How will history judge 2023?

If 2022 was the year of returning to mostly normal, 2023 was the year that the worldwide pandemic largely gravitated into its place in history.

Gone were curtailed or canceled events, major outbreaks of COVID 19 or any hint that there had ever been an event that virtually shut down the country, killing thousands.

Indeed, community events across the county and beyond resonated with increased participation.

Streets filled with festival goers while stadiums and gyms once again became community hubs.

The theme of community could be seen in so many ways, no more so than Mineola’s celebration of its 150th anniversary as a city.

The year started by marking new beginnings and endings.

January

A Mineola man, Justin Fitzgerald, 30, fleeing from police east of Mineola ran into Hwy. 80 and was struck and killed.

Kevin White was sworn in as the new Wood County judge. Other new officeholders are Jody Hettich, Precinct 4 justice of the peace, District Clerk Suzy Wright and County Treasurer Daphne Carter.

Heroes Ranch allowed supporters a chance to leave messages sealed in the walls of new construction at the site.

Dr. Beverly Waddleton of Quitman concluded her 40-year medical career, retiring in her home town.

Alba-Golden school board approved a plan to shift to a four-day school week beginning in the fall, with Fridays to be days off for students.

The city of Mineola kicked off its sesquicentennial year with stock certificates available for $150 to the first 150 buyers, which include special privileges throughout the year.

The retirements of Mineola school principals Kendall Gould and Mike Sorenson were announced, effective at the end of the school year.

Six Mineola High School students made the all-state band, Riley Woodward, Ali Jordan, Ali Gonzales, Maddie Tucker, Anthony Le-Phan and Emily Miller.

District Judge Brad McCampbell ordered the return from Israel of two young Hawkins girls who were previously ordered to be awarded to their father, a former Israeli diplomat.

Brittany Besonett had her first book, a novel, “The Locket,” published.

A traffic stop and search warrant yielded two methamphetamine busts and the arrests of George Reschke, Paula Box and Falon Honea in the Yantis area.

The Mineola City Council approved a plat for the Park Central subdivision south of Tractor Supply to hold 83 homes.

A Mineola police officer, Tucker George, involved in a fatal shooting of a suspect on the courthouse square in Quitman following a chase from Walmart returned to active duty.

Howard Petra of Mineola was killed in a traffic crash at U.S. Hwy. 80 west and FM 1253.

February

The Wood County Economic Development Commission introduced a new travel guide for distribution throughout the region.

Mineola planned events throughout the year in celebration of its 150th anniversary of incorporation.

A midweek ice storm curtailed events around the county.

Construction began for a train depot for the Iron Horse Square mini-train in Mineola.

The county elections commission called a closed session for a review of the elections administrator.

The pavilion in Quitman’s Jim Hogg city park was set for demolition after efforts to save it proved futile.

Native James Attaway was named new city administrator for Quitman.

The wreck of an Alba-Golden school bus en route to a UIL competition resulted in no serious injuries to the students.

The county elections board took no action, leaving Laura Wise as the elections administrator.

A federal grand jury added a second charge against Prec. 2 Constable Kelly Smith for falsification of a document.

Mineola ISD filled one of its soon-to-be vacant principal posts, elevating Brittany Thompson from elementary to middle school and then naming her assistant, Angel Shine, to move into the principal’s spot.

A suspect who set off a manhunt after escaping prison in Mississippi and then dumping a car at Lake Fork was found dead in a Sulphur Springs park.

Quitman chamber manager Christine Thomas was named the new executive director for the Wood County Economic Development Commission.

The Quitman chamber named Joanne Wisdom as woman of the year and Shane Webber as man of the year. Webber is the Quitman High School athletics director and football coach while Wisdom is active in the community, in addition to operating a chiropractic clinic with husband John.

Ruthie Foster performed in concert at the McFarland School as part of the Mineola anniversary celebration.

Construction began on a cross walk near the city park for Hwy. 37 in Quitman.

Basketball playoffs got underway with Mineola girls winning their area playoff over Waskom after beating New Boston for bidistrict. The season ended with a loss to Winnsboro.

Mineola boys opened the playoffs with a win over New Boston.

Alba-Golden girls dropped a 1-point bidistrict playoff to Detroit.

March

Demolition began on the pavilion at Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman.

Eight persons were arrested and more than 1,600 pounds of marijuana was seized at two Quitman-area rural residences.

