OurGunter - July 2021 by 4CMEDIAGROUP

OURGUNTER H ISTORY | V ALUES | F UTURE

JULY 2021 | ourgunter.com

OurGunter.com | July 2021

OURGUNTER H ISTORY | V ALUES | F UTURE

CONTENTS 5

Lana Saenz Takes Gunter Cheer to All-State Game

6-7

Gunnar Griggs-Bell Makes Gunter History as

FFA State Officer

8-9

School Zone: Gunter ISD News

Scott Martindale, Superintendent finalist

JULY 2021 VOL 3, Issue 7 CHEER:

6 10

Registration 2021-2022

Free Lunches for School Year

Malison Fisher Earns Lone Star Degree

Fireworks in the Park Thank You

Big Boy 4014 Steam Engine Comes Through

Grayson County 13

City Connection: City News & Informationww

Code Red Emergency Alerts

Gunter Library & Museum Events

Gunter Library & Museum Hours & Calendar

Published By 4CMEDIAGROUP, LLC Editorial & Design Renee Marler Renee@4cMediaGroup.com Production Jimmy Marler James@4cMediaGroup.com Contributing Writers Renee Marler | Gunter ISD

OurGunter.com | July 2021

Contributing Art & Photography 4CMEDIAGROUP Renee Marler | Jimmy Marler Editorial Submissions Please send editorial considerations to Renee@4CMEDIAGROUP.com

Lana Saenz earns AllState appearance

GUNTER FFA: Gunnar Griggs-Bell named State Vice President

GUNTER LIBRARY Events and information from the Gunter Library & Museum

If you are interested in writing for OurGunter, we would encourage you to reach out to us! We are open to contributions from students, teachers, parents and community members! ON THE COVER Gunnar Griggs-Bell Photo by: Renee Marler

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Gunter Cheerleader Performs With All-State Team Senior Lana Saenz represented Gunter on the elite Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Team.

469-296-1192

www.LamarNationalBank.com

OurGunter.com | July 2021

Gunnar Griggs-Bell

Texas FFA Area V Vice President Gunter Independent School District has made history with senior Gunnar Griggs-Bell as their very first FFA State Officer!

“No words to explain or describe this roller coaster of running for state office. It is not for the faint hearted. Thankful for every person that helped review speeches, interviewed, shot practice questions, helped with proficiencies, and were his cheerleaders. I gained more knowledge, understanding and patience walking Gunnar through this amazing selection process. Always an honor to see a student grow and overcome a goal that seemed huge as a Freshman. My heart is bursting with joy and can not wait to see what is ahead! God has blessed us immensely!! We just made history for our school!!” Wendy Osburn, Gunter Ag/FFA Teacher

OurGunter.com | July 2021

GUNTER ISD SCHOOL ZONE

Scott Martindale Named Lone Finalist for GISD Superintendent The Gunter ISD Board of Trustees unanimously named Scott Martindale Lone Finalist for the Gunter ISD Superintendent position. Mr. Martindale currently serves as the Superintendent of Iola ISD near College Station, TX. Scott Martindale served as a teacher before stepping into leadership, serving as the Principal of Livingston Junior High School, Lead Assistant Principal at A&M Consolidated High School, Principal of Davila Middle School and then transitioned to Iola ISD where he has been serving since 2013. Scott began as the Principal of the Iola Secondary School for 5 years and added the Elementary campus for two additional years prior to being named superintendent. As Superintendent of Iola ISD, Mr. Martindale achieved an “A Rating” from the Texas Education Agency for multiple years, increased the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) rating from a 74 (C) to a 94 (A) and added $1 million dollars into fund balance. Mr. Martindale successfully entered into a 313 agreement with a solar project, bringing in additional revenue to the district. Scott also created and led a District Safety Committee and implemented a School Guardian Program in 2018. Iola has long been known for success, earning honors in the ERP Honor Roll, the US News & World Report “America’s Best High Schools” and multiple honors in the state accountability system including Academic Achievement in Science, Social Studies, Reading/ELA, Closing the Gaps and Student Progress. GISD Board President, Scott Meyerdirk, noted that “Scott Martindale is a proven leader who has accomplished great things in the organizations he has led. We are excited for him to build on the legacy of excellence Gunter ISD has long been known for.” Mr. Martindale completed his Bachelor of Arts at Texas A&M University and his Masters of Education at the University of Houston - Clear Lake. Mr. Martindale shared “I am extremely humbled and excited to serve the students, parents, employees, Board of Trustees and the entire community of Gunter. Gunter ISD has a long history of excellence and I’m honored to be a part of continuing that tradition. My family and I look forward to becoming a part of this wonderful community and building many lasting relationships.” Scott is married to his wife Katie who has served as a teacher for 16 years and they have two girls: Mackenzie who will be a junior at Gunter High School and is involved in volleyball, softball, basketball, track and FFA; and Madelyn who will be a freshman at GHS and is involved in volleyball, basketball and track. They will be relocating to Gunter this summer and Mr. Martindale plans to begin work at Gunter ISD in late July. Gunter ISD received nearly 45 applicants for the superintendent position. Working with Dr. Russell Marshall from Arrow Educational Services, the Board narrowed the pool and held multiple rounds of interviews. The state requires a 21-day waiting period after which the GISD Trustees can offer Mr. Martindale a contract for employment https://tinyurl.com/martindalegisd

