great texas mud race draws racers from 14 states page 7A the friday
lufkin news
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School Bonanza Saturday
back in time 86-year-old Madisonville man sees likeness of his younger self on downtown Lufkin mural for first time
By RHONDA OAKS The Lufkin News If past attendance is any indication, kids are likely to line up fast Saturday for the 4th annual Back to School Bonanza at Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church. The event, scheduled from 8 a.m.2 p.m., is held by the Junior League of Lufkin in partnership with First United Methodist Church and Buckner Children and Family Services. Sponsors will make it possible for more than 2,000 qualifying area students to receive backpacks filled with school supplies, while also getting haircuts and hearing, dental and vision screenings. Tonja Childers, chairman for the event, said those attending this year are in for a special treat. “Each child that attends and completes their passport will be entered
By STEVE KNIGHT The Lufkin News
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t was a step back in time for an 86-year-old Madisonville man. Durell Gray visited his likeness depicted on the Lufkin-Conroe Telephone Exchange mural in downtown Lufkin on Thursday morning. The visit was a family reunion of sorts and a belated birthday celebration with his wife of more than 60 years, Mary, his daughter, Ginger Freeze of Bryan, and sons, David from Huntsville and Tom from Waco. Gray’s birthday was July 24. The mural on the side of the Lufkin Parks and Recreation Building on the corner of First Street and Frank Avenue depicts Gray as a lineman along with likenesses of A.M. Denman and E.J. Mantooth, who first strung a telephone wire between their offices in Lufkin in 1898, and other historic scenes from the company that pioneered East Texas telephonic communications. The mural was created in 1998 by Lance Hunter, who used a picture taken in the 1950s in Madisonville with
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l u f k i n d a i ly n e w s. c o m
Contributed photo
SEE SCHOOL, PAGE 4A
This photo, taken in Madisonville in 1953, was used by artist Lance Hunter as the inspiration for a portion of a mural in downtown Lufkin. Gray wearing his safety belt and lineman equipment. Gray said he was glad to see the mural. “They contacted us to get pictures of any lineman that had gear on,” Gray said. “I had this old-style camera photo they did this from, and it turned out remarkably
woodland heights medical center
Andy Adams/The Lufkin News
Durell Gray, 86, of Madisonville stands in front of a likeness of his younger self on a mural in downtown Lufkin on Thursday morning. It was the first time for him to see the mural, this portion of SEE MURAL, PAGE 4A which was patterned after a 1953 photo of Gray.
business
Reality show’s hot rod hunter makes deal in Lufkin By JESSICA COOLEY The Lufkin News Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” hot rod hunter Richard Rawlings made a top-secret deal Thursday morning with Lufkin exotic car dealer Andy House. House, who owns Ultra Hot Motor Sports LLC on John Redditt Drive, sold a vehicle to the Dallas-based Gas Monkey Garage owner Thursday morning. “They came in and bought a vehicle for a future show for an undisclosed amount of money,” House said, adding that he could not talk about the type of vehicle sold due to a contract he had signed. A camera crew accompanied Rawlings on his trip, filming at House’s shop for roughly four hours. “I was a little nervous,” House said. “They didn’t tell me what to say. I had to come up with it on my own. They were nice guys.” The reality show, now in its fourth season, follows Rawlings and his partner Aaron Kaufman’s search for rundown cars. With the help of the Gas Monkey Garage crew, they restore the vehicles for profit. ANDY ADAMS/The Lufkin News House, whose Ultra Hot Motor Sports page on Facebook already has 11,000 Andy House of Lufkin’s Ultra Hot Motor Sports LLC got a visit from Discovery Channel’s “Fast N’ Loud” hot rod hunter Richard Rawlings Thursday morning. From left are the “Fast N’ Loud” camera crew, House’s son Taylor, 8, Ultra Hot SEE CAR, PAGE 4A Motor Sports employees Rudy Chavez and Chris Reynolds, and Rawlings and House.
