Dozens of musicians decked out in holiday attire entertained a crowd gathered on the Grayson County Courthouse lawn Saturday night as downtown Sherman, Texas hosted its fourth annual Christmas Thunder.

The deadline for candidates to file for the March 3 primary election was Monday, December 9, 2019.

McKinney City Council member La'Shadion Shemwell will host a town hall community meeting on Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at Old Settler's Recreation Center, 1201 E. Louisiana St. The town hall will be held in District 1, however, the entire community may attend.

9:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 18 at Derrell Hall Education Center

The McKinney Chamber is moving, albeit, not very far. After over five years of being headquartered off West Virginia Street near downtown McKinney, the Chamber is headed to a new location.

Historic downtown McKinney will welcome the holiday crowd Saturday, December 14 for one of the season's annual highlights, the McKinney Rotary Parade of Lights. This free event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

We offer free tax preparation help to anyone of any age – especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparation. We understand that retirement or other life changes may mean your taxes are a little more complicated now. With the help of our team of IRS-certified volunteers we make it easy for you. Free, in-person assistance beginning the first week in February at locations in Van Alstyne, Sherman, Denison and Bonham.

Units arrived to find one resident safely escaped and a second resident was unable to get out. Firefighters entered the home and rescued the resident by exiting out of a window. That person was transported to the hospital, and currently, there is no update on his condition.

9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 17

Report: December 4, 1500 BL Island Bayou Rd., Reporting Officer – Sgt. Benjamin Ray. A call for service was received in reference to an Information Report.

Sarah Stitt, the First Lady of Oklahoma, speaks Tuesday afternoon to an audience gathered in Montgomery Auditorium on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

To be sure you child is riding safely, come to the Car Seat Checkup Event on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at 201 E 10th Street (Bailey Inglish Back Parking lot). This event is free and open to the public. Certified passenger safety technicians will provide a FREE inspection and may be able to provide a FREE car seat or booster if you are in need.(Fannin County AgriLife Extension Agent Bethany Arie (left) and Monica Yates, TxDOT traffic funding specialist based in Paris, inspect car seats) photo by Bev Kellner, Program Manager, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Passenger Safety

Chad Daniels is the most recent outstanding employee of the City of Bonham to be recognized for dedication to his job and service to city residents. At the regular meeting of Bonham City Council held Monday, December 9, 2019, Mr. Daniels was named November 2019 Employee of the Month for the City of Bonham. (L-R) Brad Nichols, City of Bonham Human Resources Director; Chad Daniels, November 2019 Employee of the Month for the City of Bonham; and Kevin Hayes, Bonham City Councilmember

Cindy Godbey, Fannin County Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By World Board Chairperson, presents roses to graduates of the program's inaugural class. Sponsored by Fannin County Criminal District Attorney Richard Glaser and the Fannin County Ministerial Alliance, the class was devised to help economically disadvantaged residents develop resources that lead to a wholesome and rewarding life.

The McKinney Fire Department (MFD) was selected to receive a grant award of almost $20,000 from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase 287 Stop the Bleed kits.

For children age 3 and up, motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death. 43% of children killed in crashes are found to be unrestrained. Child safety seats, including booster seats have been proven to be effective in preventing injuries and deaths and booster seats can reduce the risk of injury by nearly 60% in children ages 4-7.

5:30 p.m. December 9

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site will feature "Christmas in 1939" as the theme of our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. From 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., we will host a special presentation on floral design for the holidays by Cyndee Fortune-Farmer.

9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 10 at Bonham City Hall

Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that two public meetings are set for early December to gather public input on proposed safety and mobility solutions for US 82 west of Sherman, Texas, from FM 1417 to the Grayson-Cooke County line.

Lake Bonham Hoe-Down will open its doors at 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019 for its popular Golden Gospel Jubilee. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Golden Gospel Jubilee is hosted by Joan Kelton & The Shades of Bluegrass.

Report: November 27, 2000 BL SH 121 N., Arresting Officer – Cpl. Jim Lewis. A 47-year-old female was arrested for Theft Under $100 (Shoplifting).

