Coming soon to the Chapel Hill Red Store!!

There will be 100 of these hats available starting April 1st!! Black front/Charcoal back (50), Charcoal front/Black back (25), Charcoal front/Red back (25). They are snapback and the CH is embroidery. They will be $15 and you can get one at the store while supplies last! Red Store is located in the cafeteria from 10:30-1:00 on most Fridays.

Ag mechanics students show in Houston

The MPHS Ag Mechanics program had a GREAT showing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last weekend! Multiple Blue Ribbons! We are very proud of our students!

* Bruce Pena, Blake Porter, Kyle Reynolds-Blue Ribbon Trailer and 6th in Class
* Tayler Phillips, Shelby Young-Blue Ribbon Lamb & Goat Stand and 5th in Class
* Karlee Newman-Blue Ribbon Lamb & Goat Feeder
* Jakob Hill, Alex Castro-Blue Ribbon Hay Spear
* Kenlee Taylor, Destine Sanches-Blue Ribbon Covered Mineral Feeder
* Ryan Phillips, Travis Richie, Jessica Williams-Blue Ribbon 10 foot Utility Trailer
* Jessica Williams, Ryan Phillips-Chicken Show Participants

Mount Pleasant for Real Memory Lane March 31, 2016

Again, we don't know what is going on in this photo, although it looks like a civic organization is making a presentation to a high school student.

MPPD Police Officer Testing Coming Soon

Mount Pleasant Police Department Police Officer testing is coming soon. The department is preparing to test for police officer. Applications are now being accepted. Salaries start at $40,345 with benefits. Go to www.mpcity.net/police/employment for more details

Eat Local Campaign returns

The Eat Local Campaign is back and running at Chamber of Commerce Member restaurants from April 1-29 in Mount Pleasant!

Every time you eat out between April 1-29, you get a chance to win a 48" Sony Bravia TV! Eat out on Tuesdays and get a chance to win gift cards to local restaurants in Wednesday's drawing!
Check in on Facebook at participating restaurants, post pictures of your meal and use the hashtags: ‪#‎EverythingTexas‬ ‪#‎MtPleasantTx‬ and ‪#‎EatLocalMP‬. They will be giving out a prize to someone who uses those hashtags during the month!

Participating Restaurants:
Shell - Alma Mart/Milano Pizza
Applebee's | Mt. Pleasant
Apples For The Teacher
Arby's
Backroad Bar & Grill
Blalock's BBQ
Braums Ice Cream & Dairy Strs
Chili's Grill & Bar
Church's Chicken
Don Juan's
El Chico Mt Pleasant
Heav'nly Foods
Herschel's Restaurant - Mount Pleasant, TX
IHOP
Jo's - Downtown
Kountry Korner/Fat Man Burgers & Tacos
La Carreta Mount Pleasant
Laura's Cheesecake & Bakery
Little Caesars
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards - Pittsburg, TX
Luigi's Italian Cafe
McDonald's
Mt Pleasant Burgers & Fries
Mount Pleasant Country Club
Outlaws BBQ
Pearl's Kitchen
Pizza Hut
Randy's Burgers
Restaurante El Maná
Round Eye Sushi Guy
Sonic (North Jefferson Location Only)
Super Bueno
Taco Bell
Taqueria Daysi's
Thai Lanna
The Bake Shop
Two Senoritas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Vaughan's Catfish Restaurant On Lake Bob Sandlin
Whataburger

Mount Pleasant Police Department Promotions

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Wayne Isbell (right) and Assistant Chief Kyle Holcomb (left) issued the following promotions Wednesday to Lt. John Beasley, Sergeant Chris Bruton and Sergeant Jarrett Mitchell.

Each officer was pinned with their new title and badge by family members from the audience during the ceremony.

Congratulations to each on their new title and responsibilities and for their outstanding leadership within the department and our community.

