Prepare Now for Winter Weather This Week!
Two discovered dead on US 79 inside county line; suspect vehicle in CCSO possession
By Jo Anne Embleton news@thecherokeean.com
A 2004 black Honda Pilot possibly connected to a weekend double homicide at the Cherokee-Rusk county line is now in the custody of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
An investigation continues into the case, in which two men were found dead at the side of U.S. Highway 79 at the county line early Sunday morning.
Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said the local department was contacted by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 2:50 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, regarding a 911 call in reference to two injured individuals on the side of Hwy. 79 at the county line.
“Upon deputies’ arrival, two Black males were located on the side of Hwy. 79 East, just inside Cherokee County. Both were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds,” according to a release issued Sunday. Dickson said the men are believed to be in their 20’s, and both are from Louisiana. While positive identification has been made on one of the victims, on Monday,
officers were waiting to contact the other man’s family.
CCSO has confirmed that the men were at Fantasy Ballroom, located on Hwy. 79 west of Jacksonville, on Saturday evening for a dance, he said.
“We believe an altercation took place and they were left there (at the county line),” Dickson said, adding that the bodies have been sent to Dallas for autopsy.
It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crime, he said.
The Texas Rangers were called in to assist with the investigation.
If the public has information regarding the double homicide, please contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 903683-2271, or Cherokee County Crime Stoppers at 903-586-STOP.
Two sought locally in Jan. 30 Rusk County home invasion
By Jo Anne Embleton news@thecherokeean.com
RUSK COUNTY – Two men believed to have taken part in the robbery of two Rusk County residences on Sunday are now being sought in Cherokee County.
According to Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson, officials from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office “had information that the suspects had been dropped off in Cherokee County, where they are from.”
The suspects are identified as Dakota Ryan Low and Aaron John Woods, white males in their mid-20s, according to a report by Rusk County
Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez.
The men are considered armed and dangerous, carrying handguns and rifles, the
report noted. Low is 5’9” and 170 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He is charged with
aggravated robbery and burglary of a habitation, and also has a pardon and parole warrant for burglary, according to RCSO. Woods is 5’8” and 180 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Woods has active warrants andalso is charged with aggravated robbery an burglary of a habitation.
On Jan. 30, the men were the subject of a manhunt in the area of the 2000 block of Texas Highway 43, and TDCJ dog teams were called to assist. By that afternoon, the search was moved to Cherokee County.
For now, CCSO is providing aid to the investigation, Dickson said.
Only One – Doing the Work for Many
By John (Robinhawk) Hawkins
Tyler icon
It seems in every community or organization, there is at least one person that sees a need and jumps right in. Doesn’t matter if it’s a church, civic club or volunteering for a worthwhile cause, that one person who is willing to take on a challenge without a second thought. My love of roses, which is the rose of the day on my Facebook page, is well known, so when I heard about Verna Hall, my curiosity was piqued. That was furthered even more when I learned she and her husband George Thomas Hall, a prominent Tyler banker, hailed from Rusk, being a proud graduate of the Rusk High School class of 1949. As I read other stories about her, I came to appreciate all she has done for roses and the many charitable organizations in the area. As an example of what I stated above, when Verna began volunteering for the Tyler
was honored Jan. 6 for her
Rose Museum and the Texas Rose Festival, not many were stepping up to the plate and offering them much help when needed, but Verna did. She melded into the organizations and eventually became a “part” of the rose story. But Verna Hall didn’t stop there. She also served the community in other ways, such as volunteering at the East Texas Crisis Center, The East Texas Food Bank, United Way and the East Texas Symphony. There are other entities that benefited by the generosity of her time but I won’t go into them all. Suffice to say Verna has been a busy woman and certainly a driving force in our area. Few others can claim their efforts helped raise
Seed Swap rescheduled to Feb. 7
Staff reports
The popular annual seed swap that was to be held Friday has been rescheduled to Monday due to forecast hazardous driving conditions.
A variety of seeds and transplants – will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St. Hosted by Cherokee County AgriLife Extension, the event also offers visitors an opportunity to garner information from extension agent Kim Benton and members of the Cherokee County Master Gardeners.
Verna Hall
more than fifty years of outstanding community service. From left, Jim Perkins, Verna Hall, Patrick Willis.
Woods Low
Small Town Books ribbon cutting
New Summerfield High School Homecoming 2022
held
team won their match, 39-30. Members of this year’s Homecoming Court at New Summerfield High School include, from left, seniors Hayden Lutta, Ma’Kasia Walls, Mason Wallace, Queen Evelyn Rangel, King Angel Gonzalez,
Nijah Lee, Maribel Zavala and Rylan Fickey; juniors Marco Leon and Daniela Martinez; sophomores Bryan Zavala and Citlaly Juarez; and freshman Angel Mata and Mariana Luna.
“Jan. 31 was the last day to register to vote in the March primary elections, and individuals were able to register by completing a voter registration application available online through the Secretary of State’s website. It could be filled with the necessary information and returned to your county election office. The website is www. VoteTexas.gov”
Here are five things happening around your state: New laws now in effect as of January 1
As of the beginning of this year, 23 new state laws went into effect, most of which deal with certain tax requirements or tax-exemptions. A few new laws of note include: House Bill 531 - requires landlords to provide notice to renters if the dwelling they are leasing lies within a 100-year floodplain or has flooded in the preceding 5 years before or at the execution of the lease; House Bill 2730 - makes improvements to the
Landowner’s Bill of Rights and the eminent domain process; House Bill 3961 - requires long-term care facilities to post information about the office of the state long-term care ombudsman on their websites. The ombudsman advocates for resident rights and helps protect quality of life and quality of care for residents; Senate Bill 794 - This law exempts homestead taxes for veterans who are 100 percent disabled; Senate Bill 911 - allows food service establishments that also hold mixed beverage permits to be classified as restau-
MY FIVE CENTS
By Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3
Come and take it
rants if alcohol sales are 60 percent or less of sales. To see a full list of the new laws in effect as of January 1, please visit https://capitol.texas.gov/ Reports/Report.aspx?LegSess=87R&ID=effectivejan1.
Texas Workforce Commission awards Jobs and Education for Texans grants to 5 East Texas ISDs, Lamar State College Orange Last month, the Texas Workforce Commission announced $10.3 million in Jobs and Education for Texans grants that went to Community, Technical, and State Colleges and Independent School Districts across the state. Of that, $1.45 million was awarded to East Texas institutions. Five ISDs, including Burkeville ISD, Center ISD, Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD, Elkhart ISD, and West Sabine ISD, received between $189,000 and $328,000 grants to help purchase and install equipment to provide training in the
TAXING | thoughts
A Time to Organize
Diverse tax reporting makes this year a challenge
The time to organize your tax records is now. Informational tax information is hitting your regular and digital mailboxes from now until late March. To make matters worse, this year there are economic recovery payments, unemployment benefits, and advance child tax payment records to organize!
Anita L. Woodlee-Roach Certified Public Accountant
Here are some tips to get on top of your tax records. Organizational Hints
If you have not already done so, create a folder for the current year’s files. Here are some filing suggestions.
• Tax return and support. Create a file with copies of your signed tax return(s) for the year. Include any support documents provided with your filed tax return.
• Files in tax return order.Create annual files to match the flow of your 1040 tax return. Here are some suggestions.
o Income. Copies of W-2s, 1099s, Social Security statements, interest income, K-1s, and investment activity go in this file.
o Charitable Donations. Create a separate file for cash donations and one for non-cash donations. Include a copy of your charitable mileage log in this file.
o Medical and Dental. Create a file for all your medical related expenses. Include a copy of your medical related mileage log in this file.
o Other itemized deduction file. In this file include all other proof of itemized deductions. This includes property tax statements, mortgage interest, and state income tax documentation.
o Business activity. Have a file for each hobby and business activity. Include a copy of your business mileage log in this file.
occupations of welder, cutter, solder, and brazer. Lamar State College Orange was also a recipient of an award totaling over $208,000 for the purchase and installment of equipment for training healthcare practitioners and technical occupations. These grants will enable area education entities to provide targeted training for our communities that will lead to employment opportunities in high-demand industries.
