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 famous landmark was originally intended to be temporary?

A) Statue of Liberty
B) Eiffel Tower
C) Big Ben
D) Washington Monument

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

You can also view the water level daily here!

^{By Jayce Jewett, Local Fisherman}

Water temperatures are ranging from the upper 60s to the mid-70s this week, with the lake level sitting 2.82 feet below normal. Hybrid bass are being caught along underwater points and drop-offs using swimbaits and slabs, while catfish are biting on cut bait. White bass are holding on shallow humps, where trolling has been effective. Largemouth bass are feeding on shad around rocky areas, with additional catches coming from docks using small jigs, drop shots, and swimbaits.

Top 3 Baits for Largemouth Bass:
1. 3-inch swimbait
2. 5-inch Zaldaingerous swimbait
3. Lipless crankbait

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: THIS IS THE FINAL WEEK

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 10’s winner was Frances Dalbey

2nd place was Amanda Salters

3rd Place was Robert Eagle

In addition to the winners of this week’s contest, TTC will announce the grand prize winner for the participant with the most individual wins for the season.

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

For more information click here!

Monthly Drop-Off Pet Spay and Neuter Services begin at Quinlan ISD

For more information click here!

For more information click here!

November Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

November Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

You can also watch these meetings live on youtube here!

November Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

November Meeting Schedule

For more information click here!

November Meeting Schedule

You can also watch these meetings live on youtube here!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

These are the events in the area this week!

Additionally, you can find our google calendar that we have created, in case more events appear during the week, here!

Meet Cherokee, a love story waiting to be finished.  Cherokee is hoping someone will choose her. This beautiful Husky/Labrador Retriever mix has come such a long way, from surviving on the streets to learning trust, walking proudly on a leash, and opening her heart to people who show her kindness.

Cherokee is spayed, house-trained, vaccinated, and wonderful with kids and other dogs. She recently melted the hearts of visiting 6th graders and showed just how gentle and affectionate she truly is. Sadly, she also lost her longtime companion, Charlie, to heart failure, and her own heart could really use some healing right now.

At 9years old and 62 lbs, Cherokee is calm, loving, and eager to belong. She wants nothing more than a cozy home, steady companionship, and a family to call her own. She gets along with all dogs! Her journey is already a success story, now she just needs someone to help write the happiest chapter yet. She is loyal, gentle, and ready to love again.

It appears that Chris Burkett, Ramsey Lindsey and Cecelia Irvan will retain their seats on the West Tawakoni City Council, but James “Chemp” Chemplanikal was edged out by Dan Benson for his place after votes were counted Tuesday night.

The unofficial results showed Burkett leading the mayoral race with 217
votes, or 43.14%, followed by Jesse Hill with 154 votes, or 30.62%, and Bill Creed with 132 votes, or 26.24%. A total of 503 votes were cast in the mayoral contest.
In the City Council Place 4 race, Dan Benson led with 197 votes, or 41.04%. Chemplanikal received 159 votes, or 33.13%, and Kathy Wendel received 124 votes, or 25.83%. The contest recorded 480 votes.

Both contests were shown with 100% of precincts reporting, although the figures remain unofficial pending the final canvass. Lindsey ran unopposed for Place 2, as did Irvan for Place 5.

Mayor Burkett thanked residents for making their voices heard in the Nov. 3 election and encouraged the entire community to work together as he outlined a two-year plan to improve” West Tawakoni.

Burkett acknowledged that the numbers could still change and expressed appreciation to everyone who participated. He also encouraged his opponents to remain involved and contribute their ideas and efforts toward making the city a better place. Looking ahead, Burkett described a proposed improvement effort dividing West Tawakoni into eight zones, with attention focused on one zone every three months over the next two years. The effort would address drainage, road repairs, culverts, ditches and street signs as resources allow. Burkett emphasized that road repairs are the immediate goal, explaining that rebuilding roads would require funding the city does not yet have.
Residents can expect more details about the plan, including an announcement of a town hall meeting focused on the first zone. Burkett asked citizens to follow his updates and be prepared to help.