Tornado Watch in effect

Titus County is under a Tornado Watch until 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

Student thrift store needs donations

The Mount Pleasant ISD Thrift Store is in need of donations!

This store is teaching students valuable job skills and helping those in need at the same time, so please bring your donated items to 405 North Miller St Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

For more information you may contact 903-575-2000 (extension 6522).

Inmates clean up roadside

On Tuesday March 29, Titus County Sheriff Tim Ingram assigned the inmate road crew to clean up CR 4030. The crew picked up 20 large bags of trash, and numerous other debris in just under one mile.

Wednesday, the crew was assigned to clean CR 3375. The crew picked up six large bags of trash and other debris in just 2/10th of a mile. The crew canceled further cleaning due to weather.

Weather permitting, the crew will be back out this week to clean more roads.

FFA Plant Sale is Saturday

The Mount Pleasant FFA plant sale is being held this Saturday from 9-1 at the Mount Pleasant High School greenhouse! Baskets are $8 dollars each or five for $35. Please come out and support our FFA chapter!!

MP Police Arrest Two Burglars on Separate Incidents

On Synday, March 27th, Mount Pleasant Police arrested 38-year old Damon Jones of Mount Pleasant for Burglary of a Vehicle in the 700 Block of E. 16th St. Officers responded to a suspicious persons call and found Jones stealing items from a vehicle at 2 a.m.. Jones was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance which was found on his person during the arrest.

On Tuesday, March 29th, officers arrested 40-year old Rickie Nathaniel Sampson of Mount Pleasant. Sampson was charged with two separate counts of Burglary of a Building and one count of Burglary of a Vehicle. The offenses occurred in the 200 and 300 blocks of E. Arkansas Ln. Sampson was found to be in possession of numerous stolen items and detectives are working with victims to return their property.

Both suspects are currently housed in the Titus County Jail.

National Weather Service report as of 9:38 this morning

Showers and possible thunderstorms will be possible across much of the area. Movement is to the north...northeast. Expect development to increase in coverage throughout the day...with severe weather possible across the area...including hail...strong winds...and even isolated tornadoes

Mount Pleasant for Real Memory Lane March 30, 2016

Well, this photo shows when graduating seniors toss their mortarboards in the air at the end of the annual commencement ceremony. Again, probably from the early 1980s.

Hot Night Cool Music returns on April 8

Mount Pleasant's downtown outdoors music event Hot Night Cool Music returns for this year on April 8.

Easter Care packages

The Easter Care packages mailed by Ministering Our Military (MOM) from Mount Pleasant overseas to our soldiers arrived safe and sound.

Sweet girl for a forever home

Beautiful Jayda is now on the URGENT list because she has been at the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter for weeks looking for a forever home. She needs shares and someone to come and ADOPT her ASAP.

We really don't understand why she has been overlooked by adopters. She is a very sweet and loving dog and as you can see from her picture, she is beautiful. Please come meet her. We know there is a special place in someone's heart out there for her.

Jayda is a female Pit Mix. She is two years old and weighs 44 pounds. Her ID number is A30708927. The shelter is locate at the corner of Mulberry and 15th Streets, telephone number 903-575-4174.

Mount Pleasant for Real Memory Lane March 29, 2016

We don't know who is in this photo, or what is going on, although it probably has something to do with vocational education. If anyone knows something, call us at 903-257-6573.

Vietnam Veterans' Day observance

The annual Titus County observance of Vietnam Veterans' Day was held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the north entrance of the courthouse downtown. Veteran Service Officer Steve Austin conducted the ceremony.

State Rep. candidate Cole Hefner (left) visits with Martha Marshall Austin and Steve Austin.

Bobby Joe Spearman, Mike Fields and Cole Hefner visits before the ceremony Tuesday.

Mount Pleasant for Real Memory Lane March 28, 2016

Another entry from the photo archives. Anyone know who this contemporary of John McEnroe is?

Hello, Entrepreneurs!

