Sanger Sentinel June 2023

SENTINEL S

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City Hall Address

502 Elm Street

Sanger, TX 76266

Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM M-TH 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM F

Phone: 940-458-7930

Online: Sangertexasorg

Facebook: @SangerTexas

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HIGHLIGHTS CITY MANAGER

As we welcome the start of summer, I hope this letter finds you well. School is finally out, the kids are hopefully sleeping late, and temperatures are rising. The activity on Lake Ray Roberts is in full swing with pontoon boats, jet skis, and fishermen. You can feel summertime in the air

The City is buzzing with excitement in anticipation of our annual Stevie Award Winning Freedom Fest on July 1st. Make your plans now to join us. We have a classic rock band, LanceBattalion, and up-and-coming country superstar Chase Wright. Plus, we have added several new attractions. This is one event you won’t want to miss. For more information, visit our tourism website, wwwdiscoversangercom/freedomfest We have several events throughout the summer Be sure to stop by City Hall and pick up an event refrigerator magnet, so you are sure not to miss any of the fun.

As a reminder, with our children now out of school, let's remember to be vigilant and watchful for children as we drive through town.

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable summer!

John Noblitt City Manager

SANGER CITY COUNCIL

Meetings

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

Canvassing of the Election

Assistant Police Chief Jonathan Perkins Retires

Councilwoman Barrett, Councilman Gann, and Councilman Dillon were sworn in to serve another term on the Sanger City Council

Councilman Gann

Councilman Dillon

Councilwoman Barrett

UTILITY SERVICES

Customer Service

Contact Number: 940-458-7930

EMAIL: utilitybilling@sangertexasorg

Start/Stop Utility Service

Click Here

Click Here for on line utility payments

To report a water issue after hours, call: 940-299-5358

Sanger Utilities

The City of Sanger provides water service to City residents. The City also provides electric services to some areas of the community. Please contact our Utility Customer Service to confirm your provider

Trash and Recycling services are provided through Waste Connections

To start or stop service, please contact the City of Sanger Utility Billing Department or visit us on line at SangerTexas.org for more information.

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling services in Sanger are provided by Waste Connections and are billed by the City of Sanger monthly on your utility bills

For missed collections or service issues, contact Waste Connections: 800-909-9061.

For billing questions, contact Sanger Customer Service in City Hall at:940-909-9061 or email utilitybilling@sangertexas.org.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

For a list of frequently asked questions visit this site.

Water Conservation

With the hot summer months arriving, we want to remind you that is is important to conserve water. Here are some tips to help you conserve water.

FUTURE DOWNTOWN PARK

Gathering spot for the community

Outdoor stage

Incorporation of food trucks

Become home to Downtown events

Entry plaza with pop-up market

Flexible seating

Central & secondary lawn

Walkway with trees

Covered structures

Images not representative of final design

Images courtesy of the City of Sanger 2040 Comp Plan.

Brush Removal Service

The City of Sanger has contracted with Republic Services to continue our resident brush removal services. Residents whose utility account is in good standing, will be permitted one pick-up per calendar month of up to four cubic yards, at no charge.

* Pickups will be made on Wednesdays. Only one pickup per calendar month permitted.

* Inclement weather may delay your scheduled pickup

* You must schedule your brush pick-up by 5:00 PM the Friday prior to your pickup

* Pickups can be scheduled using our free app “Sanger Solutions” (preferred method) or by calling 940-458-2571. Calls can be made M - TH 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM and Friday 7:30 - 11:00 AM.

* Brush left on the curb without scheduling a pick-up will not be removed

* Tree limbs larger than 1” in diameter must be cut from the main branch.

* Brush must be less than eight (8) feet in length and less than eight (8) inches in diameter.

* Place limbs and brush on the curb with the cut side out. Brush should not extend into the road and should be free and clear from any overhead obstruction or utility facilities.

* No shrubs with root systems, whole or large portions of trees will be removed

* No material generated by a third party , hired, commercial, or contracted person will be removed

* For pickups exceeding 4 cubic yards, please contact customer service for pricing and scheduling.

* All other yard waste shall be disposed of according to the guidelines posted on the City’s website under Utility Customer Service/Yard Waste.

