Home Articles Contact

My Scribble Symphony

Panola Watchman •

19th annual Piney Woods Quilt Festival is set for April 19-20

The vibrant and intricate world of quilting is set to take center stage at the 19th Annual Piney Woods Quilt Festival, scheduled for April 19-20 at the Carthage Civic Center.

This event, which draws enthusiasts from across the Ark-La-Tex region, will showcase over 175 stunning quilts of varying sizes, ranging from 13 inches by 13 inches to 102 inches by 103 inches.

The festival, a cherished tradition in Panola County, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a testament to the enduring legacy
Panola Watchman •

City of Gary joins Panola County Chamber of Commerce

The City of Gary joined the Panola County Chamber of Commerce this week, marking a significant step forward for the city’s community and economic development efforts. During the ribbon cutting ceremony Mayor Jason Woodfin, alongside Chamber of Commerce ambassadors, highlighted the importance of City of Gary’s membership with the chamber.

The Panola County Chamber of Commerce serves as a vital hub for businesses, organizations and individuals within the county, fostering collaboration, networkin
Panola Watchman •

Panola County Shrine Club plans annual Hospital Benefit Day on Friday

The Panola County Shrine Club has scheduled their annual Hospital Benefit Day on April 5.

For over half a century, the Panola County Shrine Club has been a stalwart advocate for healthcare, spearheading initiatives to support local hospitals. This year’s Hospital Benefit Day promises to continue this tradition of generosity and compassion.

Phil Grimes, who volunteers for the Panola County Shrine Club said that, “In the last few years, half of that money that we raised goes directly to Shrevepo
Panola Watchman •

Sports closet offers free gear to Panola County youth

In a collaborative effort to support youth engagement in sports, the Panola County Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with various local entities to one again offer free sports equipment for young athletes.

The initiative, spearheaded by the chamber in conjunction with Excellent Team Choice, the Panola County Youth Baseball Association and the Carthage Service League Thrift Shop, aims to eliminate financial barriers that may hinder children from participating in sports activities.

“We are w
Panola Watchman •

Panola Orchards and Garden offers u-pick fun for East Texas families

Nestled in the countryside, Panola Orchards and Garden offers a delightful escape for families seeking a taste of farm-fresh produce and wholesome experiences.

Brenda Martin, a key figure in the farm’s operations, shared insights into the farm’s journey and its offerings.

“I love doing this, And I love seeing families come out, we just provide a wholesome, quiet and relaxing day out to a lot of people who come out here, just relax and just to get to experience nature. And there’s absolutely no
Panola Watchman •

Sweet P Boutique in Carthage focuses on children's clothing

Catering to ages newborn to age 15, the new Sweet P boutique in downtown Carthage specializes in adorable attire exclusively for girls.

Owner Gabriel Prudhomme, a mother of three girls, shared how the idea blossomed during her third pregnancy when the prospect of buying multiple sets of clothes sparked the concept for a store.

Established in Marshall in July 2023, the boutique recently relocated back to Carthage in February. The shop’s primary focus is on dresses and accessories inspired by th
Panola Watchman •

Carthage boutique offers western flair, modern style

Zoye Harris, owner of JB Lane Boutique in Carthage, says the inspiration for her new store comes from a personal connection.

The name itself was inspired by her little boy.

JB Lane Boutique stands out with its curated collection featuring a blend of cowboy chic and timeless elegance. The boutique offers a diverse range, including stylish mom T-shirts and bags, capturing the essence of both country charm and urban style.

Previously working in her cousin’s boutique, Harris seized the opportunit
Panola Watchman •

Baker-Koonce choir hits right notes at Carthage library performance

The Baker-Koonce Intermediate School Choir were dressed elegantly for a public performance at the Sammy Brown Library on Wednesday in celebration of Texas Public Schools Week.

In the world of choral music, students are harmonizing their way through foundational techniques. The aim is to nurture a passion that will resonate through junior high and high school, culminating in state-level ensemble competitions. For dedicated students, a melodious journey could even lead to college scholarships.