The Mount Pleasant Texas Chamber of Commerce is launching its annual Everything Texas FRESH Farmer's Market on June 7. It will run for six weeks.

They are looking for artisans and craftsmen to participate in the market so that we have a great variety of products to offer, in addition to wonderful local produce.

If you make any sort of product by hand and are interested in participating, please email Kiara at the Chamber: knunez@mtpleasanttx.com. They will be accepting applications starting this week. Space is limited!

Seven Day Adventist Food Drive

Titus County Cares thanks Jeanne Hair, Treasurer for the Mt. Pleasant Seventh Day Adventist Church, who headed up a two-day food drive for Titus County Cares Food Pantry.

Many cases of canned goods, peanut butter and many other dry goods were gathered and brought to distribute to our neighbors in need.

Pet of the Week

Reeses is the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter Pet of the Week. She is a two-month old Chihuahua Mix and weighs 5.3 lbs. Her ID number is A31172764. The animal shelter is located at 15th and Mulberry Streets. Call 903-575-4174 for more information.

Colorguard meeting planned for April 5

Anyone interested in auditioning for the Mount Pleasant High School Colorguard, please attend a parent/student orientation meeting Tuesday, April 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the MPHS Cafeteria.

Sunrise Service

This photo was taken at the end of the Easter sunrise service held by the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant at the Greenhill Presbyterian Church. The sun slowly rose throughout the service.

The First Presbyterian Church of Mount Pleasant held its annual Easter sunrise service at the Greenhill Presbyterian Church Sunday morning.

Library garden open to the public

The garden at the Mount Pleasant Public Library is open and ready for visitors. Just remember that kids under the age of 10 must have an adult with them while in the garden.

Cowboy needs a home!

Cowboy is a little fellow just came into the shelter and would like to get a home quickly. He would like to have a quiet home, maybe with older kids. Please come meet him at the shelter and give Cowboy a home with you.

Cowboy is a two-year old male Dachshund/Terrier Mix who weighs 23.5 lbs. His ID number is A31167008. He is available for adoption 3/31/2016 at 10 a.m. and available for rescue 04/01/2016 at 10 a.m.

The Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter is located at the corner of 15 and Mulberry Streets; call 903-575-4174 for more information.

Fair announces headliner

The Titus County Fair is pleased to announce that Bri Bagwell will be at this year's fair on Thursday Sept 29th. Check out her webiste and popular videos at http://www.coloredlion.com/BB/ .

Opening for Bri will be "3 Fools on 3 Stools" with a production that showcases this dynamic trio’s musical genius, charismatic charm and quick-wit personalities in an outstanding performance…that is sure to get you standing on your feet!
Check them out at http://3fools.net/

More announcements to come soon!

Foster pups need chow

Please help! Titus County Shelter Friends has lots of puppies in foster care and they are low on dry puppy food.

If you can help, please drop off your donations at the shelter. The foster homes and the puppies thank you so much.

Mount Pleasant Memory Lane March 25, 2016

Mount Pleasant for Real has in its possession hundreds of black and white photos from many decades of local journalism. As a fun community service, we are going to publish one each day. We ask for your help in identifying them.

We start with this one, which shows (we believe) Mayor Jerry Boatner signing adocument with two young men. If you know anything about the subject of the photo, or who the boys are, email us at chpaper@juno.com

If you are one of the persons in the photograph, we will give it to you!

Good Friday holiday

March 25 is Good Friday, all local schools are closed.

Students visit

Ms Robison brought another group of 4th graders from Chapel Hill by the Titus County Cares facility Thursday morning. They love having young people come learn about how they can help their neighbors in need!

So long, Billy

Billy Hobbs (center) with the Titus County Cares staff

Titus County Cares said "See ya later" to Billy Hobbs Thursday. He has been meeting with the TCC Good Samaritan clients as well as helping each week with the set up of Food4kids for almost two years now.

He has been a HUGE blessing to those of us who work with him, but also to those clients who have needed help with rent and utilities. He will be missed!!!!

