may begin. We don’t need downtown storage buildings that do nothing to attract people to our town to live or visit. Gorman is a great place to live that has great businesses that provide jobs locally as well as being centrally located for an easy commute to jobs elsewhere. We have Great potential!

Thank you to all our citizens that take good care of their property! It is you that will help make our town a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Making is important! We are constantly looking for and applying for grants to make improvements in our town. We are currently applying for a very large grant to replace all remaining old water and sewer lines. We are also looking at ways to improve our streets. It may be one block at a time, but we must begin somewhere.

The Highway Six project should be completed this year, and it will be so nice when it is. Just think, we will have a center turn lane all the way through town which will make turning much safer than it has ever been. I know it has been a mess, but they are almost done. Be patient! Remember whenever you have an emergency, you need to call 911 and Dispatch will contact the or dispatch another. The non-emergency number for dispatch is 734-2730. We have 24/7 protection! The respond to calls regarding stray farm animals around the outskirts of Gorman. They are probably more equipped to handle the situation than FaceBook. For in town animal issues, we do have a licensed staff now and you may call an issue.

My only desire as Mayor is to see our town improve and for Gorman to be a desirable place for us and new folks to live. This is your town, and our commissioners and I are here for you. Thank you for allowing us to serve Gorman!

David K. Perry Mayor GEDC May 2026 REPORT

The EDC received $12,133.50 in sales tax in May. This amount was split in half, $6,066.75 and deposited in 4A and 4B accounts.

1. We interviewed Shanda Morrison for the director’s position and will be seeking the city commissioners’ approval to offer her the position to begin on Monday, 6/8/26 

2. Awarded $1,000 in scholarships to GISD seniors (Dalila Crain, Rebel McMorris and Edgar Gutierrez) 

3. Graduating Senior dinner was a success. All 19 seniors were able to attend.

4. EDC business promotional program purchased a sign for Sam’s Sun Bar.

5. Revision of the for a treasurer. The board elected Kelly Skinner.

EM Library Events

Yard Event Center Eastland. The event will start inside the building and then move outside.

Stephanie and Melissa believe rural America is being targeted because rural areas are financially weaker; land values are lower; and they think rural areas have less education and it is easier to get contracts on our land. There are options for solar farms like parking garages, big commercial buildings like Amazon or Walmart but they choose rural America because it is cheaper. As a person living in Texas, where the sun beats down us, especially in the summer, I would love to park in the shade so put solar farms over our concrete or asphalt parking lots don’t block the sun from my land where I might have crops or livestock. Places that have solar farms do not get lower utility rates, so explain to me why I should allow a solar farm on my land.

Solar farms can change your property from agricultural to commercial which in turn can change your property tax to a more expensive bracket. Can contracts for solar farms be sold to another company? Who is responsible for infrastructure and damage. I heard when a tornado hit Indiana or Iowa last year, a solar farm was part of the damage. That community was asking who is responsible for cleaning up the solar farm and the shards of glass everywhere.

How does a solar farm affect the future of Eastland County? How will it affect community businesses? How will community leaders protect our local businesses? How will local salaries be affected and the local economy?

Please join us on Thursday, June 11th, at 6:30 PM in the Big Dam room at the Myrtle Wilks Community Center, 1498 IH-20 W, Cisco, Texas. Doors open at 6 PM. All are welcome.

5/1/2026 Douglas L. Kendall, 54, of Cisco, Assault CBI-FV arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/6/2026 Felipe G. Cantu, 25, of Texas, Municipal Court Warrant arrested by Officer Justin Pope.

5/6/2026 Edwin J. Gonzales, 20, non-residential federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/7/2026 Maria G. Rodrigues De La Cruz, 31, non-residential immigration violation detainer arrested by Officer Edgar Sanches.

5/7/2026 Ramon E. Zarate, 51, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/7/2026 Francisco A. Lopez, 28, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/7/2026 Jose F. Romero, 45, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/18/2026 Rafael B. Galvan, 51, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/18/2026 Angel V. Garcia, 24, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/18/2026 Jorge S Villela, 25, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/18/2026 Noe C. Cordova, 22, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/18/2026 Emanuel R. Cardona, 27, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/18/2026 Loza B. Flores, 51, non-resident, federal immigration detainer arrested by Officer Mark Purpura.

