News

The Daingerfield City Council heard a request for a variance to the distance requirement for a beer and wine permit at their November meeting.

Mark Priestner, who was representing Saaa Shelk, presented his client’s proposal to the council, asking for a variance to be granted for Rite Track #15, located at 1304 Linda Drive. “The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission gives local governments the ability to set the distance requirement for beer and wine sales near schools. The TABC also grants those governments the ability to grant variances to those requirements for any reason they see fit,” said Priestner.

November marks the month when we all take time out of our busy schedules to enjoy time with friends and family. November is also Diabetes awareness month, and Kelbi Byrd’s birthday month. This Thanksgiving, the Byrds have an extra blessing to be thankful for.

Kelbi was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on November 29, 2009. According to the ADA, “In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the sugars and starches you eat into a simple sugar called glucose, which it uses for energy. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to get glucose from the bloodstream into the cells of the body.” Many times, those with this type can tell when their blood sugar is high, and then take a dose of insulin to combat it. In the six years since her diagnosis, Kelbi has lost the ability to feel when her blood sugar is high. Her A1C level has been almost double what the ADA suggests for diabetics for almost a year.

On Tuesday, November 1st, the 1936 Study Club enjoyed a day of faith and fellowship as guests of the Pandora Study Club in Daingerfield. The ladies of the Pandora Club presented local author, Winky Foote, as singer and motivational speaker. This club serves the Lone Star/Daingerfield area and is well known for their work in the local library. Pandora President, Nickie Barnard, welcomed the Avinger area club to this special event. Guests received a copy of the book “Troubles? You’re Not Alone!” by Dr. Billy and Winky Foote.

The book shares the Foote family’s advice on how to prevent a knockdown in life from becoming your knockout. It is based on real stories and real struggles and inspires the reader to apply the Word of God to their lives.

The Daingerfield Junior High math-science team recently competed in the Pine Tree Junior High Meet, held on Nov. 5. Daingerfield placed third in division. Spring Hill was first and Queen City finished second. Other schools competing in this division were Hughes Springs in fourth, Atlanta in fifth, Sabine in sixth, and Ore City in seventh.

Students placing in the top ten in individual events are as follows.

In the number sense competition for eighth grade, Natalie Beasley placed second, Laura Carter placed third, Riley Scholl placed sixth, and Ebony Chalk placed eighth. For seventh grade, Halley Lewis finished fourth, Jazmin Mendez finished sixth, and Sanaa Fields finished tenth. For the sixth grade, Kylah Haley finished ninth.

Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows...all can be found at the Hughes Springs Area Library, 215 E. First Street. From now until Dec. 22, the Library will be selling Christmas items to raise money to support the library.

“Purchases can be made any time the library is open,“ said Librarian Jean Austin, “and we’ll also be open during Holiday on First Street, Monday, Nov. 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.” In addition to traditional Christmas gift wrap and decorating supplies, the Library also plans to have tree stands, and even one seven-foot Christmas tree for sale.

Library hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Austin added, “Many items will be priced at just $1.00. If you want to find some bargains and help your hometown library, this is your sale.” For more information, call the library at 903-639-1332.

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays just around the corner, it’s important to remember that while the holidays are a time for fun and celebration, they can also be a time of risk for young people.

On an average December day, more than 11,000 people in the United States aged 12 to 17 will use alcohol for the first time.

The risk that comes to most people’s mind is car crashes. And that is certainly cause for concern. In December 2013 alone, a staggering 733 people lost their lives in crashes involving a drunk driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition, compared with other age groups, teen drivers are at a greater risk of death in alcohol-related crashes, even though they’re too young to legally buy or possess alcohol, according to the NHTSA.

But car crashes aren’t the only risks for youth who drink.

First Grade A

Jonathan Ballesteros, Mauro Ballesteros, Jacob Bauer, Trinaty Black, Jai Bonilla, Miangel Brewer, Debryce Brumfield, Jordan Bryant, Maryann Calderon, Daniel Castillo, Logan Dixon, Laila Dorman, Pedro Ixmatlahua, Cailyn Lee, Jhordyn Lee, Kennedy Linwood, John Paul Lopez, Xavier Luckey, Bernardo Miranda, Lazarus Neal, Kaya Payne, Madison Smauley, Amarian Smith, Jaylen Steele, Jacob Terrell, Walter Terrell, Kylie Townsend, and Jakoby Williams.

AB

Greenlee Baxter, Sammie Brewer, Robert Crowder, Traeden Crowder, Zoey Dennis, Tommy Eldridge, Saidi Gonzales, Roman Gonzalez, Izayah Green, Ashley Gressman, Jaden Hurndon, Ja’Mya Hyde, Allana Kennemer, Brooke Lanier, La’Rodnick Linwood, Hayzel Loe, Quinterius Moore, Camila Ordonez, Alexis Salgy, Amy Sanchez, Baylee Sikes, and Olivia White.

Second Grade A

November 11 has been set aside as a day to honor those who have served and are currently serving in the United States Military. Many schools in the area have Veteran’s Day programs or events, and students from Daingerfield- Lone Star ISD campuses came together to honor all veterans.

Students from West and South Elementary Schools offered songs in celebration and support of all veterans. They began by singing “Salute to the Armed Forces,” which recognized each branch of the military. Music teacher Rosie Guest asked that each veteran in attendance stood as their branch’s theme was sung. The youngsters closed their portion of the program with “God Bless the U.S.A.” and a standing ovation from all in attendance.

On Tuesday, October 25th the Daingerfield High School Band traveled to the Region 4 UIL Marching Contest, held at Pine Tree High School. Once again, the band received a Superior 1st Division Rating at the contest.

The band was awarded First Divisions from all three judges, and this is the third year in a row for the DHS Band to be awarded a First Division in marching. Last year, the band earned the UIL Sweepstakes Award for the first time in many, many years. To earn the Sweepstakes Award, a band must achieve a Superior rating in both the fall marching competition and the spring concert competition.

“As Director of Bands, I am so proud of what these students have accomplished. I want to thank all of the directors, booster parents and administrators for your help,” said Director Spike Buie.

With few contested races in the Morris County area, voters main questions were focused more on who would become president.

Of the local races on the ballots, only the two commissioner seats offered the voters a choice of candidates. In Precinct 1, Democrat Dennis Allen, the incumbent, defeated challenger Mike Rogers, 644 votes to 348 (64.52 percent to 35.08 percent). Democrat incumbent Michael Clair garnered 887 votes, or 63.95 percent, in his bid to remain the Precinct 3 Commissioner. His challenger, Justin Cobb, received 500 votes, or 36.05 percent.

Other races in Morris County went uncontested. Sheriff Jack Martin, County Tax Assessor-Collector Kim Thomasson, and District Attorney Steve Cowan all were re-elected in uncontested races. All three are on the Democratic ticket.