His message centered on shared responsibility: meaningful progress will require residents and city leadership working together, neighborhood by neighborhood, toward a community everyone can be proud to call home.
By Stephannie Barnett

Voters rejected the proposed Hunt County Emergency Services District No. 2 in the Nov. 3 election, according to unofficial results showing all precincts reporting.
The proposition received 3,776 votes against, or 59.74%, and 2,545 votes for, or 40.26%. A total of 6,321 votes were cast, with opposition exceeding support by 1,231 votes. The figures remain subject to the official canvass.
The proposal sought voter approval to create an emergency services district and authorize a property tax of up to 10 cents per $100 of taxable value to support emergency services. The proposed district would have served the South Hunt County, Tawakoni South and West Tawakoni fire districts. By Stephannie Barnett

Creative costumes, welcoming volunteers and community support made Saturday, Oct. 31, a memorable Halloween as families celebrated at West Tawakoni City Park’s Fall Festival and the Tawakoni Fire Department’s Truck or Treat.
Hundreds of children turned out for the festivities, proudly showing off their amazing costumes and bringing Halloween excitement to both locations. The evening offered families a chance to celebrate together while supporting the local vendors and organizations that helped make it possible.
At City Park, the Fall Festival brought residents together to visit vendors and enjoy a community celebration. A heartfelt thank-you goes to the citizens who came out and supported the participating businesses. Their attendance helped recognize the time, preparation and hard work vendors put into being part of the event.
Special appreciation goes to the Park Fan Club for arranging the festival and creating an opportunity for neighbors, families and local vendors to come together. Community events depend on people willing to plan, organize and give their time, and those efforts deserve recognition.
The Halloween celebration continued at the firehouse, where the Tawakoni Fire Department and Tawakoni Fire Department Auxiliary welcomed families for Truck or Treat. Members helped make the station a friendly stop for children eager to share their costumes and collect treats.
Keep West Tawakoni Beautiful, known as KWTB, and the American Legion also joined the festivities at the firehouse, greeting trick-or-treaters and adding to the community welcome.
Thank you to the Park Fan Club, participating vendors, Tawakoni Fire Department, Fire
Department Auxiliary, KWTB, the American Legion and every citizen who came out to support the celebrations. Your contributions helped give local children and their families a Halloween to remember. By Stephannie Barnett

Bringing new businesses to the city and supporting improvements to an existing business were central topics at the West Tawakoni Economic Development Corporation’s Nov. 2 meeting.
Directors unanimously approved moving forward with a Retail Strategies contract and awarded a $9,831.60 renovation grant to the Wagon Wheel Motel.
During a public hearing on the proposed partnership with Retail Strategies and the city, no members of the public spoke in favor of or against the proposal. WTEDC directors reiterated their support, emphasizing the importance of moving quickly so West Tawakoni could be represented at two upcoming conventions attended by the company.
Directors identified Dale’s Burgers, Penny Mart and the Texas Swing building as three properties they believe offer opportunities to attract businesses relatively quickly.
The proposal calls for WTEDC to provide $25,000 for the 2027 contract year, contingent upon the city entering a legal agreement to provide the required $25,000 for 2028. If the city does not continue the contract, the proposal requires it to reimburse WTEDC $25,000 by Jan. 30, 2028. The city would also assume responsibility for regularly confirming that Retail Strategies is
providing the contracted services. Following discussion, directors unanimously approved the Retail Strategies contract.
In a separate action, WTEDC approved a commercial renovation and remodel improvement grant of $9,831.60 for the Wagon Wheel Motel. Directors reviewed receipts documenting more than $90,000 in work completed so far. The motel is also expected to change its name to Lakeview Inn sometime in November.
Directors announced that WTEDC will wait to list its commercial property for rent until the city hires a city administrator and returns to full staffing. Having city staff available would allow them to assist the agent with telephone inquiries and property showings.
The board approved the October meeting minutes, October bank statement, and bills paid and to be paid. Approval of the September and October profit-and-loss statements was tabled pending consultation with its financial adviser.
A request for AMVETS to use the vacant sign area on WTEDC property was also tabled until new commander Bob Roberts can attend a meeting to discuss it.
Directors additionally discussed exploring alternatives to using the city attorney for WTEDC’s legal services. Members expressed interest in finding legal support better suited to the corporation’s needs while reconsidering the reported $6,000 annual cost. They plan to contact other economic development corporations in the area to learn which legal services they use before considering a change. By Stephannie Barnett

Homecoming for Quinlan Ford High School is this week. They will celebrate today (Thursday) the history and traditions that make Quinlan ISD special. The district will host the 2026 QISD Hall of Fame Induction at 9:30 a.m. today, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on the district and its community.

The excitement continues Friday, as Panther Nation gathers for a night of football, alumni recognition, and homecoming traditions. The evening’s schedule includes:

With the stands filled with blue and white, Friday night will be a chance for the community to come together, celebrate its Panther pride, and cheer on Ford High School.

The celebration wraps up Saturday, Nov. 7, with the Ford High School Homecoming Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. in the FHS Commons.

