Wood County Monitor

08/20/2026

New Hope SUD enters Phase 1 drought plan amid well problems

Read online at https://www.woodcountymonitor.com/stories/new-hope-sud-enters-phase-1-drought-plan-amid-well-problems,167588

07/23/2026

It's Paper Day!

Here are a few highlights from today's July 23 edition of the Wood County Monitor:

Editor Carley Tucker's continuing series covering Wood County's potential involvement in a regional groundwater conservation district. Wood, Cass, Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Morris, Smith, Upshur, Titus, and Van Zandt counties have thus far agreed to participate in the planning process.

Writer Chelsi Jennings' feature on Melissa Brown's non-profit in Quitman providing socks to those in need.

Writer Justin Kruse's coverage of Winnsboro City Council and their honoring WPD Sgt. Lance Burdick for saving the life of a man trapped in a burning vehicle.

Editor Carley Tucker's coverage of a community event in Mineola celebrating local Black cowboy heritage.

Publisher James Taylor's interview with Jerry Tinney on the Wood County Metal Detecting Club being featured at the upcoming August East Texas Treasure Show.

Writer Megan Whitworth's piece on the East Texas women's group, GLDN Gather.

Photographer Riley Hodges' coverage of the Lake Country Classics Car Club show on the square in Quitman.

Writer Sara Godwin's preview of the upcoming Girls Night Out event in Mineola (Saturday, July 25, noon to 6:30 p.m.).

Writer Larry Tucker's coverage of Quitman ISD's Board of Trustees meeting, where $87,500 in furniture purchases were approved.

Photographer Autumn Honeycutt's coverage of the event honoring the Mineola Watermelon Festival.

Editor Carley Tucker's coverage of guest speaker Danielle Buck at the Wood County Republican Women's meeting.

Writer Justin Kruse's story and photos on the Jams for Jerad fundraiser held at the Beckham Hotel in Mineola (to help: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jerad-kratzmeyers-cancer-battle).

As well as coverage of the Wood County Sheriff's Report, Mineola Police Report, Mineola Fire Department Report, obituaries, library notes, Rose Hill Baptist Church's 92nd Homecoming, local students on the UT Tyler Spring Dean's List, TxDOT project updates for the week, pages of public notices affecting residents across Wood County, classified ads (apartments, help wanteds, and estate sales featured this week), The Page Turner book store ribbon cutting in Mineola, Wood County Arboretum art installation work, and pages of advertising from local Wood County businesses, events, and non-profits for local Wood County residents.

You can find the Wood County Monitor at 30 locations across the county, or read online at www.woodcountymonitor.com.

If you haven't picked up a Monitor in a while, now's a great time to get reconnected to the newspaper and your neighbors across Wood County. It's the best 75 cents you'll spend this week.

(Though a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix might be in the running. Splurge and enjoy both!)

07/12/2026

The Wood County Monitor is looking for writers and photographers.

For 150 years, professional journalists at the Wood County Monitor have covered the news, people and stories of Wood County. We reach thousands of loyal paid readers every week, and we are growing.

We are seeking dependable community correspondents and photographers to help us expand our coverage throughout the county.

Our writers cover public meetings, community events, schools, local organizations and news developments. They also write feature stories about the people, businesses, places and traditions that make Wood County special.

Our photographers capture community events, ceremonies, school activities, news and feature photographs. Sports coverage is available for those who are interested, but it is not required.

Applicants may write, take photographs or do both.

Professional journalism or photography experience is helpful, but it is not required. We are looking for people who are curious, accurate, dependable, comfortable meeting people and able to complete assignments by deadline.

These are paid, assignment-based opportunities with flexible scheduling. Some assignments take place during evenings or weekends.

This could be a good fit for retired journalists, teachers, college students, local photographers, community volunteers or anyone who enjoys learning about Wood County and sharing its stories.

To apply, send a brief introduction, your coverage interests, general availability and any writing or photography samples to [email protected].

Join a growing newspaper with 150 years of history and help us tell the stories of Wood County.

06/12/2026

[1 p.m. update: Power has been restored to all affected customers.]

[Noon update: Around 1,000 customers are without power, but roads are opening back up. Power is estimated to be restored around 1 p.m.]

Traffic is being diverted near Jalapeño Tree in Mineola as of 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12.

An 18 wheeler carrying an over-sized load pulled down a power pole and also shredded AT&T fiber lines.

Per Scott Melvin with the Mineola Police Department, they are waiting on emergency locates of other lines in the area before repair work can commence. Expect to be without power or fiber internet for at least a couple of hours.

To subscribe to the Wood County Monitor and support local, professional journalism, visit www.woodcountymonitor.com.

(Monitor photo by Editor Carley Tucker)

06/02/2026

Storms ravaged through Quitman around 3 p.m. today, Tuesday, June 2.

Damage included downed trees, power lines, and telephone lines. Wood County Electric Cooperative was quick to respond, and as of 5:52 p.m., only a few dozen are left without power. At least one major wreck occurred on Hwy. 37 just north of Quitman.

Photos by Wood County Monitor Editor Carley Tucker.

05/27/2026

Our Wood County Graduation Guide is included in this week's May 28 edition of The Wood County Monitor, celebrating the Class of 2026 from across the county:

Alba-Golden, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, Winnsboro, and Yantis schools are featured.

Don't miss this special section filled with senior photos, interviews with valedictorians and salutatorians, and graduation coverage. It's a keepsake families will treasure for years.

Copies are available at 30 locations across Wood County.

Want to stay connected with the news, stories, and history of Wood County every week? Subscribe to our print or online editions at www.woodcountymonitor.com or call 903-569-2442.

05/16/2026

Read John Arbter's wrap on the Mineola Lady Jackets sweep of Whitesboro, live now on the Wood County Monitor web site:

They did it with adept fielding. They did it with timely hitting. And they did it with guts. Mineola is exactly two wins away from the Texas 3A Division 1 softball championship. The Lady Jackets defeated Whitesboro, 8-4, last Friday in Caddo Mills to sweep the regional final series.

05/16/2026

The Mineola Lady Jackets secure their place in the Final Four after beating Whitesboro 8-4 tonight in Caddo Mills, earning the title of regional champions.

See the May 21 edition of the Wood County Monitor for the full story and photo coverage.

(Monitor photos by James Taylor)

05/14/2026

🎉 The 2026 Quitman Chamber Business Directory is back! Hear from James Taylor with the Wood County Monitor about this year’s directory and how your business can be part of it. 📧 To save your spot in the directory, email James at [email protected].

05/10/2026

In a post-season marked by late-inning rallies, one local fan - likely exhausted by the late-inning drama - posted on the Lady Jackets page, “It’s OK to score early…”

The Mineola squad took note. Thirteen of their 16 runs scored in their sweep of the Gunter Lady Tigers came in the early innings. Oh, and there was still plenty of drama!

See John Arbter's game story and photos in the May 14 edition of the Wood County Monitor.

Local sports coverage like this is possible because of our subscribers. Right now, you can subscribe to the Monitor for as little as $11 and never miss the news, photos, and stories that connect neighbors across Wood County.

Click “Subscribe” at www.woodcountymonitor.com to get started today.

Pictured: Lady Jacket coach Taelor Cheshier closes in for a celebratory hug. (Monitor photo by John Arbter)