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.

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.

Friday brings our best chance for a little excitement, with a slim chance of a thunderstorm and highs dipping into the mid-90s. By the weekend, temperatures will climb back into the upper 90s, with mostly sunny skies returning. Looking ahead, next week appears to be more of the same; hot, sunny, and very summer-like. Stay cool, drink plenty of water, and stay inside or in the shade as much as possible!

As always, don’t be scared, be prepared!

20

940-549-0078 August 3, 2026 Receipts were 1683 including 432 Packer Cows. Bred Cows and Pairs. 1251 calves and yearlings. We had 183 consigners and 57 buyers. Packer cows were steady. Packer bulls were steady. Young replacement cows and pairs were steady. The market on steers and heifers weighing 500# and under were steady. The market on steers and heifers weighing over 500# were steady. Please pray for our troops and rain.

RECEIVING STATION 

For GLC located at Old Mineral Wells Sale Barn 2805 N. Oak Ave, Mineral Wells, TX Open Saturday & Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Representative Sales

Glenda Barnett, Decatur,

TX Blk Hfr 395# @ $470 Blk Bull 370# @

$545 Tim Huddleston, Snyder, TX

11 Blk Hfrs 415# @

$440 ea.

7 Blk Strs 404# @

$500 ea.

Connie Rusk Est., Iowa Park, TX

3 Blk Pairs $5000 ea. Blk Bull 1685 # @

$240 Jerry Cloud, Graham, TX Blk Bull 620# @

$365 Blk Bull 2075# @

$243 Billy Massey, Godley, TX Red Hfr 475# @ $400 Blk Wf Str 465# @

$480

Nathan Shannon, Matador, TX

Blk Bull 555# @

$400 Blk Hfr 560# @ $365 Shawn Gibson, Graford, TX 4 Red Hfrs 258# @

$550 ea.

11 Red Strs 413# @

$500 ea.

Jim Myers, Olney, TX

4 Blk Hfrs 729# @

$320 ea.

2 Blk Bulls 650# @

$332 ea.

Tab Sims, Jacksboro, TX

Red Wf Cow 1600# @ $195 Blk Cow 1325# @ $190

Chandler Green, Eliasville, TX Blk Cow 1095# @ $196 Blk Cow $3200 Windol Robbins, Bowie, TX Gray Hfr 565# @

$400 5 Gray Strs 619# @ $355 ea. Jason Harlow, Dallas, TX

2 Red Wf Bred Cows

$3550 ea.

3 Blk Bred Cows

$3750 ea. Sale Every Monday at

10 AM Ronnie Hardin 940--

521-2158 Danny Hardin 940-- 550-8109

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.

This is how the Ranger Vietnam Memorial came to be.

In 2004 two Ranger hometown guys were coming back from the Big Spring VA Hospital. Those two guys were myself, Larry Monroe, and Joel Jimenez.

We were driving along and I said to Joel, “Why don’t we try to put a Vietnam Memorial Stone in Ranger for all the boys from Ranger that went to Vietnam and the Vietnam Era guys.”

Joe said to me, “Let’s do it.” So after working on how to raise the money to do this, and how to get a piece of property to put the Vietnam memorial Stone on, three years had passed.

Early 2007, we went to Mayor Jeannie Pruett and the Ranger City Council and told them what we wanted to do, and that we needed a piece of property to put the Memorial Stone on.

The City Council agreed to let us put the Stone on the property on Loop 254 E., next to the Ranger Fire Dept. where the Memorial Stone now stands.

Soon after John Casey was elected as the new Ranger mayor and he represented the city at the Dedication Ceremony.

We went to the Ranger Lions club and asked them if they would sponsor us and they agreed to do so. We then set up a bank account for the memorial donations. After doing this we had to acquire a P.O. Box. We formed a committee to get the project rolling.

We sent word out that we needed donations from the Veterans and their families to put their names on the stone. We asked each to send a copy of their DD214 to prove eligibility.

We bought a beautiful Black Granite Stone that most of you have seen.