The dance is open to Ford High School students only. Admission is $45 per couple or $25 per person, with cash accepted at the door only. Questions about the homecoming dance can be directed to Lori Barber at [email protected].

A cleaner shoreline and a strong display of community pride were the results of the Oct. 24
Shoreline Cleanup, where volunteers collected approximately 1,060 pieces of litter.
Keep West Tawakoni Beautiful celebrated the effort in a shared community post, thanking
residents who volunteered their time and worked together to make a visible difference along
the shoreline.
Those recognized for their participation included Amanda L., David, Suellen, Ramsey, Royce,
Leslie, Lana, Sandra, Lisa, Xavier, Donna, Amanda B., Bettye, LaRae, Kevin, Faron, Troy, Kim and
Baylee.
Each piece of litter collected represented another step toward a cleaner community.

The Lake Tawakoni Regional Chamber of Commerce is welcoming new members, celebrating local businesses and preparing to recognize community volunteers during a busy November.
The 2026 iHeart Volunteer & Community Awards will take place Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at Quinlan Ford High School, honoring volunteers, nonprofit organizations and community members whose service makes a difference throughout the area.
The registration deadline is Nov. 6. Chamber leaders encourage advance reservations because seating is limited and walk-in admission may not be available. Individual seats are listed at $25, with a table for 12 priced at $225. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Questions
about seating and sponsorships may be directed to Dena Sweeney at
[email protected].

Chamber Board President Jennifer Robinson expressed appreciation for the members,
directors, ambassadors and staff who support the organization’s work. Reflecting on the recent annual Casino Night, Robinson thanked participants for embracing the 1980s theme and recognized Executive Directors Tammie Anthony and Dena Sweeney for their work organizing the event. She also thanked the ambassadors who helped with setup.
Another November highlight is the Stacy Earls Poker Series finale on Nov. 12 at Ranchero’s Mexican Grill. In-person registration opens at 6 p.m., and the Texas Hold’em game begins at 7 p.m., a revised start time.
First place will receive a $500 Visa gift card, while second place will receive a $100 Ranchero’s Mexican Grill gift card. Players who register and pay in advance will be entered into a drawing for a free re-buy valued at $50. Returning series players can receive an additional $5,000 in
chips, as can players who order an entrée from Ranchero’s after 5 p.m. The 2026 series winner will receive a trophy at the end of the evening.
The chamber also celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Quinlan Florist and Gifts, congratulating Hope on the business milestone. Meraki Beauty Collective received a welcome as well, with services including lashes, brows, facials, skincare, waxing, spray tanning and nails.
New chamber members include the West Tawakoni Park Fan Club, Cecilia Irvan, James Steele, Dream Entertainment Labs and J-Mix DJ Services.
The chamber recognized the Park Fan Club’s volunteer efforts to care for and beautify West
Tawakoni City Park. Dream Entertainment Labs, based in Quinlan, is developing a family-friendly entertainment destination, with additional details still to come.
Looking ahead, the chamber is seeking businesses interested in hosting Business Before or After Hours gatherings and is beginning to schedule monthly luncheon hosts for 2027. Members are also encouraged to use their active member portals to update business information, submit
events and manage payment details.
As the holiday season approaches, the chamber’s November message emphasizes gratitude for the businesses, volunteers and community.

Quinlan ISD’s annual Veteran’s Day event is becoming quite the tradition. Starting at 9:30 am Wednesday, Nov. 11, all area veterans and their guests are invited to take part in the observance, which is in the Ford High School auditorium. Veterans are asked to come early to get checked in through security. Bring photo ID.

Lunch will be served following the program. QISD also extends an invitation to Gold Star family members to join in the event. RSVP for lunch for veterans and their spouses at tinyurl.com/bd96cckc or call 903-356-2020.

The QISD Veteran lawn display at Ford High School is growing each year. If a veteran wishes to have his or her picture on display, email a picture of the veteran in uniform with name, rank, branch and years of service to [email protected].

The Boles FFA chapter is gearing up for its annual auction this Saturday, inviting the community to come out, enjoy a great meal, and support the hard work and dedication of its FFA students.The evening will kick off with dinner at 4 pm, followed by the annual auction at 5 pm. This event is a great opportunity for the community to show its support for Boles FFA and the students who work hard throughout the year.

