The last time the Monitor interviewed local artist Rachel Swasso, she was realizing the gift of sketch art. The interview ran in the July 23, 2020 edition and recounted her development as a burgeoning artist, from initial sketches of characters of “Lord of the Rings” to portraitures of family and friends.  more

Fun for all ages was found downtown Saturday at the Iron Horse Heritage Festival in Mineola. more

Through a grant from Mineola Chapter CU of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organizaton), Tammy Blakemore was able to receive her advanced teacher certificate by completing 300 hours from the … more

At some point all kids think about growing up in the circus. For a very few, that is indeed the case. For Simone Key, it has been her whole life.  Key, an aerialist and ringmaster of the … more

It started with the ringing of a more than 100-year old school bell by Wood County historian Ulna McWhorter.  The bell was found buried in the ground on McWhorter property. The next two hours … more

Mineola bid farewell to one of its biggest supporters last week. Lou Hooks Wagner, 83, died Tuesday, Sept. 13. Services were Friday at the First Baptist Church. more

Former longtime Yantis Mayor Jerry Miller tosses out the ceremonial first pitch at last Saturday’s Yantis Volunteer Fire Dept. coed softball tournament at Quitman’s Youth Foundation Park. … more

It promises to be a busy weekend as the Iron Horse Heritage Festival sponsored by the Mineola Area Chamber of Commerce returns to downtown Mineola Saturday, along with other related events. more

The Fannie Marchman Garden Club 2022 year concluded with a field trip to LaMont Wheat in Wills Point in June, followed by the second successful annual Garden Tour. In July, members met at the … more

The Wood County Historical Commission will present “The Common Schools of Wood County” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Quitman Public Library and hopes former students and those … more

The monthly benefit breakfast for the Bread of Life food pantry ministry in Mineola will be Saturday, Sept. 17 from 7:30-9 a.m. at Northside Church, 1718 N. Pacific St. Donations will assist the … more

The First United Methodist Church of Quitman is having a special service Sunday, Sept. 18 at the 11 a.m. worship service to recognize first responders from fire, rescue, police and sheriff … more

It’s a 50-foot sometimes chaotic dash to greatness at the 2022 Weenie Dog Race at Mineola’s 2022 Iron Horse Heritage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24 in historic downtown Mineola. But it … more

A Farmstand was donated to the Mineola Middle School science classes by the Mineola Kiwanis Club. The Farmstand is a self-watering, self fertilizing hydroponic way to grow plants in nutrient enriched … more

The Wood County Historical Commission recently conducted a project on the history of the Wood County Common School System.  The first part of this article gave the history of the Texas common school system that was established in 1884 and continued until 1967 in Wood County. Research found that eighty-three common school districts existed during this time period. This part will address the school day of this era and the closing of these schools. more

The 56th annual Mineola Hay Show is Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Mineola Civic Center.

The highlight of the show is the benefit auction which raises funds to support the Mineola FFA programs. more

Texas Master Gardeners Wood County presents a free garden educational series Sept. 17 and Oct. 22. The first session will be Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Agri-Life Extension Office, … more

First Christian Church of Mineola announces that Allen Knox from Lindale has accepted the position of church pastor. Knox has been in ministry for 30 years – 25 in pastoral ministry and five … more

“School days, school days, Good old golden rule days. Readin’, and writin’, and ‘rithmetic, Taught to the tune of a hickory stick…….” These nostalgic … more

The Wood County Genealogy Society met Monday, Aug. 15. Speaker was Paula Altenbaumer, member of Hopkins County Genealogy Society. She presented (in costume) an entertaining and informative life … more