August 4th, 2007 we dedicated the Sacred Stone. We began with a huge parade from the swimming pool to the park. The Liberty Bell and the Ten Commandments were on display.

:H DG D RH from Sheppard Air RFH DVH DG D over from Ft. Hood with the Vietnam Huey helicopter.

We had lots of help from friends, family and citizens to get this done. The Ranger Fire Dept. was a great help.

Many thanks to everyone.

Vietnam Mem. Committee Members: Larry Monroe, Vietnam 67 - 68 Joel Jimenez, Vietnam 69

9. Consider a Proposed 2026 Ad Valorem Tax Rate 10. Discuss and Consider the Ad Valorem Ordinance #2026-09-030 An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Fiscal Year 2026.

11. Discuss and Consider Roberts Street Collapse Repair and Crossover at 323 S Kent St. Proposal Quote Mayor’s Report and Update and Discuss Future Agenda Items for Consideration ***** Posted by order of the Gorman City Commission on July 31, 2026.

Capital Highlights Week of Aug. 3 - 7 Cyclosporiasis mostly in two regions in state 

Nearly three-fourths of cyclosporiasis cases detected in Texas have been confined to two regions, The Dallas Morning News reported. The Texas Department of State Health Services provided numbers for each of the state’s eight public health regions. Most cases this year, from the beginning of May until late July, have been reported in two regions: Region 11 and Region 6/5S.

Region 11 includes Corpus Christi and the southernmost part of Texas. Of the 106 lab-confirmed cases statewide, 48 were reported from that region — or 45%. Region 6/5S includes the city of Houston and Harris County, and an additional 29 cases were reported in that region. Together, the two regions account for roughly 73% of the state’s cases.

The diarrhea-inducing parasite has hit other states hard.

Michigan, for example, has reported thousands of cases. Texas thus far has seen cyclosporiasis cases at about the same level as in the past few years.

THC hemp products once again banned in Texas 

Effective July 31, products containing cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and THCP are banned in Texas, following a years-long legal fight over state

hemp regulations, the Austin American- Statesman reported.

The Texas Supreme Court on May 1 upheld the authority of the Texas Department of State Health Services to adopt rules that in effect ban those THC products.

The Texas Hemp Business Council warned businesses on July 15 to prepare for the change.

“Businesses should evaluate their inventory and prepare to remove or sell through products containing more than trace amounts of delta-8, delta-10, delta- 6, THCP, and other cannabinoids that fall within the reinstated definition before the July 31 effective date,” the council said.

Texas consumers are now largely limited to ingestible and topical hemp products made with compliant delta- 9 THC. Gummies, edibles and beverages containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight remain legal.

Paxton says he will debate Talarico 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said last week that he will debate state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock, in the state’s U.S.

Senate race, though no date has been set, The Texas Tribune reported.

Talarico, the Democratic nominee, said he had accepted invitations from Texas media groups for three debates. The Paxton campaign confirmed it had received the same debate invitations and said the attorney general plans to debate but did not commit to specific dates.

“Of course, we are going to debate James Talarico, and we look forward to engaging with potential debate hosts,” Paxton senior adviser Nick Maddux said in a statement.

Talarico has agreed to televised debates on Sept. 22 in the Rio Grande Valley; Oct. 6 in Dallas; and Oct. 13 in Austin.

Maddux said the Paxton campaign was “close to terms with one outlet now and expect an announcement to be forthcoming shortly.”

Meanwhile, a new Fox polls shows Talarico with a slight lead, according to the Houston Chronicle. The poll shows him leading Paxton by three points, 5148, boosted by strong leads among independent voters and other key constituencies.

Measles outbreak reported in Montgomery County 

The Texas Department of State Health Services issued a health alert after four cases of measles were reported in Montgomery County. All were members of the same family, were unvaccinated, and became infected after a person with measles traveled to Texas from out of state.

