Wendell Wolaver is a fourth generation “Italy-ite” born and raised in Italy. He was born in September 1933 in a home right around the corner from where he now resides. He is very proud of his home town and is honored to be Citizen of the Month. (Continued…)

Carey Smith is the Composer-in-Residence with the Meridian Symphony Orchestra in Meridian, Mississippi. He was invited to present “Second Suite for Jazz Quintet and Orchestra”, an original composition, at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark in January. The composition was chosen for recognition in the New Music section of the Annual Conductors Guild Conference. (Continued…)

The dream of living in America has come true for a German teenager, at least for one school year, in of all places, Italy. Lisa Olschewsky, 16, is attending Italy High School as part of a foreign exchange student program coordinated by the Educational Merit Foundation. (Continued…)

I thought it might be fun to share some pictures of our Editor, Mike South, in his business travels this week to Peru. What struck me when I saw these pictures bright and early this morning was that Mike was wearing his Italy Baseball shirt. Go Italy! (Even in Peru!) (Continued…)

Amanda (Zambrano) Wilsford graduated from Texas A&M University at Commerce on December 19, 2009. An IHS honor graduate in 2002, Amanda received her associates from Navarro College in 2004 and has now earned her Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Texas A&M Commerce. (Continued…)

Daniel Seay, Italy Gladiator alumni ’91, and the Aledo Bearcats(15-1), head coached by Athletic Director Tim Buchanan, celebrated winning the Region 4 Division II State Championship on December 19. (Continued…)

Friday night was an eventful night with seniors being presented, a district football game and generally, excitement all around. A special tribute was given to local #1 Gladiator fan, Bobby Itson. Besides being a big fan of the Italy Gladiators, Itson is also a veteran. He served in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Bobby was a Staff Sargent when he was honorably discharged. He was honored before the game as the American flag was raised by the FFA. (Continued…)

Bobby Itson was careflighted to Parkland Hospital this afternoon around 1:00 p.m. His family and friends would greatly appreciate your prayers. Doctors confirmed that he has suffered a stroke. The doctors are evaluating him now. Bobby is best known as the ultimate Gladiator fan and would in Wortham tonight if he could. Thank you. (Continued…)

Last Friday, Italy welcomed two very special visitors to town. Paul Bottalico and his friend, Rose, were visiting from Santa Ana, California. At one time, Paul had very strong family ties to the “Biggest Little Town in Texas”. (Continued…)

Grace Stevens is living a dream. Her dream. A dream that any young person would be excited to live. She is proof that with hard work, determination and focus a girl from Italy, Texas can make it in the big city.

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When Larry Swanson retired from the City of Italy in 2003 due to health concerns, he really would have preferred to continue to work. After all, he has never been the type of person that could just sit around doing nothing. The change in lifestyle of staying home every day has been quite an adjustment. (Continued…)

Amber graduated on May 8th, 2009 with her Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She graduated Cum Laude through Texas A&M University-Commerce and took all her classes at the Navarro College Campus in Midlothian. Navarro and A&M Commerce have a partnership and she suggests that anyone interested in furthering their education should check out the programs they have to offer. (Continued…)

Sarah Demoss, one of Italy’s standout softball players and a member of the Angelo State University softball team, has seen another one of her dreams come true. She played in the Division II National championships in Salem, Virginia in May. (Continued…)

Megann Lewis, daughter of Russ and Kelly Lewis of Italy gave the Vernon College commencement address on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Wilbarger Memorial Auditorium. Lewis was the Valedictorian of the 2007 graduating class of Italy High School. She is the only graduate at Vernon College this year to receive two degrees, an Associates of Arts Degree and Associates of Science Degree. (Continued…)

Megann Lewis, the 2007 Valedictorian of Italy High School, was honored as the Vernon College Outstanding Student of the Year during the Honors Convocation held in April. During the ceremony, Megann was also recognized as the top English student and top Agriculture student. (Continued…)

Sometimes, without warning, life deals someone a blow that changes their life and their future forever. Steve Mitchell is one of the people that had that kind of life changing event when he was a young boy. But, the amazing thing is that even though it changed him physically, it did not change his true makeup or his spirit. Steve knew he was going to make it no matter what the odds were and against all odds. (Continued…)

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, the Kayrene Uehlinger Scholarship was presented to Tyler Boyd during the morning worship at Central Baptist Church in Italy. This is the second year that the Class of 1968 has made the presentation. (Continued…)

Irma Gonzales will never forget May 11, 2006. It was the day that changed her life forever. It was the day the doctor told her she had Stage II cancer. She did not feel bad nor did she have any symptoms other than a small lump on the right side of her neck. A CT scan confirmed what the doctor suspected. Irma had cancer of the tongue that had spread to her lymph nodes. (Continued…)

The Hubbard Chamber of Commerce will recognize Jerry Don Smithey, a 1979 graduate of Italy High School, at its 20th annual Chamber Banquet which will be held on Saturday, March 28, 6:00 p.m. at the Haralson Family Life Center in Hubbard. (Continued…)

Alvin and Mayme Onstad, long time residents of Italy, Texas hope to start a new business. This couple has come up with a way to cut their electric bill in half. (Continued…)