Buna Beacon WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
www.bunabeacon.com
VOLUME 22, ISSUE 33
Local man jailed for indecency with child
Insurance fraud scheme returns four warrants By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office recovered a Buna stolen four-wheeler in Mauriceville last week and issued warrants out on four men who were allegedly involved in a fraudulent stolen property case. According to Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Mike Henderson, warrants were issued out on Monday for James Burch of Jasper, and Buna residents Ray Hamilton, Jr., Michael Wilson, and Gary Petty, Jr. Burch, Hamilton, and Wilson have all allegedly confessed to being a part of the alleged insurance fraud scheme from July 2011.
Henderson said that Burch confessed to falsely reporting his four-wheeler as stolen in order to buy a tractor from Hamilton. Hamilton apparently not only knew about the insurance fraud plan, but he allegedly hired Michael Wilson to take the fourwheeler from Burch’s house. “Hamilton said he gave Wilson $300 to take two four-wheelers from the house when Burch was at the lake,” reports Henderson. Petty was allegedly hired by Wilson to help take the fourLOCAL CHILDREN RACED to find hidden Easter eggs in several hunts over the weekend, wheelers from Burch’s house. Upon returning home, Burch including those held at school parties, family gatherings, and church functions. also allegedly hauled off a pressure washer and generator.
Chamber banquet set for May 5
See Fraud... Page 2A
The Buna Chamber of Commerce banquet, honoring the Citizen of the Year and numerous community volunteers, has been set with a meal planned. The banquet, following the Redbud 2012 theme “Groovin’ thru the ‘70s,” will be held Saturday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the MAC building of the First United Methodist Church in Buna. The evening applauds Buna’s businesses, organizations, volunLAST WEEK, SHERIFF Mitchel Newman, left, and Lieuten- teers and more during what often ant Mike Henderson, right, recovered a stolen four-wheeler. becomes a spotlight on local celebrities. The past Citizen of the Year honorees will meet this week to select their newest member. The Chamber will also announce its selections for Business Preschool story time today at 10:30 a.m. of the Year, the President’s The Buna Public Library will host their weekly preschool story Award, the Extra Mile Award time at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 11 for preschoolers and and the Youth Leadership Award. their parents or guardians. Preschoolers are asked to wear their pajamas to enjoy the story and craft about bedtime.
- BEACON BRIEFS -
In addition, all community organizations are invited to present an award to a member or volunteer who made a big difference in the last year. In past years, presenting organizations included the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, Lions Club, Women’s Civic Club, Veterans Memorial, Bridle Club, Helping Place, Nutrition Center and Buna Volunteer Fire Department. As in the past, guest speakers will present and/or offer insight into the many recipients, many of whom serve their community diligently year after year without recognition. The Chamber will also announce their new slate of officers for 2012-13. This year’s event will feature a nice meal and entertainment. Everyone is invited, whether Chamber member or not.
Masonic Lodge hosts fish fry and award night The Buna Masonic Lodge will host a fish fry at the lodge beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 21. Also, this year’s Golden Trowel award recipient, Jim Hamilton, will be recognized.
The Buna Elementary School campus will host a book fair Apr. 16 through Apr. 20 with a luau theme. Family night will be on Monday, Apr. 16 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Mini Relay for Life Apr. 13 A Mini Relay for Life will be held at Buna Elementary School on Friday, Apr. 13. Parents may walk in memory of a loved one or honor a survivor by walking with their child during their P.E. time. Parents must sign in at the office and get a name badge before going to the gym.
Buna Babes Relay for Life team hosts Bingo The Buna Babes Relay for Life team will host bingo Friday, Apr. 13 at the Lions Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. along with a meal served for $20 donation benefitting the American Cancer Society.
Painting with a Prayer event Apr. 14
Buna Lions Club will meet Monday Buna Lions Club members will meet Monday, Apr. 16 at 7 p.m. at the community center on Rodeo Road.
South Jasper County WSC to meet Monday Directors of the South Jasper County Water Supply Corporation will meet Monday, Apr. 16 at 7 p.m. at the office on CR 784.
Evadale ISD trustees will meet Monday Evadale ISD trustees will meet Monday, Apr. 16 at 7 p.m. in the administration building.
Evadale Lodge will meet Apr. 17 The Masonic Lodge in Evadale will meet Tuesday, Apr. 17 at 7 p.m. All visiting brethren are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m.
Advance tickets for the banquet are not on sale yet, but they eventually will be sold at the Chamber office. In other Chamber news, the military honor boards located off Hwy. 62 next to the post office will soon be replaced. “Roger and Lavelle Widener take care of the flower beds, and they noticed that the boards were really in bad shape,” said Chamber Office Manager Kathy Griffis. “They offered to fix them back up for us.” The Chamber approved the purchase of items needed for the project at their meeting last week, and the military honor board project is scheduled to begin soon. The next regularly scheduled Buna Chamber of Commerce meeting is set for Tuesday, May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Whitehead Building in Buna. For more information on joining the Chamber or about the upcoming Citizen of the Year banquet on May 5, contact Griffis at 994-5586.
By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor An 18-year-old Jasper County man was arrested Sunday evening at a Jasper residence on the second-degree felony charge of indecency with a child, sexual contact, stemming from an alleged incident involving his 3year-old cousin. Brandon Simms, 18, was allegedly found in an upstairs bedroom of his relative’s home on Farm to Market Road 3414 in Jasper. Jasper County officers say the family had gathered at the Jasper residence for a family Easter gettogether, and the evening ended with a 911 call reporting that Simms was allegedly found nude from the waist down. “Apparently, the family members found the little girl also nude from the waist down, sitting on the lap of her cousin, and facing him,” said Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Captain Bob Walker. Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman said that investigators took Simms into custody Sunday evening, and he was arraigned on Monday morning. Simm’s bond was set by Jasper County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Mike Smith at $35,000, and he bonded out Monday afternoon.
Simms
Buna students “work” on Mercury for NASA
Book Fair at Buna Elementary School
Painting with a Prayer will be held on Saturday, Apr. 14 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Genesis Baptist Church with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $30 which includes the necessary art materials, a meal, and your painting to take home. For more information or to purchase your ticket, contact Rhonda Brown at 782-7982 or Cindy Reynolds at 291-1640.
50 CENTS
temperatures on the surface of By Tina Cooley Mercury. Beacon Reporter Students form four engineerOn March 16-18, four Buna students competed in the 14th ing companies with structural annual Space Settlement Design and functional organization that Competition held at the NASA model a real company. The Johnson Space Center in Hous- competition provides participants ton, and Jordy Cagle was se- with real-life experiences that lected as a member of the team of they may encounter as they enter 12 to represent the NASA the workforce. In the competiJohnson Space Center at the tion, students find themselves International Competition to be developing ideas into a proposal request for a potential “cusheld July 27-30. Cagle, Tyler Doiron, Kevin tomer.” “The challenge isn’t just limFoster, and Logan Smith, all made the trip to Houston and repre- ited to the time restraint,” said sented Buna High School, along Foster, “but also communication with their sponsor, BHS Principal within the task groups. The right hand has to know what the left is Dr. Don Muckleroy. The competition is an emula- doing at all times.” This year’s project called for Carolina Panthers when he grew tion of working in the aerospace the students to design and industry while proposing a deup. sign of a large settlement with the “I didn’t go the football route, See NASA... Page 11A but I’m still fulfilling my dream ability to move to the moderate of being a professional athlete,” he said. Although Jordy has been fighting in the amateur ranks for a few years, he has recently signed a contract with South Texas Fighting Championship and will hold his first professional fight with the organization on April 20 in Victoria. Leaders from STFC saw Jordy win the title at the Texas Rage in the Cage Amateur Association TRAVELING TO NASA from Buna for the 14th annual Space Championship in Beaumont last Settlement Design competition were, left to right, sponsor March, contacted his manager, Sra. Alexandra DeGentry, Logan Smith, Kevin Foster, Jordy Cagle, and Buna High School Princpal Dr. Don Muckleroy. See Morgan... Page 3A Not pictured is team member Tyler Doiron.