Because measles is highly contagious, DSHS is warning that additional cases could occur among unvaccinated people in the area. The agency encouraged health care professionals and the public to remain vigilant to the signs and symptoms.

Measles is spread through coughing and sneezing. It can be caught by simply being near someone who is infected.

Voters wrongly flagged as potential noncitizens

Election officials across Texas should immediately reinstate some voters who were incorrectly flagged as possible noncitizens through a federal program, according to The Tribune. Christina Adkins, the state elections director, told county officials in a phone call that Texas Department of Public Safety records have confirmed the citizenship of some of the 2,724 registered voters singled out as potential noncitizens.

The voters were flagged after the state checked its voter roll through a federal program called Systematic Alien Verifi cation for Entitlements, or SAVE, that is used to verify the citizenship of registered voters.

Former Secretary of State Jane Nelson sent a letter in April to U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services that raised concerns about the accuracy of the SAVE program, after county election officials found citizens wrongly labeled noncitizens.

Abbott plan calls for lower health insurance costs

Gov. Greg Abbott last week revealed plans to lower health insurance costs and drug prices by making it cheaper for small businesses to offer insurance to their workers, the Chronicle reported. He said state mandates have made it too expensive for many small businesses to offer health insurance for their employees.

Abbott called for legislation that would allow those businesses to offer plans that don’t meet all state mandates that exceed what is required by the federal government. That generally would mean thinner coverage for employees.

“Small businesses want to provide their employees with health care insurance. It's just good policy, it's a good strategy, but also, it’s essential for them to be able to compete with other employers,” Abbott said at a campaign event.

The state leads the nation in uninsured people, with some 5 million Texans lacking health insurance.

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

Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July or just spending time outside this week, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and keep an eye on the forecast. And as always, don’t be scared, be prepared!

 The Stripes represent the original 13 colonies that won Independence from Great Britain. 

The Stars represent our current 50 states, united. Submitted by Larry Monroe, DAV Chapter 41

Number of Vehicles in Crash: 1 Number Injured: 3 Number Killed: 1 Date & Time: 06/25/26, 2:20 a.m.

County: Eastland Location: State Highway 6 (SH 6), mile marker 348

Posted Speed Limit: 75 Weather Condition: Clear Road Conditions: Dry Vehicle 1: 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe sports utility vehicle Driver, Vehicle 1: Maddox Gilliam, 19, male from Cisco, Texas Seatbelt: No Injury / Death: Serious bodily injury, transported to Harris Methodist Hospital, Ft Worth.

Passenger 1, Vehicle 1: 16-year-old juvenile male from Cisco, Texas Seatbelt: Unknown Injury / Death: Serious bodily injury, transported to Eastland Memorial Hospital.

Passenger 2, Vehicle 1: DECEASED

13-year-old juvenile male from Eastland, Texas Seatbelt: No Injury / Death: Died at the site of the crash.

Passenger 3, Vehicle 1: 14-year-old juvenile male from Cisco, Texas Seatbelt: No Injury / Death: Serious bodily injury, transported to Eastland Memorial Hospital.

Description: The preliminary investigation revealed that Vehicle 1 was traveling eastbound on SH 6 when the driver, operating at an unsafe speed, failed to negotiate a curve and lost control, causing the vehicle to enter the center median. Attempting to regain control, the driver veered back across the highway and exited the south side of the roadway, causing the vehicle to overturn. This investigation is ongoing and may lead to criminal charges upon its conclusion.

A preliminary crash report will be available for purchase online in 10 days. Link: https://cris. dot.state.tx.us/public/ Purchase/crashReport-Search.htm Follow us on Facebook @ Texas Department of Public Safety-Northwest Texas Region and "X" @ TxDPS - Northwest Texas Region Marc A. Couch, Sergeant Texas Department of Public Safety Safety Education / Media Communications Northwest Region – Abilene

The supper in Eastland takes place the first

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

The menu for July… Beef Tacos, rice, beans, & 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 First Baptist Church Community Hall at the corner of Lamar and Valley.

