THEN AND NOW – The Terrell County Courthouse could some day look like it did when it was first built in 1906, top picture. County Judge Leo Smith said the Texas Historical Commission has no money for routine repairs but it might provide 85 percent of the cost of restoring the building. The present building, bottom picture, was renovated in 1934 and again in 1983. This is a side view because the front of the building is now hidden by a lush growth of trees.

FIRST PRIZE – Last year’s first prize in the July 4 Parade in Sanderson was a float by Sanderson State Bank. The financial institution celebrated its centennial July 14 last year. It received its charter on July 14, 1907 and has been in business since. This year’s parade will be at 11:30 Friday, July 4, to kick off a two-day celebration.

SAYS IT ALL – Wes Billings stood on third base Tuesday after knocking in three runs with a triple. The scoreboard told the story. Los Pistoleros were ahead of Lonestar 11-0 in the first inning. Final score in the rout was Pistoleros 37, Lonestar a lucky – or unlucky – 13.

PASS IN REVIEW – Delegates to Girls and Boys State provided the color guard for the July 4 Parade last year in Sanderson. Hoisting the Stars and Stripes was Danell Graham. Davis Stumberg carried the Lone Star Texas Flag while Hannah Black and Ben Rubio held Legion flags. This year, the holiday will be celebrated Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5.

FIRE DANGER – The severe drought conditions in Southwest Texas this year have created an extreme fire danger. Numerous wildland fires have broken out throughout the region like this 50,400-acre fire in March in north Terrell County and east Pecos County.

LIZARDS BY DAY – UT Austin students, from left, Sze Huei Yek, Travis Katon and Vicky Huang spotted lizards by day and enjoyed the peace and quiet of Sanderson by night. The trio of biology students passed through the area this week. 

WAITING FOR THE FUN – Cordell Lawson threw a peace sign while the girls lounged around waiting for GEARUP camp to begin recently. From left, they were Taylor Johnson, Brianna Johnson, Ernestina Gonzalez, Noemi Nuñez and Cordell.

WHICH COLOR – Jonathon Calzada enjoyed himself at Stocktons Entertainment for pizza and bowling as part of GEARUP camp earlier this month. The group of 15 also went to the Prude Ranch in Fort Davis.

STARS AND STRIPES – Marin Zeyen of Albuquerque with her two charges, Jace, 4, and Nina, 2, took part in the Fourth of July Parade last year in Sanderson. Marin is the daughter-in-law of Helen Zeyen of Sanderson.

FEELING THE LOVE – Juliana Castro and Brianna Johnson showed some love at GEARUP camp recently. They were among 15 Sanderson students who attended at Sul Ross earlier this month.

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM – Texas Gov. Rick Perry spoke about the “Texas Hold ’Em” initiative during a news conference at the Texas State Capitol last week. Looking on, from left, were El Paso Sector Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Mike Pryzbyl, Rio Grand Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Ronald Vitiello, Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Randy R. Hill, Marfa Sector Chief Patrol Agent John J. Smietana, Jr., Chief of Texas DPS Driver License Division Judy Brown and Laredo Sector Chief Patrol Agent Carlos X. Carrillo.