A
Panola Watchman •

PHOTOS: Ballet Austin TWO delights at special Panola College performance

Ballet Austin TWO, Ballet Austin’s second company, entertained audiences with their spring performance at Panola College on Tuesday at the Q.M. Martin Auditorium.

Featured in this performance was a suite of excerpts from the classic ballet choreography of Marius Petipa and two new contemporary works by choreographers Jennifer Hart and Alexa Capareda.

This performance was sponsored by a grant from the B.F. and Mary Payne Fund for the Preservation of Texas Culture.
Panola Watchman •

Small business help detailed at Panola County meeting

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) shed light on its mission to empower local entrepreneurs in Panola County at a recent event.

Speakers highlighted the SBDC’s commitment to providing invaluable business advising and consulting services to small business owners across six counties, including Panola.

One of the SBDC’s key initiatives is conducting monthly sessions in Carthage to serve local business owners. Additionally, offices in Longview and Marshall offer support on other days. Th
Panola Watchman •

Carthage Thrift Shop unveils exterior renovation

At a celebratory event in the heart of downtown Carthage this week, the Carthage Service League revealed the results of an extensive exterior renovation at its Thrift Shop.

The Service League showcased a vibrant new exterior aesthetic with a blue color palette, an extended awning and decorative light fixtures.

Janet Humber, with the Service League, shared the exciting news, emphasizing the community’s integral role in the shop’s success. Operated by 52 dedicated volunteers, the thrift shop thr
Panola Watchman •

PHOTOS: Panola County Black History Month banquet

Several organizations in Panola County hosted the third annual Panola County Black History Banquet this past Saturday. The Carthage Courtesy Club, Excellent TEEN Choice, Love Action Community Outreach, Panola-Rusk County NAACP, Raymond Ingram Ministries and Turner Alumni & Ex-Students Association joined hands to organize a grand celebration of Black history. This year’s theme was “I Am Black History,” reminding attendees that every action, from daily interactions to personal expressions, contrib
Panola Watchman •

Carthage sophomore crowned America's Most Beautiful Jr. Miss Texas

Carthage sophomore Caroline LaGrone was recently crowned the America’s Most Beautiful Junior Miss Miss Texas.

LaGrone shared her excitement and gratitude for representing Carthage on a national stage and her dedication to showcasing the uniqueness of her community.

“I want to emphasize the true essence of beauty that lies in kindness and want to make sure that more and more people believe in self-confidence and kindness as they are future leaders of the country,” she said.

LaGrone’s journey i
News Aur Chai •

All You Need To Know About National Institute Of Food Technology Entrepreneurship And Management Bill 2021

On July 26, 2021, Lok Sabha passed a bill under the ministry of Food Processing Industry. The bill is titled as National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management Bill, 2021. The main motive of this bill is to address issues with the Food Processing Industry, Entrepreneurship and one Institution for National Importance. With the passing of this bill, the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) and National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Manage
Panola Watchman •

Dancer, cartoonist inducted into Carthage Arts Walk of Fame

Panola County celebrated the induction of two artists into the Carthage Arts Walk of Fame at a glittering ceremony at the Esquire Theater on Friday.

The event was marked by a ceremony followed by the grand unveiling of star plaques in honor of Debbie Rowe and Donnie Pitchford.

Rowe, an aspiring force in ballet dancing and production, spent over three decades at the Rowe Performing Arts, leaving an indelible mark with iconic productions like “The Nutcracker.” Tresa Joffrion presented Rowe with
Panola Watchman •

Democratic candidate Thierry Tchenko brings Senate campaign to Carthage

In an effort to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, Democratic candidate Thierry Tchenko visited Panola County as a part of his rural East Texas tour.

The Democratic candidate, vying for the United States Senate seat held by incumbent Ted Cruz, emphasized the need for a new approach to politics that values every Texan, regardless of their location.