Morgan steps out into professional fight cage By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor If you ask graduates from the Buna High School Class of 2006 how they remember Jordy Morgan, words like friendly, reserved, and athletic would most likely come to mind. Jordy says all of those things about him are true, but there’s a different side of him that comes out as he shifts to a focus on mixed martial arts fighting. “Some people think it’s crazy to fight for fun, but to me, it’s just another sport I love to participate in,” said Jordy. In the fourth grade at Buna Elementary School, Jordy told Mrs. Whitehead he wanted to play professional football for the
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
Evadale wins district track crown for third straight year By Scott Loar Beacon Correspondent The Evadale Rebels boys track team brought home its third district title in three years, outscoring the entire district and doing so in a very convincing fashion. The Rebels scored 156 team points while West Sabine finished second with 96 and West Hardin coming in third with 93. Individual first and second place finishers will advance to the area meet in two weeks. Winners were: Kendall Phillips, third in the 800 meter run and fifth in the 400 meter dash; Ethan Frazier, seventh in the 800 meter run; Sullivan Smith, sixth in the 110 meter high hurdles; and Matthew Totten, fourth in the 100 meter dash and second in the 200 meter dash. Also winning individual awards were: Jacob Conner, first in the long jump with a jump of 20’ 3 1/ 2”, fifth in the 100 meter dash, and third in the triple jump; Corey Stringer, second in the 400 meter dash and sixth in the high jump; Hunter Etue, third in the 400 meter dash; and Matthew Myers, second in the long jump, fifth in the triple jump, and seventh in the 200 meter dash. Other individual winners were: Triston Reeves, second in the discus; Brandon Midkiff, fourth in the discus; Shane Rodermal, fourth in the shot put; Dustin Sirmons, fifth in the shot put; Deven Murphy, first in the triple jump with a jump of 41’ 1 ½”; Kaleb Rawls second in the high jump; and Brandon Bruce, third in the high jump. In the relays, the Rebels placed second in the 4 by 100 meter and the 4 by 200 meter but finished first in the 4 by 400 meter with a time of 3:33.61, almost a full 10 seconds in front of second place West Hardin. “We have a real shot at the area title next week with the way that our relays will all be competing in the meet,” said coach Danny Conner. “We also have several athletes with a great shot to advance on to the regional track meet with the times and distances they are capable of putting up.”
The Lady Rebels finished eighth in the district meet. Individual finishers were: Kendall Tousha, second in the long jump and fifth in the 400 meter run; Kourtlyn Christian, eighth in the 200 meter dash; Kennady Porter, sixth in the 1600 meter run; and Kori Soignet, first in the high jump with a jump of 5’6” and first in the triple jump with a jump of 31’ 10 ¼”. Coach Tasha McAdams will only be taking Soignet and Tousha on to the area meet but she is no less than proud of the Lady Rebels and their effort this season. “I saw some good things this year out of the team and we have a couple that are advancing,” said McAdams. “Kori made it to state last year, and I believe that Kendall can learn from her and improve as she moves forward in her event as well. It also looks like Kori could be making a second trip to state and possibly in two events this year”. The Rebels also had some who participated in the junior varsity meet of those who have younger high school athletes. Individual winners were: Trevor Hemphill, fourth in the 800 meter run; Drew Herrington, fifth in both the 100 meter high hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles; Brandon Harvey, fourth in the discus; Colton Cotton, second in the shot put and third in the discus; Dylan Jinks, fourth in the 3200 meter run; Garrett Bartosh, sixth in the 1600 meter run and the 800 meter run; and Colten Lowe, second in the 400 meter dash and fourth in the 100 meter dash. RAINEYRELAYS The 47th annual Barbara Rainey Relays was held at the Evadale Track on Thursday, March 22 with 13 area teams from class 1A and 2A. The host Evadale Rebels fell four points short, 137 behind Kountze at 141, in their effort to win the event for the third consecutive year. Individuals who placed for the Rebels include Shane Rodermal, first in the shot put with a put of
42’10” and Dustin Sirmons, sixth with a put of 36’8.” In the discus, Tristen Reeves placed third with a 105’8” throw while Brandon Midkiff threw for 104’10” for fourth place. Jacob Conner long jumped 20’ to place first in the event with Logan Hare went for 18’2” and placed sixth. Deven Murphy triple jumped 40’5” to place second while Conner was third with a jump of 35’3.” Kip Rawls placed second in the high jump, clearing 6’2.” In the 800 meter run, three Rebels placed: Hunter Etue was second with a 2:13, Kendall Phillips was fourth with a 2:16, and Ethan Frazier was sixth with a 2:21. Matthew Totten was second in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11:42 and Conner placed third with an 11:56. The 400 meter dash had Cory Stringer place second with a time of 52:59, and Hunter Etue placed third with a 54:62. Totten placed third in the 200 meter dash with a time of 23:73. The Rebels’ Relay teams finished third in the 400 meters with a time of 45:63. The 800 meter relay team finished fourth with a time of 1:38. The 1600 meter relay team closed out the meet with a victory and a time of 3:34. The team is made up of Brandon Bruce, Etue, Stringer and Murphy. The Lady Rebels who placed in the track meet include Kori Soignet who took first in the high jump clearing 5’6.” Kendall Tousha was fourth in the 400 meter dash. Kourtlyn Christian was sixth in the 200 meter dash. The Lady Rebels’ relay team finished fourth in the 400 meters.
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AS A REWARD for their participation in the Buna elementary Positive Behavior Intervention Program, students were able to silly string Coach Traci Sherman recently at school.
Explanation of Buna Beacon Pictures site Buna Beacon staff members attend countless community events every month, and most of the time we have a camera hanging around our neck or stashed close by. Many times, we are chased down and asked to take a picture of so-and-so because Aunt Susie forgot their camera. We’ve heard countless times from community members how much they would like to see all of the pictures we take and possibly be able to get copies of them. In the past we have offered community members the opportunity to purchase CDs of home sports games, and of course we ran at least one picture in the paper from events when space was available. However, often times many of our pictures went unseen and were just filed away on the computer. We routinely take over 400 pictures at football games! With the ease of technology in today’s world, there’s no reason why we can’t display our pictures in another way. That’s why we created BunaBeaconPictures.com. It’s a user-friendly website that will allow community members to see the hundreds of shots we capture each week. Not only can you browse through the pictures, but they are also available for purchase. You can digitally download the pictures, or you can have prints mailed to your door. It’s simply a point and click away. Currently, when you visit BunaBeaconPictures.com, you will see galleries set up with various titles like Events, Sports,
School, and Groups. When clicking on these various galleries, you can see the subcategories displayed. Right now, the pictures loaded vary from the Redbud Festival Parade, “King Cotton” book signing, Jasper County Junior Livestock Show, Buna High School sports, and snapshots from each Buna school campus. We are doing our best to quickly load past pictures, but our goal for the future is to load pictures within a week of when they are taken. Again, not only does this give local residents a chance to see the pictures, but the pictures are also available to be purchased as digital downloads or prints. You will find a “Buy” button located above each picture on the website. Clicking the “Buy” button will bring up three options: Buy this photo, photos in this gallery, or all digital downloads. If you just desire to buy one picture, click “this photo” and a window will pop up. You can select the size print you would like to be sent to you as well as the quantity. You can also click the “Merchandise” tab which will give you a chance to buy items like postcards, magnets, or photo key tags. Clicking the “Download” tab will allow you to get the fullsize photo digital download. With this download, you have full rights to use whatever print lab you would like. Clicking “Buy photos in this gallery” adds all of the gallery photos to your cart, and prints will be mailed to you according to the size you choose. With many
pictures, this can add up quickly, so that’s why we offer a complete gallery digital download option. With this option, you have full access to all of the pictures but can just print the ones you wish later. All of these things will be handled by SmugMug, the website where BunaBeaconPictures.com. is hosted. You pay SmugMug directly online, and they take care of printing and mailing all of your prints. If technology isn’t your friend or for some other reason you would still like a CD or DVD of the gallery images, you can come by and place an order at the Buna Beacon office. The CDs and DVDs will be sold for $15 each, the same price as the full digital download galleries are on BunaBeaconPictures.com. Several community members have already purchased photos from BunaBeaconPictures.com, and we’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. To check it out yourself, visit BunaBeaconPictures.com and browse around. There’s no need to feel pressure to buy photos. They are just there for your viewing pleasure, and for the occasional time when you forget your camera at one of those important events. But it’s our goal to increase community coverage, and that includes taking more pictures. Perhaps we will catch you or your children in a few of our shots, and now you can see that for yourself. Thanks for reading the Beacon, and thanks for allowing us the opportunity to capture your important moments.
