Bob Wills is still the king
Ken Bridges/Contributing writer Bob Wills was one of the earliest stars of country music in Texas just as radio became popular. Wills was one of the pioneers of western swing and inspired generations of country music artists. James Robert Wills was born in the small community of Kosse, about 45 milesContinue Reading
Simmons named TxDOT’s chief engineer
ATLANTA ¬– The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would like to announce that Linden native and longtime resident of Atlanta, Texas, Lance W. Simmons, P.E., has been appointed as the agency’s Chief Engineer, effective July 1, 2022. In his new role, Simmons, a 28-year TxDOT veteran, will direct and coordinateContinue Reading
JISD fielding inquiries about new Pre-K
Attention PreK parents! Are you curious about what your child’s day in pre-k looks like? Check out the schedule below! Just a reminder, the deadline for tuition based pre-k payments is July 15th. Payments can be made via credit card at www.jeffersonisd.org/online_store OR in person at the Administration Office withContinue Reading
JHS grad wins STEM scholarship
Staff Reports Houston based alliantgroup is recently announce one of their spring 2022 STEM Scholarship Award winners is Jefferson native Cadee Humphrey. She was chosen among hundreds of applicants nationwide for this prestigious award and as a scholarship winner she is now an ambassador for STEM education, the Blue HeartContinue Reading
Independence Day on the Bayou
The Uncertain Floating Independence Day Parade was by Johnson’s Ranch Monday. Tildon Gillum served as emcee for the parade and judges had difficult decisions to make. Captain Patrick Collins led the parade on the Big Cypress Bayou to Taylor Island, Cypress Drive, Shady Glade and ending at Johnson’s.Continue Reading
DePrez retires from Fidelity after 25 years
After 25 years, Francene DePrez retired from Fidelity National Financial (FNF), the nation’s largest title insurance and real estate closing. FNF family includes Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title and Alamo Title. DePrez was the President of one of FNF’s largest divisions, Fidelity Residential Solutions, Inc. (FRS), leading their growth andContinue Reading
Annual Jefferson Salutes America set for Monday
Staff Report The 29th annual Jefferson Salutes America (JSA) Independence Day event is set to kick-off Monday evening at Ottstot Park. Jefferson’s Krewe of Hebe recent took on the role of organizing the event which has become a mainstay of Marion County Tradition. JSA brings together area nonprofits, school organizationsContinue Reading
Burn ban still on, professional fireworks okayed
Staff Report The Marion County Commissioners Court agreed to allow the annual Fourth of July fireworks show to carry on despite a burn ban being in place. The Krewe of Hebe gave a short presentation to Commissioners Monday about the upcoming Jefferson Salutes America (JSA) event they host each yearContinue Reading
Red Raider ribbon cutting…
Photo by Laura Allen The Texas Tech campus in Jefferson has been officially open for some time, but COVID restrictions prohibited a ribbon cutting and open house. Last Saturday, officials from Texas Tech joined local officials in opening the campus. Above, from Right, Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker, Smith County JudgeContinue Reading
One night only: OHTP Ragtime Revue
For the Jimplecute “Alexander’s Ragtime Band and Saloon Show” will be presented in one performance only, Saturday, July 2, in the historical Union Missionary Baptist Church on Houston Street beginning 7:30 p.m. According to an Opera House Theatre Players (OHTP) spokesperson, the performances were originally scheduled for another performance onContinue Reading
Our Town Jefferson
Upcoming Music 1852 • July 1: The Sultans, 8-10p Auntie Skinner’s: • July 2: WTW • July 9: Lee Mathis • July 16: Tambria Adams • July 23: 8 Track Blood Drive Carter BloodCare and Citizens for a Better Community in Jefferson are sponsoring a blood drive from 2-7p.m. JulyContinue Reading
John Louis Wilson
John Louis Wilson, age 77, of Texarkana, Arkansas, died June 27, 2022, in Plano, Texas. Mr. Wilson was born Dec. 10, 1944, in Texarkana, Arkansas, and was a lifetime resident of the area. He was the Administrator for Miller County Juvenile Detention Center and was a member of the ChurchContinue Reading
Felecia Rena Melton
A celebration of life memorial service for Felecia Rena Melton will be held at 2 p.m. July 3 at Shady Grove Baptist Church, 1620 Shady Grove Rd., Jefferson. Pastor Ray Walker will be officiating. She was born July 21, 1961, and passed away April 10, 2022.Continue Reading
Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church on the move
From Lawanda Wright The Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 1600 Shady Grove Road, Jefferson, Texas, wishes to announce that they have recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of their new leader the right and Reverend M. Phinus Duffie. Duffie a native Jeffersonian and life member of the church took onContinue Reading
MCSO dispatcher…
Congratulations to Shanna Maxwell for completing the Telecommunicators course and passing the Texas State exam. Mrs. Maxwell is now recognized by the State of Texas as a certified Texas Public Safety Telecommunicator. Continue Reading
Come to order…
Kelsey Odom, 12, checks out how it feels to sit in the Marion County Judge’s seat following Monday’s Commissioners Court meeting. Kelsey is the granddaughter of J.R. Ashley.Continue Reading
Jefferson City Council makes annual board appointments
Jennifer Perry Middleton/Jefferson Jimplecute The Jefferson City Council voted Tuesday to create a new position of an administrative assistant to City Secretary Melissa Boyd. The position, which will be posted immediately, will assist Boyd in all her duties, including those involving human resources. “We have the need in the officeContinue Reading
City of Jefferson renews free lease with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce
Jennifer Perry Middleton/Jefferson Jimplecute City Council voted to update their lease with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce during Tuesday’s regular meeting, agreeing to have the lease renew on the former Jefferson Police Department building on Austin Street in a 2-year term with annual review and a 90-day opt-out clause. Continue Reading
Our Town Jefferson
Upcoming Music Auntie Skinner’s: • June 25: Rewind Texas Tech Ribbon Cutting Texas Tech’s Professional Development & Academic Advising office in Jefferson will hold a Ribbon Cutting and Open House from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Jeffersonian Institute, 120 E. Austin Street. The primary focus of the site is toContinue Reading
