Sanger Sentinel, March 2022

CONNECTING THE CITY, RESIDENTS, AND BUSINESS MARCH 2022

“Ask Your City” - Page 9 Economic Development Update - Page 14

Sanger History Page 16

CONNECT WITH US 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:

Sangertexas.org

Facebook: @SangerTexas Upcoming Closures Good Friday Memorial Day

April 15, 2022 May 30, 2022

EVENTS 2022 City Events March 12 - Trash Off April 16 - Easter Egg Hunt July 2nd - Freedom Fest October 8 - Trash Off December 10 - Christmas Event TBD - Santa Around Town

Chamber of Commerce Events April 9 - Pet Fest (Vaccination Clinic) April 28 - College/Career Fair May 14 - Professional Wrestling June 4 - Health & Wellness Fair September 10 - Pest Fest (2nd Clinic) October 29 - Sellabration/Safe Spook

The City of Sanger hosts multiple events throughout the year. Be sure to follow the City Facebook page for complete details on all events.

SANGER SENTINEL - March 2022

CONTENTS 2

Connect with us

4

Note from City Manager

5

City Council

6

Utilities

7

Construction Update

8

Parks and Recreation

9

Ask Your City

10

Meet the Fire Department

12

Meet Your Officer

14

Sanger EDC

16

Sanger History

18

Employment Opportunities

19

Sanger Library

20 City of Sanger Events 22

Housing Report

SANGER SENTINEL

N

OTE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

John Noblitt Sanger, City Manager

T

he National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC, and celebrates the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. The Vernal equinox (aka spring equinox or March equinox) is the moment that winter ends and spring begins.

Spring is representative of new beginnings and growth. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Vernal equinox occurs every year between March 19 and March 21. We are entering a new season in Sanger. With the new season comes the opportunity to strengthen old friendships and create new ones.

Strong communities are built on strong ties with each other.

The value of strong ties is in the relationship. Through strong communities, we build personal safety, lasting friendships, and a valuable support system. Building community ties takes time and effort, but the more you put into your community the stronger the bonds will be.

Professional connections, personal friends, neighbors to turn to for advice on everything from the best baby carrier to how to manage work/life/school/kids’ schedules, and more are all benefits to building your community connections.

Over the next few years, the City of Sanger will experience unprecedented growth. Our community will grow and our networks will expand. Our pro-business attitude, the expansion of 35, and our easy-to-work-with staff and leadership help make us a favorable destination for businesses to build their brick-and-mortar shops. Our City is strong, and just as our community grows and gets stronger, so will our City. Rest assured that as the demand for commercial land and housing continues and the population expands, the staff here in the City of Sanger is strategically planning for the coming growth.

We want to help you foster your strong community connections. Staff is actively working to develop more programming activities for our children. We are taking a look at our events and expanding them to be more engaging for the entire family. Additionally, we are making improvements to our parks to create inviting spaces for adults and children to exercise and play.

Change is certainly upon us, Sanger. We have a golden opportunity to make Sanger the North Texas destination for everyone to come Live, come Work, and come Play.

-John Noblitt

S

ANGER CITY COUNCIL

City Council meets the first and third Monday of each month.

Location: Sanger Historical Church 403 N. 7th Street Time: 7:00 PM

Thomas Muir Mayor

Marissa Barrett Place 1

Gary Bilyeu Place 2

Dennis Dillon Place 3

Allen Chick Place 4

Victor Gann Place 5

SANGER SENTINEL

UTILITY SERVICES TRASH & RECYCLING SERVICE

UTILITY CUSTOMER SERVICE Contact Number: 940-458-7930 EMAIL: utilitybilling@sangertexas.org Start/Stop Utility Service Click Here Click Here for on line utility payments To report a water issue after hours, call: 940-299-5358

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.

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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Click the links below for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Apply for a Building Permit Garage Sale Permit Pay a Municipal Court Fee Report a Concern Report a Code Violation Request Public Information Request a Vehicle Accident Report Reserve a Parks facility View Public Notices Employment Opportunities

SANGER SENTINEL

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

FM 455

Quality Excavation continues to work on the relocations and replacement of water and sewer lines as part of the FM 455 project. They have recently completed the installation of a new sewer line from the railroad tracks east to Indian Lane and are in the process of installing a new waterline in the same general area.

They are also currently upsizing the sewer line along the south side of FM 455 between 10th and 2nd streets by pipe bursting the existing sewer line.

Did you know?

