Buna Beacon WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
www.bunabeacon.com
VOLUME 22, ISSUE 26
50 CENTS
Buna teen arrested for two Beaumont murders By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor A Buna teenager was arraigned Thursday morning, Feb.16, on a count of capital murder, and no bond has been set. Keith Wayne Johnson, 19, of Buna, was interviewed by detectives in the investigation of a double homicide that occurred in Beaumont, and based on Johnson’s statement, a warrant for his arrest was obtained. According to reports filed by Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. of the Beaumont Police Department, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at about 4 a.m., Beaumont Patrol Division Officers responded to the 2500 block of Campbell in reference to reported shots fired. When officers arrived, they found a white male who was already deceased and a white female mortally wounded inside a vehicle that was in the driveway of 2530 Campbell. Beaumont EMS was immediately summoned, but the female
died before paramedics could arrive at the scene. Both victims appeared to have suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Patrol Officers secured the scene and begin to immediately search for witnesses. K-9 Officers responded to the scene, and they performed a lengthy track in the hopes of locating a possible suspect. At first, this effort was unsuccessful. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division responded to conduct the investigation, and Crime Scene Technicians responded to process the crime scene. The two victims were transported to the Jefferson County Morgue awaiting an autopsy. Detectives were able to later identify the capital murder victims and notified their next of kin. The white female was Amanda Hope Rierson, 29, of Port Arthur, and the white male was Beau Edwin Barron, 27, of Vidor. These are the first murders to occur in Beaumont this year.
Johnson’s 18-year-old girlfriend, Buna High School senior Rachael Lynn Johnston, spoke to Beacon staff and shared her reaction to the murders. “I was in shock,” said Rachael. “I feel really bad for the families of the victims.” Rachael said that she has been dating Johnson for about a year now. “I’m asking people to pray for the families who are dealing with the loss, but I’m also asking them to pray for Keith,” she said. Johnson’s mother did not want to go on record with a statement, but she did speak to the Beacon staff briefly. “That’s my son,” she said. “I’m a part of this community. He was raised in a church home, and he’s not a monster.” If convicted of capital murder, Johnson could face the death penalty.
THE PORTABLE BUILDINGS on the junior high campus are just one area of concern when talking about renovating facilities across the Buna Independent School District.
Buna ISD board receives facilities assessment results By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter The agenda for the Feb. 13 Buna Independent School District regularly scheduled board of trustees meeting included a presentation given by Architectural
Alliance, Inc., the company the junior high and high school board hired to perform a facilities campuses. Issues considered urgent at assessment. Just prior to the meeting, the junior high campus include several board members took a sealing the building, life safety tour of the junior high and high issues, handicap accessibility school campuses, along with Dr. issues, kitchen and cafeteria Perez, Buna ISD Superintendent, additions and renovation, and and George Talbert, Buna ISD parking lot repairs. Moderate issues at the junior Chief of Operations. Representatives from Archi- high include replacing portable tectural Alliance, Inc. gave a buildings; renovating physical PowerPoint presentation as well education and athletic dressing as delivered bound copies of the rooms; making computer accommodations in existing classfacilities assessment results. The report presented five rooms; upgrading windows, lightscenarios as solutions to current ing and air conditioning for facilities issues at the junior high energy efficiency; providing for and high school campuses. These distance learning classes and scenarios were classified into new phones; and improving site THE TIRES FROM these trucks, along with tires from 18 urgent, moderate and aesthetic drainage. other vehicles, were stolen and replaced with blocks. Improvements like repairing categories. Architectural Alliance, Inc. also presented to damaged panels, repainting the improve existing athletic facili- library and band hall, replacing the flooring and ceiling, and gym ties. In Scenario One, renovations See BISD... Page 11A would be made to the existing According to Todd Herrin, KEITH WAYNE JOHNSON could face the death penalty if By Amber Hawk Sales Manager at Weaver Moconvicted of the two Beaumont murders from last week. Beacon Editor One of the largest thefts in the tors, a customer notified the history of Jasper County oc- police early Sunday morning that curred this past weekend, and some tires were missing off Jasper County deputies are in- vehicles on the lot. “I expected it to be just a few vestigating the robbery. “Buna Bash” and alumni game this Saturday On Sunday, Feb. 19, Jasper vehicles,” said Herrin. “I was The Cotton Robinson “Buna Bash” book signing will be held County Sheriff Mitchel Newman shocked when I got here and saw Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Buna Activity was called out to the Weaver the extent of the damage.” Center. The alumni basketball game will begin at 7 p.m. For more The last break-in at Weaver Motors Chrysler-Jeep and Dodge information contact Chad Shepherd at 679-0267. auto dealership in Kirbyville, Motors was about three years located off Highway 96, to find ago when tires were stolen off of Entries for Redbud parade due March 7 that someone had jacked up 21 three cars, but Weaver Motors Any civic group, business, church, individual or organization vehicles and left them sitting on has never seen anything like this that plans on being in the Redbud Festival parade on March 10 before. wooden blocks. must have an entry form submitted by Wednesday, March 7 at 5 Herrin said that security cam“They stole the tires right off p.m. Entry forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office. the vehicles in the middle of the eras across the street at Jasper DONNA AND GENE Hawthorne were selected as the 2012 Call 994-5586 for more information. Newton Electric Cooperative “Groovin thru the ‘70s” Redbud Festival Parade Marshals. night,” said Newman. The 84 tires that were stolen shows that lights were being Redbud Festival office opens Monday add up to be approximately See Stolen... Page 10A The Redbud Festival office will be open weekdays, Feb. 27$100,000. March 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, Mar. 6 and Thursday, Mar. 8, the office will be open until 7 p.m. T-shirts along with presale carnival wrist bands will be on sale until 5 p.m. on March 9. It’s time to get out the trailers, year’s Festival t-shirt,” said bell bottoms, chicken wire, and Chamber of Commerce President tissue paper and put together an Jerry Parsons. “Taylor Swinney’s Redbud Treasure Hunt begins March 5 entry for the 40th annual Redbud design of peace, love, and The Redbud Treasure Hunt begins Monday, March 5 at 9 a.m. Festival parade, this year spon- Redbud certainly sets the mood.” Clues will be posted at the Redbud office on Hwy. 62 and each sored by STI Group. The Chamber is emphasizing hint will cost $1. A different clue will be posted each day until the The parade serves as the the float portion of the parade treasure is found and the $100 prize package is claimed. kickoff to Buna’s festival and as this year, with categories for the biggest gathering in town, civic, business, church and Booth signups for Redbud Festival underway and for some, the first opportu- youth/school. The Redbud Festival 2012 committee is still taking vendor There will be a Sweepstakes contracts for arts and crafts booths for this year’s event, but THE BUNA FFA officers for 2011-12 are, left to right, Senti- nity to see friends they haven’t Winner, with first, second and seen since the last parade. spaces are filling quickly, so contracts must be returned soon. nel Hayleigh Delahoussaye, Student Advisor Tanner Cox, The annual parade proudly third place winners in each Registration is $50 per booth space, with or without electricity. Secretary Sarah Seaman, Treasurer Zach Ford, Chaplain division. emphasizes each year’s theme, Chamber of Commerce members pay $40. To reserve a spot, call Bree Sparks, Reporter Triston Morgan, President Brooke “The past two years have and this year is no exception, as the Chamber office at 994-5586. Morgan, and Vice President Courtney Willis. “Groovin’ thru the ‘70s” opens really shown some creativity,” the door for a variety of options. said Carolyn Dempsey, Redbud Amnesty month at library “Of course, we hope there will The Buna Public Library is holding its annual amnesty month be lots of people sporting this See Redbud... Page 5A during February for all overdue items. Anyone who is in possession of an overdue book or any other checked-out item can By Amber Hawk BHS agriculture science teacher. return it to the library in February and no fines will be due. Beacon Editor How does this group make a National Future Farmers of difference in students’ lives? Preschool story time at Library Annually the Buna FFA group America week is Feb. 18 through The Buna Public Library will host preschool story time this the 25, and the local Buna High is a part of several Leadership Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Preschoolers and their parents School FFA chapter is participatDevelopment Experience activiand grandparents are welcome to attend. ing in several events to celebrate. ties including public relations, But what really is FFA about? junior and senior creed speaking, Third annual “Bag Lady Party” this Thursday What do they do? junior and senior skills, agriculThe Buna Babes Relay for Life team will host the third annual “The Buna FFA organization is tural issues, and junior and “Bag Lady Party” on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the dedicated to making a positive senior quiz. Methodist Church MAC building. The evening includes an difference in the lives of young They are also involved in auction of new and “tenderly carried” hand bags, with all people by developing their po- Career Development Experience proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. Refreshments tential for premier leadership, activities such as forestry, wildwill be served. For more information or to donate bags, call personal growth, and career life management, livestock, horse, Rhonda Brown at 782-7982. success through agricultural eduTHIS WEEKEND’S STORMY weather brought this tree down See Briefs... Page 8A cation,” said John VanDevender, See FFA... Page 2A across Hwy. 62 where it remained for most of Saturday.
Tires stolen off autos at Kirbyville dealership
- BEACON BRIEFS -
Get groovy with a Redbud parade float
Buna FFA chapter has long history of success
PAGE 2A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Evadale FFA group making a difference By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor Although Evadale High School agriculture science teacher Will McDonald has only been with the school district for a year, he sees the difference that the Future Farmers of America group makes. “Having an FFA group in high school is very important,” said McDonald. “It helps students develop skills and leadership qualities that are needed in every day life.” The Evadale High School FFA group participates in many different activities every year. They are in numerous jackpot shows,
and are a part of the YMBL show. They attend various leadership events, and are a part of the livestock evaluation, equine evaluation, and wildlife Career Development Experience activities. Additionally, the group is a part of the Jasper County Youth Project Show. “We have a heavy emphasis in pigs,” said McDonald. The Evadale FFA group consists of approximately 70 senior members and 20 junior members. A scholarship is given out annually to one senior FFA member. The Evadale FFA group par-
ticipated in National FFA week, their campus. Wednesday will be hate day, Feb. 18 through the 25 by having several theme days to bring Thursday is the day to dress for about awareness of the group on success, and Friday the cookout.
SEVERAL BUNA FFA members met at the theater Beaumont last week for the premiere of “Deep in the Heart.” THE 2011-12 EVADALE FFA officers are, left to right, Reporter Colton Cotten, Chaplain Ka’Tracey Tanton, VicePresident Kennedy Jackson, Sentinel Matthew Akridge, Treasure Hope Richardson, Secretary Brooke Burnett, President Brandon Midkiff, and Advisor Will McDonald.
