11/11/2025
Talk about Wills Point Proud… tonight a LARGE group of people showed up in support to keep the monument where it is and get it repaired.
I know myself, I had more important things I should have been doing, like at home taking care of my 2-year-old and 8-month-old. However, I'm thankful for my wonderful in-laws who kept them while I went to the council meeting and my husband worked. I'm sure the entire audience had other things they put on hold to be there. As frustrating as it was that this was even a conversation, I was extremely proud of the people in the room who took the time to support the perseverance of our town's charm and historical value.
Mrs. Rinks spoke of the history of the monument and the meaning and values it has to long-time Wills Point residents, as it is a symbol for all those who leave our town for any reason and come back, that they are home.
Mrs. Dennis made some extremely good points, as to even if it's moved, 4th Street isn't going to change; still going to be one way each direction, and still going to have to drive past the barber shop to turn right. The only thing that will change is that we will not be able to make a U-turn anymore. She was also clear as to it has a historical marker, moving it isn’t just up to the city.
Mrs. Blasingame told a story of her son in Iraq in 2019, where he told a guy he was from Wills Point, and he responded, 'The town with the monument.' Mrs. Ross spoke about the downtown charm and why anyone would want to take the one thing Wills Point has that brings charm to downtown Wills Point. Several others spoke, and all of them said, 'Do not move it!' Not one person was in favor of moving it.
Social media was already loud and clear on the issue prior to tonight's meeting, and I know there are several who simply could not attend. But as I stood in a room full of people who are proud to be citizens of Wills Point, I am proud to be a part of such an awesome community.
Mayor Mike Jones did a great job allowing everyone who wanted to speak to get their word in. He was very clear on his stance as the mayor. Every councilman and councilwoman spoke as to their position on the matter. Some were very clear on where they stood; some slightly skirted the question. Mr. Emerson, who was the one who put the item on the agenda, firmly stated after everyone spoke, 'Let's get it fixed where it is at.' Mr. Kesterson and myself were firm in our speeches that we made a promise to this community that we would accept donations under the promise from the city that the monument would be repaired exactly where it stood, and we encouraged the council to uphold that promise. I read a list of every single name of those who have already donated on the promise it would be repaird. The focus of the meeting should have been to hold the contractor, Terry Venable, accountable for completing the project he has been paid $26,000 so far to do, but we have seen zero proof of progress. Mr. Venable called in during the meeting, and everyone in the room was able to hear him state that his new timeline for completing the project is January 2026, and he would allow city officials to come inspect the work he has completed so far in the coming weeks. I appreciate our City Manager, Mrs. Conway, and City Attorney holding firm to a new timeline and expectation.
With that being said, we have collected 50% of the money; I would not collect any more money until we saw progress. But it's now time to finish strong. If anyone wants to donate to finishing this project, you can do so on the Chamber website or at CNB in Wills Point.
Go Tigers! 🐅
https://www.zeffy.com/fundraising/rose-monument-restoration--2?fbclid=IwdGRjcAN_h95leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeUV1xRcWsIWS-r-7aQTdc0zwUplZFhhTYxL0hY9rz23-IVzg0N8o4-LnDzyw_aem_qRlOdqzDecVUarzXuEEtdwr
Help Restore the Historic Rose Monument!The Wills Point Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the City of Wills Point, is accepting tax-deductible donations to assist with repairs to the Rose Monument following a vehicle accident in 2024.This iconic landmark, a gift from Ike Rose in 1916, has long...
