2025 saw progress around Wood County on several fronts, with Quitman ISD voters approving more than $30 million in improvements and the Wood County airport dedicating its new jet-friendly 5,000-foot runway.

The city of Mineola underwent a major change, with longtime and popular City Manager Mercy Rushing retiring, replaced by Cindy Karch, who called Rushing her mentor in her years of service as city finance director.

January

Quitman ISD’s long-range planning committee presents its findings recommending a variety of improvements across campuses, with the school board set to vote for a bond election to be held in May.

County commissioners discuss the rules for construction around county lakes at length with a couple whose project was halted. They were eventually denied and filed suit against the county.

Alba-Golden school board seeks bids to construct turnarounds on the county road behind the school campus after receiving permission to close the road to through traffic.

Among those sworn in as county officials are new Prec. 1 Commissioner Justin Bowring, County Tax Assessor-Collector Angela Luman, Prec. 1 Constable Robert Holland and Prec. 2 Constable Bobby Tucker, who would resign nine months later.

Alba acting mayor Robert Kraemer prays for unity at the January council meeting following the resignation of Don Heinert, who cited a negative atmosphere as reason for stepping down.

Guy Cayo is named permanent CEO of UT Health Quitman after serving as interim. He also helms the health system’s hospital in Pittsburg.

Alba-Golden Superintendent Shelby Davidson is awarded a three-year contract by the school board. Mineola Superintendent Cody Mize has his contract extended. By year-end he would become the county’s longest-serving superintendent.

Mineola High School flute player Emily Miller accomplishes the rare feat of making the all-state band all four years of high school.

After an hour behind closed doors, county commissioners postpone a decision on a variance to the county lake construction rules.

Zoning changes approved in south Mineola signal a change in the area’s makeup, which had been predicted to be commercial in the long-range plan but has become more and more residential.

The Wood County Junior Livestock Show announces record entries.

Two traffic crashes claim the lives of three young men, Mitchell Holt of Winnsboro and Bre’keilyn (Keke) Martin and Nicolas Wilkins of Mineola.

February

Quitman School Board officially calls for a bond election for almost $31 million in improvements.

The county plans to mark the 175th anniversary of its founding in 1850.

Kacey Musgraves of Mineola is awarded an 8th Grammy while Ruthie Foster, who lived here briefly as a youth, earns her first.

The long-awaited opening of the Ima Hogg Museum, located in the Quitman city park that bears her father’s name, is announced for sometime in 2025.

Wood County commissioners accept a bid to sell the old downtown Quitman cafe on the square.

Mineola plans a celebration to honor retiring City Manager Mercy Rushing.

Mineola and Hawkins school districts and the City of Hawkins are the lone entities in the county with contested elections for May.

Zipps Liquor chain closes on its property in the Quitman business park.

The Quitman Chamber of Commerce names Clay Smith as man of the year and Martha Scroggins as woman of the year.

Three of seven candidates for Hawkins City Council are disqualified for improper applications.

The City of Quitman earns a designation as a veteran-friendly city, one of the first area cities to do so.

March

A packed city hall marks the end of the Mercy Rushing era as praise comes from near and far for her commitment to her adopted hometown.

Though Wood County does not utilize countywide voting locations, commissioners oppose legislation that would ban it.

Timothy Daniel Nall, former pastor of the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church east of Mineola, is indicted by the grand jury for indecency with a child sexual contact.

Alba City Council accepts a grant for almost $1.9 million for water improvements.

Mineola Chamber of Commerce honors Glen Dossett as man of the year and Beth Shockey as woman of the year.

No serious injuries are reported in a six-vehicle crash east of Mineola on Hwy. 80 at CR 2740.

County commissioners deny permission for a variance on rules for construction on Lake Quitman.

The Wood County courthouse is celebrated on its 100th anniversary.

Mineola School Board member Tony Forsyth faces two misdemeanor assault charges for an incident near his home.

Mata, the canine of former Prec. 2 Constable Kelly Smith, is honored by the Animals in War and Peace in Washington, D.C.

Alba-Golden power lifter Layton Williams wins his weight class at the state meet.

Mineola outlaws all gaming machines in the city.

Chris Cagle is named the headline musical act for the Bassmasters tournament Family Fun Day at Lake Fork in May.