FFA From page 1A floriculture, dairy foods, and dairy cattle. The speaking events students participate in include extemperaneous public speaking, junior and senior prepared public speaking, and soil stewardship prepared public speaking. The Buna FFA group is also involved in several community service projects. They assist local churches with projects when needed. They also take care of the Buna Independent School District flowerbeds. They hold meat and fruit sales annually, and they also help out in the Campbell Group Tree give-a-way. “The kids are always willing to lend a helping hand,” said VanDevender. “They really love to serve.” Hundreds of students pass through the halls of Buna High School every year, and many of them are a part of the local FFA group. “On average we have between 100 to 160 Buna FFA members every year,” said VanDevender. But it isn’t just an activity that students are involved with in high school. In the past, Buna FFA students have benefitted from several scholarships from organizations such as the Ford Leader-
ship, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Jasper County GoTexan, National FFA , and Dick Wallwrath Educational Scholarship. VanDevender says that lots of money has been placed in students’ hands to help them in future endeavors through the Jasper County, Houston, and South Texas State Fair shows. “FFA gives students with a common bond an opportunity to study and engage in an important industry in our country: agriculture,” he said. “They learn practical, hands-on application and real world skills that will equip them for their future.” And for many of the Buna FFA members, the future is certainly bright. BHS students Ashton Stanley and Danielle Crane made the elite Texas FFA Ambassador Program last year. The Buna FFA group was also successful in several LDE competitions last year as three teams qualified for the Area round. Several former Buna FFA members are now teaching agriculture in various school districts. Buna High School 2005 graduate Kaci Hatch Greer teaches at Orangefield High School, and Brett Hillin, also Class of 2005, teaches at Newton ISD.
Just to name a few others, Melissa Broussard has taught in Buna, Huntsville, and Longview, Tyson Huckaby teaches in Cushing, and Jeff Clark has taught in Buna, Kirbyville, Evadale, and Newton. “At one point we counted it up and there were 13 certified agriculture science teachers living in Buna,” said VanDevender. “That just goes to show you how much agriculture means to this community.” The Buna FFA was chartered Oct. 15, 1936 in the Texas FFA Association, and it has continued to remain an important part of Buna ISD education. Buna has a long history of notable and long-term agriculture science teachers including Jerry Clark, the first Texas FFA President; Deason Moore; RL Havens, who taught approximately 19 years at Buna ISD; Larry Peveto, who stayed with the district 25 years; Jeff Huckaby, who taught in Buna for over 10 years; and Jeff Clark who is now a Kirbyville Administrator. The Buna agricultural science department is known as being one of the best in the area, and it is primarily due to caring teachers like VanDevender, George Pyle, and Elizabeth Green who sacrifice time and time again to make a
difference in students’ lives. “I’m thankful that we have this week set aside to honor the students who work hard in the FFA organization,” said VanDevender. “For some of them, having this group really makes a substantial difference in their life. I’m just thankful I get to be a part of it.” In order to celebrate National FFA Week, the Buna FFA group came up with themed activities to be a part of for each day. On Monday, students wore FFA shirts, hats or their official FFA dress. Tuesday was camo day, and Wednesday was set as greenhand day. On Thursday evening, Buna seventh and eighth grade students will have an opportunity to check out the agriculture science building by watching the “Facing the Giants” movie at 5 p.m. On Friday, students will help out in the BBQ fundraiser which will help raise money to assist students showing at the Houston livestock show. The BBQ fundraiser will be held at the agriculture department shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Buna FFA group will also be selling BBQ plates all day on Saturday in the lot by the Buna post office.
National FFA history, motto, and mission Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City’s Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farmboys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive. Since 1928, millions of agriculture students - no one knows exactly how many - have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education. Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation’s view of “traditional” agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom. The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through different forms of
agricultural education. To accomplish its mission, FFA develops competent and assertive agricultural leadership; increases awareness of the global and technological importance of agriculture and its contribution to our well-being; and strengthens the confidence of agriculture students in themselves and their work. Also included in the FFA mission is to promote the intelligent choice and establishment of an agricultural career; encourage achievement in supervised agricultural experience programs; encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources of the community; and develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and social interaction. The FFA also works to build character; promotes citizenship, volunteerism and patriotism; promote cooperation and cooperative attitudes among all people; promotes healthy lifestyles; and encourage excellence in scholarship. The FFA motto gives members twelve short words to live by as they experience the opportunities in the organization. This motto is, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
BUNA BEACON, PAGE 3A
Faries’ life shows FFA has lasting impacts By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter Many people wonder if the clubs and organizations that someone participates in during their high school years really makes a difference. For 1960 Mauriceville High School graduate Floron “Buddy” Baries, Jr., that certainly was the case. Faries was an active member of his local Future Farmers of America group throughout his high school career. He was one of two students who received a state FFA degree, and the two were the first to receive the distinguishment from the Mauriceville area. Following high school graduation, Faries continued his education at Texas A&M University where he earned a Doctors Degree of Veterinary Medicine in
1965. He added a Masters Degree from Oklahoma State University in 1968. Over the next nine years, Faries spent time teaching veterinary parasitology and large animal medicine for veterinary students while operating a private practice in Orange and Jasper counties. Ruben Stringer, who taught agricultural science to Faries during his years at Mauriceville High, said, “Dr. Faries prepared himself for college by taking advantage of opportunities offered to him in high school.” Stringer remembers that Faries raised steers and swine at the South Texas State Fair. The former agriculture science teacher recalled a time when the two were at a show with a Tammworth boar. Determined not to end up taking the boar to the local meat market, Faries gave
County court makes voting adjustments due to delays The Jasper County commissioners court met in regular session on Feb. 15, and made some voting adjustments due to redistricting delays at the state level. County Clerk Debbie Newman addressed the Court with a request for additional funds for postage for mailing out voter registration cards. Newman explained that ordinarily she would have mailed out the voter registration cards in 2011, but because of the pending litigation at the Federal level regarding Texas’ redistricting, and the resulting delays in the election dates, the requirement to mail off the cards was also delayed into 2012. The Court voted to amend the County Clerk’s budget by adding an additional $5,000.00 to it to compensate for the additional postage that will be necessary when a final election date is established by the Federal Courts. Precinct 4 Commissioner Vance Moss addressed the Court regarding a request he had received from Century Exploration, LLC to conduct geophysical operations over, and along, certain county roads within his Precinct. He advised that the company had assured him that this study operation would involve laying sensor lines over the roadways, but would not dig into or damage them. After reviewing the request, the Court authorized the County Judge Mark Allen to sign the permit allowing the operations to be conducted on the county roads. County Clerk Debbie Newman and District Clerk Kathy Kent requested that the Commissioners Court authorize them to utilize an electronic credit card payment service called Gov-Pay. Both advised that this service would greatly enhance their ability to receive payments for fees, and would further open the door for later Internet-based payments. The Court voted to authorize the Clerk’s to utilize this new service. The District Clerk presented her monthly report for fines, fees and training to the Court for acceptance and approval. The Court then heard a presentation from Laronnia Gray of the District Attorney regarding the renewal of the Victim’s Assistance grant for her office. The Court voted to authorize the D.A.’s Office to apply for the next round of funding to continue the Victim’s Assistance program in Jasper County. Sheriff Mitchel Newman then addressed the Court with a request to renew the contract between Jasper County and Tyler County to house inmates in the Jasper County Jail. The Court then voted to authorize County Judge Mark Allen to sign the contract renewal, which is under the same terms as the previous contract with Tyler County. The Court utilizes the proceeds from housing inmates from other counties to pay off compensatory overtime accrued by personnel at the Sheriff’s Office, typically on a quarterly basis.
Linda Dickerson, the director of Jasper County’s Indigent Health program then addressed the Court with a request to allow her office to enter into contract with the US Script company for reduced-rate prescription services for indigent clients. She further requested that the Court also authorize her to utilize the services of the Gulf Coast Medical Center, which also has established a location in the City of Jasper, for primary care medical services. Dickerson further advised that Gulf Coast would allow her to serve indigent clients at a reduced rate as well, with convenient locations. The Court then voted to authorize the County Judge Mark Allen to sign the contracts between Jasper County and both US Script and the Gulf Coast Medical Center. The Court also voted to participate in the 2012 DETCOG Solid Waste Management Grant program, authorizing Precinct 2 Commissioner Roy Parker and County Judge Mark Allen to complete and sign off on an application and resolution to participate in an effort to acquire a new pickup truck for Precinct 2 for recycling and other solid waste management projects. The Court then considered a request made by several local funeral homes in Jasper County to increase fees for autopsy transports and indigent burials. After reviewing the request, the Court voted to table the agenda item until additional information could be obtained regarding pricing. Next the Court reviewed bids from two contractors wishing to repaint and repair the light beacon tower at the Jasper County Bell Field Airport. The two bids received came from Martindale Tree Service of Jasper and LTS Towers of Lumberton. After reviewing the bid offers, the Court voted to utilize the services of Martindale Tree Service to complete the project. The Court also took action to adopt a resolution ratifying Jasper County’s final acceptance and adoption of its FHAST Form, which is a document identifying short and long term needs within Jasper County for the furtherance of fair housing. Adoption of this document is now apparently required for any jurisdiction wishing to participate in any future Community Development Block Grant programs. A copy of the resolution and FHAST Form will be on file in the County Clerk’s office for future public review. Patty Shaw from the Keep Jasper Beautiful organization addressed the Court with a request to utilize the Courthouse grounds and first floor interior for an upcoming art show, currently scheduled for June 9. The Court voted to authorize the organization to use the Courthouse facility for this event. The Court then authorized the County Auditor to advertise for bids for various road and bridge materials, including corrugated and plastic culverts and steel pipe for 2012.
Faries it his all. Although he lost the final battle, the boar weighed a whopping 714 pounds and certainly made a showing. Those were Faries’ early years, but throughout his professional career, he continued to show drive and determination. Teaching education for nine years at Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University, doing outreach education for twenty-eight years at Texas A&M, authoring various publications, and maintaining professional affiliations are just a few of the many accomplishments Faries has reached over the years. While in outreach education, topics included beef cattle and horse health management for producers, career-oriented veterinary science education for 4-H and FFA groups, and disaster emergency management for animal owners. Faries’ publications include four veterinary science books, four online veterinary science courses, over 1,000 print and electronic article publications in veterinary science, and the delivery of over 1,500 seminar presentations in veterinary science. Faries maintains public affiliations with Texas AgriLife Extension Service, National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, and Texas A&M University System. “There is a statewide demand
for his services,” said Stringer, “and I couldn’t be more proud of him.” FFA groups have been a part of the agricultural education experience in public schools since 1928. According to the national FFA website, agriculture is the nation’s largest employer with more than 23 million jobs involved in some form of American agriculuture. Local school districts incorporate agricultural science into their academic offerings. High school agricultural science program directors form local FFA chapters that encourage students to be leaders and learn from a network that branches out from local to all across America. And some of the students who begin just as FFA members in these groups go on to do things that have impacts across counties, states, and throughout the country. “Evidence points to the fact that Dr. Faries has taken the FFA motto of learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to serve, very seriously,” said Stringer.