Fraud From page 1A He later reported all of these items as being stolen. “His insurance company paid him around $20,000 for the property he reported as stolen,” said Henderson. Burch then allegedly took the insurance money and paid Hamilton for the tractor. Henderson and Newman recovered one of the four-wheelers in Mauriceville last week, and they believe the other one is in Louisiana or Mississippi. Henderson said the investigation is ongoing with charges likely to follow later this week. The men could be charged with organized criminal activity, a second degree felony.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
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Buna Junior High boys compete well at district The Buna Junior High seventh and eighth grade boys track teams competed in their district meet on Monday, March 19, with the seventh grade boys bringing home a total of 13 ribbons and the eighth grade boys bringing home 16. The eighth grade district winners are: Josh Kelly, first in 1600 meter run and first in 2400 meter run; Ty Cleveland, sixth in high jump; Tobias Golden, second in 200 meter run; Karson Childress, second in 800 meter run; Doughton Reeves, first in 100 meter run, third in long jump, fifth in triple jump; Ryan Bertrand, sixth in 1600 meter run and sixth in 2400 meter run; Klay Rose, fourth in 400 meter run and sixth in 800 meter run; Collin Boutin,
fifth in shot put; and Justin Kennedy, fifth in discus. Relay teams of Cleveland, Golden, Boutin, and Reeves placed fourth in the 4 by 100 relay; Cleveland, Golden, Reeves, and Kennedy placed fourth in the 4 by 200 relay; and Cleveland, Childress, Kelly, and Kennedy placed fourth in the mile relay. The seventh grade district winners are: Brent Whitehead, first in 400 meter run, second in 100 meters, fourth in 200 meters, fifth in high jump, fifth long jump; Lane Hoke, fifth in 2400 meter run; Dustin Richardson, third in 100 meter hurdles, third in 300 meter hurdles; Mason Berry, fourth in 300 meter hurdles, fifth in pole vault; and Nathan Trevino, fourth in pole vault.
Relay teams of Richardson, Shaeffer, Connell, and Trevino placed sixth in the mile relay; Smith, Berry, Connell, and
Trevino placed fifth in the 4 by 100 relay; and Nathan, Mason, Ethan, and Seth placed sixth in the 4 by 200 relay.
THE BUNA JUNIOR HIGH seventh grade boys track team competed in district competition last month, bringing home a total of 13 winning ribbons. THE BUNA JUNIOR HIGH eighth grade boys track team competed in district competition last month, bringing home a total of eight winning ribbons.
Sheriff’s News By Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman
Learning to Live By Amber Hawk If you keep up with national news, you probably heard or read that the famous American painter Thomas Kinkade died Friday. Known as the “Painter of Light,” Kinkade was a common name around my house growing up. My mother loves lighthouses, and many of his famous paintings are hung throughout her home. His handiwork often graced a calendar on our refrigerator, and she even had a night light in the hallway that was from his collection. Every time we visit Kemah, Mom begs to stop by the Thomas Kinkade Gallery and just take a look. Although Kinkade’s death has no local relevance, I kept thinking of him over the Easter weekend. The weather in Buna was gorgeous, and I enjoyed some time outside in the sun. I threw a frisbee with my little cousins, hid Easter eggs for my niece, played with my dog, and sat on the front porch enjoying conversation with
my husband. I felt as if I couldn’t get enough of the sunshine, and that’s exactly why I believe Kinkade painted. “My paintings provide hope to people in despair, and provide a reminder of the beauty of God’s creation despite the darkness surrounding our lives,” Kinkade told the New York Times in 1999. Generally speaking, I am a positive person. I believe that seeing the negative of a situation is easy. Looking for the positive can sometimes be a challenge, but to me it is worth it. Kinkade once said, “Beauty is found in anything that delights the senses, nourishes the soul, and fires the imagination.” Life isn’t always picture perfect. Sometimes we don’t have clear blue skies. But to me, Kinkade’s paintings will always serve as a reminder to see the beauty around me, even if that means I have to search for the light.
Morgan From page 1A and worked out the details to add him to the upcoming fight card. “I was thrilled,” said Jordy. “Going pro is something I’ve been waiting for.” And STFC says that he’s primed and ready. A Japanese Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, Jordy has an 8-1 record. One of the fights was a total knock out, six were submissions, and one went to a decision. Jordy is the only person to hold championship title belts in two different weight classes within the Texas Rage in the Cage organization, and he’s seen fights as far as McAllen and Lake Charles. Formerly competing in the 170 weight class, Jordy says that he stays closer to 155 or 160 now. “I’m staying away from those bigger guys,” he said. “Five or ten pounds is a big difference.” Weigh-ins are done 24 hours before the fight, but Jordy says it’s the work that happens before this time that really counts. He trains for a minimum of four hours five days a week in sports performance, strength training, conditioning, and Jiu-Jitsu at Powerhouse Gym in Port Neches. Jordy previously trained with Robert Isaacks of Buna in Muay Thai and Gracie Barra of Beaumont in Jiu-Jitsu. With that in his background, Jordy added boxing manager Noe Beltran to get a good mix of training in several areas. No one can doubt that Jordy has shown dedication, and it has paid off. “I’m definitely nervous about fighting as a professional,” said Jordy. “But I just remind myself that the crowd will be bigger, but everything else will be about the same. And hopefully I will be getting a paycheck at the end.” In the April 20 fight in Victoria, Jordy will be facing Armondo Servin of Dallas. Servin
was 5-0 as an amateur but is currently 0-1 as a professional. Managers and fighters rely on videos of previous fights in order to scout opponents as most pros take breaks for a month or two between fights to allow their bodies to recover. “I’ve seen a couple of Servin’s fights, and he has a lot of Jiu-Jitsu tournaments,” said Jordy. “I think I’m ready for him.” There’s always dangers when stepping into a fight, and Jordy knows this from experience as he suffered from a separated shoulder for a few months just from a training injury. Luckily, there are some rules. There is no eye gouging, small joint manipulation, biting, clawing, head butting, or hits to the groin allowed. Even those descriptions are enough to make someone squirm, but for Jordy, it’s just another day in the world of fighting. Jordy is the son of Buna residents Greg and Carol Morgan and proud older brother of Ashlee. Although he says it’s something his mom didn’t understand at first, his family has always been supportive. “I’m thankful not only for my family’s support but also for the support of so many people and businesses in Buna,” said Jordy. “I couldn’t have gone pro without them.” As Jordy prepares for his first professional fight, he of course is hoping that it will turn out well. “This is something I’m really passionate about, and I’d love to continue going to bigger and better fights,” he said. “But first, I have to win this one.” Jordy’s fight will be one of eight held April 20 at the Victoria Community Center grounds beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $20. For more information, check out stfccagefights.com.
We went to Mauriceville on Monday and recovered a four wheeler that was reported stolen last July in the Buna area. We are still investigating where the additional stolen property was taken and the identity of those involved. We had a man that crawled out to FM 1747 on Sunday morning after he had a wreck some time Saturday night. The wrecked vehicle couldn’t be seen from the road. The man was life flighted to the hospital and it was later reported that he had several broken bones. There was a drowning on the Neches River in Tyler County and, at last word, the game wardens and Emergency Corp. were still searching. Saturday was busy all day and into the night. I stayed out until 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Several parties were going on and some of them got out of hand. This is not how Easter
should be celebrated. We had some sexual assaults reported last week and also arrested an 18-year old for indecency with a 3-year-old child. This month is Child Abuse Awareness month. We had a cake sale last Wednesday to help raise money and awareness. Child abuse is something we work to prevent on a daily basis. We take every report seriously but we want to make sure that we don’t wrongly accuse someone. If you think a child is being mistreated or abused, please call. We don’t have to use your name if you report it but it is everyone’s responsibility to protect our children. We had 99 in jail this morning. The weather is great and everyone is gardening and mowing. Enjoy it, because hot summertime is just around the corner. Call us, if you need us.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
Letter to the Editor
Obituary Edith Whitehead Edith Marie Whitehead, 70, of Buna, died Apr. 5 at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. A funeral service was held Monday, Apr. 9 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna with burial following at Antioch Cemetery in Buna.
Dear Buna Friends, This letter is in regards to the Redbud “42" Tournament that was held a few weeks ago. We have participated in nearly all of them for the past 25 years or so and were so looking forward to coming back to Buna and seeing old friends. Well, the week before the tournament, I had a growth the size of a tennis ball removed from my right ankle and, while leaving the surgery center, I tripped and broke the left foot. We were determined to come anyway and Jerry Parsons let me roll around the tables in an office chair. We had talked about the tournament so much to our friend around this area that two were able to come with us. The live about 55 miles from us and they drove to our house and then rode the rest of the way with us, which was another 107 miles one way.
Survivors include sons Charlie Lee Whitehead (Lisha) and Allan Wade Whitehead of Buna; daughters Lisa Janell Whitehead of Buna and Sheila Annette Dowers of Lumberton; sister Tudie Unruh of Kountze; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
POLICY ON LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Buna Beacon welcomes Letters to the Editor on subjects relating to articles written and of general or specific interest to our readers. Letters should be limited to 500 words or less. Use of any material is at the discretion of the Editor. The Beacon reserves the right to edit letters to meet space requirements, to clarify and to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy. Letters must contain a valid signature and contain a valid address and day and evening telephone numbers where the writer may be reached. Addresses and phone numbers are strictly for verification purposes and will not be published. Names of persons writing letters will not be withheld. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters endorsing or opposing political candidates are considered advertising and should be directed to the advertising department. Letters containing personal attacks on individuals, public figures or elected officials will be edited. Thank you letters with long lists of names are considered advertising and should be directed to the advertising department. Letters to the Editor published by the Buna Beacon do not necessarily reflect the editorial policies or beliefs of this newspaper or its staff. Mail letters to: Buna Beacon, P.O. Box 1557, Buna, TX 77612 or email to: bunabeacon@sbcglobal.net
THE BUNA LITTLE League held their opening ceremonies recently, and the Grasshoppers team enjoyed their first game on the tee-ball field at Whitehead Park.
