Welcome to the online edition of


June 13, 2000
****** HOWE

HUCKS CATFISH IS COMING


Folks have been wondering for months what type of business will be going in at the building on the corner of Hanning and Denney which is being remodeled. Now we know - Huck's Catfish restaurant is coming to Howe. The restaurant should be open sometime later this summer. Thanks to the efforts of Jimmy Don McMillion and O.B. Powers, owners of the building, for fixing the building up. It looks great!!

MATT MAHLER RECEIVES EAGLE AWARD


Matt Mahler of Howe Boy Scout Troop Extreme 45 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He received the rank in a special Eagle Scout Court of Honor held Saturday May 20, 2000 at the Howe First United Methodist church which sponsors Troop Extreme 45. Matt has been active in Scouting for over a decade and has earned every rank possible in the organization. He started in first grade as a Tiger Cub and progressed through the Cub Scout program earning Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and the Arrow of Light ranks. Transferring into the Boy Scout Program he went on to earn Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and finally Eagle Scout rank. He was also elected by his peers into the Order of the Arrow which is a honor camping organization dedicated to service. As part of his Eagle rank requirements, Matt completed a project which greatly expanded the library shelves in the First Methodist Church library. Matt has earned 29 merit badges including Atomic energy, Aviation, Personal Fitness and many other diverse areas. He has served the troop as a Patrol leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader. His achievement of Eagle Scout was recognized by letters of congratulations from such people as Governor George W. Bush, Ex-president George Bush and Barbara Bush, Lady Bird Johnson, Ron Clark, the president of Texas A&M and many other dignitaries. Matt will be a senior next year at Howe High School. He is the son of Ted and Carolyn Mahler and the brother of Travis Mahler.

ATTENTION: EAGER READERS


Summer Reading fun at the Howe Community Library begins on Tuesday, June 6. Area students can read for prizes. Come in and sign up; then check out books to win. The library is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Special story times will be as follows: Ages 3-5, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. June and July. Kindergarten-2nd grade, every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. June and July. (Note: the library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.) Special for grades 3-6: On Wednesday, June 21, and Wednesday, July 19, - students in grades 3-6 are invited to come to the library for a special time. If you have questions, call the Howe Community Library at 532-5519. Book sale - An on-going book sale will be held at the library during the month of June. Good reading, great bargains, funds help the library.

HOWE CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO RETIRE


Howe City Administrator Ray Houston informed the council of his plans to retire at the end of July of this year due to health considerations at the May 16 council meeting. Earlier this year he said he hoped to be able to work until the end of 2000 before retiring, but since he is eligible for retirement on July 31, 2000, he plans to do so now. Several health problems has bothered him in the past couple of years and he feels it is time to retire. Houston, who has been city administrator for 10 years, plans to devote his time to his horse farm and family. The council voted to accept his retirement. In other business on May 16, the council: *Elected Carrie Waller to serve as mayor pro tem. *Appointed Diane Walsh and Leonard Huntsman to the Park & Recreation Board. *Appointed Pam Hanning and Lee Joy Smithart to the Planning & Zoning Board. *Approved having a phone/fax line (with answering machine) installed at City Hall for the Howe Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will pay all costs. This is a temporary arrangment until the chamber can set up an office (possibly in the historical museum). *Approved a resolution to allow consolidation into a single ambulance district. Mayor Ray Bledsoe also appointed council members Jerry Campbell and Sam Haigis as a committee to investigate sewer options with representatives of the City of Sherman as well as with the city engineer concerning a sewer plant. The committee is to report soon to the rest of the council concerning their findings on these matters. Council will be holding work sessions on this matter as well as budgetary matters during the next few months. Bledsoe stated that the sewer capacity going to Sherman is "full." Referring back to a recent request from J.W. Reed to hook up to the sewer for a site for 100-200 mobile homes adjoining Howe's city limits, Bledsoe said, "There is now way in the world we could handle that." When the minutes of the April 18 meeting were offered for approval, O.B. Powers stated that he wanted a correction to the vote for approval of work on Ponderosa. Powers said he did not vote for that item, but the minutes listed a 4-0 vote. The minutes were approved with the correction.

HOWE ELEMENTARY PERFECT ATTENDANCE


Perfect Attendance is recognized at the end of each week, at the end of each six-weeks period, and at the end of the school year. Students must be present in the District from the beginning until the end of each instructional day. Nine Howe Elementary students achieved this prestigious "Perfect Attendance Award" and a pin for the 1999-00 school year. They are Cassie Espinoza, Taylor Murray, Haley Maine, Kimberly Nichols, Justin Dalton, Hunter Earnhart, Cody Wheeler, Kierston Kelso, and Jordan Roe.