5/19/2026 Jose P Mendoza, 36, non-resident, federal immigration detainer arrested by officer Samuel Munoz 5/19/2026 Jared L. Hall, 38, of Cisco, Evading Arrest or Detention/ Injury to Elderly, arrested by Officer Mark Purpura 5/20/2026 Shawn A. Caloway, 32, of Cisco, Continuous Sexual Assault of Child Warrant, arrested by Officer Edgar Sanchez.

5/20/2026 Payton M. Boyd, 24, of Cisco, Municipal Court Warrant, arrested by Officer Justin Pope.

5/22/2026 Braden K. Morrison, 27, of Cisco, Assault CBI-FV arrested by Officer Sanchez.

5/22/2026 Sarag R. Scuderi, 38, of Texas, Assault CBI-FV arrested by Officer Sanchez.5/23/2026 Cesar A. Rodriguez, 36, of Texas, failed to maintain financial responsibility, operate a vehicle with unapproved sun screening device, expired trailer registration arrested by Officer Justin Pope.

5/23/2026 Jose I. Mendoza, 44, non- resident, federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/23/2026 Miguel A. Mendoza, 41, non-resident, federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz. 5/23/2026 Jose R. Mendoza, 44, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/23/2026 Juan J. Camarillo, 34, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by officer Samuel Munoz.

5/25/2026 Kelly Maddox, 62, of Cisco Texas, Man/Del Controlled Substance DFZ arrested by Sgt.Derek Gunstanson.

5/25/2026 Tommy Davis, 54, of Cisco Texas, Man/Del Controlled Substance DFZ arrested by Sgt.Derek Gunstanson.

5/25/2026 Brandi Campbell, 36, of Cisco 20 Texas, Man/Del Controlled Substance DFZ arrested by Sgt.Derek Gunstanson.

5/25/2026 Kimberly Winblad, 37, of Cisco Texas, Man/Del Controlled Substance DFZ arrested by Sgt.Derek Gunstanson.

5/25/2026 Ann Michelle Young, 60, of Cisco Texas, Man/Del Controlled Substance DFZ arrested by Sgt. Derek Gunstanson.

5/28/2026 Bilder A. Santos, 27, non-residential federal immigration detainer arrested by Corporal Samuel Munoz.

5/28/2026 Santos T. Ramirez, 47, non-residential federal immigration detainer arrested by officer Samuel Munoz.

5/29/2026 Gabriel P. Moreno, 52, of Mexico, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/29/2026 Rubert Sanchez, 25, of Venezuela, immigration violation arrested by Officer James Thomas.

5/29/2026 Jose V. Rosales, 20, of Honduras, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt.Lee Risdon.

5/29/2026 Luis F. Mateo, 28, of Honduras, federal immigration detainer arrested by Lt. Lee Risdon.

5/30/2026 Luis A. Benitez, 49, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Officer Mark Purpura.

5/30/2026 Jose A. Vasquez, 40, non-resident federal immigration detainer arrested by Officer Mark Purpura.

5/31/2026 Linda Phillips, 45, of Cisco Texas, Injury to Elderly arrested by Officer James Thomas.

5/31/2026 Christian G. Ramirez, 27, non-residential federal immigration detainer arrested by Officer Mark Purpura.

5/31/2026 Mario P. Perez, 29, non-residential federal immigration detainer arrested by Officer Mark Purpura.

Cisco Writers Club’s 50th Annual Writing Contest

by Priscilla Bettis Facebook@ PriscillaBettisAuthor

Cisco Writers Club is excited to announce that its 50th Annual Writing Contest is now open! The deadline for submitting entries is midnight (Central Time) on July 31, 2026. Anyone, anywhere may enter. You do not have to be a Cisco Writers Club member. (You must be 15 years or younger, born on or after August 1, 2010, to enter the Adventures in Writing category.)

Cisco Writers Club awards cash prizes of $100, $50, $10, and $5 respectively for judges’ determinations of first, second, third, and honorable mention. Additionally, the David Autry Sweepstakes Award is $250; ten other special awards are $50 each. There are noncash prizes only for the Adventures in Writing category which is only for young writers 15 and under. (In previous years, the Adventures in Writing prize was a 15-minute loop around Cisco in a private airplane, followed by a pizza party.)

There is a modest five-dollar fee to enter (no entry fees for Adventures in Writing).

The six entry categories are Poetry, Publication Briefs, Articles, Short Stories, Books, and Adventures in Writing.

For complete rules, including maximum word counts and category guidelines, and for details on how to enter, visit ciscowritersclub.org and look for the Annual Writing Contest tab. Happy writing, and good luck!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She’s busy preparing her entries for Cisco Writers Club’s Annual Writing Contest.

