Workmen recently removed Big Chief Lodging's buildings from the site of the 1960s-era motel, restaurant and boat house on Highway 334.

Gun Barrel City's Economic Development officials say it will be about two years until plans are made for development of the site. Until then, the area will be used for launching boats, fishing and picnics.

One of the plans to be considered will be a convention center, but city officials will seek input from taxpayers before developing such a project.

Other EDC projects planned are the construction of a skate park near the pavilion in
Gun Barrel City park, errecting lights on Heritage Parkway and the development of new businesses, such as a Braum's restaurant.

In Mabank, TXU Energy recently donated 20 young trees for planting in the city's ball parks in George Watts Memorial Park. Plans are underway for the planting of 25 more trees.

TXU donates trees to communities through its Committed to Community Growth program.

The company helps maintain the TXU Energy Urban Tree Farm and Education Center at Richland College. It works through the Texas Trees Foundation to plant trees in communities.

The program has planted 200,000 trees to date. Because of the devastating drought in Texas in 2011, communities suffered drastic losses of greenery that the program is helping re-establish.