HOWE 4TH GRADERS RECEIVE PRESIDENT'S AWARD


The President's Award consists of two categories: Educational Excellence and Educational Improvement. The awards are presented at the fourth grade level on the elementary campus. The students were presented their award with the President's seal and a letter from the President. To be eligible for the "Educational Excellence Award" a student must earn a grade point average of 90 on a 100 point scale and one recommendation from a teacher reflecting outstanding achievement. Congratulations to Rebecca Adams, Michael Bailey, Crystal Berkley, Janna Day, Sigrid Debner, Garrett Goldston, Eric Grisolia, Cassie Henderson, Michael Landes, Jordan Locke, Sergio Lopez, Haley Maine, Michael Mariano, Amanda McAdams, Taylor Murray, Kelsey Rains, Amy Ramirez, Lindsey Reagan, Natalie Schachar, James Eddie Shadden, Brennan Smithson, Brey Stephenson, Caysi Sutton, and Danielle Tate. The President's Award for "Educational Improvement" recognizes and rewards students that show outstanding educational growth or students who give their best effort, but do not meet the criteria for the Presidents Award for "Educational Excellence." Congratulations to Josh Grisolia, Caroline Kane, Will McCown, Courtney Phillips, Chassidy Shipman, Maegan Thomas, and Brooke Travers.

HOWE 3RD GRADERS RECEIVE ACADEMIC RECOGNITION


These 3rd grade students received the Academic Recognition award. This honor is given to those who achieved Academic Excellence on the TAAS test. Jordan Roe, Vance Owen, Morgan Muse, Cyalee Greehaw, Brad Layman, Ashley Doty, Jordan England, Marrissa Gaudet, Matt Myer, Adrian Rodriguez, Omar Torres, Cole Page, Alandra Roper, Josh Ham, Samantha Kannenberg, Jenna Burchfield, Christian Rideout, Tyler Burkham, Erica Lea, Justin Morris, Catlan Fearon, Robert Adams, Cheyene Jordan, Haley Krebbs, keaton Croker, Shawnee Jordan, Tori Swindler, Heather Holiman, Jimmy Mariano

HMS 6TH GRADE AWARDS


The Howe sixth grade class, parents, and teachers honored student's achievement for the school year at the annual Awards Ceremony on May 25 in the school cafeteria. Students were recognized for their participation in the 600-Minute Reading Club and the U.I.L. District Contest. Students were also recognized for "A" and "A-B" Honor Rolls for the year and for receiving TAAS Academic Recognition on the recent TAAS test. Students receiving Perfect Attendance for the year were Lindsay Olszewski, Max McDonald and Stacie Sandmann. Academic Awards were presented to the following students: Regular Math - J.J. Atkins Honors Math - Emily Keels Science - Casey Cantelmo Spelling - Katie Murdock English - Erin Scarbrough Reading - Breanne Millspaugh Social Studies - Amber Murray Band - Erin Scarbrough Theater Arts - Courtney Kisloski Art - Christa Stewart Thanks to all for a great year.

HHS PRINCIPAL GOING TO MAYPEARL; SUPT. KING TO RETIRE DEC. 31


Howe High School Principal Randy Hancock has resigned his position to accept a job as superintendent at Maypearl ISD and Howe ISD Superintendent Dr. Wayne King has announced his retirement. Hancock, who has been with the district for five years, applied for the job several weeks ago and when the job was offered he accepted it. His resignation is effective June 1. Hancock said, "It has been a great honor to play a part in the many achievements (of the students, teachers, and the district)." He added that he will miss Howe, but the job at Maypearl is a great opportunity for him. At a special board meeting, Monday, May 8, board members offered him their best wishes for continued success. At the same board meeting, Dr. King officially announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2000. The announcement did not come as a surprise to the board since King had told them previously he was thinking about retiring. King has 38 years experience in education, serving the last 9 as Howe's top administrator. In his announcement, King said, "It has been an honor to represente the students, teacher,s parents and patrols of the Howe School District. The district is excellent and the future is bright. It will be interesting to watch the progress of the school and community." The board voted to accept his retirement and will soon begin the lengthy process of finding a new superintendent. Other actions at the special meeting included acceptance of the resignation of Coach Janice Thomas who is going to work for Denison ISD and voted to hire Novy Glass as the new high school counselor.

HOWE BAND BOOSTERS ARE PREPARING A COOKBOOK


The Howe Band Boosters are preparing a cookbook! It will contain approximately 100-200 recipes from our band booster members and friends in the community. We would like to feature your recipes (along with your name) as a part of this very special project. Our only request is that you do not submit recipes which contain alcohol. The deadline for submitting your favorite recipes has been set for June 15, 2000. For more information, write to Band Boosters, PO Box 1473, Howe, TX 75459 or e-mail tobyso@texoma.net.

