CTC graduates transform lives through prison education

By Wendy SleddSpecal to the Messenger GATESVILLE, TX (April 25, 2026) Inside the chapel at the Patrick O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, the meaning of graduation stretched far beyond a stage walk or a diploma. It was about redemption, resilience, and the power of education to reshape futures.

Council approves budget amendment

The Gatesville City Council passed the final amendment to the 20252026 Fiscal Year (FY) budget as well as expending emergency funds to North Fort Hood during their last regular meeting of September on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

THE DISPATCH

The following is a breakdown of activity reported through dispatchers from September 15 – 21. While there were many calls to the dispatcher, this is a partial list of more significant activity.

School Board discusses Texas Senate bill

The Gatesville ISD Board of Trustees held a lengthy discussion on Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB 12) during their monthly meeting for September held on Monday, Sept. 21.

Gone to Texas

On the second floor of the Coryell Museum and Historical Center, visitors will notice an exhibit titled “Gone to Texas.” This display describes the origins of Gatesville and Richard Grant who was referred to as the “Father of Gatesville.

GISD candidates introduce themselves to the community

From the months of July to August, three citizens decided to file and run for a position on the Gatesville ISD board of trustees.There will be no election held for the three open positions for the Gatesville School Board as there were only three applications filed.

White Trash

This recipe appeared in the “Coryell County Cookin’” cookbook in 1994. The Gatesville Messenger runs a series of recipes weekly from this cookbook. If you would like to submit your own recipe of a favorite dish for possible publication, please email it to: dscott1929@yahoo.com. 1 c.

1996 (Thirty years ago)

The new HEB Supermarket was taking shape as steel girders were being put into place. The 39,575 square foot building was nearly doubling in size of the current store. Chris Bell assumed the duties of assistant warden at the Hughes Unit.

Pearl News

Howdy Friends and Neighbors, It feels like things have finally somewhat returned to a state of normalcy in Pearl after everything that has gone on over the last several weeks.

Local lady makes her famous tortillas

Making fresh homemade tortillas can be a wonderful craft. There is nothing like the smell of warm tortillas fresh off the griddle. Store-bought just cannot compare. For many, making tortillas is a cherished memory passed down through mothers and grandmothers to their offspring.