On Aug. 1, Buffalo Wallow Young Marines of Canadian graduated eight recruits who have now earned the right to be called Young Marines. The graduation was led by Unit Cmdr. Max Monty and Unit Executive Officer Justin Dial with staff. In attendance were family members, friends, and representatives from the American Legion, Zybach-Owens Post #56.

Saturday’s Canadian Community Center Totally ‘80s Birthday Block Party was part of the CCC’s yearlong 40th birthday celebration... but more importantly, said CCC Director Ike Julian, “It was just a way to say, ‘We love you, Canadian.’” The Canadian Community Center survives off of the generosity of the people of Canadian, and this is just our way to express our gratitude for the community’s support, Julian said. As part of Saturday’s event, Armadillo Ink printed “totally awesome ‘80s t-shirts,” which they provided free for all the kids. Attendees— many of whom showed up in totally ‘80s dress—enjoyed an evening eating free hot dogs and snow cones provided by CCC, perusing the goodies donated by supporters to the Bake Sale, playing in bounce houses, and competing in street soccer and a Hula-Hoop contest won by Tucker Landry. The Canadian River Beach Club hosted the popular Diving for Dollars event, in which kids dive for coins tossed into a swimming pool. Mandy Flowers, Laurie Brown, Scott and Christy Francis, and David Strickland each won the Diving for Dollars drawing and donated their proceeds to the CCC. In addition, Sawyer Landry hosted a belly-flop contest in conjunction with free admission to the Canadian municipal swimming pool.

AUSTIN—Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced last week that he would send cities, counties, transit systems, and special-purpose taxing districts $1.07 billion in local sales tax allocations for August, 17.4 percent more than in August 2020.

President John Haley kicked off last week’s Rotary meeting with singing, pledge and prayer accompanied by Pat Popham at the keyboard. It was the verse of two losers, as Anna drew the 6 card and Curt lost his free lunch. President Haley welcomed our guests: Elizabeth Escamilla, a guest of Wendy Wright’s, and Presbyterian Minister Kyle Segers, with Beth Briant. Rotary recently honored the Canadian ISD staff with an appreciation luncheon. We are wishing all students, teachers, and administration a safe and blessed year.