The City of Sanger is using a request system for Public Information Act requests. We have a link established on the City’s website under the City Secretary tab on the website https://sangertx.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest An Accident/Crash Report can be obtained and paid for on the Texas Department of Transportation website. (Please allow at least 10 days from date of accident to locate your accident report)

SANGER SENTINEL

PARKS AND RECREATION Operations:

The Parks Division has continued with our annual winter clean-up programs within the parks system. With the Brush Truck now operational, we had over 100 brush orders called in and all complete in January. The Parks Staff has also been working on the Railroad Park Baseball infields with the goal of having all fields safe and ready for play by opening weekend. We will begin work on the Porter Park infields in February.

Facilities:

Reservations fill up quickly and are on a first come first serve basis. You can find our facility rental calendar as well as the reservation forms for the Community Center, Hisotorical Church Building, and all pavilions on our website at www.sangertexas.org under the Parks and Recreation tab. There were 15 rentals for the Community Center and 13 for the Church during the month of January.

Recreation:

We have started to prepare for all the 2022 Programs and Events in Sanger. 2022 is going to be a fun and exciting year. Our Sanger, TX Parks & Recreation Facebook page is still experiencing a steady growth. We are up to 3,800 followers for the end of January. If you have not, please go and like our page at https://www.facebook.com/sangerparksandrec to follow all of the fun events coming up.

Department Staff:

Parks and Recreation Superintendent – Ryan Nolting Recreation Coordinator – Open Maintenance Worker II – Dean Mason Maintenance Worker I – Adrian Tostado Parks & Facility Maintenance Worker I - Open

SANGER SENTINEL

ASK YOUR CITY To submit your questions about Sanger, please email us at Marketing@SangerTexas.org.

1. What is the City ordinance around having goats withing the city limits?

Goats.

The keeping of goats is prohibited in all zoning districts except where the requirements of a farm are met and further that the pen, corral, fences or similar enclosures are not closer than fifteen (15) feet to any adjacent property line and one hundred (100) feet to any building or structure used for sleeping, dining or living other than the living quarters of the owner or keeper, excluding fencing of pasture or grazing land, and shall be kept in a sanitary condition, and shall also be kept in such a manner as will be reasonably calculated not to become offensive to adjacent neighbors or to the public.

Click here to read the ordinance.

If you have questions that you would like answered, please send them to Marketing@SangerTexas.org.

John says that he was blessed to be raised by his mother. As a single and only parent, she filled the roles of Mother, Father, Teacher, Advisor, and even Coach. It was a different time when John grew up, times were hard, and money was short. Being the oldest child, John, beginning when he was about 11 years of age, took on many jobs after school to help make ends meet. When he speaks of his childhood, you can feel his love for his mother and his extended family. John never felt like working to help his mom pay the bills or watching his brother and sister while his mom was at work, helping with their homework, and the household chores were a burden. He is proud of his mother, and he was honored to help give back to her all that she gave to him and his siblings.

Henderson is the 5th generation of his family born and raised here in Sanger. His great, great, grandparents moved to Texas from Louisiana many years ago, seeking the opportunity for a better life and a safe, welcoming place to call home. They settled in Sanger, and generations later, the family is still here. John attended Sanger High School. While there, he played Football, Basketball, and ran track. He was able to qualify for the regionals each year in the 2 miles and 800 races. He graduated in 1994.

After graduation, Henderson attempted to go to college while also working. He was able to attend for one semester when his vehicle broke down. Not having reliable transportation, Henderson decided he would forego college and find work that he could be proud of that would allow him the opportunity to learn and grow. From a long line of City employees, Henderson had always wanted to serve the City. He decided to approach John Coker III, the mayor of Sanger at the time, and ask him for a job. Having known John’s family history working with the City, Coker told him to apply. Thus began Henderson’s career working for the City of Sanger.

Our longest-serving City employee, Henderson, has been with Sanger for 28 years. He has never regretted his decision, and he says the City has always been one of his biggest supporters.

Over the last 28 years, he has worked hard, learned a lot, and has advanced to his current position as Superintendent of

S

M

any publications, including the Webster Dictionary, The Bible, and endless religious sites, define Servant Heart as the following: A servant’s heart means to have a mindset or a desire to selflessly and sacrificially serve others, regardless of your feelings towards them or what it may cost you. John Henderson, Superintendent, Public Works – Streets Division, is the perfect example of someone who gives of himself with a servant heart mentality.

vant r e

MEET JOHN H

Public Works, Streets D

John was always seekin to the City of Sanger, w so much to him. So, wh years old, finally old en with the Fire Departme signed up to offer his s actively volunteers with giving heart doesn’t sto is passionate about hel volunteers with the pee provides coaching for y takes on private coachi

John Coker III, former Mayor

HENDERSON and drives transport for Denton County, Howard Mortuary Services.