Visit www.sangertexas.org/page/residents_trash_recycling

4 washing machines is approximately 4 cubic yards

S A N G E R E D C

Property Enhancement Incentive Program

Are you a business in the City of Sanger that is looking to enhance your existing site visually or in ways that increase the viability of your property for business use? This program provides grants in the form of reimbursement up to ten thousand ($10,000) for eligible improvements to facades in the City of Sanger. Participants are eligible for up to one (1) grant in a twelve (12) month period from completion of the previous grant The Program’s grant application process is administered by the City of Sanger’s Economic Development Corporation – applications and program guidelines are available online at www.sangertxedc.org. You can also call 940-458-2059 to speak directly with the Economic Development Office about the program, find out if your proposed improvement may be eligible for consideration, or with any questions or comments

Job Listings

Is your business hiring? Let us help you advertise your open position! Every Tuesday, we will spotlight job opportunities that are available in our business community. All we need from you is your company name, the position(s) available, and if the position is full or part-time.

LET'S CONNECT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Our focus is assisting Sanger businesses with their needs and developing a working relationship to connect them with resources and programs that will improve the business climate and achieve economic success.

We want to get to know you and your business! If you would like to schedule an on-site meeting, please contact Shani Bradshaw at 940-458-2059 or by email at sbradshaw@sangertexas.org to arrange a time that is convenient for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

FREE RESUME BUILING WORKSHOP

GOODWILL North Central Texas will be hosting a FREE Resume Building Workshop on June 27 and a FREE Basic Excel Class on July 25th at the Sanger Public Library. Classes start at 6 pm. Make sure you register soon because class size is limited! To register, contact the Sanger Public Library at 940-458-3257. *Photo ID is required to register.

The Sanger Economic Development E-Newsletter aims to make it easy for you to know what development projects are going on in Sanger. Stay connected with news, updates and opportunities that will help our Sanger business community. Click here to subscribe

SANGER PUBLIC LIBRARY CALENDAR

Click here to apply for the flag program online.

Freedom Fest 2023 Presented by:

Join us for our Stevie Award-winning event, Freedom Fest, sponsored by DEF Recycling, LLC, on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in our beautiful Porter Park located at 2201 S I-35 in Sanger, TX.

This free family event has mechanical bull rides, carnival rides, MEGA water slides, a petting zoo, vendors, and so much more.

Enjoy live music with performances by the classic rock band, LanceBattalion, and rising country superstar, Chase Wright.

The evening concludes with a 25-minute firework show choreographed to music. This is one event you don't want to miss!

For more information, visit www.discoversanger.com/freedomfest

Department Highlights

Development Services Permits

New Residential –10

Residential Remodel – 3

New Commercial - 0

Commercial Alterations – 0

Miscellaneous- 44

Certificate of Occupancy - 0

Emergency Responses

Code Enforcement

Cases open 96

Complaint received 2

Cases closed 59

Average # of days to close case 11

Citations issued 1

Worker orders issued 0

Liens filed 0

Signs pulled 45

The Sanger Fire Department responded to 210 emergency incidents during the month of April. The top four busiest incident types:

110 Emergency Medical Incident Service calls

16 Good Intent

5 False Alarms

Planning & Zoning

During the month of April 2023, Development Services held multiple meetings with potential development.

The Planning & Zoning Department was presented the following cases:

Sanger Preserve – PD Amendment – Recommended Approval

Belz Road Retail Addition – Preliminary Plat – Recommended Approval with Conditions

Palomino Bay – Final Plat – Recommended Approval with Conditions

The Zoning Board of Adjustments was presented the following case:

731 LaPaloma – Variance from side yard setback - Approved

“GENTLE FAMILY OF SANGER”

By Sanger Area Historical Society and Museum

Thomas A. and Clarice (Rutherford) Gentle, along with brother Oscar Monroe Gentle and wife Berta “Bert” (Harris) Gentle, relocated to Sanger in 1902 from Tennessee. The brothers opened a hardware store at the southeast corner of Bolivar and 3rd Streets. Oscar Monroe later opened his hardware store at the northeast corner of Bolivar and 4th Streets.