PAGE 4A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Obituaries
Forrest George Kontomitras April 14, 1963-February 10, 2012 Forrest George Kontomitras of Los Angeles, California passed away the evening of February 10, 2012. Forrest was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Jeanette and George Kontomitras on April 14, 1963. He is survived by his wife, Laura Taylor Kontomitras and his two sons, Alexander (20) and Jason (13). He was the son-in-law to Don and Roanne Stanley whom he considered his “real” parents, friends and confidants. Forrest loved his boys above all else, but
it must be noted that he deeply loved the man whom he considered his father, Don Stanley, who over time became his greatest mentor and one of his best friends. Forrest graduated from Jesuit Loyola High School in New Orleans in 1981. He did not come from a family of means and paid his own way through school on a work study program at Jesuit. He attended Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama on a debate scholarship where he received a B.S. degree in Economics and Finance. If you knew him, then you knew that he loved to talk and debate about different subjects, particulary politics (he was not a big fan of Obama!). When my father Don first met him, he said “that boy can talk his way in and out of a paper bag”. He loved that quote and we laughed about it often up until the time he died. He lived and worked in Los Angeles since 1998, but bought land in Buna so that we could be close to family and so that his boys would get to know their grand-
parents better. Forrest was an avid hunter, skilled fisherman and outdoorsman. He will most be remembered as a devoted father, my loving husband, and a friend to many. He loved people and found great joy in giving to others. Being in Buna with his boys, and amongst friends and family, was one of the greatest joys of his life. Some of the happiest moments in his lifetime were spent there. He felt at home in Buna and loved the sense of community that he felt amongst many of you. He and his family attended First United Methodist Church of Buna. His remains will be laid to rest in Antioch Cemetary, as many years ago, he made me, his wife, promise that if anything ever happened to him while we were living in California, that I WOULD NOT bury him here, but in Buna amongst so many of the people that were dear to him. The family will be holding a memorial service at a later date when his remains will be laid to rest, and
notifications will be sent out prior to that time. The family also wishes to extend their deepest thanks to all of you that have brought so much joy not only to Forrest, but to his wife and children.
Theriot ; sons David Lane Theriot (Sherry) and Chris Edward Theriot (Theresa); daughter Debra Lynn Ingham; eight grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. David retired from K.C.S. Railroad, with 30 years of service, in 1991, and was a dedicated Elder with the Northwest Buna Church of Christ.
at Wilkinson Cemetery in Pine Grove. Survivors include son Jason Wilkinson (Pam); parents Katherine and George Wilkinson; sister Barbara Litton; and three grandchildren.
Margie Williams
Margie Elizabeth Williams, 85, of Newton died Feb. 17 at her resiDavid Wilkinson dence. Funeral services were held Feb. David Lynn Wilkinson, 60, of Buna died Feb. 13 at St. Elizabeth 19 at Smith Funeral Home with burial following at Smith-Mason Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services were held Feb. Cemetery in Scrappin Valley. 17 at Victory Temple in Beaumont See Obituaries... Page 5A with graveside services following
David Theriot David Lee Theriot, 77, of Buna died Feb. 15 at his home. He was born Aug. 31, 1934, in Port Arthur to the late Joseph A. and Ora Theriot. Funeral services were held Feb. 17 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna with burial following at Antioch Cemetery. Survivors include wife Jo Ann
The Whole Truth
PATHWAYS THROUGH THE SEAS Are you aware that there are “paths through the sea?” The Psalmist tells us so: “The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth though the paths of the sea.” Psalms 8:8. The mariners have discovered what had long ago been stated in the Bible. Today, they are called shipping lanes and are utilized. The shipping companies take advantage of them. When a ship is going from one port to another, they take advantage of these pathways, because currents follow these pathways. When the ship gets in them, these currents help move the vessel along, so that they can make faster time and use less fuel in getting to their destination. This verse occuts in a Psalm that is ixtolling the wonders that God made: “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” Verse 1. And in spite of the grandeur of God, he has taken thought for the condition of man. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man that thou visiteth him?” Verse 4. He sent his Son to be the Savior of man. John 3:16. And yet, lowly and needy man, whom God created, so often is not mindful of God. Too many refuse a knowledge of God, let alone to be obedient to and thankful for every good and perfect gift that has been given to them. James 1:17. Northwest Buna Church of Christ, (409)658-7578
Church Bulletin Gospel Singing at Faith Baptist Feb. 24 A gospel singing will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Buna. The singing will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature “Signed, Sealed and Delivered” from Anacoco, LA. Evangelist Brad Forrest will be preaching.
Worship 360 Conference this weekend Worship 360 is a workshop and concert hosted by Sabine Neches area churches and presented by Worship Team Training. The conference will be held at First Baptist Church in Buna on Feb. 24-25. Special guests Billy and Cindy Foote will be in concert. For registration and ticket information, contact the church office at 9943517 or visit www.fbcbuna.com
Financial Peace University at Central Baptist
Local Church Directory
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Calvin L. Harris 994-3552
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Bishop Dudley Harrison 994-4339
Buna’s Bread of Life Church Pastor Byron Johnson Buna United Pentecostal Church Rev. Richard Dykes 994-2501
Faith Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Gene Maddox • 382-2784
Grace Fellowship Church Pastor Rick Tallent • 670-3656
Faith Outreach Church of God Rev. Reginald Brandenburg 994-5897
Grace Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Mike Ivey
Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle Evadale Pastor Steve McMullin
First Assembly of God Rev. Dennis Owens 994-2670
Greater Pine Valley Baptist Church Pastor E.E. Robinson 994-9801
Central Baptist Church Rev. Delbert Milstead 994-3641
First Baptist Church Rev. Paul Boughan 994-3517
Genesis Baptist Church Rev. Robert E. Carter • 994-4012 Gist United Pentecostal Church Rev. Bert Arnold • 221-5162
Heart of Christ Bro. Robbie Ratliff 423-1419
New Cherry Grove Baptist Church Pastor Doug McWhirter
Northview Baptist Church Pastor Joe E. Hinson 385-2744 Northwest Buna Church of Christ Evangelist Gary Scott 658-7578 Old Laurel Baptist Church Pastor Lee Everhart 994-3434 Parkwood Missionary Baptist Church Bro. Tim Rule, Pastor 994-2631
Central Baptist Church, Evadale Rev. Roger Hoogterp 276-1700
First Baptist Church, Evadale Pastor Jimmy Williams 276-1907
Church of Christ Minister Gage Coldwater 994-2075
First United Methodist Church Rev. Bill Jobe 994-3232
Mt. Zion Baptist Church 423-4928
The Pocket Community Full Gospel Holiness Church Pastor Bill Jackson
Church of God in Christ Supt. Curtis Jones 994-3603
Friendship Baptist Church Pastor Paul Swearingen 994-3273
New Beginnings Assembly of God Pastor Jeff Gravis • 276-2005
Trout Creek Baptist Church Pastor Randy Fults 423-5023
Northend UPC Pastor Ralph Bertrand 299-0318
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Father Delphyn Meeks 994-3456
The following are proud sponsors of this church directory and urge you and your family to attend your chosen house of worship this Sunday!
Financial Peace University, a 13-week course taught by Dave Ramsey taught on DVD, meets every Sunday at 5:45 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Buna. Contact Jason Harris at 994-3641 for more information or to register.
Holy Bible Conference in Jasper begins Feb. 29 Jasper District #1 Church of God in Christ will hold their Holy Bible Conference beginning Feb. 29 through Mar. 2 at 7:45 p.m. nightly. Guest speakers will include Bishop Rufus Kyles, Jr., Jurisdictional Prelate of TSE# 1 C.O.G.I.C., Joyce Tyler, Superintendent Jerry E. Davis, Sr. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 423-3581 or 622-0217.
Redbud Community worship service Mar. 4 The annual Redbud Community Worship event will be Sunday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Buna. Those wishing to be in the community choir should arrive at 5 p.m. for rehearsal. For more information, call the church office at 994-3641.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
BUNA BEACON, PAGE 5A
Redbud
Obituaries From page 4A Survivors include sons Alford Williams (Pat) of Newton, Robert Lee Williams (Debbie) of Jasper, J. R. Williams of Evadale, and Hugh Carl Williams (Janet) of Nacogdoches; daughters Marla Taylor (Iva) of Evadale, Patricia Arriaga of Jasper, and Elizabeth Wimberley (Timmy) of Broaddus; daughter-in-law Martha Williams of Jasper; 20 grandchildren; and 42 great- grandchildren.
David Burdine David N. Burdine, 54, of Buna died Feb. 14 at his home. Funeral services were held Feb. 18 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna with burial following at Antioch Cemetery. Survivors include parents Alpha and Carlis Burdine of Buna; brother Glenn Burdine of Buna; sisters Gail Stanley (Rex) of Buna and Brenda Dozier (Mark) of San Marcus.
Derrell Ferguson, Sr. Darrell Anthony Ferguson, Sr., 50, of Silsbee died Feb. 14 at his residence. Funeral services were held Feb. 17 at R.S. Farmer Funeral Home. Survivors include mother Theresa Ferguson of Silsbee; sons Derrell Ferguson, Jr. (Ashley) and Derrekk Ferguson, all of Silsbee; sisters Tina Ferguson of Lumberton and Lani Yamashita of Hawaii; brothers James Ferguson, Jr. and Andy
From page 1A
Ferguson, both of Evadale; and nieces and nephews. two grandchildren.
Charles Martin Randall Harvey Randall Wayne “Monster” Harvey, 58, of Buna died Feb. 11 at his home. Funeral services were held Feb. 14 at Central Baptist Church in Buna with burial at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Buna. Survivors include wife Priscilla “Priz” Harvey; sons Doug Harvey (Melissa) of Gist, Chris Harvey (Amber) of Gist, and Luke Harvey (Melanie) of Beaumont; daughter Randi Daigle (Rusty) of Buna; mother Lina Harvey of Mauriceville; sisters Donna Harvey of Pt. Arthur and Diane Williams of Beaumont; and 13 grandchildren.
Charles E. Charlie Martin, 57, of Call, died Feb. 15 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral services were held Feb. 19 at Adams EE Stringer Funeral Home in Kirbyville with burial following at Kirbyville Cemetery. Survivors include wife Oma Martin of Call; children John Evans (Tammy) of Call, Tiffeny Monson (Tracy) of Fort Collins, CO, Courtney Oliver (Gary) of Call; mother Sue Neff (Edward) of Kirbyville; brothers Ross Cole (Maddean) of Kirbyville, Thomas Martin (Edith) of Silsbee, and William Martin of Roganville; sisters Carolyn Herrin (Ray) of Magnolia Springs, Melanie Johnson (Bill) of Kirbyville, and Suzy Evans (Virgal) of Call; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Dorothy Kelly Dorothy Elvida “Vida” Kelly, 93, died Feb. 9 at her home in Huntsville. A memorial service was held Feb. 25 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Huntsvill followed by a memory sharing at Magnolia Lake. Survivors include sister Delores Stem (Al) of Spring; brother Billy (Leona) of Navasota; daughter Dorothy Lockwood of Huntsville; son Kenneth Wayne Kelly (Mary) of Buna; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a greatgreat-grandson; and countless
Gary Parsley Gary Paul Parsley, 52, of Beaumont, died Feb. 12 at St. Elizabeth Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral services were held Feb. 14 at R.S. Farmer Funeral Home with interment following in Resthaven Cemetery in Silsbee. Survivors include mother Mary Parsley-Guillory of Nederland; brother George Wilburn Parsley, Jr. (Mary Jane) of Nederland; sisters Beverly Collins (Curtis, Jr.) of Bridge City, and Esther Olsen (David) of Beaumont; along with three nieces and nephews.