Tchenko, who grew up in Houston, shared his family’s immigrant journey and his commitment to representing the diverse needs of the
Panola Watchman •

Gabriel Project seeks to provide hope, assistance to expectant mothers

Katy Adams and Yvonne Roberts have a mission to support expectant mothers in Carthage.

The Gabriel Project, operating at St. Williams of Vercelli Catholic Church in Carthage, rooted in the Catholic Church, aims to provide assistance, love and practical help to pregnant women facing unexpectant circumstances.

“Our primary goal is to offer practical resources and emotional support to mothers, emphasizing the joy and hope that come with welcoming a child into the world,” Adams, the parish coordin
Panola Watchman •

Tickets on sale for annual Panola County chamber banquet

Panola County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Keri-Perot Vance has shared exciting details about the upcoming 78th annual chamber banquet that is set to take place on Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Carthage Civic Center.

With doors opening at 5 p.m., the event promises an evening filled with community camaraderie, prestigious awards and captivating insights into the regional economy.

Keynote speaker Ray Perryman will headline the event, offering valuable information on the economic landscape
Panola Watchman •

Panola County chamber hosts ribbon cutting for St. Andrew's United Methodist Church

St. Andrews United Methodist Church’s vibrant community initiatives, emphasizing an ethos of inclusivity and openness, was emphasized this past week at a ribbon cutting with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce.

The church, located at 501 N. Davis St. in Carthage, welcomes individuals of all ages.St. Andrews actively cultivates a sense of community with its open-door policies, Pastor Billy Bledsoe said. Bledsoe expressed the church’s commitment to creating an inviting space, encouraging everyo
Panola Watchman •

Ribbon cutting planned Saturday for Texas Gospel Hall of Fame's new display in Carthage

The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage is set to get a new addition by welcoming the Texas Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame.

The idea sprouted before the pandemic, with the Texas Gospel Music Museum facing relocation challenges. Post COVID, the project gained momentum, culminating in a partnership between the gospel museum and the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame here in Carthage.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame at 10 a.m., foll
Panola Watchman •

Carthage Eye Associates joins Panola County chamber

Carthage Eye Associates recently celebrated a ribbon cutting with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce.

The business brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community engagement. The clinic, led by seven collaborative optometrists, is eager to provide the highest quality eye care services and products.

The practitioners, who are former students of the county, expressed their excitement about re-establishing their presence in the community. The clinic operates four days a week, from
Panola Watchman •

Celebrating the Spirit of Carthage Food Drive draws community donations

This initiative, known as the Celebrating the Spirit of Carthage Food Drive, has become a significant tradition since its inception in 2022.

The annual food drive, primarily organized by the National Honor Society in collaboration with various local organizations and businesses, has become a communitywide effort. Various student organizations in Carthage ISD participated and contributed towards the success of the event.

Representatives from the cheerleading squad, Bulldog Belles, FFA, Student
Panola Watchman •

Organizers planning third annual Panola County Black History Banquet

Several organizations in Panola County are gearing up to host the third annual Panola County Black History Banquet in February.

The Carthage Courtesy Club, Excellent TEEN Choice, Love Action Community Outreach, Panola-Rusk County NAACP, Raymond Ingram Ministries and Turner Alumni & Ex-Students Association have joined hands to organize a grand celebration of Black history.

“The Panola County Black History Banquet promises an evening of reflection, celebration and unity, contributing to a broade
Panola Watchman •

Anytime Fitness, chamber celebrate gym’s newest location in Carthage

Anytime Fitness celebrated the grand opening of its Carthage location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and hosted exciting offers and prizes.

The event, which took place at 623 W. Panola St. on Jan. 11, was attended by fitness enthusiasts, community members and chamber ambassadors.

During the ceremony, attendees had the chance to hear from Kayla Randolph, the manager of Anytime Fitness Carthage. She shared details about the gym’s unique offerings and benefits for new members.

“At Anytime Fitnes
Load More