The menu for June… Pot Roast, vegetables, salad, rolls & 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. Because of a kind donation from Cisco Strong, this coming year’s meals will be thanks to their generosity.

The meal is a food ministry project, run by parishioners of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. It’s a home cooked meal and 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 just 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 July, the 7th, we are at the First Baptist Church in Eastland at the corner of Lamar and Valley, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. July’s dinner, Taco Tuesday. And our apologies to our Eastland guests for not having enough pot roast, but it seems Chicken Express was well received as a sub.

If you have any questions, please call Pete Loftin at 254-5952303.

To be eligible for the ASU Dean’s List, fulltime undergraduate students must maintain a 3.25 or better grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

See the complete spring 2026 Dean’s List at angelo. edu/commencement. Dean’s List honorees 33

from your area, with their academic majors, include: Brooke Ainsworth of Ranger - Animal Science Maria Alaniz Alegria of Eastland - Accounting Nathan Anderson of Comanche - Computer Science Janna Arnold of Cisco - Agribusiness Kasey Arnold of Cisco - Ag Science and Ldrshp Sec Cert Londyn Carroll of Carbon - Animal Science Ivory Flores of Cisco 22

- English Bailey Hernandez of Cisco - Ag Science and Ldrshp Sec Cert Jolie Hutton of Cisco Psychology Jj Jones of Rising Star - Communication Avery Mcinvale of Desdemona - Natural Resource Management Isabell Montez of Cisco - Criminal Justice Rechinda Perry of Ranger - Social Work-Axel Aaron West of Eastland - Music Haylee Wilke of Cisco - Education Keegan Williamson of Eastland - Kinesiology For more information, log on to angelo.edu.

However, mark your calendars for our exciting DAC Spring Garage Sale! This year, we’re extending the fun over two weekends: June 4-6 and June 11-13, from 8 AM to 5 PM daily.

Thanks to your generous donations! tage finds, books, cloth Household items, vining, holiday decor, and much more, all at incredible prices. It’s the perfect chance to refresh your home, uncover unique bargains, and enjoy community spirit.

We can’t wait to see you at the Desdemona Activity Center and shop with us!

This collector’s edition will highlight the history, people, businesses, organizations, and communities that have helped shape Eastland County and our nation.

Eastland County Today Eastland Telegram•Cisco Press•Ranger Times•Rising Star•Gorman Progress Honoring Our Past •Celebrating Our Present•Inspiring Our Future “Be Part of History --Advertise in Our AMERICA 250 COLLECTOR’S EDITION” Reserve your space today to showcase your business, organization, church, civic group, or family message in this historic publication.

For advertising information, call 254-629-1707 or email ecnads@yahoo. com A once in a generation Collector’s Edition preserving local history for future generations.

THORNTON FEED MILL 200 Conrad Hilton

Cisco 254-442-1122

Among many other duties, Chief Rodriguez spoke about several measures being taken to increase community safety.

These includes working with RISD by showing more presence on campus and making sure the students get to school safely and working more with Ranger College regarding safety. Ranger PD is also involved with city code enforcement. Cleaning up the town helps protect the community from health and safety issues, he emphasized.

Chief Rodriguez was asked about ‘police quotas’

(police ticket and arrest quotas - mandatory numbers of citations an period). He assured that police quotas are illegal and not used by Ranger PD.

In closing, Chief Rodriguez reminded of the importance of reporting a possible crime to law enforcement: “ If you see something, Say Something.”

Last week’s Creature Teacher program (above) was so fun! If you got to come, what was your favorite animal? It seems the Wallaby was a favorite of some.

Story Time for ages 1 - 5 years old This year’s programming includes Story Times each Tuesday during the month of June beginning at 10:30 a.m.

LEGO Group The LEGO group is meeting each Tuesday in June from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. You must register your child to attend. Click on this link. Scroll to the 1st LEGO day you want to sign up for, scroll to the registration area and sign up. centennialmemorialt x.localhub.com/ calendar/full Below is a list of the upcoming children’s programs.

Thursday, June 11 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm The Chemistry Roadshow - A Texas A&M professor will share the magic and fun of chemistry. (I am hoping to see “Elephant’s Tooth Paste!”) For more information visit this site: https://artsci.tamu. edu/chemistry/outreach/ roadshow/index.html This event will be held at the Lumber Yard Event Center 313 W Main St, Eastland.

Thursday, June 18 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Dinosaur Valley - Park Rangers will share information about dinosaurs. There will be a dinosaur dig. Lumber

“You called me a drug mule,” Hackney protested.

