Columnists
Law Library- Recognizing a need
By Newt Cunningham, Fannin County Judge
Apr 9, 2025
Print this page
Email this article

Fannin County, Texas -- Simple truth, Fannin County’s Law Library is inadequate and needs to be upgraded and made readily accessible to our residents. A number of years ago, the County Law Library, consisting primarily of books, was removed from its then location at the “old” courthouse to allow for courthouse renovation.  It was placed in temporary storage at the District Attorney’s temporary offices and a computer terminal, substituting as a law library, was set up at the District Clerk’s temporary offices.  Embarrassingly, this terminal offers limited public access (one user at a time) to the laws governing our County.  The law books in storage have not been kept up to date and do not reflect the law as it currently exists.

How do we remedy this situation? Times have changed, libraries have changed. In a matter of years, the world has “gone paperless,” and updating the law books and putting them back on the shelves is no longer the answer.  The commonsense solution is to put the County Law Library online, making it available to everyone. The cost is negligible. Other counties, including Grayson County, have taken this step; Grayson County Law Library.

Our County Law Library ideally should contain all laws affecting Fannin County residents and visitors. Laws would include applicable federal, State, constitutions, statutes, regulations and county ordinances. It should also include necessary legal forms to make necessary County filings. By taking advantage of the internet, the County can provide access to federal, State, and university websites, and our County Law Library will be available to the public 24/7 on their personal computers or smartphones. Again, this can be done at little or no cost.

While ignorance of the law is no excuse, this should not excuse county government, or any government for that matter, from making our laws publicly available.

  • Every so often, news reports emerge of court cases that hinge upon the meaning of a word, or a spelling error, or even the correct placement of punctuation.
  • April 19 is the Day of Remembrance in Oklahoma City. On this day in 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was blasted into infamy. Until 9/11, this was the deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
  • In many places, libraries are facing budget cuts, closures, or even attacks on the kinds of books they carry.
  • Chester Nimitz was a Texan ready to serve his country in its darkest days. Through clever planning and fearless determination, Nimitz led naval forces in the Pacific to victory in World War II.

  • "When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late... -- The Lorax
  • Simple truth, Fannin County’s Law Library is inadequate and needs to be upgraded and made readily accessible to our residents.
  • Sandy Barber and Jessie Bryant wearing jeans that Sandy mended. While we celebrate finding great deals on new clothes, what happens after the purchase often tells a less impressive story. The upcoming Texoma Earth Day Festival (April 26, 2025) offers practical solutions through four textile-focused attractions: a creative trashion show, booths featuring upcycled fashions, a free children's clothing swap, and a textile recycling drop-off point.
  • I first learned how to embroider in elementary school -- using yarn and burlap. As a teen and adult, I spent countless hours cross-stitching, creating intricate pieces of fiber art. Some of my favorite projects included teddy bear-themed designs for my oldest daughter and several train-inspired pieces for my dad, who had a deep love for locomotives. Recently, I rekindled my passion for embroidery and stumbled upon a fascinating trend called visible mending -- an art rooted in the traditional Japanese practice of sashiko.
  • Little Donald Mathis dreamed of playing Big League baseball on his family's black & white TV.
  • In a recent op-ed, I explained how slaves from Senegal introduced their Wolof word “Wow” into English. I recently discovered that WOW was also an acronym for over 100 organizations.
  • Price Daniel, Sr., had a distinguished career serving Texas and the nation. By 1952, he had already served as an army officer, Texas House Speaker, and attorney general. At the age of 42 in 1952, his political career was only beginning with his election to the U. S. Senate.
  • The Department Of The Navy has to formulate and expand plans to address drone warfare, including modifying existing aircraft carriers for offensive and defensive drone warfare operations.

  • Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant welcomes the Turnpike Troubadours on September 20 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Fannin County should be able to finish the Justice Center project $659,000 in the black, allowing that no change orders are submitted, but that doesn't include the parking lot or repairs to the roof that could run as high as a million dollars. An asphalt parking lot would be approximately $215,000.00, while a more durable concrete parking lot would cost approximately $576,100.00.
  • Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas (April 21, 2025) –The Region C Water Planning Group (RCWPG) will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to take public comments on a draft version of the 2026 Region C Water Plan. The hearing will take place at the North Central Texas Council of Governments, 616 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, Texas 76011, in the Centerpoint Two Building, 1st Floor Transportation Council Room. The draft Regional Water Plan, known formally as the Initially Prepared Plan (IPP), is available for review now on the Region C website.
  • Chris Clark, Youth Librarian at Bonham Public Library, gives away free trees to Archie and Roy. In partnership with Neighborhood Forest, Bonham Public Library facilitated the delivery of free black gum sapling trees to kids from all over Fannin County. Thanks to hardworking librarians, our small corner of Texas is participating in a nationwide effort, with a broader goal of giving 100,000 tree saplings to kids this year. To the delight of the Bonham Public Library staff, hundreds of children signed up for the program.
  • The annual Texoma Earth Day Festival will transform downtown Sherman’s Elm Street into a recycling hub this Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 400 N. Elm St., residents can conveniently dispose of accumulated recyclables. The festival will also feature workshops, entertainment, and sustainable living exhibits. Participants are asked to enter Elm Street from the south end at Pecan Street for a smoother traffic flow.
  • 1564 – birth of William Shakespeare, English playwright and poet. William Shakespeare (23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" or simply "the Bard." His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted. Shakespeare produced most of his known works between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were primarily comedies and histories and are regarded as some of the best works produced in these genres. He then wrote mainly tragedies until 1608, among them Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth, all considered to be among the finest works in English. In the last phase of his life, he wrote tragicomedies (also known as romances) such as The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, and collaborated with other playwrights.
  • Imagine a simple clay bowl on the table, its surface rough and unpolished. It is empty, its hollow center, a quiet reminder of the pain and silence many carry within. But this...
  • Part-Time Data Entry Specialist, and Part-Time Customer Care Representative
  • Dr. Adam Seipp of Texas A&M College Station to address the World War II History Roundtable, Audie Murphy Chapter, in Greenville.
  • McKinney residents can vote on four City Council seats during early voting, which begins tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22. The general election is on Saturday, May 3. Positions open for consideration include the Mayor, District 1 and District 3 representatives, and one At-Large seat, each serving a four-year term.
  • 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Derrell Hall Education Center
  • Three Fannin County teachers, Amber Page (Fannindel), Gower Lester (Savoy), and Jessica Womack (Honey Grove), winners of $1,000 grants awarded by the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation, will be recognized at the Fannin County Retired Teachers and School Personnel meeting May 6.
  • 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in the Fannin County Courthouse and via teleconference
  • Early voting for the May 3, 2025 general election will be April 22 until April 29, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
  • Cities and/or schools listed below will be having an election on May 3, 2025. Early Voting will begin Tuesday, April 22 and ends the following Tuesday, April 29. No Early Polling Locations will be open on Saturday or Sunday. Election Day, Saturday, May 3, 2025, all polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • This is official notice that there will be a Public Hearing at 5:00 pm, Monday, April 21, 2025, in the Community Room of the Sherman Police Department, 2600 W. Travis St., Sherman, Texas, for the following Ordinances.
  • The 2025 Grayson County Master Gardeners Plant Sale promises to be fun for the entire family. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3, 2025, for the Let's Grow Expo, which will be inside the Mayors Arena in Loy Lake Park, located at 770 RC Vaughan Road, Denison, Texas, (behind Frontier Village), from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free.
  • Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
  • Enjoy live music from Texas artists like the Josh Weathers Band, Chad Cook Band, Jon Stork, Billie Jo Jones, Lane Bricker, and Colby Rogers. Taste delicious food from various food trucks and local restaurants. Unique vendors will offer crafts and treasures. Kids can have fun in the Bounce House Village and get their faces painted. Explore self-guided tours of the Legend Has It Walkabout and Fannin County Courthouse and watch the ceremonial planting of the Vive Le Bois d'Arc.
  • The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials have announced an upcoming full closure of the northbound main lanes of US 75, beginning at Exit 65. The closure is scheduled from 9:00 p.m. on April 23, until 5:00 a.m. on April 24, to facilitate the removal of an existing overhead sign bridge.
