Bells, Texas -- Texoma Council of Governments held it Annual Event and Board Meeting at Willowood Ranch near Bells, Texas Tuesday to reflect on accomplishments of the past year, celebrate the partnership that has developed between Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties and to recognize TCOG's Citizens of the Year in each of the three counties.

TCOG Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas welcomed the crowd and paid tribute to a staff that manages a myriad of programs, including 9-1-1, 2-1-1, Solid Waste Management, services for the elderly, guidelines for criminal justice and much more.

"I truly believe there isn't a person in this room whose life hasn't been touched by these services," Dr. Thomas remarked.

The Citizen of the Year Awards began with a presentation to Marilyn Melton of Cooke County.  Ms. Melton is a tireless worker for Habitat for Humanity of Cooke County, a dedicated member of Cooke County Hospice and also supports the United Methodist Church thrift store.

Cooke County Citizen of the Year Marilyn Melton

"I'm just thankful I can do this and I hope to keep doing this," Melton said humbly.

Fannin County was honored to have Co-Citizens of the Year recognized, Bob and Ruth Ann Thomas.  Bob was a stellar two-way starter during his gridiron days at Bonham High School in the '60s, and after the game he could usually be found talking to the majorette, Ruth Ann.  So, it seemed only fitting that she was by his side when this couple that are devoted to each other and their community were recognized.  Mr. Thomas' career in publishing took them first to Austin, Texas, then New York City and later Connecticut.  In 2006, Bob and Ruth Ann returned to Bonham and almost immediately began giving back to their community.

Fannin County Co-Citizens on the Year Bob and Ruth Ann Thomas, TCOG Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas and TCOG President Cary Wacker

Ruth Ann is currently serving her second term on the Bonham City Council and she participates in the Keep Texas Beautiful campaign each year.  Bob is on his second term as a member of the Bonham ISD Board of Trustees.  He has also served as Director of the Fannin Appraisal District and has been a steadfast supporter of the Fannin County Literacy Council.

Rear Admiral William A. Retz, Ret. (USN) was recognized by Texoma Council of Governments as the Grayson County Citizen of the Year.  Adm. Retz served his country with a distinguished military career where he received the Meritorious Service Medal, a Purple Heart and a Presidential Citation. 

Grayson County Citizen of the Year Rear Adm. William A. Retz, Ret. (USN)

After retiring to Denison, Texas, Adm. Retz has been a driving force in Denison Development Alliance and the surge of business at North Texas Regional Airport.

Bill Lindsay, former mayor of Denison, Texas and the outgoing president of TCOG, was recognized for the valuable role he played during a time of transition for the agency. 

(L-R) TCOG Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas, outgoing TCOG Board President Bill Lindsay and TCOG President Cary Wacker

"TCOG is not changing, we're growing," stated Dr. Thomas. "We will continue to provide all the services we have done well. This is what we do.  This is what we will keep doing because it matters."

Thomas stressed the importance of regionalism as Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties develop modern strategies designed to compete in today's global economy.

"The state of the region is good," Thomas stated. 

She obviously believes more can be accomplished with a comprehensive approach.

Thomas told the audience, "We haven't stopped competing with each other long enough to compete with the rest of the world....not surrounding regions, not the remainder of the state, not the rest of the nation...the world. We are a region running rampant with underutilized potential."

The TCOG executive director described the challenges that must be overcome as a chasm.

"We need to build a bridge across that chasm and that bridge is called regionalism," said Thomas.

Dr. Susan Thomas (right) recognizes outgoing TCOG Board members.

Grayson County Citizen of the Year Rear Adm. William A. Retz, Ret. (USN), TCOG Executive Director Dr. Susan Thomas and TCOG President Cary Wacker