On this week’s edition of The Tawakoni Current we take a look at the upcoming 9/11 remembrance event, Quinlan city council plans, week 2 TTC football contest recap, LASM’s family service recap, and West Tawakoni City Council special session.

This week also continues our weekly football contest hosted in partnership with EXIT realty. Get your guesses in!

Be sure to subscribe to get our newsletter every week right in your inbox!

If you want to place an ad in the newsletter you can email [email protected] and you can view our ad rates here!

Which came first?
A) Texas becoming a state
B) The California Gold Rush

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

If you would like to sponsor a weekly edition, please contact us at [email protected]

You can also view the water level daily here!

^{By Jayce Jewett, Local Fisherman}

The water temperature is in the upper 80s to low 90s this week, while the lake level is one and a half feet low. Eater-size catfish are biting well on punch bait. Largemouth bass are holding tight to main lake docks, where anglers are finding success with jigs and drop shots. Topwater baits, such as buzzbaits, are also producing well in the evening. White bass are holding on main lake points and shallow humps, with some schooling activity early in the morning and evening. Trolling and slabs have also been effective for white bass.

With football season underway that also means our Football contest is still continuing.

Contestants will pick the outcome of three games each week as well as a tiebreaker. The winner each week will be given a $15 gift card, and the total score winner at the end of the 10-week contest will win a $150 gift card.

This football contest is sponsored in partnership with Kathy Hobbs and EXIT Realty

EXIT Realty works with buyers and sellers of Lake Property, Commercial, Residential, Farm and Ranch. You can visit their website here, call them at 903-356-4700, or email them at [email protected]

This week’s picks will be on the following games

You can submit your guesses on the google form here. Be sure to include your name and email. They will be used to track your guesses each week. One entry each week per person.

Week 2’s winner was Cynthia Ray

2nd Place was Dena Sweeney

3rd Place was Frances Dalbey

Entries MUST be submitted by 6:00 pm on Friday.

For more information click here!

For more information click here!

For more information click here!

September Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

September Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

September Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

September Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

^{Galatians 5:22-23 NIV}

These are the events in the area this week!

Tawakoni Fire Department is getting the station ready for its 5th Annual 9/11
Remembrance Event Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 am.

The community is invited to join to come together to honor and remember the fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives 25 years ago.

The event will be held at the Tawakoni Fire Station. This special morning will include guest speakers, a flyover, high school choir, the calling out of the names of the fallen and time for fellowship.

“This is a day of remembrance, reflection, gratitude and community, and we want everyone to feel welcome. We encourage our community to attend and to help us spread the word. Please let your neighbors know and invite your family and friends. We can’t wait to see everyone on 9/11. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.”

The Quinlan City Council’s regular meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 pm in the council chambers. On the agenda includes hearing a utility rate study, consider administrative services for the 2026 home housing grant, authorize application for a Texas Community Development Block Grant and appoint members to the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustments.

Okay, this is getting a little weird—two weeks of football prognosticating and TWO weeks of lasses taking the top three spots.

Cynthia Ann Ray was “kicked out” of the machine as tops for this week, going three for three on the games, then only missing the tiebreaker score by just TWO points. Way to go, Cynthia. Frances Dalbey was second last week, but dropped to third place in Week Two, while Dena Sweeney came from off the charts to second place

Don’t fret though, as there’s eight more weeks of TTC football contests sponsored by Kathy Hobbs of Exit Realty. Get those guesses in by 5 pm tomorrow (Friday), which has three gridiron contests, plus a tiebreaker. The grand prize at the end of the season is a $150 gift card to the contestant with the most wins for the season.

By Stephannie Barnett

Residents of South Hunt County recently had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed Emergency Service District and what its creation could mean for local fire and rescue services.

The town hall meeting was held at the Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce Building in West Tawakoni, where David Rutherford, Robert Gayden III and Kiron Searl answered questions about the proposed district and how Emergency Service Districts operate. The proposed ESD No. 2 would serve South Hunt County, including Quinlan, Cash, Hawk Cove and West Tawakoni. The district would provide funding for South Hunt County Fire Rescue, Tawakoni South Fire Department and Tawakoni Fire
Department. The Hunt County Commissioners Court has called for the proposal to appear on the Nov. 3, ballot. An Emergency Service District, commonly known as an ESD, is a local governmental entity created by voters to provide dedicated funding for emergency services. Under the proposal, ESD No. 2 would provide a dedicated source of revenue for the participating fire departments. T

The proposed district could levy a property tax of up to 10 cents per $100 of assessed property value. The 10-cent rate is the maximum allowed under the proposal and does not necessarily mean that would be the rate ultimately charged. The actual rate would be determined based on the district's financial needs and applicable requirements.