  • Texas Department of Transportation officials have announced that a project to replace three bridges in Fannin and Grayson County is slated to begin April 21.
  • With major questions hanging over the Justice Center project, Fannin County Commissioners Court discussed dedicating a portion of revenue from recent land sales to each precincts' Road & Bridge fund. Fannin County Auditor Alicia Whipple explained that the county will have $659,000 remaining in the Justice Center budget, provided there are no change orders, and provided the county leaves the Tax Assessor-Collector Office and Juvenile Probation in their current locations.
  • Visit McKinney is now accepting applications for its tourism grant program, designed to support events and initiatives that promote McKinney as a visitor destination. "As the city’s tourism entity, we aim to boost the local economy by attracting visitor-related travel,” said Aaron Werner, Visit McKinney Executive Director. “These grants help organizations market projects that encourage overnight stays in McKinney hotels."
  • (L-R) David Keene, John Baecht and his granddaughter, River, and Bonham Mayor H.L. Compton. Bonham City Council approved a resolution for Vive le Bois d'Arc Day on May 3 and approved the next steps for a second Public Improvement District in Bonham.
  • The City of McKinney is proud to invite residents, business owners, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the new City Hall on Saturday, April 19, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at 401 E. Virginia St. The Grand Opening Celebration offers an opportunity for residents to engage with city leaders, explore the new facility, and enjoy entertainment and food.
  • This is a neutral, community-focused event where you can ask questions, hear from each candidate, and make an informed decision about who will best represent Ladonia—both within our town and in dealings with the county, state, and incoming businesses.
  • 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Fannin County Courthouse and via teleconference
  • 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, at Bonham City Hall
  • Northbound traffic intending to access SH-91, will continue north toward Taylor St., then proceed to turn right on Taylor St., and continue to SH-91.
  • Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
  • Members of Fannin County Commissioners Court stand with employees and supporters of Fannin County Family Crisis Center. "This month, as we proclaim April Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Fannin County, we honor survivors and commit to being a community that listens, believes, and supports," explained Amanda McDonald, Executive Director, Fannin County Crisis Center, in a written statement. "We also recognize that awareness is just the beginning. Together, we must continue to educate, advocate, and work toward a future free from sexual violence." photo by Lisa Loiselle
  • On the afternoon of February 17, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at Women Rock, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in the heart of downtown Sherman, Texas. What started as a loud pop from the back of our office quickly escalated, filling the building with smoke and then flames. By the time the Sherman Fire Department arrived, the damage was catastrophic.
  • The Creative Arts Center in Bonham is excited to announce that the Red River Arts Fest will be held on Saturday, May 3. Organizers are planning a full day of art, wine, music and fun at the art center. Heritage Days will also be happening on and around the square that same day, which will mean even more music and fun activities for the whole family.
  • Denison Main Street is the third Main Street in Texas to be awarded the prestigious Great American Main Street Award. Denison was previously named a Semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
  • It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for Bonham City Council Ward 3. As a resident and local business owner of our vibrant community, I am deeply invested in preserving the values and quality of life that make Bonham a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
  • Fannin County Constables Office is hosting Environmental Officer certificate training due to the rise in recent environmental complaints.
  • The City of McKinney invites the community to celebrate sustainability at an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 5 at TUPPS Brewery, 402 E. Louisiana St. This free family-friendly event offers a full day of entertainment, education, and eco-friendly fun to inspire residents to help keep McKinney clean and green.
  • 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, April 08, 2025 at the Fannin County Courthouse and via teleconference
  • This is official notice that there will be a Public Hearing at 5:00 pm, Monday, April 7, 2025, in the Community Room of the Sherman Police Department, 2600 W. Travis St., Sherman, Texas, for the following Ordinances.
  • 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Fannin County Courthouse and via teleconference
  • Matt Howerton with American Promise will discuss "Financial Election Integrity" at the Fannin County Republican Women meeting Monday, April 7.
  • Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones.
  • Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
  • Fannin County Commissioners Court joins with employees and supporters of Fannin County Children's Center after a Proclamation was approved by the court to declare that April 2025 is Child Abuse Awareness Month in Fannin County. "In 2024, Fannin County conducted 197 investigations into neglect or abuse, resulting in 33 confirmed cases and 12 removals," reported Stephanie Garcia, Director of Fannin County Children’s Center. photo by Lisa Loiselle

  • DAV & RecruitMilitary will break down barriers for veteran employment at the Dallas Veterans Job Fair on Thursday, April 3 at AT&T Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Central. Registration is free and available online to all transitioning military, veterans, military spouses and dependents.
  • Ector, Texas -- A funeral service for Roger Wayne Morris, 69, of Ector will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Ector Baptist Church, 302 S Elm, Ector, Texas. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mullican-Little Funeral Home, 754 TX-56, Bells, Texas. Burial will follow the service at Carson Cemetery in Ector.
  • Dodd City, Texas -- Graveside service for Louise Wilson, 90, will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2025, at Dodd City Cemetery with Pastor Brian Lackey officiating.
  • Paris, Texas -- Funeral services for Peggy Roland Jack, 87, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home with John Cannon officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Petty, Texas.
  • Temple, Texas -- A visitation for Susan Chong Edwards, 84, of Temple will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Temple, TX. A funeral service will occur 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at St. Pauls Chong Hasang Catholic Church, Harker Heights, TX. A graveside service will follow later at 3:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, TX.
  • Bonham, Texas -- A celebration of the life of Dustin Elk, 43, will be held at Northside Church of Christ in Bonham, TX on May 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. A memory book is being compiled to comfort the family. The family asks those who have memories of Dustin to please write them down and bring them to his celebration or email them to Beckyelk@Outlook.com.
  • Celeste, Texas -- Jerry Swindell fought the good fight and left this world for a better place on April 7, 2025, at Greenville Gardens, Greenville, Texas with a smile on his face; he was proud to have been born in Hogeye on September 18, 1940 to William Henry Swindell and Artie Faye Wheat.
  • Bonham, Texas -- Deborah Sue Cade passed away unexpectedly at Sherman Medical Center on April 7, 2025. Debbie was born on April 2, 1960 in Alhambra, CA to Charles Cade and Carmel Beth Ford.
  • Honey Grove, Texas -- A graveside service for Billye Murrell will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, 3:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Bro. Terry Paul Cunningham will be officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove, from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • Bonham, Texas -- Robert Eldon Rencher died peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Bonham, Texas. He was buried in Duplex Cemetery in a private ceremony officiated by Pastor Kevin Lane.
  • Honey Grove, Texas -- David Glenn Little was born on December 22, 1939, in Honey Grove, Texas, to Clint Little and Irene Thompson Little who preceded him in death along with his sister, Peggy and his first wife, Myra. David entered into eternal life on April 3, 2025, holding the hand of his devoted and loving wife Norma.
  • Honey Grove, Texas -- A memorial for Richard "Brennan" Barbee, 48, of Honey Grove will be held at Bonham High School, Wednesday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Honey Grove, Texas -- A memorial service for James Lee "Jim" Jackson Sr., 82, will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, at Westside Baptist Church in Honey Grove, TX, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Terry Paul Cunningham will preside.
  • Commerce, Texas -- A memorial service for Howard Carl Murphy Jr., 68, will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Jones-Walker & Son Chapel.
  • Bonham, Texas -- The family visitation for Bob Eaton will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Bonham, Texas. A private family burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Honey Grove, Texas.
  • Telephone, Texas -- Services for Jean Carter, 87, will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Telephone Baptist Church, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Duplex Cemetery. Pastor Jase Waller will preside.
  • If you're looking for the best steak in Fannin County, stop what you're doing and go to Roma Italian Restaurant. I’ve eaten a lot of steak in a lot of places, and Roma's is hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had. Let’s start with the owners -— Tony and Bari. Roma is a true family-owned and operated restaurant. You can feel that from the moment you walk in. Everything is made fresh daily: the dough, the bread, the sauces. Nothing comes out of a can, a freezer, or a microwave. It’s all crafted in-house with intention and flavor.
  • The Denison Genealogical Society is pleased to announce their upcoming meeting on April 30, 2025 1:30 p.m., at the Frontier Village, located at 111 R. C. Vaughan Rd, Denison, TX 75020.