Experience the magical feel of a small-town Christmas as Celina, Texas, ushers in the holiday season on Wednesday, Dec. 4 during Christmas on the Square. The family-friendly event’s main focus is the lighting of 20,000 lights on the brand-new 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. The new festive decorations in the square feature an additional 50,000 lights, making for a total of 70,000!

Here's a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson counties during the week of Dec. 2, 2019.

The monthly Art on the Town Painting Party for December at the Creative Arts Center will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, December 5 and the project is Christmas ornaments. Those who come are asked to bring a beverage of their choice and finger food to share.

McKinney Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 7:08 p.m. on Thursday, November 28. MFD units arrived at 1501 Hunters Creek Drive to find the garage area of the home fully engulfed in flames. The fire appeared to start in the garage and move into the attic area. All occupants of the house were able to get out safely.

Thanksgiving weekend marks the 39th year for this hometown Christmas celebration. Visit the 14-block area of McKinney's 165-year-old commercial historic downtown for family activities, food and entertainment.

At a regular meeting Tuesday, November 26, 2019, Fannin County Commissioners Court continued to discuss the ongoing restoration of the 1888 courthouse, approved a resolution declaring Fannin County to be a Second Amendment Sanctuary County, discussed the formation of a Local Emergency Planning Committee, approve the Policy, Procedures and Best Practices Manual for Fannin County Veterans Service Officer, and discussed the upgrade of CR 3037 and CR 3038 by United Sand and Gravel.

Housing report for Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties...

The 2019 parade winners this year were: 1st – Bonham Chrysler, 2nd – Bonham War Dancers, 3rd – Hammett Construction. The best Car/Truck award went to the Red River Valley Car Club, the Parade Spirit award went to the 1st Presbyterian Church, and the School Spirit award went to War Dancers.

9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 26 at Bonham City Hall

Please plan to attend our last 2019 Democratic Women's (& Men's) Organization meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 25 in the Elizabeth May Room of the First United Bank at 120 West Sam Rayburn in Bonham.

On Monday, November 18, the class centered on community assessment. Participants are called investigators, and the class takes them through 16 weeks of self and community assessment with the goal of planning a future that brings stability to themselves and their families. Investigators had the opportunity to interview community leaders and professionals about various conditions of our community in nine subject areas.

MPS is relocating its warehouse and manufacturing facility to Trenton. We are growing and looking for top notch individuals to help take us to the next level. We offer a competitive salary, a culture that believes in a work-hard play-hard attitude and we value quality of life.

(L-R) LuAnn Linder Daniel of Women Rock, stands beside Sandy Lawrence Dobbels and Janis Fletcher of Woodmoore Assisted Living Community. Friday, October 11, 2019, The Woodmoore Assisted Living Community held its 7th Annual Bake & Craft Sale to help find a cure for breast cancer and donations from the past bake sales total more than $20,000.

Immediately following the Christmas parade Nov. 23, Powder Creek Pavilion in Bonham will crank out the jams with two talented classic rock bands, Texxas Heat and 78 Live.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) today approved by resolution financial assistance in the amount of a $13,595,000 loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to the Greater Texoma Utility Authority on behalf of the City of Sherman (Grayson County). The city will use the assistance to finance planning, acquisition, design, and construction costs associated with wastewater system improvements.

Report: November 14, 1500 BL W. Sam Rayburn Dr., Arresting Officer – Sgt. Timothy Leathers. A 44-year-old male was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance.

TCOG's Governing Board Meeting agenda for November 21, 2019 has been published to TCOG's website; the meeting notice is attached.

The Bonham Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Parade is on November 23, 2019 starting at 6:30 p.m. on the downtown Bonham Square. All you need is 200 lights on your car, float, or other means of transportation to be considered for the cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100. We also will award trophies for the Best School Spirit, Car and Truck Special Award, and the Best Parade Spirit Float. 2018 Christmas Parade photos by Allen Rich