Hospital sets record for births in one month By STEVE KNIGHT The Lufkin News Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin set a record for births during a one-month period with more than 100 babies born at the facility during July. As of Thursday afternoon, the facility had delivered 103 babies during the month, with at least one more birth possible Thursday night. Cathy Busbee, chief nursing officer, the facility experienced the highest number of births in a one-month period in more than 37 years. “We work extremely hard to stay abreast of the best practices in order to continue to deliver the highest level of care possible to our families,” Busbee said. “We take pride in the responsibility that comes with caring for these families.” The Women’s Center at Woodland Heights has seen a 45 percent volume increase compared to last year, according to hospital officials. The facility has become increasingly busier since opening the area’s first Level II neonatal intensive care unit in December. The unit is designed for babies who require extra attention through oxygen, temperature, blood, weight and nutrient monitoring due to illness or premature birth. “Lufkin is fortunate to have highly skilled physicians who offer the best of care for all women,” said Lisa Miller, director of women’s services. “These physicians work as a team
today’s weather High 85 Low 72 | front desk 632-6631 | Volume 108, No. 178, 14 Pages | Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for meritorious public service © The Lufkin Daily News
Coming Sunday August 3, 2014
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Friday, August 1, 2014 the lufkin news
AROUND east texas Nomination deadline for Small Business of Year The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is recognizing and honoring a company in each of three separate “Small Business” categories at a special luncheon at noon Sept. 5 at Crown Colony Country Club. Nomination deadline is today. The categories include Division I, 51 to 100 employees; Division II, 11 to 50 employees; and Division III, 1 to 10 employees. The awards are open to any business located in Angelina County for three years or over under the same ownership. For a complete list of requirements and a nomination form contact Melissa Wheeler at 634-6644 or mwheeler@ lufkintexas.org or visit lufkintexas.org/dl/2014_SmallBusinessoftheYearNomination. pdf.
community
Habitat for Hounds holding benefit garage sale on Saturday By KELSEY SAMUELS The Lufkin News The local Habitat for Hounds organization will hold a benefit garage sale at Lufkin home Saturday morning. The sale is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at 1020 McGregor Drive. Proceeds from the garage sale will go toward building and buying dog houses for pet
owners in Angelina County who need them. Habitat for Hounds president Pat Gandy said there are numerous pets across East Texas that are “chained up” or exposed to the elements and in need of shelter, so fundraisers like the garage sale help the nonprofit organization address the issue. Habitat for Hounds often works with Lufkin High School wood shop students,
who have built several dog houses for the organization. Funds from the garage sale will go toward purchasing dog houses and supplies to build new ones. Gandy said anyone who wants to donate items for the sale can drop them off at the home today or early Saturday. The Habitat for Hounds Facebook page has almost 300 members who information
about animal abuse and how to prevent animal cruelty. Habitat for Hounds accepts donations including hay, blankets, dog toys, dog bowls, dog food, monetary donations and memorials. For more information about Habitat for Hounds or its garage sale, contact Gandy at 867-5768. Kelsey Samuels’ email address is ksamuels@lufkindailynews.com.
criminal justice
Nacogdoches sheriff: Man makes getaway try on a stolen tractor
Nomination deadline for FSA committee is today
By Paul Bryant The Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel
Today is the deadline for county committee election nominations, according to Lance Jacobs, executive director of the Nacogdoches-Angelina-Trinity-San AugustineShelby County USDA Farm Service Agency. Farmers, ranchers and landowners are encouraged to nominate candidates to serve on their local FSA county committee. Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disaster, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues. County committees are comprised of three to 11 members. For more information about county committees, contact the Nacogdoches-Angelina-Trinity-San AugustineShelby County FSA office at (936) 564-5891 or visit fsa.usda. gov.