  • DCMGA Spring Plant Sale will be Saturday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. or sell-out at North Texas Fairgrounds, 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton. The DCMGA 2025 Garden Tour is slated for May 10. This year’s Garden Tour truly has something for everyone. Enjoy watching seasonal creeks, sniffing fragrant roses, planting a succulent, or relaxing on a bench overlooking a pollinator garden dancing with bees and butterflies.
  • Don't miss a free and enchanting acoustic concert by the Houston Family, & The Sweet Song String Band at Powder Creek Pavilion this Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m.
  • BBQ with all the trimmings will be served 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Donations are needed for the upkeep of Belfountain, Siloam and New Union Cemeteries.
  • Monday, May 5, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Located in the lobby just in time for Mothers Day!
  • April 21 – Grand Avenue Presbyterian Church, Sherman, 7:30 p.m.
    April 28 – Grayson County College Cruce Stark Auditorium, Denison, 7:30 p.m.
  • Lots of classes and events are being planned for this spring at the Creative Arts Center. Art Camp registration has also opened.
  • Mowing is the single most important aspect of cemetery maintenance and also the most expensive. Costs have increased steadily every year. Donations are our biggest source of revenue. Willow Wild has undergone a remarkable transformation since last fall. Fence lines have been cleared, and trees have been trimmed. Dead trees have been removed. The grounds are cleared and cleaned. In a month or so, it will be beautiful. We need your help to keep it looking the way our community deserves.
  • Maria Espinoza never imagined a routine walk to school with her 6-year-old son would turn into a life-altering tragedy. But in an instant, a distracted driver jumped the curb, striking her son and trapping him beneath the vehicle.
  • A recent study found that 7 out of 10 women consume creatine below recommended amounts.
  • 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Savoy Church of Christ
  • Indoor and outdoor seating available with live music, garden tours and maybe even finding an Easter egg or two!
  • Mamma Mia! will run April 15-27, 2025 at the Music Hall at Fair Park as part of the 2024/2025 Broadway series presented by Broadway Dallas. Since premiering in London in 1999 and on Broadway in 2001, the irresistible musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island paradise, all unfolding to the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, has now been seen live on stage by 70 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies.
  • Red River Arts Fest is coming up on May 3. Creative Arts Center is excited to partner with Heritage Days, which will have even more fun planned around the downtown square on the same day! We are currently seeking Art Vendors and Food Trucks.
  • The third offering for our season is Jekyll & Hyde. Presented at the Lyric Studios Space and based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and features a thrilling score of pop-rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.
  • Ector Masonic Lodge #687 would like to give a special "Thank you!" to all who enjoyed the recent fish fry.
  • The Creative Arts Center of Bonham has thrilling news for our supporters and the North Texas arts community. Mark your calendars for April 17, 2025, when your contribution can make twice the impact.
  • Christmas may be a ways away, but Christmas in July is just around the corner! RSVP today for our quarterly Lunch & Learn happening on Thursday, April 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and come hear all about what Fannin County Toys for Tots has planned for this year!
  • Family Promise of Grayson County (FPGC) recently received a $20,000 grant from Clayton, ensuring that families with minor children in Grayson County receive the support they need to stay safely housed.
  • Friday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
  • Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon, is a unique month-long pop-up that blends luxury design with a meaningful cause. This one-of-a-kind shopping experience offers high-end furniture and accessories at significant discounts, all donated to support Dwell with Dignity. Each year, six renowned designers bring their creativity to life, crafting stunning vignettes using pieces from their own collections alongside donated items—all available for purchase.
  • Experience the fun of art, wine, and live music at the annual festival April 11-13. "The Arts and Bloom festival is a vibrant celebration of the intersection between art and nature. This annual event brings artists, musicians, and wine enthusiasts from around the region to showcase their talents in beautiful Downtown McKinney. The festival offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the beauty of the season while supporting local artists and Downtown McKinney businesses," said Cultural District Director Andrew Jones.
  • Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 minutes on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, followed by free paddle time to explore on your own.
  • The streets of Historic Downtown McKinney will come alive during the Arts in Bloom celebration April 11-13 with fascinating sights and sounds featuring fine artists, musicians, Texas wineries, and food vendors.