Festival Chairperson. “We’re really looking forward to getting the community involved with this very fun theme.” Other entries include the Miss Buna contestants, Little Miss Fireman contestants, Redbud Rodeo Queen contestants, auto entries, marching band and pedestrian entries. All entries must be decorated with the exception of classic or specialty autos. The parade will also include all Redbud royalty, namely, King and Queen Mike and Juanita Husbands, and Mrs. Buna Olga Birmingham. The floats will be judged on originality, use of theme and overall eye appeal. All entries are judges before and during the parade. Winners will be announced on the Festival main stage, sponsored by Nissan of Silsbee, at noon. All parade entries are asked to be in line and ready for judging by 9 a.m. Judges for this year’s event are Charlie Ozan from Cowboy Chevrolet, Jim King of the “King of the Road” show, and veteran radio announcer Mickey Ashworth. All parade entries must be lined up on US 96 by 9 a.m. The lineup will be posted at the Buna Beacon office, Community Bank of Texas, BBVA Compass Bank, and the Redbud Chamber office on Thursday, Mar. 8 at 5 p.m. Deadline for parade entries is
Wednesday, Mar. 7 at 5 p.m. There is no entry fee. Entrants must fill out an application, available at the Chamber of Commerce office or Buna Beacon office on Hwy. 62. No ATV or three or four wheelers will be allowed unless affixed to an entry and then must receive prior approval from one of the parade chairs. Motorcycle riders need to be sure they won’t overheat and cause delays in the parade route. Also, reckless driving will not be tolerated. For more information, call the Chamber office at 994-5586. PARADE MARSHALS This year, the Buna Redbud Festival Committee chose Gene and Donna Hawthorne to be the parade marshals. “We were honored,” said Gene. “We really didn’t know what to think.” Donna has lived in Buna all her life, and Gene has been here since 1963. The couple will celebrate 28
years of marriage this year. They met in March of 1984 and just two months later were married. The Hawthornes have only missed one Redbud parade, and that’s because Donna was sick. “Redbud is one of our favorite times of the year,” said Gene. Gene is has been a Jasper County Constable for three years now. He started the police academy in 1992, worked for Jasper County in reserves for four years, and then worked for the country an additional 12 years. The Hawthornes have five children including the daughter they lost last May, Amber Hawthorne. Cassie Stafford, their oldest daughter, will be in town for the parade although she is expecting the couple’s second grandchild soon. The Hawthornes’ youngest daughter, Kellie, and their two sons, Jason and Joshua, will also be a part of the day’s festivities.
SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECTS made by Buna Elementary School students were displayed across campus last week.
Buna Beacon Classifieds FOR SALE
EMPLOYMENT
NOMEX - I buy and sell nomex. HELP WANTED - Seeking secrePoor Man’s Shop, Hwy. 96 - Buna. tary at First Baptist Church of (504) 655-1679. 8TP-25 Buna. Applications available in church office and will be accepted FRESH YARD EGGS - For sale, until 4:30pm, February 29, 2012. $2/dozen or $3 for 18ct. Call 409994-3275. 4TC-23 HELPWANTED - Buna ISD is currently taking applications for bus drivers. Applications may be SERVICES picked up at the Maintenance & Transportation Office. Please call FREE PICKUP - Appliances, ice 994-4880 or 994-4881. TFN-26 boxes batteries, aluminum, anything metal. Please call 994-2560. Give the most 4TP-26
NOTARY PUBLIC Services now available at the Buna Beacon.
valuable gift of all... your time. Volunteer in your community!
GARAGE SALE
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
REAL ESTATE
ESTATE SALE - and antique sale. Fri., Feb. 24 from 8am til? No early birds. 689 CD 722, formerly Rogers Rd., next to Veteran’sMemorial Monument, lots of antiques, jugs, 16’ lowboy, wood working machines and household items.
NOW LEASING - Town Square Apartments (behind Brookshire Bros.) 2/1 Completely remodeled, new appliances, free WiFi, security cameras, covered parking, fenced picnic area. Call (409) 5719426 for details. 4TP-24
FOR RENT - Commercial building North of Kirbyville, formally known as Simon Outfitters/tackle shop. Asking $800/mo. + deposit (pending credit application.) Please call for more information (409) 423-2166, ask for Donna.
FOR SALE - 60’x30’ Sturdy House, to be moved. 2-3 bedrooms, 1 bath, huge kitchen with island, central air/heat included. Ready to live in! Call 409-423-4336 after 6pm. 4TP-26
REDBUD WEEKEND - 10x10 Booth Space for rent, $40, Redbud weekend: March 9-10 at Bs. Hwy. 96/Hwy. 62 - across from H&R Block (Sawyer Property), Please call 409-779-7249. 2TP-25
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 Donna. 4TC-25
FOR RENT - Commercial building North of Kirbyville, formally known as Heart of Christ Church. Asking $800/mo. + deposit (pending credit application.) Please call for more information (409) 4232166, ask for Donna. 1TC-22
LOTS/ACREAGE FOR SALE In Buna, several in water district, ranging from ½ acre to 42 acres. Call for details and pricing. (409) 658-4848. 4TP-24
YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW - Resale Consignment ½ mile North of red light on Hwy. 96. Check out this months 50% off tag sale and our special $1 rack. (409) 994-3303. TFN-18
PAVILION PROPERTIES - BroFOR RENT - 2BR, 1BA, with 2 car FOR RENT - Small trailer for rent, ker, Duane Baker CAN Sell Your garage, located inside Kirbyville suitable for 1-2 people. $450/mo + Home! 409-767-6390. city limits. Asking $600/mo. + de- deposit, all bills paid. 670-3756. 1TC-26 posit (pending credit application. Please call for more information (409) 423-2166, ask for Donna. 4TC-25 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) 423-2166, ask for Donna. 4TC-25
The Buna Beacon is not responsible for claims made by classified advertisers. Readers are advised to investigate advertisers before purchasing products or providing personal information.
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
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PAGE 6A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Buna Lady Cougars lose second round thriller Cougars vs. Kountze December 16, away
L 74-60 (0-1)
Cougars vs. Deweyville January 3, home
W 84-43 (1-1)
Cougars vs. East Chambers January 10, away
L 69-30 (1-2)
Cougars vs. Anahuac January 13, home
BUNA FANS CHEERED on the varsity girls team during a time out in the Area playoff game against Central Heights.
W 59-35 (2-2)
Cougars vs. Hardin January 17, home
W 70-56 (3-2)
Cougars vs. Warren January 20, away
L 67-59 (3-3)
Cougars vs. Kountze January 24, home
L 88-46 (3-4)
Cougars vs. Deweyville January 27, away
W 72-50 (4-3)
HEAD VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach Bryan Whitmire tried to pep up his team during a time out during the play-in game last Friday in Kountze, but the Cougars fell, 46-38.
L 54-42 (4-4)
Cougars force play-in, lose close one to Hardin
Cougars vs. East Chambers February 3, home
Cougars vs. Anahuac February 7, away
W 48-35 (5-4)
Cougars vs. Hardin February 10, away
L 66-56 (5-5)
Cougars vs. Warren February 14, home
W 48-37(6-5)
Lady Cougars vs. Hardin December 6, away
L 31-27 (0-1)
Lady Cougars vs. Warren December 13, home
W 56-17 (1-1)
Lady Cougars vs. Kountze December 16, away
W 62-47 (2-1)
Lady Cougars vs. Deweyville W 49-8 (3-1)
January 3, home
Lady Cougars vs. East Chambers January 10, away
L 55-44 (3-2)
Lady Cougars vs. Anahuac January 13, home
W 58-43 (4-2)
Lady Cougars vs. Hardin January 17, home
L 56-54 (4-3)
Lady Cougars vs. Warren January 20, away
W 58-42 (5-3)
Lady Cougars vs. Kountze January 24, home
W 57-35 (6-3)
Lady Cougars vs. Deweyville January 27, away
W 54-17 (7-3)
Lady Cougars vs. East Chambers February 3, home
W 47-36 (8-3)
Lady Cougars vs. Anahuac February 7, away
W 58-38 (9-3)
The Buna Cougars hosted the Warren Warriors last Tuesday night in their final regular season game of the year. As the Cougars honored seniors Brian Askew, Kalen Dixon, Dustin Fraser, and Caleb Hardy, there was no plan for this to be the final game of these boys’ high school career. With a win last Tuesday, the Cougars would tie for third place in the district with the Hardin Hornets which would force a play-in game Friday night. The Cougars came out ready for battle. The first quarter saw Braidon Franklin, Kreston Richardson, and Tyler Edwards each score a basket for the Cougars as they led 6-5 at the end of the first quarter. The Cougars got heated up in the second quarter as Edwards scored on a post feed to give the Cougars a 12-10 lead. Glenn Patrick found Edwards inside again as he finished with a right handed jump hook. Edwards then found Clancy Cleveland slashing to the basket as he finished with a bank shot. Jonah Jackson found Franklin on the next Cougar possession for a drop step finish, and the Cougars led 18-12. After a Warrior score, Fraser ended the half for the Cougars at the free throw line, converting two-of-two, sending Buna in with the lead 20-14. The third quarter opened up in a big way for freshman Richardson as Edwards found him on the wing for a three point shot to get the Cougars started in the second half. The Warriors fired right back with a three pointer of their own. Edwards extended the lead to 25-18 when he fought for an offensive rebound and finished on the put back. As the Warriors turned up the pressure, the Cougars started looking for fast break opportunities. After breaking the full court press, Patrick dished the ball off
to Edwards, making good on a textbook two on one fast break. Fraser also made a nice bounce pass through traffic on the Cougars’ next fast break opportunity, again finding Edwards for a finish, and Buna led 29-22. Edwards received a lob pass from half court from Patrick for the finish and foul, converting a three point play as the Cougars continued to tear up the Warrior full court press. That score capped off eight straight points for Edwards and a 33-26 lead for the Cougars as the quarter ended. The Warriors had hopes of spoiling the Cougars’ dreams of continuing a run towards the playoffs and came out in the fourth with a quick 5-0 run to tighten the score back up to 3331. Richardson answered for the Cougars as he scored on a right handed floater over his defender in the lane. The Warriors scored again to close the gap to 35-33 in the Cougars’ favor. That was as close as it got. The Cougars scored the next nine points as Patrick hit two free throws, Cleveland scored five from the line, and Edwards got two more points from the field. The Cougars were up 44-33. The Cougars went on to win 48-37 and forced a play-in game with the Hardin Hornets. Edwards scored 22 points, Cleveland added 10 points, and Richardson had 8. The Cougars faced their next challenge on Friday night in Kountze versus Hardin. The winner would make the playoffs. The game was tied at half 1616, and the Cougars were up late in the fourth quarter 38-32 when Hardin fought back and took the game with a score of 46-38. The Cougars finished with a 14-13 record overall and a 6-6 district record. The Cougars are headed in the right direction as they ended with a winning season.