There were only 6 tables of players and we made up four of them. We know that at least 6 to 8 of them were friends from Kirbyville, so that left a total of 12 coming from Buna. It is a fun time of eats and fellowship and no one is ever eliminated. We all play the same amount of games, so it is a very fair tournament. You don’t have to be an experienced “42" player, it is mostly luck. So if we get a gang to come with us next year hopefully it will be on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We would like for more of our friends from Buna to be there to meet them. I do hope that the Redbud Festival turned out a lot better than the “42" tournament did. Love ya’ll and miss ya’ll. Jim and Gloria Wood Trinity, TX
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The Whole Truth
“I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT.” This is a recurring statement of the insired apostle Paul, and therefore expresses the divine will of God. All heaven desires our knowledge of the whole counsel of God, the will and revelation of the truth. Read Romas 1:13-16. “That oftentimes I purposed to come unto you.” Verse 13. Without purposing, virtually nothing would be attempted nor get done. “But I was hindered hitherto.” “Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you.” Romans 15:22. Good things can hinder our planned activites. “But now, having no more any place in these regions...whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you.).” Verses 23-24. But Satan can also hinder our plans. “Because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul, once and aganil and Satan hindered us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18. When that is the case, we need to resist: “whom withstand stedfast in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:9. Why? “That I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.” Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles, Acts 9:15; Galatians 2:7. Their fruit was a result of his teaching them. “Lest I have labored in vain.” “I am debtor both to Greeks and Barbarians, both the wise and to the foolish.” Verse 14. “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” Having learned the gospel of our salvation, and knowing all around us are the lost, feel we no debt or necessity to share it with them? “As much as in me is, I am pready to preach the gospel to you.” Verse 15. We are “to be ready unto every good work.” Titus 3:1. Are we ready? Are we teaching? Northwest Buna Church of Christ, (409)658-7578
Local Church Directory
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Calvin L. Harris 994-3552
Buna’s Bread of Life Church Pastor Byron Johnson
Church of God in Christ Supt. Curtis Jones • 994-3603 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Bishop Sean Peterson 594-1225
Buna Cowboy Church Pastor Joedy Burnett 454-8775
Faith Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Gene Maddox 382-2784
Buna United Pentecostal Church Rev. Richard Dykes 994-2501
Faith Outreach Church of God Rev. Reginald Brandenburg 994-5897
Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle Evadale Pastor Steve McMullin
First Assembly of God Rev. Dennis Owens • 994-2670
Central Baptist Church Rev. Delbert Milstead 994-3641 Central Baptist Church, Evadale Rev. Roger Hoogterp 276-1700 Church of Christ 994-2075
First Baptist Church Rev. Paul Boughan • 994-3517 First Baptist Church, Evadale Pastor Jimmy Williams 276-1907 First United Methodist Church Rev. Bill Jobe 994-3232
Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Paul Swearingen 994-3273
New Cherry Grove Baptist Church Pastor Doug McWhirter
Genesis Baptist Church Rev. Robert Carter • 994-4012
Northview Baptist Church Pastor Joe E. Hinson 385-2744
Gist United Pentecostal Church Rev. Bert Arnold • 221-5162
Northwest Buna Church of Christ Evangelist Gary Scott 658-7578
Grace Fellowship Church Pastor Rick Tallent • 670-3656 Grace Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Mike Ivey Greater Pine Valley Baptist Church Pastor E.E. Robinson 994-9801 Heart of Christ Bro. Robbie Ratliff
Old Laurel Baptist Church Pastor Lee Everhart 994-3434 Parkwood Missionary Baptist Church Bro. Tim Rule, Pastor 994-2631 Pocket Full Gospel Church Bro. Donald Frazier • 779-6690
Northend UPC Pastor Ralph Bertrand
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Father Delphyn Meeks 994-3456
New Beginnings Assembly of God Pastor Jeff Gravis • 276-2005
Trout Creek Baptist Church Pastor Randy Fults 423-5023
The following are proud sponsors of this church directory and urge you and your family to attend your chosen house of worship this Sunday!
Church Bulletin Gospel singing at Faith Baptist Church Everyone is invited to a gospel singing at Faith Baptist Church, located at Highway 62 and County Road 813 in Buna, on Friday, Apr. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. The Slaughter family from Many, LA will be singing and testifying to God’s glory. Come and join the praise and fellowship. For more information, call 382-2784.
Buckle playdays at Cowboy Church Cowboy Church of Orange County will be hosting Buckle Series playdays on Apr. 28, May 19, and June 20 at the Cowboy Church arena. Buckle events will include cloverleaf barrels, poles, straight barrels, speed race, as well as mutton bustin’. Special classes of lead line and stick horse races will also be compete. Entrants must compete in two of the three playdays to be eligible for awards. For more information, contact Jackie at 423-9724.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
PAGE 5A, BUNA BEACON
Buna Beacon Classifieds GARAGE SALE
FOR RENT
PLANT SALE - Wed. & Thur., April 11&12, Free plant with $10 or more purchase. CR 759, 4th street behind Brookshire Bros. 1TP-33
FOR RENT - 3BR, 2BA, with carport, located inside Kirbyville city limits. Asking $800/mo. + deposit (pending credit application.) Please call for more information (409) 423-2166, ask for GARAGE SALE - Thur. & Fri., Donna. TFN-30 April 12-13, 9am til. Almost new scanner/printer, gas stove, bikes, REAL ESTATE mattress, jewelry, clearance clothes & shoes. Redbud & CR 747, 998-5985, any day by appointment. 1TP-33
FOR RENT FOR RENT - 4BR, 3BA, with 2 car garage, located inside Kirbyville city limits. Asking $1,200/mo. + deposit (pending credit application.) Please call for more information (409) 4232166, ask for Donna. TFN-30
REAL ESTATE
GARAGE SALE - Fri. & Sat., April 13-14, 8am til. Glasses, Christmas crafts, wooden show display racks. 710 CR 774 Idlewood Subd. off Bs. 96. 1TP-33
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
HELP WANTED
‘94 FORD RANGER - For sale, in ‘06 MAZDA TRIBUTE - 4 Cyl., good condition, $2,500. 92 4 Run- Auto., cd, loaded, alloy wheels. $8,995*. Cowboy Used Cars ner, 4x4 $2,500. 994-5414. Silsbee, TX 409-385-1841. NOMEX - I buy and sell nomex. *+TT&L, See dealer for details. Poor Man’s Shop, Hwy. 96 Buna. (504) 655-1679. 8TP-33 ‘10 NISSAN TITAN CREW CAB SE - V8, automatic, nerf bars, cd, NEW SHAW CARPET - Left- loaded, alloy wheels, 31K miles, overs, beige. 12x10ft - $75, factory warranty. $23,995* Cow22x12ft - $125, 12x13 - $85. boy Used Cars -Silsbee, TX 409385-1841. *+TT&L, See dealer for Please call (409) 767-6390. details. ‘04 CHEVY REG. CAB - 5.3Liter V8 automatic, custom alloy HELP WANTED wheels, power windows & locks. $7,995* Cowboy Used Cars Silsbee, TX 409-385-1841. *+TT&L, See dealer for details. ‘07 FORD RANGER - Regular cab, 6 Cyl., auto., 37K miles, custom wheels. $8,995*. Cowboy Used Cars -Silsbee. 385-1841. *+TT&L, See dealer for details.
MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE - Sat., April 14th, 8am until. Located at Buna Volunteer Firehall Pavilion. 1TP-33
HELP WANTED
GARAGE SALE - Sat., April 14, 8am-Noon. Sofa, love seat, armoir, antique dining table with 4 chairs, misc. items. CR 610 - 7 miles North of Buna. 1TP-33 GARAGE SALE - Sat., April 14, road beside Burger King - 2nd house on right. Clothes of all SERVICES sizes, furniture, plats, toys, fishing items, tools & much more. 1TP-33 LAWN SERVICE - Mowing, weed eating, and yard work. YESTERDAY, TODAY & TO- Please call 409-745-9148. MORROW - Resale Consignment ½ mile North of red light on FREE PICKUP - Appliances, ice Hwy. 96. Check out this months boxes batteries, aluminum, any50% off tag sale and our special thing metal. Please call 994-2560. $1 rack. (409) 994-3303. TFN-18
SERVICES PEVETO’S LAWN CARE Taking new customers. We offer lawn care for residential, commercial, churches, shcools, and cemetaries. Stump grinding available. Please call (409) 994-5666. 8TP-28
HELP WANTED HELP WANTED - Buna ISD is currently taking applications for bus drivers. Applications may be picked up at the Maintenance & Transportation Office. Please call 994-4880 or 994-4881. TFN-26
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
EVENTS
EVENTS
EVENTS
PAGE 6A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
Business Review HEALTH CARE DYNAMICS, INC. Home Health Care Agency P.O. Box 1913 Buna, Texas 77612
“Where Your Health Is Our Business” Toll Free (800) 581-3536 Ph. (409) 994-0300 Fax (409) 994-0400
Dan’s All American Plumbing. L.L.P.
