News

Motorists who don’t buckle up in compliance with state seat belt laws face fines and court costs up to$200 as stepped up enforcement gets underway this month during the Texas Department of Transportation’s 13th annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign, May 19 to June 1.

 

“Seat belts save lives,” said John Barton, TxDOT deputy executive director. “That’s a fact. Buckling up will keep you from getting a ticket, and more importantly, it could save your life. Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, everyone in the vehicle is required by law to wear a seat belt for every trip. The cost of not using one just isn’t worth it.”

 

Daingerfield FFA qualified for five State competitions by placing top five in one of the state’s 10 Area competitions. Approximately 12,700 students began the statewide-tournament in 28 differentevents which reflect classroom instruction in basic technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

 

The Daingerfield FFA Meats Evaluation team placed third in the Area VI FFA Contest held at Texas A&M University in College Station. They will be competing at State at Texas A&M University. Team members are Karter Ford, Summer Hoover, Derek Strickland, Matthew Sutton and Terah Blythe.

 

The Daingerfield FFA Entomology team placed first at area at the Area VI FFA Contest held at Stephen F Austin State University. They advanced to the State contest to be held at Texas Tech University. The team members, from left, are Cassidy Shaver, Gloria Rodriguez, Caitlin Cox, Sabryn Thompson and Chelsea Chalk. Chelsea Chalk was first high individual, Cassidy Shaver second, Sabryn Thompson third, Gloria Rodriguez fourth and Caitlin Cox fifth.

The Forestry team placed first at the Soil and Water Conservation Contest for Area VI FFA. They will be advancing to the State contest held at Stephen F Austin State University. Team members from left, are Robert Gray, Dylan Cofer, Summer Hoover, Alex Knight, Cora Copeland, Dustin Cofer, Leslie Bailey and Tyler Wilbanks.

By Marlene J. Bohr

mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

 

Construction under a $5.4 million bond for the Daingerfield-Lone Star Independent School District nears completion as reported to the school board at its April 21 meeting. Ted Estep, architect for the school bond, gave a construction report to the board of trustees. The construction is covered under a $5.4 million bond, a Qualified School Construction Bond, that voters approved at the polls.

 

“We are so close to being finished; there are just a few things left to be done,” Mr. Estep said. “We will have the accessibility inspection this week. We will have the training on the stage lighting systems. The acoustic man will be in town next week to check and see the room is tuned the way he wants it to be and that it is working properly.

Johnny Magana, 3, of Hughes Springs, hangs on to his goldfish he just won at the Wildflower Trails Festival in Hughes Springs this past weekend. He is the son of Megan Payne.

Lydia Naron, 1-year-old, sits at a picnic table in Spring Park during Wildflower Trails. She is the daughter of Justin and Chelsey Naron of Hughes Springs.

Staff Report

 

The Steel Country Bee was awarded a third place certificate in editorial competition at the North and East Texas Press Association contest held in April. The winners were announced at the annual NETPA convention held in Tyler this year. The third place winning editorial was written by Marlene Bohr, news editor of The Steel Country Bee. Judges chose the winning pieces, ‘Let’s Clean Up East Texas’ and ‘You Do Have A Voice in Higher Education.’ Publisher Debbie Knox said it’s always a joy to win in these contests. “As many meetings as Marlene covers and still has time to write an award-winning editorial is a feat in itself,” Mrs. Knox said. “I’m not surprised and am very proud that she received this award for herself and for the Steel Country Bee.”

By Marlene J. Bohr

mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

 

Good Shepherd Health System has announced a potential sale of its clinics in Hughes Springs and Linden to PhyNet Inc., a primary care medical group that serves East Texas and the San Antonio area. The clinic in Hughes Springs is located at 201 E. 2nd St.

 

News broke Feb. 24, about Good Shepherd Medical Center is closing three of its Cass County facilities, thus leaving the city of Hughes Springs without a clinic. The closing date was set for April 30.

 

Provided an agreement is reached on the definitive documents consummating the sale, this closure date is expected to be extended to allow for a coordinated transition of patient care.

By Marlene J. Bohr

mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

 

Waiving jury sentencing, Jason Wayne Belcher, 35, was sentenced by 115th District Court Judge Lauren Parish to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a 6-year-old child. The jury verdict was read on April 23 and Mr. Belcher was sentenced on April 24. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.