Mineola soccer advances to the playoffs and wins its first-round game.

April

Shawn Hasley Moore is arrested for the murder of Mitchell Wayne Palmer at a Hawkins residence.

County commissioners hear about the need for temporary help in the Prec. 2 Justice of the Peace office following an extended sick leave and a retirement.

Twin tornadoes touch down in the county with mostly minor damage, including the Ozarka water bottling plant north of Hawkins.

Former Alba Public Works Director Paul Kelbe won’t take the vacant mayor’s seat prior to the May election, despite being the only candidate.

Muralists converge on Wood County for the second Texas Street Art Festival.

Wood County Sheriff’s Deputy Melissa Pollard is killed in a traffic crash between Winnsboro and Quitman.

Wood County Junior Livestock Show auction has to be postponed by inclement weather and is moved inside the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman – without animals.

Former Quitman City Clerk Amber Highnote makes $23,250 in restitution to the city after pleading guilty to theft.

Jed Sitar is appointed to the vacant Alba-Golden School Board seat, replacing Jessica Christian who moved from the district.

Colton Otto is named the new Quitman Fire Chief, replacing the retiring Scott Wheeler.

The junior livestock auction exceeds $300,000 for exhibitors.

My Credit Union repairs its tall flag pole, long dormant, in downtown Mineola.

The first Ruck for the Fallen is planned for Quitman’s Jim Hogg City Park and surrounding area.

Mineola’s Tierany Neighbors heads to the state meet with a school, personal and regional pole vault record of 14’.

May

Quitman voters head to the polls to decide a $30 million school improvement bond.

After a 32-month delay, school districts receive their first state grades since the process was tied up by lawsuits during the release of the 2023 scores, with 2024 still pending.

The dedication of a pier at the Mineola Nature Preserve honors the life of former mayor Bo Whitus, who was instrumental in establishing the preserve.

Former Mineola City Manager Mercy Rushing is appointed to the Meredith Foundation board of trustees.

Quitman voters approve the school bonds by about 2:1.

Lake Fork prepares to host the Bassmasters tournament and Family Fun Festival.

Tierany Neighbors of Mineola wins the state gold medal in pole vaulting and sets a Conference 3A record of 13’1”.

Former Public Works Director Paul Kelbe is sworn in as the new mayor of Alba.

Kendall Banks is elected as new member of Mineola School Board, along with returnees Glenn Dossett and Jill Quiambao.

Top graduates include Olivia Hughes and Sarah Smith of Mineola and Emilee Baker and Regina Soldevilla of Quitman.

A new billing system for the city of Mineola fails to send out utility bills in a timely fashion.

Resident Linda Cowan details drainage issues in northeast Quitman.

Olivia Morrison is named Alba-Golden valedictorian; Will Louderman is salutatorian.

Quitman residents engage in discussions for a future comprehensive plan update for the city.

Republic Services wins the bid to continue providing trash services to Mineola, and announces it will be switching to polycarts.

Lupe Camacho and Juana Camacho are named the top Yantis High School grads.

Mineola Pilot Club celebrates 60 years of service.

Time honored traditions are celebrated, including high school graduations and a Memorial Day remembrance.

Mineola starts its own comprehensive planning process, requesting input from citizens.

Mineola ISD bids farewell to retiring Assistant Superintendent and former High School Principal David Sauer.

June

Alba-Golden sends its 2025 grads into the world, while some Mineola residents are concerned about the impact of the new polycarts for trash pickup.

The Bassmasters event is again judged as a tremendous success for the county.

Yantis ISD approves the resignation of Superintendent Robyn Derrington and appoints James Cowley as interim.

Frustrated by state funding for schools, Mineola trustee Jill Quiambao invites State Sen. Bryan Hughes to attend a budget workshop. He is a Mineola graduate.

Wood County commissioners OK revisions to the plat of the former Holiday Inn Club at Holly Lake Ranch, though some citizens express concerns.

Preliminary property tax values are impacted by lower home prices.

Lake County Symphonic Band adds an indoor concert to its Fourth of July lineup for those who want to avoid the heat of its outdoor event.

A newly-recorded song by country star Kacey Musgraves has its roots in Alba, not far from where Musgraves was raised.

Quitman begins reviewing applications for a new city administrator following James Attaway’s resignation.