Christmas Sip & Shop Set for Nov. 14 in Lone Oak

The Christmas Sip & Shop will take place Nov. 14 from 3 to 7 p.m. inside the Civic Center at 115 Town Square in Lone Oak.
Admission is free. The event invites visitors to find gifts, goodies and enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping and fun.
By Stephannie Barnett

Music fans, get ready to put your knowledge to the test! VFW Post 2559 has announced the return of Music Trivia, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m.
Gather your friends and brush up on your favorite songs for an evening of musical challenges and friendly competition. By Stephannie Barnett

“Shop it Like it’s Hot” will be held Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chamber building in West Tawakoni. Vendor registration is open through Nov. 6. Indoor spaces cost $25 for members, including electricity, and $50 for nonmembers, with an additional $10 for electricity. Each indoor space includes one table and two chairs, with Wi-Fi available. Outdoor spaces are free for members and $25 for nonmembers. Three food truck spaces are availableat $50 each; generators are required for food trucks. Registration fees must be paid when registering. For questions, email [email protected].
By Stephannie Barnett

The talented students in Quinlan ISD’s Visual Arts program have brought this year’s Homecoming circus theme to life with a creative twist. They transformed familiar faces from campus administration and faculty into their very own circus characters through artwork, especially for Homecoming 2026.

Check out the talented artists and their creations:

These students deserve a standing ovation for the imagination, creativity, and artistic talent they brought to this year’s Homecoming celebration!

Congratulations to these young artists for showing off their Panther pride and reminding us that there is plenty of talent under the big top at FHS! 

Live music, a Thanksgiving dinner and weekly activities fill the November calendar at American Legion Post 517, located at 236 TX 276 in West Tawakoni.
Danny Reichle will perform Friday, Nov. 13, from 8 to 11 p.m., with the kitchen open. He returns Saturday, Nov. 21, for live music from 8 p.m.–midnight. The Nov. 21 event also features Steak Night, with a steak, potato, salad, roll and dessert available for $22 per plate.
The post’s Thanksgiving dinner is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, from noon to 3 p.m., offering an opportunity to gather and enjoy the holiday season together.
Weekly offerings include an $8 home-cooked lunch special on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
Pool players can enjoy free pool on Thursdays from opening until 5 p.m., Saturdays all day and Sundays from 5 p.m. until closing. Friday pool tournaments begin at 7 p.m. with a $10 buy-in.A 50/50 raffle drawing takes place every Saturday night in support of the American Legion Auxiliary. By Stephannie Barnett

^{By Jessica Castilleja}

The Quinlan Ford Panthers are gearing up for the postseason! Despite a couple of tough district matchups, the Panthers have officially secured their spot in the playoffs and currently sit 3rd in district standings with a 2-2 record.

Last Friday, the Panthers traveled to Farmersville for a challenging road matchup, falling to the Farmersville Farmers, 59-20. Although the outcome wasn’t what the Panthers had hoped for, several players turned in notable performances on the field.

Leading the way offensively, Devon Williams put together an impressive night on the ground, rushing for 103 yards on 16 carries while also adding 35 receiving yards. De’Marques Locks connected on 1 of 3 passing attempts for 35 yards, contributing to the Panthers’ offensive effort.

Quinlan Ford got off to a strong start in district play, opening with back-to-back victories to establish a 2-0 record. However, the Panthers have faced some adversity over the last two weeks, dropping their most recent district contests. Now, the focus shifts to finishing strong and building momentum heading into the playoffs.

The Panthers will close out district play this Friday night at home as they welcome North Lamar. With a postseason berth already secured, this final district matchup gives Quinlan Ford an opportunity to regroup, compete hard, and head into playoff season with confidence.

The Lone Oak Buffaloes are playoff-bound! As the regular season enters its final week, the Buffaloes have officially secured their spot in the postseason and currently sit 3rd in district standings with a 3-2 record.

Last Friday, Lone Oak traveled to Quitman for a tough district matchup, but the Buffaloes came up short, falling to the Bulldogs 27-13. Despite the setback, several Buffaloes made their presence felt on the field.

Leading the offensive effort was Colt Bowman, who completed 8 of 13 passes for 72 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Bowman also made an impact on the ground, rushing for 46 yards on 11 carries and adding another touchdown to his night.

Nolan Graham contributed to the Buffaloes’ scoring effort as well, recording 35 receiving yards and finding the end zone for a touchdown.

With a 3-2 district record, the Buffaloes have battled their way into the postseason picture and now have one final district game standing between them and the start of playoff football.

This Friday night, Lone Oak will return home to face the Edgewood Bulldogs in the final district game of the season. The matchup will also be a special night as the Buffaloes celebrate Senior Night, honoring the senior players who have dedicated their time, hard work, and commitment to the Lone Oak football program.

The Boles Hornets are officially playoff-bound! Despite a tough loss last Friday night, the Hornets have secured their spot in the postseason and are preparing for one final district showdown before the playoff excitement begins.