Supporters of the proposed ESD say a dedicated source of funding would provide the
participating fire departments with more predictable revenue to help pay for equipment,
maintenance, training and other operating needs. The proposal would not replace the existing fire departments. According to information provided by the proposed ESD, the participating volunteer departments would remain separate nonprofit organizations while working with the ESD through service agreements.

The ESD would be governed by a five-member board of commissioners. The proposed district's information states that the commissioners would be appointed by the Hunt County Commissioners Court and that the ESD would operate as an independent governmental entity. Existing fire stations and equipment would also remain subject to ownership agreements rather than automatically becoming property of the ESD.

The proposed ESD represents a discussion about the future funding of emergency services in South Hunt County. With rising costs for fire apparatus, protective equipment, maintenance and other emergency-service needs, supporters say establishing a dedicated funding source could help the departments plan for future needs and continue providing services to the communities they serve. Ultimately, voters will decide whether the proposed Emergency Service District is created when the measure appears on the November ballot.

“In August 2026, we served 2866 family units, 8,666 individuals, which is 114,640 pounds of food,” said Lake Area Shared Ministries Food Pantry executive director Dian Wright. “LASM Food Pantry continues to strive to improve service to our community. We have now installed the new transformer for more electricity into our building and are working toward paying this huge debt off. I ask for your prayers and help in order for LASM to serve.”.
Whether by donating food, toiletries, funds or volunteering “your time, we can certainly use your help. God has been good, God is good and God will continue to be good.”
They are in desperate need of volunteers. “You would only have to commit to work one day per week for 4 hours. We need help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Come by if you interested.
We are an all volunteer organization. Come by and tour our food pantry. We would love for you to see where your money goes.”
North Texas Giving Day is Sept. 17, which is on a Thursday. “We hope and pray that you will consider donating to LASM Food Pantry. You can actually give through our site as well, all year long.”

A special session of the West Tawakoni City Council will be held tonight (Thursday) at City Hall at 6:30 pm.

The meeting is open to the public, and residents will have an opportunity to
provide input during the citizen-comment portions of the meeting.
The Council is scheduled to consider several reports and minutes as part of the consent agenda.

Two items are listed under New Business with the first involving a proposal to modify the Tawakoni Plaza Residential Site Plan, located in front of the golf course. The proposal would be a modification to allow the street to be widened to accommodate and allow on-street parking.
The second item involves a discussion and possible action regarding planning a Fall Festival in in the city. This item is listed under Council Place 5, Ceceila Irvan.

There is an Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, which involves the City Administrator, City Secretary and Public Works Director. After the Executive Session closes, the agenda lists possible discussion and action regarding the City Administrator position, action to accept the resignation of the City Secretary, and discussion and/or action regarding the Public Works Director.

The Council will also consider a budget amendment for the Community Development
Department. Following that, the Council will hold a Budget Workshop to discuss and/or take possible action on the FY2026-2027 budget.

Keep West Tawakoni Beautiful (KWTB) will host its first Fall Community-Wide Cleanup Saturday, Sept. 12, at the West Tawakoni Wastewater Treatment Plant on Rabbit Cove Road from 8:00 a.m. until noon, or until the dumpsters are full.
All West Tawakoni water customers are welcome to bring the “stash of trash” you’ve been holding onto and help clean up the community for fall! Please remember that an ID or current water bill is required to dump items. Meet the KWTB team, and help make West Tawakoni cleaner and more beautiful for the fall season. Help neighbors who may need assistance with cleaning up their place, too.

The Tawakoni Fire Department had the privilege of partnering with Snap Fitness in
Quinlan for their 9/11 Stair Climb Challenge—a meaningful event dedicated to remembering the brave brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11,
2001. Members of the Tawakoni Fire Department joined Snap Fitness members for the
challenge, climbing the stairs while wearing full firefighter gear. For firefighters, every step was a way to honor the fallen and remember the courage, sacrifice and dedication shown by those who never made it home. The Stair Climb Challenge also served as a fundraiser, with all donations benefiting the Tawakoni Fire Department's 9/11 5th Annual Remembrance Event, scheduled for Friday at 7:00 am. The department is grateful for every person who participated, donated and helped keep the memory of the fallen alive. Climbing the stairmasters in full gear were Matt Allgood (bottom photo) and , Anthony Hernandez, both firefighters. Also participating were Bridgette Hernandez, Stephannie Barnett, Rhett Byers, Angela Hernandez.

Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce invites local business owners, community leaders, residents and chamber members to attend the monthly luncheon and Fellowship on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The luncheon will be held at 100 W. Hwy 276. This month, South Hunt County Fire Rescue will serve as the host for the luncheon and will tell about the organization and the important work being done throughout South Hunt County. The luncheon is more than just a meal. It is an opportunity for members and community partners to come together, share information, build relationships, and learn more about the people and organizations working to make the area a stronger place to live and do business. Go to the website to make reservations.