In bidistrict basketball playoffs, Alba-Golden fell to Clarksville and Hooks defeated Quitman.

Mineola won the area championship over Tatum.

Annual grant awards from the Meredith Foundation totaled $1.4 million.

Mineola boys recorded the longest run in school basketball history, defeating Atlanta in the regional quarterfinals and Whitehouse in the first round of the regional tournament before falling to Hooks 56-43 in the regional final for a chance to advance to state.

Mineola sesquicentennial plans included a pageant to crown royalty to represent the city throughout the year.

Alba-Golden school board tweaked its plans for a four-day school week due to state requirements for CTE class time.

A Bedford woman died of injuries from an incident in front of the Alba-Golden school, falling from a moving vehicle.

The Wood County Walls mural project announced its next project on the MPrints building in downtown Mineola featuring a Willie Nelson painting.

A bus wreck in front of Mineola schools injured six students, and the most seriously injured was the bus driver.

Mineola school trustees learned the cost of construction inflation, with a price tag of more than $26 million for a new primary school that had been budgeted for less than $20 million.

Quitman City Administrator Rodney Kieke agreed to an interim contract until James Attaway is ready to assume the post.

After a three-year absence, Wood County Special Olympics announced it would return, only to have the event canceled by spring storms.

Mineola ISD filled key administrative positions with the naming of Chase Thomas as high school principal and Keith Sparkman as business manager.

Dr. Beverly Waddleton of Quitman was named one of two regional citizens of the year by the East Texas Council of Governments.

MISD trustees voted to go ahead with adding a third-grade wing to the new primary campus at a cost of $1.6 million.

Frances Williams of Quitman and Micayla Kolb of Alba were killed in a head-on traffic crash on FM 779 between Quitman and Alba.

April

Mineola chamber of commerce celebrated Cassandra Sampson as the woman of the year and Jason Ray as the man of the year at its annual banquet.

Mineola school officials dealt with a pair of threats and misinformation spread about the incidents.

Kori Hammond of Quitman showed the grand champion steer at the annual Wood County junior livestock show.

Wood County continued to work on correcting online district court records after former district attorney Jim Wheeler’s name was eliminated from all records.

Alba-Golden school superintendent Macie Thompson resigned to take the junior high principal’s job in Lindale.

Tim Westervelt was named to the Alba City Council to fill an unexpired term.

Wood County hosted a demonstration on a new paper trail voting system that will be required by state law in 2026.

The Mineola school board passed a resolution opposing efforts in the Texas legislature to approve a school voucher plan.

The Mineola Education Foundation donated $75,000 for teacher grants.

The state senate approved a resolution naming Mineola the sweets capital of Texas. The measure failed to receive support in the Texas house.

A threat at Quitman schools led to the arrest of a suspect.

Mineola School Board President John Abbott passed away after dedicating 49 years to public education from the classroom to the administration and the board room.

Mineola introduced a new cell phone app to help residents keep up with events and more.

Presentations about the planned memory care center in Quitman made the rounds, including county commissioners.

Mineola budgeted $848,000 for a new tanker-pumper fire truck.

May

Mineola crowned its sesquicentennial court led by Mrs. Sesquicentennial Martha Holmes and Mr. Sesquicentennial Gordon Tiner.

The city also celebrated the completion of the sesquicentennial logo on a downtown building.

Alba-Golden, Mineola, Winnsboro and Yantis prepared for school board elections while only Winnsboro had contests for city council.

Spring playoffs saw Quitman lose to Hooks and Mineola fall to Queen City in softball while Mineola won a baseball play-in game.

Mineola girls 1,600-meter relay team earned a return trip to the state track meet.

The Wood County grand jury no-billed Mineola police officer Tucker George for the shooting death of Robert Van Cleave Dec. 22 on the Quitman square following a shoplifting report at the Walmart in Mineola and subsequent chase.

The Willie Nelson mural was dedicated during May Fiesta.

Schools began announcing top graduates. Ali Jordan and Campbell Littlefield led the Mineola senior class.

Jay McGough returned to the Mineola school board after resigning so that his wife could apply for a job with the district.

Mineola celebrated the sesquicentennial with a festival spanning the nature preserve and downtown, including a fun run, parade, beard and fashion contests, music, sales and more, capped by a balloon glow at the civic center.

