Herald Democrat

01/25/2025

Craftspeople of all types and skills may soon have a new place to practice their art. Representatives for the 2025 Leadership Sherman Class announced plans Tuesday night to assist the Sherman Public Library in setting up a makerspace with new crafting equipment.

The class announced that the makerspace will be its class project for the year, alongside improvements at the Grayson County Juvenile Detention Center, and that they hope to raise at least $25,000 for the two projects. The library project will see a new space created within the library that will be equipped with two new 3D printers, a laser cutter and other equipment.

Craftspeople of all types and skills may soon have a new place to practice their art. Representatives for the 2025 Leadership Sherman Class announced plans Tuesday night to assist the Sherman Public Library in setting up a makerspace with new crafting equipment.

01/24/2025

Indictments are formal charges and not an indication of guilt.

Grayson County grand jurors returned indictments this week against more than 40 people. Charges include burglary, possession of a controlled substance, theft, assault and more.

01/24/2025

PRESS RELEASE:

Emmalie Griffis, a member of the Denison High School Touch of Gold Band will perform with the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble II in San Antonio, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Henry B. González Convention Center as part of the 2025 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention.

Emmalie was chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. Emmalie is a student of Tim Golden and plays at school under the direction of Denison High School Director of Bands Melissa Lewis, who is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, a 20,400+ member organization headquartered in Austin. This is Emmalie’s first time to perform as a member of a TMEA All-State organization.

High school students selected to perform in All-State concerts have competed through auditions to qualify at the state level. All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can achieve.

Students are selected through a multi-level adjudication process that begins with about 70,000 students from around the state vying for this honor to perform in one of 18 ensembles.

The Texas Music Educators Association sponsors the Texas All-State competition. This competitive process begins throughout the state in auditions hosted by 33 TMEA Regions. Individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument or voice part.

From this ranking, a select group of musicians advances from their Region to compete against musicians from other areas in eight TMEA Area competitions. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA Area competitions qualify to perform in a TMEA All-State music group. Only the top 2.6% of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians.

Directed by nationally recognized conductors, All-State students participate in four days of rehearsals during the TMEA Clinic/Convention. Their performances for thousands of attendees bring this extraordinary event to a close.

01/24/2025

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is honored to announce that retired Texas Ranger Brad Oliver will serve as the next Chief Deputy. Ranger Oliver, a highly respected law enforcement professional with 27 years of service, will officially be sworn into the position on February 3. Details about the ceremony will be shared in the coming days.

Ranger Oliver began his career in 1994 as a Texas State Trooper and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1998, he became a Sergeant Investigator in the DPS Narcotics Service, focusing on organized crime and drug trafficking. In 2003, he joined the Texas Rangers Division, serving in various roles, including as the Ranger for Grayson County.

Ranger Oliver was a founding member of the Texas Ranger Recon Team, combating trans-national gangs and drug traffickers along the Texas-Mexico border, and the Texas Ranger Company B Special Operations Team (SRT), leading high-risk warrant and search operations across Northeast Texas.

In addition to his operational expertise, Ranger Oliver has trained thousands of law enforcement officers and prosecutors statewide, developing a widely recognized course on Officer-Involved Shooting Protocols. He is a certified fi****ms instructor through TCOLE, the NRA, and Texas DPS, and has extensive experience enhancing school safety through training and certification programs.

“Ranger Brad Oliver has a distinguished history of service and leadership that has earned him the respect of both the law enforcement community and the citizens of Grayson County,” said Sheriff Bennie. “We are proud to welcome him as our next Chief Deputy and look forward to his continued commitment to serving this community.”

Ranger Oliver is widely recognized for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to Grayson County, where he served as a Texas Ranger for many years. Please join us in welcoming him as he prepares to take on this important role.