Texas State Hospitals and SSLC offering hiring bonuses
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is offering up to $5,000 in bonuses for certain health care positions at state supported living centers (SSLCs) and state hospitals across the state. Positions that are eligible for a hiring bonus included registered nurses (RN), licensed vocational nurses (LVN), psychiatric nursing assistants (PNA), and direct support professionals (DSP). New RNs
can qualify for $5,000 bonuses, eligible LVN hires could receive $3,500, and DSPs and PNAs may qualify for a $2,500 hiring bonus. State supported living centers provide residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while state hospitals provide inpatient psychiatric care for adults, children, and adolescents. State hospitals and state supported living centers serve some of our most vulnerable Texans and the people who work there deserve the utmost praise. Texas reaches new employment high, unemployment drops Texas reached a new record employment high last month, breaking pre-pandemic records for employment. Texas now has over 13 million jobs. The state passed pre-pandemic record employment levels in November and that number continued to grow in December. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell
to 5 percent. These numbers are signs of a strong economy that continues to grow despite the ongoing pandemic. Texas business owners and employees are resilient and focused on moving forward. OSHA withdraws COVID-19 vaccine mandate for large employers
The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) withdrew the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard for businesses with 100 or more employees this week. The standard was supposed to go into effect earlier this month and required business with 100 employees or more to ensure their employees were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or were regularly tested for COVID-19 and wearing masks. The withdrawal comes after the US Supreme Court blocked the implementation of the standard in a ruling earlier this month.
HIGH POINTS| from El Camino Real
o Education. Create a file for all documents related to educational expenses. Include in it copies of invoices, tuition and fees. Include invoices for music lessons, instruments and any materials required to purchase for your student.
o Other. Put all your miscellaneous receipts into this file. This includes any payments received from the government due to COVID or the new advanced child tax credit. But also save any documents you are unsure about like receipts for daycare, Form 1095s and any other tax related items.
• Statement file. Sort all your financial statements by vendor, then by month. Create a separate file for these statements. This can include bank statements, credit card statements, and investment account statements. Consider creating a digital back up copy of these statements and store them on a CD or USB drive.
The Digital Alternative
If more of your records are in digital format, consider creating a tax folder for each year on your computer and then place your digital records into sub-folders using the same sort as noted above. Create password protection for each folder.
Rotation idea
Finally, at the end of each tax year place a note on the tax return to confirm the date your tax return was sent into the federal and/or state government. Note on the outside of this file when you can toss the support documentation. While you keep the tax return indefinately, most documentation is safe to shred after 3 1/2 years. But do not take this action unless you are certain of the length of time you will need to save these records.
**Please note that we have moved! See our new office address!
Offices in Rusk and Troup: 565 North Main Street Rusk, Texas 75785 Phone: (903) 683-1002 Fax: (903) 683-1872 501 West Duval, Suite 102 Troup, Texas 75789 (903) 842-1040 www.awrcpas.com
Folks along El Camino Real have been busy getting ready for Groundhog Day this week. It’s an exciting time in East Texas as farmers and ranchers anxiously wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog in Pennsylvania sees his shadow causing us to have six more weeks of winter. I guess those people up there don’t have sense enough to know that you forecast weather with split persimmon seeds and not large rodents. We’ve faired pretty well so far this winter, so hopefully our luck will hold. The news has been about as scarce as our rain chances, but hopefully I’ve come up with enough to keep you interested.
Chris Davis elcaminoreal@consolidated.net
We lost a nice lady in our town with the passing of Frances Tullis. She was 93 years old. I attended church with Frances for many years. She was a hard worker in the church and a longtime choir member. Please keep her family in your prayers during their time of mourning.
Hallene Thompson lived here for many years. She was Rosie Belle Allen Holcomb’s sister. They moved away several years ago to be closer to her daughter and I haven’t seen her much since. I heard today that she wasn’t in good health and in need of our prayers, so I hope you will say a prayer for this sweet lady. We took a bunch of kids on a mission trip years ago and I don’t believe I ever laughed more in my life. She is a good lady. Get well soon, Hallene!
Work has begun on El Camino Real from Alto to the Neches River so be prepared for some construction if you are heading out that way over the next several months. They have already started tearing out the old culverts and replacing them with new ones. Less than a hundred years ago El Camino Real was still a dirt road. I’ve seen pictures of the old dirt road coming by my house. When you start thinking about the Native Americans, early explorers, and Spanish Missionaries that traveled our old road when it was just a trail, you realize how important it was to the beginnings of our state. If you’ve got to be at work or school or maybe you are in too big a hurry to wait on road construction then you need to take the back roads to town. The road crews are going to have enough problems dodging the people just passing through and they don’t need the extra aggravation of having to watch out for the home folks too. Be safe while our old road gets a face lift.
It seems like everywhere you go there are help wanted signs and all the news you hear is about how hard it is to get anybody to work. Even your fast food places have a kiosk where you
order your food, put in your card, and never talk to a living soul. I can’t help but think of those old sandwich machines they use to have where you put your money in and opened a little glass door to get your sandwich. I’ve been out and about more than usual here lately and good service really stands out. Our little local restaurants in our small towns can keep good hard-working young people where the chains can’t. Most of the young people in these places have been working since they were old enough to get a job. Their parents taught them the importance of hard work their entire lives. When we were in high school a summer job was a badge of honor. Working at one of the gas stations in town or the feed store was something the other kids all wanted to do. If you didn’t get a job like that you hauled hay all summer. In my case it was working as a laborer pouring concrete and laying rebar. The option of not working was just never there. I’m am very proud of the young people that go to work and try to make a hand at whatever job they are doing. They deserve our respect, our admiration, and gratitude for working hard to provide us with good service. These young people are keeping up the values that we were taught our entire lives. If you want something in life you have to work for it. A big thanks to all the young people that are working and to the employers that give them a chance to learn. Texas football fans have been left out of another Super Bowl. Bengals vs Rams. The only thing that might get me interested in that game is going to be covered in cheese dip or fried. Why would somebody throw a Super Bowl party when there is nothing to party about? Maybe next year, that’s what we’ve been saying for over a decade now. I think we are supposed to have our potatoes in the ground before Valentine’s Day. Maybe I’ll just plant potatoes on Super Bowl Sunday. It looks like the winter weather is going to hit us this week, so it’s time for everybody to make a mad dash to the grocery store and buy up all the crackers, soup, and chili you can find. Hopefully the rain will come before the temperatures drop and we won’t get any ice. We had enough of that last year to last us a lifetime. Be prepared for a couple of cold nights, but be safe with electric heaters and fireplaces.
I’m going to wind this one up, so if I didn’t cover what you were looking for I’m sorry. If you have something that needs telling just give me a call. I’ll see ya’ next week! And remember, The time is always right to do what is right- Martin Luther King Jr.
Obituaries
Donna S. Davis 1946 - 2022
A funeral service for Donna S. Davis, age 75, of Rusk was at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2022 at the Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kevin Gentry officiating. Burial followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Davis passed away January 25, 2022. She was born October 1, 1946 in Rusk to the late John and Callie Mae Langston Fletcher. Mrs. Davis graduated from Maydelle High School in 1964 and retired from Rusk State Hospital in 1996. She was a member of Oakland Missionary Baptist Church and loved spending time with her grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Johnnie Mae Beckham. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Larry Davis of Rusk; daughter and son-in-law, Tanya and Joe Glover of Gallatin, TX; step daughter, Christie Williams and two sons of Jacksonville, TX; grandkids: Zach Welch and wife Allison
and their four children Dawson, Riley, Landon and Pyper of Henderson, TX; Josh Welch and wife McKenzie and their girls Vivianne, McKayl and Qiuncy of Huntsville, TX; Haily Trotter and husband Kenny and their daughter Meredith of Gallatin; Stephen Glover of Jacksonville; siblings: Billy Fletcher and wife Virginia of Baytown, TX, Joe Roy Fletcher and wife Margie of Rusk, Lacyne Higgins and husband Gary of Oakland, TX and Barbara Evans and husband Darrell of Oakland. Pallbearers included Joe Glover, Zach Welch, Josh Welch, Stephen Glover, Kenny Trotter and Dale Higgins. Visitation was from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 30, 2022 at the funeral home.
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
Kathryne Virginia Turner 1932 - 2022
A graveside service for Kathryne Virginia Turner, age 89, of Reklaw is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Walker Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Bennett officiating.