Commissioners next meet on Monday

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE COMMISSIONERS’ COURT OF TITUS COUNTY, TEXAS

Phone numbers for members of the Commissioners’ Court of Titus County, Texas
Brian Lee, County Judge – 903-466-6666
Al Riddle, Pct. 1 – 903-717-1462 Mike Fields, Pct. 2 – 903-563-9292
Phillip Hinton, Pct. 3 – 903-563-9153 Jimmy Parker, Pct. 4 – 903-573-6202


Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting of the Commissioners’ Court of Titus County, Texas, will be held on the 28th day of March, 2016 at 9:00 o’clock a.m., in the Titus County Courthouse, County Courtroom, 100 West First Street, Room 205, Mt. Pleasant, Texas 75455, at which time the following subjects will be discussed not necessarily in the order presented:

INVOCATION
-----
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

1. Public Comments and/or Requests for Information on Non-Agenda Items in Accordance With Section 551.042, Texas Open Meetings Act

2. Consider and Possibly Approve Minutes from March 14, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Commissioners’ Court

3. Presentation by Texas Association of Counties, Thomas Kerss, on the Risk Control Reimbursement Program (RCRP) Reimbursement Grant Opportunity

4. Consider and Possibly Renew Copier Lease with TLC Office Systems

5. Consider and Possibly Approve Cleaning Out the Blockage Causing Flooding on CR 4210 With the Permission of the Land Owner.  (Commissioner Fields)

6. Open, Review and Possibly Award for Bids for Debris Removal

7. Discuss and Possibly Take Action on Required Filings With Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Related to Debris Removal

8. Consider and Possibly Approve Request to Replace Local Area Network (LAN) Room 1.5 Ton Air Conditioner With a New 1.5 Ton Air Conditioner at the 303 E. 11th Street Building, to be Managed and Paid for by Tenant, Health and Human Services

9. Consider and Possibly Approve Repairs to the Senior Meal Center on Edwards Street

10. Consider and Possibly Submit a Local Transportation Project to NET RMA for Possible Funding (Tabled 3-14-16)

11. Update From Fire Commission Committee on Consultant’s Study

12. Update From Judge Lee Regarding I-30 Corridor Study

13. Consider and Possibly Approve Travel and Seminars for Titus County Employees and Elected Officials

14. Approve Oral and Written Reports of County Officials

15. Consider and Possibly Approve Treasurer’s Report

16. Approve Budget Amendments

17. Sign Pay Orders and Approve Payments

18. Closing Comments by County Judge and Commissioners, if any

ADJOURN

Commissioners’ Court of Titus County, Texas


______________________________________
County Judge

I, the undersigned County Clerk, do hereby certify that the above Notice of Meeting of the Commissioners’ Court of Titus County, Texas, is a true and correct copy of said Notice, and that I posted a true and correct copy of said Notice on the bulletin board and doors of the Titus County Courthouse and Annex, places readily accessible to the general public at all times, on the 24th day of March, 2016, and remained so posted for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting.


______________________________________
County Clerk / Deputy County Clerk

DawgFest Rally fundraiser

Tickets are available now for this trailer being raffled off as part of the Robert Arellano Dawg Fest Rally. One ticket for $5, five tickets for $20.

The motorcycle trailer is donated by Tiger Trailers. If you are not able to attend the event in October you can email dawgfest.rally@gmail.com and one of the staff members can coordinate with you.

Tickets are available for purchase at website as well: http://dawgfestrally.com/

The raffle drawing to take place Saturday, Oct. 15th at the 5th Annual Robert Arellano Dawg Fest Rally in downtown Mount Pleasant.

Thank you, Mrs. Fielder and students!

Mrs. Caren Fielder with the Chapel Hill ISD stopped by the Titus County Cares office Thursday morning with this group of 4th graders from her Awesome Lab. They brought two huge trash bags of grocery sacks for our Food Pantry!