HOWE ISD HAS EXEMPLARY CAMPUSES


The Howe School Board heard good news Monday, May 15, as they reviewed the Spring 2000 TAAS test results. All three campuses will be rated as "exemplary" campuses because of high scores. In recent years both the elementary and high school campuses were rated "exemplary" and the middle school just barely missed out on an "exemplary" rating. The Howe ISD administration and staff have worked very hard over the past few years to help students master the skills required by the state-wide TAAS test. Supt. Dr. Wayne King stated that Howe ISD has worked with students to give them confidence needed in taking the TAAS test. The "consistent (TAAS) program" has had a positive influence on students in Howe and in Texas. King added that Howe graduates are doing well in colleges and universities which speaks well of their local education. Roger Luttrell was selected to lead the board for the next year. Trent Mozingo will serve as vice president of the board and Debbie Vineyard will be the board secretary. Before the old board was dissolved, the service of outgoing board members was recognized as plaques were given to Steve Parish, Carol Crain and Clark Sutton. Newly elected board members Kerri England, David Mangrum and Jeff Murdock were given the oath of office and the board was reorganized with the election of board officers as the first item of business. Howe 8th grade student Joel Schachar gave a "Power Point" demonstration on the U.S. Census he and two other students did for their algebra class taught by Karen Love. Laura Stringfellow and Courtney Allison, both 8th graders, read portions of their winning essays for the Red River Reading Association contest. May employees of the month are Lori Gaston, 4th grade teacher; Tom Skipworth, middle school principal; and Janie Finney, high school home economics teacher and technology co-ordinator. (See photo accompanying article) Second grade teacher Betty Chumbley was recognized as Howe ISD Teacher of the Year. During the past year she was also honored by K-LAKE as Teacher of the Month and by the Hurricane Creek Rotary Club as Teacher of the Year. Three scouts with the local scout troop, Stephen Wortham, Landel Sutton and Kyle Lowder, attended the board meeting as a part of their "Citizenship in the Community" merit badge. The scouts are working toward the Eagle award. Current enrollment is 959 with 355 in the elementary, 302 in the middle school and 302 in the high school. HES principal Darlene Bourland reported that 64 students have pre-enrolled for kindergarten next school year and she expects that at least 10-16 more will register when school starts. This will make for a large kindergarten class, she added. New homes being built on Hwy. 289 near Dorchester will likely add new students to Howe ISD, possibly boosting enrollment up over 1000 for the 2001-2001 school year. Assistant Supt. Bud Roach voiced a concern about changes in the bus routes, especially for the Dorchester area. During the techonolgy report, Janie Finney encouraged everyone to look at the changes in the school's website (www.howeisd.com) Dr. King noted that the construction project is going well, but on a sad note mentioned the death of Lonnie Eldridge in an automobile accident Sunday. Eldridge has been serving as the construction superintendent for the new high school. In action items, the board: *Approved a bid from Excel Lighting & Maintenance for $30,172 for installation of energy efficient lighting for the old high school. *Approved the school calendar for 2000-2001 with school beginning for students on Aug. 23, 2000 and the last day of school as May 30, 2001. (See calendar details below) Dr. King stated that due to the uncertainty of all the construction projects, the first day of school will be later than usual this year to allow for possible delays. *Accepted the resignation of kindergarten teacher Kim Belknap who is getting married and moving away from Howe. *Authorized Dr. King to employ contracted personnel (teachers mainly) without calling special board meetings. The board will receive resume information and will later ratify these hirings.

SCHOOL CALENDAR


The Howe ISD school calendar for 2000-2001: August 15-17 - Staff development 21 - Staff development 22 - Teacher preparation day 23 - First day of school, begin 1st semester September 4 - Labor Day holiday November 22-24 - Thanksgiving holiday December 20 - Teacher preparation day 21-31 - Christmas holiday January 1 - Christmas holiday 2 - Staff development 3 - Begin 2nd semester March 12-16 - Spring Break April 12 - Bad weather day 13 - Holiday 20 - Staff development day May 11 - Bad weather day 28 - Memorial Day holiday 30 - End of 2nd semester 31 - Teacher preparation day

DORCHESTER WOMEN'S CLUB


The Dorchester Women?s Club closed its year May 10 with a delicious luncheon in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church in Dorchester. A short business meeting followed the luncheon. The roll call was announced by "what we enjoy most in life." The Thought for the Day was "Kind words do not cost much, yet they accomplish much." The president, Molly Phillips, installed new officers for the year 2000-2001. They are President, Molly Phillips; vice president, Alice Stewart; secretary and historian, Pauldeane Lilly; treasurer, Ruth Lankford; reporter, Winona Clements; Sunshine Chairman, Emogene Phillips; parliamentarian, Jewel Noel. Each person was given a special gift. There were 10 members present, and Winona Clements won the door prize. The next meeting will be Sept, 13, 2000.

HOWE EDUCATOR NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR FOR WAL-MART


Ms. Donna Jarma, a teacher at Howe High School for the past 23 years, is putting on a happy face - but not because summer break is around the corner. Jarma was named the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year by associates from Sherman, Texas Wal-Mart in appreciation for excellence in education. Jarma's "happy face" is a special Teacher of the Year rendition of the familiar, blue Wall-Mart Vest, which the associates presented to her in addition to giving a $500 education grant for Howe High School. In presenting the award, Tom Wilthers, store manager for the Sherman Wal-Mart, said, "Wal-Mart, Sams Club and all divisions of Wal-Mart know one of the most important gifts we can give our children is a good education, and we recognize that without the hard work and dedication of the men and women who teach in our schools, that gift would not be attainable.... "I have seen Ms. Jarma in action with her students and she has a rapport with students that creates a learning environment that is fun and productive. She is truly dedicated to the teaching profession and passes this onto her students through her excitement of learning," Wilthers said. Jarma was one of 3,000 teachers from around the country who received the award. In 2000, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. contributed more than $1.5 million in grants for schools and school districts nationwide. "Teachers have one of the most challenging and critical jobs in our country," said Lee Scott, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "The Teacher of the Year Award program is our associates' way of letting teachers know how much we appreciate their contribution to the education of our youth, which in turn contribute to the vitality of our communities." The Teacher of the Year program honors teachers in the communities in which we serve who distinguish themselves as mentors, motivators and innovators in education. Since the program began in 1996, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has saluted more than 10,700 Teachers of the Year, contributing $5.1 million in education grants to local schools. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. recognizes that the education of our youth has a profound impact on the vitality of our communities tomorrow. It is with this in mind that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. invests in the future success of America through a variety of educational opportunities for students, teachers and associates, including scholarships, internships, school to career programs, and other educational programs.
*****