He a r t

With the active life this man lives, one has to wonder if he made time for his own family. That answer is a resounding YES! Henderson has been married to his wife, Vanessa, for nearly 28 years. Vanessa was born in Nebraska, and shortly after, her parents relocated to Denton. John smiled when he recalled how they met. He remembers seeing this cute girl at a store and later meeting her at the park. From the moment he first met her, he fell in love. They have raised three boys and one girl.

John is proud to say that they are all very successful, and they all live in Sanger.

Department.

ng ways to give back who he felt had given hen he turned 21 nough to volunteer ent, he went in and services. Today he still h the department. His op there. Henderson lping children. He ewee football team, youth sports, and ing for close friends and family kids.

John keeps himself very busy. In addition to working for the City and volunteering to help the youth, he serves as the Regional Director for the 455 Baggers (Cornhole), works at the North Texas Basketball Officials Association,

In closing our conversation, John again said that he owed all of his success to his mother for her unwavering support and guidance and to the City of Sanger, who took a chance on him all those years ago.

Additionally, he is thankful for the residents of Sanger. Living here his entire life affords him to know many of our residents. He noted that this community has always been there in support of its own over the years.

He considers the residents of Sanger, an extension of his family.

With having so many years with the City, I asked John if he had any thoughts on retirement. He told me that he still feels he has much to give back to the City. He joked that he was afraid to slow down; it might kill him. So, for the foreseeable future, John plans to remain a familiar face. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with our new employees, and he still loves the Fire Department.

Sanger Fire Department

Fire Marshal Casey Welborn

M

eet Casey Welborn. He was Lieutenant and was recently promoted to Fire Marshal.

Casey was born in Colorado. When he was just three years old, his father, having been from Denton, decided to move his family back home. They settled in Sanger, and Casey has called Sanger home ever since.

He was home visiting and attending a football game where he found himself wrapped in conversation with his uncle, the Chief of the Volunteer FD in Sanger at the time, who sensed Casey might have been struggling with his future, and suggested that he should volunteer

Welborn graduated from Sanger High School in 1995. He married his wife, Tammy, in May of 1998. They have four boys Ryan (30), Dillon (25), Griffin (21), and Talyn (19). And two grandsons (age 5 and 2). The Welborns are a very close family. His three oldest children all reside in Sanger and Talyn, currently away at college, looks forward to graduation so he can move back home.

I asked Casey if he always knew he wanted to be a fireman. Most people might find it a strange profession considering his father was a Police Officer in Denton County. Finding out that he was passionate about public service, firefighting, in particular, was a bit of an accident.

with the FD. From his first volunteer day, he fell in love with firefighting.

It would be 6 years before Welborn would join the Sanger Fire Department as paid staff. He served as a volunteer on his off days of working for a private Welborn was very passionate about ambulance company as a paramedic. playing baseball. While away at college, When the position opened for a fullhe got hurt and was unable to play. time firefighter/paramedic, he applied For him, the absence of baseball in his and got the job. Since then, Casey life made college less than appealing. has obtained multiple certifications.

Article by City staff - Donna Green

He started with Driver, Instructor, Fire Officer, Inspector, Command & Control, and Plans Examiner.

It may seem like a natural progression for Casey to now be the City’s, Fire Marshal. However, it wasn’t a role that he actively sought out. Casey loves the operations side of the job. Being in the field and leading his team gives him the greatest pleasure. However, the most important thing for Welborn is the growth of the Sanger FD. The FD needed an onsite, 8 AM – 5 PM Fire Marshal. When Chief Pennington approached Casey about the position, his respect for Chief and his love for the Sanger FD, made the decision an easy one. He still gets to go out into the field for large events so, for him, he is living the best of both worlds.

So, what is next for Fire Marshal Welborn? With the I35 expansion project, more growth is expected. He plans to continue his career through retirement serving the residents and visitors of Sanger. Additionally, he would like to see the addition of one, possibly two new fire stations down the line.

What about his plans for ten years and beyond? For Casey, family is everything. He fully expects that he and his wife will stay right here in Sanger. Having the grandbabies close by is not something he is ever willing to give up.

Officer Jared Price

Meet Officer Jared Price. Price is a native Texan. The moment he speaks you hear his deep southern drawl.