Mrs. Turner passed away January 27, 2022 in Henderson. She was born July 27, 1932 in Crafton, TX to the late Odas and Etta McKinney Walker. Mrs. Turner was a resident of Reklaw for 40 years and attended Reklaw Baptist Church. She was a loving and caring housewife and mother of six children and later became a truck driver with her husband. She loved to crochet quilts and blankets and gave them to her grandchildren who knew her as “Granny K” or “Granny Turner”.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin Turner in 2015 and
one son, James Turner in 2016. She is survived by two brothers, Kenneth Walker and wife Laverne of Rusk, Don Walker of Ft. Worth, TX; children, L.B. Turner of Henderson, TX, Paul Turner and wife Sharon of Reklaw, Deborah Walker of Reklaw, Shelley Baker of Arp, TX, David Turner and wife Minnie of Nacogdoces, TX and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
In Loving Memory
Becky Ann Roberson 1959 - 2022
Becky Ann Roberson, age 62, of Rusk went to be with her Lord on January 26, 2022 in Tyler. She was born June 15, 1959 in San Fernando, CA to the late Walter Marion Potts and Lois Ann Rhine Potts. Becky graduated from Texico High School in New Mexico in May, 1977. She attended Bauder Fashion College in Dallas where she received a degree in fashion design and later worked as a nanny. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Todd Roberson of Rusk; her mother, Lois Potts of Dimmit, TX; brother, Billy Joe Potts of Tulia,
TX, sister, Monia Ann and spouse Joel Venhaus of Dimmit and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a member of Eastside Baptist Church in Rusk where a memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, flowers may be sent to the memorial service or donations may be made to the Gideon’s International.
Peggy Kilgore Amen 1948 - 2022
Peggy Kilgore Amen passed away after a battle with cancer on January 22, 2022, at the age of 74. She will be greatly missed for her generosity and concern for others. A celebration of life will be held at Landmark Event Center (upstairs Geneva Room) 402 E. Rusk St., Jacksonville TX 75766 on Saturday, February 5 at 2 pm. If you would like
to make a memorial gift, please donate to Student Mobilization University of Oklahoma Chapter at give.stumo.org.
Frances Tullis 1928 - 2022
A graveside service for Frances Tullis, age 93, of Rusk was at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Russell Cemetery with Rev. Tim Ross officiating.
Visitation was Friday, January 28, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.
Mrs. Tullis passed away January 26, 2022. She was born April 6, 1928 in Rusk to the late Alton and Opal Jones. Mrs. Tullis graduated from Rusk High School in 1946. She was baptized in 1956, in Alto at the First Methodist Church to later return to A. Frank Methodist Church to become the President of the Methodist Women’s Club and a cherished long term member of the choir group. She lived her life for Christ and her family. In her spare time she sewed her own clothes, baby sat her son’s fur babies, watched over the cows through her large living room window and dared anyone or anything to harm them. She fed and cared for all of God’s
Johnnie
creatures from smallest to the largest with love and care.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Guy Dean Tullis; son, Terry Gene Tullis; parents, Alton and Opal Jones; brother, Russell Jones, and two sisters, Madilene Simpson and Virginia Young. She is survived by a daughter, Maril Powell; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Karen Tullis; brothers and sisters-inlaw, Buddy and Mary Ann Lang, Sandra Jones, Hank Tullis; grandchildren: Kathy Claiborne, Jennifer Powell, Jimmy Lusk and Jolynn Brazell and several great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the A. Frank Methodist Church, Alto, TX or the First United Methodist Church, Rusk, TX.
Jewel Mitchell 1922 - 2022
Rusk - Graveside funeral service for Johnnie Jewel Mitchell, 100, of Rusk, will be Wednesday, February 2nd, at 3 PM at the Oakland Cemetery near Rusk with Bro. Robby Arrington officiating. Visitation will be at the cemetery from 2:30 PM until service time.
Mrs. Mitchell passed away Monday, January 31, in Rusk. She was born January 6,1922 in Trumbull, Texas to John Baptist Hopkins and Winnie Lemmon Hopkins. Johnnie had lived in Rusk for about 64 years and was a member of the Rusk Church of Christ. She had worked as a sales manager for several stores including Bill’s Dollar Store, J.B. White and V. & S. Variety Store. She was a seamstress and loved quilting and crocheting. She also did oil painting and sculpting. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles C. Mitchell and a son Charles David Mitchell. Johnnie is survived by daughter Betty Langston and husband Gary of Rusk; daughter-in-law Joyce Mitchell of Rusk; grandchildren Camille
Joyce Gregg Corley 1934 - 2022
Funeral services for Joyce Gregg Corley, 87, of Houston will be Wednesday, February 2nd, at 1 p.m. at the O.T. Allen & Son Funeral Chapel in Alto. Burial will follow in the Weches Cemetery in Weches, Texas. There will be a visitation time from 12 noon until service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Mrs. Corley passed away Wednesday, January 26, in Houston. She was born August 18, 1934 in Weches, Texas, to Sam H. Gregg and Edna Pyle Gregg. Joyce grew up in Weches and moved to
Houston when she was 20. She lived most of her life in Houston and a few years in Midland, Texas. Joyce was Baptist and had worked for many years in retail sales for Beall’s and later Weiner’s department stores. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth Ray Corley and daughter-in-law Deborah Corley. Joyce is survived by sons Gary Corley of Houston and Ronald Corley (Deborah) of Willis; daughter Cindy Hatcher of Pasadena; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
Dolores Jeanette Miller Bryson 1937 - 2022
Dolores Jeanette Miller Bryson was born in Rusk, Texas on Wednesday, July 21, 1937 to Mildred Moseley Miller and James R. Miller, Jr. She passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 in Tyler at Hospice of East Texas.
Dolores attended Rusk public schools, and graduated from Rusk High School in 1955. After graduation, Dolores attended TCU and in 1959, received a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Later, she earned a Master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Dolores taught for approximately 30 years in Tyler, Arlington, and San Antonio.
In her late fifties, Dolores retired to Rusk to care for her Mother, her uncle, James Moseley, and her cousin, Paul Moseley. During this time, Dolores also served as a volunteer for the Texas State Railroad.
Cannon (Keith), Donna Mitchell, Julie Cambell (Jamie), Lisa Hall (Mark), Melissa Odell (Don), Becca Banks (Christopher) and Meagan Hernandez (Jesse); great grandchildren Amber Griffin (Justin), Joshua Cannon, Mitchel Cannon, Brittany Mitchell, Shelby Mitchell, Emily Campbell, Lillia Hope Melton (Dillan), Clayton Hall, Carolina Tarver, Carlee Hall, Dustin Ramsey (Nicole), Harley Elmore (David),Brenden Sword (Samantha), Alexis Banks, Keaton Banks, Weston River Banks, Tyler Scott Mitchell, Jaime Martinez, Xander Mitchell and Jesse Hernandez III; as well as great great-grandchildren Micah Griffin, Aiden Griffin, Bryleigh Melton, Carter Melton, Allison Dean, Kasey Lane, Waylon Elmore, Emma Sword, Conner Sword and Hazel Sword.
Dolores had a beautiful soprano voice, and during her high school and college years, she was a member of the Rusk First United Methodist Church choir, where she often sang as soloist. She was also a member of the Starlet Trio in high school.
Dolores was well known
The Cherokeean-Herald
for her outgoing personality, sense of humor, and her love of children and animals. She never met a child or a four-legged creature she didn’t like. Dolores enjoyed flower arranging, cooking, and family get-togethers. She was an enthusiastic fan of the TCU horned frogs, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Dolores was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She will be greatly missed.
Dolores was predeceased by her parents; her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Moseley; Mr. and Mrs. James R. Miller, Sr.; her uncle, James Moseley, and her cousin, Paul Moseley. She is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Rylander, Donna Neumann, and Linda Feltner, as well as numerous cousins, and her beloved border terrier, Mandy. Services were held at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home of Rusk, Reverend Tim Ross officiating. Pallbearers were cousins, Steven Moseley, Glenn Caldwell, Kelly Moseley, Richard Kincaid, and friends, Ernest Hudnall, and Charles Booker. Interment followed in the Moseley family cemetery.