Mineola seniors unearthed a time capsule buried by their predecessors in 1998 and buried their own to be unveiled in 2048.

Rising home values continued to push up property values across the county.

Samuel Louderman and Cade Stovall led the Alba-Golden Class of 2023.

The memory care center project in Quitman received a boost of $6 million in a federal appropriation.

Joisalyn Torno and Helena Bautista-Mathias earned the top two spots in Quitman’s graduating class.

Yantis named Elgin Curry and Jude Calvillo as its valedictorian and salutatorian.

Robyn Derrington was named the finalist for Yantis superintendent to replace the retiring Tracey Helfferich.

Mineola chamber of commerce hosted Savor on the Bricks to kick off sesquicentennial week with a catered, multi-course meal on Johnson St.

June

Mineola ISD broke ground on the new primary school campus off NE Loop 564, the district’s first new campus in 40 years.

Alba-Golden school board welcomed six candidates for superintendent interviews.

Lindy McCarty announced her retirement as Alba city secretary to occur in 2026.

Quitman city council sought a settlement with former police officer Terry Bevill in his federal civil suit.

The Wood County Airport celebrated its newly-constructed apron which adds parking for more and larger aircraft.

The AGISD board named Shelby Davidson as finalist for superintendent of schools.

Todd Morgan returned to the Mineola school board, appointed to serve the vacant seat following the death of John Abbott.

Wood County Special Education Co-op announced plans for new facilities to handle growing enrollment.

Severe storms with near-hurricane-force winds left a wide swath of the county without power, some for several days.

Mineola school employees learned they may have to pitch in some for the cost of their health insurance. Later budget adjustments allowed the fully-paid insurance to continue.

Two major projects for federal COVID relief dollars were approved by county commissioners for jail upgrades and extending broadband in rural areas.

Heather Trammell was named manager for the Quitman Chamber of Commerce.

State Rep. Cole Hefner explained his position on voting for the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, catching flak from some constituents.

The trial of Prec. 2 Constable Kelly Smith on federal civil rights abuses got underway in Tyler.

Mineola school board was named the best in Region 7.

County commissioners extended the storm disaster declaration for 30 days, as a second round of storms hit a week later.

As preparations geared up for the April 8, 2024 total eclipse in Northeast Texas, the Quitman Development Corp. approved funds for eclipse glasses.

July

Kelly Smith was acquitted of charges that he abused his power during an arrest in Hawkins and falsified reports.

The Mineola Historical Museum made plans to reveal a time capsule placed into the cornerstone when then former post office was dedicated in 1936.

The Quitman city council paid tribute to the late Rev. Bobby H. Jones, known as the produce man.

Contents of the 1936 time capsule were revealed to be in pretty good shape, including a range of documents from lists of school and postal officials to bylaws of the Mineola Country Club, still in its infancy. A hoped-for letter from Pres. Franklin Roosevelt was not among the items.

Money missing from the Lake Fork Special Utility District was investigated.

The annual Old Settlers Reunion in Quitman would go on despite the reconstruction of the pavilion not being completed in time.

The 40th anniversary of the McFarland School reunion, Mineola’s black high school, celebrated the opening of a museum in the former school which serves as a community center.

Alba began seeking an assistant city secretary with plans to eventually become secretary upon Lindy McCarty’s retirement.

New Mineola Middle School Principal Brittany Thompson announced students will not have access to their cell phones during the school day.

The MISD board approved the purchase of a home and land directly north of the ball fields on W. Loop 564.

The Old 97’s were announced as the headline act for the Mineola sesquicentennial concert at the nature preserve during the Labor Day weekend.

Peoples telephone began the rural broadband expansion project for the county.

School districts trying to set budgets dealt with the property tax break that voters were asked to approve in a November constitutional amendment election.

Mineola Landmark Commission approved a new mural in downtown featuring a bull crashing through the wall of The Smoke Shop on S. Pacific.

Timothy Daniel Call, pastor of the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church east of Hainesville, was arrested for indecency with a child sexual contact.

Alba police officer Davis Tipps was arrested and suspended without pay after an incident involving his wife in Hopkins County. Charges included four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and one count of aggravated assault of a date/ family/household member with a weapon.

Mineola Civic Center announced an estate sale for years of accumulated items gifted to the center.

