Falls County Commissioners Court met at the County Courthouse, Marlin, TX, December 8, 2025, County Judge Jay Elliott presiding. Commissioners present were Milton Albright (Pct. 1), F. A. Green (Pct. 2), Jason Willberg (Pct. 3) and Nita Wuebker (Pct. 4). ADA Steve Sharp was in attendance.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 3:44 A.M., the City of Marlin Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the corner of Walker Street and Capps Street. Upon receipt of the alarm, mutual aid assistance from the Marlin Volunteer Fire Department was requested. The Fire Chief reported to Fire Station 2 and responded to the scene with the department’s ladder truck. While en-route, additional firefighting resources were requested from the Kosse VFD, Bremond VFD, and Lott VFD. The first fire unit arrived on scene within 4-minutes to find a two-story, large floor plan, brick dwelling fully involved in fire. Due to the large body of fire and level of involvement, crews immediately launched defensive fire attack operations using high-volume streams from apparatus-mounted turrets and an aerial ladder-mounted turret. High radiant heat levels forced crews to reposition emergency vehicles several times during the incident. Because of the close proximity of nearby homes, vehicles, and vegetation, hoses were positioned to provide exposure protection. Fire crews remained at the scene for over seven (7) hours performing fire attack and overhaul operations. The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department provided on-scene rehabilitation services for emergency personnel. Several benevolent citizens provided breakfast for the crews operating at the scene.
Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis announced on Dec. 21, 1926 that Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker stood accused of betting on a fixed baseball game.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, entered the U.S. Senate race on the final day to file, pitting her against state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. The Austin American-Statesman reported the difference between the two is more of style than substance, with both raising the issues of income inequality, rising prices, corruption and polarization.
My Granddad, Papa Hop Weathers, exclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!” is my first recollection of this family tradition that has been kept alive through the years. Where, when, and how it started in our family will remain an unsolved mystery, but I am sure it goes a way back. Papa Hop always got up before day break and put a fire under the coffee pot before seeing to the stock and chores. As soon as someone would come straggling up to the coffee pot about half asleep on Christmas Eve he would be waiting for them. “Christmas Eve Gift!” Papa Hop would sing out. He was always first to give that greeting in my younger years. Later, my Mom, we called her Mammy, carried on this tradition. She was already mixing the biscuit dough by the time anybody straggled in because nobody got up before she had coffee ready. Our family still observes this tradition that Papa Hop and Mammy kept alive during their time. Now, each of her kids, especially Sister Ann, extoll to the world, “Christmas Eve Gift!” We believe in family unity; and this tradition is one of the glues that hold us close. Of course, the umbrella that covers all of us is our belief in and trust of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And soon we celebrate the birth of Jesus as we each enjoy Christmas. But , on Christmas Eve, if you happen to ride by the Walker Ranch on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the community of Sattler, Texas, you will undoubtedly hear our daughter Frances exclaiming to the world, “ CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!” Proudly carrying on a living tribute to our ancestors by keeping the tradition alive!