The Mineola Sound of the Swarm receives its fourth state marching band championship rings.

The new software system for the city of Mineola creates some unusually high water bills for residents.

Jennifer Abercrombie is appointed to fill the Mineola School Board vacancy.

QISD Superintendent Chris Mason outlines the next steps for the district’s $30 million bond.

Mineola becomes the last city in the Republic Services area to receive blue polycarts, scheduled to arrive in mid-July.

Quitman City Council takes steps to lower lost revenues from unpaid water bills.

Microwave ovens get the center of attention for county commissioners who remind officeholders that such purchases may not be made out of county funds.

Quitman City Council chooses its unnamed top candidate for City Administrator/Secretary.

July

Several Wood County area non-profit organizations appear during county budget talks to seek additional assistance to make up for budget shortfalls.

Former Quitman ISD Superintendent Rhonda Turner resigns her position on the Wood County Appraisal District board to take the role of interim superintendent at Big Sandy ISD.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) makes a push to gain additional volunteers to serve the children of Wood County.

The city of Mineola receives a $5.5 million loan/grant from the Texas Water Development Board for water system improvements, with all but $500,000 of that to be forgiven.

Alba City Council hears complaints about feral hog damage and adopts a plan to fight them.

Wood County celebrates the Fourth of July with a long weekend.

School districts begin adjusting their budgets to include the new teacher pay raises approved by the state legislature.

The 100-year-old Wood County courthouse undergoes repairs on the columns on the east side.

The Quitman Old Settlers Reunion is moved to October for the first time, and the board announces additional activities.

Allan Gilbert is named the new Quitman city administrator. He comes from Siloam Springs, Ark.

Mineola steps up its city code enforcement efforts by adding the ability to issue citations for violations.

A former Alba-Golden school employee is indicted for theft. Jade Sheridan Bowden is accused of taking $29,000.

The second phase for the Mineola Skate Park gets underway, adding more ramps and features.

School districts firm up policies that will ban students from using cell phones and other devices during the school day.

Quitman recognizes retiring Fire Chief Scott Wheeler after 35 years of service.

August

A fire in downtown Mineola is limited to the roof of one building, thanks to quick action by the fire department.

Bids for a center turn lane on Hwy. 37 north of Mineola are scheduled for January. 

A raid at three homes in south Mineola results in four arrests on a variety of drug and other charges.

County commissioners propose leaving the property tax rate at the same 46.25 cents per $100 valuation.

Mineola school trustees look at a 4.5 cent property tax reduction, making the rate just over 93 cents per $100. They also decline all extracurricular participation in UIL events by non-enrolled students such as homeschoolers.

Quitman ISD completes the sale of its $30 million in school improvement bonds.

Mineola Economic Development Corp. votes to fund electric vehicle charging stations downtown.

The school rating system is finally up-to-date as districts receive their 2024-25 grades, with Wood County schools receiving Bs and Cs under the tougher standards.

Mineola schools open for the year with record enrollment of 1,783.

The City of Mineola starts its comprehensive planning process.

County commissioners agree to a plan to start paying down unused comp time for employees.

Outgoing Quitman City Administrator James Attaway is thanked for his service by the mayor and city council.

Wood County learns the new redistricting plan for Congressional districts places Wood County in District 32. The county had been in District 5 since the last redrawing of the lines.

Alba-Golden school board engages the services of an architect for future facility improvements.

September

Texas voters prepare to decide on an additional tax break for school property taxes.

The Wood County Economic Development Commission awards $150,000 in hotel occupancy tax grants to promote tourism.

Bob Smith, Dr. Clifton Bradshaw and Kerry Kindle are honored as retiring directors of the Broadstreet Bank.

An increase in water rates draws questions from a Mineola business owner.

The annual Tips for Tots benefit for Wood County foster children tops the $50,000 mark.

The safety of Hwy. 182 through Alba is questioned.

The $21 million judgment awarded to former Quitman police captain Terry Bevill is affirmed by an appeals court.

A new recreational vehicle park off Hwy. 37 northeast of Quitman is approved by county commissioners, with some nearby residents offering their objections.

In an effort to replace Sheriff’s Office vehicles that have potentially dangerous issues, Sheriff Kelly Cole suggests a method for financing replacements.

Mineola City Council debates whether to expand the boundaries for appointment to city boards beyond school district lines.

