In 1943, World War II was raging across Europe and the US and British troops had just landed on Sicily. German forces had an invincible stronghold in the northern mountains of Italy and multiple US and Allied attempts to overtake the Germans had resulted in repeated failures and massive casualties. Also at that time, Weldon Porter, a 23-year-old, black-dirt farm boy from Bonham, was training at the highest military camp in the world which was Camp Hale, Colorado near Leadville, Colorado, just south of Vail at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level.

By a 4-1 vote, Fannin County Commissioners Court voted to approve a final draft and adopt the Fannin County Tax Abatement Guidelines and Policy. Fannin County Judge Newt Cunningham cast the opposing vote and suggested more stringent guidelines, while commissioners were inclined to follow the advice of the committee that created the guidelines. Commissioners court also voted to approve a contract with Iglesias Law Firm that was selected at the October 27, 2026 regular meeting of commissioners court to represent Fannin County in potential litigation.

Every year on November 11, our nation pauses to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have sacrificed their time, comfort, and sometimes their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

This weekend will be busy on the Austin College campus with musical performances presented by two ensembles. On Saturday, as part of the Inauguration Celebration, the Wind Symphony will be “swinging for the fences” with a concert titled Virtuosity. Sunday’s performance will be a presentation of Muusika: Choral Songs featuring the A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Wayne Crannell. Also performing during this fall concert will be Descant, a women’s a cappella jazz ensemble and Conchord, a men’s a cappella pop group.

Bonham City Council approved updates to the fire ordinances and approved some waivers for a local business at their monthly meeting.

Veterans Day, called Armistice Day until 1954, when it was rededicated to honor American military (Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force) veterans. Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with holidays in several countries, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which also occur on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May: Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while the older Memorial Day, which grew out of Civil War commemorations, specifically honors those who have died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military. Additionally, Women Veterans Day is recognized by a growing number of U.S. states that specifically honor women who have served in the U.S. military. As Veterans Day and the birthday of the United States Marine Corps (November 10, 1775) are only one day apart, that branch of the Armed Forces customarily observes both occasions as a 96-hour liberty period. (photo of U.S. World War I veteran Joseph Ambrose (1896–1988) wearing his original Brodie helmet and doughboy uniform and holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, Clement, who was killed in the Korean War)