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
The Cherokeean-Herald • February 2, 2022
• February 2, 2022
Work to commence on plumbing repair at county jail
By Jo Anne Embleton news@thecherokeean.com
RUSK – The approval of a $24,000 bid from local provider Ballew Plumbing by county leaders during a Jan. 25 Commissioners’ Court meeting will get the ball rolling on much-needed repairs at the Cherokee County Jail. The bid to saw and remove concrete, as
well as remove and replace 60 feet of sewer pipe, then replace the concrete will address the most pressing need for now, Sheriff Brent Dickson told the court. “We’re having some major issues in the jail, in the old portion of the building,” he said. “Right now, it’s causing flooding in our jail. We’re having to have it pumped out every other day.”
In other action, the court approved the 2021 racial profiling report submitted by CCSO, which analyzed 1,211 total stops in the county during the year. None of the motor vehicle stops resulted in the use of physical force resulting in bodily injury, according to the report,
which Dickson said is available at the Cherokee County Clerk’s office for public viewing.
Also, during the meeting, the court:
• Approved combining polling locations for Precincts 37 and 38 into a single site for the March primary election. The new site is at the Precinct 3 Barn, located at 7500 U.S. Highway 79 West
• Appointed three Airport Advisory Board members – Jimmy Steward, who replaces a member who resigned, T.J. Hunter and Mike Miller (reappointed)
• Approved agreements with police departments in Rusk and Bullard, who sought to be part of CCSO’s SWAT Team
Cherokee County, as it was
Penny Hawkins penny@thecherokeean.com
If you like history, local history, reported as it happened, then there is a wealth of fun reading waiting for you on the Cherokeean Herald website. I just randomly went to an issue from 1928 and was swept back in time before the Great Depression and WWII when Cherokee County was a rural area and the front page granted equal space to a huge fire and a purse snatching. Here are a few samples:
From the Feb. 16, 1928, issue on the front page:
“Mrs. L.D. Guinn was a weekend guest of friends and relatives in Port Arthur and Houston. Mrs. Guinn was made the victim of purse snatchers, while in the latter city, but when they found a picture of Judge Guinn in the receptacle it
was restored to her.”
Also, on that front page was an article about Johnnie Williams, manager and chairman of the local Ford Distributing agency, taking an airplane to Houston to pick up a new product and drive it home Friday evening. And “C. D. Poe’s Store Badly Damaged by Fire. The big dry goods, clothing and furnishings store, located on the southwest of the square was the scene of a disastrous fire, Monday evening.” The article goes on to say that at first it looked like the adjacent two-story Moseley Drug Store was doomed and that would “have meant the destruction of the entire business block.” It goes on to praise the fire department and volunteers for thirty minutes of “hard and heroic fighting” that brought the flames under control and “they saved a goodly portion of our town.” Interesting to note that huge story was wedged in between “Attend Big Kiwanis Meeting at Denton” and “It Can Be Done – Will We Do it?” which was all about “the periodical and spasmodic agitation of the mosquito question.” Also, on that page was an article about work on the new post office building getting under way, on the corner of Second and Magnolia streets. For more fun and informative reading about our past, go to thecherokeean. com and chose Special Pages; on the dropdown menu, choose Archives. The Cherokeean Herald goes back to 1990 and The Rusk Cherokeean currently has issues back to 1920, the Alto Herald has some back to 1908!
(903) 683-9743
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586-4578
Union Baptist
1247 – Wells (936) 867-4011
(903) 586-2111
(903) 586-4578
Weeping Mary Baptist CR 2907 – Alto (936) 858-4232
Wells Chapel Baptist 231 6th St. – Wells (936) 867-4522 Woodland Heights 273 E. SH 204 – Jacksonville (903) 586-6019
CATHOLIC
Sacred Heart
(903) 683-1862
A Sesquicentennial Memoir: Humble Beginning – Paved Road to Gratefulness
By Charlie Mae Scott Esco Contributing writer
(The words used in this story are the language - colored, Negro - used during my growing-up years.)
Years ago, there was a little Negro girl born as the first of eight children in what she thought was an average family. She did not know her family was considered poor. She was never hungry and always had the best time playing with creative toys and games she and other children in the neighborhood made. Playing games outside and pushing tire casings on the hot sandy lane, then resting under tall pine trees and Chinaberry trees made for some of the best days of her life.
The family resided in a community called Mt. Haven, known now as 747 N. An outside restroom, use of lamp lights, and no phone or television were a way of life. The young girl started to school at the age of five.
The school, Mt. Haven Elementary, was a threeroom house with a kitchen
FEB. 3 Cameron-J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library will offer a “Diabetes & Heart Disease” program, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, hosted by the U.T. Tyler Health Sciences Center. Donkey basketball comes to Rusk, Thursday, Feb. 3, at the old high school gym. Matches begin at 7 p.m., with the first round scheduled between Rusk FFA and the RHS Theatre program, a second match between cheer squads and the athletic department, with winners from each round playing for bragging rights. Tickets are available at the high school’s front office, as well as Brookshire Brothers in Rusk. Tickets are $10 advance and $12 at the door.
FEB. 4
The 2022 Annual Seed Swap hosted by Cherokee County AgriLife Extension will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St., offering a variety of seeds, transplants and information provided by the extension office, members of the Cherokee County Master Gardeners and other donors, all free of cost.
FEB. 5 Small Town Books, located at 152 S. Main St. in downtown Rusk, will host a Feb. 5 discussion on how to make wine, everything you need to get started and growing grapevines in East Texas. Cost is $15 per person. To learn more, call 903-393-6933. The class is presented by Baugh’s Market. Game Night will be held at 5:30 p.m. to closing, Saturday, Feb. 5, at Postmasters, 402 E. U.S. Highway 79 in Jacksonville (the historic post office at US 69 and US 79).
FEB. 6 Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Loop 256 in Palestine, will celebrate the Fifth Sunday
REFLECTIONS of Jacksonville
and outside restroom. The school housed first through eighth grades. School staff included three teachers and a cook. Daily lunch consisted of a hot meal at the cost of eleven cents. The youngster wore overalls and cotton stockings to keep warm. She, along with her siblings and other children in the community, walked to school which was about four or five miles away. Mt. Haven Elementary School provided a solid educational foundation for the children in the community and held its first graduation in 1955. As the young girl grew, it became apparent that she was a good basketball player, even while playing on a dirt court. She entered high school in 1955 at Fred Douglass High School, an all-Black school. Students in Jacksonville ISD were separated by the color of their skin. She also expe-
rienced segregation on the streets of downtown Jacksonville. On Commerce Street, water fountains were labeled “White” and “Colored.” At the café, coloreds had to use the back door if they wanted to be served.
Following graduation from Fred Douglass High School, she attended Prairie View A&M, a historically Black university (HBCU), for two years. She did not know about grants and scholarships. She used books previously used by someone else. She married and had four beautiful daughters and went back to school later to further her education.
I am that young girl, Charlie Mae (Scott) Esco. I am a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Texas. I grew up thinking there were two worlds, white and black. As I grew older, I realized that all people are just that … people, with different
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Cherokeein County
The Cherokeean Herald welcomes announcements for publication in our weekly edition. Please submit calendar information by noon Friday for publication in the following Wednesday’s edition of our paper. Send information to news@thecherokeean.com.
of Epiphany Feb. 6 with 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10:15 a.m. Divine Service of Holy Communion.
FEB. 7 First Assembly of God Church of Jacksonville will launch a weekly 10 a.m. Bible study program on Monday, Feb. 7, at Postmaster’s Coffee Shop, located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 69 and 79. The program is in an informal, inviting setting for those to break open the word of God. Jacksonville High School will host its annual JHS Freshman Fair, 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the JHS Cafeteria. The event features information on all core subjects, endorsement pathways, clubs and organizations offered at the school. It is open to eighth grade students and their parents.