The accent is so thick that you will be shocked to learn he grew up in Pilot Point. I would have guessed he was from somewhere much more southwest in Texas. However, his roots run deep here. His parents and grandparents all hail from Sanger.

Growing up, Jared was your stereotypical teenager. He described himself as being a bit hot-headed.

He was never one to conform to what others wanted him to be. Rather, he marched to his own beat. He spoke of growing up and being more of a loner. His circle of friends was small but those he considered friends were the type you have for life.

Being a typical teen, and perhaps even a bit of a rebel, it took Price a bit of time after graduating high school to find himself and his passion. He had a love for playing golf, and he loved working on cars.

After realizing pretty quickly that he was not going to be the next Tiger Woods, he set his focus on cars. He jumped around a bit working at various places such as Just Brakes, Welding, Texas Instruments and even spent some time working for a Cast Stone business. It wasn’t until he met the love of his life and married her in 2002 that he began to settle down. Having grown up in a household that understood the life of a police officer – his dad served for 23 years with the Denton PD – he decided to explore the field himself.

Nearly twenty years have passed since that young boy began to grow up. His life of having a career vs. just a job, began in 2003 when he went to work at the Denton County Jail. Believing that he had finally found his mission in life and while continuing his career with the jail, he took the required courses and obtained his Peach Officer License in 2007. For the next 15 years, he spent the majority of his time on Patrol except for a couple of years where he served as both Patrol and Animal Control.

Officer Price has what some would call the perfect life when he goes home. He and his wife live on a 10acre farm in Valley View where they run L&J Breeding, a local equine breeding service that provides foundation quarter horse bloodlines.

Their primary breeds are Appaloosa, Appendix, Paint, and Quarter Horses.

Their prize stallion, Highbrow Acres (AKA Dude), has qualified for the AQHA World Show 2022 in Guthrie, OK! When they are not breeding horses, they have a plethora of other animals to attend

to. They have been blessed to raise their two boys and one girl in a farm atmosphere.

The ranch currently has your typical cats and dogs, however, in addition, they also have chickens, roosters, ducks, a white turkey, a red-eared slider (turtle), and even a boa constrictor!

So, what is next for Officer Price? He plans to finish out his career and retire with the City of Sanger. Outside of law enforcement, he is focused on continuing to breed and raise horses. Short-term he hopes that Dude will win the AQHA World Show. Long-term, he hopes to continue to have winning show horses for him and the family to devote their lives to training and raising.

Article by City staff - Donna Green

anger EDC A

re 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? The Property Enhancement Incentive Program provides matching grants to reimburse commercial property owners or business operators for Eligible Enhancements made to their properties. 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 940458-2059 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.

Help Support Sanger Business When you invest money in your local economy you’re not just helping local business owners – you’re helping yourself.

You’re making Sanger a better place to live, with a rich character, thriving economy, and a tight-knit community. The more local businesses prosper, newer ones will open – making it easier to con-

tinue shopping locally in the future.

Shop local and support our local businesses in SANGER!

Let’s Connect!

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!

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, position(s) available, link to apply, and if the position is full or part-time.

Sales Tax Sales tax collections in January for sales in November were $224,619.66. Sales tax totals for FY 2021-2022 are $839,301.09 as compared to $800,008.66 for the same period last FY. If you would like to schedule an onsite meeting, please contact Shani Bradshaw at 940-458-2059 or by email

Networking Opportunity

at sbradshaw@sangertexas.org to

The Sanger Area Chamber of Commerce Business over Breakfast is held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 8:30 am -9:30 am. This monthly event is a great opportunity for members to come together over breakfast, make new connections, exchange leads and referrals, and build relationships to help grow their business.

you. We look forward to hearing from

arrange a time that is convenient for you!

#SHOPSANGER Let’s keep our local businesses thriving! The Sanger Economic Development Corporation challenges you to write a positive review about a local business or restaurant where you’ve had a good experience over the past month, and tag it with #ShopSangerTX. We need our Sanger businesses and they need us!

CoServe Awards and Economic Development Grant to the Sanger EDC to build a new website.

D

id The Dalton Gang Come to Sanger?

Submitted by the Sanger Area Historical Society Article written by Idaleen Scheu Fuqua

In the autumn of 1919, the United States had as a boarding house for many years after just emerged from World War I and the edge Dr. Howard’s death.

