Zooniversity, a traveling wildlife education company that introduces children and adults to the fascinating world of exotic animals, will be conducted with lots of Texas critters at 3 p.m. Friday, June 19 in the Century Room as a part of the Franklin County Library’s Summer Enrichment Program. See the June 11 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Candace Martin and Mistie Davison graduated with Academic Distinction from Texas A&M University - Texarkana on Saturday, May 16. Miss Martin graduated with a bachelor of science in psychology and a minor in interdisciplinary studies. Mrs. Davison graduated with a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in special education. See the June 11 edition of the Optic-Herald for more information.

Emily Blankenship views the tarantula exhibited by Jim Klinger, better known as “Jungle Jim.” An audience of approximately 110 parents and students were at his presentation Tuesday, June 2 as a part of the Franklin County Library’s Summer Enrichment program. Jungle Jim showed his audience several varieties of insects, arthropods, frogs and snakes including a centipede, a tree frog and many other crawly critters.

In the 28 years the Dot and Catfish Smith scholarship has been awarded to 56 students, almost $400,000 has been provided to graduating Mount Vernon students. The scholarship committee is now asking for assistance from the community to bolster the scholarship trust.See the rest of the story in the June 11 edition of the Optic-Herald.