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

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

2 weeks later is the Friendship Meal in Cisco, Tuesday, July 21st, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Same menu. The meal will be at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Hall, located on the corner of West 11th and Avenue F, you can’t miss it!

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

Cisco Writers Club to Host Dr. Linda Spetter

Cisco Writers Club is excited to host Dr. Linda Spetter. Spetter is Professor of English & Communication at Cisco College; Media Director, Cisco Campus; and Faculty Advisor for the Wrangler Express, the student newspaper. She is a talented author, and you can read her hilarious memoir-essay, “The Case of the Skeletal Remains of a Texas Ranger Lost on the Battlefield of Eskota," in the Golden Nuggets: Treasures from 50 Years of the Cisco Writers Club anthology (Ithirial Rising Press, 2025).

Spetter is also a talented speaker. At the club’s July meeting, she will give a presentation on “The Power of Folklore in Writing." Spetter will briefly define folklore then zero in on folk narrative and explain the main genres of folk narrative: myth, folktales and legends. She will then show examples of how folklore is used in writing, from political speeches to great works of literature, with the goal of inspiring club members to experiment with folklore in their own writing.

It’ll be an informative and entertaining evening. Please join us at 7 p.m. on July 2nd in the Big Dam classroom inside the Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Visitors are welcome!

Priscilla Bettis is secretary of the Cisco Writers Club. She’s busy preparing her entries for Cisco Writers Club’s Annual Writing Contest which you can also enter via the ciscowritersclub. org website.

Road Conditions: Dry Vehicle 1: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan sport utility vehicle The driver DECEASED was Douglas Hartley, 56, male from Granbury, Texas Seatbelt: Yes Injury / Death: Pronounced dead at the crash site on 6/19/26, at 3:41 p.m., by Justice of the Peace Jesse Spear Passenger Vehicle 1: DECEASED Autumn Campbell, 44, female from Granbury, Texas Seatbelt: No Injury / Death: Pronounced dead at the crash site on 6/19/26, at 3:51 p.m., by Justice of the Peace Jesse Spear Vehicle 2 was a 2000 Freightliner Truck Tractor towing a 2015 Dirt semi-trailer Driver 2: Yancarlos Vazquez, 37, male from Red Rock, Texas Seatbelt: Yes Injury / Death: Transported to Eastland Memorial Hospital with minor injury Description: The preliminary investigation determined that Vehicle 1 was traveling northbound on SH 6 near FM 1853, while Vehicle 2 was traveling southbound on SH 6, approaching from the opposite direction. The driver of Vehicle 1 crossed the center dividing line and struck Vehicle 2 in a head-on collision. The passenger in Vehicle 1, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

A preliminary crash report will be available for purchase online in 10 days. Link: https://cris.dot. state.tx.us/public/Purchase/ crashReport-Search.htm Follow us on Facebook @ Texas Department of Public Safety- Northwest Texas Region and “X” @ TxDPS - Northwest Texas Region Marc A. Couch, Sergeant Texas Department of Public Safety

Week of June 22 - 26

Rural counties face hurdles in regulating data centers Rural counties trying to slow or even block data center construction are finding they have limited legal authority, the Texas Standard reported. Hill County, for example, rescinded a one-year moratorium on data center construction after being sued for $100 million by a company planning a large-scale data center project near Hillsboro.

RCM Hill argued that the county lacked the legal authority to impose the temporary ban, which came after the company had already secured contracts for more than 800 acres for more than $80 million.

“You’re not going to see anybody else trying a moratorium at this point because they’ve seen what happens when you do it,” said Robert Paterson, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin who specializes in land use law. “You basically just get clubbed with a ridiculous amount of money.”

In Hood and Somervell counties, both southwest of Fort Worth, at least nine proposed data center projects are under consideration. Concerned citizens are filling county commissioner meetings, saying the projects could raise electricity bills, strain water resources, and harm tourism.

Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Public Utility Commission to ensure that new data centers actually reduce residential electric bills and proposed that new laws be passed during next year’s legislative session to further regulate the data centers. Texas GOP pushes for closed primaries Abbott and other state GOP leaders declared at the recent state convention in Houston that they will push to require voters to register with a party to prevent crossover voting, The Texas Tribune reported.

“We are going to make clear that in the future, only Republicans will vote in Republican primaries,” he said at the Houston convention. The party has made closing primaries a top legislative priority. The state’s current open primary system doesn’t require party registration, so voters can cast ballots in whichever primary they want — just not both.

The Texas Republican Party sued Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson last year and was later joined by Attorney General Ken Paxton in asking a federal judge to strike down parts of the election code that allow open primaries. Nelson, who is stepping down next month, opposed Paxton’s motion and argued that it is up to the state Legislature to change election law.

High court sides with weed user banned from owning guns 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously last week that a Texas man’s conviction for possessing both marijuana and a pistol under an existing law that prevents “unlawful” drug users from owning guns was unconstitutional. Both gun rights groups and civil liberties advocates filed briefs urging the court to take Ali Hemani’s side. He challenged the law after being arrested in 2022 by federal agents who found a pistol and 60 grams of weed when his home was searched.

His attorneys argued the law violated his Second Amendment rights and was vague since it does not define “unlawful user.”

“Is someone who uses a controlled substance once a year, ‘an unlawful user’? What about someone who uses that substance every six months, or every two weeks?” they argued. “Does it matter how much one consumes, or only how His attorneys argued the law violated his Second Amendment rights and was vague since it does not define “unlawful user.”

“Is someone who uses a controlled substance once a year, ‘an unlawful user’? What about someone who uses that substance every six months, or every two weeks?” they argued. “Does it matter how much one consumes, or only how frequently one does so? The statute does not say.”

Adding to the issues in the case is that marijuana is legal to some degree in more than 40 states. Texas has a limited medical marijuana program.

New World Screw worm cases up to 15 

As of Sunday, the number of confirmed New World Screwworm cases totaled 15. The Texas Animal Health Commission has placed a quarantine on parts of Coke, Edwards, Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, Schleicher, Sutton, Tom Green, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb and Zavala counties. All warm-blooded animals in a quarantine zone may not be moved without prior authorization from TAHC.

Federal and state agencies are working together to eradicate the NWS by introducing sterile male flies into affected areas. Abbott has issued a statewide disaster proclamation in response. The pest lays its eggs in open wounds, then the eggs hatch into larvae that feast on living flesh. While it is mostly found in cattle, one case has been found in a dog.

TAHC is urging livestock and pet owners to stay vigilant, monitor their animals, and report any suspicions of NWS infestations by calling 1-800-550-8242.

State says camp leaders had chances to prevent tragedy

A state investigation has concluded the deaths of 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic last summer were not inevitable, The Dallas Morning News reported. Investigators found the camp “failed to meet emergency planning requirements, train its staff, or evacuate quickly despite multiple chances to prevent the tragedy.”

The report said that as the Guadalupe River flooded, at least 39 adult staff members were within reach of the children and, for hours, could have safely assisted with evacuations. Camp leader Richard “Dick” Eastland died in the flood, along with as many as 13 children and counselors, according to investigators. The 115-page report was presented to a joint legislative committee last week, as several parents of children who died in the floods listened. Lawmakers have created new regulations that require emergency address systems, ban camps from being in floodplains, and mandate redundant internet access to improve awareness of weather emergencies.