The Buna Lady Cougars took a 24-8 overall record into their first round playoff game versus the Crockett Lady Bulldogs Monday, Feb. 13 in Woodville and won, 40-36. With a starting line-up that featured two six foot tall players, the Lady Bulldogs would be tough to handle. The Lady Cougars were up to the challenge, holding their star sixfooter to just four points and fouled the other one out late in the game. The Lady Cougars’ next challenge was the Central Heights Blue Devils Friday night, Feb. 17, at West Sabine High School. The Lady Blue Devils had an undefeated district record with their strengths being a solid post player in the middle surrounded by long range shooters. The community of Buna always brings a crowd. Even though the boys were playing the Hardin Hornets the same night, the stands were still full of fans ready to cheer their Lady Cougars on to victory. The tipoff went to the L a d y Devils, but the Lady Cougars defended well. Senior Jade Hunt got the Lady Cougars started as she grabbed an offensive rebound and scored. Nicole Casper was fouled and converted both free throws after a nice bounce pass from the corner from Carly Coleman, and Buna had an early 4-0 lead. The Lady Devils came alive and went on a 14-2 run as the Lady Cougars were trying to figure out the Central Heights offense. The quarter ended with the Lady Cougars trailing 14-6. The second quarter opened with Madison Franklin grabbing an offensive rebound for the Lady Cougars and putting it back in for the score. Coleman then came up with a steal on the defensive end and was fouled as she drove and spun towards the basket, converting one-of-two from the line. The Lady Cougars trailed only by five points. After the Lady Devils hit a three pointer, Casper found Raylie Richardson open on the right wing who answered with a three pointer of her own. Midway through the second quarter, the Lady Cougars were trailing 22-12. At that point it seemed like the light bulb turned on, and the Lady Cougars believed they could play with these girls. The Lady Cougar defense stepped up, and their offense followed suit as they went on a 70 run to close out the half. Richardson found Coleman in the low post as she spun around and hit the jump shot. Franklin scored on a tough drive to the hoop, and Richardson found Franklin open for a three pointer
from the left wing. The Lady Cougars now just barely trailed behind, 22-19. The third quarter opened as the second quarter ended: with the Lady Cougars scoring and playing solid defense. Richardson hit Casper in the open court for a layup score as they have done countless times this season. After a Lady Devil score, Franklin grabbed an offensive rebound for the Lady Cougars and converted the old fashioned three point play as she was fouled on the make, tying the game at 24-24. After another Lady Devil score, Coleman found Hunt near the rim as she scored to tie the game again at 26-26. Hunt scored this time from the free throw line, converting one of two, and the Lady Cougars trailed by three points late in the third. Richardson and Jaeci Dans worked a pick and roll at the top of the key, and Dans received a great pass as she drove in for the score, cutting the lead to one point. The final score of the third quarter came as Dans f o u n d Richardson open for a three point shot made good. The Lady Cougars took back the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter. The fourth quarter opened with the Lady Devils scoring to tie the game at 32-32. The game remained tied for over three minutes as both teams had several opportunities to go ahead but the shots would not fall. With just over four minutes in the game to go, the Lady Devils grabbed an offensive rebound and scored to take the lead 34-32. The Lady Cougars answered back with 3:31 to go on the clock as Franklin drove the lane and scored, tying the game at 34-34. The Lady Devils then scored on a post move with under three minutes to play. The teams went back and forth when Franklin scored again for the Lady Cougars with 1:01 to play to tie the game at 36-36. The Lady Devils took the lead again with just 44 seconds to play. The Lady Cougars drove down and took two open shots but could not convert as the ball went out of bounds to the Lady Devils with 30 seconds to play. The Lady Devils scored again and were up by four points with seconds to play when Richardson was fouled, converting one-oftwo from the line to cut the deficit to three points. Then with 2.7 seconds to play, Richardson stole the inbound pass and heaved a three point shot towards the basket. It fell just short as time expired. The Lady Cougars lost an exciting game, 40-37, and finished the season with a 25-9 record overall and a 9-3 district record.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Lady Rebels fall in Area playoffs round By Scott Loar Beacon Correspondent During the 2011-2012 basketball season, the Lady Rebels of Evadale have had to overcome some major difficulties to obtain success. The year started with the UIL ruling that transfer student Marley Moss was ineligible to play for Evadale. Then shortly into the season, one of last year’s starters, Jessica Seago was lost for the season after knee surgery for a torn ACL. Then Kendall Tousha broke her arm that ended her season. Coach Robert Hollyfield had to bring two freshmen players up from the junior varsity squad. Hannah Conner and Haleigh Oldbury filled out the roster. Still later, starter Kennady Porter had to miss a few games due to minor knee surgery, causing Hollyfield to once again drip down into the junior varsity ranks to bring up Wendy Williams. But through it all the Lady Rebels never gave up. They fought and clawed their way to their fourth straight district championship and a 39 game streak of district victories. The season may have ended last Friday night, but it was definitely a success. The Lady Rebels used their bye in the bi-district round of the playoffs to play a warm up game against Hardin. The Lady Hornets came away as a 2A playoff team this season, and Hollyfield was looking for a team to push the Lady Rebels before heading into the playoffs. The Lady Hornets defeated the Lady Rebels 53-47 as the Lady Rebels were unable to match their foes’ scoring in any quarter except the fourth. Kennedy Jackson led the team with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Holly Herrington had 6 points, and Kennady Porter and Katy Gipson each had 5 points. The playoffs started as Flatonia defeated Bartlett in the bi-district round for earn the chance to play the Lady Rebels. The two teams were evenly matched as the Lady Rebels led by one 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, and Flatonia led by one 20-19 at the half. The Lady Rebels still trailed by one after the third quarter, but they were outscored
11-7 in the final period to provide a 5 point margin and a 46-41 defeat for the Lady Rebels. This ended their playoff run. Jackson again led the scoring with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Porter had 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Herrington had 5 points. “We got into some foul trouble early that caused us to pull back from some of our aggressiveness on the defensive end, and they had some size that we had some trouble countering as they did very well rebounding,” said Hollyfield. “This team has spoiled me as they have fought all season long no matter what the obstacle they just kept coming back! It made me believe that we could match up with and play with anybody.” The loss is hardest of course on the three seniors, Holly Herrington, a four year player on the Lady Rebel Varsity, and Brooke Burnett and Hope Richardson. But the future looks bright for the Lady Rebels as starters, Jackson, Porter, Brittnee Rawls and Conner will all be returning. Oldbury substituted for Herrington at the point throughout the season and saw plenty of action. Three point shooter Alana Langston and post Gipson will all be back. Another freshman, Williams came up late in the season from the junior varsity and even started a couple of games. The Lady Rebels’ junior varsity team was undefeated in district and the junior high Lady Rebels were undefeated for the season. So there will be a continuing stream of talented young ladies for Hollyfield’s program to continue to grow. The season ended with three losses to bring the season record to 23-10. The entire team wishes that the outcome of the playoff game had been different, but as Hollyfield said, “The Lady Rebels will bounce back!” It will just be about nine months before they get the opportunity to take out their frustrations on another team and about 10 months to see if they can stretch that district winning streak to 40 games.
BUNA BEACON, PAGE 7A
GoldenBy Margaret HubHolmes Bowling Valentine Queens: Carrie Cox, Bank 2004 series. Beverly Morris, and Roxie League standings as of Feb. Strange. 13: Charlie’s Angels 25; DipTop scores for the week: Judy sticks 22; Smoothie King #14 19; Richbourg 223; Nelda Herring Belles 18; Serenity Salon 18; 200; Betty Chatagnie 202; Avis Community Bank 17; Edward Perello 194; Sachi Golden 179; Jones 16; Pooh’s Pals 15; Lucky LaVerne Delahoussaye 170; Charms 15; Compass Bank 14; THE BUNA LITTLE Dribblers held an auction before their Shirley Cox, 176; Margaret Gore Hatch’s Wreckers 12; Health 166; Glenda Smith 166; Dee Care Dynamics 12; Colton Conclosing ceremonies Saturday and raised over $4,500. Holliday 168; Kelly Davis 162; struction 12; Quilter’s Studio 11 and Omie Hagler 161. ½; Pat’s Spirits 11; Richbourgs Others bowling were Julie 11; Scaredy Cats 10; Ultra Con Muckleroy, Christine Ratcliff, 10; and Scatter Brains 9 ½. and Carolyn Poussan. Teams of the week: Serenity Team of the week: Community Salon 1958 and Belles 1943. In the major girls division, the The final Buna Little Dribblers tournament ran last week from team coached by Laurie Monday, Feb. 13 through Satur- Henderson, “The Knockout,” won first place. day, Feb. 18. For the major boys division, There were many exciting games, and the closing ceremony “The Tigers,” coached by Manny on Saturday night rounded out Connell, won first place. Baskets were donated by each the regular Little Dribblers play. Winning first place in the team, and an auction to raise Rebels vs. Hull-Daisetta junior boys division was the team money for the Little Dribblers January 13, away W 71-53 (1-0) coached by BJ Spell, “The took place before trophies were handed out. Gunners.” Rebels vs. Sabine Pass Over $4,500 was raised. In the junior girls division, the All-Star teams were selected, team coached by Shelby Palmer January 17, home W 61-36 (2-0) and Nicky Shepherd, “Teach Me and they will begin practicing for Rebels vs. Big Sandy How to Dribble,” took home first their upcoming area and region tournaments. place. January 24, home W 56-42 (3-0)
Buna Little Dribblers holds closing ceremonies
Evadale Rebs finish cochamps of district 25-2
By Scott Loar Beacon Correspondent The goals for the 2011-12 Rebel basketball team were no different than every other high school basketball team in the state: get into the playoffs and then play hard and hope for a long run. Several of the Evadale players were an integral part of last season’s State Semi-Finalist team, so they know what to expect. The first goal was to repeat as the district champion. After the Rebels’ first district loss to Big Sandy, they needed to take care of business against the West Hardin Oilers to end the season tied with Big Sandy and share the district crown. The Rebels entered the Feb. 14 game looking to make a statement early in their final home game of the year. They left little doubt as they had built a 20 point lead by halftime, 33-13. The Oilers did cut into the lead, but the game still ended 55-45 for the Rebels to finish 7-1 in district and as the co-district champions. Shawn Totem led the Rebels in scoring with 16 points while Kyle Taylor had 12 and Braden Buford had 11 in the victory. The tie with Big Sandy left a dilemma as the district would need to determine which team would go in as the number one seed with a bye and which team would be the number two seed and have to play in the bi-district THE BUNA VARSITY Lady Cougar softball team competed round. A one game playoff was last week in the Little Cypress-Mauriceville tournament. Read next week’s Beacon for the full spring sports report. discussed, but both teams agreed
to a coin flip. Big Sandy won the toss and was named the number one seed from the district. With the playoff seeding settled, Coach Laurence Williams looked at warm-up games to keep the team sharp and in rhythm. Spurger approached Williams, and a game was scheduled for the teams for last Friday in Spurger. Spurger and Evadale have in the recent past been in the same district for basketball, and the two teams have had some epic struggles on the court over the years. Last Friday night’s game was not one of those as the Rebels came out firing on all cylinders. After one quarter, the Rebels led 18-9. In the second quarter, the Rebels exploded for 35 points while holding the Pirates to 8 for a 53-17 halftime lead. The third quarter was a 23 point effort for the Rebels, while again holding Spurger to 8. The game ended 87-31, and the Rebels ran their season record to 18-10 heading into the playoffs. The Rebels opened up their third consecutive playoff run facing Normangee at Diboll High, Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. “We have gotten to the first step this year, but we want to keep taking steps each and every game,” said Williams. “You can get knocked out in any round, so our job is to focus on the things we can control, which is us.” Read next week’s Buna Beacon for the full report on the game against Normangee.