FEB. 7-11
Little Pirate Cheer Camp will be held Feb. 7-11 in Wells. A $25 fee includes a shirt for attendees. Participants will perform at half-time games on Feb. 11, as well as at the pregame pep rally. Register by Jan. 28. FEB. 8
A car show is hosted every second Tuesday of the month, at 6 p.m., in front of Commerce Street Drafthouse, 401 E. Commerce in Jacksonville. An upcoming show is slated for Feb. 8. Rusk Ministerial Alliance
pastors will host a Community Call to Prayer, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. with the first meeting hosted by the First Baptist Church, Rusk. Meeting is open to anyone sensing a burden for revival and spiritual awakening. FEB. 9
“People in Cherokee County Extension and Farming Csommunity,” a Black History Month program presented by George Martin of the Cherokee County Historical Society, is slated from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Cherokee County Annex, 165 E. 6th St. in Rusk. FEB. 10
A monthly Alzheimer’s support group meeting will be held at Bonner Street Plaza Nursing & Rehabilitation, 421 S. Bonner St. in Jacksonville, on Thursday, Feb. 10.
Jacksonville Public Library will show “Over the Hedge” as part of its regular movie night series. The flick will be broadcast at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the 526 E. Commerce St. facility. Hotdogs and chips will be served.
CASA of Trinity Valley will host a “CASA 101” training session, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at 506 E. Commerce St. in Jacksonville. The non-profit outfit trains and will mentor volunteers to advocate for children in foster care, for which there is great need in Cherokee County. Light refreshments will
skin color. It became my goal to support community service in all facets of the community alongside people of all ethnicity and race. I have served as a volunteer firefighter, worked as a referee for basketball and volleyball in public ISDs, worked as a teacher’s assistant and bus driver in JISD, worked for Head Start, completed Citizen Police Academy (twice, the second time at the age of 80); am a member of Fred Douglass Alumni Association, a member of National Council of Negro Women, United Women of Strength, Career Women; served on the Cherokee County Appraisal Review Board, the County Historical Commission and the MHMR Board. In some of these organizations, I was the first minority woman. My humble beginning paved the way for a grateful heart. I am truly grateful for my story and give the glory to my Heavenly Father!
be provided. For more information, call 903-284-6245 or visit www.casaoftv.org.
FEB. 11-13
“Mamaw,” Cherokee Civic Theatre’s newest offering, will be staged 7 p.m. nightly Feb. 11-12, as well as Feb. 18-19, with a 2 p.m. matinee slated for Feb. 13 at 157 W. 5th St. in Rusk. FEB. 12
“People in Cherokee County Extension and farming community,” a Black History Month program presented by George Martin of the Cherokee County Historical Society, will be offered at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Heritage Center of Cherokee County, Texas, museum, located at 208 Henderson St. in Rusk.
Rusk Civic Center will be the site of separate Valentine’s Day dances for youth. A Mother-Son dance will be held from 1-2:30 p.m., followed by a Father-Daughter dance from 3:30-5 p.m. at the 555 Euclid Dr.; cost is $15 per couple, with $5 tickets for each additional child. The Rusk Band Boosters are sponsoring the afternoon dances, which feature refreshments and photos. Then, from 6-9 p.m., a Valentines Dance will be held for seventh- and eighth-graders, with tickets only $10 each. FEB. 14
Book Lovers Unite, a monthly book club hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library, will meet at noon, Monday Feb. 14, at 526 E. Commerce St. FEB. 15
Commerce Street Drafthouse hosts a 6 p.m. bingo night on Tuesday, Feb. 15. FEB. 16
A free Heart Strong health conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Cherokee
Rusk student captures win at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Staff reports
FORT WORTH, Texas
– Jackson Kinney, a 4-H member from Rusk, captured Shorthorn Reserve Intermediate Champion Female with 4KF Lil Foxxy at the 2022 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo on Jan. 23.
The 2022 Show is hosting junior exhibitors from across Texas competing for awards and more than $3,450 in Shorthorn Heifer premiums.
“Of everything we do, opening the minds of these amazing youth to the important role livestock production serves for the benefit of society is probably at the top of the list,” said Stock Show President and General Manager Bradford S. Barnes. “With each passing Stock Show, I’m more convinced that the future is in good hands, especially when it comes to instilling character in our youth and the role they’ll serve in securing our nation’s food supply.” The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo continues through Feb. 5.
County Annex meeting room,
165 E. 6th St. in Rusk. Guest speakers Dr. Kendra Verhelle and Steve Goode will lead the seminar, which offers participants an opportunity to learn, connect and get energized to live healthy in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes. To register, call 903-683-5416.
FEB. 17
The Jacksonville Chamber banquet has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, at The Legacy Venue, 728 CR 1511 in Jacksonville. The event kicks off with a 5:15 p.m. social hour, followed by the buffet line at 5:45 p.m. and the program at 6 p.m.
FEB. 18-19
“Mamaw,” Cherokee Civic Theatre’s newest offering, will be staged 7 p.m. nightly Feb. 18-19, with a 2 p.m. matinee at 157 W. 5th St. in Rusk.
FEB. 19
“Boots & Bling,” a gala benefitting Elijah’s Retreat, will be held Saturday, Feb. 19, at Eagles Bluff Country Club in Bullard. The evening kicks off with a 6 p.m. silent auction, followed by 7 p.m. dinner, music and dancing. For tickets – which are $100 per person, visit www. elijahsretreat.com/gala.
FEB. 21-22
Auditions for “Faith Can Move Mutton,” a comedy, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 21-22, at Cherokee Civic Theatre, 157 W. 5th St. in Rusk.
FEB. 26
Troup FFA will host its Alumni and Friends Banquet, 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Troup High School Cafeteria, 927 Arp Dr. A free dinner and live and silent auctions are planned, with donations currently accepted for the auctions. Contact Caitlyn, 903-245-4794 or email caitlyn@theranchersmarket.com, for more information.
VERNA HALL
Continued from front page
funds that would total in the millions of dollars. As she stated, ‘you get a lot more out of volunteering than you put in.’ In Verna’s case, more than 50 years of serving the community.
On January 6th of this year, Verna Hall was honored at the Willow Brook Country Club for her legendary service at a gala that raised funds for the Texas Rose Festival. Members from all walks of life gathered at the club and gave her a standing ovation as a sign of their gratitude and appreciation for the work she has done to make her community a better place. As a rose grower myself, I am pleased to know of someone who has given so much to making our area bloom.
William Shakespeare wrote “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” and now every time I hear that and look at the roses I grow, I’ll will think of Verna Hall.
**See a more complete story “Tyler Icon” by Maleri Ham at: tylerpaper.com Photograph by Les Hassell-Longview News Journal
Jacksonville ISD orders May 7 election
Staff reports
Think you have a good love story? We’d love to share it with our readers! Email john@ thecherokeean with your story, or call (903) 683-2257 and we could publish it in our Valentine’s Day issue! Whether it’s a “how we met” story, an engagement story, or a story of overcoming obstacles together, send it to us by Friday, Feb. 4!
The order for a May 7 school board election was unanimously approved during a Jan. 24 Jacksonville ISD board meeting, with related action to approve a joint election agreement with the City of Jacksonville, which has allowed polls held at the Jacksonville Public Library during early voting and on election day, said Calah Moake, administrative
assistant to the JISD superintendent.
This year, seats held by incumbent JISD board members Jeff Horton (Place 1) and Matthew Leinback (Place 2) – each for a three-year term – are up for election.
Also, during the meeting, trustees:
• Adopted a resolution of annual review of the district’s investment policy
• Confirmed an approved
rate of pay for accumulated sick leave upon retirement
• Approve an interlocal agreement with Region 10 ESC for the Child Nutrition Multi-Region Purchasing Cooperative Program for the upcoming school year
• Moved an upcoming board meeting to March 28
• Approve a consent agenda that includes meeting minutes and various reports
County precinct chairman applications now open
Staff reports Individuals interested in serving as a precinct chair person for either the Democratic or Republic party may contact the Cherokee County party chairperson to learn more about running for the position.
Applications are being accepted through Feb. 12, and several offices have not had anyone file for them, said Josie Schoolcraft, local candidate.
To file, contact Democratic party precinct chairwoman Janice Thacker, 903-721-9118 or janicethacker1961@ gmail.com. Republican party precinct chairman John Earle may be reached at 903-952-0026 or johnearlegop@gmail. com.
Black History Month: HARK! Booker T Washington School in Alto
By Virginia Singletary
Contributing writer
Seeing the attractive new sign in front of the Booker T Washington Community Center near the location of the old school, and hearing about the fun reunion held there last month, made me wonder just what the Alto Herald had to say about Booker T Washington School.