Arbuckle, Cody Wayne & Turney, Stephanie Renee Dauteuil, Quinton Paige & Montelongo, Brittany Nicole Dobbs, Kalvin Christopher & Ramsey, Jessica Lynn Howard, Christopher Scott & Kirkpatrick, Mayson Kayve Jarmaillo, Jordan Blake & Hammond, Peyton Nichole King, Ronnie Lee & Gilliam, Carla Jane Lindsay, Zachary Daniel Horn & Moore, Lissa Ann Phillips, Justin Arron & Dickson, Latosha Marie Pierce, Casey Dale & Loran, Logan Dana Schmitt, Breckyn Robert & Waters, Shaelyn Grace Tamminga, Douwe & Rosson, Lindsay Gail Turner, Christopher Michael & Bush, Thomasette Brittany Gracie Underwood, Matthew Kyle & Curtis, Bailee Kay Eastland County Clerk Eastland County Court

Adan, Nieko James, Speeding Over Limit Akuruyejo, Mufutau A, Operate Unregistered Motor Vehicle; Tire Load-Execute Tire Weight Rating; Power Supply For Lamps; CMV- Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Violations Burns, Brian Anthony Walton, Speeding Over Limit Copeland, Bobby Lee, Driving with License Invalid with Previous Conviction Cunningham, Kenneth, Driving While Intoxicated BAC >=0.15 Eason-Brackett, Ronnie Joe, Criminal Trespass Fenley, Sandra Kay, Driving While License Invalid with Previous Conviction Garcia, Brittni Elizabeth, Possession of Marijuana, 2 ounces or less Haynes, Kyle David, Driving While Intoxicated with BAC greater than 0.15 Kleiner, Edith Elaine, Possession Dangerous Drug Koger, Brandon Lee, Unlawful Carrying Weapon Lebredo, Eric Michael, Reckless Driving Morrow, Brandy Nicole, Driving While Intoxicated- Open Container Ortegon, Ismael, Jr., Speeding- 10% or More Above Posted Speed Rambo, Shelby Allison, Assault Causes Bodily Injury- Family Member Rivera-Duncan, Stacy Lynn, Theft of Property, $750 or More, Less Than $2500.00 Rodriguez, Jesus, Health & Safety Viol Class C Sanchez, Lawrence Alexander, Assault Against Elderly or Disabled Individual Stephenson, Casey Allen, Harassment with Previous Conviction Wilson, Kevin Charles, Disregard Stop Sign Wuertemburg, Richard Lee, Driving While Intoxicated - First Offense

Gorman ISD has a new PK-12 Principal, Mr. Shelby Sharp. If you have an opportunity, please welcome him and his family. He and his family are busy getting settled in their new home. I think next year is going to be a great one!

Isn’t it great that we are getting all this rain, but it is sure keeping me busy mowing the yard. My thanks to everyone else that is keeping their yards looking great! By the way, I hate looking at properties and sending out citations and I certainly don’t want to have to send one to myself. Believe me, I do take the weather into consideration when surveying properties. However, rain has nothing to do with the accumulation of stuff (my nicest description) sitting in yards that are unsightly, unsanitary, a home for rodents and a fire hazard. Remember that if the fire department can’t access your property due to stuff in your yard, they may not be able to save your home if you or your neighbor has a fire! Have some pride and take care of what you have and be thankful for it!

The City Swimming Pool is now open from noon until 5pm Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. I’m sure you will see more about the pool posted various places online. The phone number at the swimming pool is 7342053.

Please use caution if you go downtown. There is an area of the street that caved in at the southwest corner of Kent and Roberts. You will see the blockades. Please don’t go around them. We will remove them when it is safe.

Thank you to all our citizens that take good care of their property! It is you that help make our town a beautiful place to live and raise a family. Making a good first impression 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 officer that is on duty here or dispatch another. The non-emergency number for dispatch is 734-2730. We have 24/7 protection! The Sheriff’s office will also 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 Animal Control Officer on staff now and you may call the City Office if you have 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

Construction crews completed the work identified on the punch list. The street portion of the project will be finalized and closed out.