GUNTER


WATSON IS NEW GUNTER HS PRINCIPAL


'Excited' describes Gunter's new high school principal. He is Jim Watson. He is dynamic and he is 'excited' to be in Gunter. Mr. Watson got his start in life in Krum, Texas, where he lived on a farm, went to school and learned to play basketball. He learned to play basketball well enough to help his team become state champions and to earn a basketball scholarship to Tarleton State. At Tarleton he stayed long enough to be a graduate assistant, and later an assistant coach while he earned his masters degree in education. His career in public education began at Whitesboro where he coached and then moved into administration as assistant high school principal. Mr. Watson and his wife Tonya and their daughters Morgan, who will be 6 in August, and Mikayla, age 2, are 'excited' about moving to Gunter. The Watson's are looking for a place with land. They like the country. Tonya, along with being an elementary physical education teacher, is also a barrel racer. Morgan is developing a taste for that sport as well. "Gunter is a close-knit community. My kids can grow up in the same type atmosphere that I did in Krum," he says. Gunter's whole program is 'exciting.' Mr. Watson observes that Gunter has an outstanding faculty and he says, "The teachers have a true care about the kids. They don't complain about their jobs; they just get busy and do them." He has already noticed that athletes cheer for the orchestra and the musicians rally behind the baseball players. He and Mrs. Watson attended the awards program. He said that as soon as the orchestra began to play, his wife turned to him and said, "This is the place for us." He noted that most schools have an athletic awards banquet and that is a good thing. He is proud to be in Gunter because the school is already rewarding academic achievement as well. He likes an atmosphere where students can participate in a wide variety of activities. "Gunter is growing and will continue to grow," he notes; "the challenge will be holding on to the things that make Gunter a quality school while it grows."

TIGERS STILL UNDEFEATED


The Gunter Tigers baseball team advances once more in the playoffs, remaining undefeated for the season (30-0), after beating Grandview 9-0 on Thursday, May 25, and 4-3 on Saturday, May 27. In the Thursday game, John Joiner tossed a 3-hitter as the Tigers sailed to an easy win. Clay Clearman had a 4 for 4 at bat with a home run, a triple and 2 RBIs. On Saturday, the Tigers found the going a bit tougher with oppressive, humid summer-like weather. Chad Yandell, the starting pitcher, lasted five innings with the heat getting to him in the sixth. Gunter took advantage of a couple of errors in the bottom of the 7th inning to post the win. Eric Pecina hit a double and Joiner hit a home run. The Tigers play at Grapevine Thursday, June 1, against Scurry-Rosser.

TIGERS FALL AT STATE SEMIFINALS


The Gunter Tigers advanced to the state baseball playoffs for the third time in the past four years, but on Thursday, June 8, they lost their first game of the season, 3-2, to Colmesneil. The Tigers got 5 hits, scored 2 runs and struck out only 6 times, but committed 5 costly errors. The Tigers finish the season with a 33-1 record. Tiger David Grimes stole 4 bases - an all-time state tournament record, eclipsing the previous record of three set several times.