Rebels vs. West Hardin January 27, away
W 51-48 (4-0)
Rebels vs. Hull Daisetta January 31, home
W 93-38 (5-0)
Rebels vs. Sabine Pass February 3, away
W 69-31 (6-0)
Rebels vs. Big Sandy L 59-47 (6-1)
February 10, away
Rebels vs. West Hardin W 55-45 (7-1)
February 14, home
Lady Rebels vs. Big Sandy January 6 away
W 56-48 (1-0)
Lady Rebels vs. West Hardin January 10, home
W 74-31 (2-0)
Lady Rebels vs. Hull-Daisetta January 13, away
W 78-27 (3-0)
Lady Rebels vs. Sabine Pass January 17, home
W 73-13 (4-0)
Lady Rebels vs. Big Sandy January 24, home
W 52-35 (5-0)
Lady Rebels vs. West Hardin January 27, away
W 58-33 (6-0)
Lady Rebels vs. Hull Daisetta January 31, home
W 83-34 (7-0)
Lady Rebels vs. Sabine Pass February 3, away
W 67-27 (8-0)
PAGE 8A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Hometown People
Amanda Seaman Birthdate: Born Jan. 31, 1989. Place of birth: Beaumont. Childhood nickname: ManMan. Family members: Jimmy Seaman, dad; Michelle Seaman, mom; Michala and Sarah Seaman, sisters. First vehicle owned: 2001 White Toyota Tundra. Favorite movie: Sweet Home Alabama. Favorite author: Lori Wick. Favorite musician: Toby Mac. Favorite hobby: Reading. Favorite restaurant: Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant. Church I attend: First Baptist Church in Buna. First date story: Sam took me out on a date to a Cowboys and Texans game and on the way home, about midnight, his car stalled in Lumberton with a dead battery. We had to push start it in order to get it going again. Now that was a first date. Oddest job ever had: Blueberry
Pickin’. Future goals: Human Resource Manager. Advice to high school graduating senior: I believe that you should make sure you do what you love after high school. It’s so important to be happy. I also encourage people to follow God’s leadership as they look for a job or decide on a school. Favorite thing about Buna: It’s a small town with a big heart.
Catfish Festival banquet and entertainment set With just a week and a half until the opening of the eighth annual Evadale Catfish Festival, the final pieces of the puzzle are coming together for what promises to be an event that will thrill all those in attendance. Next Thursday night, March 1, is the annual King and Queen Banquet at 6 p.m. at the New Beginnings Church on FM 105. This year’s royal couple Billy Mike and Laura Beth Bruce along with Mrs. Pat Williams, 2012 Mrs. Evadale, will be recognized. Tickets to the event are still available by calling 466-2641. Friends and family are invited to come and help celebrate with the festival’s honorees.
Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to the scholarship fund. Entertainment is now all set for the weekend with Thursday’s free karaoke night under the Honky Tonk Texas Entertainment Tent. Friday night, March 2, brings the classic rock style of “3” to the stage. Saturday night, March 3, marks the return of the Louisiana Scramble Band with their unique blend of Cajun music. Sunday afternoon, March 4, will have at least three bands and other local Christian talent, Undone and 2nd Coming who are both a part of the One Day Praise concert family. Saturday during the day, the Honky Tonk Texas Tent is filled with activities. At noon the G&S Fish Market Catfish Cook-Off awards will be announced. The METCO Washer Tournament winners will be announced in the early afternoon. At 4 p.m., the Jeff’s Paint & Body Custom & Classic Car Show awards will be announced. At 5 p.m. the conclusion of the silent auction will have the awarding of the winning bidders with their items. A list of items up for auction will be available next week. Saturday night will conclude with the JNEC Fireworks show at 10 p.m. The festival is also proud to be associated with two outstanding high school athletic events this year. First, the Evadale Baseball tournament is scheduled for March 1-3 with eight schools coming to participate. On Saturday March 3rd, the SETX All Star Basketball games will kick off at 1 p.m. These games will highlight area senior basketball players who will thrill their fans one last time on the hardwood of Evadale’s Rebel Gym. The McKan Enterprises Carnival will be set up on the high school parking lot all four days of the festival, and discount tickets are on sale at all three Eastex Credit Union locations in Evadale, Silsbee and Kirbyville. Tickets will also be sold at lunch in the Evadale cafeteria for the remainder of the time leading up to the festival. The Eastex festival t-shirts are in, and they also are on sale at the school. Tickets are 20 for $15, and the tshirts are $10 for all sizes adult small to 3X. Visitors to the Catfish Festival will be excited to see so many and varied vendors in the festival. There are too many things to mention in this article both to eat and to shop for, so just make your plans to attend the Evadale Catfish Festival March 1-4 on the Evadale ISD campus. The Catfish Festival has free admission and free parking. For additional information on any event, please call 276-1470.
Mixson appointed by Perry to District Judge position Texas Governor Rick Perry’s office announced last week that Buna attorney Craig Mixson has been appointed to preside over the court vacated late last year by District Judge Gary Gatlin. Mixson will fill the unexpired term to end in December of this year. Mixson, along with Jennifer Jobe Seale, who is also an attorney, recently announced that they would be seeking the position. Mixson is running as a republican, and Seale is seeking office on the democrat ticket. State Judicial District 1 serves the people of Jasper, Newton, Sabine and San Augustine Counties. Mixson, licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 1995, practices law in his hometown of Buna and is a lifelong resident of Jasper County. He has nearly 20 years legal experience representing thousands of clients with their family, civil, criminal, real estate, personal injury and corporate law issues. Over the last 15 years Mr. Mixson has served as General Counsel for Jasper Newton Electric Cooperative. He is a member of the Jasper County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Texas Pro-Bono College and is a past member of both the Angelina & Jefferson County Bar Associations. Mixson is admitted to practice law in both the Eastern District of Texas and the Southern District
of Texas. In addition to representing thousands of local citizens with their legal matters in all four counties of the District, Mixson has volunteered his services for local churches and organizations such as: Habitat for Humanity, East Texas Mutual Aid Association, Buna Volunteer Fire Department, Buna Chamber of Commerce and Advocates for Children, Inc. to name a few. “I am humbled by Governor Perry’s appointment and am looking forward to serving the citizens of Jasper, Newton, Sabine & San Augustine counties as Judge,” he said. “My roots in the district are deep, and I promise to work hard, to be fair and impartial and do my best to treat everybody the same.” A swearing in ceremony will be held in the District Courtroom of the Jasper County Courthouse on Thursday, March 1. The public will be invited to attend.
Briefs From page 1A Little League try-outs rescheduled Buna Little League will host try-outs for boys and girls ages 7-12 on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. at the ball park. Senior league and Tball players will be placed on teams by the coaches. Late registration will be accepted at try-outs.
Buna FFA BBQ fundraiser The Buna High School FFA students will host a BBQ fundraiser Friday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ag shop on campus and Saturday, Feb. 25 beginning at 10 a.m. next to the Buna Post Office. All proceeds will benefit students showing projects at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
OES #968 barbecue fundraiser Mar.7 Buna Chapter #968 Order of the Eastern Star is currently taking orders for their annual barbecue scholarship fundraiser.to be held on Wednesday, Mar. 7. Sandwiches or meals will be delivered between 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Mar. 7. To order, please call Julie at 423-0015 or Sandy at 289-5239.
Buna Public Library ragball tourney Feb. 25 A benefit ragball tournament is being held in conjunction with Region V ESC Adult Education on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Santa Fe Softball Fields in Silsbee. The benefit will begin at 9 a.m. and registration is being held through Feb. 22. The registration fee is $150 and homerun bracelets may be purchased for $20.
DETCOG meeting Feb. 23 The Deep East Texas Council of Governments board will meet on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Civic Center in Crockett. In addition, there will be a meeting concerning Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program 1115 Waiver at 11 a.m. at the same location. A luncheon will be served at noon.
Masonic Lodge will meet Tuesday Buna Masonic Lodge #1095 will hold a regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the lodge off Hwy. 62 in Buna. All visiting brethren are invited to attend.
JNEC board will meet Tuesday Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative’s board of directors will hold their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. in the headquarters building in Kirbyville. Members are welcome to attend, but attendance is limited to space available in the board room.
Redbud Square Dancers glide on Tuesday The Buna Redbud Square Dancers will meet at the Lions Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.
Spay Neuter Initiative hosts Dachshund races Mar. 17 Spay Neuter Initiative Pet Society is now accepting entries for their Annual Dachshund Races on Mar. 17 at Jasper’s Azalea Fest. Chiweenies are invited also. All proceeds benefit spay/neuter for area cats and dogs. To register or for more information, call 384-8251.
Ragball tourney to benefit Evadale Project Grad Evadale Project Graduation is hosting a ragball tournament on Saturday, Mar. 10 beginning at noon at the Evadale fields. For signups and more information, contact Laurie Richardson at 550-2451.
Buna 8th Grade Prom Meeting Feb. 27 A meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 27 at the Buna Fire Hall pavilion for parents wishing to help with Buna 8th grade prom. For more information, contact Carrie Forse at 504-9008.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
BUNA BEACON, PAGE 9A
State basketball champs to be honored Saturday The “King Cotton: Coach Cotton Robinson and the Buna Boys’ Basketball Legacy” book, by authors Fred McKinley and Dr. Charles Breithaupt, will be released to the public on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the M.N. “Cotton” Robinson and R.C. Hyden Activity Center on Feb. 25 beginning at 10 a.m. The “Buna Bash” event will last until 4 p.m. It will primarily be a book signing, but it will also provide an opportunity for former players to reunite. Saturday evening, an alumni basketball game will be held at 7 p.m. with all proceeds to benefit the Buna Athletic Booster Club. Past state champion basketball boys teams from 1954-563 will be honored. Also the girls teams from 1955-61 and 1970-71 will be honored. “We are having an especially hard time tracking down all of the women because of their name changes,” said Chad Shepherd, club president. “We would appreciate help getting the word out.” The alumni game is also open
to all men and women, ages 18 to 99, who once played basketball for Buna High School and desire to play the game once again for a good cause. Those who don’t want to play can just come watch the game, and enjoy the fun. Tickets will be sold for $5 at the door. In addition to seeing a great basketball game played by alumni favorites and meeting state champion basketball players, game attendees will have a chance to compete in free throw and three point contests. Current varsity Cougar and Lady Cougar players will also be honored and will compete against one another in a shot counting competition. “This will be a great way for community members to join together around the game of basketball,” said Shepherd, “but it’s also a great way to give towards the scholarships we will give out in May.” For more information about the events, or to play in the alumni basketball game, contact Chad Shepherd at 679-0267.
Market Report Kirbyville Auction Barn Market Report Feb. 18, 2012 Total Head: 115 Bull Calves 0-299: $1.60 - $2.40 300-399: $1.40 - $2.20 400-499: $1.25 - $2.10 500 and up: $1.10 - $1.85
THE 4-H DISTRICT food show was held at Stephen F. Austin University on Feb. 11. Buna residents Jordan VanDevender, left, placed fourth in the fruits and vegetables category, Case VanDevender, middle, participated in the main dish category, and Kaytlyn Franz, right, placed third in the breads and cereal category.