Super Hero 5k Fun Run planned

The SAFE-T Crisis Center presents its third annual Super Hero 5k Fun Run Saturday, April 16, at the Heritage Park Pavilion 1713 N. Edwards St, from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Registration is Adults $20, ages 17 and over fifty-five $15, ten and under – free.

There is one free youth registration with every adult registration. Registration starts on the day of the even at 7:30 a.m. T-shirts are not guaranteed if registered after March 24th.

Activities will include face and hair painting, balloons, and tattoos for children.

To register, call or come by the SAFE-T office (204 Patrick St.) or call 903- 572-0973 A registration form located on the SAFE-T Crisis Center Facebook page

Titus County Reads

Holly Eddy - one of approximately 100 volunteers with Titus County Reads who reads with 1st graders on elementary campuses each week - was  reading with her 1st grade reading buddy at Fowler Elementary Wednesday morning.

Titus County Reads is one group under the umbrella of Titus County Cares. If you would like to volunteer for Titus County Reads, you can call TCC at 903-575-9157 to get started. There's a background check done by the school district and then you set up a time with your particular elementary school. Readers read with the same child once a week for 30 minutes.

MPHS student is PSAT top scorer

Barboza and Junior class counselor Todd Burns.

Mount Pleasant High School Junior Carlos Barboza has scored in the top 2.5% on the PSAT among all Hispanic and Latino test takers in this region. Overall his score is in the 96th percentile, meaning he scored as well or better than 96% of all juniors in the nation who took the PSAT.

Barboza, the son of Juan Barboza and Rosa Rojas, is ranked 5th out of 330 students in the MPHS Junior Class. He is an active participant on the Academic UIL Math team.

MPHS has eight Juniors who scored in the 90th percentile or better on the test.

Governor appoints Chamber CEO Stedman to Sulphur River Basin Authority

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bret McCoy of Omaha, Mike Sandefur of Texarakana and Katie Stedman of Mount Pleasant to the Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors for terms to expire on February 1, 2021.

The Board has the responsibility to construct, maintain, and operate inside the state and in the watershed of the Sulphur River and its tributaries inside or outside the boundaries of the authority any works considered essential to the operation of the authority and for its administration in controlling, storing, preserving, and distributing the water of the Sulphur River and its tributary streams, including the storm water and floodwater.

Stedman

Katie Stedman of Mount Pleasant is president and CEO of the Mount Pleasant/Titus County Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Lions Club of Mount Pleasant and the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant.

Stedman received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She took over as head of the Chamber staff on August 31, 2015, replacing Faustine Curry. She came from Houston, where she was the director of operations at Prepared 4 Life, a group that prepares youth for life through fun, proactive and experiential programs infused with life skills, character education, and entrepreneurship. It provides children with the opportunity to learn how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace.

Bret McCoy of Omaha is a financial advisor who works in the financial services business. He is a board member of the Morris County Farm Bureau and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church Parish Council and director of Sacred Heart Men’s ACTS.

McCoy received a Bachelor of Science in Ag Development from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Science in Agriculture from Texas A&M University, Commerce. He is a former member and Chairman of the Region D Regional Water Planning Group, which he left because of term limits.

Mike Sandefur of Texarkana is owner, co-owner, president, manager and/or CEO of various real estate and other entities including Sandefur Properties LP, MCM Timber LP, Barkman Creek Land Company, and Advanced Lumberworks LLC.

He is board member for Texarkana College Foundation and president and founder of Bowie Landowners Protection Association. Previously, he served president of the Board of Trustees for Texarkana College. Sandefur received a Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Business and Public Management and a Masters of Accounting from Rice University.

The three replace Brad Drake, Kevin Neeley and Borden Bell as members of the SRBA board.

Eat Local Campaign kicks off April 1

The Chamber of Commerce annual Eat Local Campaign kicks off April 1st! Eat out every day in April for a chance to win a 48" Sony Bravia TV. Eat out on Tuesdays during April and be eligible to win gift cards to local restaurants!