Quite a bit, it turns out.
The Booker T Washington High School News appears Feb. 22, 1953. The school term opened with over 260 students, 11 full-time teachers and a part-time band instructor. More than $650 had been raised to finance construction of a lunchroom. Activities on the agenda included a basketball tournament, a Miss Booker T Washington contest, participation in UIL, and a Music Extravaganza.
One of the things that stands out in the newspaper coverage of the school is its constant support of all kinds of charitable causes in the community. Whenever Alto had a fund drive, whether it be for the Red Cross, the March of Dimes, the Polio Fund or the new clinic, Booker T Washington School was listed as one of the donors. In 1957, the school was given special recognition
by the Cherokee County Chairman, and awarded a trophy for raising money for the Cancer Drive.
The BTW sports teams in the ’50s and ’60s were remarkably successful.
The boys were called the Washington Wildcats and the girls were the Wildkittens or just the Kittens, and later, the Tigerettes. Students participated in basketball, track and tennis. The 1962 basketball team got to the semi-finals in the state contest at Prairie View.
The 1965 Tigerettes went to regional.
By far the most impressive stories concerned the NFA and the NHA which were the equivalent of the FFA and FHA organizations. Every year delegates were sent to district, area and/or state conventions. Delois York,
Loretta Findley, Grace Tidwell, Lorraine Sibley and Rubie Doris Monroe were all elected District NHA Officers in various years. In 1956, NFA members won first, second and third place in the Texas Forestry Association essay contest. In 1966 John David White made a perfect score in the NFA State Farm Engineering contest. The leaders of these groups, Mrs. Mae Belle Martin and Mr. Valentine Waddleton, continued their outstanding work for many years after integration.
The BTW band even though they shared a director with the Rusk Bradford school, took part in UIL contests and marched in the Alto parades. In 1959, the 285 students moved to the new school complex which later be-
JAIL ACTIVITY
came the Alto Elementary School. Approximately 800 people attended the dedication held in the new gymnasium on a Sunday afternoon.
The school was definitely the heart of the community. There were reports of donkey basketball games, Halloween carnivals, PTA meetings, and field trips. In 1954, the closing exercises of the school included five evening programs, including two plays, spread over two weeks and ending with a graduation ceremony on Sunday morning.
To see some pictures from 1947,1948, 1949 and 1953, including one of the old school, go to http://www.flickr.com/ photos/alto_library/sets/ and click on Booker T Washington School.
Published in The Cherokeean Herald | Activity for Jan. 19-24
Leslie Irene Adams, 42, Rusk, improper contact with victim while confined Victor Lamar Anderson, 49, Palestine, criminal trespass, theft
Blanca Arellano, 46, Houston, driving while intoxicated – third or more offense
Daniel Bennett, 26, Bullard, aggravated assault causes serious bodily injury, warrant fraudulent use/possession of identity of number of items
Mandi Jeannine Byrns, 30, Joshua, motion to adjudicate for felony bail
jumping and failure to appear, possession of a controlled substance
Anthony Cowsert, 26, Jacksonville, harassment of public servant
Ryan Crowley, 29, Bullard, aggravated assault causes serious bodily injury, theft of service, interference with emergency request for assistance, assault causes bodily injury, release of surety for credit card or debit card abuse and for burglary of vehicles
Shyla Nicole Decanter 33, Jacksonville, possession of a dangerous drug,
warrant for theft of service
Trenton Lee Gonzales, 21, Jacksonville, driving while intoxicated
Michael Odell Hatton, 29, Jacksonville, evading arrest/detention with vehicle or watercraft
Melvin Jarmon, 23, Jacksonville, possession of a controlled substance
Lindsey David Maynard III, 26, Jacksonville, theft of property
Remains of body found near Reklaw ID’d as missing Rusk County woman
Staff reports RUSK COUNTY – The remains of a body found near Richey Lane in the Reklaw Community were confirmed as those of Kim Flint, a Laneville woman first reported missing from her home in September 2018.
According to a release from Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, members of his department, along with Texas Rangers and a forensic anthropologist from the University of North Texas responded to a wooded area on Jan. 20 near Richey Lane, where what were believed to be human remains had been discovered.
RCSO investigators obtained a search warrant after confirming the remains were human; the remains were taken to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification for DNA testing and dental recognition, the release noted.
On Thursday, Jan. 27,
Valdez received preliminary reports confirming the remains as those of Flint, and the family was notified.
Additional forensic testing will be completed in the near future, the release noted.
According to media reports, after Flint was reported missing, her vehicle was found crashed at the side of State Highway 84 near the Angelina River, but Flint was not located.
She was last heard from by her husband on Sept. 26, 2018.
college corner
Jacksonville resident listed on SHSU honors list
HUNTSVILLE – Tyler Gideon of Jacksonville was among the students listed on the President’s Honor Roll at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Honorees are
Braeden Steward, 20, Jacksonville, assault Dadraylin Armond Tilley, 20, Troup, motion to adjudicate for burglary of a habitation and warrants for burglary of a building and for five counts of burglary of vehicles
Christopher Albert Morgan Jr., 43, Alto, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, search or transport Carlton Joshua Mulder, 43, Bullard, violating bond/protective order Ray Russell, 47, Jacksonville, driving while intoxicated Humberto Morales Servin, 31, Jacksonville, motion to revoke for possession of a controlled substance
undergraduates who have achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than 12 semester hours.
Three named to SHSU Fall 2021 Dean’s List
HUNTSVILLE – Three Cherokee County residents were among those listed on Sam Houston State University’s Fall 2021 Dean’s List for maintaining a 3.5 or above GPA
during that period. They include Jessica Gray of Bullard, Tyler Gideon of Jacksonville and Rashayla Johnson of Rusk.
Volunteers, participants sought for 2022 Wells Community Homecoming
By Jo Anne Embleton
WELLS
– An annual homecoming event that benefits the Wells community is in need of volunteers and participants to ensure its success this year.
“Wells Community Homecoming is going to happen this year,” said organizer Kayla White. “We are super-excited to have it back, but we feel like it may be our last year to do it –we need more involvement from our community.”
Funds raised from the event are plugged back into the community, in ways that many may not realize, White said.
“The Wells Homecoming association does a lot for our town, and I’ve realized that a lot of people don’t know this,” she said, listing events and programs that have been helped through the years: 4H/FFA projects, the local school’s yearbook
The event, founded in 1964 by a handful of former students who wanted to come back home for an annual reunion, is held the last Saturday in March and incorporates a number of different events that attract all ages.
committee and Project Graduation; an annual appreciation lunch for WISD teachers. The local food pantry also benefits from Homecoming funds, as do the local fire department and local library.
“We just try really hard to keep our community going (with) the money that’s raised from all of the fundraising that the kids do – that is what makes all this stuff possible,” she said.
Fundraising is in the form of a king/queen contest whose candidates are school kids in grades 7-12.
“Anyone can do it, as long as they’re in seventh grade or up,” she said. “It’s not a popularity contest, so as long as they work hard, then they have a really good chance of winning.
Fundraising kicks off at the end of February and goes through homecoming week. Not only is the winner crowned king or
queen, but two students also receive a scholarship.
“So, we need at least two kids to run – if we get three or four, we’ll be very excited,” White said.
Volunteers also are being sought to organize the event.
“It’s only three months out of the year, and we usually have a lot of fun doing it,” she said. “We need the whole community support for this to happen – please don’t let this be the last year. We really want to keep this going.”
The event has a social media page, “Wells Community Homecoming” on Facebook, where interested individuals may contact organizers.
Booker T Washington School band, 1953. Courtesy photo
Monthly meetings
in Cherokee County
MONDAY
Book Lovers Unite, a monthly book club hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library, meets at noon on select Mondays of the month.
Upcoming dates are Feb. 14 and March 21. A new weekly Bible study program will launch Feb. 7 at Postmasters Coffee Shop in Jacksonville. The group will meet at 10 a.m. Mondays for an informal time breaking open God’s word. Teen Time, the Jacksonville Public Library’s after-school program for middle/high school students is held 5:30 p.m. weekly on Mondays. Activities include crafts, cooking and other fun group events. The library is located at 526 E. Commerce St.; call the library, 903-586-7664
The Cherokee County Genealogical Society meets the second Monday of the month, September-May, at the Rusk Public Library, 207 E. 6th Street in Rusk. Call 903-586-0135 or e-ail ccgs@ suddenlink.net to learn more.
