Groundbreaking of animal services center
Join us for the groundbreaking of the animal services center on April 2nd from noon-2p located at 2801 Drane Rd. There will be food, pet adoption, facility tours and more!
Join us for the groundbreaking of the animal services center on April 2nd from noon-2p located at 2801 Drane Rd. There will be food, pet adoption, facility tours and more!
Citizens urged to join fundraiser managed through Compassion Corsicana
November 7, 2025—CORSICANA, TX—Corsicana’s school children are assisted by Corsicana Independent School District’s program that provides school meals to any child in need, a comprehensive caring effort not matched by other districts. But during holiday breaks, when school is not in session, those children risk having greatly reduced nutrition.
Jim Pannell, Managing Partner of Riverfront Capital Strategies and Council man for Precinct 1, working with CISD’s Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Candra Rogers, hopes to fill the gap during the week of Thanksgiving school closure. He is contributing to CISD’s designated partner, Compassion Corsicana, and is encouraging other city and county government officials, business owners, and residents to contribute what they can. According to Ms. Rogers, more than 80% of students enrolled in district qualify for assistance, and in some cases, the school-provided nutrition is likely the best nutrition they will receive daily.
Jim Pannell was apprised of the need from Precinct 1 residents and contacted Candra Rogers to understand the concerns. “Knowing that the need is there, I wanted to contribute in some way, but without federal assistance on top of holiday school closures, it’s much bigger than I thought, and I am asking anyone who can donate to act this week for the benefit of the entire community,” he said. Riverfront Capital Strategies partners and staff are also donating directly to Compassion Corsicana.
“We welcome Mr. Pannell to our efforts to make sure families in Corsicana have local opportunities to both eat and navigate the holiday season,” said Stephanie Howell, Superintendent of Corsicana ISD. “Our partnership with the leadership of the City of Corsicana has blossomed the last couple of years and it’s one we look forward to cultivating further, especially when it comes to enhancing the lives of those we both serve.”
Monetary donations can be directed to Compassion Corsicana online at https://www.compassioncorsicana.org/donate or by mail to Compassion Corsicana, Post Office Box 2256, Corsicana TX 75110, specifying CISD.
In addition, CISD has created their own food drive, Every Tiger Eats, for specific canned food donations for the holiday meal by school campuses.
These options will help place needed food items in the hands of families in need from November 24 to 28. For more information, contact Candra Rogers at crogers@cisd.org or call 903-874-8281.
#EVERYTIGEREATS wwwcisd.org
Council man Jim Pannell can be reached at jpannell@corsicanatx.gov or through phone/text assistance at 480-824-3015. Follow him on FB City of Corsicana Precinct 1.
Pioneer Village readies for Peace Officer Museum Grand Reopening
The City of Corsicana and the Navarro County Historical Society invite the public to celebrate the Grand Reopening of the Les Cotten Memorial Peace Officers Museum on Nov. 6. The ribbon cutting will be at 4:00pm and admission is free to the public. “The Peace Officer’s museum recognizes and honors Corsicana and Navarro County law men and a few outlaws they worked to apprehend,” said Bruce McManus, Vice President of the Navarro County Historical Society.
“The museum has been closed for 6 years and undergone several renovations, some of which Les Cotten did the work on. This reopening has been a long time coming and we are so excited,” said Melana Wiese, who has been the Director of the Pioneer Village since March of this year. Corsicana’s Pioneer Village is a collection of 15 walk-through museums which showcase the area’s history from Frontier time (1836) to more modern times (1920’s).
Both Wiese and McManus want to thank those who contributed in ways both large and small toward the museum’s new look and grand reopening. This includes the Navarro Community Foundation who offered grants to complete much of the work on the building, as well as Deb Miller who created some exhibits on display.
“I am thrilled about the grand reopening of the Peace Officers’ Museum at Pioneer Village,” says Sharla Allen, Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Corsicana. “This is a great occasion to showcase Officers service and sacrifice. And to memorialize Les Cotten is an outstanding gesture. I personally knew Les as a coworker, mentor and friend. I know his family is very honored,” stated Allen.
Stop by on Nov. 6 from 4:00pm-7:00pm for a tour through the Peace Officer’s Museum as well as a Fall Festival featuring gun fight reenactments, bounce houses, balloon twisting, a food truck, and more!
Pioneer Village is located at 912 W Park Avenue and its regular hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and contact information can be found on the city website at https://www.cityofcorsicana.com/995/Pioneer-Village
The City of Corsicana and the Commemorative Airforce’s Coyote Squadron invites everyone to the 26th Annual Corsicana Airsho. The event, set for the Corsicana Municipal Airport, highlights Corsicana’s history of being a training ground for pilots beginning in the early days of World War II.
Through community events including the airshow, the Coyote Squadron and Commemorative Airforce continue their mission of educating and honoring the past while inspiring the next generation’s future pilots.
Dubbed “The Best Little Airshow in Texas,” this event will feature several vintage aircraft, demonstration teams and talented pilots, who will meet with show goers after their performances.
All of those memories and entertainment are available at the low price of $20 per carload. A variety of food trucks will also be on sight. Veterans who attend will also enjoy premium seating as well as food and drink vouchers.
The show will begin at 12 Noon on Saturday, Oct. 11, along show center, with gates opening at 9 a.m. Arrive early to meet the pilots and crews and explore the machines which helped save the world from tyranny.
Remember to bring your lawn chairs and join us at the Corsicana Airsho Oct. 11.