Redbud Rodeo includes calf, sheep scrambles with prizes Although the Buna Bridle Club’s annual Redbud Rodeo is always a great family-friendly event, this year’s will have even more for the younger attendees, with a sheep and calf scramble that includes bikes for the winners. This year’s Rodeo, set for Redbud Festival weekend March 9-10, will include a sheep and calf scramble, with the sheep scramble open to ages 6 and under, and the calf scramble for ages 12 and under. For those who may not have seen one before, the kids get into the rodeo arena, and then the sheep or calf is turned loose out of the gate. The first kid to snag the ribbon off the animal’s tail, wins. Prizes include bikes to the first kid to return the ribbon to this year’s entertainer, “Scooter” the clown. There will be two scrambles each night of the rodeo, so there will be a bike winner in both the sheep and calf scramble on Friday and Saturday. The best part is that entry into the scrambles is absolutely free. Kids can just climb the fence and get in the arena with Scooter, who will be directing the action. In addition to the scrambles, the rodeo will include as always
the mutton bustin’ event for ages 5 and under. There is a fee to enter. Call-in date is March 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 409-745-1471. The Redbud Rodeo is the Bridle Club’s biggest money maker for the year. Last year they distributed scholarships to high school graduates and also gave to the Buna High School Christmas Challenge and other organizations. The Bridle Club sponsors rodeos, playdays, horse shows and lots of other equine sports. Redbud Rodeo is Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10. Gates open at 6 p.m., with events beginning at 8 p.m. Admission is $7 for ages 13 and up, and $4 for ages 12 and under. Concessions will be sold on the Rodeo grounds.
Heifer Calves 0-299: $1.50 - $2.25 300-399: $1.30 - $2.10 400-499: $1.20 - $1.75 500 and up: $1.10 - $1.58
Pregnant Cows: $585 - $1130 Cow/Calf Pairs: $750 - $1550 Slaughter Cows: $65 - $94 Bulls: $87 - $115 Hogs Boars: $20 - $30 Sows: $35 - $55 Tops: $50 - $60 Pigs: $30 - $65 Goats: $25 - $160 Horses: $150 - $675
PAGE 10A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Area residents called for county jury duty Jasper County District Clerk, Kathy Kent, lists prospective jurors summoned for jury duty on February 27, 2012 at 9 a.m. at the Jasper County Courthouse, Jasper, Texas: Buna residents summoned to serve include Marie Abshire, Christopher Albritton, Angela Alston, Arthur Bandy, Christi Bandy, Eugene Barker, Amanda Beach, Matthew Beach, Paul Binagia, III, Dwight Bourgeois, Chad Bowen, Sienna Brown, Jessica Buchanan, Roger Burks, Bruce Calhoun, Tammie Carpenter, Cole Clark, Seth Clark, Mark Colley, Sheila Coulter, Eva Currie, Mary Davis, Daniel Dodge, Kimberly Dolph, Paula Due, Debra Everhart, Chon Ferguson, Sydney Galloway, Jerry Don Goins, Sr., Shyreen Goodman, Donald Grim, and Lisa Groves. Also summoned from Buna are
Carolyn Hardin, Michael Harrell, Elizabeth Hinson, Susan Holt, Phillip Johnson, Shirley Keel, Michael Marshall, David Matthews, Billy McGalin, Peggy Paine, Lynda Parks, and Diana Payton, Ronald Racca, Ronnie Raley, Chastadity Renfro, Stephen Richard, Jr., Jennifer Rose, Chad Sheard, Geraldine Spears, Robert Spence, William Swango, Henry Tanton, Ricky Turner, Terry Vaughn and Jody Winfrey. Evadale residents called to serve include Leslie Bielecki, Candace Burnett, Linsey Hare, Karen Lewing, James Lopez, Autumn Phillips, Edward Pinder, Shelby Stanley, and Donna Vanpelt. Call residents summoned to serve are Joseph Larkin, Christina Peters, B.J. Pinner, Leslie Randolph, and Charles Secrest. Kirbyville residents called to
serve include Kay Adcock, Devaine Barnhill, Trudy Barrett, Aaron Breed, James Brooks, Connie Brown, Willie Brown, Meta Cox, Ida Crawford, Mary Droddy, Teresa Fancher, Linda Girard, Amber Goodwin, Erin Gregory, Joyce Hall, Jerald Harris, Lindsey Henson, Robert Hoffpauir, Larry Horn, Franklin Jackson, Korey Jackson, Lonnie King, Jr., Shirley Ledeaux, Connie Lewis, Lloyd Love, Jenneise Mauer, Coye McMillan, Jack Morgan, and Teresa Morgan. Also summoned from Kirbyville are Barbara Orgeron, Douglas Peach, Weldon Petitt, Sammy Ragsdale, Brittney Richardson, Iva Samuel, Angela Sears, Bronson Sims, Shane Skinner, Cody Thompson, Lonnie Valentine, Stuart Walpole, Mary Watkins, Rikki West, Joann Wilson, and Rebecca Woods.
Happy Birthday February 22 Andy Barba Bryan Barba George Barba David Blessing Roy Gatlin Jarod Hebert Robert Earl Keith Misty Tomas February 23 Kristen Eaves Shannon Martin Allen Morvent Bea Reeves Daniel Sterling Crystal Wilkinson Joshua Yeates February 24 Tobias Golden Kaitlyn Hampshire Molly Hanks February 25 Cathy Barley Althea Choate February 26 Clay Adkins Ray Caillier
Dylan Lambright Sandra McClenden Jennifer Tiemann February 27 Zach Bouillion Christopher Keith Samantha LeBlanc Kristen Lewis Ethan McGallion Cotton Whittaker James Whitten February 28 Elizabeth Bridges Jessika Easterling Scott Hawk Lucy Lynet Presley Marle Shelton Bobbie Whittaker
Happy Anniversary February 25 Jimmy & Tricia Williams February 27 Royce & Jo Evelyn Cates Paul & Kenetha Woods February 28 Brandon & Rhonda Carver
Stolen From page 1A shot out beginning at 1:12 a.m. The tires were then stolen off trucks located at the back of the property. Herrin said that new tires have already been ordered so that business can resume as usual. “There were some trucks that were slightly scratched, and it will probably take about two weeks to get all of the vehicles repaired,” he said. Weaver Motors will be also be installing security cameras in their parking lot in the very near future. Newman is asking anyone who saw suspicious activity in the late evening or early morning hours in Kirbyville or at Weaver Motors or who might have information pertaining to the incident to contact his department at 409-384-5417.
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
Country Bookkeeping & Taxes Donna Picard
Dan’s All American Plumbing. L.L.P.
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, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
BUNA BEACON, PAGE 11A
THE 2012 MISS Buna Contestants enjoyed the annual Mother/Daughter tea Sunday at the Whitehead building.
CELEBRATING A SPRIT of love, Buna elementary students enjoyed Valentine’s Day parties in their classes last week.
Constable’s Corner By Precinct 4 Constable Gene Hawthorne I assisted the Sheriff’s department with the child that got bit by the dog on Hwy. 1004 last Monday. The dog ended up having to be sent to Jasper to be quarantined. I got a call about a 1055 driver on Hwy. 96. I happened to be on CR 784, but the driver must have been going fast enough to get past me. I didn’t catch up with them or they turned off. I was unable to locate the driver. Folks called about someone stealing metal out of the railroad cars out on Hwy. 62, but it was actually Temple Inland cleaning trash out of their boxcars. I also got a call about a vehicle that went across the railroad tracks a little too fast in Lake Forest Estates, and they ended up tearing up the ditch.
I went and talked to the young men who did it and advised them that could be considered criminal mischief, and next time they could get a citation. The Commissioner gets kind of upset about vehicles tearing up his ditches. On another note, we’ve had some issues with people not stopping when a bus in unloading children. Here’s just a reminder. When a bus is unloading children on a four lane road where there is a left turn lane, like of Hwy. 96, both sides of the road still have to stop. When a bus is unloading children, a left turn lane is not considered a barrier. If you are convicted of not following this law, the citation is very expensive. Not to mention, this can be very dangerous.
BISD From page 1A floor refinishing were all categorized as aesthetic issues at the junior high. At the high school campus, urgent issues include sealing the building, life safety issues, handicap accessibility issues, and building a new kitchen and cafeteria. Moderate issues at the high school campus included parking lot repairs, new gymnasium bleachers, athletic facility renovations, stadium concession and restroom renovations, energy efficiency upgrades, computer accommodations in classroom areas, and accommodating for new phones. New flooring, repainting the interior walls, and new ceilings were all categorized as aesthetic issues at the high school campus. The cost estimate for renovations at the junior high campus are broken down as follows: $2,352,560 for urgent issues, $7,437,920 for moderate issues, and $644,348 for aesthetic issues. At the high school campus, the renovation estimate for urgent issues is $5,242,991, moderate issues is $5,254,256, and for aesthetic issues the estimate is $861,840. The expense total to complete Scenario One is $21,793,915. In Scenario Two, the sixth grade would relocate to an expanded elementary campus. The renovation of both the junior high and high school campuses as listed in Scenario One is also included. Expansion to the existing elementary campus would include building six additional classrooms and a band hall at a cost of $2,051,280. The projected total to complete Scenario Two is $23,845,195. In Scenario Three, a new junior high campus with a 350 student capacity would be constructed at the new site across from the existing elementary school, sixth grade would relocate to the expanded elementary campus as found in Scenario Two, the current junior high campus would be demolished, and the high school campus would receive renovations. The cost breakdown for Scenario Three is as follows: construction of new junior high campus, $14,131,040; addition of sixth grade at elementary site, $2,051,280; demolition of existing junior high, $67,200; and renova-
tion of high school campus, as found in Scenarios 1 and 2, $11,359,087. The projected total to complete Scenario Three is $27,608,607. In Scenario Four, a new high school would be constructed adjacent to the activity center with a student capacity of 500. A football stadium with seating for 5,000 would be built across the street from the existing activity center. After renovations, the junior high campus would relocate to the current high school campus and portable buildings at the existing junior high campus would be demolished. The main building at the junior high would be used as an administration building. Construction of the new high school is projected to cost $14,814,800 while the new football stadium is projected around $2.8 million. Again, renovations to the current high school are projected at $11,359,087, and the demolition of the junior high portable buildings is projected at $28,000. The projected total to complete Scenario Four is $29,001,047. In Scenario Five, a new junior high would be constructed across from the existing elementary campus at a projected cost of $15,954,400. Demolition of the current junior high school would be approximately $67,200, and construction of a new high school with a 500 student capacity adjacent to the activity center would be $14,814,800. Construction of a new football stadium with a 5,000 seat capacity would be $2,800,000, and demolition of the current high school would be $123,400. The projected total to complete Scenario Five is $33,759,800. Architectural Alliance, Inc. representatives offered the board of trustees an opportunity to thinks about the findings over the next few weeks and made an offer to return for a workshop to discuss the findings more in-depth. Other items discussed at the board meeting included the hiring and resignation of campus personnel and extension or renewal/nonrenewal of administrator contracts. Look for next week’s Buna Beacon for information on these agenda items. The next regular Buna ISD board of trustees meeting is scheduled for Mar. 12.
