Special to the Progress
Judy Seamands, of Wallwork by Judy, has created this year’s District 11 ornament to be placed on the Lone Star Celebration Tree at the Capitol in Austin.
Seamands was contacted by State Rep. Chuck Hopson’s office to create an ornament that is uniquely characteristic of the district. The ornament will represent the district on a 24-foot Christmas tree in the House Chamber from Dec. 4 through Jan. 6.
The artwork and significance of Jacksonville’s ornament was described on the submittal by Hopson’s office in this way:
“Jacksonville was given the honor many years ago as being the ‘Tomato Capital of the World,’ producing the largest, reddest, sweetest tomatoes, shipped by rail from rows of tomato sheds lining the tracks. Modern day has stopped most sheds, but not our annual ‘Tomato Fest’ celebration, a festival of history, events and sights.”
The invitation for House members to send a “little piece of their district” came from Julie Straus, wife of House Speaker Joe Straus.
“To make this tree truly representative of Texas, we are sending you the enclosed unadorned ornament and ask that you return it fully decorated with something uniquely characteristic of your district,” Straus wrote.
She said they will photograph and catalog each ornament so visitors can learn its story and so they have a permanent record of this year’s celebration.
Local News
Jacksonville’s ornament to hang on tree in Austin
- Local News
-
-
Forecasters see end to La Niña but it may not bring drought relief
The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center announced that La Niña, which contributed to the drought across the southwestern U.S., will dissipate between March and May.
-
Alto police force adds tool to help in fighting crime
The Alto Police Department have an additional tool under its belts for fighting crime — tasers.
-
Bullard bans smoking in city park
Smoking in Bullard's O.L. Ferrell Park is officially illegal after a unanimous decision made by the Bullard city council Thursday evening.
-
Aircraft lifted from Lake Palestine
The Varga Aircraft found in Lake Palestine has been lifted from the water Friday afternoon. The missing pilot, Fred Scholz, has not been found and the search mission continued.
-
JEDCO, city to have joint representation
Through a 4-3 vote, Eldridge Moak will cease to be the attorney representing Jacksonville Development Corp. effective July 1.
-
Alto looks to update infrastructure, town is ‘worn out, structurally’
City officials said it is time to start looking into updating the city's underground infrastructure.
-
Model U.N. gives students a global perspective
Last week, delegates from over 40 countries met in Kilgore to discuss important issues within their borders.
-
2 men charged in aggravated assault
A New Summerfield man turned himself in to the Cherokee County jail last week for a late January aggravated assault incident.
-
Alto police hire two new officers
After six months without a police force, and two months of running with two officers, the Alto Police Department is fully staffed.
-
Rusk officials mull education partnerships
The Rusk Economic Development Corporation board of directors is deliberating a project that could grant every graduating Rusk senior a free education at Tyler Junior College.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Forecasters see end to La Niña but it may not bring drought relief





