United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development department is accepting applications for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2009. See the May 7 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

The 2009 Angel Run is set for Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23, Memorial Day weekend. The annual event for motorcycle enthusiasts is sponsored by the Franklin County Child Protective Services Board.See the May 7 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Dee Dee Self of Scroggins assumed duties as a deputy with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, April 16, 2009. Read more about Mrs. Self in the May 7 edition of the Optic-Herald.

April was wetter than average in Franklin County this year with 5.44 inches of rain falling. Average for the month is 3.67 inches. A record high and low temperature were also recorded. See the May 7 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

The Swine Flu, now being referred to as the H1N1 flu, has disrupted lives across the United States and around the world since it began in Mexico last month. Many people have become ill, events have been canceled, and others are seeking medical help at the first sign of illness. As of press time on Tuesday, May 5, there have been no confirmed cases of the flu in the north east Texas area. The CDC has confirmed 403 human swine flu cases in the U. S., including 41 confirmed cases and one death in Texas. Each day, additional cases are reported.For more information, see the May 7 edition of the Optic-Herald.