01/24/2025

It was the district opener for the Lady Eagles while the Eagles improved to 2-0 in TAPPS 2-1A action

Herald Democrat WICHITA FALLS — Dailana Bradley and Mary Grace Hayes each scored 16 points as the Texoma Christian Lady Eagles opened TAPPS District 2-1A… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/23/2025

The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the retirement of Chief Deputy Marty Hall. Chief Deputy Hall has dedicated 26 years of service to the citizens of Grayson County, we are thankful for his contributions to this agency and the community.

While his departure marks the end of an era for the Sheriff’s Office, we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

01/23/2025

For more than 20 years, development along the shores of Lake Texoma was a constant, if sometimes distant, goal for the city of Denison. While the project has been seen for some time as the future of growth in Denison, details on how the portions of the project will be funded are beginning to come into focus.

Last week, the Denison City Council approved the creation of a Public Improvement District for a portion of the upcoming 3,100-acre Preston Harbor Development. A PID represents a specialized funding district, which will allows a developer to recoup costs related to certain public improvements within its boundaries.

For more than 20 years, development along the shores of Lake Texoma was a constant, if sometimes distant, goal for the city of Denison. While the project has been seen for some time as the future of growth in Denison, details on how the portions of the project will be funded are beginning to come in...

01/23/2025

The Tomcats offense improved each season under his watch, including back-to-back 6-4 seasons for the program's best strech in two decades

By Jason Della Rosa, Herald Democrat TOM BEAN — The Tomcats didn’t look far when it came to continuing their best stretch of play in… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/22/2025

After a Tuesday public hearing where several people spoke about the growing need to find a new way to fund emergency services in the unincorporated portions of Grayson County, county commissioners took the region one step closer to having its first ever emergency services district by approving an order granting a petition to create Grayson County ESD no. 1.

Present Volunteer Emergency Services Vice President Kurt Moore said there is just no way PVES can keep up with the rising costs of providing emergency services with their current funding sources.

After a Tuesday public hearing where several people spoke about the growing need to find a new way to fund emergency services in the unincorporated portions of Grayson County, county commissioners took the region one step closer to having its first ever emergency services district by approving an or...

01/22/2025

Texas EquuSearch Conducts Extensive Search Effort for Missing 8-Year-Old Clara Robinson in Sherman, Texas

Sherman, TX (1/22/2025) — Texas EquuSearch has been actively engaged in the search for 8-year-old Clara Robinson since the organization assumed responsibility for search operations on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Before we provide specific updates on the ongoing search efforts, Texas EquuSearch would like to extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly in the three weeks prior to our involvement.

The tenacity and dedication demonstrated by law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, emergency personnel, volunteers, and the Sherman community during those early weeks reflect an extraordinary commitment to finding Clara. Your relentless efforts to search, respond, and provide assistance under challenging circumstances have laid the foundation for all ongoing efforts. We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of so many who have worked with such determination to bring Clara home.

To date, Texas EquuSearch has carried out a comprehensive, multi-faceted search effort utilizing a variety of tools and resources and an extensive range of search methods, to thoroughly search the area, including:

* Foot searchers – who meticulously worked through assigned debris piles
* Excavators – to break down large debris piles, enabling deeper searches in areas of concern
* Drones – capturing high-resolution aerial imagery for detailed analysis of the landscape
* K9 – various cadaver dog teams to assist with hard-to-reach areas and extensive terrain
* Kayak with Side Scan Sonar – to search the waterways over an extensive route
* Helicopter – used to survey the surrounding area and fly over creek beds
* ATVs and UTVs which allowed searchers to access difficult terrain efficiently
* An amphibious water vehicle, SHERP, utilized to reach areas otherwise inaccessible by standard vehicles and gain closer access to deep water holes.

As part of the ongoing search effort, the team is currently processing drone images, with results expected to be received by Wednesday, January 22. Based on these images, search operations will continue with the following schedule:

* January 23–24: Securing landowner permissions in order to gain entry through their properties to the creek and target area of interest. We will call or visit your home in an effort to discuss access. Our vehicles and personnel are clearly marked. Should you have any concern or want to verify a request, please feel free to call our office at (281) 309-9500 and ask for the Search Coordinator.