Registration 2021-22 All students must be registered for the upcoming school year. Visit https://www.gunterisd.org/registration for instructions and links. Please take time to complete the registration process as soon as possible if you haven't already done so. 8

OurGunter.com | July 2021

GUNTER ISD SCHOOL ZONE

Gunter ISD is excited to announce that this school year, healthy meals will be offered every school day to all students at no cost. Typically, a student’s household must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. However, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued guidance that allows schools to offer meals to all students at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year. While no application or eligibility determination process is required for your student to receive free meals this school year, the income eligibility requirement will likely resume in the 2022-2023 school year. This policy allows for 1 free breakfast and 1 free lunch to all students, every day. It will not include, second servings, extras, chips, drinks, or ice cream. Parents will need to deposit funds in student accounts for these items. You may send money to your child’s school campus for these items, or use www. myschoolbucks.com to add money and manage your child’s account. You may contact our Director of Food Services, Lauren Rogers, with any questions or concerns.

Congratulations to Malison Fisher who walked across the stage and received her Lone Star degree today! This is the highest degree that can be awarded at the state level. Requirements are extensive and include classroom hours, a successful Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, and dedication to the FFA organization. Way to go, Malison!

OurGunter.com | July 2021

Presented by The Rock Hill church of Christ 9426 PGA Parkway, Frisco TX

Our speaker: Park Linscomb • author of “Next?” • minister of the Rock Hill church of Christ

July 25-28

Sun. 9AM, 10AM, 6PM Mon.-Wed. 7PM

e know everyone dies, but then what? Our world can offer plenty of theories and opinions about the afterlife: reincarnation, oblivion, judgment, purgatory, Heaven, Nirvana, Hell, to list only the well known ones. But what’s true and what’s not? Can we afford to be surprised? Do we really want to be surprised, especially when there is reliable information about it? The Bible calls God's promises about the afterlife “hope”, but Christian hope is more than just a happy wish. It is a conﬁdent expectation; and it’s basic to Christian motivation, obedience, and perseverance. But the speciﬁcs of this hope often get muddled in the midst of a modern jumble of religious ideas. “Next” is a careful study of the wonderful Christian hope found in the Bible. It was written to be read and understood by a wide audience as it deals honestly and kindly with even sensitive subjects.

OurGunter.com | July 2021

Gunter Fireworks in the Park Thank you to all the sponsors, vendors and individuals who helped make the event a huge success. And thank you to the entire community for coming out and celebrating with us! OurGunter.com | July 2021

Living in Gunter can be expensive, but I’m here to help you find ways to save. I’ll help you find the right amount of coverage specific to your needs to keep more of your hard-earned money in your wallet. Give me a call today.

Proudly keeping Gunter in Good Hands

David Vogel The Vogel Agency 903-892-0380 5621 Texoma Parkway Sherman, TX 75090 davidvogel1@allstate.com

The world's largest steam engine, Big Boy 4014, is going on tour in August and it will come right through Texoma. There will be stops in Atoka, Durant, Pottsboro, and Pilot Point! Mark your calender, it is a site to see. A link to the schedule is below.

https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm 12

OurGunter.com | July 2021

9843668

Proud to support Gunter ISD and Gunter Athletics!