GHS STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS


The following Gunter High School students received scholarships at the the graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 19, 2000: Vanessa Pierce - $500 AGP L.C./Human Resources Kim Wooster - $800 GCC Guilloud Scholarship; $500 Gunter HS Ex-Students Assoc. Scholarship; $100 Tioga Chamber of Commerce Scholarship; $600 Ray & Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship; $200 Student Council Scholarship Travis Dean - $800 GCC Guilloud Scholarship Jimmy Leverett - $400 Ray & Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship; $1000 Kenyon Wood Memorial Scholarship Daniel McKnight - $100 Tioga Chamber of Commerce Scholarship; $200 First Nat. Bank of Van Alstyne; $400 Ray & Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship; $200 United Methodist Church of Tioga Scholarship Rolando Lopez - $600 Ray & Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship Rosey Vargas - $500 Grayson Collin Electric Coop; $200 Student Council Scholarship Amy Stanley - $1200 Commons Family Scholarship/CCCC Foundation Ross Allen - $1000 Foy Wallace Rotary Scholarship; $1000 Wilson N. Jones Foundation Scholarship; $1250 Wilson N. Jones Auxiliary Scholarship; $500 K-Lake Academic All-Star Scholarship; $500 Fina/Dallas Morning News Scholarship; $2800 Valedictorian Scholarship; $400 Student Council Scholarship; $1500 Texas Tech University Superior Achievement Peter Uselton - $1000 Texas Tech Superior Achievement; $500 Gunter HS Ex-Students Assoc. Scholarship; $2400 Texas Tech Petroleum Engineering Scholarship; $500 K-Lake Academic All-Star Scholarship; $400 Student Council Scholarship Randy Miller - $500 Gunter HS Ex-Students Assoc. Scholarship April McIntyre - $300 Robotics Scholarship; $500 Gunter HS Ex-Students Assoc. Scholarship; $1000 Marti Rhodes Choral Scholarship To TAMU-Commerce; $250 J.D. Barrett Award Rebecca Russler - $1000 Sam Rayburn/William Mayo Scholarship; $150 Robotics Scholarship; $2550 Voice of Democracy Contests/VFW; $500 Blue & Gold Scholarship/TAMU-Commerce; $500 BVAC Federal Credit Union Erin Martaindale - $2000 Merif Plus Scholarship Texas A&M; $450 Robotics Scholarship; $250 Harris/Autry UIL Scholarship Angie Jenkins - $500 Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas Whitney Bristol - $450 Robotics Scholarship Cody Hollowed - $1000 Kenyon Wood Memorial Scholarship Jessica Coleman - $6000 Abilene Christian College Trustee Scholarship Josh Smith - $375 Robotics Scholarship Sarah Bloomensteil - $500 Stephan F. Austin Academic Excellence Scholarship

GUNTER HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS


Most Improved - Student Improvement Program sponsored by the Dallas Morning News and the Dallas Mavericks is presented to students who showed overall improvement in grades between the third and fourth six weeks. These are: Will Barkeley, Juan Becerra, Chris Bryant, Casey Fisher, Dusty Thornhill, Matt Trevatt, Heidi Brumit, Cody Clearman, Nailen Eitelman, Eleazar Garcia, Tasha Hestand, Alaina Holloway, Gary Jones, Lisa Kemp, Beth Kirk, Destiny Smith, Marci Streetman, Cynthia Baeza, Eric Pecina, Jonathan Richardson, Coby Skipworth, Tony Zellars Perfect Attendance: Adam Bowen, Clayton Bowen, Julie Box, Ashley Burchett, Justin Burchett, Jennifer Burden, David Cook, Banessa Falcon, Jenna Ferguson, Casey Fisher, Eleazar Garcia, Carter Glass, Drew Harris, Alaina Holloway, Barbara Jaresh, Lindsay Jaresh, Amanda Jonas, Jessica Jones, Lisa Kemp, Meredith Marr, Victor Miranda, Justin Pecina, Derek Piaschyk, Amanda Price, Ashley Streetman, Dusty Thornhill, Katy Tolbert, Courtney Vest Departmental Awards English I - Lisa Falcon English II - Shelly Mordecai English III - Audrey Wright English IV - JT Denney Pre AP English I - Gabe Howell Pre AP English II - Brittany Millar Pre AP English III - Will Fritcher Ap English IV - Rebekah Russler Pre AP Algebra I - Ashley Streetman Algebra I - Amanda Jonas Pre Ap Algebra II - Faith Smith Algebra II - Jonathan Richardson Advanced Geometry - Derek Piaschyk Regular Geometry - Beth Kirk Pre Calculus - Randy Miller Math Applications - Lauren Fowler Biology - Norman Trinh Pre AP Chemistry - Brittany Millar Chemistry - Lindsey Jaresh Anatomy & Physiology - Tessa Doiel Environmental Science - Jeremy Earnhart Speech - Blake Utter Health - Casey Fisher World History - Larry Baker World Geography - Amber Hughlett United States History - Audrey Wright Government/Economics - Josh Smith Sociology/Psychology - Lisa Kemp Accounting - Will Fritcher Computer - Jessica Coleman Telecommunications - Carter Glass Word Processing - Lydia Jennings Spanish I - Justin Burchett Spanish II - Eleazar Garci Spanish III - Faith Smith Art - Josh Smith Choir - Erin Martaindale Orchestra - Jessica Coleman Theater - Amber Hughlett Yearbook - Cynthia Baeza Agriculture - Nailen Eitelman Home Economics - Freshman - Heather Allen; Sophomore - Lindsey Fritcher; Junior - Matt Ramos; Senior - Vanessa Pierce School Spirit - This year's school spirit award goes to a senior who very quietly and on the sidelines supports all events - both academically and athletically. She helps anywhere she is needed, has stayed after school helping with choir and dance team all year. She served as dance team captain this year. This year's school spirit award goes to Erin Martaindale. Best All Around: The recipient of this year's best all around goes to a senior who has truly served GHS in every way possible. This person has served on student council and is a member of the Beta Club. As well as graduating as an honor student this person has run cross country, and track, played basketball and volleyball, and golf. She attends all events while holding down 2 to 3 jobs. She always has a smile on her face and thinks of other people first. This year's best all around award goes to Kim Wooster. Student of the Year: Voted on by the teachers for excellence in the classroom both in academics and behavior. 9th Grade - Irene Garcia 10th Grade - Eleazar Garcia 11th Grade -Jeremy Earnhart 12th Grade - Erin Martaindale The Kerfoot Scholarship is presented by the Carl and Gladys Kerfoot Trust. This scholarship is unique to our community because it is afforded to each student who graduates from Gunter High School after attending Gunter school their junior and senior years and living in the district or transfers to Gunter for the entire 4 years of high school. Since 1979 Gunter has graduated 506 graduates. The scholarship program has paid 320 of these students for attending one or more semesters of college since 1979. There have been approximately 78 students who have graduated from college with a bachelor degree using this scholarship. 21 have graduated from Jr. College or trade school. There are presently 60 students using this scholarship program. There have been 13 post graduate students using the program. This scholarship is worth $500 per semester with a minimum of 12 semester hours and a GPA of 2.4 each semester until the student has completed 65 semester hours, then it awards $750 for the remaining college hours that are attended at a 4-year college or university up to 10 semesters. The first class afforded this scholarship was the graduating class of 1979. Teacher of the Year: Dianne Allen. Ms. Allen is a teacher who has been dedicated to excellence in all she has done at Gunter High School. Her only problem is that she sometimes takes on more than she is physically capable of handling. She has been the main cheerleader for GHS this year at all events, puttting out blue flags on Fridays, and selling "a million T-Shirts." In addition, she even found time to coach the Sophomores to 100% passing on TAAS, and teach a few math classes.

