City offices moving
City offices have temporarily relocated to the education room at the Jefferson Visitor’s Center for the next few weeks as engineers examine the City Hall building and determine a course of action.
According to Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker, there may be some foundation issues going on at the building and the city wants to be cautious and look out for the safety of its employees and citizens.
He said engineers will be looking at the building and will recommend a course of action. Both the Jefferson VFD and County Judge Leward LaFleur have also been notified.
Telephone numbers and other forms of communication will still be active and residents looking for face-to-face interaction should go to the Transportation building, 305 E. Austin Street.
Meetings
• Jefferson Booster Club, Jan. 25, 6p, JHS Commons
• Commissioners Court, Jan 30, 9 a.m
• Chamber Breakfast Mixer, 9a, Jan. 31, Port Jefferson Coffee Roasters
Elections
Getting on the ballot for this May’s City Council elections started on Wednesday, January 18. The City holds elections every year for half of the council seats. Available seats this year include the Ward 1 seat held by Jim Finstrom, the Ward 2 seat held by Robin Moore, and a Ward 3 seat held by Richard Turner. Turner currently resides in Ward 1 due to last year’s redistricting, and he will not be able to seek that same seat again. Mayor Rob Baker wants to remind everyone to not wait until the last minute to file for a place on the ballot as certain verification steps have to be done and time is needed to allow for corrections to the filing if needed. City Secretary Melissa Boyd said filing packets are now available at the relocated City Hall. Filing will run through 5 p.m. February 17.
Author Visit
Texas Monthly’s Gary Borders will be coming to Jefferson’s Carnegie Library at 6 p.m. January 26th. For over 40. Years, Borders has worked as a writer, editor, photographer, and publisher in East Texas. Borders produces a weekly commentary for Red River Radio and write the Capital Highlights column for the Texas Press Association. The event is free and open to the public
Art Contest
Jefferson’s Sharon Cromer has had two art pieces accepted into the 2023 Texas Invitational Art Show and Sale at Pearce Museum in Corsicana. The pieces will be on display from February 22-March 23.
More Authors
A number of East Texas authors will be present at the 3rd annual Meet the East Texas Authors Saturday February 4, 2023 from 1 to 4 pm. Mims Community Center 12728 Fm 729 on the north side of Lake O the Pines. If you enjoy reading,East Texas authors will be well represented, who will meet, greet and sign their books you purchase.
Doors open at 1pm, light refreshments will be served. Bring a friend and enjoy meeting the people behind the book covers. Information and directions 903-755-2227 903-256-7306.
Queen Mab Ball
The Krewe of Hebe’s annual Queen Mab Ball will be 8p-Midnight February 4 at the Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin. The arrival of the 2023 Queen and King will take place at approximately 8:30p with the crowning ceremony following. For more information, mardigrasupriver.com.
Chili Wednesday
The Ladies Altar Society of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church will be hosting their annual Chili lunch February 8, from 11a-1p. Tickets are $10. Chili with fixings-cheese, onions, crackers. It also includes a drink and homemade dessert. Take Out only. Located in parish hall next to church. For more information call 903-930-8202. Tickets go on sale this week.
Valentine’s Breakfast
Women of Jefferson will hold their annual Valentine’s Breakfast from 7-11a at Taste of Caddo on February 13. Costs are $12 per person or $24 per couple. Menu includes Scrambled or Fried Eggs, Bacon or Sausage, Pancake or Potatoes, and Toast or Biscuit, with Coffee, Milk or Orange Juice. Take out and Delivery is available. All proceeds go toward the WOJO Scholarship fund.
Exercise
Exercise for Older Adults sessions are being held from 10-11 a.m. every Tuesday at the Jefferson Housing Authority, 505 State Hwy 49W. For more information, contact Joe Ann Zastovnik at 214-729-1266.
Scholarship
Lone Star Ag Credit is currently accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors in the class of 2023. Six seniors will receive a $2,500 scholarship, and if they are a 4H/FFA member, their club will receive $500. Applications must be postmarked by March 17. The packet is available at https://lonestaragcredit.com/scholarship-application-2023. Lone Star Ag Credit provides financing for rural land, country homes, agribusiness, livestock, agricultural equipment and operating expenses. For more information, contact Lydia Laske at 800-530-1252..
Spread the Word
Send Shoutouts and event notices to JeffersonJimplecute@gmail.com. Notices are free and will run continuously as space is available prior to the event.