Mineola Economic Development Corp. purchased land across Loop 564 from the new school for future business development.

The University of Texas at Tyler welcomed the first class of students for the first medical school in East Texas.

The Mineola city council approved a bid of just under $1.8 million for what will become Wood County’s first aerial fire apparatus when it arrives in about three years.

August

County property values rose by 22%, fueled by a continued increase in home prices.

The much-decorated Mineola High School band adds its second TMEA honor band award and with it a chance to play at the state convention in San Antonio in February.

The Old Settlers Reunion was set to begin despite ongoing construction at the Jim Hogg park pavilion.

Quitman school aide Jim Pritchard and police officer Vic Taylor were honored for their lifesaving efforts for a student who was choking.

The Wood County airport received some unexpected news that the state legislature had set aside $8 million for the long-awaited runway extension project.

The location for a city of Mineola emergency radio services tower reverted to the old site on the east side of town, which is being donated so the city can remove the old tower and construct a new one.

Changes in state education funding approved by the legislature allow school districts to lower their property tax rates.

Presentations got underway for Mineola, Quitman and the county to help fund the local 10% match for the state airport funding.

Alfred Tennyson, the late Marvin “Duckey” Sampson and Joe Tave of Mineola McFarland High School were inducted into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Retired Quitman ag teacher Gary Don Chandler and Glen Dossett of Mineola were inducted into the Agriculture Texas Association of Texas Hall of Fame.

A fire destroyed the club house, restaurant and pro shop of the Mineola Country Club.

In a familiar refrain, justices of the peace sought pay raises for their clerks to be on par with those in the county clerk and district clerk offices.

The latest state test scores showed good marks for Mineola and Quitman schools but a few areas of concern for Alba-Golden.

A large grass fire set off by sparks from a flat tire on a trailer threatened several homes and buildings north of Mineola.

Dry conditions led county commissioners to approve an outdoor burning ban.

The Mineola golf club reopened for golf only from a temporary office in an RV.

The Wood County Economic Development Commission awarded $150,000 in grants from hotel-motel occupancy taxes.

Cory Morrow, Chris Colston and Josh Ward were among the acts for the Labor Day weekend Sabine Stomp at the Mineola Nature Preserve.

September

The county salary grievance committee denied the pay increase request for justices of the peace.

Twin tragedies struck the Alba-Golden area as an elementary student was seriously injured in an accident at her home, and a 12-year old boy died in an accidental shooting.

The first phase of construction for the new Mineola primary school to rise above ground level was the gym, which will double as a storm shelter.

Wood County Walls, part of the Flint and Steel Coalition, was set to host its first Texas Street Art Festival in the week leading up to the Iron Horse Heritage Festival in Mineola, with new murals going up around the county.

Wood County commissioners approved the emergency purchase of a new voting system that will include hand-marked paper ballots for the Nov. 7 constitutional amendment election, replacing outdated equipment that could no longer be serviced.

Two Mineola traditions remained strong, the annual hay show to support MISD agricultural programs and the Iron Horse Heritage Festival celebrating the role of trains in the city’s history.

MISD reached record enrollment of 1,685 students to open the new school year.

A former employee of the Lake Fork Special Utility District, Rachel Sneed, was arrested on charges of stealing about $300,000 for a three-year period.

Accused arsonist Courtney Keel, a former Hainesville volunteer fireman, accepted a guilty plea for an 8-year term of community service only to see his lawyer disagree with the sentence, which he claimed should be deferred adjudication rather than an assessment of guilt.

The county approved an agreement for the Bassmaster fishing tournament to return to Lake Fork in late February.

October

The county election commission reviewed procedures for the upcoming state constitutional amendment election, including the use of paper ballots for the first time in many years. Machines would also be available for those who want to use them.

Mineola’s sesquicentennial events neared the home stretch. A review of the Labor Day weekend concert revealed ticket sales did not reach the break-even point although sponsorships helped fund the event.

The Wood County Economic Development Commission reviewed the success of the recent Texas Street Art Festival.

Quitman chiropractors John and Joanne Wisdom announced plans to move into a facility of their own in the Quitman business park.

Election officials tested out the new paper ballot scanners.

Quitman schools planned a watch party for the annular eclipse, also a precursor for the total eclipse coming in April 2024.

Mineola earned an official designation as a scenic city.