NACOGDOCHES — One of two men arrested for theft on Wednesday tried to elude Nacogdoches County deputies on a tractor, Sheriff Jason Bridges said in a press release. “Around 4 a.m., deputies received a call of a criminal trespass in progress on CR 816,” the press release shows. “Deputies arrived on scene and found that the subjects were in the process of attempting to steal a backhoe. One of the subjects fled on foot into a wooded area, while the other (suspect) attempted to flee on a tractor but was taken into custody without incident.” Bridges said it was Stephen Joe Bryce, 20, who tried to make his getaway on the tractor. He was charged with theft. “The male subject who fled into a wooded area on foot was later identified by sheriff’s deputies as Daniel Colton Stell,” according to the press release. “It was later discovered that Stell ran to a residence on CR 816 and stole a Ford truck. Stell then left the area and drove to the Cushing area to an oil-well site on CR 971, where he got the stolen truck stuck.” Later, officers learned that Stell was allegedly trying to steal another tractor from a Cushing residence. “Deputies arrived on scene a few minutes later and found the subject. It was determined that Stell was attempting to steal the tractor in an effort to pull out the stolen truck that he left on CR 971. During the investigation, sheriff’s investigators
Businesses featured at Chamber luncheon The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce will be showcasing 20 new Chamber members during its annual New Member Showcase beginning at 11 a.m. today at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center. Member businesses slated to have a booth range from Changing Lives Dance Center, to Tome’ Catering, to new boutiques and many more. Browse the booths from 11 a.m. to noon at which time the luncheon portion of the event will begin. The August First Friday Luncheon guest speaker is John Alston, chief operations officer of Brookshire Brothers. Enjoy a buffet-style lunch catered by Brookshire Brothers, tons of networking opportunities and get to know the new and existing Angelina County businesses that have joined the Chamber since July 1, 2013. The luncheon portion will run from noon to 1 p.m. and the booths will then reopen after the luncheon from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling the Lufkin Chamber at 634-6644 or by email to CBlack@LufkinTexas.org.
Dollar General celebrates grand opening of store Dollar General will celebrate the opening of its new location at 4136 state Highway 103 east at 8 a.m. Saturday with free prizes and special deals. The first 50 adult shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag, among other giveaways. Traditional Dollar General stores employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the need. Anyone interested in joining the Dollar General team may visit the Career section at dollargeneral.com.
Andy Adams/The Lufkin News
Family members of 86-year-old Durell Gray watch as he is interviewed in front of a downtown Lufkin mural that bears a likeness of his younger self. Gray, a longtime telecommunications worker, saw the mural this morning for the first time.
Mural
Continued from Page 1A well. They did a good job.” Gray still has his safety belt and other equipment, and he put it on Thursday for the photo opportunity. He had worked for the company for 35 years, mostly in the Conroe area, starting as a lineman and working his way up to management before retiring in 1992. Freeze said her father had wanted to visit the mural for a long time. “We decided we were going to do this and bring him over so he could see it,” Freeze said. “We wanted to do this as a family for his birthday.” David Gray said they were unable to get together for the actual birthday because of different commitments, but decided on an alternative celebration. “My sister had asked us whether we could meet the next
week in Lufkin,” David Gray said. “He wanted to see the mural because it’s been a long time since any of us had been here.” Durell Gray said he did not know at first the picture he submitted would be used for a mural. “They asked for my permission to use the photo, but I didn’t know this was going to happen,” he said. “They just wanted a picture. As time as gone on, it’s become more important to me. I was trying to make a living for three kids.” The picture of Gray in his lineman days is also shown in Bob Bowman’s book, “East Texas Calling: The Centennial History of the Lufkin-Conroe Telephone Exchange.” According to a historical marker that sits in front of the Denman Building, Denman and Mantooth formed the Lufkin
Telephone Exchange with partner Eli Wiener, operating from offices on the Frank Avenue site. In 1908 they contracted with the Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company to provide long-distance service. The company grew rapidly, eventually acquiring the telephone exchanges of a large portion of East Texas. According to Bowman, the network was extended to Conroe in 1929 with the purchase of a system owned by George B. Madeley. Lufkin-Conroe Communications Co. was acquired by Texas Utilities Co. in 1997. That company would be part of a privateequity acquisition in 2007 and become Energy Future Holdings Corp. Steve Knight’s email address is sknight@lufkindailynews.com.