Country Bookkeeping & Taxes Donna Picard
Owner P.O. Box 338 7887 Business Row Mauriceville, TX 77626
Taxes, E-File, Faxes, Copies, Refund Anticipation Loans, Payroll, Payroll Reports, Bookkeeping, Notary, Resumes
409-745-9157 work 409-994-3146 home 409-781-7083 cell
Fax 409-745-9153 cowgirl@juno.com
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
PAGE 7A, BUNA BEACON
Cougars lose two, fall to Hornets and Warriors The Buna Cougars were undefeated before going into last week, but they fell to Hardin and Warren, pushing them to a 6-2 district record on the season. The Cougars started off the week on Tuesday hosting the Hardin Hornets and lost, 6-2. Ethan Franklin took the loss going three and two-thirds innings He gave up four runs on four hits while striking out four and walking one. Kolton Clark went the final three and one-third innings, giving up two runs on four hits and striking out two batters. Glenn Patrick and Richard Walden collected the only two Buna hits in the game. “We played great defense in this game and did not make an error in the field,” said head coach Kevin Terrier. “Offensively, we could not get anything going. Baseball is a funny game. Before the Hardin game, we had been averaging over 10 hits a game and had won 9 games in a row.” The Cougars were orginially scheduled to play last Monday but the game was postponed to Tuesday. “We learn so many life lessons from the game of baseball,” said Terrier. “Like in the blink of an eye, it can all turn against you. It is how you get up and dust your self off that shows true character.” On Thursday the Cougars traveled to Warren, hoping to
bounce back from the loss earlier in the week. Unfortunately, the Cougars fell again, 4-2. Richard Walden took the loss giving up four runs, three of them earned. He struck out 12 batters, walked two, and only gave up six hits. “Walden pitched a great game striking out 12 batters,” said Terrier. “It is a shame when a pitcher throws that well and gets stuck with a loss.” Offensively, most of the Cougars were 1-for-3 and there was only one team strikeout. Warren made 20 plays in the field. Walden and Ethan Franklin took a scored a run, JM Kelly took an RBI, Braden Franklin had a sac bunt, and Caleb Hardy had an RBI and stolen base. “We have to give Warren credit because they played great defense,” said Terrier. “We could not get the big hit when it was needed. We will bounce back and go to work in practice and on the field. These kids are tough, and I know they will respond in a big way. If we want to win the district title again, we need to win out.” The Cougars hosted Kountze on Monday and will travel to Deweyville on Friday. Next Tuesday, Apr. 17, the Cougars have a bye, but fans can come out and support the Cougars on Friday, Apr. 20 in the game against East Chambers. The Apr. 20 home game will also be senior night.
Beacon photo: Aleksander G. Allen
BUNA COUGAR NUMBER 6, Ryan Houston, takes a hearty swing at a Hornet pitch during last Tuesday’s home game.
Buna Junior High girls bring home district honors
BUNA COUGAR POWERLIFTERS left, Taylor Kibodeaux, and right, Dalton Ford, placed third and eighth in the Texas High School Powerlifting Association state competition in Abilene, respectively. Kibodeaux was in the 132 weight class and lifted a total of 995 pounds, squatting 420, bench pressing 195, and dead lifting 380. Ford was in the 242 weight class and lifted a total of 1,620 pounds, squatting 655, bench pressing 350, and dead lifting 615.
Rebels split pair in diamond action By Scott Loar Beacon Correspondent The Evadale Rebels have a record of 10 wins and four losses this baseball season, but unfortunately, three of the losses have come in district play. The Rebels, now 6-3 in district, are facing a critical game this week with Sabine Pass on Wednesday with second place in district hanging in the balance. Last Tuesday the Rebels played Hull-Daisetta, and while the game was in Evadale, the Rebels were the visitors as the game had to be move due to field conditions at the Bobcats home field. The Rebels made short work of the Bobcats as they scored eight runs in both the first and second innings. The game ended with a 18-1 victory for the Rebels. Tanner Hawthorne scored three runs, and Wes Williams, Deven Murphy and Kyle Taylor were all 2-for33 at the plate. Murphy and Taylor scored two
The Buna Junior High seventh and eighth grade girls track teams competed in their district meet on Monday, March 19, with the seventh grade girls placing third in district and the eighth grade girls bringing home the district title. The seventh grade district winners are: Abbey Burns, sixth in 1600 meter relay; Jade Butchee, fifth in 800 meter relay, sixth in 1600 meter run; Katy Cofty, third in 2400 meter run, sixth in 1600 meter run; Morgan Lambright, first in 1600 meter run, second in 2400 meter run, fifth in long jump; and Skylar Latham, fifth in 800 meter relay, sixth in 1600 meter relay. Also, Kameron Lee, fourth in discus, sixth in 1600 meter relay, third in shot put; Camryn Powell, first in triple jump, first in 300 hurdles, second in long jump, second in 100 meter hurdles, sixth in 400 meter dash; and Shalan Shields, second in discus, fourth in shot put, fifth in 800 meter relay, sixth in 1600 meter relay.
Eighth grade girls who contributed to the district championship are: Makenzie Callendar, first in sprint relay, first in mile relay, second in 400 meter run, third in high jump, second in long jump; Robyn Carrell, first in 800 meter relay, sixth in shot put; Kersten Cole, fourth in discus; Kamryn Elliott, first in high jump, first in long jump, first in sprint relay, first in 800 meter relay, second in 200 meter dash; Sarah Foster, first in 2400 meter run, first in 1600 meter run, first in pole vault; and Shelby Foster, first in 800 meter run, first in 1600 meter relay, fourth in triple jump. Also, Alyssa Garcia, first in sprint relay, first in 800 meter relay, first in mile relay, fourth in triple jump; Kori Harris, third in 100 meter hurdles, second in 300 meter hurdles; McKenna Monson, fourth in 100 meter dash; Jade Moreau, fifth in 800 meter run; Brianna Morelion, fourth in 300 meter hurdles; and Rachel Palmer, fourth in pole vault.
runs each while Williams scored one run. Hunter Jackson pitched five strong innings allowing only two hits to pick up the victory. The Rebels played the Big Sandy Wildcats in hopes of avenging the loss that they suffered early in district play, but errors proved to be the Rebels’ undoing as a strong pitching performance by Kody Ingram was not enough to come out with a victory. The Wildcats defeated the THE BUNA JUNIOR HIGH seventh grade girls track team Rebels 12-2. Coach Mark Williams said, competed in district competition last month, bringing “We still have to find some home the third place district trophy. consistency in several areas with the team, but we have a chance to take a big step forward when we host the Sharks”. If the Rebels win on Wednesday, they will be in a position to potentially take second in the district. “We will continue to work hard to make it into the playoffs and see just how far we can go,” said Williams.
Did our cameras catch you at a local event? See for yourself at BunaBeaconPictures.com.
THE BUNA JUNIOR HIGH eighth grade girls track team competed in district competition last month, bringing home the district winning trophy.
PAGE 8A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
ON SATURDAY, MARCH 31, members of the Buna High School graduating class of 1962 met at Hill’s Barn in Buna to celebrate their 50th class reunion. Fifty-seven classmates and their spouses, along with former teachers Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Champion, Mr. and Mrs. Deason Moore, and Mrs. Geraldine Hyden, attended the day’s festivities. Classmates and chefs Don Smith, Roy Taylor, and Robert Worsham prepared a delicious meal. Jerrell Stanley and a friend supplied the music to complete the day of fun and fellowship.
Market Report Kirbyville Auction Barn Market Report Apr. 7, 2012 Total Head: 230 Bull Calves 0-299: $1.50 - $2.45 300-399: $1.45 - $2.25 400-499: $1.35 - $2.10 500 and up: $1.30 - $1.85 Heifer Calves 0-299: $1.35 - $2.35 300-399: $1.25 - $2.10
400-499: $1.20 - $1.95 500 and up: $1.15 - $1.75 Pregnant Cows: $515 - $1,150 Cow/Calf Pairs: $610 - $1,650 Slaughter Cows: $57 - $94 Bulls: $90 - $105 Hogs Boars: $18 - $24 Sows: $50 - $65 Tops: $62 - $70 Pigs: $25 - $80 Goats: $27 - $155
Kirbyville music show Saturday The Kirbybille Area Heritage Society will host their Country Music Show this Saturday, Mar. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater at 305 E. Main. Guest performers include Julie Muckleroy of Lumberton, Bretton Low of Vidor, John Petty of Dayton, Madilynn Melchor of Spring, and Frank Davis of Kountze. The night will feature the Heart of Texas band. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for children age 7 to 12, and free for children 6 and under. The show is produced by the Heritage Society. For more information, call Vondol Bailey at 423-3319.