The Thomas A Gentle family included the following children:

Mittie Belle Gentle (married Herman Harris)

Ora Lee Gentle (married Floy Ezell)

Ruby Helen Gentle (married Mr. Kiesling)

Kate Mae Gentle (married Roma King)

Roy Egbert (Peggy) Gentle (married Nanny Mae Sinclair)

Albert Lee “Abb” Gentle (married Alma Gentle)

Ben E. Gentle (married Robbie Waide)

Clarence Gentle (married Francis Cloyd)

Thomas Alton Gentle (married to Francis Juanita Jackson)

Bud Gentle (married Maggie Neal)

The Oscar Monroe Gentle family included the following children:

Cathlene Gentle (single)

Oscar Monroe (Mun) Gentle (married Laverne Scott aka Scotty)

Lewis (Red) Gray Gentle (married Elizabeth “Betsy” Davidson)

A few of these siblings remained in Sanger and became prominent in the community, and others relocated to further their future in various businesses.

Ben Gentle was born on 12-8-1904 and died on 6-7-1984. He was a 1921 Sanger High School graduate and attended Metropolitan Business School in Dallas. He was married to Robbie Waide After he finished school, he worked as a bookkeeper at Metzger Dairy. He excelled, and his reputation in the business community in Dallas led to Dallas City Hall. The Dallas City fathers had Ben come to work for the city as head of the tax collector office Mr Metzger was disappointed in Ben leaving, and rumor was he refused to take Ben’s name off his office door hoping he would return as the business bookkeeper. Ben became the Tax Assessor-Collector for Dallas County in 1947 and retired in 1973

Ora Lee was born on 5-8-1933 and died on 11-5-2013. She married Floy Ezell and lived her life in Sanger.

Ruby Helen was born on 3-24-1912 and died on 5-9-1996 She was married to Mr Kiesling

Kate Mae was born on 9-18-1892 and died on 12-6-1976. She was married to Roma King.

Mittie Belle was born on 7-24-1890 and died on 3-21-1962 She was married to Herman Harris

Clarence was born on 7-18-1907 and died on 11-9-1978. He was married to Francis Cloyd.

Thomas Alton was born 8-27-1909 and died 8-25-1988 He owned a furniture business in Dallas

Lewis “Red” Gray was born on 3-23-1917 and died on 2-11-1976.He was married to Elizabeth Davidson.

Bud Gentle was born on 3-27-1900 and died on 5-17-1986. He was married to Maggie Neal, and she was his life companion They had two daughters, Lillian Frances and a younger sister, Sally Ann. Sally Ann was born on 11-51926 and died on 2-18-1970. Lillian Frances was born on 127-1921 and passed away on 3-5-1936 at the young age of 15. According to memories written by Idaleene Scheu Fuqua, she recalls when she died how difficult it was to realize her young friend’s passing She remembers Frances loving to dance, would act like she was Ginger Rogers, and loved telling silly jokes. So many friends and family attended her funeral that they had to move vertical partitions between Sunday School rooms for the crowd, and many people stood by open windows outside to hear the service

Maggie was devastated over the loss of her oldest daughter, and Uncle Herm Harris and their wife, Aunt Mit, helped to care for Sally Ann during this time. Bud had been transporting fuel from East Texas to local stations but realized his need to be home and not on the road, so he took ownership of a filling station in town. Maggie recovered and devoted the remaining years of her life to Sally Ann, her grandson, Mike Martin, and granddaughter, Anna Lisa Guillott. Sally Ann became a beloved English teacher at Sanger High School but tragically died of cancer in 1970 Bud and Maggie cared for Anna Lisa for some time before she moved to Louisiana to live with her father and his family.

Bud joined the Denton County Sheriff’s Department in 1952 as a deputy after the death of Sheriff Onus Hodges, who had been killed in 1953 as he walked to work and was hit by a boy delivering newspapers; Bud served out the remainder of his term until the next election. He was appointed Sheriff by the commissioner’s court to fulfill this remainder of Hodges’s term, but when the next election period began, it was determined he would have to live in Denton to run for Sheriff, so he again became a deputy sheriff. Wylie Barnes was elected Sheriff in 1954, and Bud returned to the ranks of deputy sheriff until his retirement in 1971.

Bud Gentle, son of Thomas A Gentle

Roy Egbert (Peggy) Gentle was born on 1-25-1898 and passed away on 12-30-1969. He was married to Nanny Mae Sinclair He became a grocer in Sanger, and his original store was called Help Thy Self Grocery, later Peggy Gentle’s Grocery His son, Bill, and wife, Frankie, took over the business, which was known as Gentle’s Grocery, until their retirement in 1982.