The Lake Area Shared Ministries has a wish list for this month to help stock the shelves to serve those in need.

For September, Executive Director Dian Wright said they are in need of mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread mix, large tote bags, baby wipes and diapers for Children in sizes 5, 6 and 7 and adult size 2XX. They are also in need of soap and deodorant.

Items may be brought by the food pantry at 8493 SH 34 South.

On Friday, Sept. 11, Lake Tawakoni State Park launches its 2026 BioBlitz, which will be followed that evening by a Star Party from 8 to 9:30 pm.

Remember, Hunt County Is still on a burn ban. No outdoor burning including trash, leaves and your burn piles.

Poker players and local community members are invited to join the bimonthly Stacy Earls Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Series Thursday, Sept. 17, at Ranchero’s Mexican Grill in West Tawakoni.

Hosted by the Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce, players can participate with a $50 buy-in, which includes $20,000 in chips. Returning players from the July event will receive an additional $5,000 in chips as a special thank-you for coming back to participate. There is also an opportunity to earn even more chips by purchasing an entree from Rancheros after 5 pm. They will receive an additional $5,000 in chips.Those who pre-register and submit their payment in advance will also
be entered into a drawing for a $50-value re-buy. First place walks away with a $500 gift card.

Whether a returning player or looking to join the series for the first time, the Stacy Earls
Poker Series offers an evening of Texas Hold ’Em, food, fun, and fellowship

AMVETS National Ladies Auxiliary is inviting the community to a steak
dinner while helping support a great cause. Every Friday Night starting at 6:00 pm, Ladies Auxiliary at Post 36 host its weekly Steak Night, featuring hand-cut, flame-grilled ribeye steaks for $25 per steak. All proceeds from the event benefit the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, helping support educational opportunities for students in the community. Each dinner includes a flame-grilled ribeye steak cooked to order, a fresh lettuce and tomato salad with choice of dressing, pinto or lima beans, homemade rolls and a dessert.

Point Volunteer Fire Department, located 123 Locust St. Point, is holding a family friendly event Saturday Sept. 19. There will be a Tamale Fest, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches starting at 11 am until sold out. Carter Bloodcare will be available from 10 am until 3 pm. Bingo will be from 1 pm until 5 pm. A raffle drawing will be at 6 pm and “Fill the Boot” will be all day.

Lakeside Community Church is hosting the fifth annual women’s retreat, featuring “Wonder Women of the Bible”. It will be Saturday, Sept. 12, starting at 10 am. “Be inspired, be empowered, be a wonder woman,” a spokesperson said. “We will have speakers, music food, crafts and fellowship.” The church is located at 1056 SH 276 in West Tawakoni.

This Saturday, the Quinlan Ford Drumline will be bringing the noise and representing the Panthers at Community High School’s ’s Drumline Invitational! 

Quinlan Ford Drumline’s Performance is scheduled for 9:45 am Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Community High School. Admission is $5.

Come out and show these talented students some Panther pride as they take the floor and show everyone what Quinlan Ford Drumline is made of! There are 18 drumlines entered in the competition. There will be a concession which includes barbecue and ice cream.

Debbie Runyon has been elected post commander at the American Legion in West Tawakoni.
She said there’s "plenty of happenings” at the post, offering local residents a “great place to enjoy good food, fellowship and a little friendly competition.”

The Legion post kitchen is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, giving members and guests an opportunity to stop in for a meal and spend some time with friends and fellow community members. Pool players can take advantage of free pool every Friday night from 6:00 pm until closing. And all day on Sundays.

Friday nights also feature a pool tournament with sign-up beginning at 6:30 pm and the
tournament starting at 7:30 pm. One of the week's highlights is Steak Night every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For just $22, guests can enjoy a complete steak dinner that includes: Steak, Salad, Baked potatoes roll and a dessert.

Greenville Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9 am to 12 noon. The city-operated market is at Market Square, 2203 Lee St. Farmers, ranchers, food producers and artisan vendors participate. The official season runs Saturdays through Nov. 7; some vendors may open at 8 a.m. Greenville Farmers Market information.

The comedy, “The Cottage,” opened last week at the Greenville Municipal Auditorium and runs through Sept. 11–13. Greenville Theatre Works describes it as a fast-paced British-style farce by Sandy Rustin. Tickets are $12 each. Greenville Theatre Works season and show information.

^{By Jessica Castilleja}

Friday night, the Quinlan Ford Panthers made their home debut and gave Panther Nation plenty to celebrate!  In front of the home crowd, the Panthers came out swinging and took down the Greenville Lions 49-34! 

The Panthers came out ready to defend their house and showed everyone that this team is ready to make some noise. That victory puts the Panthers at a perfect 2-0 to start the season! Two games. Two wins. And the season is just getting started! 