Happy Birthday April 11 Kirbi Anderson Troy LeBlanc Stephanie Sikes Ann Stockstill Krystal Wells April 12 Van Hunt Savannah Keith Rickey Renfro, Jr. Daniel Travis April 13 Father Jude Brannert Chris Prewitt April 14 Lee Cherry Hunter Franklin Heath Nequent Laura Scalisi Theresa Williams Wilfred Yeates April 15 Josey Eaves Lindsy Swearingen Misty Trussell David Weaver April 16 A. Kendall James Jason Lynch Carrie Moss Joshua Mullins April 17 James Henson Tony Russell Opey Tarver
Happy Anniversary April 12 Gerald Don & Dianne Goodwin April 15 John & Pat DeHart April 17 W.C. & Joyce Litton
Texas Ag Service says drip irrigation best way to water It’s that time again. Spring is here, summer is just around the corner, and that means more water being used outdoors. If this summer is anything like the last, we’ll all soon be spending many hours (and gallons) watering our lawns and gardens. One way to more efficiently provide the needed water is the use of a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation is a method of applying slow, steady, and precise amounts of water and nutrients to specific areas rather than broadcasting water. At a slow application rate, water seeps into the soil and moves laterally by capillary action beneath the soil’s surface. An adequate section of the root zone of the plant is maintained with moisture levels close to the soil capacity, providing a soil to water to plant relationship which is conducive to better plant growth. Of all the irrigation methods in use, drip irrigation is by far the most efficient. Sprinklers broadcast water into the air where much of the water is lost to evaporation, never even reaching the plant. It is estimated that 25 percent of the water coming from a sprinkler head is lost to evaporation. Benefits of drip irrigation include: · Conservation of water. A drip irrigation system waters only the area around a plant’s root zone. · The Texas Agricultural Extension Service notes that drip irrigation can reduce water loss in the garden by up to 60 percent over hand or sprinkler irrigation. · Consistent moisture improves
plant growth, and fertilizers can be added directly to the system. · Drip irrigation systems are typically installed for considerably less cost than underground sprinkler systems. · The amount of water applied can be varied to meet the specific needs of a particular plant. When designing a drip irrigation system, prepare a sketch of your plant locations and water source to determine the amount of tubing you will need, as well as the number of other parts, such as the emitters. There are several basic elements to any drip system. The head or valve assembly can consist of several components. First, it is recommended that you install a backflow prevention device, especially if you will be using the system to fertilize as well as water your plants. Next, depending on water pressure, you may need to install a pressure regulator. If the water pressure in your system is over 40 psi, using a pressure regulator will prevent the emitters and connectors from leaking or bursting apart. Typical pressure regulators reduce the water pressure to between 10 and 25 psi. Then, you will need to install a filter to screen out small particles. This will help keep the water lines and emitters from clogging. Finally, install the tubing and emitters. The emitters will regulate the amount of water that drips from the system to the plants. Most garden vegetable plants need only a 1 to 1½ gallon per hour drip rate to be applied to the plants every other day. Water wisely – every drop you save counts!
Jasper County Republicans set 2012 convention plans Jasper County Republican Chairman Greer Parr has announced that the 2012 Jasper County Republican Convention will be held on Saturday, Apr. 14 at Kirbyville Community House, 304 South Elizabeth, Kirbyville, starting at 1 p.m. The Jasper County Republican Convention is held in evennumbered election years, as part of the statewide and national Republican convention process. The purposes of the convention are to choose delegates and alternates to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention, currently scheduled for June 7-9 in Fort Worth, and to consider resolutions or statements on policy issues to send to the State Convention for eventual inclusion in the state and national Party platform. As a result of the substantial changes election calendar in 2012, the Jasper County Republican Party will not be conducting precinct conventions on the evening of the May 29 Primary Election and will be incorporating all party business into the county convention on Apr. 14. All attendees will be seated by precinct and will vote their precinct strength. Furthermore, all attendees have the right to
seek to become a state delegate and to bring forth resolutions for consideration by the convention. The convention will be open to any registered voter who signs an oath of affiliation identifying themselves as a Republican. “Although the timing of this year’s convention schedule has changed for Jasper County Republicans, we are more enthusiastic than ever about coming together for this important event and ready to get to work on our duties that day,” said Jasper County Chairman Greer Parr. “On behalf of our county party, I invite all interested Jasper County Republicans to join us on Saturday, Apr. 14 to participate in the discussions and decisions that will carry forward to our State Republican Convention and beyond.” As an additional resource, the state party stands ready to answer any questions related to the 2012 Republican Party of Texas Convention process. More convention information is available at the RPT website - TexasGOP.org. For any additional questions or information, please contact Jasper County Republican Party Chairman Greer Parr at 409-9944550 or by email at gaparr@att.net.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
PAGE 9A, BUNA BEACON
Constable’s Corner By Precinct 4 Constable Gene Hawthorne We had court last Wednesday for junior high students and their parents regarding excessive absences. I got a 911 call about some metal thieving going on in Buna close to the Sub-courthouse. By the time we got there, the person was already gone. We were later able to locate him. We are just waiting on the owner of the property to claim the missing metal and say whether the person had permission to be there. We had a lady drive from Tyler County to have papers served on her husband. I located the subject in Evadale and served him with the papers. Another lady came by about custody papers. I advised her to
get a lawyer. She said she already had a lawyer but needed help since it involved children. I told her to go to the district attorney’s office and speak to a family advocate. Later in the week, another lady came from Woodville with divorce papers that stated she had been divorced since March and complaining about her ex-hus- BUNA ELEMENTARY STUDENTS participated in all kinds band coming on her property. I of egg hunts and races Thursday in celebration of Easter. found the suspect, and he replied that he had not gotten the papers and was still married. I advised him that the copy of the papers I had showed that, according to Texas state law, he was legally divorced. I explained to him that he should not return or charges could be filed against him. Birthdate: May 17, 1968 in I hope everybody had a nice Port Arthur. and relaxing Easter holiday. Childhood nickname: Jenny. Family members: I am married to James Lehr and our children are Josh Hallmark, Ethan Lehr, and Jaycee Lehr. Pets: Two dogs, Stoney and Killer. First vehicle owned: Plymouth Valorie. Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing. Something I do that irritates Favorite musician: I love all my coworkers: My coworkers music. Favorite author: Nicholas just love me! How I met my spouse: At a Sparks. Hobbies: Music and dancing. bar. Where I went on my honeyFavorite place to eat: La moon: Home. Cantina. Next on my ‘to do’ list: Make What I watch on TV: I’m not Hammock some changes in my life. much of a TV person. capacity of Councilman and Future goals: Live life to the My religion: Christian. Mayor. Favorite childhood/youth fullest. “I feel the experience of memory: Family vacations. Advice to high school gradurunning my own business and my ating senior: Go to college. First date story: It was a service in city government make double date with a cousin of Favorite thing about Buna: me well qualified to fulfill the mine, and I had to be home by 10 It’s a beautiful and very supportduties of the office of Commis- p.m. I was so embarrassed. ive community. sioner,” he said. Most memorable trip: Grand Dale also announced that he Canyon. I crossed over the chains will be visiting the various to look over the cliff. communities of Precinct 3 in the Scariest moment: When my near future and will be asking for son, Ethan, had to have brain voters’ input and concerns. surgery for a cancerous tumor.
Hammock announces filing for Precinct 3 Commissioner Dale Hammock has announced his candidacy for the Jasper County office of Precinct 3 Commissioner, filling with the Democratic party. The 57-year-old Kirbyville resident has been married to his wife Novie for 38 years and is the son of Nona and the late Roy Hammock. Novie’s parents, Aubrey and the late Jackie Cole, are also lifelong residents of Jasper County. Dale and Novie raised two daughters in Kirbyville and are now blessed with three grandchildren. Dale served in the United States Navy and was in Vietnam combat zone for almost a year. Dale has been self-employed for most of his adult life, building a small construction business employing from three to nine local people over the years. Previously he also served the City of Kirbyville for six years in the
Hometown People
Jennifer Lehr
Buna resident named LC-M energy specialist Buna resident Woody Cox has been named the Energy Education Specialist for Little CypressMauriceville CISD. His task is to implement and manage the new energy conservation program that LC-M CISD has entered into with Energy Education. The program is expected to save the District money and generate a net savings of $2.4 million over the next 10 years. “This program is extremely important to our school district and requires everyone’s cooperation,” said Assistant Superintendent Greg Perry. “Our Board will receive regular updates from Woody on the progress of the program in the weeks and months ahead.” In a letter to the LC-M staff, Perry also stressed that success rests on each person doing his or her part in the conservation
effort. Cox is a longtime science teacher at LC-M High School who is known for his passion for environmental studies. “In addition to maintaining his teaching duties at the high school, he will now be focusing that passion to ensure that our energy program is successful, which will allow us to redirect much needed funds back into our classrooms,” said Perry. “Woody will start training the week after spring break with the District’s energy conservation partner, Energy Education. Throughout the year – late at night, early in the mornings, and during holidays, weekends, and summer – Woody will be in our buildings ensuring we are properly managing our energy resources.” Woody and his wife, Kim, live in Buna with their two children, Manessah and Matthew.