MELISSA SPENCER NAMED ACE


Stephenville - Melissa Spencer of Gunter was among 23 student athletes at Tarleton State University who were inducted this spring into Athletes Committed to Excellence (ACE). Begun in 1999 at the University, ACE recognizes student athletes who are dedicated to maintaining high standards, academically and athletically. ACE members must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better, be in good standing in University and NCAA guidelines and take an active part in ACE programs and activities.

*****

VAN ALSTYNE


VAN ALSTYNE STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS


Several Van Alstyne graduating seniors were awarded scholarships. They include: Amy Allen, the John Phillip Sousa National Merit Scholarship Alex Alvarado, the All-Sports Booster Club Athletic Scholarship Amy Borst, the Wilson N. Jones Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarship and the People in Progress Scholarship Scott Cooley, the Dean's and UMYF Leadership scholarships from Hendrix College and the Youth Methodist Foundation for Higher Christian Education Rebecca Cordoba, the Excellence in Scholarship Award from the Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. of Texas Lindsey Crim, the Wood Achievement Scholarship Sarah David, Grayson County College's Theater Scholarship Rusty Dyer, the Van Alstyne Ag Boosters Scholarship Chalon Feddern, the Excellence in Scholarship Award from Dr. Pepper Kevin Ferguson, the American Values Scholarship from Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Co. of Van Alstyne; the Grayson Collin- Electric Cooperative Scholarship; and the National Honor Society Scholarship Steve Floyd, Texas Christian University's Scholar Award Ashley Haddox, an Abilene Christian University academic scholarship; academic and music scholarships from Harding University; the Footlighters Theatre Group of Van Alstyne Scholarship; the John Phillip Sousa National Merit Scholarship; and the Sam and Cathy Atkins Scholarship Lindsey Marks, the GCC Guilloud Fellowship, the GCC Ray and Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship; and the First National Bank of Van Alstyne Scholarship Tana McCartney, the Wood Achievement Scholarship Brandi Nance, the Association of Texas Professional Educators Scholarship; the American Values Scholarship from Foxworth- Galbraith Lumber Co. of Van Alstyne; the Goodwill Industries of Northeast Texas Inc. Scholarship; the GCC Guilloud Fellowship; and the GCC Ray and Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship Heather Potter, the Sam and Cathy Atkins Scholarship and the Van Alstyne Ag Boosters Scholarship Kimberly Powell, the Dr. Pamela Anglin Sponsored Distinguished Achievement Scholarship and the GCC Ray and Mary Morrison Endowed Scholarship Travis Risinger, Grayson County College's Theatre Scholarship Mandy Sauer, the Sam and Cathy Atkins Scholarship Heather Stephens, the All-Sports Booster Club Athletic Scholarship; the Commitment to Excellence Scholarship from El Dorado Motors; the Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative Scholarship; and the People in Progress Scholarship Janna Trail, the Association of Texas Professional Educators Scholarship Joe Ryan Williams, the All-Sports Booster Club Scholarship Lindsey Williams, the All-Sports Booster Club Scholarship; the Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative Scholarship; and the Van Alstyne Ag Boosters Scholarship

JOE SMITH HONORED AT PARTY


Van Alstyne High School Senior Joe Smith was honored Sunday night, May 21, after the Baccalaureate Ceremony by his grandmothers Angie Enloe and Judy Bower also of Van Alstyne. They presented him with a quilt that Mrs. Enloe began when Joe was in the second grade. The quilt is entirely hand crafted. Refreshments were served to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Smith; his sister, Kenna Smith; his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stringfellow of Howe; his cousins, Laura and Aaron Stringfellow, and his friend, Stefanie Richardson of Howe.