“You moved drugs for somebody,” Vernon said.

“That’s a drug mule.

Let me help you with WKH GHQLWLRQ RI D GUJ mule. Did you move drugs for Sid Miller? I suggest you answer yes to that because that is what you told a Texas Ranger you did. I can play the recording.”

In a July 2024 interview with a Texas Ranger, Hackney said he disposed of several bags of “product” for Miller.

“I don’t have to answer to you …,” Hackney said.

“You don’t,” Vernon agreed. “But don’t call me a liar.”

Hackney, who will be up for election next year, said Vernon was responsible for the council’s current status because of his tendency to gossip, citing the resignation of Joe Williamson as the (DVWODQG RQW UH chief.

“You are the kingpin of gossip,” Hackney said. “And that gossip got Joe (Williamson) UHG LG -RH JHW UHG Vernon asked.

“You tried to get him UHG DQG KH UHVLJQHG Hackey said, noting Vernon, Stewart and other council members had previously had a behind-the-door meeting about Williamson prior to his resignation.

AccordingtoHackney, Vernon and Stewart became embroiled in a disagreement when the mayor said her relationship with Donna Williamson might affect her judgment.

“You called me a liar,” Stewart said, slapping the table. “That is what you did,” Vernon admitted he did.

“I did. And I would do it again if you told me that again,” he said. “You said your relationship with Donna Williamson would not have an effect.”

Vernon praised Stewart for her service, and said he mentioned Stewart’s name only as a way to alert of the situation that was growing between Hackney and Williamson, and the possibility of an illegal walking quorum between members. Shirley Stewart said that she had mentored and spoken with Hackney but never about city business.

Retired District Attorney Russ Thomason said the appearance of a walking quorum was there, as Stewart admitted she had spoken to Hackney outside of the council chambers (but not about council business).

Vernon, who was later appointed treasurer, said his desire for speaking at the council meeting was to shed a light on the council’s current status.

ECT Note: Former Eastland County District Attorney Brad Stephenson spoke to the council after public comment in the meeting, prior to the vote for mayor. Stephenson attacked newly elected council member Joe Williamson, implying he had no support from local HOHFWHG FRQW RIFLDOV including the County -GJHV RIFH RQW Fire Departments, and WKH6KHULIIVRIFH Joe Williamson only defended himself to response to former DA Russ Thomason’s concerns, saying “I was elected by the people to serve and they don’t care about these false rumors and appearances that have been created.”

After the election, discussions ended and the council moved IRUZDUGZLWKRIFLDOFLW business effectively.

- Compiled from reliable sources by Tommy Wells and ECT Staff ****

Construction crews are going to extend the concrete drainage on Lago Vista to help prevent possible future issues. The construction crew has started working on the punch list to complete the construction portion of this project. In that punch list, it will address the asphalt streets that meet the concrete. Engineering estimates a few more weeks until completion of the roads.

Buy-Out Program 

The required paperwork has been submitted to GLO and there are six properties that will be removed through the Buy-Out Program. We are currently waiting for GLO to approve eligibility to move forward.

TWDB Flood infrastructure Fund Grant 

Construction on the pump line is progressing. The line has been laid on Valley and Daugherty. The next phase will include asphalting the road, installing the vault for the valve on Daugherty and Plummer and completing the tie ins. Contractors are currently boring under East Main near Dairy Queen; this area is full of rock and taking longer than expected. We are reaching out to two property owners near this area to realign the pump line in a straighter manner than what was originally drawn up. This will require two easements to be adjusted. Once the bore is complete, the next step will be to tie in the line with the existing main. This work will have to be scheduled as water service will be temporarily interrupted while the contractors complete the work. We will notify residents and business owners once the time and date have been determined.

Downtown Sidewalk Repairs

TxDOT will be repairing specific sections of the sidewalks around downtown in the upcoming months. TxDOT has informed us that additional time will be required before starting in Eastland. The improvements have been delayed outside of TxDOT’s control. These are prioritized by TxDOT funding. Fire Department The Lower Colorado River Authority awarded the Fire Department with a grant of $11,174 to replace the existing backup generator. Additionally, we received a reimbursement check of $300,000 from Texas A&M Forest Service as part of the grant for the purchase of the 2023 pumper.

Additional Information

• The pool opens on May 30th from 12-5p following the 5K race.

• The Centennial Park Fair will be held on May 30th from 10a- 1p.