PAGE 10A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
Combs reminds businesses of April 16 deadline for filing
CHILDREN AT THE First United Methodist Church in Buna heard the Bible story about Jesus’ resurrection this past Sunday morning and then enjoyed an Easter egg hunt.
Area residents called for county jury duty Jasper County District Clerk, Kathy Kent, lists prospective jurors summoned for jury duty on April 16, 2012 at 9 a.m. at the Jasper County Courthouse, Jasper, Texas: Buna residents summoned to serve include Jo Adams, Anthony Bass, Gerald Bays, Amanda Beach, Henry Beaumont, Linda Benefield, Thomas Bennett, Patrick Biegalski, Ryan Boudreaux, Tina Burks, Jason Burt, Roy Burton, Kyle Clark, Seth Clark, Trac Ellis, Charles Flowers, Jr., Danny Freeman, Hillis Gunby, Douglas Harvey, Charles Havard, Carole Helm, Essence Hooker, Jay Ingle, Shirley Keel, Sherry Lemoine, Ava Liddell, Rhonda Mack, Julie Motomura, Dorothy Newbold, and Leamon Payton. Also summoned from Buna are Ruth Pierce, Denis Rice, Darrell Richards, Destiny Robison, Joni Smith, Paula Smith, Robert Smith, Sherrie Smith, Darryl Sparks, Stacey Strozier, Sean Tomas, Thomas Vincent, Annie Wiggins, and Janice Williams.
Evadale residents called to serve are Brandy Baltrip, Janet Gillentine, Linda Gravis, Christopher Harvey, Nelda Henderson, Brian Humble, Brenda Moss, Eugene Moss, Jeremy Odom, Bertha Pitts, Kristi Whitmire, and Wade Williams. Kirbyville residents called to serve include Darrel Acord, Joseph Blair, Kirby Brister, Jeanie Collins, Charlie Cunningham, Kelsey Davidson, Ronald Davis, Garland Denard, Audie Ferguson, Tressie Fletcher, Todd Francois, Gregory Goff, Lindsey Henson, Archie Herriage, Vera Hickey, Reba Hogg, Jarrod Huffman, Ingrid Johansson, Angela Jones, Sandra Jones, Carole Kaufman, Cassandra Lamb, and Pamela Loper. Also summoned from Kirbyville are Douglas Marx, Charles Merkelz, Billy Moore, Charles Moore, Katherine Moss, Royce Palmer, Leona Pickett, Miranda Powell, Michellee Purkey, Robert Richardson, Samuel Ruggles, Sarah Shepherd, Pamela Smart, Anthony Stark, Angela Tippett, Jamie Tomplait, Stacey Valentine, Dustin Williams, Kelly Williams, and Chanealia Wysinger. Call residents called to serve include Ruby Howard, James Jackson, John Jones, Ronald Osborn, Clara Reid, and James Watson.
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs today reminded business owners that April 16 is the deadline to file property tax renditions with their county appraisal districts. To render is to list the taxable inventory, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment and other property a business owned or managed as of Jan. 1. The appraisal district may use the information to set property values. “Rendition helps the appraisal district appraise property fairly and accurately,” Combs said. “If some businesses are not paying their share of property tax, it places a greater tax burden on other business owners and homeowners.” Rendering allows property owners to record their opinion of their property’s value and ensures that the appraisal district sends them a notice before changing a value on their property. Owners do not have to render exempt property, such as church property or a farmer’s equipment used for farming. If more than one appraisal district appraises a property, the
property owner should render in each appraisal district office. Combs also reminds owners whose property was damaged by a storm, flood or fire last year that they may file a special decreased value report that could lower their final tax bills for this year. Property owners have until Apr. 16 to file the decreased value report, which indicates their property’s condition on Jan. 1, 2012. Rendition forms and decreased value report forms are available from county appraisal district offices statewide or they can be downloaded on the Comptroller’s website at http:// www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/ taxforms/02-forms.html. For more information about rendering property, deadline extensions, penalties and rendition forms, taxpayers may contact the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division at 1-800-2529121 and press “2” to access the menu and then press “1” to contact the Information Services Team or visit the Comptroller’s website at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/ proptax/.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
PAGE 11A, BUNA BEACON
Courtesy photo: Julie Hale
THE BUNA HIGH School boys golf team took second place in the district tournament with a team total of 373 points. THE BUNA HIGH School auto mechanics group took home several state superior ribbons for the sixth year in a row.
Superior builds qualify auto mechanics students at state By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter The Buna High School Auto Technology classes competed and won at district competition, bringing home Best in Show ribbons, just prior to getting ready for state competition. Students participated in the district Skills USA competition at LIT in Beaumont on Feb. 1718, with the top projects qualifying for the state Skills USA competition, held Mar. 21-24 in Corpus Christi. Senior Samantha DeGreif rebuilt an air cooled engine, which included changing piston rings and gaskets, along with refinishing and painting. “It was my first time doing this type of project,” said DeGreif. In last year’s competition, she built a purple radio box with a car stereo installed in it, qualifying her for state. This year was no exception, Samantha’s rebuilt air cooled engine earned her a Best in Show award at the district competition, advancing her to state competition. At state, she earned a score of 90 which awarded her a State superior ribbon. Junior Miranda Trevino, in her second year of competition, overhauled a Sullivan Paltek air compressor. “I got the compressor knowing that others had not been able to diagnose the problem with it,” said Trevino. “It would crank and run for a few seconds and then die. The discharge air temp was low and it needed compressor oil.” After diagnosing the problems, Trevino completely overhauled the shelling,replaced what had
corroded due to sulfur, and completely refinished and painted the unit. Her project was entered into the large general project category where it went up against complete vehicle overhauls. At the State competition, Trevino received a perfect score, earning her a State superior ribbon as well as a plaque. Also advancing to state was Colby Tatom and David Moore. Colby, sponsored by Strozier Railcar Co. and Cowboy Chevrolet in Silsbee, performed a complete overhaul on a GM 350 engine. “I took the engine out, disassembled it, put in new pistons, a crank shaft, added a 3/4 high performance cam, and several other things,” said Tatom. The engine earned him a perfect score at district competition and a 99 at the State competition, awarding him a State superior ribbon. Moore rebuilt an air cooled engine. This being his first year to participate in the competition, “it was a new opportunity.” “I learned a lot and hope to go back next year,” he said. Moore earned top honors with his engine, also earning him a State superior ribbon. The students are led by instructor Mike Bivens, who is in his sixth year at Buna. Bivens has taken students to competition each year. The state of Texas has 13 districts in Skills USA competition and Buna ISD is in District 7. Congratulations to these four Buna High School students on their efforts and awards in the auto mechanics district and state competitions.
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BHS golf teams take first, second at district The Buna High School boys and girls golf teams have been doing well this season, and they wrapped up district competition at Wildwood last Wednesday, April 4, by earning top honors. The Buna girls were named district champions with a team total of 556 points. Lauren Hale was a second place medalist with a 123 score. Tori Kellum shot a 134, Jodi Erickson shot a 147, Emily Walker shot a 152, and Keather
Nichols shot a 157. The Buna boys took second place in their competition with a 373 total. Tanner Crumpton was a second place medalist with a score of 83. Kreston Richardson shot a 91, Lucas Sammons shot a 93, Conner Dawson shot a 106, and Colton Brown shot a 119. Both of the Buna teams will advance to the regional tournament to be held Apr. 16-17 in Bullard.
