As a seventh-generation Central Texan, I don’t just represent rural Texas—I live it. I was raised on the values that come from working the land, keeping your word, and fighting for what matters. I live on a farm that has been in our family since the late 1800s. Agriculture isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life.
Papa Hop grew up a preachers son. See, Papa Hop’s dad, James Allen Weathers, my Great Grandpa, came to Hunt County Texas from Rome, Floyd County, Georgia in 1869 at the age of thirteen. He came with a wagon train and drove a team of oxen at this early age. His Father had died in the Civil War and it fell his lot to be the head of his family. So, after working two years as a drover and cowhand, he returned to Georgia and then brought his Mother, brothers, and sisters back to Hunt County and eventually moved to Floyd County, Texas, an area known as the Great Plains, the Llano Estacado. This is where he began his preaching career, riding across the Llano Estacado and down into the Palo Dura Canyon to ranches and community school houses where he preached God’s Word. Later in 1910, he founded the Meteor Baptist Church in Floyd County, near present day Aiken, Texas. Now seeing as how Papa Hop grew up a preachers kid, he was well versed in the teachings of the Bible which he passed on to children and grandchildren. One of the first lessons he taught us came from Matthew 5:16 which tells us to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
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Marlin Librarian Sara Payne received a $500 check on behalf of Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers for being remarkable. She was nominated by Marlin Mayor Susan Byrd for managing fundraising efforts for the library, helping with home resources and offering after school programs among other things. The library had about 4 months to stay open when Payne was hired and she made it her goal to keep the library open for the community. Thank you Sara!
BBQ SANDWICH FUNDRAISER FOR MARLIN VFD The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department will host a BBQ sandwich fundraiser on Sunday, June 29, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until sold out.
Gov. Greg Abbott just before the midnight deadline Sunday vetoed a bill on THC products and said he would call a special legislative session to regulate products containing the substance, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The veto angered the bill’s chief champion, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.