  • Volunteers needed to remove a massive tree that fell during the March wind storms. Parts of the tree crushed a very old woven wire fence encircling a family plot from the 1860s.
  • Sip, savor and stroll! Raise a glass to fine wine and inspiring art at the 33rd Annual Spring Wine Trail, presented by Park Place Lexus and Land Rover Grapevine. This beloved Springtime celebration takes place Saturday, April 12, 2025, on Grapevine’s charming Historic Main Street.
  • Saturday, May 3, 2025 - please consider making a donation
  • Ector Masonic Lodge #687 invites everyone to a fish fry with all the trimmings and desserts Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ector ISD cafeteria.
  • In conjunction with Heritage Day and the Vive le Bois d’Arc celebration on May 3, the Fannin County Museum of History is delighted to have a display of prehistoric and Caddo artifacts in the display case on the 2nd floor of the Fannin County Courthouse.
  • You walk into the Credit Union of Texas, Don Toro or Studio 94 on the east side of the Bonham square, into Belle Rae's on the north, into Blessing & Butterflies or The Curiosity Shop on Main south of the Courthouse: do you look down? What do you see when you cross the threshold into these businesses? Do you see Bonham's past?
  • I was curious about the relationship between Harry S Truman and Sam Rayburn because of a piece of corn. Currently at the Sam Rayburn Museum there is corn on the cob encased in resin on display in the "Gifts of a Nation" display case. No one is completely certain why Rayburn had it, but Truman has the same one. This is what led me to look into the friendship between Rayburn and Truman. The two men shared a tight bond throughout their political careers. courtesy photo of Harry Truman and Sam Rayburn at the Sam Rayburn House in Bonham
  • Bonham resident Kay Sisk has collected postcards of Bonham for many years, finding them at trade shows and estate sales. Some of the postcards were given away free by local businesses, and some were sold. The Fannin County Museum of History asked Kay to display some of her postcards in the display case on the 2nd floor of the courthouse.
  • Please join us at the March meeting of the Fannin County Historical Commission on March 18 at 6:00 p.m. to learn about the contributions of Mabel Gilbert, a very early Fannin County pioneer, to Fannin County, Dallas and points west. Deborah Cornelius has written a historical novel about his remarkable life and times. Join us at 6:00 p.m. on March 18 at the Fannin County Historical Commission’s office at 1 Center Street in Bonham to meet Deborah and learn about Mabel Gilbert’s time in Fannin County.
  • A large crowd filled Lyday Hall at Honey Grove Library & Learning Center on Saturday, March 1, 2025, to hear what local archeologist Cody Davis and his cohorts discovered in the area that is now covered by Bois d'Arc Lake.
  • When Kalin and Tricia moved their young family from the city to rural Fannin County, it was a dream they had worked and saved to make come true -- to escape the noise and chaos of the metroplex for a peaceful existence, surrounded by woodlands, wildlife and serenity. Then they heard bulldozers clearing trees.
  • "Japanese War Brides: Across a Wide Divide" begins a national tour December 14 at Irving Archives and Museum in Irving, Texas. These young women left their homes to build lives within the complexities of postwar American society. Their experiences reshaped communities by challenging immigration laws and race relations. The arrival of these brides marked the largest women-only immigration event in U.S. history and, by 1960, had increased the population of Asian Americans in the U.S. by 10%.
  • The Fannin County Museum of History has several Fannin County history books for sale that might be just perfect for someone you know. The books are available for purchase at the Museum and are also available on Amazon.
  • Historic Fannin County newspapers often featured beautiful front pages for their Christmas editions. An exhibit of these newspapers is now on display on the 2nd Floor of the Fannin County Courthouse. Visit the courthouse during this season to view this display and beautiful decorations.
  • Upper Trinity's contractors are finishing up construction on five new streams near future Lake Ralph Hall, which will flow into the North Sulphur River. The newly connected tributary streams are naturally beginning to flow with rainwater this fall, bringing life back to areas impacted for decades by severe erosion and loss of habitat. Restoring the tributaries of the river to their natural, curved paths helps mitigate the area's severe erosion and provide previously lost habitat.