NASA From page 1A construct a space settlement where thousands of people will live on the surface of the planet Mercury. Each of the four companies formulated their design into a written proposal, including all the necessary graphs and charts, and presented it to the competition judges. The oral presentation, a total of 35 minutes in length, included an overview of the written documentation as well as an accompanying slide show. “The judges ask very specific questions during the final presentation, and if the information that you are conveying isn’t in the slide show, you don’t get credit for it,” said Smith. Chosen as Chief Executive Officer of his company, Cagle had the daunting task of selecting team members based on their strengths and weaknesses to work within the five task groups of the organization. “There were people who didn’t necessarily have a strong science background but were good with computers and organization,” said Cagle. “They were a perfect fit for putting the finished project together.” Cagle was on the winning team and was selected to compete at the International Competition, to be held at the NASA Johnson Space Center July 27-30, where he will be teamed up with students from the UK, Pakistan, Ukraine, India, Romania, Wales, Uruguay, Canada, and several states with the U.S. “My favorite part of the
competition was getting to talk with a commander of the Apollo mission as well as Boeing engineers,” said Cagle. This is the fourth year in a row that a Buna High School student was chosen for the International competition, with Jordan Walker in 2009, Brenden Smith in 2010, and Daniel Sterling in 2011. “The students at these competitions are truly amazing,” said Muckleroy. “In the future, many of them will be the leaders and professionals of organizations locally and abroad. This competition provides an opportunity for them to challenge their creativity while giving them insight into what it takes to achieve a complex goal.” Sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Houston section, NASA Alumni League, NASA Johnson Space Center, and the Northwest Area Education Agency, the annual competition draws thousands of students from North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Texas. The JSC hopes to conduct two regional competitions next year as the competition has grown and demands exist for a wider range of scenarios as well as space for more participants. “I’m excited about competing in the International competition this summer,” said Cagle. “It’s an unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world while representing Buna High School and doing something I enjoy.”
Courtesy photo: Julie Hale
THE BUNA HIGH School girls golf team earned the district championship title last week with a team total of 556 points.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
PAGE 12A, BUNA BEACON
Buna students go all out for powder puff THE BUNA JUNIOR High School eighth grade boys dressed up to cheer for the powder puff football game Tuesday.
ALSO CHEERING ON the girls last Tuesday in the powder puff game was the seventh grade “Divas” cheer team.
BHS FFA members compete at HLSR By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter Buna High School Future Farmers of America members competed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this month, bringing home numerous wins. In the Scramble Heifer show, Dalton Ford won seventh in class in the American Registered breed. Ford also won 15th in class in the Other Registered breeds, while Savannah Palmore won 13th in class in the Simbrahs. Brooke Morgan won sixth in class in Simmentals.
In the Red Brangus breed competition, Zach Ford placed second in class 8 and Courtney Willis placed second in class 9. Taylor Rayon placed third in the American Registered breed. Competing in the Maine Anjou breed, Triston Morgan placed seventh in class 7, Hayleigh Delahoussaye placed 10th in class 8, and Kayla Mancill placed fifth in class 13. In the Agricultural Mechanization show, the team of Jake Wheeler, Kevin Stockstill, Ray Y’Barbo, and Dalton Armentrout placed fourth in their class with a 16-foot trailer.
By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter Buna Junior High School students took to the gridiron last Tuesday evening for an actionpacked powder puff football game. Seventh and eighth grade girls formed the two opposing powder puff teams, designated as Divas, the seventh grade team, and Ninjas, the eighth grade team. Cheering squads, composed of seventh and eighth grade boys, led the crowds in chants and stunts as they proudly wore skirts and effectively used balloons to shape their figures. The home stands of the Buna football stadium were filled with well over 200 spectators. As the opening play of the game kicked off, eighth grader Makenzie Callendar, quarterback for the Ninjas, led her team down the field with an 80-yard drive, scoring the first touchdown of the game and giving the Ninjas a 6-0 lead. The eighth grade cheer squad and Ninja mascot Kobe Terrier led the crowd in chants and a dance routine as the crowd geered up for the second half of the game. In the second half, the eighth grade Ninjas struck again with a drive down the field and a hand off to linebacker Kamryn Elliott. Elliott blazed down the left side of the line scoring a 15-yard touchdown, resulting in a 12 point lead for the Ninjas. The seventh grade Divas did
not give up. The Divas cheer squad, led by mascot “Lady Gaga,” roared the crowd with their chants and stunts. The quarterback for the seventh grade Divas powder puff team, Camryn Powell, made her way down the center of the field with a 20-yard touchdown, leaving the Divas trailing by six points. The Divas gained two points on the conversion, closing the gap to a four point lead. The final score was Ninjas 12, Divas 8. The Buna Junior High Student Council members would like to thank the community for their support of this event as well as thank their campus principal, Mrs. Kelley Peck, for making the event possible. A special thanks also goes out to parents, students, teachers, and staff who ran the concession stands, ticket booth, coached the “powderpuff” and cheer teams, helped with costumes and make up, ran the scoreboard, donated baked goods, created and sold rosters, took pictures, coordinated music, and sold raffle tickets. The event was held as part of the district effort to build unity among the campuses. Organized by the Buna Junior High School Student Council, proceeds from the project, approximately $1,200, will be evenly disbursed to benefit the three campus libraries within the Buna Independent School District.
Jasper County Arrest Report The following persons were charged but not convicted of crimes listed. Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman provides this information under the Texas Open Records Act, article 62552-17A. Mar. 30, 2012: Trimeca Brashaa Reese, 9/30/88, assault causes bodily inj, bond not set; Larry Shaw, 1/11/66, failure to appear/dwi, no bond; Damien Daiquan Hunt, 7/13/91, motion to revoke probation, no bond; Berlinda Charmian Simmons, 9/15/73, motion to adjudicate guilt/resist arrest search or transport, $7,500 bond; Eddy Bernard Gilbert, 8/9/70, order of commitment; Albert R Pickering, Jr., 6/24/59, driving while intoxicated, $2,500 bond; James Dean Bolenbaucher, 10/2/78, poss marij<2oz, $2,000 bond; Brett Tyler Hall, 8/30/88, forgery financial instrument, $7,500 bond; Anna Marie Bolenbaucher, 2/26/80, poss marij<2oz, $2,000 bond. Mar. 31, 2012: Thomas Alan Parker, 1/10/76, capias pro fine/open container, capias pro fine/poss drug paraphernalia, capias pro fine/ fta, bond not set(x3), driving while intoxicated 3rd or more, $10,000 bond, resist arrest search or transp, $5,000 bond, assault public servant, $15,000 bond; James Howard Pattillo, 1/17/60, driving while license invalid, $500 bond; Matthew Edward Williams, 7/25/ 83, public intoxication, $500 bond; Bruce Wayne Turner, 8/24/92, agg assault w/deadly weapon, $7,500 bond; Sabrina Chenelle Grant, 9/16/80, motion to adjudicate guilt, $7,500 bond, capias profine, bond not set; Bianka Janene Oliver, 10/20/89, motion to adjudicate guilt, $7,500 bond. Apr. 1, 2012: Cody Benjamin Bartley, 11/24/86, public intoxication, bond not set; Darryl Glenn Ford, 12/16/60, driving while intoxicated 3rd or more, $15,000 bond; Arron Marcus Pitts, 3/9/ 82, failed to maintain financial responsibility, expired registration, driving while license invalid, bond not set(x3); Karen Davis Hishard, 6/12/71, fail to identify giving false/fictitious info, $2,000 bond; Ladericka Samone Seastrunk, 8/13/91, assault causes bodily injury family member, $1,000 bond. Apr. 2, 2012: Derek Murray Smith, 1/21/85, driving while intoxicated, $1,000 bond, evading arrest detention w/veh, $5,000 bond, poss marij<2oz, $1,000 bond; Teresa Lynn Miller, 2/28/66, poss cs pg 1<1g, $5,000 bond; Dusty Marie Smith, 2/20/81, possession of drug paraphernalia, $500 bond; Anthony Shawn Gussoni, 10/23/74, disorderly conduct (nonspecific), bond not set. Apr. 3, 2012: Eddie Ray Church, 1/16/67, motion to revoke probation/theft materials, no bond; Justin Ray Gashart, 3/20/87, bench warrant district court; Brenda L. Corliss, 3/10/61, theft prop>=$50<$500, $1,000 bond, failure to appear, no bond; Micheal Granger, 7/1/80, assault causes bodily inj, $2,500 bond. Apr. 4, 2012: Eric Gerald Hunter, 3/10/74, crim misch>=$500<$1,500/alias capias/fta, no bond. Apr. 5, 2012: Jessica Lynn James, 9/25/62, theft prop>=$50<$500, bond not set; Alberto Strada, 7/2/77, driving while intoxicated 2nd, $2,500 bond, Kendall Wayne Horn, 8/5/90, man del cs pg2<1g drug free zone, $5,000 bond; Burman Ervine, 9/13/93, engaging in organized criminal activity, $5,000 bond; Angela Lynette Williams, 5/10/85, hold for other agency, bond not set; Michael Cullen Lewis, 12/3/54, driving while intoxicated/open alch container, $1,000 bond; Randall Kelly Ratcliff, 2/6/58, theft prop>=$1,500<$20k, $5,000 bond.