The Wood County Electric Co-op hosted the first gathering at the newly-reconstructed Jim Hogg Park pavilion with its annual membership meeting.

Quitman Lady Bulldogs won the girls district cross country championship.

Mineola school trustees approved a resolution opposing plans to implement education vouchers for those in private schools.

Golden prepared to mark 40 years as host of the Sweet Potato Festival, started in 1983.

The annual meeting of the Wood County Airport had a decidedly upbeat tone in celebration of the long-awaited funding to extend the runway to 5,000 feet.

Mineola city council had to back track and approve street dividers that it had asked the developer not to include it in the Park Central subdivision.

Quitman updated its brush collection ordinance to allow homeowners to contract with providers and still have the brush collected by the city.

Mineola got the location it wanted all along for the emergency radio services tower, but at a higher cost.

Mineola, Quitman and Winnsboro bands advanced to the area marching contest with their performances at the regional meet.

Mineola City Council renamed a section of Padgett St. as Tuck Dr. to honor the family.

November

Voters prepared to address 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution, including a huge break on school taxes.

A little rain failed to dampen spirits at the Sweet Potato Festival in Golden. Kalli Trimble was named queen.

Mineola marching band Sound of the Swarm defended its title as area champs to qualify for the state contest, along with Winnsboro.

In volleyball playoffs, Atlanta swept Mineola.

Events celebrating military veterans were planned throughout the county. 

The Flint and Steel Coalition and the University of Texas at Tyler announced a collaboration with the college’s art students.

The city of Alba got some help with its water tower painting project through a grant from the Sabine River Authority.

Mineola ended a football season with a rare circumstance, missing the playoffs.

The state cross country meet would include Mineola girls team and two boys and two girls from Quitman.

New Quitman city administrator James Attaway added the duties of economic development director, replacing Rodney Kieke.

Mineola High School marching band earned its fifth state medal, winning the silver at San Antonio.

Editor Larry Tucker announced his retirement from the Monitor.

Wood County voters agreed with the rest of the state, approving all but one of the 14 constitutional amendments, rejecting only the one to increase the retirement age for judges.

Alba-Golden lost its bidistrict football playoff to Beckville.

Quitman City Council approved a bid to repaint the city water tower adjacent to the high school football field, with specific instructions to move the word Quitman so the word “Quit” does not face the field.

Work to convert the Mineola Community Skatepark to a concrete facility got underway.

Quitman’s plans for the downtown chamber of commerce holiday celebration might not include the beer garden after the vendor backed out.

The new Alba-Golden Education Foundation handed out its first classroom teacher grants.

Residents crowded Mineola City Hall to support and contest the recent naming of Tuck Dr.

A South Carolina man made his way through Mineola in a 103-year-old Model T on a cross-country trek to raise awareness for hydrocephalus. Todd Touchberry completed his mission in a record 12 days.

Plans to expand the Wood County jail were sped up when kitchen drain lines collapsed.

December

As filing continued for the March party primaries, contested races developed for county commissioner, constable and the county’s statehouse representative.

Christmas celebrations planned around the area included parades, home tours and a Celtic Christmas in Mineola.

Mineola capped off the sesquicentennial year with a huge gala.

Local officials were briefed on potential public safety challenges from expected crowds during the April eclipse.

Both incumbent county commissioners drew Republican primary challengers while two constable posts being vacated also created contested races.

The Quitman Development Corp. altered plans to bring a hotel to the community to a different location.

Mineola’s new concrete skate park was officially opened and dedicated.

Mineola school board member Robby Ballard resigned since his family moved just outside the district.

Steve Lucas was named the new county veterans services officer.

The WCEDC announced it will hold a family festival each year at Lake Fork regardless of whether Bassmasters brings its event here.

The annual meeting of the Mineola Civic Center included news of completed and planned upgrades and increased demands for its facilities.

Wreaths Across America volunteers placed almost 700 wreaths on graves of veterans at Roselawn Memorial Garden.

Democratic election judges touted benefits of voting machines.

Debate over potential issues delayed the Mineola City Council vote on a planned eclipse event at the nature preserve.

Blue Santa paired more than 60 children with local law enforcement for a $400 shopping spree at Walmart.

Mineola Country Club announced design plans for the new clubhouse.

Passenger rail service to the East Coast got a boost with a $500,000 federal grant to study linking Marshall, Texas to Meridian, Miss.