Increased Quitman utility rates draw lengthy discussion during budget hearings.

After a few years’ absence, Cub Scouts return to Mineola.

Mineola school trustees decide to build a new auto shop rather than try to convert the elementary gym, preserving it for use by several other groups.

The return of Nature Fest to the Mineola Nature Preserve includes plans for a Native American ceremony. It was last held in 2016.

October

The Quitman City Council approves a series of rate increases for water, sewer and trash service.

The Mineola City Council decides to retain its boundaries for persons serving on city boards to the Mineola school district boundaries, except for those required to be city residents only.

Prec. 2 Constable Bobby Tucker resigns only nine months into his term after failing to obtain the required peace officer license.

Bruce and Linda Noblett sue the county over commissioners’ decision not to allow them to build their property above the high water line on Lake Quitman.

Two Quitman Elementary School staff members are no longer assigned to any campus in the district following an investigation into an allegation that a student was held in an in-class restroom as a form of timeout.

County commissioners outline the requirements for filling the vacant constable position, including a required peace officer license. Anyone running for the unexpired term would not be required to hold such license but would fall under the state requirement to acquire one within nine months.

County commissioners designate the Wood County Airport as a reinvestment zone to help spur development.

Expanded procedures required by a new state law are put into place by Mineola ISD (and other districts) for the purchase of books.

County Treasurer Daphne Carter announces she will not seek reelection.

A large Christian music festival is announced, to be held at the Mineola Nature Preserve in October 2026.

The Josh Abbott Band will headline the Wood County Old Settlers reunion, which is being moved from its traditional summer date to Oct. 29-Nov. 1.

The long-awaited Ima Hogg Museum opens in the Quitman city park named for her father, Jim Hogg, former Texas governor.

November

In its march for another state championship, the Mineola Sound of the Swarm Marching Band qualifies for the state contest by winning the area contest for the seventh straight time.

The completion of the extension to the Wood County Airport runway will open more business opportunities with the new ability for jets to land there.

Dignitaries gather for a ribbon cutting that features a flyover of the missing man formation, also demonstrated later at the Mineola Veterans Day parade.

Jeremy Ragsdale leaves the Wood County Sheriff’s Dept. to become the new Prec. 2 Constable.

A visiting judge throws out the results of the Hawkins City Council election after voters were not required to sign the register.

Wood County voters approve all 17 state constitutional amendments, which also passes statewide.

Mineola and Wood County dedicate a new sewer receiving station, built to handle waste products from companies that pump septic tanks.

The Mineola Sound of the Swarm wins its fifth state marching championship – and second in a row – at the San Antonio Alamodome. The band then presents Superintendent Cody Mize with the first Distinguished Administrator Award sponsored by the Texas Music Educators Association.

The Mineola Caring & Sharing radio auction moves to Friday after being held on Saturday for years.

Plans for a new Christian music festival at the Mineola Nature Preserve get a boost from the Mineola Economic Development Corp. via a $40,000 sponsorship.

Work gets underway to transition the old Mineola Elementary School to a Career and Technical Education Center for the high school.

Mineola receives word that its application for a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks downtown is not approved by the Texas Dept. of Transportation.

December

The Wood County Appraisal District has two vacancies on its board of directors after only three candidates are nominated by the taxing entities for five open positions.

Changes are underway for the monthly food distributions in Quitman and Mineola, with local volunteers taking over most of the operations from the East Texas Food Bank.

Grand celebrations draw hundreds to open the Christmas holiday season in Mineola and Quitman.

Alba City Council debates why a personal Amazon order appears under the city’s name.

Mineola officials are miffed by a state interpretation of highway rules that would require removal of the senior murals on the street near the high school.

The playground equipment at the Mineola Civic Center finds a new home at an orphanage in Mexico.

A continuing education center and competition gym are top recommendations from the Alba-Golden school facility committee.

The CRAPPIEFEST at Lake Fork has plans for a bigger and better event in March 2026.

The Wood County EDC debates what level of support to offer the event.

The annual Blue Santa shopping event includes 50 Wood County children filling shopping baskets with first responders.

Top Dog award for Quitman ISD goes to the elementary school Parent-Teacher Organization.

Longtime Mineola ISD supporter Sam Curry is honored with the Buzz’s Ultimate Effort award.