News

A Morris County man has been sentenced in the shooting death of his teen son. Kenneth Webster, Jr. pled guilty to manslaughter on Nov. 15.

On the evening of Oct. 1, Naples police were called out to the scene of a shooting on Locust Street where 15 year-old DeAdrian Webster and his mother were both found with gunshot wounds. The mother sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the thumb, while her son was shot through the arm. Naples officer Stephanie Alonso was the first on scene, accompanied by Omaha officer Chris Hogg. Alonso began attempts to resuscitate the younger Webster, but attempts were futile and he succumbed to his injury on scene.

As news broke on Nov. 20 of a house fire that claimed the lives of two adults, a child is being hailed a hero for her quick thinking that likely saved her life, and that of her sister.

At approximately 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20, the Hughes Springs Fire Department received a call to the 600 block of Tower Street for a structure fire. As crews arrived, firefighters say the home was well involved. “The fire was fully involved in the back bedroom. While en route I was advised that people may be trapped,“ said Hughes Springs fire chief Jay Cates.

Fellowship Baptist Church, in conjunction with Golden Blessings Senior Center, held a Senior Citizens Fast Festival on Saturday, Nov. 12. The night included dinner, a comedian, music, drawings, and games.

Bro. Doye Wilbanks, pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, offered the prayer before dinner, and his wife, Jeannie, served as emcee. Dinner was followed by the hilarious comedy of Mrs. Sadie Lou Hopperhandle, from Booger Holler, Ark. Hopperhandle offered a perfect description of the life of a senior citizen.

Following the speaker, the seniors enjoyed music from a band that included Brent and Blake Smith, Eric Hall, and Ron Clark, followed by Perfect Harmony. The band also served as the music for a game of Pumpkin Pass. Seniors received tickets, and door prizes were given out throughout the night.

Avinger ISD Board President Don Perry tendered his resignation at the regular meeting of the Avinger ISD Board on Nov. 8. The Board appointed local builder Larry Gilliam to fill Perry’s position. Gilliam resides in the Avinger Independent School District and, in fact, has two grandchildren who attend Avinger School.

Gilliam will serve the remainder of Perry’s term until May. At that time, Gilliam must run for reelection to complete Perry’s term. Also up for re-election in May of 2017 will be board members Pam Downs, Doug Jacobs, Colleen Nix and Lane Young. As provided for in the rules of the board, Vice President Doug Jacobs will step up to assume the role of President of the school board. Following the May elections, officers will be voted on and sworn in by the Board.

The Pandora Study Club was formed in 1951, in Daingerfield. The club meets every first Tuesday of the month, October through May. The club’s theme is “Optimism, Hope, and Confidence,” and they have several projects that benefit the community. These include funds for the needy in the area, projects at Windsor Place Nursing Center, and scholarships. As of May, 2016, the club has given out 51 scholarships to high school graduates.

Thanks to the generosity of the City of Daingerfield, the club held their November meeting at the Daingerfield Fire Department. There were 14 members present, and several guests. The club also welcomed the 1936 Study Club, from Avinger, for their meeting. The clubs welcomed Winky Foote, of Longview as their speaker, and refreshments were served by Pandora members.

The Daingerfield FFA recently competed in the District Leadership Development Event held at Region 8 on Nov. 14. Daingerfield’s nine teams combined to place fourth in sweepstakes in the district. There are over 20 schools in the district.

The Greenhand Skills team of Angelo Vazquez, Tori Bennet, and Payton Butler placed second. The Senior Skills team of Dee Hall, Hope Driggers and Mercedes Collins placed third. Makayla Watkins, Cara Newman, Thalia Morales, and LaBrea Brooks made up the Public Relations team that placed third, and Hailey Byrd placed third in Greenhand Creed Speaking. All of these students advanced to the Area competition, which was held at Texas State Technical College in Marshall on Nov. 17.

Kindergarten A

Jack Blackwell, Harper Brabham, Fenix Brantley, Keaston Carpenter, Baylee Carson, Reece Crane, Eli Dennis, Joshua Etue, Emma Ford, Keelee Furlow, Zoey Green, Malorie Hall, Aleigha Hamm, Kala Holden, Aaron Howard, Emma Jacobs, Kylar Johnson, Addison Lee, Tariah Linwood, Grady Martin, Kassidy McCarra, Brock McEntire, Teagan McGuire, Brighton Owen, Annabelle Ponse, Brayden Pope, Kyndal Pree, Andrew Proctor, Jaxon Purcell, Alexa Reyes, Steven Rhodes, Maicee Rhyne, Kressley Roach, Scarlett Roach, Layne Scott, Keneth Shaw, Madelyn Shaw, Alyssa Strickland, Hagan Surratt, Jayden Terry, Caden Walsworth, Ryker Watkins, Jasmine West, and De’Keyvion Williams.

AB

Thanksgiving is when many people express gratitude for the blessings in life. For many of us, our pets are included in our thoughts of appreciation. Although you may consider Fido a part of the family, there are many reasons why he should not join you at the dinner table during Thanksgiving.

Turkey is often the main course of a Thanksgiving meal. If you decide to treat your pet to a piece of turkey, be sure it is boneless and thoroughly cooked, just as you would for yourself to prevent salmonella poisoning. Fully cooked and boneless ham is also OK to feed your pet, however, Dr. Stacy Eckman, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, said to avoid giving your pet ham that is seasoned with additional sugars and contains a lot of fat.

What started over 25 years ago as a way for the Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce to help needy children have an enjoyable Christmas has blossomed into a community service for needy children and seniors.

Once again, the “Santa’s Secrets and Silver Angels Tree” will be up at City Hall beginning Nov. 21. The children range in age from 0-18, and must attend Hughes Springs Schools if they are school age. The Silver Angels are residents of Theron Grainger or The Springs nursing homes who do not have family that visits and brings gifts on holidays.

With the Thanksgiving turkey ready for Thursday, area communities have already planned their holiday events for the Christmas season.

Daingerfield will host “Breakfast with Rudolph” on Dec. 3. Santa’s rednosed friend will be at the Daingerfield Public Library from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., sharing a light breakfast and taking photos.

The following Monday, Dec. 5, will be Daingerfield’s Christmas parade. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Immediately following the parade will be “Christmas in the Park,” with singing, snacks, and Santa. Bring your cameras to both events to take photos with Rudolph or Santa.

Daingerfield will also be holding their annual Christmas Lighting Contest between Dec. 16 and 18. All lights should be up by Dec. 16, and judging will be completed by Dec. 18. Prizes will be awarded for Best Business, Best Area, Best Home and Best Door.