The first half provided lots of highlights as the teams traded scores with the half ending with the Panthers in front 42-34. The second half was completely different with the Panthers turning the ball over four times only to have their defense save the day for them and keep the Lions out of the end zone.

Devon Williams led the Panther attack rushing for 179 yards and 4 TD's. He also returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown. Tyler Andrews turned in a strong night as well rushing for 134 yards and a TD. He also caught 3 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. Mason Tigue went 3 for 4 passing for 90 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Panthers racked up 465 yards of offense.  Defensively, Teyshawn Adams led the Panthers with 7 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss. Brayden Fox also turned in a strong defensive effort.

JV Panthers won on the road against Greenville JV Lions 30-12! They will host Bullard Thursday night.

Now the Varsity Panthers hit the road for their next challenge...

NEXT GAME: Friday, Sept. 11 at Bullard with the Panthers vs thePanthers with a 7 pm kickoff. Let’s keep this momentum rolling! Time to load up, travel strong, and bring that Quinlan Panther pride to Bullard! 

The Boles Hornets took the field Thursday night ready to battle, but after four quarters of football, they came up short against Clarksville, 48-30.

Even with the loss, there were plenty of bright spots and big-time performances from the Hornets!

TOP PERFORMERS: Trystan Thomason — 10 completions, 114 passing yards and two passing TDs; Grayson Salisbury — 126 rushing yards on 14 carries; and Jeremiah King — 8 receptions for 92 receiving yards.

The Hornets showed fight and continued to battle from start to finish. Now it’s time to put Thursday behind them, get back to work, and prepare for the next challenge with Honey Grove coming to town on Friday, Sept. 11.

Friday night lights are calling! Let’s fill the stands, bring the noise, and show the Hornets some love!

The Lone Oak Buffaloes battled it out Friday night against Scurry-Rosser in a game that came down to the wire. The Buffaloes fought until the very last whistle but ultimately fell just short, 28-27.

 Top performers for the Buffaloes were Colt Bowman with 87 passing yards; Danny Barahona, 142 rushing yards on 27 carries and a touchdown; and Jackson Debord, three receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown.

There’s plenty to be proud of on this Buffalo team. They showed grit, determination and the heart to keep battling when the game was on the line. Now it’s time to learn from Friday, get back to work and come back stronger! 

Tonight (Thursday), the Buffaloes are at home against Winnsboro.

The Lone Oak Lady Buffaloes had a tough night at home last Friday against Scurry-Rosser, falling in all three sets (22-25, 16-25, 19-25). But this team didn’t let one tough match slow them down! 

On Tuesday, the Lady Buffaloes hit the road to Mount Vernon for their first district matchup and came out firing! They took care of business, sweeping Mount Vernon 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-22) and starting district play with a BIG WIN! 

Now the Lady Buffaloes are ready to keep that momentum going as they travel to Quitman Friday, Sept. 11. Then it’s time to come back home and defend their court against Prairieland on Tuesday, Sept. 15. District play is underway, and the Lady Buffaloes are making their presence known! Let’s pack the stands, bring the energy, and cheer these girls on every step of the way! 

The Quinlan Lady Panthers took the volleyball court Tuesday night at home against North Lamar. Despite battling hard, the Lady Panthers came up short, falling in all three sets (15-25, 17-25, 23-25). But one match doesn’t define this team. Every game is an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger. 

The Lady Panthers have just two non-district games remaining, and both will be on the road. They head to Tom Bean on Friday, Sept. 11, then to Greenville Homeschool on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Let’s finish out the non-district season strong! Keep your heads up, keep working, and keep fighting, Lady Panthers!

The Boles Lady Hornets have had a tough stretch on the road, but they continue to battle and work hard with their eyes on the bigger picture.

On Friday, the Lady Hornets traveled to Savoy, where they came up short, dropping all three sets (12-25, 16-25, 17-25). Then on Tuesday, they hit the road again to take on Miller Grove, falling in three sets (16-25, 21-25, 11-21).

Now the Lady Hornets have a little time to regroup, recharge, and get back to work. 

They have Friday off before heading into their final non-district matchup at Sam Rayburn Tuesday, Sept. 15.

One more non-district game. One more opportunity to compete, grow, and finish strong before district play begins. 

Businesses Seeking Employees or Local Community Members

Seeking parttime correspondents in Quinlan and Lone Oak to cover news in their cities. Time involved is normally five to seven hours a week; pay is base, plus pay per submission. We’ll teach you, if you can write a complete sentence. Send resumes to [email protected].

If you would like to post a job, email us at [email protected]

If you would like to place a classified advertisement, please contact us at [email protected]

Advertisement Deadline: Tuesdays at Noon! Rates can be seen here!

A: Texas Becoming a State