The Alto City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at Alto City Hall, 404 W. San Antonio St.
The Wells City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month.
TUESDAY
The East Texas Robotics Club meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at 102 E. Commerce St. in Jacksonville.
A car show is hosted every second Tuesday of the month, at 6 p.m., in front of Commerce Street Drafthouse, 401 E. Commerce in Jacksonville. An upcoming show is slated for Feb. 8.
The Jacksonville City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at City Hall, 315 S. Ragsdale St.
The New Summerfield City Council meets at City Hall, 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
The Gallatin City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
On the third Tuesday of the month, Commerce Street Drafthouse hosts a 6 p.m. bingo night. The next offering is on Feb. 15.
WEDNESDAY Story Time at the Jacksonville Public Library is offered weekly from 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays
at the 526 E. Main St. library. The event is for youths ages 18 months to four years; adults must accompany the child. A library card is not required. To learn more, call 903-586-7664.
The Dogwood Patch TEEA Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in Rusk. The Texas Extension Education Association clubs focus on family, education and service. To learn more, contact AgriLife Extension agent Amy Walley, 903683-5416.
THURSDAY
Book Lovers Unite, a monthly book club hosted by the Jacksonville Public Library, meets at 5:30 p.m. on select Thursdays of the month. Upcoming dates are Feb. 17 and March 24.
The Cherokee County Commissioners’ Court meets regularly at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Cherokee County courthouse.
The Rusk Lions Club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, at the Lions Club building on U.S. Hwy 84, next to the Dollar General.
The Major Thaddeus Beall Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, meets at 2 p.m. on the second Thursday
CLASSIFIEDS | work!
Sacred
Catholic Church hosts Friday lunch twice a month. Feb 4th menu: Beef torta, or Beef quesadilla or beef tacos, with rice & beans, dessert and beverage for $10 per plate. Served 10 a.m.1 p.m., at the church hall. Dine in or take out. 760 S. Main Street, Rusk. Everyone welcome. Proceeds benefit the church.
CLYDE CRUM BUYS USED MOBILE HOMES & RV'S 903-729-1612
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ASK ME ABOUT JESUS
of the month, September through May, at the First United Methodist Church, 1031 SE Loop 456 in Jacksonville. For more information, contact local chapter regent Linda Jones at 903-339-1040 or e-mail lindaj75@suddenlink.net. Area veterans have two opportunities to meet with peers on the first and third Thursdays of the month, at the Rusk Lions Club building, 540 W. 6th St. (US Highway 84): The morning meeting begins at 8 a.m., hosted by As You Were veterans’ group, while a 6 p.m. meeting is hosted by the Military Veterans Peer Network. To learn more, contact Army Veteran Terry Everest, 707-951-2684, Cherokee County Veterans Service Officer Andrew Dehart, 903-6834012, or Military Veteran Peer Network coordinator Bradley Erickson, 903-721-2078.
The Rusk City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St. SATURDAY Game Night is offered every other Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to closing at Postmasters, 402 E. US Highway 79 in Jacksonville (the historic post office at US 69 and US 79). An upcoming game night is slated for Feb. 5.
Mobile Home Parks Palestine Efficiency, RV, 1 BR, 2 BR, 3 BR, & 4 BR. $400-$500-$550-$650$750-$850-$950. 903-729-1612
PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT
Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the March 1, 2022 Primary Election will be tested on February 7, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Election Department (138 W 5th Street, Rusk, TX 75785) to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.
Kandace Herring Cherokee County Elections Administrator
AVISO PUBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO PARA TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE
Por la presente se da a conocer que el equipo tabulador automático que se utilizará en la La elección primaria del 1 de marzo de 2022 se evaluará el 7 de febrero de 2022 a las 1:00 p.m. en el Departamento de Elecciones (138 W 5th Street, Rusk, TX 75785) para asegurarse de que contará con precisión los votos emitidos para todos los cargos y en todas las medidas.
Kandace Herring Administradora de elecciones del condado de Cherokee
The City of Alto will receive bids for TWDB Project No. 73860 Wastewater System Improvements – Contract 1: Collection System Improvements. Bids will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at the City of Alto City Hall, 404 W San Antonio, Alto, TX 75925. The bids will be opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at the City of Alto City Hall, 404 W San Antonio, Alto, TX 75925.
The project consists of removal and replacement of approximately 1,154 LF of 8” PVC sewer lines, new manholes, services reconnections, and other miscellaneous items of work.
Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications, are on file at Schaumburg & Polk, Inc., 320 S. Broadway Ave, Suite 200, Tyler, Texas 75702, 903-595-3913 Phone. Bid/Contract Documents can also be found on www.civcastusa.com.
PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS may be examined without charge at the City of Alto City Hall, and at the office of Schaumburg & Polk, Inc. One copy of each set of documents may be obtained from Schaumburg & Polk, Inc., upon payment of $50.00. No refunds will be made.
A Bidder’s Bond, Certified or Cashier’s Check in an amount not less than (5%) of the total bid shall accompany each quote as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Contractor will promptly enter into a contract with the City of Alto.
Attention is called to the fact that not
Jacksonville Garden Club January Meeting
By Gracie Hibbard
Contributing writer
Our Jan. 28 meeting was very informative with guest speaker Kim Benton. She is a Cherokee County Extension Agent for Horticulture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She spoke about “Container Vegetable Gardening.”
She had great information about vegetables grown in different containers, also covered the media used and which plants do well in containers, along with the light and location needed to be successful with container gardening.
She also had tips on strawberries, garden ideas for kids and lots more. Join us for our February meeting, when we will have Emily Marrow with Keeping Jacksonville Beautiful; program to be announced. The meeting will be held at the local First Baptist Church.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 99-6 OF THE CITY OF RUSK, INCREASING 'THE RENTAL FEE AND KEY DEPOSIT AMOUNTS FOR USE OF THE RUSK CIVIC CENTER AND ALLOWING THE USE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RUSK, CHEROKEE COUNTY, TEXAS:
Section 1 Rental Fee
rentmblhome@gmail.com Visit our website at www. rentmblhome.com LEGAL NOTICE
That charges for use of the Rusk Civic Center are as follows. There will be a $150.00 deposit. Special Event Room Standard Rate
to 12:00
to
Entire Facility $1000.00 $ 500.00 Activity Room $ 75.00
Non-standard rates apply for non-profit groups.
The deposit will be refunded providing the building, bathrooms parking area and surrounding grounds are left in a clean condition.
Section 2. Reservation Procedures
Any interested person wanting to rent the Rusk Civic Center shall contact the City of Rusk and upon making payments as designated shall be issued a key. Upon the City Manager’s representative satisfactory inspection of the building and surrounding area and return of the key the deposit shall be refunded.
Section 3 Rules and Regulations
Rusk Civic Center equipment, including tables and chairs, shall not be loaned to anyone, or removed from the Center.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed in the Rusk Civic Center if private security is provided by a licensed peace officer. The individual providing security must be approved by the City prior to the event.
Passed and approved 13th day of January 2022.
INVITATION TO SUBMIT BIDS
less than, the federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) wage rate, as issued by the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and contained in the contract documents, must be paid on this project. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
This contract is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). Any contract or contracts awarded under this Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are expected to be funded in part by financial assistance from the TWDB. Neither the State of Texas nor any of its departments, agencies, or employees are or will be party to this IFB, RFQ, or any resulting contract.
This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “fair share policy”, which includes EPA-approved “fair share goals” for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms in the Construction, Supplies, Equipment, and Services procurement categories. EPA’s policy requires that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to Minority Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise firms. Although EPA’s policy does not mandate that the fair share goals be achieved, it does require applicants and prime contractors to demonstrate use of the six affirmative steps. The
current fair share goals for the State of Texas are as follows:
tion, Mandatory Davis-Bacon Wage Rate Requirements.
Equal Opportunity in Employment -
All qualified Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the Department of Labor regulations at 41 CFR Part 60-4, relating to Construction Contractors--Affirmative Action Requirements, which include the President’s Executive Order No. 11246, as amended by Executive Order No. 11375 and Executive Order No. 13672, in the award and administration of contracts awarded under TWDB financial assistance agreements. Failure by the Contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach, which may result in the termination of the awarded financial assistance.