Currently sitting in 4th place in district standings with a 2-2 record, the Hornets have battled through a competitive district schedule and earned their opportunity to continue their season beyond the regular season.

Last Friday, Boles welcomed Collinsville to their home turf for a challenging district matchup. The Hornets faced a tough Collinsville squad and ultimately fell 51-6. While the scoreboard wasn’t in their favor, the Hornets continued to battle against a strong opponent.

With the loss behind them, Boles is turning its attention to the final district game of the season. This Friday, the Hornets will hit the road to take on Era in a matchup that offers one last opportunity to build momentum before postseason play begins.

Although their playoff spot is already locked in, the Hornets still have plenty to play for. A strong finish against Era would provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare to face the challenges that come with playoff football.

For the Hornets, the journey doesn’t end when the regular season clock runs out. They’ve earned the chance to keep fighting, and now the focus shifts toward making the most of their postseason opportunity.

The wait is over! The Quinlan Ford Lady Panthers basketball season is officially underway, and the girls are already getting valuable court time as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Lady Panthers traveled across the lake to Lone Oak, where they participated in a scrimmage alongside the Lone Oak Lady Buffaloes and Tom Bean. The preseason matchup provided an opportunity for the team to work through rotations, build chemistry, sharpen their skills, and get ready for the competition ahead.

With a schedule change, the Lady Panthers will now return home this Friday to take on the Terrell Lady Tigers. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m., giving Panther fans an opportunity to come out and show their support.

Basketball season is officially here, and the Boles Lady Hornets are ready to hit the hardwood! After months of preparation and hard work, the Lady Hornets are gearing up for an exciting new season, and fans won’t have to wait long to see them in action.

The season gets underway this Saturday at home against Campbell, as Boles looks to start the year on a strong note in front of its home crowd.

The action continues Tuesday when the Lady Hornets return to their home court to take on Harts Bluff. With two home matchups to open the season, it’s a great opportunity for Hornet fans to come out and show their support.

Basketball season is officially underway for the Lone Oak Lady Buffaloes! The girls have been hitting the court and preparing for the season, getting valuable experience and working to build chemistry as they gear up for another exciting year of Lady Buffalo basketball.

Lone Oak opened its preseason schedule last Saturday with a scrimmage against Blue Ridge before returning to the court Tuesday for another scrimmage against Tom Bean. These early matchups have given the team an opportunity to fine-tune their game, work through rotations, and prepare for the competition ahead.

Now, the wait is over! This Friday, the Lady Buffaloes will officially kick off their pre-district season as they welcome Terrell to Lone Oak for their first regular-season matchup.

Basketball season is getting underway, and the Quinlan Ford Panthers boys basketball team is ready to hit the court! The Panthers will have two opportunities this week to prepare for the upcoming season as they continue building chemistry, sharpening their skills, and getting game-ready.

The Panthers will travel to Greenville this Saturday for their first scrimmage, followed by another matchup on Tuesday in Everman.

These scrimmages will give the team valuable time on the court as they work toward a strong start to the 2026-27 season. Panther fans, basketball season is here! Let’s show these young men some support as they get ready to represent Quinlan Ford!

Panther Martial Arts got their tournament season off to an impressive start, hosting competitors right here in Quinlan for the Lone Star Martial Arts Fall Brawl. The Panthers stepped onto the competition floor ready to represent, bringing home an outstanding 15+ medals while facing off against talented martial artists from across the region!

Each athlete demonstrated determination, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Their performances were a reflection of the dedication, preparation, and hard work they’ve put in along the way. Congratulations to all the competitors on a job well done!

The excitement continues as Panther Martial Arts prepares for its next big event. The Quinlan Panther Martial Arts Karate Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 6, 2027, at the Thompson Middle School Gym.

Interested in becoming part of the team? Panther Martial Arts is offered FREE to all Quinlan ISD students in grades 1–12, providing students with an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop valuable skills through martial arts.

It was a successful Saturday on the road for the QSA Youth Football teams as they traveled to Kaufman for another exciting week of youth football action!

All three teams took the field and represented Quinlan with determination and hard work. The K/1st/2nd grade team came away with a hard-fought 6-0 victory, while the 3rd/4th grade team battled to a scoreless 0-0 tie. The 5th/6th grade team also brought home a win, shutting out their opponent 14-0!

With two victories and a tie, the QSA athletes had plenty to celebrate after a great day on the road!

This Saturday, the teams return home to take on Wills Point. Along with another exciting day of football, the organization will also be holding voting for its new board members during the games.

Businesses Seeking Employees or Local Community Members

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: B) Eiffel Tower