Buy-Out Program The required through the Buy-Out

paperwork has been submitted to GLO and there are six properties that will be removed Program. Pending eligibility clearance, the City is prepared activities on July 6, 2026, with the following anticipated to begin procurement timeline: * Eligibility

review and applicant coordination: May June 2026 * Environmental and historic compliance activities: May - August 2026 * Procurement, appraisal, and acquisition activities: July - October 2026 occupied property

* URA coordination and activities: June October 2026 and site restoration:

* Demolition September - December 2026 * Final contract closeout activities: December 2026 * The properties currently listed on the buyout are: 714 N

TWDB Flood infrastructure Fund Grant Currently the crew is working on asphalting the road where the line was laid and next will be installing the vault for the valve on Daugherty and Plummer and We are waiting on completing the tie ins. two property owners to tie in the line with what was originally drawn up. This will require two easements to be adjusted. Once the bore is complete, the next step will be 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 once the determined.

Downtown Sidewalk Repairs 

TxDOT will be repairing specific sidewalks around sections of the downtown in the upcoming months.

TxDOT estimates a month before starting in Eastland. The repairs have been delayed These are prioritized by TxDOT funding. due to other projects.

Fire Department

Emergency Response) Grant as well as the AFG (Assistance to Firefighter Grants). If awarded, the SAFER grant will allow us to addresss staffing for the department and the AFG will allow us to address the need for a new fire apparatus to replace the existing 2006 Engine. This aligns with the 5-year comprehensive plan prepared by Chief Brightman.

Additional Information

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

Savannah Fortenberry, City Manager Seaman; 715 Seaman; time and date has been 716 Seaman; 720 Seaman; 722 Seaman; 723 Seaman. near this area to realign The new generator the pump line in a was installed and straighter manner than is Chief operational. Brightman is submitting grant applications for the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and

the districtwide throughout the Brownwood District.

The district includes Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Lampasas, McCulloch, Mills, San Saba and Stephens counties.

Sealcoat is a layer of liquid asphalt

which is topped with small rocks. This is applied as preventative maintenance to seal cracks, increase traction and prolong the life of the roadway.

This year’s project will begin in Lampasas County, with the following locations: FM 3170: From US 190 to the Burnet County line. US 190: From US 281 to the Lampasas/ Burnet County line.

As the project begins on 3170, traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and pilot car to assist motorists through the work zone. This location of work is anticipated to be completed within a few hours.

After FM 3170 is completed, crews will move to US 190, where various lane closures will occur as the project progresses.

Motorists are encouraged to drive cautiously through these work zones, obeying directions of flaggers and traffic control and signage. Please watch for crews and equipment entering and exiting the work zone and give them plenty of room to work safely.

Ana Cunningham of Eastland, a sophomore majoring in Child and Family Services Kirah Tippie of Comanche, a sophomore majoring in Nursing Taylor Hall of Comanche, a sophomore majoring in Integrated Studies Abilene Christian University serves a diverse student population of about 7,200 with world-class teaching in a Christ-centered community. Founded in 1906, this Carnegie Research 2 university is nationally recognized for undergraduate teaching and undergraduate research. Students choose from 90 baccalaureate majors that include more than 186 areas of study, 77 areas of study in master's degree and specialist programs, and five doctoral programs. ACU's mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Learn more at acu.edu.

Farm to Table Camp - Thursday, June 25th 9 AM - 12 PM $20 Grades 3-12 (ages 8-18) RSVP by June 22nd Campers will learn about gardening, farm animals, produce, and how to make their own butter.

“Project Petals” Floral Arrangement Camp Monday, June 29th 9 AM - 12 PM $20 Grades 3-12 (ages 8-18) RSVP by June 24th Campers will learn about floral arrangements and Campers must bring 2 vases.

Food Challenge Camp-Wednesday, July 8th 9 AM - 12 PM $20 Grades 3-12 (ages 8-18) RSVP by July 2nd Campers will learn basic cooking skills, safety, and be introduced to the 4-H Food Challenge Contest Watecolor Camp Wednesday, July 15th RSVP by July 11th $20 Grades 3-6 9 AM - 12 PM Grades 7-12 1 PM - 4 PM Campers will learn basic art skills, color theory, and will unleash their creativity with watercolors All camps will be held at the Eastland County Extension Office 102 N. Lamar St. Suite 307 Eastland To RSVP call 254-6292222 TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION

The NWS fly is me size of housefly or slightly tallic blue/green about the larger with large orange/ red eyes and 3 stripes from the head running length wise on its back. The female lays white eggs in or near any fresh wound, even as small as a tick bite. The hatched larvae, maggot, or screwworm can do extensive damage by feeding on living tissue. The maggots are cream to light pink colored, 1/42/3 in. long, with a tapered front & blunt rear ends and spiraled spines around the body. Both adults and larvae are temperature sensitive, being most active from 77-86 degrees and 30-70% humidity.