All laborers and mechanics working on the worksite and employed by contractors and subcontractors on projects funded directly by or assisted in whole or part and through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund or Drinking Water State Revolving Fund shall be paid wages as described in the sec-
Any contracts in excess of $2,000 for construction, alteration or repair (including painting and decorating and funded under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Programs shall include the Mandatory Davis-Bacon as referenced in TWDB-550 (Revised 9/19) Part II Article 3.
FOR CWSRF: Any contract(s) awarded under this Invitation for Bids is/are subject to the American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements of Section 608 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
The City of Alto reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.
Bids may be held by the City of Alto for a period not to exceed 30 days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award.
This contract is subject to the federal requirements of Subpart C of 2 CFR Part 180 and Part 1532 regarding Debarment and Suspension. The Contractor will comply with the assurances provided with the bid that leads to a contract.
The City of Alto does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familiar status, or disability. The City of Alto is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer & encourages the participation of Section 3 residents and businesses.
Alto banquet honors 2021 ’Jacket squad, cheerleaders
Staff reports
JACKSONVILLE – A
number of Alto Yellowjackets were honored during a Jan. 31 football banquet at the Legacy in Jacksonville for their skills
on the gridiron during the 2021football season.
The ’Jackets ended their season with a 6-3 record, less two games canceled due to COVID-19, advancing to bi-district play.
During the banquet, AHS coaching staff, led by Athletic Director/ Head Football Coach
Lance Gamble, presented the following awards:
• Newcomer of the Year –
Devonte Mumphrey
• Outstanding Offensive
Lineman – Angel Serrano
• Outstanding Defensive
Lineman – Landry Smith
• Outstanding Defensive
Back – Logan Rogers
• Outstanding Offensive
Back – Jackson Duplichain and Rashawn Mumphrey
• Most Improved – Keegan Davis
• Head Hunter – Jackson
Howell
• Most Versatile – Isaack Weatherford
• Defensive MVP – Jackson Howell
• Offensive MVP –Devonte Mumphrey
• Team MVP – Logan Rogers and Isaack Weatherford
The school’s cheerleaders also were recognized during the banquet by sponsors Courtney Stephenson, Junior Varsity, and Kaylynn Hinson for the Varsity.
Alto, Rusk squads rank among Top 10 baseball teams in pre-season poll
By Jo Anne Embleton news@thecherokeean.com
CHEROKEE COUNTY
– Two local high school baseball squads ranked among the Top 10 Teams in their respective districts, according to a pre-season poll by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association.
The poll, released Jan. 18, ranks the Rusk Eagles at No. 4 in 4A play, while Alto’s Yellowjackets are ranked No. 7 in 2A play.
“It’s pretty exciting to be ranked that high coming in,” said Brett Thornell, who begins his first season coaching Yellowjacket
Members
Claudia Mireles
baseball this month. “The ’Jackets had a really good season last year – they went four rounds and had 25 wins, with five or six coming back this season.”
Ross McMurray, the head baseball coach in Rusk, said with the number of players returning this year, “I was sure we’d be in the Top 10 again.”
Last year, the Eagles rode the victory train all the way into the state 4A finals, securing a second-place berth in state for 2021.
While the squad lost three starters this year, “a big positive” is that a siz -
1st round – lost to Palestine, 3-8
2nd round – lost to Center, 6-8 Girls B Division Singles
Camden Fontenot
1st round – lost to Bullard, 6-8
2nd round – Hallsville, 1-8
Girls A Division Doubles
Haley George & Sarah McCullough – second place
1st round – bye
2nd round – defeated Bullard, 8-5
Semis – defeated Pine Tree, 6-4, 6-0
Final – lost to Center, 6-2, 7-5
Girls B Division Doubles
Molly Bentoski & Laurine Ugbebor – second place
1st round - bye
2nd round – defeated Groesbeck, 8-1
Semis – defeated Whitehouse, 8-6
Final – lost to Center, 2-6, 2-6
Boys A Division Singles
Alexis Mendoza
1st round – lost to Hallsville, 0-8
2nd round – lost to Tyler, 4-8
Boys B Division Singles
Cornel Jordan
1st round – lost to Whitehouse, 5-8
2nd round – defeated Palestine, 8-5
3rd round – lost to Hudson, 4-8
Boys A Division Doubles
able number from the state-qualifying team is returning, including JD Thompson and Mason Cirkel, team pitchers who will be playing their final season of high school baseball.
“A lot of our pitching is returning, which we felt was our strength,” McMurray said. “Four of our six returning players are seniors. And our JV was pretty good last year, so I feel pretty confident with them coming aboard – we have some good guys to fill (their predecessors’) shoes.
The Yellowjackets also
have about six players coming back from last season, which Thornell said provides the team with a solid base “because majority played a lot, they have experience making a run in play off. It’s definitely beneficial having kids play at a high level, going deep in the playoffs.”
Alto’s strengths coming into the new season?
“Just looking at our stats from last year, we have a few guys who can swing it pretty well,” he said. “So far, what we’ve seen these first days of practice is that they’re hard-working kids
Will Royon & Ethan Kohler
1st round – defeated Nacogdoches, 8-4
2nd round – defeated Tyler, 8-2
Semis – lost to Groesbeck, 7-5, 3-6, (8-10)
3rd – defeated Center, 8-5
Boys B Division Doubles
Westyn Hassell & Connor Panuco – fourth place
1st round – bye
2nd round – defeated Groesbeck, 8-4
Semis – lost to Tyler, 4-6, 3-6
3rd – lost to Hallsville, 4-8
Mixed A Division Doubles
Isabelle Maiquez & Wes Royon
1st round – Defeated Tyler, 8-6
2nd round – lost to Hallsville, 3-8
Mixed B Division Doubles
– and that’s their biggest strength. They do what you ask them to do, and they come out every day, ready to work.”
Rusk’s pitching and defense are its biggest strengths, and the Eagles will continue to hone that as they kick off a new season.
“Last year, the pitching was really good, and we want to play a really good defense behind that this season, McMurray said.
Challenges both teams face are common to all teams: Learning to pull together to play as a sin-
&
1st round – bye
gular unit.
“Getting the team to gel the way it’s supposed to be,” McMurray said, noting that going into the season, the Eagles have two players on the injured list. “One player had surgery and is rehabbing, and another broke his leg over the summer and is still recuperating.”
Teams will have scrimmages in upcoming weeks, with the regular season kicking off mid-month. “We’re just excited to get the season going – we’ve been waiting a long time for this,” Thornell said.
2nd round – defeated Tyler, 8-3
Semis – defeated Hallsville, 8-6
Final – defeated Center, 7-6, 0-6, (10-6)
Alena Trawick
Emanuel Silva – first place
Most Improved Keegan Davis
Defensive MVP Jackson Howell
Team MVP Isaack Weatherford, Logan Rogers
Outstanding Defensive Back Logan Rogers
Alto varsity cheerleaders
Alto JV cheerleaders
Jackson Duplichain
Outstanding Defensive Lineman Landry Smith
Most Versatile Isaack Weatherford
Head Hunter Jackson Howell
Wells FFA members attending the Fort Worth Junior Heifer Show take a quick tour of the site between working with and showing their projects last week. From left are Caroline Smith, Harliey Womack, Karma Dickinson, Harley Courtney, Kamdon Gresham and Ryan Harris. Landon Gresham, not pictured, also attended the Jr. Heifer Show in Fort Worth. Courtesy photo
Staff reports Several members of Wells FFA recently traveled to Fort Worth, where they took part in the Junior Heifer Show held as part of the city’s annual Stock Show, and placed in the
Top 20 with their heifers. Results included:
• Karma Dickinson placed fifth in class in a very competitive Polled Hereford class
• Landon Gresham placed sixth in class with
his Shorthorn
• Caroline Smith placed seventh in class with her Polled Hereford
• Kamdon Gresham placed eighth in his Shorthorn class
• Harley Courtney
placed eighth in her Limousin class
• Harley Womack placed 14th in class with her Red Brahman
• Ryan Harris showed his Chianina in a large competitive class, placing18th