found that the two suspects also attempted to steal one more tractor on CR 816 before attempting to steal the backhoe.” Bridges said four tractors, a backhoe and the Ford truck were recovered and returned to their owners, including Central Heights ISD. Stell, 19, and Bryce were stopped by deputies an hour before the reported trespassing. “Both subjects were acting suspicious but told officers that they were coming from a hay field and had been working,” the press release shows. “Deputies checked both (suspects), who at the time came back clear and had to release them at the scene with nothing more to go on.” Bryce remained in the Nacogdoches County jail on $7,500 bond on Thursday. Stell also remained jailed, on a combined $20,000 bond for unauthorized use of a vehicle and two counts of theft. Paul Bryant’s email address is pbryant@dailysentinel.com.
Car Continued from Page 1A Facebook followers, said he hopes being featured on Discovery Channel’s most watched show will boost business in Lufkin after the episode airs in November. The show has an average viewership of 2.6 million people. The new season of Fast N’ Loud starts at 8 p.m. Aug. 18. Jessica Cooley’s email address is jcooley@lufkindailynews.com.
School Continued from Page 1A into a hourly drawing to win a $100 gift card from Brookshire Brothers,” she said. “We encourage anyone that could benefit to call and schedule an appointment today.” Students are required to live in Angelina County and be attending kindergarten through 12th grade this year. The registration and pre-screening can be completed prior to Saturday’s event, to help alleviate long wait times for students to begin filling their “passport” of activities that will be available. The Colgate “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” mobile dental bus will be on hand again this year. The bus travels from Houston to promote the importance of good dental hygiene. To qualify for the free services and backpack giveaway, parents or guardians must provide a driver’s license or government identification, proof of income (Medicaid, TANF, food stamps, disability, Social Security, or unemployment benefits), the child’s last report card or school schedule current immunization record, and qualification for free/ reduced lunch. Sponsors for the event include FUMC, Buckner Children and Family Services, Junior League of Lufkin, The Children’s Clinic and Angelina Pediatrics. The Junior League of Lufkin is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism and to improving the
community through the effective Buckner Children and Family action and leadership of trained Services at 637-3300. volunteers. Its purpose is excluFor more information, visit jusively educational and charitable. niorleagueoflufkin.com. Rhonda Oaks’ email address is Preregistration for Saturday’s roaks@lufkindailynews.com. event can be done by calling
Births Continued from Page 1A with our experienced nurses to make childbirth a memorable and joyous occasion.” Woodland Heights spokeswoman Jennifer Stevens said the additional volume was expected with the opening of the NICU, but the size of the increase was surprising. “That’s a large increase,” Stevens said. “That’s a great surprise, and we’re pleased with that. We always keep an eye on the volume and need, to see if more beds are needed.” The intensive care unit is directed by a full-time neonatologist and staffed with neonatal nurse practitioners and specially trained registered nurses. Woodland Heights teamed up with Texas Women’s Hospital in Houston in constructing the $4.5 million facility, which pro-
vides for babies requiring an elevated level of care, allowing them to stay closer to home and lessening financial and emotional burdens for families who previously had to go to Houston or other out-of-town facilities. Yana Ogletree, spokeswoman for the Memorial Health System of East Texas, said births at Memorial Medical CenterLufkin are running below historical averages since Woodland Heights opened its NICU. However, Ogletree said the facility is working with its new parent, Catholic Health Initiatives, and local obstetricians to upgrade women’s services for the entire system. “We serve multiple counties, and we’re in a position to have a strong impact on women’s services,” Ogletree said. Steve Knight’s email address is sknight@lufkindailynews.com.
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