The two-story home of the “Roaring Twenties” was looming. Sanger was located just behind the current Sanger was enjoying the post-war boom as three banks Museum but no longer exists.) As Harry Rucker, spied on one another from the intersection the station agent for the midnight trick arrived of Bolivar and Third Streets. The E.L. Berry to relieve Scheu at the depot, he advised he bank to become the First National Bank (now thought something strange was going on offices for the City of Sanger operations), would “uptown” and to be careful walking home. become the oldest financial institution in town. He said he thought he saw some men go The bank originally operated as the Farmers behind the Berry First National Bank building. and Merchants Bank and was located on 4th Street Scheu began his walk on in the Dunn Building and the north side of Bolivar faced westward toward Street toward the boarding the Sanger city park. E.L. house westward from the Berry and partners bought railroad station passing the this bank and in 1905 it two-story wooden hotel was chartered with the known as the Burchard name of First National Hotel located next to Bank and was then located Wilson’s Lumber Yard (now at the Bolivar and Third a vacant building at the Gary Rooming House Street location. The other northeast corner of Bolivar two banks in that section of downtown and Second Streets). As he crossed Second were not to exist after several years. Street to the Sartin Store, the wagon yard was next to the Jones Picture Show (now known Fred Scheu, Santa Fe Station Agent in Sanger, as Bolivar Street BBQ. Yes, this building was working the “third trick” (shifts with the Santa Fe originally a movie theater.), and passed the were called “tricks”). The railroad station depot bank building on the northeast corner (now was open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a where the attorney office is located). Across week; they never closed and were very busy. Fred this intersection of Bolivar and Third Streets, was well-known around town and always walked there was an electrical wire strung across the to work as there were few automobiles around. intersection with a single lightbulb glowing in the night. Scheu saw someone standing just On this particular day in 1919, Scheu and his in front of the bank and as Scheu crossed the wife were rooming at the Gary Rooming and street, the man in the shadows lit a cigarette Boarding House at the corner of Bolivar and and attempted to act as normal as possible.

Fifth Streets (home was originally owned by Dr. Ervin Howard, and his son and wife operated Fred had never seen the fellow in front of the

As they entered the bank building, the vault inside the bank was still intact and the floor littered with cigarette butts and the smell of whiskey lingered.

Burchard Hotel bank building before, and as he crossed the intersection, he tipped his hat and passed by the man, kept on walking past the Dunn Building later to be the Gentle Hardware Store (burned in later years and now a vacant lot).

Scheu crossed over to the front of the Wilfong Building and began running on the south side of Bolivar Street to the rooming house; just one short block away. He knocked on the door of Buck and Eula Gary’s room; Buck dressed in a hurry, grabbed his gun, and gave one to Scheu. There was no phone service in this year of 1919 which would not happen until the mid-1920s, so the two men made their plans; they would walk a block north on Fifth Street to the corner where the Berry family resided (which is now called the Pink House just across from the Sanger Park and now a residential home). Mr. Berry retrieved his gun and the gang of three crossed over the park and ran south behind the Wilfong Building to George Hughes’ home to get more support. And away they went, headed north up 4th Street.

These four men crossed Bolivar Street on Fourth Street and past Sullivan’s Furniture Store and Funeral Parlor, and ran down the alley off Fourth Street behind the building that would lead to the back of the bank building. What they found upon arrival in the alley were “warm calling cards” left behind by several horses, and in the still night, the air was strongly odorous.

No one ever saw who came to town that night except for Fred Scheu and Harry Rucker. They only saw the one man in front of the bank in dim light, but became apparent an attempted bank robbery had been in place at the time.

The men must have realized they had been

First National Bank Building discovered in their task and left the premises.

Several days later an elderly lady living one block north at the corner of Third and Elm in a two-story home (no longer standing), went to her cellar to retrieve some of her canned goods and found several of the jars broken and parts of the contents had been eaten, and the rest littered the dirt floor with cigarette butts and empty liquor bottles. Her cow barn was littered with horse manure and bales of hay scattered as proof someone had been in town, but for what reason no one knows other than perhaps the attempted robbery of the bank.

Rumors persisted this was the Dalton Gang who was famously known as bank robbers, but no one will ever know exactly who made this failed attempt to rob the Sanger bank.

The City of Sanger is Hiring!

NOW HIRING! LOOKING FOR A REWARDING CAREER?

The City of Sanger is hiring! To apply, please fill out this application and submit it to Applications@SangerTexas.org

•

Facilities-Grounds Maintenance for Parks FT

•

Firefighter-Paramedic PT

•

Maintenance Worker for Streets FT

•

Utility Worker I for Water FT

•

Police Officer

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Police Detective

•

Planner FT

All applications must be submitted to Human Resources: Applications@sangertexas.org For complete job description details, please visit https://www.sangertexas.org/page/hr_employment