Drop your receipt with your name and phone number, and your server's name on the back into the boxes found at each restaurant. Weekly winners will be announced every Wednesday, and the grand prize winner will be announced April 29th!

Eat Local is brought to you by Pic-N-Pay and sponsored by: Brookshire's, H&R Distributors and Hamilton Jewelers.

Participating restaurants will be announced next week. Stay tuned!

MPHS Fishing Team Thanks Sponsors

The Mount Pleasant High School Bass Fishing Team hosted Lake Fork Professional Fishing Guide Jay Kendrick at a recent team meeting.

Kendrick, a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University and a member of SFA’s fishing team, talked about his college career, his work as a fishing guide and the possibilities available to attend college as a member of a fishing team.

The team also thanked the many businesses that have supported the team during its first year.

“We want to thank the many local and fishing industry businesses who have supported us during our inaugural year,” said Team Director Tony Townsend. “The team would not be doing as well as we are without their support. Our sponsors include American National Bank, Big Tex Trailers, Condors Trailers, Elliott Auto Group, First Federal Community Bank, I-30 Bait and Tackle, International Sulphur, Jackson Oil Company, Lake Fork Lures, LMP Concrete, MK Pallet Company, MPISD, Newly Wed Foods, Pelican Coolers, Priefert Manufacturing, Rockwell Trailer Parts, Santone Lures, Sign Express, Super One Foods and The Original Rod Sox Company.”

Kendrick is only one of the special guests the team has heard from this year. Kimberly Holiday from the Ladies Bass Angler Association spoke about the increasing participation of women in the sport. Freshwater Fisheries biologist Steve Alexander discussed the important role fishermen play in conservation.

MPHS Graduate Steve Graf, currently host of the “Hook'n Up and Track’n Down” radio program, talked about his career as a professional fisherman.

The MPHS Bass Fishing Team will host the Texas High School Bass Association Tournament Saturday, April 16, at Lake Bob Sandlin. Weigh-in will be at 3 p.m.

“The MPHS team is doing great competing against other schools,” said MPISD Director of Student Services Brian McAdams. “Last month MPHS had 159 2-man teams compete. We had the overall big bass for the tour and several of our teams have done well in the overall weight for five fish. We should have several teams advance to Regional competition.”

If you are interested in sponsoring the team or serving as a boat captain for competitions, contact Brian McAdams at 903-575-2000.

Report illegal dumping

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, Sheriff Tim Ingram assigned the jail inmate road crew to clean CR 2300. In those two days the inmates picked up 46 large bags of trash and a large number of other debris, in about two miles.

Please report illegal dumping to the Sheriff's Office at 903-572-6641. If possible give a description of the person or vehicle used in the illegal dumping.

Business of the Year

The entire staff at Herschel'd restaurant are wearing special Chamber of Commerce "Everything Texas" t-shirts to celebrate the restaurant being named Business of the Year

Cookville VFD has fundraiser

The Cookville Volunteer Fire Department had a fundraiser Saturday. Here is auctioneer Brett Thomas in action.

Distinguished guests included John McCollum (left) who along with wife Lillian were among the first families to put up seed money to start the VFD in 1990. He was joined by Commissioner Al Riddle and his wife Lisa.

Original "Air Force One" stops over in Mount Pleasant

Columbine II, the original Air Force One, landed Monday afternoon at the Mount Pleasant Regional Airport, thanks to the Mid America Flight Museum and Scott Glover. The city turned out in force to watch this historic plane touch down

Congratulations to MPHS Soccer Boys

The Mount Pleasant High School Soccer Boys will play their first game of the playoffs Thursday, March 24th, Lobo Stadium at 7:00 vs John Tyler. Admission prices will be $5.00 adults and $3.00 students.

A fan bus will be going. The cost to ride the fan bus will be $3.00.

You can sign up for the fan bus and get more information in the principal’s office.