After 17 months of tenuous times, Carter Michael Cates is home for Christmas. The infant was the recipient of six new organs transplanted into his tiny body May 2008. Carter was born 10 weeks premature on July 15, 2007. Less than 10 days later he was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis. The disease causes the intestines to deteriorate, followed by multiple organ failure.
The float sponsored by East Texas Medical Center - Mount Vernon, above, won first place in the large business category of the annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 6. A member of the Hella Shrine clown brigade, at left, entertained the crowd during the parade. To see more photos from the Christmas parade, go the the Events Photos portion of this website.
A retirement reception is planned for Martha Mullins at the First National Bank of Mount Vernon on Friday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mrs. Mullins has worked at First National for 32 years and is retiring from the human resources of the bank. See the Dec. 18 edition of the Optic-Herald for more details.
The Northeast Texas Rural Rail Transportation District’s Board of Directors is helping to promote the development of a high speed passenger rail service. Franklin County Commissioners were asked to come on board to promote the plan by joing the group. 
The Downtown Business Association’s December dinner grossed more than $1000 with over 40 people attending Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Winnsboro Cafe of Mount Vernon. The funds will benefit DBA projects.
Trooper Chris Mulch looks up information on his in-car computer equipment. Officers now have the ability to instantly identify wanted persons and stolen vehicles. 