The City of Corsicana is deeply saddened to report that a fire has destroyed the House of Refuge, a vital community resource located at 627 W. Collin Street. The Corsicana Fire Department responded swiftly to the blaze which was reported at approximately 2 a.m. At this time, no serious injuries have been reported. The fire has displaced 5 families; 13 individuals of women and children. Fire investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the fire.
The House of Refuge has long stood as a beacon of hope for survivors of domestic violence offering safety, healing, and a path toward self-sufficiency for women, men, and children escaping abuse. This city stands together in times of crisis. We will work hand in hand with our partners to help the House of Refuge recover and continue its mission of service.
The House of Refuge, established in 1985 by Wes and Liz Haefs, has been a cornerstone of compassion for the community providing secure housing, private rooms, and support for survivors of domestic abuse through partnerships on emotional, financial, and legal needs, including guidance on restraining orders, custody, and housing assistance. Its loss is not only devastating to the organization but to the entire City of Corsicana.
We would like to commend the great work by the Corsicana firefighters as they were able to safely contain the fire, and no other structures have been affected.
Many organizations have already come together to support the displaced families and House of Refuge including Compassion Corsicana, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, The Hope Center, YMCA Corsicana, United Way, CANA FC and many others. Corsicana ISD is also working with displaced students to ensure they have the resources they need.
In the past few hours, the community has come together quickly to support and offer supplies and resources. We have spoken with Mel Castillo, Executive Director of Compassion Corsicana, who has stated the best way to continue their support is to donate at the link below and make sure to note “The House of Refuge” in your donations. Donations can also be mailed to: Compassion Corsicana PO BOX 2256 Corsicana, Texas 75151
The Corsicana City council approved the appointment of Jim Pannell to the position of Precinct 1 at Monday’s council meeting. Pannell was nominated by Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill and will fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Councilman Will Jones. Pannell will have to face election in May 2026 if he chooses.
“Jim Pannell is just the person to help lead Corsicana into the future,” said Hill, following the appointment. Pannell brings a wealth of financial and investment experience to the council. He began his career as a Financial Advisor with a national investment firm in Fort Worth. In November 2015, he founded Riverfront Capital Strategies with one goal in mind; to create an environment in the investment advisory space that acknowledges that life is more than a matter of money. In 2025 Riverfront Capital Strategies is honoring its ten-year anniversary with a series of client events during its Year of Gratitude. The firm has offices in Fort Worth, Glen Rose, Corsicana, the main office, and registered representatives in Houston and Kansas City.
Pannell said he will work together to improve the city, be accessible and serve everyone in Precinct 1, following Monday’s meeting. “I am proud to represent the citizens of Corsicana who reside in Precinct 1 for the remainder of this term," he said. "I can certainly understand the disappointment that some expressed that their preferred candidate was not selected. I will do my very best to earn their trust and to show that I am committed to representing all of Precinct 1 regardless of their background. I look forward to conversations with not only those who opposed my appointment, but anyone and everyone in Precinct 1, and intend to facilitate those conversations as soon as possible."
Jim is on the Board of the Navarro College Foundation, Corsicana Preservation Foundation, the Corsicana Artist & Writer Residency, and previously, the Warehouse Living Arts Center, where he fills the role of Treasurer. He has been Chair of the fundraiser “Dancing for our Stars” for the past two years which provides scholarships for Navarro College students and faculty teaching innovation awards. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, he is a 1992 graduate of Texas Tech University. Jim spends his free time with his children and wife Amy, who is the founder and Executive Director of an international non-profit Christian ministry.
Corsicana, Navarro County, aid in Texas Flood recovery
Recent flooding along the banks of the Guadalupe River have devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country and irrevocably altered the lives of families and communities throughout the state.In the face of this tragedy Texans are coming together, just as they have during other difficult times throughout the state’s proud history.“The City of Corsicana and Navarro County join the state and nation in mourning the lives of more than 100 victims, including dozens of children who were anticipating a joyous July 4 holiday,” said Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill. Resources, including personnel and equipment are on the scene to assist flood victims and recovery efforts.“Corsicana and Navarro County are committed to providing any needed resources and support,” said Hill.
Navarro County’s Coordinator of Emergency Management, Eric Meyers, said he and Mayor Hill are continuing to monitor ongoing search and recovery efforts. Meyers commended those individuals from Navarro County who were called to assist for their dedication and professionalism during the search and recovery operation.One of Navarro County OEM team members on the scene is part of a state task force, Texas Task Force One, who was called out to assist in recovery efforts, said Meyers.However, Meyers cautioned against spontaneous or untrained individuals from participating in the recovery operations without first making contact through one of the impacted areas volunteer registration sites.The State Operations Center in conjunction with local emergency operations centers and volunteer support service agencies are handling the logistics of personnel and material and has advised that due to limited warehouse space food, clothing and furniture are not needed at this time.“The real need of those affected by the flood right now is financial support. It is heart-warming to see the support being given to fellow Texans along the Guadalupe,” Hill continued, “I know that Corsicana and Navarro County citizens will join in to help out. The recovery will take months, perhaps longer, so there will be a continuing need for support.”
Those who are able are encouraged to donate to
Central Texas Flood Recovery. https://onestarfoundation.org/central-texas-flood-recovery-fund
Texas Community Recovery. https://tcr.communityos.org/
Any donations received by these organizations will remain local and assist those affected by this horrific disaster.
Corsicana and Navarro County residents can sign up to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for our Emergency Alert Program via email on cityofcorsicana.com at https://member.everbridge.net/3091830992273773/new
These alerts will warn users about severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
Photo caption: Graphics from Kerr County, provided by Eric Meyers, OEM