• We are actively hiring for temporary summer help; applications can be picked up at City Hall or online at eastlandtexas.gov.

• Two employees are studying to test for their political non-commercial applicator license. 

This will allow the city to mitigate growth of grass and weeds in the streets and sidewalks.

• Staff have begun internal budget meetings and are working on budget requests for 26-27 sent out with meeting dates for the upcoming

fiscal year. There will be a calendar prepared and fiscal year budget cycle.

- Savannah Fortenberry, City Manager

Eastland City Park Centennial Fair

The City Park’s Centennial Fair will be held Saturday, May 30th from 10AM - 1PM. There will be hamburgers, snowcones, face painting, cotton candy, pony rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, local booths and The Wheelie King!

Come Have Some FREE FUN!

- This event is made possible by your hometown Eastland Lions Club.

The Bankhead Players are part of the Bankhead Community Theatre — Lyric Art Center in Eastland.

(Photo by Anna Ford)

whole Community. The Ranger Beautification

Committee would like to thank all of those that helped us accomplish this, Derrick Project.

They are: the Ranger Economic Development Corporation and the Ranger City Commission for approving the funding for this project.

We would like to thank Ken, Brock and Troyce Charman, James Logan, Carolyn Logan, Trace Reichardt, Chuck Lemaster and Steve Gerdes for their generous donations of their time and other resources.

We would also like to thank Tindall’s Hardware, Sherwin Williams Paint and 5 Star Coatings for their generous concessions.

With our warmest regards, Ranger Beautification Committee: Vicki Gerdes, Gail Hughes, Carolyn Libby, Traci McCarty, Jennifer Reichardt and Miranda Elam.

Vivian 817-980-1709.

May 30, 2026 There will also be an Auction and Raffle. Donations will be accepted and appreciated.

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called children of God.

Week of May 25-29, 2026 State’s wind projects at a standstill 

Dozens of Texas wind projects have been halted because the Department of Defense has not approved the federal permits required for them to move forward, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Data from the American Clean Power Association indicate that the state has 54 wind projects stalled as part of a nationwide delay affecting 165 onshore wind projects. President Donald Trump has long opposed wind power. Energy experts such as Environment Texas Executive Director Luke Metzger say the administration is using the regulations, such as ensuring a wind project would not affect military airspace, as an attack on renewable power. “It’s hard to see this as anything other than an effort to slow or stop wind power regardless of the consequences for consumers, the environment and grid reliability,” Metzger said.

In a statement, a defense department official said DOD is still evaluating the projects. The department’s evaluation of wind turbines “is inherently complex and time-consuming because it involves balancing two critical, and sometimes competing, interests: developing energy sources while ensuring military operations and readiness are not degraded or impaired to the extent an unacceptable risk to national security is created,” the official said.

R&D plays vital role in state’s economy 

Texas is one of the top five states contributing to research and development, according to a recent report from the state comptroller’s office.

The federal Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates R&D’s contribution to gross domestic product, “after accounting for the resources used to produce goods and services, employment and compensation from 2012 to 2023.”

The R&D value added by Texas businesses reached $29.2 billion in 2023, a 131% increase from 2012. Further, R&D in the state supplied nearly 195,000 jobs and $30.1 billion in wages, salaries and benefits in 2023.

Texas has 15 Tier 1 colleges and universities, the most in any state. In 2024, more than 11,800 patents were issued in Texas, the second highest in the country, after California.

“When investments are made in research, the returns multiply — strengthening our competitiveness, securing our future and improving the lives of all Texans,” said Fernanda Leite, interim vice president for research at UT-Austin.

First case in 2026 of West Nile virus reported

The year’s first case of West Nile virus has been reported in a Harris County resident, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. The virus is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, though 80% of people infected with West Nile never experience symptoms.

“West Nile and other mosquito-borne illnesses are a fact of life in Texas in the warmer months, and all Texans should take precautions against mosquito bites to stay safe and healthy,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer A. Shuford. She advised removing standing water from homes and yards, such as in buckets, old tires and other items.

The symptoms experienced by the unlucky 20% include fever, headache, nausea, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue. Though rare, West Nile virus can be fatal. In the past five years, there have been 976 cases of West Nile in Texas, according to DSHS, with 106 deaths during that period.

Franklin Mountains State Park grows by 1,000 acres Franklin Mountains State Park, 15 minutes from El Paso, is now 1,054 acres larger to the east as the result of a new land acquisition, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported.

