Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Peyton (left) and Rowdy Gregg are having a fun time at JulyFest ‘23.

Monitor Photo/Carla Gray
Keeping cool under a canopy at the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Gun Barrel City Chapter booth are Robert Long (from left), Joy Long, Ally Kartal, Numan Kartal and Marty Mullins.

KAUFMAN COUNTY–Commissioners voted to issue a burn ban during the regular meeting Aug. 1. Fire Marshall Paul Ayres told commissioners that during this time of year, conditions often make burning dangerous, and this season is already proving to be high-risk.
Ayres went on to tell commissioners that the first major grass fire of the season occurred last week when 20 acres ignited as a result of bailing hay. He stated that grass is currently completely cured, making it a very fast burn, and that over the coming days, conditions will continue to get dryer.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff ISD trustees heard a proposal July 17 to lease the district’s Leo Orr Sr. Education Center, which was originally the site of the segregation-era African American high school, later morphing into the integrated junior high school. The campus currently serves as an alternative school for students with behavioral issues, which is planned to be moved in Aug. 2024.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
The Mabank Choir and Panther Edition have a long legacy of superior performance and achievement thanks to Choir Director Catherine Lindsley (second from left). Pictured with her, giving information and encouragement are Molly McDowell (from left), Junior High Choir Director Mary Ann Mc Dowell, Michaela McDowell and Angelica Forrest.