News

There was great excitement at the Children’s Museum on Wednesday, December 21, as the Gooding family from Sulphur Springs brought the yearly number of visitors to 30,000.   Debbie had attended Brunch with Santa and returned for a second visit at just the right time.  Balloons and a yearly membership were presented to Debbie as she entered the Children’s Museum.  “Are you kidding? This is wonderful! My boys will love this!” she quickly exclaimed.

“We want to thank all our visitors who have made this year such a success. This is a tremendous milestone for the Children’s Museum”, said Sharline Freeman, Executive Director. “Since the population of Commerce is 8,000, this number reflects the support that the Children’s Museum receives from throughout northeast Texas. ”

The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum features open play, special events, and school programs throughout the year. Coming soon in 2017 will be the Children Health and Safety Fair on January 14; a book signing by author Kathleen Hooten on January 28; the Daddy Daughter Dance on February 4; and Mother Son Pirate Night on February 25. The Healthy Kids from A to Z pre-school program will begin the eight-week class on January 11; the fifth grade Weird Science program begins on February 9.

The Children’s Museum opened in 2002.  With a full schedule and variety of events, 2017 promises to be another successful year at the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. For more information, call the Children’s Museum at 903-886-6055.

Governor Abbott, First Lady Cecilia Abbott Honor 2016 Texas Women’s Hall Of Fame Inductees

Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott today inducted five new honorees into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Established in 1984, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who have attained significant achievements in areas such as the arts, community service, education, leadership, health, science and business. The biennial award winners are selected by a bi-partisan, independent panel of judges, based on nominations submitted by Texas residents.

“In Texas, we believe in the unlimited potential of women,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “We celebrate today’s five honorees not only for their individual achievements, but also for their unique contributions to the strength of this great state. When women succeed in Texas, Texas succeeds.”

The Office of the Governor released the following video highlighting the stories and accomplishments of the 2016 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honorees:

• Emma Carter Browning (Aviation)
• Susie Hitchcock-Hall (Business)
• Ginger Kerrick (STEM)
• Dr. Renu Khator (Public Service)
• Selena Quintanilla (Arts)

For more information about the Governor’s Commission for Women, click here.

For a list of past honorees and information on the Texas Women’s Hall of fame, visit http://www.twu.edu/twhf/.

Biding is open for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s surplus property auction on the Internet.  Potential bidders can see the Auction items and photos through the link at www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-news/odwc-auction.

Vehicles included in the auction are 21 pickup trucks, a utility van as well as a few boats and four wheelers.  Details about the vehicles are included in the listing.  Other items are up for bid include law enforcement equipment, automotive parts and an Army-style tent.

Bidding will be accepted online until at least 10 am November 2, 2016.  Bidding may be extended for items that are generating a lot of activity.  Bidders must register at the online auction site before bidding. A 10 percent buyer’s premium will be added to all winning bids.  Bidders are cautioned to consider this additional fee when submitting their bids.

Items will be sold to the highest bidder as-is, where-is.  All of the auction vehicles have undergone scheduled maintenance from the time the Wildlife Department gets them until they are sold.  Potential bidders can inspect the items by appointment only by contacting Hill at johnny.hill@odwc.ok.gov or (405) 910-9863 or by contacting Chris Wolfe at christopher.wolfe@odwc.ok.gov or (405) 508-1231. For more information, call (405) 521-4600 or (405) 521-4618.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department.