“I am excited about this acquisition,” said Superintendent Cesar Mendez, “which extends the buffer zone all the way to Martin Luther King Boulevard, adding some lower elevation and flatter land to Franklin Mountains State Park and securing access points (trailheads).”

With 28,000 acres — or 43 square miles — the park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the world. It has more than 120 miles of trail and is a popular site with birders. The acquisition helps safeguard the main mountain area of desert bighorn sheep habitat.

Federal aid for Panhandle wildfire victims

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a request for grant funds to assist victims of the Hunggate Fire in Randall County, which has merged with the Chocolate Chip Fire, burning an estimated 14,000 acres and threatening more than 1,245 homes. Aid has also been granted for the Sinky Fire in Potter County, which has burned more than 2,500 acres and prompted evacuation of more than 500 acres.

“Texas has secured federal resources to further guard against wildfire threats in the Panhandle,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “With this grant approval, Texas has additional tools to help Texans remain safe from wildfire danger.”

The approval of a Fire Management Assistance Grant makes the state eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for eligible costs associated with wildfire suppression. These grants are available to states, counties and cities to support the mitigation, management, and control of fires that threaten to become major disasters.

Broker imposter scams being reported

Several attempted broker-imposter scams over the past few months have prompted the Texas Department of Banking to warn that such ruses could pose a significant threat to financial institutions and consumers.

According to a TDB news release, “consumers are targeted after conducting searches for high-rate investment opportunities. Individuals contacted by the fraudsters are often not existing bank customers and are located across the United States.”

Some red flags to look for are cold calls, an incorrect or bogus email address, low-risk/ high-reward offers, and unusual funding procedures.

Anyone who is targeted by a broker imposter is encouraged to contact the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at finra. org.

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

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/ spring, and summer.

Shauna Schiermeyer of Ranger (76470) Cassadi Ward of Cisco (76437) Kelsee Rains of Cisco (76437) Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 93-year history of educating traditional- aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH. Recognized as one of the 'Most Innovative' regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.

HOBBS, NM — May 14–16, 2026 — Ranger cluded an outstanding outdoor season at the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, highlighted by a national championship, multiple es, and 12 All-American honors. Competing in Hobbs, the Rangers combined to place 15th nationally among junior college

programs. Modingwane Wins National Title Freshman Amantle Modingwane headlined the championship meet by winning the Men’s 1,500 Meters National Championship, crossing the line in 4:01.63 to earn the title of NJCAA National Champion. Modingwane Runner-Up in the Men’s 5,000 Meters with a time of 14:57.04, while placing 5th nationally in the Men’s 10,000 Meters (31:35.03) to complete a dominant weekend.

Nakito Earns Two National

Runner-Up Finishes On the women’s side, Elizabeth Nakito delivered another standout national performance, earning National Runner- Up honors in both the Women’s 5,000 Meters (18:06.08) and Women’s 10,000 Meters (36:53.43). Nakito also placed 8th nationally in the Women’s 1,500 Meters with a time of 4:44.49.

Additional National Standouts Ranger athletes posted several top-eight national pionship meet: Kannon Williams — 3rd in the Men’s Triple Jump (15.65m / 51’4.25”) Ranger Men’s 4x800 Relay Team (Khanya Yali, Joseph Simon, Zachary Roome, and Amantle Modingwane) — 5th nationally (7:30.42) Christiana Boyd — 7th in the Women’s 100 Meters (11.37) Landon Bradley — 8th in the Men’s 400 Hurdles (52.33) Alfrenique Knowles — 8th in the Women’s 800 Meters (2:27.01)

Ranger Women’s 4x100 Relay Team (Ki’Sha Tyner, Chastity Rayford, Apryl Adderly, and Christiana Boyd) — 8th nationally (46.81) Apryl Adderly placed 19th nationally in the Women’s Triple Jump with a mark of 11.65 meters (38’2.75”).

Multiple Rangers Earn All-American ished the national championships with 12 athletes earning NJCAA

All-Americans: Elizabeth Nakito, Alfrenique Knowles, Christiana Boyd, Apryl Adderly, Chastity Rayford, Ki’Sha Tyner, Amantle Modingwane, Zachary Roome, Khanya Yali, Joseph Simon, Kannon Williams, and Landon Bradley.

The championship meet capped an impressive season for Ranger showcasing the Rangers’ strength across distance, sprints, relays, hurdles, tional stage.

- Corey Blais College track & field,

Interested? Stop by the Fire Station at 414 S. Seaman St. Eastland of contact us at EASTLANDFIRE3@GMAIL.COM.