Check all animals as often as possible. Look for draining, enlarging, swelling, or deepening wounds, maggots, white egg masses near wounds, signs of discomfort, swelling in openings like eyes, ears, nose, and genitals, going off feed, isolating themselves from other animals or owners, and especially umbilical areas in newborn babies. A very foul odor from the wound of an infection. Livestock management procedures like castration, tagging, branding, dehorning, docking, or ear notching 2-4 months create wounds ideal for NWS. Treat any wound immediately, maintain sanitation, cover if possible and monitor daily. Use topical larvicide like coumaphos or permewounds. Use controlled is often the first indication often done within the first thrin for fly control near breeding seasons to limit calving, kidding, lambing, and farrowing during warm months. Reduce fly populations with fly tags, sprays, rubs, or foggers on animals and facilities. Keep facilities and equipment like chutes, pens, trailers, troughs, fences clean and in good repair to avoid as many injuries as possible.

Do not move suspected cases. Contact Stephen- ville Regional Office of Tx Animal Health Commission at 1-512-5566277 or USDA at 1-512383-2400 for suspected infection of livestock or pets. Contact TX Parks Wildlife at 1-512-3894505 for suspected infection in wildlife.

Report suspect cases, even if unsure, for everyone’s sake as rapid detection and response will keep infestation area small and localized. No report, Again, do not move the es take priority in treatment, and receive sterile no release of sterile flies. animal. Confirmed cas fly drops so not reporting allows it to spread and could have implications for years to come. The primary means of spread is humans moving livestock & wildlife.

Below is a list of currently approved drugs for treatment and prevention of NWS.

For Readers and Writers

Roy Peter Clark’s The Art of X-Ray Reading (Little, Brown Spark, 2016) is an excellent resource for showing readers how to look for and enjoy clever literary techniques that master authors have used over the centuries. Clark examines passages from Ernest Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, Flannery O’Connor, Shakespeare, and others. With obvious love for language and literature, Clark “x-rays” 25 works in all. When he points out the structure, allusions, and beauty used within passages, he’ll make you want to run to the library or the book store and grab each of the classic stories he examines.

Or Clark will make you want to write your own story using the techniques of these famous authors because Clark’s book is for writers, too. In fact, the subtitle is How the Secrets of 25 Great Works of Literature Will Improve Your Writing. For the writer, Clark goes one step past pointing out skillfully written passages and gives short exercises at the end of each chapter to help writers practice advanced techniques for themselves.

What kind of techniques does Clark highlight? Well, for example, in Nabokov’s Lolita, Clark points out the importance of the sounds of words. In A Farewell to Arms, we see how Hemingway uses repetitive sentence structure then a sudden change in structure for a foreshadowing effect. In Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” Clark shows how the author creates a foreboding atmosphere by dropping vague but disturbing hints into her story along the way. I highly recommend The Art of X-Ray Reading. I got my copy from Amazon.

I also highly recommend the next Cisco Writers Club meeting featuring Dr. Linda Spetter, professor of English & Communication at Cisco College. The title of Dr. Spetter’s presentation is “The Power of Folklore in Writing.” Dr. Spetter will talk about how folklore is used in writing, from political speeches to great works of literature, with the goal of inspiring members to experiment with folklore in their own writing. We hope you join us at 7 p.m. on July 2nd 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 busy preparing her entries for Cisco Writers Club’s Annual Writing Contest which you can also enter via the ciscowritersclub. org website.