Miss Buna traditions begin with mother-daughter event As the day nears for the 55th annual Miss Buna pageant, history remained as new touches were included during the annual tea last Sunday at the Whitehead building. Contestants and their mothers mingled and enjoyed refreshments while hearing a few tips for the pageant, which is held during the Redbud Festival, Saturday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the activity center. Pageant Director Lori Reneau, Miss Buna 1982, welcomed the contestants, outlining the procedures leading up to the event, along with details on the night of the pageant. Miss Buna 2011 Haylee Whitehead presented small gifts to the 12 young ladies as they drew the number of their pageant order. This year’s Miss Buna tea once again had the interview competition on the afternoon of the tea, in part to help alleviate jitters on the night of the event. Each of the contestants were seated before a panel of three judges and were asked to elaborate on their educational aspirations, community service goals and their thoughts about why Miss Buna is important in the community. The judges who conducted the interviews submitted their scores based on the sessions with each
contestant. There will be an entirely new set of judges for the night of the pageant, and they will not see the scores given by the judges who conducted the interview. The pageant staff will then tally the scores. Contestants are all students at Buna High School, and all entrants will be in the Redbud Festival parade at 10 a.m. on March 10. The pageant is a fundraiser for the Buna Volunteer Fire Department. In addition to Miss Buna, a first, second and third runner-up will be announced, along with a Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Miss Buna contestants for 2012, in the order of their contestant number are: Alyssa Manke, Kayla Burns, Jade Hunt, Burgundi Mason, Lauren Schnitz, Kayla Richardson, Jessi Clark, Courtney Willis, Emily Jacobs, Kayla Wagstaff, Hannah Walters, and Kelsie Moulder. The Little Miss Fireman pageant will be held in conjunction with the pageant. Little Miss Fireman 2011 Kimber Pyburn and her mother were also a part of the day’s events. See the Redbud Festival special section in the March 7 Beacon for more on the entrants.
Buna celebrates National School Counselors Week By Tina Cooley Beacon Reporter National School Counseling Week was celebrated during the week of Feb. 6. The week-long celebration is designated as a time to spotlight the contribution of school counselors and their impact on students within United States school systems. School counselors at Buna ISD were honored for their contributions in helping students recognize their strengths and abilities, interests and talents, and overcoming challenges they may face. School counselors are certified educators with degrees in guidance and counseling, along with specialized training and experience. Julie Motomura, Buna Elementary School Counselor, has been in education for 23 years and in Buna ISD for 13 years. Motomura said that her biggest responsibility as a public school counselor lies in the students at Buna Elementary School. “Everything I do revolves around some need they may have - whether it is an emotional need or an educational one,” said Motomura. “ I am an advocate for our kids in everything I do here at BES.” Robin Whitmire, Buna Junior High School Counselor, has been in education for 18 years, all of which are at Buna ISD. Before becoming a counselor, Whitmire served 13 years in the classroom serving as CORE teacher for fifth and sixth grades. According to Whitmire, the biggest responsibility being a public junior high school counselor lies in providing guidance to students emotionally, academically or personally to the best of her ability. “When students come to school, if they are struggling with some type of problem, it is impossible for them to concentrate on what is going on in the classroom,” she said. “They
often need someone to listen and provide support. Sometimes it is as simple as needing a notebook or a backpack but other times it could involve more serious issues.” Kay Traugott, Buna High School Counselor, has been in education for nine years with seven of those in Buna ISD. Traugott taught in the classroom for four years prior to being a counselor. Betty Klutts is also a part-time counselor at Buna High School. According to the National School Counselor Week website, more than 29,000 counselors participated in the week’s activities. Counselors at all campuses received heartfelt “thanks” from community members, staff, and administrators for the role they play in ensuring the best for students, both academically and emotionally.
PAGE 12A, BUNA BEACON
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2012
Kirbyville victim involved in two previous collisions By Amber Hawk Beacon Editor A Kirbyville man who was previously involved in at least two other wrecks that took the lives of two Jasper County women died in a two-vehicle crash around 1 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 on Texas State Highway 12 in Deweyville. According to Texas Department of Public Safety reports, Davin Ellis Kemp was driving a 1993 Jeep Cherokee and crossed over into oncoming traffic where he hit a 2003 Hyundai driven by Triston Sandifer of West Lake, La. Kemp, who was traveling eastbound, hit the Hyundai head-on,
and the Jeep caught fire. Kemp died at the scene, and Sandifer was taken to an area hospital to receive treatment for broken bones. Kemp was scheduled on the trial docket in Jasper County facing a charge of criminally negligent homicide from a May 2006 crash that killed Buna resident Lenora Chapman. Chapman, 54, died at the scene of the wreck near Evadale. When Kemp’s pickup crossed the center divider and hit another truck last April, 30–year-old Melissa Arrant of Kirbyville died at a Jasper hospital. The crash from Thursday night is still under investigation.
MISS BUNA 2011 Haylee Whitehead, left, and Little Miss Fireman 2011 Kimber Pyburn, right, enjoyed helping the 2012 Miss Buna Contestants at the annual Mother/Daughter Tea held Sunday at the Whitehead building in Buna.
Jasper County Arrest Report The following persons were charged but not convicted of crimes listed. Sheriff Mitchel Newman provides this information under the Texas Open Records Act, article 62552-17A. Feb. 10, 2012: David Wayne Holloway, Jr., 6/19/90, motion to adjudicate guilt, $7,500 bond; Danny Ray Stark, 1/24/75, order of commitment(x3); Traevon Rajahd White, 12/30/91, order of commitment; Joey Scott, 6/21/59, order of commitment; Marshoun Fitzgerald Travis, 12/15/68, order of commitment; Jeremy O. Brown, 12/21/90, poss cs pg 1<1g, $6,500 bond; Ronald Hawthorne, 8/10/ 63, theft prop>=$50<$500/prev conviction, $2,000 bond, parole violation, no bond; Joel Anthony Shelton, 9/11/82, poss cs pg 3<28g, violation bond/protective order, $4,500 bond(x2); Lincoln Herman Tudmon, 10/21/57, poss cs pg 1<1g, bond not set; Kendrick Keshun Collins, 9/16/ 87, poss cs pg 1<1g, $6,500 bond; Richard Hank Whitmire, 3/12/68, driving while license invalid, bond not set. Feb. 11, 2012: Justin Kyle West, 1/9/94, no driver’s license (when unlicensed), failure to appear, bond not set(x2); Virgil Leaky Adams, Jr., 4/14/68, driving while intoxicated 2nd, $2,500 bond; Candice Lee Mobley, 1/29/ 84, probation violation,burglary of habitation, no bond, failure to appear/dwi, $2,500 bond, no driver’s license (when unlicensed), failure to appear, expired registration, bond not set(x3); Susan Lea Kinzie, 10/18/55, failed to maintain financial responsibility, bond not set; Dee Anna Hooser, 6/10/63, bond forfeiture/ theft, $750 bond. Feb. 12, 2012: Jacob Allen Jones, 10/1/89, assault causes bodily injury family member,
$1,500 bond; Anthony Crege Hall, II, 2/14/83, poss marij<2oz, $1,500 bond; James Jacob Ard, 6/ 12/84, public intoxication, bond not set. Feb. 13, 2012: Cody Darron Stimits, 3/16/92, criminal trespass-habitation/shelter center, $2,000 bond; Robert Kelton Dorsey, 1/28/93, motion to adjudicate guilt/evading arrest or det, $9,500 bond; Charles Darwin Adams, Jr., 2/5/91, motion to adjudicate guilt, no bond; Felecia Nicole Grimble, 7/12/79, motion to revoke probation, no bond. Feb. 14, 2012: Jason Ray Smith, 7/8/86, order of commitment; Betty Louise Brown, 1/14/ 62, credit or debit card abuse, $5,000 bond; Joshua Ian Larkin, 7/27/64, burglary of habitation, bond not set; Alecia Diane Rodriguez, 2/12/84, hold for other agency/uumv/evading arrest; Brian Corey Shird, 6/13/81, burglary of habitation(x2), bond not set, $75,000 bond; Jessica Nichole Wood, 1/14/80, driving while license invalid, failure to appear, bond not set(x2). Feb. 15, 2012: Billy Joe Jenkins, 10/7/86, display expired license plates, failure to appear, bond not set(x2); Jabaki Anton Hamilton, 12/6/84, poss marij<2oz, $2,500 bond; Mary Jane Rims, 5/26/71, theft prop>=$1,500<$20k, $20,000 bond; Brittany Austin, 10/11/91, theft prop>=$1500<$20k, $20,000 bond; Bobby Lee Jenkins, 7/8/85, theft prop>=$1,500<$20k, $20,000 bond; Harry Glen Scott, 5/29/61, crim nonsupport/capias, $10,000 bond; Mujib Budhvani, 1/29/72, sale to minors-alcohol, $2,000 bond; Jameshka Michelle Amburn, 12/23/80, motion to adjudicate guilt/San Augustine, no bond; Robert Dale Potts, 7/22/ 70, assault family violence, $500 bond.
THE BUNA BABES Relay for Life team held their “Mom Prom” Friday and raised over $900 for the American Cancer Society. Sisters, left to right, Glenda Aranda, Nila Bond, Kitty Whitmire, and Jenny Cauble enjoyed the night out.
Sheriff’s News By Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman We had a long night in Horn Bottom. Neighbors heard someone at a house where no one was supposed to be. They started calling other neighbors and then called us. They held the male suspect which had a riding lawn mower in the back of his truck and also pulling a trailer with a welding machine on it that they had stolen. The two women with him had ran into the woods, and while we were trying to find them, another vehicle was driving through with Louisiana license plates that came back to the same last name as the man driving the truck with the stolen items. Turned out to be his brother, and he had come over from Louisiana to pick up his mother and friend that had run into the woods. After a little talking, we took all four to jail. This shows that neighbors watching works. We also had a burglary on Hwy. 63 West where some jewelry was stolen which happened while the family was at work. They pried open the back door and stole mostly jewelry. If anybody hears about anyone trying to sell any jewelry, please call. Or if you see anything strange on Hwy. 63 West, call us. It might not seem like much to you, but it could be the piece we need to solve it. We went to do a welfare check
on a couple of children. When we arrived, a man tried to run out the back door because he had several warrants and a house full of marijuana smoke. The mother goes to jail for child endangerment and CPS was called out for the kids. We had several agencies meet for dinner at the Emergency Corp. building where the District Attorney’s Office shared some information with all of us. The DA’s office is always willing to help us in anyway we ask. We are lucky to have a DA’s office that is always ready to help. They work hard with us and try and keep our jail count down.We call day and night if we have questions and they always come through. Todd Y’Barbo is now their investigator, and we are looking forward to working with him. He has years of experience that we can pull from. Weaver Motor Company in Kirbyville had tires and wheels stolen from 21 of their vehicles around 1 a.m. Sunday morning. They took a pellet gun and shot out the security lights. The first light went out at 1:12 a.m. They proceeded to take 83 rims and tires. If anyone was out around this time, please call us or the Kirbyville Police Department. We have 82 in jail this morning.