Highlighting the History of Troup – Part 4
Gracie Vallejos Nowadays, Troup, Texas is home to just over 2,000 proud East Texans who value community, tradition, and small-town living. Though modest in size, Troup continues to grow in spirit, offering residents a strong sense of belonging and a place where neighbors truly know one another. Troup has several organizations and community groups […]
A conversation with Troup Librarian Melanie Brumit – Troup History Week 2025
Gracie Vallejos A Conversation with Melanie Brumit, Highlighting The History of Troup Part 3 For more than two decades, Melanie Brumit has called Troup home. After moving to the city when her daughter was four years old, Brumit has spent 21 years watching Troup grow, change, and deepen its sense of community. As both the local librarian […]
Highlighting the History of Troup – Part 1
By Gracie Vallejos Troup stepped onto the Texas map on November 9, 1872, though it carried a few names before settling on the one we know today. Early settlers called it Troupe and sometimes Zavalla, but the spelling “Troupe” came from Troup County, Georgia, the former home of many families who moved west. Others arrived from Kentucky and Tennessee, bringing their customs and […]
Highlighting The History of Troup – Part 2
By Gracie Vallejos Dr. Erasmus Manley Hanna served as Troup’s first mayor around 1872, guiding the young community during its earliest days of growth. By the 1920s, the town’s spirit of cooperation led to the founding of the Troup Chamber of Commerce, which has now supported residents for more than a century. Today, Melanie Brumit […]
Smith County Voters Approve Majority of Amendments; Split Results in Local Elections
By Staff ReportsETX Bell SMITH COUNTY — Smith County voters joined Texans statewide Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in approving most of the 17 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot. Unofficial results show strong local support for tax relief, education funding, and veterans’ benefits, while school bond and local propositions drew mixed outcomes. Statewide Amendments Countywide […]
Delayed Water Bills Affect Bullard Residents Amid Postal Service Delays
BULLARD, Texas — Many Bullard residents have experienced delays in receiving their water bills this month, according to city officials. Normally, water bills are mailed on the fifth of each month. However, because the fifth fell on a Sunday, bills were sent out on Friday, Oct. 3. City officials said recent U.S. Postal Service delivery […]
Cherry on Top Serves Sweet Treats and East Texas Heart in Bullard
By Shawn Larson BULLARD, Texas – At first glance, Cherry on Top looks like a cheerful little ice cream shop on Main Street, pastel walls, the scent of freshly fried funnel cakes, and the steady hum of conversation. But step inside, and you’ll find more than just ice cream. You’ll find a family pouring their […]
City of Arp Plans to Make a Splash
By Courtney Pannell-Smith From neighborhood parks to bustling city centers, splash pads are becoming a staple of summer recreation. These additions to recreational areas offer families safe, affordable ways to cool off while strengthening community ties. While surrounding areas like Whitehouse and Troup have already established pad sites, Arp is positioning itself to bring the […]