***** SAVOY


SAVOY COUNCIL MEETS


At the April Savoy City Council meeting, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Morrison paid the city of Savoy $500 (plus closing costs) for a 60'x100' lot located at Bois d' Arc and South Front Streeton. The lot was formerly a part of South Front Street; other parts of the street had been closed and sold in 1992, leaving this one section which was next to the Morrison's property. The council granted the Savoy Beautification Committee permission to use the city logo to have a flag made for the city to fly. The committee will pay the expenses of making the flag. In other actions, the council: *Accepted and paid a bill for $4,850.00 from McClanahan and Holmes for the annual audit of the 1999 financial statements. *Took no action on a resolution to participate in TXU Electric Company's transmission and distribution rate case. *Tabled a proposal to establish a Building Fee Schedule for revisions. (Information courtesy County Line News)

***** BELLS


BELLS COUNCIL DISCUSSES AMBULANCE SERVICE


A good number of area residents attended a Bells City Coucnil meeting recently with questions about what will happen to the Bells/Savoy Ambulance Service. Several Grayson County cities will be losing ambulance service in a couple of months when Rural Metro ends their contract. The County Judge (Horace Groff) has asked the Bells council to sign a resolution as to whether they would go with the new proposed ambulance service or stay with the one they now have. Mayor Sonny Isom told the council members "the judge does not know whether we will lose the money we get from the county or not" if the new ambulance service is accepted. Under a proposal from the county, an ambulance would be stationed at Whitesboro, Van Alstyne and Howe to service the southern and western part of the county. The commissioners court plans to hire a consultant to conduct a survey of the county's needs. The survey will take 3 to 6 months to complete and will cost the city several thousand dollars. According to a report in the County Line News, contracting with the East Texas Ambulance group was discussed. Bob Essary reported that "Wilson N. Jones says ET will be a bandaid fix for Grayson County." Bob Slagle, city attorney, said "surely if they (the county) are thinking of hiring a consulting firm they would not tell them to not consider the whole county." He continued, "The Commissioners Court got `gobs' of tobacco money to be used for medical purposes." Why wouldn't an ambulance service be a good way to spend it?" The council also: *Received information from Mayor Isom that to extend the city limits up highway 82 and 69, they would have to annex 500 feet on each side of the highway right-of-way. *Approved a motion to put two street lights at Hunter Ridge after receiving approval from the owners of 3 lots there. A request for street lights on Gayle Circle was tabled until an easement is granted by the property owners. *Heard concerns from Don Hubbard of the Planning Zoning Board about what the board was to do. He requested rules and legal advice on their duty. A workshop was scheduled for the second Tuesday in June for the council and the board to meet to work on the zoning map. *Tabled the requests of three citizens for annexation of their property along the new Highway 82. *Approved a request by the police department for a computer, new uniforms and to place an advertisement for a third patrolman. *Approved a moratorium on all major improvements, additions or developments was adopted for 90 days until an impact feasibility study is completed. *Approved a "Yard of the Month" contest. Winners will have their water and sewer bill paid for the month they are winners. (Information courtesy of County Line News)

***** COLLINSVILLE


COLLINSVILLE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS IN REGULAR SESSION


The Collinsville ISD Board of Trustees met in regular session May 15. Three special reports were presented at the beginning of the meeting. Dr. John Partin and Ruby Williams representing the Grayson County College visited with the board regarding the college and partnerships that exist between CISD and GCC. Students from the advanced placement biology class of Collinsville High School reported to the board about their experiences this year in AP biology and the recent class trip to Sea World of Texas in San Antonio. They participated in various learning experiences which included special classes dealing with the sharks, whales, and dolphins that are housed at the park. Carrie Crane, CISD counselor, gave a report on the 2000 TAAS scores. The scores for each grade were given and progress was discussed. The test scores received by Collinsville ISD will allow the district to retain its "Exemplary" Rating. The oath of office was administered to board members Kerry Johnson and Patty Mitchell, winners of the recent election. Board officers elected were Ricky Paterson, board president; Kerry Johnson, vice-president; and Patty Mitchell, secretary. A review of the process for selecting high school and junior high cheerleaders is being completed. The results of that review to be reported back to the board during the summer. The board also: *Approved a budget amendment for the 1999-2000 school year to provide summer school services for Collinsville students. *Approved the participation of the district in Region X Block Grant Cooperative for the coming school year. *Approved a contract to employ Laurie Davenport as a classroom teacher for the 2000-2001 school year. *Approved the recommendation of the administration to rescind the non-renewal of Randall Lawson. *Reviewed the goals of the district and discussed possible revisions of the goals for the coming school year.

CHS BAND COMPETES IN CONTEST


The Collinsville High School band, directed by John Ivie, competed in the band contest hosted by Richardson High School on Saturday, May 13. Seven Class A bands competed, but none received a Division I rating. Collinsville was one of three bands receiving Division II ratings. Positive comments from the judges included: "Excellent job with limited instrumentation," "Nice job of learning your notes and rhythms," and Your performance was very enjoyable."

