[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 19 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MOUNT VERNON OPTIC HERALD

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2014

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the Mount Vernon 
Optic Herald, a valuable resource to the constituents of the 4th 
District of Texas that was recently and fittingly named a ``Texas 
Treasure Business'' by the Texas Historical Commission.
   The Mount Vernon Optic Herald, which celebrates its 140th year in 
2014, is the oldest continuously operating business in Mount Vernon. 
Not only does the Herald hold a distinguished history within the 
community, but it is a family business. Members of the Bass family have 
owned the newspaper for more than 60 years, when Jim and Tish Bass 
purchased the newspaper in 1952. Their daughter and son-in-law, Pat and 
Bob Wright, ran the business from 1980 until 2005 when Susan Reeves, 
granddaughter to the Basses, and her husband John took up the mantel.
   The Mount Vernon Optic Herald is the best representation of freedom 
of speech in service to its local citizens. But more than that, it is 
also a testament to family values and hard work that define the 
American dream.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to congratulate the Mount Vernon 
Optic Herald on 140 years of achievement that have culminated in 
attaining the ``Texas Treasure Business Award.'' I ask my colleagues to 
join me in wishing the Herald, the readers in the Mount Vernon 
community, and the Bass family many more years of continued success.

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