* January 25–26: Investigating specific targets identified through drone analysis.

If Clara is not located during this phase, Texas EquuSearch is prepared to initiate an underwater search, deploying an experienced dive team from approximately February 1 through February 4 starting in Post Oak Creek and moving downstream.

Our hearts are with Clara Robinson’s family, friends, teachers, classmates, community and all who know and love her during this incredibly difficult time. We remain committed to leaving no stone unturned. The support and cooperation of the community has been invaluable, and we encourage residents to report any information that may assist in the search. In the future, we will thank individuals and entities in a more specific way. At this time, our focus, time, and energy are on planning and searching for Clara. Please know that we have not forgotten you and that you have made a difference in our search efforts and for our volunteers.

Updates on the search will be provided as new information becomes available. Anyone with information about Clara Robinson’s possible whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement or Texas EquuSearch immediately.

Media Contact:
Tim Miller or Angelina Farris
Texas EquuSearch
Phone: (281) 309-9500
Email: [email protected]
Website: ww.txeq.org

Sherman Police Department
Sherman, Texas Emergency Management

01/22/2025

An unofficial landmark in downtown Denison may soon get a new paint job in recognition of one of the oldest rivalries in the state of Texas. Representatives for a new project announced plans to repaint the grain silos among Austin Avenue with a new mural depicting the annual Battle of the Ax football game between Denison High School and Sherman High School.

The announcement was made Friday morning during the annual Denison Development Alliance Economic Development Summit. Each year, representatives give a progress report on development and new projects coming to the city along with an early look at future projects to come.

An unofficial landmark in downtown Denison may soon get a new paint job in recognition of one of the oldest rivalries in the state of Texas. Representatives for a new project announced plans to repaint the grain silos among Austin Avenue with a new mural depicting the annual Battle of the Ax footbal...

01/22/2025

As cast and crews are preparing to start showing “Moon Over Buffalo,” leadership at the Sherman Community Players is preparing for its next show.

“Moon Over Buffalo” will be showing from Feb. 7-23, and during the middle of the showing period, the theater will be hosting auditions for Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

The audition will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 17-18 at the Finley Theater in Sherman.

As cast and crews are preparing to start showing "Moon Over Buffalo," leadership at the Sherman Community Players is preparing for its next show.

01/22/2025

Sherman snapped an 18-game losing streak with a home victory over Greenville in district play

By Jason Della Rosa, Herald Democrat The results were proving hard to come by and the chances for the Sherman Lady Bearcats to get an… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/22/2025

The Bearcats lost against the Lions in 9-5A action

By Jason Della Rosa, Herald Democrat The start to the second half of the district schedule was a frustrating continuation of the first. The fact… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/22/2025

Other winners on Tuesday included Bells, Pottsboro, Tioga and Tom Bean

Herald Democrat TRENTON — Cody Darnell scored 25 points and the Whitewright Tigers moved into a tie for first place in District 14-2A after a… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/22/2025

Whitewright also earned a victory on Tuesday night

Herald Democrat BLUE RIDGE — Allie Hale had 17 points during the second-place Bells Lady Panthers’ 49-30 victory against fourth-place Blue Ridge in District 11-3A… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close

01/21/2025

CASA of Grayson County’s 27th Annual Chocolate Indulgence takes place from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 15 at Hilton Garden Inn Texoma Event Center, 5015 South US Highway 75 in Denison.

Executive Director James Hamilton said this year’s theme is “A Night at the CASAs” loosely based on the Oscars ceremony.

Sponsorships for one of the longest running Valentine's events in the area are currently on sale. Not only can one celebrate the loveliest holiday of the year with their sweetheart, but they can also help support a worthy cause.

01/21/2025

Denison had four winners and a pair of runners-up while Tom Bean placed 10th

Herald Democrat PRINCETON — The Denison Yellow Jackets opened their powerlifting season by winning the Princeton Invitational with four first-place finishes and two runner-up medals.… Login to continue reading Login Sign up for complimentary access Sign Up Now Close