LADY PIRATES HEADED TO STATE


Rockwall - The Collinsville softball team came back from an early deficit to beat Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, 6-3, and win the Class 2A-Region II championship Thursday night, May 11. The Lady Pirates are now qualified to compete at the state semifinals in Austin beginning Friday May 19. The state finals are set for Saturday, May 20. Early in the game Collinsville trail, 2-0. However, after scoring three runs in the fourth inning, they never trailed again. The win make five straight playoff victories for the Lady Pirates. The girls played a bi-district game after losing the District 9-2A title to Aubrey late in the regular season. On the road to the win vs. Mount Pleasant, Collinsville defeated the following teams: Howe, 5-1; Sam Rayburn, 4-1; Van Alstyne, 4-2 (in a regional quarterfinal game); and Maud, 6-5 (in the regional semifinals). The Lady Pirates will make the same trip to Austin that the Collinsville baseball team made last season. The baseball team competed in Class A, but the softball team goes to state competing in Class 2A.

PIRATES WIN DISTRICT


The Collinsville Pirates (6-1) won the District 11-A baseball title with a 17-1 victory over Saint Jo on Tuesday, May 9. J.D. Nolen allowed only three hits. John Ross was 3 for 4 with 3 doubles and 5 RBIs. Cody Melton had 3 hits and 5 RBIs. Marcus Davis and Chris Ford each had triples.

***** GRAYSON COUNTY


INS VAN APPROVED


by Dale Rideout

Sheriff Keith Gary requested the purchase of a van for the INS detention center, and after some discussion the purchase was approved by the Grayson County Commissioners in their Monday meeting, May 8. How would you have decided? Spend about $23,000 eight months ago for something you might not need, or wait until the need exists but have to pay an additional $4,000 plus for the item. Last fall, bids were submitted for the van, but the Federal budget was not yet approved and the INS service had not executed a contract for the housing of detainees. Because there was no contract and because the INS was cutting back on the number of people being housed, Gary believed that it was not prudent to purchase the van at that time. If no contract was given, and the INS stopped using Grayson County, there would be no need for the vehicle. Recently the INS did issue a contract and began increasing the number of people being housed in Grayson County. The contract calls for as many as four trips per week to Dallas with detainees. The current vans have high mileage and are in poor repair. Requests for bids were sent out with a 30 day delivery time specified. Of the two bids received, only one had a vehicle ready for delivery. The lower bid could have a waiting time of up to120 days. With the vehicle needed now, it was necessary to accept the higher priced bid. While the vehicle did cost more, it still fits within the Detention Center budget. Lower costs during earlier months with fewer residents more than covers the additional costs for the vehicle. The INS center is one of the few county services that not only pays for itself, but brings in added revenue. Less than two days' net revenue would also cover the added cost for the higher priced van. With the loss of ambulance service to the county being imminent, Grayson County Commissioners approved the search for a consulting service to help decide what would be the best alternatives for our area. Commissioners approved the budget figures and service delivery play for the health department's control of TB. This plan must be submitted to the Texas Department of Health. Because of new regulations, new expenses in medication, cut backs on funding, and addition patients with TB, the expenses for this program are expected to go up possible to as much as $66,000. The State of Texas covers about $23,000 of this expense.

***** TIOGA


TIOGA SCHOOL BOARD APRIL MEETING HELD


In their regular April meeting held April 11, the Tioga School Board voted to cancel the Trustee Election for the year 2000. The three incumbent board members were the only candidates for the three available positions. State law allows an uncontested election to be canceled saving time, effort and election costs. The board also: *Approved Gunter ISD as the receiving district in grades 9-12 for the school year 2000-2001. *Approved contracting with Grayson County Appraisal District for 2000-2001 school year.

****** TOM BEAN


TOM BEAN TEAM GOING TO NATIONAL FINALS


Tom Bean - Jessica Keirns, Dana Rogers, Bill Farrell, Amy Melhart, Rebecca Basham and Leslie Hodge, all members of the parliamentary procedure team at Tom Bean High School will compete at the national finals scheduled to be held at Orlando, Fla., July 14. The Tom Bean team is the only team representing the state of Texas in the senior division of the parliamentary procedure contest. The group are members of the *FHA/HERO organization. Tom Bean FHA/HERO members have competed and advanced to state finals every year for the past six years, according to sponsor Janette Bullard said. However, this is the first time they've made it to the national contest. The state will pay for the team to fly to Orlando for the contest and leadership meeting. The state sends a delegation of first place winners to the competition. Regional and state officers are also sent to the national leadership meeting. (The competition is only one part of the meeting.) Other students who competed at the state level were Ashley Roath, who placed fourth in the junior division job interview and Leah Douglas, who competed in the occupational specific job interview. *Future Homemakers of America/Home Economics Related Occupations. The organization is changing its name to Family Career Community Leaders of America and will be known as FCCLA. The focus of the organization is to teach skills which will enable students to pursue careers in home making, restaurant management, child care, care of the elderly and any other occupations related to home making.

Find out more about The Texoma Enterprise by sending
howeenterprise@texoma.net
or calling (903)532-6012.
Comments and suggestions to

to howeenterprise@texoma.com
Last updated 6/31/2000.

Read Last Week's Edition

Copyright 2000 by Texoma Enterprise.

Return to Internet Texoma's home page