City

Connection

SPRING is here! Spring can mean STORMS. Are you signed up for our free CodeRED WEATHER warnings? You will receive emergency notifications by text, phone call, and/or email. Enroll at bit.do/GCOEM OurGunter.com | July 2021

Mobility Credit Union is your local credit union! Norah St. Peter

Celina Branch Manager 214.574.2027

Monthly Specials! Auto, RV, Boat or Motorcycle Refinance • Rates as low as 2.39%APR1,2 • $200 CASH INCENTIVE1,2! • NO PAYMENTS FOR 90 DAYS3

Home Equity or Home Equity Line Of Credit • Rates as low as 3.79%APR 4 • Money in your hands • NO CLOSING COSTS!

Melanie Rayburn

Asst. Celina Branch Manager 214.574.2056

Celina Branch

205 W. Walnut St. Celina, TX. 75009 Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM Saturday 9AM-12PM

mobilitycu.com

Minimum APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of 2.39% applies, term of at least 36 months and loan amount of $10,000 or more. VISA Gift Card will be distributed once the loan has been approved, closed and all qualifying criteria are met. Rates vary based on length of term, age of vehicle, and your individual credit worthiness. Excludes internal refinances. 2Minimum APR of 3.39% applies to recreational vehicles. Excludes internal refinances. 3Interest accrues from date of loan disbursal. Call for details. Qualifying criteria applies. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. 4 Terms and conditions apply. Visit mobilitycu.com for details. 1

Congratulations to The Bridges as the 2021 winners of the Gunter Library’s Neighborhood Challenge! This is the Library’s 5th year to host this annual fundraiser and once again the families and neighborhoods did not fail to deliver. This is a friendly competition and enjoyed by all. This year was our most successful with donations allowing the Library to meet 90% our stretch goal of $3,000. Thank you to each family that made a donation. This fundraiser is the largest annual campaign for the Library and assures that we continue to provide children and adults quality programs and services.

OurGunter.com | July 2021

What a BLAST! We had so many visitors to our Library Booth and the Gunter July 4th Celebration. Kids made sweet sparkler rings, a handprint flag and sea creature designs. Thank you to everyone that donated to the Neighborhood Challenge raffle.

This Summer the Library installed a new HVAC system making it nice and cool inside now. We received a grant from the Texas Library Association and the Gunter Economic Development Committee making it possible to install this much needed unit to keep Patrons and Volunteers toasty warm in the Winter and cool in the Texas heat. Thank you also to Custom Climates in Celina for their labor donation to assure we were able to meet our budget for the installation.

This July the Gunter Library will host Tails & Tails Story-time at the Gunter City Park. A local animal rescue group will have animals for children and parents to interact with and tell them rehabbing these creatures and explaining about the animal habitats. We’ll also read an animal book, make a take-home craft and have a snack. Watch the Library Facebook page and Website for the date and time. Don’t miss this fun event.

July Event Calendar The Gunter Library and Museum has been a part of the Gunter community for sixteen years. We are a 501 c3 non profit Library with volunteers who give their time and talents to serve our area’s business, academic, imagination, and reading needs. Visit us 110 S. Hwy 289 (next to the donut shop) and take advantage of our services • Books in print/audio/e-books/DVDs • Storytime, STEAM, and kids Summer Reading programs • Book Club • Free wifi and computer access with printer and fax services • Visit our museum and featuring artifacts, picture, and stories about the history of Gunter

LIBRARY HOURS Monday - noon to 4:00pm

Stay current on all library events and activities by visiting us at gunterlibrary.com Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Child SRP Tails & Tails Craft Time each week day from 2-4pm. A new craft each week. July 4 - Gunter 4th of July Celebration - 6 to 9pm July 6 - “Nugget & Fang” by Tammi Sauer - 11am July 8 - Monthly Board Meeting - 7pm July 13 - “Would you rather be a Bullfrog?” By Dr. Seuss - 11am July 20 - “Ricky the rock that couldn’t roll” by Jay Miletsky 11am July 22 - Monthly Book Club Meeting - 7pm - “The Pull of the Stars” by Emma Donoghue

Tuesday - noon to 4:00pm

July 27 - “Officer Buckle & Gloria” by Peggy Rathmann - 11am

Wednesday - noon to 4:00pm

July - Date TBD - Animal Park Adventures - Watch Library FB and Website for exact date and time.

Thursday - noon to 7:00pm Friday - noon to 4:00pm Saturday - noon to 4:00pm Story Time every Tuesday at 11:00 am Gunter Library & Museum 110 S. Hwy 289 (next to the donut shop) Sue Stratton, Library Director OurGunter.com | July 2021

Local Postal Customer

OurGunter.com | July 2021

PRST STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Celina TX Permit #10