Albert Lee “Abb” Gentle was born on 8-24-1895 and died on 9-20-1968. He was married to Alma Gentle He worked for his father at the original hardware store He was the oldest son in the family, and Oscar sent Abb to Moline, Illinois, to the John Deere factory to learn how to put the tractors and implements together as the parts were shipped on the Santa Fe Railroad to Sanger. Abb would painstakingly take the parts and put the piece of farm equipment together. This tractor would be put on display, and when a local would order one, the pieces would be transported to the gentleman’s farm, where Abb would begin his task Sometimes he would work into the night or maybe go back the next day to finish Abb’s daughter, Abbie Lee, reminisced in 2007 that she recalled the long days her dad would be gone and maybe not see him for the entire week. Agriculture was big in the Sanger area, and men depended upon these pieces of equipment.

Oscar Monroe (Mun) Gentle was married to Emma Laverne “Scotty” Scott He was born on 6-16-1910 and died on 2-11-1976 He was a long-time businessman in Sanger, and the business was an important business, especially during the years Sanger was a farming town. Mun sold just about everything from nails to farm equipment and everything in between. The business was at the northeast corner of Bolivar and 4th Streets, and the old wooden floors had many years of oil and grime soaked into the planks. The business had a distinct but not unpleasant smell, and you would know you had entered the hardware store Mun’s father, Oscar Monroe, Sr; opened the business in the early 1900s after being in business with his brother, Thomas Gentle. The old Dunn building became the O.M. Gentle Hardware store in 1925. The business was sold to Frank Smith and became Smith’s Country Store in 1968. This business/building burned in 2000, leaving a vacant corner lot in downtown Sanger. Mun had a sister known to many as Miss Cathlene His brother was Lewis Gray and known as “Red ”

Mary Cathlene Gentle was the child of Oscar Monroe Gentle, Sr. She was born 8-6-1904 and died 1-10-1994 at the age of 89 and was never married. A much-loved teacher in Sanger for 34 years of educating the students. She graduated in 1921 from Sanger High School and attended college in Denton. She graduated from CIA, now TWU, where she received a vocational certificate in homemaking She taught in Valley View and Justin before returning to Sanger to teach She went back to college at North Texas State (now UNT) and received her BS degree in 1940 and later her Master’s Degree. She taught school for 41 years, with 34 of those in Sanger.

Miss Cathlene, as most knew her by, taught many generations of families in the local and surrounding areas of Sanger She was quoted in 1973 as saying, “I’ve never done much but taught school and enjoyed it ” She taught fifth grade and was later named Principal of the Elementary School. Her personality was fitting for the young people in her classes. She was tall, slim, and funny. Most never remember her getting angry and would twirl those skirts, and students could be mesmerized by her. During her teaching years, she was active in Sanger community events and retired from teaching in 1971. She was a member of Kappa Gamma Sorority, was the 1971 Coming Home Queen at Sanger Homecoming, was involved as an election judge for the City, County, and State elections, and was a member of the Wednesday Study Club. Miss Cathlene lived in the grand twostory home her great-grandfather built, which is still located at the southwest corner of 7th and Bolivar Streets.

The Gentle families were prominent citizens of the Sanger area and ran businesses instrumental to the Sanger community It was families such as the Gentle family who relocated to Sanger, and many families came from Tennessee and Kentucky. They still have a presence in the community. The final business under the umbrella of the Gentle family is Randy Gentle’s Tire Shop. Randy is the grandson of Roy Egbert (Peggy) Gentle and the son of Bill Gentle.

Thomas A. and Oscar Monroe Gentle, Sr. original hardware store located at the southeast corner of Bolivar and 3rd Streets (building now with Coca-Cola sign on the side) (Courtesy of Frances (Schertz) Gentle and Toni Gentle)

Thomas and Oscar Gentle Hardware store 1927 Shown is Tom Gentle, 3rd from left. Son Roy E. “Peggy” Gentle is behind the counter on the right, and son Abb Gentle, also behind the counter, wears a white shirt. One of the customers was identified as Fred Amyx. (Courtesy of Frances (Schertz) Gentle, Toni Gentle, and Janis (Bailey) Wetherbee)

OM Gentle Hardware 1928 Operated under Mon Gentle’s ownership until it was sold to Frank Smith in 1968 and burned in 2000 The location is now a vacant lot at the northeast corner of 4th and Bolivar Streets. (Courtesy of SAHS)